Two rounds of the Underwriting Exchange National Grand Prix took place over the weekend. Tipperary Equestrian Centre hosted on Saturday with Killossery, Co. Dublin, the venue for Sunday’s competition.
Joan Greene took her first win in the Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix on Saturday, when taking the victory aboard Vivendi Tipperary. The Clare native came home with nothing to add in 37.08 seconds to take the winner’s share of the €2,000 in the Tipperary Equestrian sponsored class.
This was Greene and the ten-year-old mare’s third Grand Prix since the season resumed. At the round in Barnadown, they produced a double clear round, but finished outside the top six placings.
Taking the runner-up spot on Saturday were Kevin Gallagher and ESI Star Struck, crossing the line clear in 38.09 seconds.
Greg Broderick was third with the eight-year-old Coolivio PS in 40.73 seconds, with Waterford’s Gemma Phelan and Coolisheal Lance fourth with a clear round in a time of 42.10 seconds.
Mark Finnerty and All Action won in Killossery on Sunday. Credit: Laurence Dunne/jumpinaction.net.
On Sunday, Wicklow man Mark Finnerty won round eight of the Underwriting Exchange National Grand Prix in Killossery, with the nine-year-old chestnut gelding All Action, as the pair produced a winning clear round in 37.25 seconds.
Taking the runner-up spot behind the young rider from Redcross in Wicklow was Stephen Murphy with Chantelle, as the combination kept all the poles in place in a time of 37.96 seconds.
Derek Mc Connell filled two slots in this line-up. Riding the seven-year-old mare, Izzy, he was fastest of the four faulters in 38.21 seconds for third place, while he also took fifth place with the eight-year-old Dothraki Warlord – this combination were the fastest four faulters in the first round in 69.94 seconds.
Separating Mc Connell’s placings, when slotting into fourth place was Thomas Foley and Cassido, who also had a pole down in a time of 39.38 seconds.
John Floody also had one pole down in the first round with Ballyknock Diamond, but a fast time of 70.70 seconds saw them take sixth place.
Brest will host the beginning of the 2021 Tour de France after Danish capital Copenhagen pulled out of because of a clash with the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament and will now host it in 2022 instead.
The Tour De France in 2021 will start earlier on June 22nd. This is to avoid a clash with the Tokyo Olympics in Japan. The conclusion of the event will take place on July 18th, which will be six days before the Olympic road race in Tokyo. The chief of the Tour De France, Christian Prudhomme said, “We have been talking with local authorities about this since 2018,”. “We were originally thinking about 2022, but the pandemic has changed all that.”The Mayor of Copenhagen said “We want the Tour but we don’t can’t do it for security and logistical reasons, for us to accommodate. The only possible solution was a year later.”
Brest which is in the province of Brittany is a cycling hotspot and was originally meant to host the start of the 2024 Tour De France. The reasoning behind this was to celebrate the 70th birthday of Bernard Hinault, who hails from the region, or in 2025 in honor of his fifth Tour de France win in 1985.
5 time World Snooker Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has found himself in the spotlight again after he launched an attack on the next generation of players coming through.
O’Sullivan stated that “The standard of snooker is so bad that he” would have to lose and arm and a leg to slip down the rankings”. He beat Ding Junhui on Sunday 13-10 to set up a quarter-final clash with Mark Williams. However, O’Sullivan was having none of it in the interview and lost a an attack on the next generation of players stating “If you look at the younger players coming through, they’re not that good really”. He said that most of them would so well as amateurs or not even amateurs they’re so bad a lot of them.
Ronnie O’Sullivan just straight up brutal on the reason for his longevity in snooker pic.twitter.com/4bL5FAd1Cs
O’Sullivan who was last crowned World Champion in 2013 continued, “A lot of them you see now, you think, cor, I’ve probably got to lose an arm and a leg to fall outside the top 50. So that’s why we’re hovering around – because of how poor it is down that end.” In the interview O’Sullivan also stated that “while he still playing snooker he wants to enjoy it”. Stating that he didn’t care if he won or lost at this stage is in career.
The man effectively known as “The Rocket” for his quick playing said he would rather the tournament in the K2 leisure centre in Crawley. However, O’Sullivan has described the venue as a “hellhole” in the past. He said, “To be honest I prefer the format of Crawley because it’s the best of seven, so it’s a quick in-and-out. “Here it’s a great venue but it’s bit hectic and a bit stressful. I’d rather take the Crawley option to be honest with you.”
The Wordsley born star raced into two frames clear with breaks of 87 and 73. However, his Chinese opponent responded with a break of 88 after O’Sullivan missed a black. O’Sullivan went into a 11-9 lead with a 60 break, only for Ding to make a break of 81. However, the Rocket then rolled off a century, with 117 and nearly made it two in a row in the next frame with a break of 93.
O”Sullivan will now face fellow veteran Mark Williams in the last eight.
Kildare, Laois and Offaly GAA pitches can now reopen following a meeting of the Covid Advisory Group on Monday. Although, GAA pitches can reopen in the three counties, which were put on lockdown last week, no matches will be allowed to take place.
The GAA’s Covid advisory group met this evening to consider the implications for clubs in @CLGLaois, @Offaly_GAA, and @KildareGAA arising from the restrictions imposed on those Counties in recent days. #GAA
Following the partial shutdown in the three counties the GAA,LGFA and Camogie Association issued a collaborated statement stating that no matches would be allowed to take place in them counties for at least two weeks. All GAA grounds in those counties were to remain shut until further notice. GAA training will now be able to recommence, however it will be limited to non contact and with a limit of 15 players. Indoor meetings can take place but no more than 6 people from no more than three households can come together.
In a statement the Covid Advisory Group said that “They are satisfied that to date the incidence of reported positive Covid cases among those participating in Gaelic Games in Laois, Offaly and Kildare is miniscule, and no higher or lower than the general incidence among GAA clubs nationwide.” Furthermore, the statement read, “The associations’ expectation that once restrictions are lifted in those counties that clubs will be able to resume activity on the basis that their fellow clubs in the other 29 counties are currently operating.”
The Europa League first round draw took place on Monday. Shamrock Rovers are the only Irish side that will receive home advantage against Finnish side Tampere.
It is expected Rovers will face Tampere at Tallaght Stadium as Finland are currently a country on Ireland’s green travel list. Tampere are currently in mid table in the Finland League. They were beaten in the first round of the Europa League in 2018, which incidentally was there first appearance in European football in three decades.
Bohemians will face a difficult task against Fehervar. This side was formerly known as Videoton and are based in Hungary. Derry City will have to travel to Lithuania to face Riteriai. These played also in the first round last year by Faroese opposition. They are in poor form in Lithuania though having only won one game from 14. Derry and Bohemians will be allowed to play in the respective countries as they currently are on the Irish government’s green travel list.
Other fixtures include Aberdeen who play NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands. The winner of that game faces Barry Town United of Wales. Motherwell of Scotland will face Northern Ireland League side Glentoran or FC Torshavn.
Games will take place on a one leg basis on August 27th. If normal time isn’t enough extra time and penalties will be required. The winners of the games will advance to round two.
As we know Schmidt is a fantastic coach having spent 6 years at the helm over Ireland. He has also at Bay of Plenty as well as at the Blues where he was an assistant coach. However, in 2006 Schmidt moved to Clermont in France where he operated as assistant coach to Vern Cotter. Schmidt then moved to Leinster in 2010 to take up the mantle as Head coach. He a remarkable stint at Leinster, leading them to a Pro12 title and two Champions Cup titles. The Kiwi then took on the role as Ireland national team head coach in 2013.
An announcement on who will get the job is expected in mid September. The role was set to be made due to some poor decisions from referees at the Rugby World Cup in last year and the issues with high tackling. Schmidt has said that he would be taking time out from coaching but a return to rugby in some capacity was always on the cards and this role might suit much better than another high-profile coaching gig.
Team Sunweb has announced that French cyclist Romain Bardet will join them on a two-year contract from 2021.
Bardet, an experienced climber, has tasted success at the Tour de France where he won three stages, finished both second and third on General Classification along with achieving two sixth place finishes, and claiming the famous polka dot jersey as King of the Mountains.
Speaking of his move to Team Sunweb, where he will join Irish cyclist Nicolas Roche, the Frenchman said:
“I am very happy to have signed for Team Sunweb. When considering options outside my current team, it was really important for me to find a team that works progressively, involving the latest technology in equipment and other domains. I also wanted a team with a clear vision on the sport and one that is a member of MPCC.”
Further explaining his decision to sign with Team Sunweb, Bardet added:
“At Team Sunweb I have the opportunity to start with no specific expectations or a specific race to target. Instead we will focus first on the basics and the fundamentals, working hard and with dedication to improve on all different areas as an athlete – after this we will look to race schedules and goals. This opportunity comes at the right moment in my career and I am very motivated to start working with the team and its group of very promising riders. I want to express my thanks to my current team AG2R La Mondiale, who helped me to develop until now, my time with them will always have a special place in my memories.”
Despite his impressive climbing result, 29-year-old Bardet can’t be pigeonholed as only a pure climber as the French rider has also excelled in one-day races. He took a silver medal at the World Championships in Innsbruck, was third place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and took second place in brutal conditions at Strade Bianche, showing himself to be a versatile and tactically aware cyclist on a variety of terrain.
Bardet has been a professional since 2012 and brings a wealth of experience of competing at the highest level in the biggest races to the team’s blossoming pool of promising riders.
The Extra.ie FAI Cup first round matches will all be available to watch live on WATCHLOI.
Three matches are set to take place in the first round of the Extra.ie FAI Cup starting tonight.
St. Patrick’s Athletic will travel to Finn Harps with kick-off at 7.45pm, before a double-header tomorrow.
SSE Airtricity League Champions Dundalk welcome Waterford to Oriel Park and First Division Longford Town travel to Cork City, with kick-off at 7.45pm in both fixtures.
Season pass holders will be able to watch all three of the matches as part of their package whilst match passes will also be available for the games.
Season passes are just €55 for the entire season whilst match passes for each game are just €5.
For the Tuesday double-header, you can watch both matches at the same time on different devices through the same account.
David McGoldrick has been named as the 2019 ‘Three’ FAI Senior Men’s International Player of the Year.
In a year that saw the striker return to the Republic of Ireland Senior Men’s squad, he scored his first goal (against Switzerland) and made a valuable contribution to the team.
McGoldrick, who has 12 senior caps in total, was surprised to learn of his win but delighted to accept it following a stand-out period for Ireland, as well as for his club, Sheffield United.
“I’m surprised. I think there are a lot of players who could have got it from their performances throughout the campaign. There is a wealth of experience and young, talented players as well so it’s a real honour and privilege to win this award ahead of them,” McGoldrick told FAI TV.
“In previous years I was in and out of the squads and didn’t really get the consistent game-time, which is fair enough. But to get game-time and to show what I can do and to win this award on the back end of it ahead of Enda Stevens and Glenn Whelan, I’m proud of myself for that.
“It’s been a crazy year. It’s gone really fast. Obviously I got my international goal at the start of the season, which gave me massive confidence. My performances have been good and to score my two Premier League goals that’s what I wanted, that’s what every player wants. Altogether it’s been a crazy and a weird season at the same time with what is happening in the world.”
The 32-year-old has already spoken with new Ireland manager Stephen Kenny and he is hoping to be named in the squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland next month.
“Everyone will be itching to see what the squad is and if you get selected. I know it’s going to be a busy schedule when we meet up but everyone will be itching to impress – first impressions are a big one,” he said.
“It will be no different if you are one of the older ones, like me, or a younger boy who is getting his first call-up you are going to be itching for it. And that’s good because it balances out the whole team and everyone is fighting for the shirt and that’s what we want.”
Even though his international career is only starting to take off, McGoldrick has plenty still to fight for with a spot at next summer’s UEFA European Championships top of the list.
“That’s what we’re all aiming for, to play in the European Championships,” said the striker.
“All of the hard work we’ve done for the past couple of years to get into this position, we now have one tough game first and we’ve got to get through that. I have every confidence in the boys. When we play to our best we’re a match for anyone.”
The winner of the Young International Player of the Year award is midfielder Alan Browne, who was selected ahead of Josh Cullen and Callum Robinson.
Credit: FAI.
This category takes into consideration players aged 25 years or younger who have represented the Senior Men’s team in the respective year of the awards taking place.
Browne is no stranger to collecting International awards having picked up the Schools International Player of the Year in 2013 when studying at Nagle Community College and then lifting the Under-21 Player of the Year in 2015.
Andy Sullivan was an impressive 7-shot winner of the English Championship as the former Ryder Cup player claiming his fourth European Tour title.
The Englishman held the lead in the UK Swing’s third event since day two, when he signed for a course-record 62, and never relinquished his place at the summit. A third round 64 handed the 34-year-old a five-stroke advantage heading into the final day on Sunday at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club, and he never let up on the final day.
Sullivan said of his first European Tour title win in five years:
“I’m proud of myself. I wasn’t quite stuck in the doldrums but it just hasn’t quite happened for me since those three wins 2015 and it feels like a weight off my shoulders now, and I think it told out there today.
“I never really felt comfortable out on the golf course all day, I found it quite a battle the whole way around until I started dropping a couple of putts on the back nine and my lead started increasing. I was always on guard today, I knew Adrian was there breathing down my neck.”
An eagle three at the par five second hole quashed the early hopes of a determined chasing pack which included two-time European Tour winner Adrian Otaegui from Spain, whose five under front nine made him a leading contender for an upset.
Otaegui got to within two shots of the leader with six holes to play, but Sullivan picked up four shots on the way home to claim the victory with a six under par 65 and a 27 under total, winning by seven shots from Otaegui on 20 under par.
Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard was one shot further back in third, with South African Wilco Nienaber on 18 under par and England’s Steven Brown on 17 under.
Co. Down golfer Cormac Sharvin couldn’t maintain the heroics of his opening round of 63. The Ardglass man shot a second round 70 on Friday and carded two rounds of 69 over the weekend for a four-round score of 271, leaving him 14 shots behind the winner.
Sullivan moves from 42nd to 15th in the Race to Dubai Rankings as a result of the win. It also moved him to the top of the UK Swing Order of Merit after three events, with the top ten after the sixth and final tournament sharing an additional £250,000 from the European Tour’s Golf for Good initiative, to donate to the charity of their choice. The top ten not otherwise exempt after the fifth event will also gain spots in the U.S Open at Winged Foot next month.
Round Four Scores
257 A SULLIVAN (ENG) 66 62 64 65,
264 A OTAEGUI (ESP) 65 66 67 66,
265 R HOJGAARD (DEN) 65 67 69 64,
266 W NIENABER (RSA) 68 65 67 66,
267 S BROWN (ENG) 66 65 66 70,
268 D BURMESTER (RSA) 66 63 69 70, B STONE (RSA) 65 66 67 70, M LEE (AUS) 64 67 70 67,
269 N COLSAERTS (BEL) 65 66 68 70, D COUPLAND (ENG) 69 65 66 69, S VINCENT (ZIM) 64 70 68 67, S CROCKER (USA) 69 67 66 67, S JAMIESON (SCO) 74 63 68 64,
270 J SCRIVENER (AUS) 64 69 66 71, J DONALDSON (WAL) 67 64 69 70, J SMITH (ENG) 68 65 67 70, M ARMITAGE (ENG) 68 69 63 70, L DE JAGER (RSA) 69 66 67 68,
271 R FOX (NZL) 67 67 66 71, O LENGDEN (SWE) 65 66 70 70, A JOHNSTON (ENG) 66 65 71 69, C SHARVIN (NIR) 63 70 69 69, C SYME (SCO) 65 69 68 69, C PAISLEY (ENG) 68 65 70 68, E FERGUSON (SCO) 67 70 69 65,
272 M SIMONSEN (DEN) 65 68 66 73, B STOW (ENG) 70 67 64 71, A COCKERILL (CAN) 67 68 68 69, N HOJGAARD (DEN) 67 68 69 68, O FISHER (ENG) 67 68 69 68, R ROUSSEL (FRA) 67 69 68 68, R LANGASQUE (FRA) 65 70 70 67, A ROZNER (FRA) 67 69 69 67,
273 L CANTER (ENG) 64 65 70 74, R RAMSAY (SCO) 66 68 69 70, L WESTWOOD (ENG) 66 69 68 70, M WARREN (SCO) 68 68 67 70, A PAVAN (ITA) 68 68 67 70, R PARATORE (ITA) 69 67 69 68, A MERONK (POL) 66 69 71 67, T OLESEN (DEN) 66 70 70 67, J VEERMAN (USA) 67 69 70 67, L GAGLI (ITA) 68 69 69 67,
274 A CANIZARES (ESP) 69 64 69 72, S KIM (USA) 67 65 72 70, R SANTOS (POR) 68 68 69 69, J SENIOR (ENG) 65 72 68 69, A RAI (ENG) 68 69 68 69, T TREE (ENG) 67 67 72 68, R WATTEL (FRA) 65 71 70 68, S HEND (AUS) 71 66 70 67, M JIMINEZ (ESP) 66 68 74 66,
275 J HANSEN (DEN) 69 66 70 70, J HARDING (RSA) 67 65 74 69, M SCHNEIDER (GER) 67 70 69 69,
276 T DETRY (BEL) 64 72 66 74, R BLAND (ENG) 65 66 73 72, D DRYSDALE (SCO) 65 70 70 71, J GUERRIER (FRA) 70 67 69 70, B EASTON (RSA) 66 69 72 69,
277 M SOUTHGATE (ENG) 67 69 69 72,
278 R MCEVOY (ENG) 70 66 70 72,
279 T PULKKANEN (FIN) 70 67 70 72, W BESSELING (NED) 70 67 75 67,
281 L SLATTERY (ENG) 69 67 71 74, K SAMOOJA (FIN) 67 70 71 73, P LARRAZABAL (ESP) 69 67 74 71,
282 D HOWELL (ENG) 64 71 73 74, R ENOCH (WAL) 66 70 72 74,
283 E CUARTERO BLANCO (ESP) 71 66 73 73,
285 C SHINKWIN (ENG) 68 67 69 81, B RITTHAMMER (GER) 69 65 77 74, D LAW (SCO) 68 68 76 73.
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