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Who is the Outhalf to take Ireland forward?

It has been seven months since Ireland’s last six nations game against England. In spite of the lack of rugby played in that time, a sense of out with the old and in with the new continues to creep in around the national team.

Obviously, the outhalf position is the most talked about in the game. This is no exception in the Irish team. With Johnny Sexton now 35 and counting, perhaps this year’s Autumn Internationals is a good chance to hold auditions for the outhalf to take Ireland forward. Ireland are a big price to win the six nations as you can see when you navigate to this website 

Since his debut in 2009, Sexton has accumulated 814 points in 91 caps. For over a decade, he has been the undisputed outhalf among the Irish squad. Since he was selected ahead of Ronan O’Gara against South Africa in 2009 he has never looked back. Of course, even when he went abroad to play for Racing 92 he was selected for international duty.

In 2018 he won the World Rugby Player of the Year Award, confirming his status among the best.

Despite his age, there have been very few retirement rumours surrounding the St. Mary’s College graduate. To illustrate this, he became captain after Rory Best’s retirement.

Yet, Irish Coach Andy Farrell will be looking to the future. With four more years to go until the next World Cup, he will be open to a changing of the guard. While it is possible that Sexton will still be playing in four years, there is a lot of time for Farrell to find and develop his successor.

Besides, there have been suggestions lately that the time has come for a new outhalf to take up the mantle. For example, in Leinster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final loss to Saracens last weekend, Sexton was very average in a first half where Leinster were blown away. In fact, Saracens deployed their regular fullback Alex Goode at outhalf for the game. By full time, he had 19 points that included Saracens only try. In comparison, Sexton was forgettable.

Furthermore, Sexton’s form off the tee has been called into question at times. The 6 Nations loss to England in March comes to mind.

As always though, Sexton won’t go down quietly. Especially with a Lions Tour to come in 2021. The competition is there and waiting in the wings. But, it seems like Sexton is the dictator of his own fate.

The Competitors

Ross Byrne of Leinster is the obvious choice to immediately succeed Sexton. Farrell preferred the 25-year-old as his back-up 10 in the 6 Nations. Likewise, Leinster have great faith in him. To illustrate this, Byrne came in from the start against Ulster in the Pro14 final. He more than stood up and reminded everyone just why he is a contender for the green 10.

Speaking on ‘Off the Ball’ last week, Ronan O’Gara praised Byrne. In particular, he mentioned his strong running game, something he and Sexton have in common. O’Gara continued to say “he is really strong tactically and marshalls his team around the pitch”.

Considering his age profile and experience to date, Byrne perhaps offers the most to Ireland in the long term. A run of games at outhalf during the Autumn Internationals could solidify his status as the outhalf to take Ireland forward.

Similarly, Connacht’s Jack Carty is no footnote in this conversation. Already capped ten times, Carty is clearly able to do it on the big stage. However, Farrell chose to leave him out for the 6 Nations this year. There is little doubt that he has the tools to break back into the side, but whether he gets a chance to use them will be at Farrell’s discretion. At 28, he could be the right blend of experience and promise.

In Ulster, Billy Burns has made the outhalf position his own. Burns qualifies for Ireland thanks to his paternal grandfather. Previously, he won the 2014 World U-20 Championship with England. Another candidate on the young side, the 26-year-old will only develop with international experience. Farrell is clearly a fan of him. Burns was the third choice outhalf for the 6 Nations to date and could yet play a part.

Also in Ulster, Ireland’s forgotten man Ian Madigan is back on Irish shores. Once on the fringes of the Irish team, Madigan earned himself 30 caps. Nevertheless, when he left for Bordeaux in 2016, he all but exempted himself from selection. Since his return, Madigan has impressed. Yet, he remains an understudy to Burns. At 31, Madigan is unlikely to pick up where he left off for Ireland.

Finally, Joey Carbery is another who can compete for Sexton’s jersey. Carebery exploded onto the scene in 2016. For instance, his Ireland debut came from the bench in the historic 40-29 victory over New Zealand in Chicago. Then, he was an active part of the 2018 Grand Slam winning team and played in the summer tour win against Australia, and the Autumn International wins against Argentina and New Zealand again. However, Carbery has since been hampered by injuries. On the other hand, time is on his side. Still just 24, he has time to get his body right. It looks like he will have to wait before he can put his hand up for selection again.

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Irish Women’s 6 Nations Squad Announced

Head Coach Adam Gregg has named his squad for October’s re-scheduled Women’s Six Nations fixtures against Italy and France.

The squad named sees the return to international duty of former Ireland captain, Claire Molloy, who last year took a sabbatical from international rugby to focus on her medical career. Molloy will link up with the squad for a two-day training camp at the IRFU High Performance Centre this weekend, as Ireland step up their preparations for the visit of Italy to Energia Park on Sunday 25th October (Kick-off 1pm).

Unfortunately for Gregg, back row duo Edel McMahon and Claire McLaughlin and second row Aoife McDermott have all been ruled out of the Women’s Six Nations period through injury.

The Head Coach has named a 34-player squad ahead of the first two-day camp as Ireland build towards the conclusion of the 2020 Championship and beyond to December’s Rugby World Cup 2021 European Qualifiers.

“While it’s an unfortunate setback and timing for Edel, Aoife and Claire, they are all highly motivated and diligent players who I know will get stuck into the rehab and get themselves back fit and in contention for the World Cup Qualifiers,” Griggs said.

“The squad have made major strides over the last year and there is healthy competition for places. Each two-day camp now gives us an opportunity to focus on lifting our intensity and the quality of our training, where we will challenge the players to replicate match like demands so that come the end of October we are ready to perform and keep the standards we set out at the start of this competition.”

Ireland return to action with a Round 4 clash against Italy before travelling to Lille to face France on Sunday 1st October (Kick-off 1.30pm). The Rugby World Cup 2021 European Qualifiers are scheduled to be played as a single round-robin tournament on the weekends of 5th, 12th and 19th December.

Ireland squad for the Women’s Six Nations

Backs:

Enya Breen (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Michelle Claffey (Blackrock College/ Leinster)
Eimear Considine (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Nicole Cronin (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Kathryn Dane (Old Belvedere/ Ulster)
Lauren Delany (Sale Sharks/ IQ Rugby)
Aoife Doyle (Railway Union/ Munster)
Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock College/ Leinster)
Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union/ Leinster)
Claire Keohane (Railway Union/ Munster)
Larissa Muldoon (Railway Union/ Leinster)
Ellen Murphy (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College/ Connacht)
Laura Sheehan (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Shannon Touhey (Suttonians/ Connacht)
Hannah Tyrrell (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)

Forwards:

Judy Bobbett (Blackrock College/ Leinster)
Anna Caplice (Harlequins/ IQ Rugby)
Ciara Cooney (Wasps / IQ Rugby)
Victoria Dabanovich O’Mahony (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Laura Feely (Blackrock College/ Connacht)
Nichola Fryday (Blackrock College/ Connacht)
Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Neve Jones (Malone/Ulster)
Leah Lyons (Harlequins/ IQ Rugby)
Claire Molloy (Wasps / IQ Rugby)
Cliodhna Moloney (Wasps/ IQ Rugby)
Hannah O’Connor (Blackrock College/ Leinster)
Katie O’Dwyer (Railway Union/ Leinster)
Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/ Leinster)
Dorothy Wall (Blackrock College/ Munster).

12 Irish-trained in quarantine ahead of Australia’s Spring Racing Carnival

Twelve Irish-trained horses are among the 29 European thoroughbreds that recently entered pre-export quarantine in Ireland and England in preparation for Victoria’s 2020 Spring Racing Carnival.

The high-class contingent, which includes 16 internationally trained horses and 13 horses who will join Australian trainers upon their arrival down under, will complete two weeks quarantine before arriving in Melbourne on Friday, 2 October.

Upon arrival they will be required to undertake a further two weeks quarantine at the TAB Werribee International Horse Centre before being permitted to race from Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Day – Saturday, 17 October – onwards.

The list of horses that have entered quarantine is:
1. Anthony Van Dyck – Aidan O’Brien
2. Armory – Aidan O’Brien
3. Magic Wand – Aidan O’Brien
4. Tiger Moth – Aidan O’Brien
5. Santiago – Aidan O’Brien
6. Wichita – Aidan O’Brien
7. Buckhurst – Joseph O’Brien
8. Master of Reality – Joseph O’Brien
9. Pondus – Joseph O’Brien
10. Twilight Payment – Joseph O’Brien
11. Stratum – Willie Mullins
12. True Self – Willie Mullins
13. Ashrun – Andreas Wohler (Germany)
14. Aspetar – Roger Charlton (UK)
15. Dashing Willoughby – Andrew Balding (UK)
16. Prince of Arran – Charlie Fellowes (UK)
17. Involved – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
18. Sir Dragonet – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
19. Tinandali – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace
20. Mr Satchmo – Chris Waller
21. Selino – Chris Waller
22. Almania – Kris Lees
23. Collide – Kris Lees
24. Le Don De Vie – Anthony & Sam Freedman
25. Nickajack Cave – Peter Moody
26. Port Guillaume – Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes
27. San Huberto – Matt Cumani
28. Skyward – Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young
29. Sound of Cannons – John O’Shea

RV General Manager – International & Racing Operations, Paul Bloodworth, said: “It’s an incredibly talented group of horses led by Anthony Van Dyck who will be the first Epsom Derby winner to compete in Australia. There’s a terrific blend of horses that will be very familiar to Australian racing fans and punters, along with some of the emerging talent that has been in great form in Europe throughout this year.

“Prince of Arran, True Self and Magic Wand were all feature winners in Victoria during last year’s Spring Racing Carnival so we’re really pleased to see them on the way back, while Twilight Payment and Master of Reality both contested last year’s Melbourne Cup, the latter of course being second past the post before being demoted to fourth on protest.

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup, Stella Artois Caulfield Cup and Ladbrokes Cox Plate are the primary targets for many of the horses that have entered pre-export quarantine, but not all are guaranteed starts so you can expect to see a number of them contesting other feature races throughout the Carnival which will add great depth and generate plenty of interest” Bloodworth added.

Clare Football Final: Cratloe vs Kilmurry-Ibrickane Preview

This year’s Clare SFC Final is a repeat of 2016’s. On that occasion, Kilmurry-Ibrickane took home the Jack Daly Cup. Now, Cratloe are out to win their first Championship since 2014.

Last weekend, both sides fought their way into the final. Firstly, Kilmurry-Ibrickane took on a determined Lissycasey team.

Leading by just two points at half-time, Kilmurry-Ibrickane restarted the game with a flourish. A Keelan Sexton goal was sandwiched by two points in the first minute as they opened up a seven-point lead.

Lissycasey weren’t going down easy though. Cousins Shane Griffin and Aaron Griffin both found the net as they brought the scores back to level by the 46th minute.

However, six-points without reply meant Kilmurry-Ibrickane were looking comfortable in the final few minutes. Again, Lissycasey fought back. Shane Griffin bagged his second goal and an injury-time push put the pressure on. In the end, Kilmurry-Ibrickane came out on top. The result was 1-18 to 3-11.

Secondly, Cratloe had to fend off St Breckans in their semi-final. Down by a goal at half-time, Cathal McInerney converted a penalty early in the second half to bring the game back. Yet, Breckans pushed on again. Cratloe needed another goal from Podge Collins to keep in touch. The 2016 finalists were massively aided by St Breckans going down to 14 men for the last few minutes. As a result, they pushed on and saw out the game. The final score in Cusack Park was 2-16 to 1-15.

Kilmurry-Ibrickane won 4 finals in the last ten years. Likewise, they hope to begin the new decade with a Championship. On the other hand, after winning back-to-back Championships in 2013 and 2014, Cratloe have a chance to avenge their 2016 loss to the same opposition.

Both these sides have been here before and know what it takes to win. In short, expect this Clare SFC Final to be tightly contested.

Paths to the Final

Round 1

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 0-12 vs 0-09 St. Joseph’s Miltown Malbay.

Lissycasey 2-09 vs 0-13 Cratloe.

Round 2

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 3-06 vs 0-10 Éire Óg Ennis.

Cratloe 2-11 vs 0-09 Clondegad.

Quarter-final

Cratloe 0-16 vs 2-08 St. Joseph’s Miltown Malbay.

Semi-final

Kilmurry-Ibrickane 1-18 vs 3-11 Lissycasey.

Cratloe 2-16 vs 1-15 St Breckans.

Clare SFC Final: Cratloe vs Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Saturday 26th September, Cusack Park (Throw-in TBC). 

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Former Ballydoyle horse Orderofthegarter guaranteed Caulfield Cup spot

The former Ballydoyle horse, Orderofthegarter, will be ridden by Jye McNeil in the Group 1 AUD $5 million Caulfield Cup on Saturday, October 17.

The imported stayer confirmed his spot in the Caulfield Cup field when winning the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes on Saturday for jockey Damien Oliver.

The former Aidan O’Brien-trained colt has been handed a 1kg penalty for both the Group 1 Caulfield Cup and Group 1 Melbourne Cup after his impressive Group 3 success, with the Danny O’Brien-trained son of Galileo now set to carry 51kgs in both feature races.

“It was encouraging to see Orderofthegarter record his third career win in the Naturalism Stakes and his first since winning a Listed race for 3-year-olds in April 2017,” Racing Victoria Executive General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter said.

“The merit of the victory on Saturday warranted a 1kg penalty for both Cups as he seeks to emulate Jameka who won the Caulfield Cup after winning the Naturalism Stakes in 2016″, Carpenter added.

Top Australian rider Damien Oliver is unable to ride below 53.5kg and with Orderofthegarter handicapped on 51kg, connections opted for McNeil as their lightweight rider.

Kerry Football Final: East Kerry vs Mid Kerry Preview

East Kerry return to defend their title in the Kingdom. However, the script was rewritten when Mid Kerry ensured it would not be Dr. Crokes to play them. As a result, this is the first Kerry SFC Final since 2015 to not feature the former All Ireland Club Champions.

East Kerry go into this final as heavy favourites. But, after the performance Mid Kerry showed in their semi-final triumph, nobody will be writing them off.

The semi-finals were very much opposites in a lot of ways. Firstly, East Kerry’s victory over St. Brendan’s Board was a relatively low scoring game with no surprises. In contrast, Dr. Crokes vs Mid Kerry was a battle for the ages. Perhaps, even a contender for the game of the year. With 45 scores, over 80 minutes of action, and twists throughout, anyone who subscribed to Kerry GAA’s Live Stream for the game got their money’s worth.

At the interval, the game was at a stalemate. Then, it ripped into life early in the second half. Two goals in as many minutes from Mid Kerry’s Beaufort duo of Ronan Murphy and Ciarán Kennedy left them 2-11 to 1-08 in front.

Dr. Crokes were the victims of many injuries both before and during the game. Yet, the substitutes who were called upon made their mark. For instance, Chris Doncel found the net after coming in to help Dr. Crokes level the game by the 46th minute.

While it looked like the more experienced club side would kick on, both teams continued to pick away at scores. The absence of Tony Brosnan was all but unnoticeable. Instead, Micheál Burns and Kieran O’Leary kicked 1-10 between them on the night. In fact, it was the latter who scored the equaliser to send the game to extra time.

Again, familiarity crept in as Dr. Crokes found themselves four up with seven minutes to go. But, Mid Kerry were determined to not let the game though. Gavin O’Grady scored a goal in the 77th minute. Then, with effectively the final kick of the game, Jack O’Connor split the posts to kick the winner for the Divisional side. It ended 3-20 to 3-19.

On the other hand, reigning champions East Kerry cruised to the final. Without, David Clifford they were still able to find scores. More importantly, they looked very assured at the back. Jack Sherwood steadied the ship as he and his teammates did well to halt the dangerous runs of Jack Barry and Diarmuid O’Connor.

In the first half, it was very tit for tat. Just before half time though, East Kerry found the net. Evan Cronin was the quickest to react to a rebound off the post and buried the goal chance. It meant the Divisional side went into the break 1-07 to 0-05 up.

The second half didn’t yield any major surprises. Paudie Clifford pulled the strings for East Kerry and Dara Moynihan chipped in with a couple of scores. In fact, East Kerry could afford nine wides in the second half and still win comfortably. The final score was 1-11 to 0-08.

Paddy Power has put East Kerry at 1/5 and Mid Kerry at 4/1 for this Saturday’s showdown. Indeed, there are likely few who would argue with this but if Mid Kerry can channel the same fight they showed against Dr. Crokes, they could push East Kerry all the way. However, with David Clifford returning from suspension, Mid Kerry have to take their chances.

Paths to the Final

Semi-finals

East Kerry 1-11 vs 0-08 St. Brendan’s Board

Dr. Crokes 3-19 vs 3-20 Mid Kerry 

Quarter-finals

East Kerry 2-13 vs 1-14 St. Kieran’s

Mid Kerry 1-13 vs 1-12 Kenmare Shamrocks

Qualifiers

East Kerry 1-14 vs 0-03 Feale Rangers

Mid Kerry 3-15 vs 0-12 Kilcummin

Kerry SFC Final: East Kerry vs Mid Kerry, Saturday 26th September, Austin Stack Park (7pm). 

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The Meteoric Rise of the UFC has its Roots in the Success of The Ultimate Fighter

Back in 2005, the UFC was facing bankruptcy. A far cry from its success that we know of today. The change in fortune for the world’s biggest MMA promotion can be directly traced back to The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 1.

Financially, the UFC relies heavily on pay-per-view sales, and in the months prior to TUF season 1 they were not selling. For example, the three events preceding the TUF 1 finale -UFC 49, 50 and 51 – sold a combined 225,000 pay-per-views.

Whereas, UFC 52, which was almost immediately after the TUF 1 finale, sold 300,000 on its own. This was the first UFC event to reach that mark.

In addition to this, the fighters produced by TUF have massively contributed to the quality of the UFC.

In the fifteen years since its creation, TUF has produced six Hall of Famers. Namely, Forrest Griffin, Diego Sanchez, Stephan Bonnar, Rashad Evans, Michael Bisping, and Matt Serra.

Griffin and Bonnar are particularly relevant to the UFC’s revival. Their all-out war is widely accepted to be one of the greatest fights in UFC history and a turning point in the history of the organisation. It was Griffin who won one of the two initial six-figure contracts, along with Diego Sanchez. Sanchez continues to contribute and will compete at UFC 253 next Sunday.

The same event also sees another TUF graduate in Paulo Costa. Costa challenges Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title.

Accordingly, this brings up the importance of TUF graduates to the UFC. Sanchez is one of 22 fighters who have challenged for a title.

Furthermore, 10 fighters have emerged from TUF to claim a professional belt. The aforementioned Griffin, Evans, Bisping, Serra, along with T.J. Dillashaw, Carla Esparza, Rose Namajunas, Nicco Montano, Robert Whittaker, and Kamru Usman.

Usman is the most recent of these to win his belt. He was the winner of TUF 21 in 2015. Then, he proceeded to win the welterweight title in March 2019. This is proof enough that the show continues to produce world-class talent.

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Iconic Moments

In contrast to the financial boost TUF provided the UFC, the iconic moments its fighters have produced are invaluable.

UFC participants from TUF have won 439 post-fight bonuses. Displaying incredible moments earns fighters these bonuses. For emphasis, these bonuses are worth $50,000. They included 212 Fights of the Night and 227 Performances of the Night.

For example, TUF 4 winner Matt Serra’s victory over Georges St-Pierre to become the welterweight champion at UFC 69 is considered one of the biggest upsets ever.

It’s moments like this that explain the meteoric boost to pay-per-view sales. In the 15 years since TUF 1, the UFC have sold more than 90 million pay-per-views.

In 2016, the UFC’s parent company -Zuffa – was sold to WWE-IMG for $4.05 billion in 2016. Four years later, it’s valued at $7billion.

Perhaps the most important impact to come from TUF’s success is the global reach.

USA, UK, Japan, and Brazil were the only countries to host promotional events prior to 2005. Subsequently, there have been 475 events across 21 different countries. This vast network that continues to expand is an indirect benefit of the TV show’s success.

As a result, the UFC would not exist as it does today were it not for TUF.

Likewise, superstars such as Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, Anderson Silva, or Georges St-Pierre would not have ever reached such prominence.

The sport of mixed martial arts itself would likely still an underpopulated sport.

However, thanks to TUF and its incredible success, the UFC has become a sporting empire thriving in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Whether it was due to the financial kick it received post-TUF1, the plethora of quality fighters it inherited, or the ability to expand worldwide, one thing that is certain is that the UFC owes a great debt to The Ultimate Fighter.

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Dublin Football Final: Ballymun Kickhams vs Ballyboden Preview

Ballymun Kickhams return to the Dublin Football Final for the first time since 2017. After two tough knockout games against Na Fianna and Kilmacud Crokes, they earned their place in the finale. Likewise, Ballyboden St. Enda’s had to work to return to the final. Firstly, they needed extra time to beat a brave Raheny. Next, there was just a goal between them and St. Jude’s.

Teams Boosted by Absence of Inter-County.

Both teams are unbeaten in the Championship so far this year. Thus, the final is guaranteed to be closely contested. The lack of an inter-county Championship this summer has meant that all the clubs have had a full contingent in this year’s Championship. As a result, a victory this year will be extra sweet for the team who comes out on top.

Ballymun Kickhams particularly profit from having their county players. Their ranks contain a host of Dublin regulars. Namely, Evan Comerford, Philly McMahon, John and Paddy Small, James McCarthy, and Dean Rock. Having players of this calibre will add invaluable inexperience when the final reaches boiling point.

On the other hand, Ballyboden St. Enda’s can call upon the 2013 Player of the Year Michael Darragh McCauley. McCauley is the engine of the south Dublin side. Furthermore, the team is complemented by the likes of Robbie McDaid, Ryan Basquel, and Conal Keaney. For instance, this Ballyboden side went all the way to All-Ireland glory in 2016.

In fact, Ballyboden St. Enda’s have won the last three Dublin SFC finals they appeared in (’09, ’15, ’19). In contrast, Ballymun Kickhams have lost on their last two outings in the final. After, winning in 2012, they lost a replay in 2013 by a point against St. Vincent’s. Next, the same opposition beat them by a score in 2017.

With this in mind, Ballymun Kickhams will be determined to leave nothing on the field next Sunday. Ballyboden St. Enda’s know how to win a final though. Therefore Ballymun will be thankful to be able to call on their county players when it matters. However, Ballymun’s David Byrne and Leon Young are suspended for the final after seeing late red cards against Kilmacud Crokes.

Paths to the Final

Semi-final

Ballymun Kickhams 1-18 vs 2-12 Kilmacud Crokes.

Ballyboden St. Enda’s 2-11 vs 1-11 St. Jude’s.

Quarter-final

Ballymun Kickhams 1-18 vs 2-13 Na Fianna.

Ballyboden St. Enda’s 2-16 vs 0-16 Raheny (AET).

Group Stages

Ballyboden St. Enda’s 4-20 vs 2-08 Clontarf

Ballyboden St. Enda’s 5-11 vs 1-17 St. Vincent’s

Ballyboden St. Enda’s 4-22 vs 1-10 Whitehall Colmcille

Ballymun Kickhams 3-18 vs 0-12 Skerries Harps

Ballymun Kickhams 3-26 vs 1-10 Round Towers Lusk

Ballymun Kickhams 3-15 vs 0-08 Thomas Davis

Dublin SFC Final: Ballymun Kickhams vs Ballyboden St. Enda’s, Sunday 27th September 16:30 (Parnell Park). 

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Clare Hurling Final: O’Callaghan Mills vs Sixmilebridge Preview

The Hurling Championship in Clare concludes this Sunday. Sixmilebridge return to the final to defend their title. On the other side of the tie is O’Callaghan Mills who are aiming to win their first Clare SHC since 1937.

Last year, Sixmilebridge won their 14th Senior Club Championship by beating Cratloe in the final. So far, they have a perfect record in their attempt to retain the title, winning four from four. In fact, two of these four games were against Éire Óg Ennis. Firstly, they defeated the fourteen-time winners by five points. Then, in the semi-final there was just a point to separate them as Sixmilebridge marched on to the final.

Likewise, there was just one score between O’Callaghan Mills and Ballyea in the other semi-final. O’Callaghan Mills won out 2-17 to 1-17.

O’Callaghan Mills have not won the Canon Hamilton Cup since 1937. In fact, their last trip to the final was also against Sixmilebridge. That was in 1993. On that occasion, Sixemilebridge won 3-08 to 2-06.

In contrast, Sixmilebridge have been a regular in the Clare SHC Final. After a loss in the 2011 showdown, Sixmilebridge returned to win in 2013, ’15, ’17, and, of course, ’19.

Sixmilebridge will go into this game as favourites. But, after an 83-year drought, O’Callghan Mills’ desire to win will mean Sixmilebridge have to bring their A-game.

Paths to the Final

Semi-final

O’Callaghan Mills 2-17 vs 1-17 Ballyea.

Sixmilebridge 0-17 vs 1-13 Éire Óg Ennis.

Quarter-final

O’Callaghan Mills 2-16 vs 0-13 Inagh-Kilnamona.

Sixmilebridge 0-21 vs 0-12 Broadford.

Round 2 

O’Callaghan Mills 3-17 vs 0-17 Crusheen.

Sixmilebridge 0-20 vs 1-13 Whitegate.

Round 1 

O’Callaghan Mills 2-13 vs 0-17 Broadford.

Sixmilebridge 0-17 vs 0-12 Éire Óg Ennis.

Clare SHC Final: O’Callaghan Mills vs Sixmilebridge, Sunday 27th September, Cusack Park (Throw-in TBC).

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Rob Kearney retires – Who will be next Irish rugby full-back?

Leinster’s defeat to Saracens in last weekend’s Heineken Cup quarter-final brought with it the confirmation of Rob Kearney’s retirement. He hangs up his boots as the most successful player in the history of Irish rugby. As a result, there is a huge gap in the Irish team that has yet to be filled.

Despite being left aside by Andy Farrell for the 2020 6 Nations, Kearney’s assurance and solidity at fullback have not been replaced.

The Clongowe’s Wood graduate made his Irish debut during the 2007 tour of Argentina. Now, he hangs up his boots in 2020 with a career to be proud of. Specifically, he has won four 6 Nations, four Heineken Cups, six Pro 12/14, one Challenge Cup, and the 2012 European Rugby Player of the year. In addition, he went on two Lions Tours in 2009 and 2013.

Of the four 6 Nations he has won, 2009 and 2018 were grand slams. He is the only player to start in the winning match on both occasions. In the same way, he started in both victories over the All Blacks in 2016 and 2018. He calls it quits with 95 caps and 82 points in an Irish jersey. Furthermore, he has over 200 appearances for Leinster to brag about.

What made Rob Kearney such a prolific full-back was his security under the high ball and his ability to open teams up on the counter-attack. Of course, his booming left-boot was another valuable asset.

Passing the Torch

Since he made the green number 15 his own, Kearney was largely unchallenged for the position. Much of this was because he was so hard to compete with. Even now, with the likes of Jordan Larmour and Will Addison coming to the fore, the gap remains.

Larmour is the obvious replacement for Kearney. Indeed, he was the reason why Kearney was only at the Saracens game in a tracksuit and sat out the Pro14 final. But, Larmour is young and has a long way to go. Where they compare is in their speed and ability to slot into the attack. On the other hand, Larmour is confident in the tackle like his predecessor.

At the same time, Larmour does not thrive under the high ball as Kearney did. Consequently, the 23-year-old full-back has been targeted profusely by oppositions hoping to capitalise on his mistakes. Until he improves this part of his game, the comparisons between him and Kearney should be quenched.

Another contender is Ulster’s Will Addison. Before the start of the 2020 6 Nations, many thought Addison had as good a chance as Larmour to be picked at 15. However, Farrell stuck with the young Leinster prodigy. Addison had to make do with a place in the 23, and more often sat games out altogether.

His ability is not in doubt though. Unfortunately, Addison has had major injury concerns this season. Without him Ulster look a lot lighter. While it looked like he could recover during the lockdown, the return to training led to his back injury flaring up.

At 27, Addison is closer in stature to Kearney and his physicality offers another dimension. Although, the upcoming internationals are key to claiming the jersey for the long term and Addison needs to get fit.

One silver lining Ulster have found from this is Michael Lowry (22). The young full-back has impressed when called upon, and even stepped in at outhalf against Toulouse. Small, quick, and versatile, Lowry could be molded into a version of New Zealand’s Damian McKenzie. If allowed to develop properly, he could be a full-back for the future.

Kearney’s closest competition in his international career likely came from Simon Zebo. Yet, Zebo was often deployed on the wing instead. But, many would argue that 15 was his best position. Certainly, this is where he has thrived since moving to Racing 92. Now 30, a return to Ireland looks unlikely as Zebo is flourishing in the French capital. However, many were disappointed that he wasn’t afforded the same courtesy as Johnny Sexton was when playing abroad.

Besides, the current Irish squad has backs who possess the versatility to play at full-back already. Robbie Henshaw has done it before. Likewise with Andrew Conway and Jacob Stockdale. But these players are best deployed in their primary positions and are unlikely to be a permanent fix.

One thing that is clear is that Rob Kearney’s retirement leaves a gap in the Irish team that needs to be filled. These are big shoes to fill. However, the competition between Larmour and Addison is only healthy. Currently, it seems to be swinging Larmour’s way and it would appear that it is his jersey to lose.

They could do a lot worse than look to Rob Kearney for inspiration.

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/8-nations-rugby-championship-fixtures-and-pools/

https://twitter.com/patmccarry/status/1307354837802196993

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