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Republic of Ireland One to Watch: Sinclair Armstrong

Sinclair Armstrong links up with QPR

A big day for young Irish striker Sinclair Armstrong as he sealed a dream move to England. The 17-year-old has joined Queens Park Rangers from Shamrock Rovers and will initially link up with the U-18 squad.

Although only 17, Armstrong’s potential has been recognised for several years now. He made his first team debut for Shamrock Rovers at the age of 15, appearing in an FAI Cup game against Drogheda back in August 2018.

Since then, the Clondalkin native has been promoted to the Shamrock Rovers II side and featured six time this season. Kevin Zefi, another promising youngster, is also making waves at Rovers. The former St. Kevin’s Boys’ winger became the youngest League of Ireland goal scorer in history after netting against Longford Town at the age of 15.

Republic of Ireland Form

Armstrong’s form didn’t go unnoticed at international level either. He earned his first Republic of Ireland call up for the U-17 side back in September 2019 in friendly encounter against Russia. It was a debut to remember as he scored one and set up the other in a 2-0 victory. His second goal for Colin O’Brien’s U-17 team came in November 2019 in a 4-2 EURO Qualifier win over Israel.

It is not all about goals for Armstrong either, who has operated on the right wing in O’Brien’s 4-3-3 formation for the U-17 side. At this age you need to add as many strings to your bow in order to stand out. In a clash against Switzerland in February of this year, Armstrong’s lofted cross from the right wing was met by Bohemians’ striker Evan Ferguson who headed home an equaliser.

Interest from Abroad

Shortly after the Switzerland game, the Independent.ie reported that Armstrong was in Germany on trial at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Fellow Bundesliga side Schalke and Serie A’s Verona were also reportedly keen. A move to Europe has become increasingly more common with the likes of Jadon Sancho, and more recently Jude Bellingham, proving that there is life beyond the English leagues.

Nevertheless, all of the interest will not have phased Sinclair Armstrong. He knows the importance of staying humble. A trait embedded in him by his former Rovers’ boss Damien Duff according to the youngster.

Despite the mentioned interest from Europe, QPR was the preferred destination. He will join fellow Irish youngsters Conor Masterson and Olamide Shodipo at the London club. “I’m going to do everything become a professional footballer” was what Armstrong promised back in 2019. Now he is one step closer on that journey.

Monaghan vs Meath: Division 1 Preview, team news and live scores

Monaghan vs Meath is a chance for both of these teams to bounce back from defeats before the start of the Championship. Monaghan lost to Kerry last weekend, while a spirited Meath team fell to Dublin.

Click for live score commentary

The Farney men had a chance to distance themselves from relegation last weekend but failed to take it. They came up three points shy of Kerry after poor accuracy in front of the posts left them chasing the game.

Conor McManus was sprung from the bench for the second-half. Despite adding 0-5, Kerry kept tacking on scores at the other end.

He could feature from the start against Meath. As a result, he will draw Meath’s primary attention, allowing Monaghan’s other forwards to step up.

Meath offered a spirited showing against Dubin without ever really threatening them. Donal Keogan driving runs caused the Dubs some problems in defence. If he can repeat the trick against Monaghan it will create chances. Shane Walsh impressed in corner-forward with 0-4.

Despite their relegation being guaranteed some time ago, Meath’s performances are no reflection of their lack of points. They came within a score of Mayo, Kerry, and Galway before the lockdown. Similarly, they have reason to be hopeful after their showing against Dublin. The Monaghan game is a chance for Meath to prove they were competitive in the top Division. Expect the handbrake to be let off by Andy McEntee.

Team News

Conor McManus may see more than just a half on Sunday. Monaghan will need his precision in front of goal.

Christopher McGuinness also came off the bench against Kerry. Two points may be enough to earn him a start against Meath.

McManus came on for Conor McCarthy at the weekend. If McCarthy is allowed the chance, he will be keen to show his worth.

Meath have an extra week to prepare for their Championship opener on the 8th November. Thus, McEntee may continue to use his strongest players against Monaghan for some match fitness. Debutants Eoin Harkin and Cathal Hickey impressed at opposite ends of the pitch. They could be rewarded with another cap.

Prediction: Monaghan. Meath are no outsiders in this one. But, Monaghan have more on the line and will approach it as such. When it comes down to the wire, back Conor McManus to get them over the line and into Division 1 safety.

Meath (Monaghan): Marcus Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Cathal Hickey, Shane McEntee, Donal Keogan; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; Jason Scully, Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Cillian O’Sullivan, Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly.

Subs: Andrew Colgan, Eoin Harkin, Gavin McCoy, Matthew Costello, Brian Conlon, Ethan Devine, Joey Wallace, Jordan Morris, James Conlon, Donal Lenihan, Darragh Campion.

Monaghan vs Meath: Division 1, Sunday, October 25th, 2pm (Clones).

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Clare vs Armagh: Division 2 Preview, Starting Team News, Live scores

Clare took a big step towards Division 2 safety with a win over Fermanagh last weekend. But, to ensure survival they need a result against Armagh. The Ulster side will be frustrated at their loss to Roscommon and will be looking to bounce back strongly. Clare vs Armagh takes place at 2pm on Saturday in Cusack Park.

Clare had two points to spare against Fermanagh in a 1-11 vs 1-9 victory that condemned the Ulster side to relegation.

Joe McGann’s superb individual goal was the difference at half-time. After the break, Clare extended their lead with a spread of scorers. Jamie Malone’s 0-3 came at a crucial time. With ten minutes to go, Fermanagh couldn’t reel in the five-point deficit.

Meanwhile, Armagh’s performance against Roscommon perhaps wasn’t deserving of a four point defeat. They gave away two penalties to let Roscommon back into a game in which Armagh were totally controlling.

A further goal for the Connacht side saw Armagh heads drop.

But, there was a lot of good to take from the performance. For example, Armagh were quite efficient in from of the posts.

Kieran McGeeney will still be confident of a promotion. Furthermore, if Cavan do them a favour, they could still go up as Division 2 winners.

Team News

Both sides start their Championship on November 1. So far, neither has picked up any major injury concerns.

Clare play Tipperary who themselves are finding form at the right time. Clare could prioritise staying in Division 2 though. If they do, expect to see a full-strength team take the field against Armagh.

Similarly, getting promoted is no small deal for Armagh. Therefore, McGeeney won’t shy away from letting his big guns loose again. The O’Neill brothers were especially impressive against Roscommon and could be deployed again.

They play Derry in their Ulster Championship opener.

Armagh ( Clare): Blaine Hughes; Patrick Burns, Ryan Kennedy, James Morgan; Conor O’Neill, Callum Cumiskey, Aidan Forker; Niall Grimley, Oisin O’Neill; Rory Grugan, Stefan Campbell, Mark Shields; Jamie Clarke, Rian O’Neill, Conor Turbitt.

Clare (Armagh) Stephen Ryan, Gordon Kelly, Cillian Brennan, Eoghan Collins, Pearse Lillias, Aaron Fitzgerald, Alan Sweeney, Cathal O’Connor, Ciaran Russell, Emmet McMahon, Eoin Cleary, Jamie Malone, Kerman Sexton, Joe McGann, Cian O’Dea

Clare vs Armagh: Division 2, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Ennis).

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Bamford masterclass as Leeds cruise to victory against Aston Villa

Leeds United move up to 3rd while Villa remain 2nd

Aston Villa have had an unthinkable season so far, but tonight they suffered their first loss in the Premier League at the hands of Leeds United. If they won tonight – or even drew – they would have gone ahead of Everton to top the table. Unfortunately for them, that was not the case. Despite their failure tonight, Aston Villa have performed well above expectations so far.

They’ve shown they have what it takes to compete with the best this season with some impressive wins against top sides. The Liverpool result stands out as they broke up Jurgen Klopp’s side to win 7-2. They also beat Leicester last weekend, which is no mean feat given the season the Foxes had last term.

Like Villa, Leeds have also surpassed expectations so far this season. They now sit 3rd in the table after tonight’s victory, albeit with a game in hand. Marcelo Bielsa must receive credit a tonne of credit for how Leeds are performing so far, the Argentine has completely transformed the Leeds squad since taking over. After years of struggling for promotion from the Championship, Bielsa took just 2 seasons to make their Premier League dream a reality. Not only did he get promoted, but he done so in style. Quick passing, hard work and intense pressing is a staple of this Leeds United team. They demonstrated their entertaining style of play tonight as they cruised to a comfortable win.

As expected, the match was an enjoyable affair – as long as you’re not a Villa fan.

One of the main talking points of the first half was Bielsa’s controversial substitution of Pascal Struijk with just 21 minutes played. The substitution may have been a result of the defender receiving an early yellow card. Barkley and Grealish were trying to draw fouls out of him, so maybe Bielsa was right in his judgement.

Speaking of Grealish, he came the closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half. He shot from a tight angle after being fed by Trzeguet, but his shot was expertly cleared off the line by the hard-working Luke Ayling. Ayling made the mistake in the first place which led to the opportunity but he more than made amends as he made the incredible goal line clearance. Goal line technology had to be called into play to determine if it crossed the line or not, which shows just how close Grealish went.

Grealish was involved again towards the end of the half as he was bundled over inside the box. There were claims for a penalty, but VAR determined there was minimal contact to warrant a spot kick.

Bamford went close a handful of times during the first half and his determination paid off in the 55th minute. Bamford turned poacher as Emi Martinez’s palmed save fell to his feet and he made no mistake with the finish.

There was a penalty claim not long afterwards as Bamford went down theatrically after a coming together with Mings. Replays, however, showed that there was no contact made by Mings.

Moments after the penalty incident, Bamford got his second. This time it was a brilliant goal. Klich ran through the middle before finding Bamford who took a touch before blasting the ball into the top corner from outside the box. It was a stunning goal from the Leeds striker.

Bamford completed his hat trick on the 73rd with another spectacular goal. Leeds once again moved the ball well before the ball made its way to Bamford. He displayed some expert close control to find himself some space before bending his shot around the opposition defender to find the net. Bamford has had his critics in the past few years but he showed tonight that he was capable of performing at a very high level.

Pablo Hernandez went close for Leeds a couple of times before the final whistle ended but failed to find the net.

It was a brilliant performance by Leeds tonight as they easily dismantled of an inform Aston Villa outfit. If they continue to perform like they have tonight for the remainder of the season, who knows how far they could go.

Leeds’ next Premier League fixture is against Leicester on Monday. Like tonight’s game, Leeds vs. Leicester should also prove to be an enticing affair.

Ireland’s women fail to get result against Ukraine

The Republic of Ireland slipped to their second defeat in Group I after losing 1-0 away to Ukraine at the Obolon Arena.

An own goal from Aine O’Gorman gave the home team a lead that they did not give up despite Ireland registering 13 attempts on goal, dominating possession and playing the better football.

With three corners inside the opening 10 minutes, it was all about Ireland and Harriet Scott signalled their intent to take an early lead by shooting over from distance.

The visitors kept on playing and Katie McCabe hit the top of the crossbar with a free-kick. The constant waves of Irish pressure kept Ukraine inside their own half for the majority of the time.

Surprisingly, it was Ukraine who took the lead when O’Gorman found herself under pressure and attempted to play the ball back to goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan but it bypassed her into the net.

Ireland responded by earning a penalty on 32 minutes after Denise O’Sullivan was brought down. Captain McCabe stepped up but her effort crashed back off the crossbar.

Undeterred by their lack of luck, Vera Pauw’s team kept pressing in search of the goal that their positive play deserved. It almost came just before the interval when Rianna Jarrett met a pass from Heather Payne although the ball was cleared before it could cross the line.

It was all Ireland in the second period as O’Sullivan, Payne, Jarrett, McCabe and Louise Quinn all went close with chances. They just could not supply that finish that their play merited.

Ukraine hung on to collect the three points and deal Ireland’s qualifying hopes a blow with one game remaining, at home to Group leaders Germany, on December 1st.

Post-Match Reaction | Republic of Ireland WNT Manager Vera Pauw
“At half-time, we said that we have 45 minutes to get one goal so don’t rush and makes sure to keep your structure. In the first half, we completely dominated so the plan was the play the same way but time went ticking and there was hardly any time left to get that goal.

“We had a game-plan that we had planned for all of the different scenarios and we were handling the game well, albeit without scoring. I think everyone could see that we were the better team but the ball just would not go in for us.

“We know what we need against Germany so we will sit down and come up with a game-plan. We know how good they are and how difficult it will be against them, but we have to plan for that once we move past this game.”

Ukraine: Sanina; Filenko, Kravets, Shmatko, Pantsulaya (O Voronina 46, Petryk 70); Andrushchak, Khimich; Boychenko (Malakhova 90), Apanaschenko, Kozlova (Voronina 90); Kalinina (Kunina 46).

Republic of Ireland: Brosnan; O’Gorman, Caldwell, Quinn, Scott (Barrett 86); Connolly, O’Sullivan; Payne, Littlejohn, McCabe; Jarrett (Molloy 86).

Sam Bennett wins stage 4 of La Vuelta 2020

Sam Bennett won Ireland’s second stage of La Vuelta 2020 on Friday. The Carrick-on-Suir man took stage 4 in Ejea de los Caballeros, just 24 hours after Dan Martin’s victory.

Bennett, winner of the green jersey in this year’s Tour de France, beat Belgium’s Jasper Philipsen and Italy’s Jakub Marecszo in a sprint finish to narrowly take the stage win at the end of the 191.7 kilometres.

Today’s success is Bennett’s third Vuelta stage win and his sixth in a Grand Tour.

UAE Team Emirates and Bora-Hansgrohe went to the front of the peloton late on, before Philipsen moved clear 200 metres from the finish.

However, Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s Bennett went on the Belgian’s wheel and won by a bike length to secure his first win at this year’s La Vuelta.

“It was so fast on the run-in, I was a bit nervous,” said the winning Deceuninck-Quick-Step rider.

“I had the power but he (Philipsen) was so explosive out of the corner and I didn’t know if I would catch him” the 30-year-old explained.

“I found the speed I needed, and in the end, I managed to overtake him and take my first win since Champs-Élysées, which feels amazing”, a delighted Bennett said after picking up Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s 39th victory of the year.

Defending champion Primoz Roglic remains in the overall lead, five seconds ahead of Ireland’s Dan Martin with Richard Carapaz in third.

Stage four result
1. Sam Bennett (Deceuninck-Quick-Step)
2. Jasper Philipsen (UAE Team Emirates)
3. Jakub Mareczko (ICCC)

General classification after stage four
1. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) 16hrs 30mins 53secs
2. Daniel Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) +5secs
3. Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers) +13secs

Niamh Fahey speaks to young people about their mental health

Republic of Ireland captain Niamh Fahey is assisting Jigsaw in speaking to young people about the support required to overcome challenges in their lives.

Jigsaw is organisation which supports young people with their mental health. Importantly, it offers support and expert advice to young people aged 12-25 years.

For instance, Jisgaw gives families, teachers, and those who support young people’s mental health ways to cope with life’s challenges.

Niamh Fahey this week sat down for a video call with Jigsaw Youth Advisory Panel member Ciara McNamara, who is a also former Republic of Ireland U-19 international.

Undoubtedly, Galway native Fahey has enjoyed a fantastic career to date. Firstly, she has earned 91 senior caps. The Irishwoman won every trophy available with Arsenal. In addition, she also played for Chelsea and Bordeaux. She is currently Liverpool FC Ladies captain.

The Galwegian spoke honestly with Ciara McNamara, who plays for Cork City in the Women’s National League, and offered advice on how she has worked hard to succeed.

“There is a lot of pressure placed on young people. They need to feel that it’s okay to talk to someone, no matter what they are going through” admits Fahey.

“Jigsaw are doing terrific work in helping young people around mental health. It is through people like Ciara that they can make a positive impact on people’s lives”, Fahey added.

More information about Jigsaw can be found at www.jigsaw.ie.

Tráchtaireacht Ghaeilge ar roinnt cluichí CLG ar BBC NI

D’fhógair BBC NI go mbeidh tráchtaireacht Ghaeilge ar fáil ar roinnt cluichí i gCraobh Uladh i mbliana. Cé go mbeidh an tráchtaireacht teilifíse i mBéarla, beidh cuid acu ar fáil i nGaeilge ar shuíomh BBC Spórt NI. Ainmneofar na cluichí le tráchtaireacht Ghaeilge go luath.

An séasúr seo, beidh sé chluiche ó Chraobh Uladh beo ar BBC NI, le buaicphointí ón dá chluiche eile á gcraoladh chomh maith.

Cuirfear tráchtaireacht bheo ar gach aon chluiche i gCraobh Uladh ar BBC Raidió Uladh freisin.

Craolfar an t-aicsean ón 1 Samhain nuair a bheidh dhá chluiche beo. Beidh Dún na nGall ag baile i mBealach Féith in aghaidh Thír Eoghain. An lá céanna, tabharfaidh Ard Mhaca cuairt ar Dhoire i bPáirc na gCeilteach.

Beidh buaicphointe ón chluiche idir Mhuineachán agus An Cabhán le feiceáil idir an dá chluiche beo.

Is é Mark Sidebottom a chuirfidh na cluichí i láthair, le cabhair ó Oisín McConville, Peter Canavan, Martin McHugh agus Marty Clarke.

Sa bhosca tráchtaireachta, beidh Thomas Niblock, le heolas ón taobh líne á thabhairt ag Thomas Kane. Cuirfidh an craoltóir Tessa Fleming, bean a bhuaigh Craobh na gClubanna i dtrí chontae, na himreoirí faoi agallaimh.

Ar an 7ú Samhain, beidh an cluiche idir Aontroim agus An Cabhán nó Muineachán beo ar BBC NI. Fear Manach agus An Dún a imreoidh sa chluiche ceathrú ceannais an lá dár gcionn.

Beidh buaicphointe ón chéad chluiche leathcheannais ar an mbealach teilifíse ar an 14ú Samhain. An lá ina dhiaidh sin, beidh an cluiche leathcheannais eile beo.

Beidh Cluiche Ceannais Uladh beo ar an 22ú Samhain

Cluichí i gCraobh Uladh ar BBC NI

Dé Domhnaigh 1ú Samhain – cluiche ceathrú ceannais
Dún na nGall v Tír Eoghain – Beo ar BBC 2 NI

Réamhbhabhta: Muineachán v An Cabhán – Buaicphointí
Doire v Ard Mhaca – Beo ar BBC 2 NI

Dé Sathairn 7ú Samhain – cluiche ceathrú ceannais
Muineachán nó An Cabhán v Aontroim – Beo ar BBC 2 NI

Dé Domhnaigh 8ú Samhain – cluiche ceathrú ceannais
Fear Manach v An Dún – Beo ar BBC 2 NI

Dé Sathairn 14ú Samhain – cluiche leathcheannais
Dún na nGall nó Tír Eoghain v Doire nó Ard Mhaca – Buaicphointí

Dé Domhnaigh 15ú Samhain – cluiche leathcheannais
Fear Manach nó An Dún v Muineachán nó An Cabhán nó Aontroim – Beo ar BBC Two NI

Dé Domhnaigh 22 Samhain – cluiche ceannais Uladh
Beo ar BBC 2 NI

Mickey Moran ag fanacht le Cill Chua don bhliain 2021

Beidh Mickey Moran ina bhainisteoir ar Chill Chua don séasúr 2021.

Tá sé i gceannas ar Chill Chua ó mí na Samhna 2018. Shroich an fhoireann Craobh Chlub na hÉireann anuraidh faoina stiúir.

An mhí seo caite, bhuaigh an club Craobh an Dúin don ochtú huair déag.

Fanfaidh Conleith Gilligan agus Paul Devlin mar chuid d’fhoireann bhainistíochta Mhoran.

Bhuaigh Moran, múinteoir ó Mhachaire Rátha, Craobh na gClubanna i gCúige Uladh ceithre huaire.

Tá taithí idirchontae ag Moran le cúig chontae. Ba bhainisteoir é ar a chontae dúchais, Doire, mar aon le Dún na nGall, Liatroim, Sligeach agus Maigh Eo.

Bhuaigh sé trí Chraobh Uladh le Sleacht Néill sula ndeachaigh sé go Cill Chua.

Buckhurst and Armory in Cox Plate as Magic Wand ruled out

Aidan O’Brien’s international mare Magic Wand has been withdrawn from tomorrow morning’s Group 1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. As a result, Buckhurst will get to run in the weight for age contest.

Racing Victoria officials said yesterday that both Magic Wand and Armory would have to pass a veterinary test before participation in the Group 1 contest.

Magic Wand, fourth in the race last year before winning the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes, is out due to lameness in her off-fore leg.

It is better news for her stablemate Armory, who was also under an injury cloud, as he has been cleared to run.

Armory was third behind Magical and Ghaiyyath in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown in September. He has been towards the top of the Cox Plate betting market since.

With Magic Wand now out, Joseph O’Brien’s Buckhurst will make the field.

The Lloyd Williams-owned horse was controversially made first reserve for the race earlier in the week. He will be ridden by Jamie Kah in Saturday’s feature race at Moonee Valley.

The 14-runner Group 1 is off at 6.10am Irish time on Saturday morning.

The Ladbrokes Cox Plate 2020 can be viewed live on www.racing.com.

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