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Roscommon senior footballer tests positive for Covid-19

A member of the Roscommon football Panel has tested positive for Covid-19, the members of the panel and management who have been deemed to be close contacts have been tested. They will still play on Cavan on Saturday.

Roscommon statement –

A member of the Roscommon Senior football Panel has tested positive for Covid-19. On receipt of instructions from the HSE in conjunction with our medical team, the members of the panel and management who have been deemed to be close contacts have now been referred for testing and have also begun their period of restricted movement.

These Panel members and management will only re-join the panel when deemed safe to do so by the HSE.

The Senior football Management and Panel have at all times strictly adhered to HSE and Public Health guidelines.

Roscommon GAA will play Cavan this Saturday in round 7 of the National Football league as planned.

Roscommon GAA will be making no further comment on this matter.

Fusil Raffles, Rouge Vif and Galvin in action as racing returns to Cheltenham

Fusil Raffles, Rouge Vif, and Galvin are some of the star names as high-class national hunt racing starts back at Cheltenham for day one of The Showcase on Friday, 23 October.

Rouge Vif (Harry Whittington/Daryl Jacob, 11st 7lb) is one of the leading fancies for the most valuable race on the card, the £48,000 Bentley Flying Spur Handicap Chase (3.35pm, 13 runners) over two miles.

A decisive winner of the G2 Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick in February, Rouge Vif was last seen out when third over the course and distance in the G1 Racing Post Arkle Novices’ Chase at The Festival™.

Market leader On The Slopes (Chris Gordon/Adam Wedge, 10st 8lb) was also in fine form before the Jump season was brought to a premature end, landing a pair of novice handicap chases in great style at Kempton Park in February and March.

Trainer Chris Gordon, who is based in Hampshire, said today: “On The Slopes is in great order and the plan is to run.

“I would like some more rain for him – the ground would preferably be on the easy side of good.

“Cheltenham are due some rain today and fingers crossed they get some. It is tricky at the declaration stage, but we would obviously like to run and he will as long as they get some rain.

“He finished last season really strongly and this looks a nice first target. He is in fine form at home.”

On The Slopes

Three other contenders also line up in on the back of a win, namely impressive Fontwell handicap scorer Beat The Judge (Gary Moore/Josh Moore, 10st 7lb), Newton Abbot winner Scardura (Neil Mulholland/Sam Twiston-Davies, 10st) and Hatcher (Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton, 10st 10lb), who has been kept fresh since scoring at Southwell in July.

The opening Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (1.50pm, 2m 5f) is one of four usually informative novice contests on the card. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who has enjoyed three winners of this race since 2013, has leading claims with wide margin Wincanton winner Ask For Glory (Harry Cobden).

The opposition includes Global Fame, representing last year’s winning partnership of Fergal O’Brien and Paddy Brennan, plus fellow last time out winners Does He Know (Kim Bailey/David Bass) and Midnight River (Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton).

Top Irish trainer Gordon Elliott sends over Galvin (Robbie Power) for the Matchbook Better Way To Bet Novices’ Chase (2.25pm, six runners) over an extended three miles.

Runner-up to Imperial Aura in the Listed Northern Trust Company Novices’ Handicap Chase at The Festival™, Galvin has been on a roll with three consecutive victories over fences, most recently in a G3 event at Tipperary on 4 October.

Chicago Grey captured this race for Elliott in 2010 before going on to provide the trainer with a maiden success at The Festival™ in the 2011 National Hunt Chase, with the same contest reportedly the target for Galvin this term.

Galvin

A quality contest also features G1 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle fifth Mossy Fen (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies), another Irish raider in Doctor Duffy (Charles Byrnes/Jonathan Burke) and prolific summer jumper Soldier Of Love (Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden).

Also lining up is progressive mare Clondaw Caitlin (Ruth Jefferson/Brian Hughes). The five-year-old was undefeated on all three of her starts over hurdles last season, culminating with an impressive five-length victory in the G2 Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso in February.

North Yorkshire-based Ruth Jefferson said today: “This race looks very competitive, but we have to start Clondaw Caitlin off somewhere and this looks as good a starting point as any.

“She has schooled really well over fences at home and we are looking forward to seeing how she gets on.

“She would like some cut in the ground so hopefully Cheltenham get the rain they are forecast, but she is in good form and is an exciting horse for the season ahead.”

High-class hurdlers Fusil Raffles (Nicky Henderson/Daryl Jacob) and Getaway Trump (Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden) are set to for an exciting clash in the Two Farmers Crisps Novices’ Chase (4.45pm, four runners) over two miles. Both horses come into the race following victories over fences at Uttoxeter and Warwick respectively.

Pipesmoker (Nicky Henderson/Nico de Boinville) faces seven rivals in the Catesby Estates Maiden Hurdle (4.10pm) over two miles. The five-year-old posted two promising efforts over hurdles last season, including an eye-catching third behind stablemate Chantry House at Cheltenham in December.

The two other handicaps on the card are the squareintheair.com Handicap Hurdle (3.00pm, 2m 5f), which has attracted a maximum field of 20, and the concluding Back And Lay At Matchbook Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (5.15pm, 18 runners, 2m 87y).

The Showcase continues on Saturday, 24 October, with a seven-race programme headlined by the £48,000 Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase (3.50pm, 17 entries) over three miles and a furlong.

Going

The going at Cheltenham is Good (GoingStick reading of 7.4 at 7.15am today).

The forecast is for up to 6mm of rain today. There will be selective watering of the quicker areas of the course as expected rainfall diminishes.

Republic of Ireland vs England Friendly Announced

The Republic of Ireland will take on England in a friendly match at Wembley Stadium on November 12th. The last time the two nations met was back in 2015 at the Aviva Stadium. Neither Martin O’Neill or then England manager Roy Hodgson could outwit each other with the game ending in a goalless draw.

This time around sees Stephen Kenny’s men take on Gareth Southgate’s England side. Kenny has expressed his excitement for the fixture, stating that it is a “high quality game for the team”. Interim CEO of the FAI Gary Owens also shared his enthusiasm for the announcement: “There is something very special about any game against England and I know our supporters will look forward to this match, even if they can’t be there.”

With the majority of Ireland’s players based in England, Kenny will be hoping this will work in his favour with regards to player availability. The inclusion of international friendly games as received a degree of scrutiny from the wider footballing community due to the current circumstances regarding COVID-19. However, the limited amount of travel required by the players during November’s international break should ease the burden on the squad and the manager.

Stephen Kenny’s team will travel to London to face England on Thursday 12th of November. November 15th sees them take on Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium in a Nations League clash before heading back to Dublin to face Bulgaria on November 18th in the Aviva Stadium.

“It’s a high quality game for the team. With minimal travel between London, Cardiff and Dublin in these changed times, it is better for us logistically with player welfare paramount,” said Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.

“It helps ensure we will have our strongest possible squad available for all three matches.”

Welcoming the fixture, interim CEO of the FAI Gary Owens said: “We are delighted to accept this invitation to play at Wembley from the English FA. There is something very special about any game against England and I know our supporters will look forward to this match, even if they can’t be there.”

The English FA are currently working with their Government on a return for spectators but the Ireland fixture is scheduled to be played behind-closed-doors. England were due to host New Zealand in the first game of the November international window but that game was cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

International Friendly 
Fixture | England v Ireland
Date | Thursday, November 12
Kick-off | 8pm
Location | Wembley Stadium, London

Six Nations 2020 – Ireland v Italy – 4 uncapped players in match day squad

We preview the Six Nations 2020 clash between Ireland v Italy we have starting teams for the match that kicks off at 3:30pm on Saturday 24th October.

The Ireland Coaching Team have named the match day squad for the rescheduled 2020 Guinness Six Nations Championships fixture against Italy which will take place at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 24th October.

There are four uncapped players included in the squad with Will Connors and Hugo Keenan named in the starting XV. Ed Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park are in line for their international debuts off the bench.

Hugo Keenan has come through the Ireland 7s programme to win his first senior cap, $5 deposit casino australia suggest that it should be an easy Ireland win with the handicap 28pts

Captain, Johnny Sexton is joined in the half backs by Conor Murray with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose paired in the midfield.

Jacob Stockdale is named at fullback with Andrew Conway and the uncapped Keenan, who has been capped at Ireland 7s level, on the wings.

In the front row Cian Healy edges closer to a century of caps as he makes his 99th appearance. He is joined by Rob Herring and Andrew Porter while James Ryan and Tadgh Beirne fill the second row berths.

In the back row Caelan Doris is named at blindside, Will Connors makes his debut at openside and CJ Stander is at No.8.

Will Connors 4/2/2020
Will Connors at training in the IRFU High Performance Centre Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

In the replacement forwards Byrne is joined by Dave Heffernan, who will be hoping to add the cap he won against the USA in 2017, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane and Peter O’Mahony.

Ross Byrne and Robbie Henshaw are the replacement backs alongside the uncapped Gibson-Park

Kick-off at the Aviva Stadium is 3.30pm on Saturday 24th October and the game is being televised by Virgin Media and ITV and is live in RTÉ radio.

Ireland Team & Replacements (v Italy, Guinness Six Nations Championship, Aviva Stadium, Saturday, October 24, 3.30pm)
15. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster/Lurgan) 28 caps
14. Andrew Conway (Munster/Garryowen) 21 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 29 caps
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 26 caps
11. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
10. Jonathan Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 91 caps Captain
9. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 81 caps
1. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 98 caps
2. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 11 caps
3. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 26 caps
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 13 caps
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 26 caps
6. Caelan Doris (Leinster/UCD) 2 caps
7. Will Connors (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
8. CJ Stander (Munster/Shannon) 41 caps

Replacements

16. Dave Heffernan (Connacht/Buccaneers) 1 cap
17. Ed Byrne (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Corinthians) 9 caps
19. Ultan Dillane (Connacht/Corinthians) 15 caps
20. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 67 caps
21. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster) uncapped
22. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 6 caps
23. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 43 caps

 

GAA League Division 1 : How table stands for Winner and Relegation – Mayo still fighting

Inter-county football returned last weekend and it was like it never left. There was no shortage of action across the country. Here is an update of how each county in Division 1 of the National Football League stands ahead of the final weekend.

Division 1

Kerry jumped to the top of Division 1 with a win on the road against Monaghan. A three-point victory was a comfortable one in which Monaghan never really threatened to close an early deficit. As a result, the Ulster side are in relegation trouble going into their final game versus Meath.

On Saturday evening, Dublin returned to action at home to Meath. A possible League title in Dessie Farrell’s first stint as manager remained possible with victory in a high-scoring match. Dublin started well and opened a six-point gap that included the game’s only goal. However, Meath remained competitive and restored some pride despite their relegation already sealed.

On Sunday afternoon, Connacht rivals Galway and Mayo did battle in Tuam. Somewhat surprisingly, it was a one-sided affair in favour of the visitors. James Horan’s experimental side hit 2-17 by half-time. A further 1-6 after the break ensured a hammering on Padraig Joyce’s side. Now, Galway find themselves in third and needing favorable results if they are to win the Division. On the other hand, Mayo’s win hasn’t saved them from relegation. They need to beat Tyrone in round 7 to guarantee safety.

Finally, Donegal and Tyrone offered a glimpse of their upcoming Championship game in the League restart. Two goals early in each half went a long way in easing Donegal’s relegation concerns. It ended in a four-point win for Donegal in a game that saw neither side pull any punches despite the upcoming Championship fixture. Conor McKenna impressed in his Gaelic return. But, it was the other number 11, Niall O’Donnell, who looked more at home. Donegal should be safe in Division 1 following the result. In contrast, Tyrone vs Mayo looks likely to now be a relegation shoot-out.

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https://3.249.64.60/feature/mayo-hammer-galway-in-tuam-to-ease-relegation-worries/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1317860719782744065

GAA League Division 2 : How table stands for promotion and relegation – Roscommon in the driving seat

In one the most tightly contested Divisions, Roscommon took control with a win away to Armagh. However, the mid-table means five teams can still finish second. At the other end, Fermanagh’s relegation was guaranteed despite a valiant fight in Clare. Here is a Division 2 update.

 Division 2

On Saturday, Westmeath gained the upper hand on Laois. Previously, the teams had an identical record. But last weekend Westmeath boosted themselves up the table. A Jamie Gonoud goal in the last ten minutes sealed the game. Now, Laois must win against Fermanagh in round 7 to avoid relegation. Whereas, Westmeath could earn promotion or even a title with a win against Kildare as long as other results go their way.

Armagh vs Roscommon was a top-of-the-table clash in Division 2. Armagh seemed in control early on as Roscommon were wasteful in front of the posts. But, a penalty just before half-time and two goals in as many minutes in the second-half turned the game around. in consequence, Roscommon can guarantee the Division 2 title against Cavan. Meanwhile, Armagh must overcome Clare to go to Division 1.

Fermanagh will be in Division 3 next season after a loss to Clare sealed their fate. Joe McGann’s goal went a long way in the Munster side’s favour. But, Fermanagh didn’t go down fighting. They were denied twice in the closing minutes, once by the woodwork. A late penalty made it a nervy finish but Clare held on. Yet, they need another good result against Armagh to ensure safety.

Finally, Kildare and Cavan provided a super shoot-out in Newbridge. It finished 1-21 vs 0-20 to the home side. Jimmy Hyland hit 0-9 for the Lilywhites and they carried a ten-point lead into the second-half water break. However, Cavan came roaring back in the final quarter and just came up short. The sides are now level on points. Kildare host Westmeath and Cavan host Roscommon in round 7 and either side could still be either promoted or relegated.

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https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1317890786340503552

GAA League Division 3 : How table stands for promotion and relegation

Cork picked up from where they left off in Division 3 but the battle for second has heated up. Down are the favourites to join the rebels in Division 2 but Derry and Longford are also in with a chance. Round 7 will decide all for these counties.

Division 3

On Saturday morning, it was announced that Leitrim were conceding their game with Down. Due to the Covid-19 situation, a number of players were not available and as a result they could not field a team. Now, Leitrim are staring down the barrel of relegation and hope their situation improves so they can fight to survive against Tipperary. Meanwhile, Down need just a point against bottom of the table Louth to ensure promotion.

Cork resumed their dominance in the Division with a 5-19 vs 0-16 win over Louth. Louth are guaranteed to go down and Cork will win the Division. Next weekend, Cork play Offaly. With nothing on the line, it is likely Ronan McCarthy will rest some of his squad for the Championship tie against Kerry.

Derry joined the promotion fight with a win over Longford. The 2-14 to 0-12 victory draws them level with Longford and leaves both teams within one win of second place. In round 7, Longford host Cork and Derry travel to Offaly. A win for either side will give them a chance of promotion if Down fail to beat Louth.

On Sunday, Conor Sweeney’s first-half goal from a penalty proved to be the decisive score as Tipperary defeated Offaly at Semple Stadium. It finished 1-16 to 0-16 which puts the Munster side one step closer to safety. They are now level with Offaly. Offaly can ensure survival with a point against Derry. Elsewhere, Tipperary play Leitrim which will be a relegation decider for both teams.

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https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/Doiregaa/status/1317937797454581762

GAA League Division 4: How it stands for promotion – three at the top

Wexford’s win over Limerick makes them part of a three-way tie at the top of Division 4 that includes Wicklow. Here is how each side fared in round 6 and how they stand.

Division 4

Wicklow put in a dominant display against Antrim that saw them hit the net seven times. At the other end, a clean sheet rounded off an impressive performance. As a result, Wicklow are top of the table alongside Limerick and Wexford. But, Antrim’s defeat hasn’t ruled them out either. They sit just one point off the top. A win over Waterford could see Antrim go up if other results go their way. Elsewhere, Wicklow and Wexford play each other in a game that guarantees the winner promotion.

Carlow and Sligo played out a 2-17 to 2-15 game that ended in favour of the Leinster side. Both teams are doomed to remain in the Division but Sligo have a chance to prove their worth in round 7 against Limerick. In contrast, Carlow are without another fixture due to London’s inability to travel.

Limerick missed the chance to secure the League title as they lost to a Wexford team inspired by Ben Brosnan. This means Wexford are level with Limerick and the latter must win away to Sligo to be promoted. Likewise, a win for Wexford against Wicklow could ensure their rise to Division 3.

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https://twitter.com/sportsfile/status/1317841336310157312

Conor McKenna returns to Tyrone duty

Conor McKenna made his first start for Tyrone against Donegal at the weekend after a six-year stint in the AFL with Essendon. The Eglish man transitioned seamlessly back to the round ball and earned an impressive personal tally 1-02.

In the first-half, he was somewhat lucky to be awarded a penalty. However, there was no such luck involved when he picked out Frank Burns with a kick-pass early in the game, providing an easy mark.

McKenna spent much of the game between the inside and half-forward line. But, he wasn’t afraid to work for the team and showed a desire to get in on the action. To illustrate, a hefty collision with Michael Murphy before half-time drove the Donegal man backwards. This is something not many have achieved.

Mickey Harte was clearly looking to utilise McKenna’s physical attributes at every opportunity. For example, he was in midfield for the throw-in at the beginning of each half.

 Answer to McShane Absence

With the absence of Cathal McShane for the season, Tyrone needed some firepower inside and McKenna could be the answer. Mickey Harte will be left frustrated that he can’t combine McShane and McKenna but Tyrone’s forward line is still in promising condition.

In the second-half, McKenna played closer to goal and looked a real threat. He kicked two points in the game. Both coming after good patient play around the D. McKenna was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 57th minute when it looked like he was fouled by Neil McGee.

When the game was finished as a contest, Conor McKenna still had gas left in the tank. In the 72nd minute, he picked the ball up 20 yards from goal and with four Donegal defenders in his path. But, with a savage turn of pace and his trademark dummy solo, he cut inside and created enough space to put the ball into the net.

If Sunday’s showing was only a glimpse of what is to come, Tyrone fans have much to look forward to. With their round 7 game against Mayo next weekend a relegation battle, McKenna could be a vital asset.

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https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1317868850881417216

Greenwatch: Connolly Assist, Coleman Injury

Premier League

It was a quiet weekend for the Irish internationals on their return to domestic action. The likes of Matt Doherty, Conor Hourihane, Callum Robinson and Aaron Connolly had to settle for a place on the bench. However, the latter did have an impact when he came on. Brighton snatched a late equalizer against Crystal Palace as Connolly teed up Alexis Mac Allister.

Sheffield United’s Irish contingent of John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick all started as the Blades got off the mark with a one all draw against bottom side Fulham. Likewise, Kevin Long started for Burnley as their clash with West Brom ended in a goalless draw.

There was also tightly contested draw at Goodison Park as Liverpool and Everton went head to head. The derby game wasn’t short of talking points with controversial VAR decisions, red cards and injuries. Seamus Coleman, on his return to the side, suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury. The Donegal man was forced off after half an hour.

Championship

Cyrus Christie was drafted into the national squad after Coleman pulled out through injury. After featuring against Wales, he followed this with a start for new club Nottingham Forrest this weekend. An impressive performance in their win over Blackburn Rovers warranted his place in the Championship team of the week.

Adam Idah picked up his first start of the season as Norwich City overcame Rotherham United with a late penalty. Fellow Irish youngster and U-21’s centre-back Nathan Collins, who started in the loss against Italy, set up Stoke’s second goal in a 2-0 victory. Meanwhile, Swansea City’s game against Huddersfield Town came too soon for Ryan Manning after his deadline day switch to the Welsh club.

Rest of Europe

Elsewhere, Josh Cullen started his first game for Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht. Cullen completed 90 minutes with the game finishing all square.

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