Home Blog Page 460

Rhode seal 30th Championship with victory over Tullamore

Rhode showed their class as they returned to the pedestal of Offaly football with victory over Tullamore. After losing last year’s final, they ensured their record of not going two years without a title since 2002 – ’03 remained intact.

Tullamore had the added advantage of a strong wind in the opening half. To illustrate, Nigel Bracken and Aaron Leavy kicked early long-range scores to take the lead. Meanwhile, Rhode had to be patient and clinical. This is exactly what they did and soon after the water break Naill McNamee registered his first point to send Rhode 0-3 to 0-2 ahead.

Rhode’s defence was tigerish but in dreadful conditions chances were bound to occur. When they did, Tullamore took full advantage. For example, when Leavy and Ciaran Egan scored in first-half added time, they gave Tullamore a 0-5 to 0-3 lead.

But, with the wind on the side of Rhode after the break, McNamee came to life. Firstly, he and his cousin Ruairí kicked four unanswered points to swing the tide. In contrast, Tullamore’s supply line had dried up and the gap was soon extended after the water-break. Aaron Kellaghan put Rhode five points clear with a poacher’s goal.

Rhode controlled possession in the closing stages. It wasn’t until the 55th minute that Tullamore registered their first second-half score.

There was still time for a nervy finish after Aaron Leavy scored Tullamore’s goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Despite one more goal-line scare, Rhode held on and reclaimed the Offaly title after just a one-year absence. The victory over Tullamore showing why they remain the kingpins of Offaly football.

Teams

Scorers for Rhode: Niall McNamee 0-5 (0-1m), Aaron Kellaghan 1-1, Anton Sullivan, Dylan Kavanagh & Ruairí McNamee 0-1 each.

Scorers for Tullamore: Aaron Leavy 1-2, John Moloney 0-2f, Nigel Bracken, Ciarán Egan & Peter Fox 0-1 each.

RHODE: Ken Garry; Brian Darby, Jake Kavanagh, James McPadden; Gareth McNamee, Eoin Rigney, Niall Darby; Dylan Kavanagh, Alan McNamee; Ciarán Heavey, Rúairí McNamee, Conor McNamee; Aaron Kellaghan, Niall McNamee, Anton Sullivan. Subs: Paul McPadden for Heavey (37), Stephen Hannon for Sullivan (53), Keith Murphy for G McNamee (59), Pauric Sullivan for R McNamee (59), Darren Garry for A McNamee (60).

TULLAMORE: Shaun Martin; Ciarán Burns, Paul McConway, Patrick Robilliard; Kevin O’Brien, Declan Hogan, Oisín Keenan Martin; Ciarán Egan, Aaron Leavy; Nigel Bracken, Michael Brazil, Luke Plunkett; Peter Fox, John Moloney, Luke Egan. Subs: Shane Dooley for L Egan (half-time), Corey White for S Martin (47), Ger Ward for Plunkett (60).

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

https://twitter.com/Offaly_GAA/status/1312797727768616960

Ratoath Retain Meath Title thanks to 69th minute Goal

With the clock in the red last Sunday, it looked as if Gaeil Colmcille had done enough to win the Meath title when Brian Hanlon slotted home a penalty. However, Ratoath had other plans. Joey Wallace turned in a goalmouth scramble in the 69th minute to send the Keegan Cup back to Ratoath.

Thankfully, it was a free-flowing attacking game. After just 10 minutes, the holders were 0-5 to 0-2 ahead. Man of the match Wallace was immediately influential. For example, he was directly involved in four of those five early points.

But, the Kells-based team didn’t need much time to draw level. By the 14th minute it was 0-5 each. From there, Gaeil Colmcille kicked on. Hanlon was accurate with his free-taking and he rewarded his side with a 0-9 to 0-6 lead at half-time.

In the second-half, the game continued to ebb and flow. To illustrate, by the 50th minute Joey Wallace fisted it over the bar to put Ratoath ahead again. Gaeil Colmcille still had plenty left in the tank though. In addition, a red card for Ratoath’s Emmet Boyle in the 58th minute gave them a boost. Seamus Mattimoe was superb all day and it was him who drew the sides level at 0-13 a piece with the clock running down.

Then, when Bryan Hanlon scored a goal from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute it looked like the Meath title was returning to Kells for the first time since 1991.

But, a McMahon point left two in after 6 minutes of added time. After that, Ratoath bombed high balls inside and hoped to get a good bounce. Consequently, when Andrew Gerrard’s floater bounced in the box, Joey Wallace reacted quickest and flicked it past Justin Carry-Lynch.

As a result, Ratoath retained the Meath title in the most dramatic of fashions. It ended 1-14 to 1-13.

Ratoath: Shane Duffy; Ciaran O Fearraigh, Conor McGill, Ben Wyer; Andrew Gerrard, Gavin McGowan, Jack Gillespie; Ben McGowan, Cian O’Brien (0-01); Jack Flynn (0-01), Bryan McMahon (0-05, 0-03f), Conor Rooney; Joey Wallace (1-03), Cian Rogers, Daithi McGowan (0-04, 0-03f, 0-01 45).

Subs: Eamon Wallace for Rogers 38, Emmett Boyle for Gillespie 34, Connell Ahearne for Rooney 52, Keith McCabe for O’Brien 56, Darragh Kelly for B McGowan 63.

Gaeil Colmcille: Justin Carry-Lynch; Adam Muldoon, Paul Tormey, James Reilly (0-01); Jordan Muldoon, Sean Curran, Fionn Reilly; Liam Ferguson (0-01), Philip Ward; Conal Courtney (0-01), Keith Reilly, Evan Sheridan (0-01); Seamus Mattimoe (0-04, 0-03f), Brian Hanlon (1-05, 1-00 pen, 0-03f), Aaron Lynch.

Subs: Barry Smith for Ward 38, Barry Tormey for Curran 48, Keith Reilly for Courtney 59, Ryan Farnham for Hanlon 65, Cian Doogan for Barrett 66.

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/top-5-forwards-in-gaelic-football/

https://twitter.com/SportTG4/status/1313026389151567873

Galway United v Drogheda United postponed due to positive Covid tests

The SSE Airtricity League First Division fixture between Galway United and Drogheda United has been postponed.

Two positive COVID-19 cases have been identified in the Galway United squad and as a result the whole first team squad and staff are now restricting their movements and awaiting tests, following HSE and government guidelines.

The new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.

This is the thrift reported incident today, with Munster Rugby suspending training and FAI reporting one of the international back room team has tested positive

FAI confirms positive COVID-19 test for backroom team member

The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that a member of the international team backroom staff has tested positive for Coronavirus.

COVID-19 protocols have now been executed and contact tracing has resulted in two additional staff members now restricting their movements. All three backroom staff members are asymptomatic and are well. The two close contacts have tested negative. All players, management team and other backroom staff members have also tested negative.

Public Health has been informed and have written to the FAI confirming compliance with public health advice and permission for the squad, coaching staff and the rest of the backroom team to travel to Slovakia this afternoon.

Nigel Owens to referee champions cup final

Nigel Owens of Wales and Ireland’s Andrew Brace have been appointed to referee the 2020 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals respectively following a meeting of a selection committee chaired by EPCR’s Head of Match Officials, Joel Jutge.

The vastly-experienced Owens will be taking charge of his seventh Heineken Champions Cup final, and his ninth European club decider in all, when Exeter Chiefs go head-to-head with Racing 92 at Ashton Gate on Saturday week (17 October).

Owens, who will be in the middle for his 115th tournament match, will have Scotland’s Mike Adamson and Craig Evans of Wales as his assistants, while Ian Davies, also of Wales, has been appointed as TMO.

Meanwhile, the Challenge Cup final meeting of Bristol Bears and RC Toulon in Aix-en-Provence on Friday week (16 October) will see Brace refereeing his first European final after taking charge of last month’s Guinness PRO14 decider.

Brace will be assisted by Frank Murphy and George Clancy, also of Ireland, with Brian McNeice as TMO.

Challenge Cup final – Bristol Bears v RC Toulon
Friday 16 October – Stade Maurice-David, Aix-en-Provence (21.00)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire); Assistant referees: Frank Murphy (Ire), George Clancy (Ire); TMO: Brian McNeice (Ire)

Heineken Champions Cup final – Exeter Chiefs v Racing 92
Saturday 17 October – Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol (16.45)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wal); Assistant referees: Mike Adamson (Sco), Craig Evans (Wal); TMO: Ian Davies (Wal)

Munster Rugby suspend training due to positive Covid test

Munster Rugby has suspended training after  a senior player has tested positive for Covid-19.

The latest PCR testing carried out on Monday at the HPC has returned a positive result for a player who is asymptomatic.  To remove any doubt of a potential false positive the player will be retested tomorrow.

The individual, who was not part of the travelling group at the weekend, and six other players identified by Munster Rugby as potential close contacts, are currently self-isolating.   This approach of identifying possible close contacts is in line with the caution we have taken to this issue, these players may not be deemed close contacts by the HSE.

As a precautionary measure the squad and academy will not train at the HPC today.

The HSE have been notified for contract tracing purposes.

Further PCR testing will take place tomorrow at the HPC with a return to scheduled training planned for Thursday ahead of Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 encounter against Edinburgh at Thomond Park.

Munster Rugby Head of Medical, Dr Jamie Kearns, said: “As an immediacy we are taking every precaution by standing down training today.

“We are going to complete another round of PCR testing tomorrow so that we can return to training on Thursday.

“Our priority is to ensure the health and safety of our players and staff, and we will continue to work closely with both the IRFU and HSE in this regard.”

Greenwatch – Injury Blow for Seamus Coleman

Premier League

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman will miss the pivotal play-off game against Slovakia on Thursday after picking up an injury in Everton’s win over the weekend. This is a blow for Stephen Kenny as Coleman has been in fine form since the season began. It is anticipated that Matt Doherty, who didn’t feature in Spurs’ memorable 6-1 win over Manchester United, will retain his spot in the team.

Despite Sheffield United losing their fourth game of the season, David McGoldrick scored a terrific consolation goal against Arsenal. It was the Blades’ first goal of the new campaign. Enda Stevens and John Egan also featured in the game.

Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Connolly, James McCarthy and Callum Robinson all started for their respective clubs. All four players will be eager to play their part on Thursday evening.

Championship

In the Championship Sean Maguire scored his first of the season as he netted Preston North End’s fourth goal in a comfortable win. Alan Browne captained the side. Maguire, who has yet to feature under Stephen Kenny, will be hoping to continue this form in front of goal if he wants to be a part of Kenny’s plans.

Adam Idah is finding it hard to push Teemu Pukki out of the side at Norwich City. He came on with a half an hour left on the clock but struggled to make an impact against Derby County. In contrast, Jason Knight enjoyed his afternoon as his Derby team ran out one nil winners.

The Irish youngster has continued his impressive form this season after his emergence onto the scene last year. Although he will have to settle for a place in the in the U21 squad for now, his eyes will be firmly fixed on the senior team. Derby boss Phillip Cocu was over the moon with Knight’s performance: “How Jason Knight played today, especially for his age, was excellent.”

Blackburn Rovers’ Darragh Lenihan has also been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. Kevin Long and Cyrus Christie have been called in to replace both Lenihan and Coleman.

Scottish Premier League

Shane Duffy grabbed an assist and a clean sheet for Celtic as they beat St. Jonhstone with two late goals. The Scottish champions have not conceded a goal in five out of their last seven games since Duffy arrived in Glasgow. They play Rangers after the International break.

GAA statement – Gaelic Football and Hurling matches cancelled indefinitely

The GAA has announced cancellation of all GAA activities due to the scenes after county finals in Cork and Galway.

Let’s hope inter county can go ahead if we are not in level 5 restrictions

GAA Statement

The GAA’s Management Committee has today endorsed a decision to suspend all GAA Club games ​at all levels with immediate effect ​and until further notice.

The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents that have been brought to our attention in recent days. ​In particular, post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events have proved disappointing and problematic.

This directive applies to all ages and all grades across the island.

Club Social Centres / bars are also to close.

​Training will continue to be permitted as per the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Government’s National Framework for Living with Covid 19 and relevant guidelines in the Six Counties.

The GAA will continue to monitor the situation in the ​coming days and weeks, regarding changes in government guidelines, before liaising with our units accordingly.

The Association would also like to acknowledge all of those units who have worked diligently in complying with the public health advice around the staging of our games and training sessions since activity resumed.

More than ever, we ask that you continue with this approach where training sessions for your players is continuing

The top 5 midfielders in hurling

Here we rank the top 5 midfielders in hurling.
These five men are at the very top of their games and will no doubt put all their talents on display when inter county hurling returns in October.
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)

Awarded man of the match for his performance in the All Ireland, 2019 was arguably the Loughmore – Castleiney man’s best year in a Tipperary jersey.

The move to midfield by Liam Sheedy has proven to be a masterstroke by the Tipperary boss, with biggest surprise of 2019 the fact that McGrath was overlooked for a Hurler of the Year nomination.

The 29 year old appears to be getting better with age and in this new position for the senior team seemingly bringing the best out of him, Tipp fans will hope for many more performances like the one they got in the 2019 All Ireland.

Cian Lynch (Limerick)

The 2018 hurler of the year is one of the most stylish hurlers to ever grace the game.

But behind the style there is definitely substance with the Patrickswell man’s work rate an often under appreciated part of his overall skill set.

The 24 year old is a magician in possession,  with his ability to carry the ball from his midfield position pretty much unrivaled in the game, while he is more than capable of pitching in with important scores for his team.

Jamie Barron (Waterford)

A two time All-Star, Barron has often been the highlight in a struggling Waterford side over the last couple of years.

A bundle of energy in midfield with a fair helping of class to go with it, Barron has managed to maintain his excellent form even if his team’s performances in the Championship have slipped.

Since reaching the All Ireland final in 2017 Waterford have had three senior hurling managers, with fans of the Deise hoping current manager Liam Cahill can be the man to inspire them once more after a couple of quiet Championships by their standards.

Fundamental to Waterford will be the performances of the fleet-footed The Nire club man.

Diarmuid O’ Keefe (Wexford)

O’ Keefe is a driving force from midfield in Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford team that are making great strides under the Clare legend.

The 28 year old picked up his first All-Star for his form in 2019, as he put on a midfield masterclass for much of the season.

The St Anne’s clubman is full if running for his team and is a nightmare for opposition midfielders, because he never seems to stop.

David Burke (Galway)

If Galway want to right the wrongs of their disastrous 2019 Championship then the 2017 All Ireland winning captain is going to be instrumental for Shane O’ Neill’s team.

An inspirational figure in Galway, Burke is capable of sublime moments on a pitch, and is well worth his place on this list of the top 5 midfielders in hurling.

Whether that’s coming up with a massive score for his team, or clearing a ball from his own defence, the St Thomas’ man is someone Galway are going to need to play at the highest level if they are going to get back into the All Ireland equation, when the Championship begins.

 

 

Top 5 Forwards in Hurling

Top 5 Forwards in Hurling

 

The game has been blessed with so many great forwards down through the generations but the 5 men listed below would grace any time of the sport.

TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

One of the best hurlers of his generation, Reid is undoubtedly the leader of Kilkenny hurling these days.

Deadly accurate from placed balls and open play, Reid is also a ferocious winner of ball anywhere in the forward line. This enables him to pick off scores himself or lay on assists for his teammates, which he does  better than anyone else.

The Ballyhale man is maintaining a level of excellence that only a select few even on this list can compete with, and Kilkenny are going to need him to hold onto it, if they are to be competitive in the 2020 All Ireland Championship.

Joe Canning (Galway)

For so long the Portumna man looked like he was going to go through his Galway career without landing the Liam McCarthy.

His talent and personal performances built an unfair dependency from his county that was never going to be enough to bring his team to All Ireland glory.

As Galway began to evolve towards the back end of the 2010’s though, and better forwards began to emerge to help out their talisman, Canning saw his performances get even better.

Playing some of the best hurling of his career, Canning finally won the All Ireland in 2017 and was named Hurler of the Year, an accolade that could easily have gone to him again in 2018 when he lifted his personal form to an even higher level.

Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)

The most devastating forward in hurling today.

Callanan fittingly won the Hurler of the Year award for his exploits with Tipperary in 2019, when he catapulted his already stellar career to even greater heights.

He scored eight goals in the 2019 Championship one in every game as he led his county to his third All Ireland medal, and fourth All-Star.

He also overtook Henry Shefflin as the highest ever Championship scorer from open play.

Patrick Horgan (Cork)

The only man on this list that doesn’t have an All Ireland title to his name, don’t let that underestimate just how great a player Patrick Horgan really is.

The third highest scorer in Championship history, Horgan has been the highest scoring free taker of the last decade.

His scoring record from play stacks up against the best as well however, with only Seamus Callanan scoring more from play over the last decade than the Glen Rovers man.

Few can dispute the 32 year old’s greatness as he gets set to start another Championship with Cork, hoping this is the one when he can finally claim that coveted Celtic Cross.

Aaron Gillane (Limerick)

The 2018 All Ireland winner is the heir to the men listed above as the next attacking superstar in the game.

The Patrickswell man already feared, is still developing into an elite level full forward but he has all the attributes needed to take over as the most devastating inside forward in hurling.

He possesses that bit of magic top quality inside forwards need.

He has great hands to either allow him to catch a high ball that’s put into him, or be able to create a scoring opportunity, and he is beginning to develop that ruthless streak that the best attackers must have.

1...459460461...598Page 460 of 598

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie