Plenty of games took place on Saturday in the various club championship across the country. Let’s take you through our club football round up below.
In Dublin defending champions Ballyboden St Enda’s had a resounding win over Clontarf. Boden, the 2019 Leinster Champions were level at the break with Clontarf who had Jack McCaffrey and Chris Barrett in their ranks. However, they pulled clear in the second half to in by 4-20 to 2-08. Furthermore, Kilmacud Crokes struck six goals in an emphatic win over Raheny. The Stillorgan based side triumphing by 21 points in the end 6-13 to 1-10. Whitehall-Colmcille tested St Vincent’s but experience of Tomas Quinn and others helped Vinnies to a 2-15 to 1-13 win. Ciaran Kilkenny’s Castleknock had a good win over neighbours Oliver Plunketts. Castleknock winning 2-15 to 1-11 despite Bernard Brogan grabbing a goal for the losers. St Judes had a 1-10 to 0-08 win over Na Fianna.
Ballymun Kickhams had a big win over Skerries Harps. 2012 champions Kickhams secured a 3-18 to 0-12 win in a dominant performance. Lucan Sarsfields proved too strong for Ballinteer St Johns, easing to a 10 point win, 0-19 to 0-09. Three games also took in the Cork SFC. Douglas beat Bishopstown 1-14 to 1-09, Newcestown overcame Ilen Rovers, while Clonakilty had to much fire power for Carrigaline in a 1-12 to 0-08 win. In Roscommon, Clann Na nGael and St Brigids played out an entertaining 1-14 each draw. Elphin had a good win over Strokestown 1-09 to 0-10. Elphin top the group as a result.
In Group B, then Western Gaels beat Roscommon Gaels 0-10 to 0-07, while St Croans held of Fuerty 0-8 to 0-6 in a low scoring affair. In Group C Michael Glaveys held off Tulsk 2-11 to 1-07. The Kerry championship also rolled into town. Kenmare had a good win over Kerrins O’Rahilly’s, 2-09 to 0-13. Paul Geaney kicked a last gasp point for Dingle to secure a 0-15 each draw with Annascaul. Killarney Legion held off Kilcummin 0-15 to 1-10.
The club championships continued on Saturday and we can take a look at the round up of the games below. There were games in both games with some entertaining contests.
In the Galway SHC St Thomas’ had a good win over Castlegar. The holders trailed Castlegar by 10 points at one stage but clawed their way back into the game to win 2-23 to 3-18. Oisin Connolly scored 2-03 but a late goal from Galway senior hurler Conor Cooney sealed a narrow win for St Thomas. Liam Mellows had a narrow 1-18 to 1-16 win over Turloughmore. The Tipperary hurling championship also continued on Saturday. Thurles Sarsfields, Loughmore/Castleiney and Drom and Inch all had wins in their respective games. Seamus Callanan’s Drom and Inch held off Roscrea by two points, 2-18 to 2-16, while Thurles Sarsfields enjoyed a 1-19 to 1-13 over Kilruane McDonaghs. The McGrath brothers were to the fore in Loughmore/Castleiney win over Moycarkey-Boris.
Kiladanagan and JK Brackens also played out a draw at Semple Stadium. An injury time free from Bryan McLoughney meant the score was 1-20 to 3-14 at full time. In Waterford De La Salle had a big win over Ballysaggart. De Le Salle comfortably winning 2-21 to 1-11 in a game played at Fraher Field in Dungarvan. Sixmilebridge got their defence of the Clare SHC title off to a winning start beating Eire Og 0-17 to 0-12. Alex Morey registering 0-13 for the winners. Cratloe also had a good win over Kilmaley 3-15 to 2-11 in an entertaining contest. Wolfe Tones had to much firepower for Clarecastle as they won 4-19 to 0-16. Feakle had a good win over Whitegate 0-21 to 0-16 and O’Callaghan’s Mills beat Broadford 2-13 to 0-17.
In Wexford St Annes had just one point to spare over Glynn-Barntown. They won 2-17 to 1-19. St Anne’s guaranteed themselves a place in the quarter-finals. Ferns had a good win over Fethard winning 0-21 to 1-15.
Reigning County Champions and 2013 All-Ireland Club winners St.Thomas’ got the defence of their county title underway against Castlegar at Pearse Stadium at 6pm. The game looked to be going the way of the underdogs Castlegar, until a Conor Cooney goal in stoppage time snatched the win for Thomas’ who had trailed Castlegar by 2-13 to 0-10 at the break.
Castlegar started the stronger as they outscored the holders by six points to three in the opening ten minutes. Brendan Farrell came in for Darragh Burke after just 12mins, when the latter succumbed to an early knock. Farrell’s first involvement in the game was to send the ball over the bar for St.Thomas’. Veteran Ger Farragher replied straight away with a placed ball. The 2005 all-star was deadly accurate from placed balls all day. He also played a vital role in the games opening goal.
Farragher’s free from the left sideline in his own half dropped to Oisin Conolly inside the 21-yard line. He found the net with a sweet strike from the left of the goal. Connor Cooney pointed just prior to the first water break after 18mins. This left the score Castlegar 1-7 St.Thomas’ 0-5.
Two quick St.Thomas’ points after the restart again cut the arrears to three points. However, a second goal for Castlegar changed the momentum of the game. Oisin Conolly laid on a chance which Enda Concannon duly buried. Shortly after Dean Higgins tacked on another point. This was followed up by a brace from Ger Farragher. The first was long-range free from the left touchline. While the second was a tap over from open play much closer in.
A Brendan Farrell point for St.Thomas’ was responded to immediately by a Jack Coyne score at the other end. This pattern repeated itself again as a Conor Cooney pointed free was answered with Dean Higgins’ 4th point from the puck out.
Cillian Callaghan finished off a well-worked team score for Castlegar before another pointed free from Conor Cooney left the score at the break Castlegar 2-13 St.Thomas’ 0-10.
A tally of 1-08 from Conor Cooney helped St.Thomas to a narrow win over Castlegar. Photo credit: Shane Tighe.
Second Half
The champions emerged a different side after the break. St. Thomas’ went more direct with the wind now at their backs. Two Conor Cooney frees, a point from Eanna Burke, David Burke and David Sherry reduced the arrears to six points. Five points in the opening six mins of the half for St.Thomas’ saw the scoreboard now read Castlegar 2-13 St. Thomas’ 0-15.
It wasn’t all good news for St.Thomas, however, as Bernard Burke became their second player to be forced off injured. A Ger Farragher free from a tight angle broke the St.Thomas’ scoring streak. St.Thomas responded from with a point from David Burke. Another point from Oisin Flannery after a turnover cut the gap further. When Connor Cooney pointed another free for St.Thomas’ there was now only two points in it.
When Oisin Connolly fired home his second and Castlegar’s third goal the underdogs looked set to cause an upset. Photo credit: Shane Tighe
A crucial goal for Castlegar, a second from Oisin Conolly, seemed to have put them back in the driving seat. When a goal-line clearance from Castlegar’s Brian Hartnett denied Conor Cooney a certain three-pointer, it looked like it was an upset on the cards.
But St.Thomas dug deep, the resulting 65’ was sent over for Cooney’s 7th pointed free, his 8th, but first from play arrive shortly after. The 2nd water break was then called by referee Alan Kelly. At this stage Castlegar led by 3-14 to St.Thomas’ 0-20 heading into the final quarter.
Thomas cut the gap with a point from Oisin Flannery on the restart. Oisin Conolly hit a fine point in reply from under the stand for the Cashel men, to bring his personal tally to 2-3.
Jason O’Gorman stretched Castlegar’s lead with another point as the scoreline read 3-16 v 0-21 with three mins to go. However, 1-1 in the next two phases of play from Eanna Burke brought St.Thomas level with as the game ticked into the five minutes of Stoppage time added by referee Alan Kelly.
Eanna Burke gets ready to fire home. Photo credit: Shane Tighe.
Stoppage-time drama
Damien McGlynn gave away a cheap free from where the ball landed for a late push in the back. This gave Ger Farragher an easy free by his standard which he duly pointed. Another Farragher free added a two-point cushion.
Conor Cooney’s goal in stoppage time edged the champions in front and McGlynn atoned for his earlier error with a point. Castlegar came straight down the field and were awarded a 21 yard free when Dean Higgins was taken down as he cut in from the sideline. Ger Farragher saw his effort repelled by the amassed St.Thomas’s defenders as the champions cleared their lines to the sound of the final whistle.
Full-time in Pearse Stadium: St. Thomas’ 2-23 Castlegar 3-18.
In the 2pm throw-in at Pearse Stadium in the Brooks Senior A, Group 2, Round 1 game Turloughmore defeated Liam Mellows by two points, 1-18 v 1-16.
Plenty of games took place on Friday evening so let’s take you through the club championship round up.
In the Cork senior football championship Nemo Rangers proved to strong for Valley Rovers. Cork senior star Luke Connolly firing in a brace of goals in each to give them a 3-8 to 1-09 win. St Finbarrs had a good win over Ballincollig in a game played at Pairc Ui Rinn with Ian Maguire starring for the Barrs in a 1-13 to 0-10 win.In Kerry Dr Crokes proved to strong for Templenoe in the senior football championship. Crokes coming out on top 1-18 to 0-10. Tony Brosnan amassing a total of 1-08.
In Offaly Ferbane opened their defence of their crown with a four points win over Edenderry, 1-12 to 1-08. A goal in added time from Eoin Carroll helped Cappincur to a one point over Tullamore, 0-12 to 1-08 at full time. The Limerick hurling championship also got underway and Killmallock led by Graeme Mulcahy came out on top 2-16 to 1-17.
In Clare Michael O’Loughlin struck late against Newmarket On Fergus to edge Clonlara into the last 12 as they bid for a first county title since 2008. Inagh Kilnamona also had a good win over Clooney Quinn with County star Aidan McCarthy the tormenter in chief. Ballygunner looking for their 7th county title in a row in Waterford didn’t get out of second gear as they had 19 points to spare over Tallow. The final score was 2-22 to 0-09. Jason Flynn inspired Tommy Larkins to the next round of the championship in Galway as his personal haul of 0-08 was good enough to steer them past Loughrea, 1-16 to 0-15.
In Wexford reigning champions St Martins got off to a good start beating Cloughbawn in miserable conditions. The Piercestown outfit now with John Meyler at the helm came out on top 0-23 to 0-15. Naomh Eanna, the 2018 champions also got their campaign underway and managed to win by the skin of their teeth in Wexford Park. A penalty in second half stoppage from Conor Mcdonald helped them on the way to a 2-11 to 1-13, 1 point over Rapparees. Rapparees now exit the championship.
The development includes a full 4g playing pitches, a running surface and training facilities such as gyms and dressing rooms. RTE state that the centre will be the biggest indoor playing facility in the world. The inflatable covering has been since pulled over the site, work began on Friday of filling the air and that has since been completed.
The dome itself can be used for a variety of additional training facilities in the province. It can be used as a conference centre, while other options on a larger scale could also be considered down the line. CEO of the Connacht Council, John Prenty said, work was ongoing to future-proof the development, with the GAA offering naming rights and sponsorship options to interested businesses.
The €3.1m cost of the dome has been funded by €2.1m by the Exchequer, with Croke Park contributing a further €700,000.The remaining balance and costs are being paid for by Connacht GAA. The dome itself covers and area of 150m x 100m. It will also see energy conserved and will see a low level of running costs.
Henderson made history when he skippered the Reds to a first Premier League title in 30 years. Liverpool have one remaining game left which is away to Newcastle on Sunday and they are 18 point clear at the top of the Premier League standings. The Sunderland born 30 year old also spearheaded the #playerstogether initiative which saw players link up with NHS Charities to raise money for The NHS.
In a statement Henderson said, “I’d like to say how appreciative I am of the support of those who voted for me and the Football Writers’ Association in general”. He continued, “You only have to look at the past winners of it, a number of whom I’ve been blessed to play with here at Liverpool, like Stevie (Steven Gerrard), Luis (Suarez) and Mo (Mohamed Salah) to know how prestigious it is”.
Henderson who has played over 50 times for England, said “But as grateful as I am I don’t feel like I can accept this on my own. I don’t feel like anything I’ve achieved this season or in fact during my whole career has been done on my own”. He thanked all the players in the squad and said “He accepts the award on behalf of the whole squad”. “I accept it on behalf of this whole squad, because without them I’m not in a position to be receiving this honour. These lads have made me a better player – a better leader and a better person, Henderson said.
Chair of the FWA, Carrie Browne said,” Leadership is intangible and often unquantifiable unless it is inarguable. Jordan Henderson is both the ultimate professional and now a bona fide Liverpool legend”. The voting criteria for the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year is one who leads by precept and example and in this country’s darkest moment, Jordan, unprompted, personally rallied club captains to establish #PlayersTogether
Six Nations organisers have proposed that the men’s and women’s tournament to be played in October. The news comes after World Rugby recommended a new temporary International window.
BBC Sport state that the international window for Northern hemisphere sides will be between October 24th and December 5th. Meaning the Six Nations games will likely take place between these dates. In the southern hemisphere the window is from the 7th of November to the 12th of December. However, the Rugby Championship will have to be played in one single country. Dates will be confirmed and approved by World Rugby next week.
World Rugby issued a statement regarding the Six Nations window. They said, “They will accommodate the postponed men’s and women’s Six Nations matches at the end of October, a rest weekend on 7 November and a programme of international matches involving the Six Nations and invited teams hosted in Europe from 14 November through to 5 December”.
If the dates are approved then each international rugby union will have to announce their international matches with their international competition owners. However, Wales will not be allowed play their games at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff as this is currently been used as a Covid 19 hospital. Chief Executive of Wales Rugby Martyn Philips said, “We will not be playing any home games at Principality Stadium”. He continued, “On a more optimistic footing, we plan to be back playing at the Principality Stadium – hopefully in front of full crowds – against England and Ireland in the Six Nations in February 2021.”
There are still four men’s games to be played in the 2020 men’s Six Nations championship. England and France head the table with both on 13 points, with Scotland on 10 points. Ireland are in fourth on 9 points but have played a game less than their three counterparts. The England women’s side are ahesd in the women’s equivalent on 19 points, with France and Ireland in 2nd and 3rd respectively but a game behind.
Wexford trainer Aidan O’Brien will run three horses in the King George on Saturday at Ascot. Enable will be the stand out horses on show as she bids for a a 3rd King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes.
Enable has a chance to create history this Saturday having become the only third dual King George after Dahlia who won in 1973 and 1974 and Swain in 1977 and 1978. She beat Crystal Ocean 12 months ago in a super race but now can make history if she wins here. The John Gosden trained horse will be ridden by no other than Frankie Dettori. Fanny Logan, Enable’s stable mate will not run here which left the door open for Aidan O’Brien to run three in the race. O’Brien with Gosden are looking to win the race for the 5th time.
O’Brien had entered 6 into the race out of the 8 runners. But he has since halved that down to three. There will now be only 4 runners in the race that is scheduled to get underway at 3.35pm on Saturday. Japan looks to be the stables first string and is the selection of Ryan Moore, with Anthony Vam Dyck partnering Oisin Murphy and Sovereign the mount of William Buick.
Japan looks to be the strongest on paper in my eyes having won the King Edward VII Stakes, Grand Prix de Paris and Juddmonte International. However Japan was rather disappointing on his first start of 2020 in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, but finished a head behind Enable when they last met.
The current odds has Enable priced at 8/13, Japan at 3/1, Anthony Van Dyck 12/1 and Sovereign 12/1.
59 players have tested positive for Covid 19 according to the players Union. The news comes as rookies and players are due to resume training on July 28th. However, this is now looking doubtful.
Players have been outspoken about the virus and many have been critical of lack of safety protocols. Many players in fact have been locking arms in virtual solidarity and threaten no football if these concerns weren’t met. It led to the #wewanttoplay been shared all over social media to show their grievances.
Seattle Seahawks quarter back Russell Wilson said in a tweet:
I am concerned.
My wife is pregnant.@NFL Training camp is about to start..
And there’s still No Clear Plan on Player Health & Family Safety. 🤷🏾
We want to play football but we also want to protect our loved ones. #WeWantToPlay
JJ Watt of the Houston Texans also expressed his concerns in a tweet saying:
Once again in the interest of keeping everyone (players & fans) as informed as possible, here is an updated list of what we as players know and don’t know as the first group gets set to report to training camp tomorrow.#WeWantToPlaypic.twitter.com/xQcjs33zgM
The NFLPA have agreed on daily testing for all players throughout the first two weeks of training camps. They said in a statement, “Our union has been pushing for the strongest testing, tracing and treatment protocols to keep our players safe”.It continued, “The testing protocols we agreed to are one critical factor that will help us return to work safely and gives us the best chance to play and finish the season.”
RTE Sport state that the league is looking to resume on September 10th, with limited spectators at the games. Pre season will also be cancelled, while limits on rosters will also be implemented according to thr NFLPA.They state that roster limits will be cut from 90 players to 80 players. However, this has yet to be agreed on. The NFL Management Council Executive Committee will have to sign off on it.
Covid 19 once again disrupted activities at the weekend with a Naomh Colmcille in Donegal suspending all activity, while a game in Mayo also did not go ahead.
The game in Mayo was between Balla and Louisburgh. It was suspended after there was a confirmed Covid 19 case in Louisburgh and both clubs agreed to cancel the game. Balla released a statement, “Louisburgh contacted Balla on Friday evening 17th re concerns locally including a doctor advice to not play the fixture v Balla”. Louisburgh suggested that the game be played behind closed doors, but RTE state that Balla “were unwilling to travel on the basis of concerns raised by Louisburgh”.
Meanwhile, Donegal club, Naomh Colmcille have also suspended activities. This comes on the back of playing a challenge game against Derry club side Glack. Incidentally, the Oak Leaf based side were one of 10 teams in the county to suspend activity. In a statement they said, “The club has carried out a risk assessment and following guidance from the County board and HSE we took the difficult decision to suspend club activities over the weekend in the interest of everyone’s safety and notified the CCC accordingly.”
Donegal GAA issued a statement also, they said,” The Donegal County Board later offered an alternative view as they tweeted: “Donegal GAA didn’t give @Naomh_Colmcille guidance to suspend club activities contrary to their recent tweet.” Rather, the club was directed to @officialgaa GAA protocols agreed with the HSE @Naomh_Colmcille have not advised the County Board that they have actual or suspected cases.”
Clubs in Laois have also paused all activity as they await Covid 19 testing. Arles Kilcruise and the Killeshin clubs played Old Leighlin of Carlow in challenge games. Old Leighlin had a positive case in their club of Covid 19 but have since tested all players and members and they hope to resume activity soon. They said in a tweet:
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