Pádraig Harrington leads ISPS HANDA Senior Open

ISPS HANDA Senior Open 2025 - Previews — Pádraig Harrington in action during the pro-am prior to the ISPS HANDA Senior Open 2025 at Sunningdale Golf Club. Credit: Luke Walker/Getty Images.

Pádraig Harrington will bid to become the fifth player in history to win both The Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open as he takes a one-stroke lead into the weekend at Sunningdale.

The Dubliner, who won and then successfully defended the Claret Jug in 2007 and 2008, carded a five under round of 65 on the Old Course at Sunningdale as he reached eight under par after the first two days.

Already a Senior Major winner this year after his U.S. Senior Open success at The Broadmoor in Colorado last month, Harrington leads by one stroke over defending champion K.J. Choi of South Korea, who hopes to become the first player to successfully defend a Senior Open title since Christy O’Connor Jnr in 2000.

Speaking after his second round on Friday, Harrington admitted:

“I rode my luck a lot today. Got my head in the game. Did a lot of good stuff mentally. Short game was sharp. But I did a good job, where I should make a score I scored, and then I got in trouble on plenty of other holes. Hit some recovery shots and managed my game, but I never showed much confidence out there at all in my swing at all.

“I obviously like these 72-hole ones and the bigger golf courses suit me. I’m glad to see there is a little bit of moisture on this course. It is starting to firm up a bit. As it’s gets a little shorter that advantage will be taken away from me. I seem to be scoring okay, so maybe I’ll do it a different way this time.”

Choi carded six birdies in his round of 67 and the 55-year-old did hold the lead at one point on nine under par after a birdie at the 14th, but two dropped shots on 16 and 17 saw him slip back into a share of second alongside 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn.

Bjørn stormed into contention as he carded a seven under par round of 63 after starting the day level par following his opening round. The 15-time DP World Tour winner carded seven birdies and an eagle to move 41 places up the leaderboard.

Major Champions Ernie Els and Justin Leonard, also aiming to write their names in the history books as winners of both The Open and Senior Open, sit in a share of fourth place on six under par alongside Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina and Australia’s Cameron Percy.

Stephen Allan, also of Australia, and Englishman Greg Owen share eighth on five under, while Major winners Paul Lawrie, Corey Pavin and Y.E. Yang are among a clutch of golfers in a tie for tenth on four under.

McHugh, Burke & Enriquez win bronze medals at EYOF

2025 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival - Day 5 — Boys 200m bronze medallist Joe Burke of Team Ireland, left, and girls 400m hurdles bronze medallist Ellis McHugh of Team Ireland pose for a portrait with their medals at Todor Proeski National Arena during day five of the 2025 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival in Skopje, North Macedonia. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile. Image provided by Team Ireland.

Team Ireland won three bronze medals at the European Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Skopje on Friday.

Athletes Ellis McHugh and Joe Burke both claimed bronze medals before gymnast Chester Enriquez won Ireland’s third medal of the day in the Boys’ Floor exercise.

Competing in the Girls’ 400m hurdles, Eilis McHugh came home in third place in this morning’s final, with a time of 59.25. Half an hour later, Joe Burke set a personal best time of 21.22, a new Irish record, to win bronze in the Boys’ 200m.

A bonus making the final

Reacting to her medal, McHugh described her race, saying:

“I actually think I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be initially coming out. I was thinking of everybody that ran before. I’m glad I even got here. It’s a bonus to be in the final, so I thought just don’t be nervous. Go out, do what I can. And I did that. I tried to do that anyway.

“I went out in my heat and I had a different kind of stride patterning, I’m assuming because of the adrenaline and the heat. It worked, but it worked out fine. So I was happy enough. So I kind of just hoped I could execute that again today, which I did. So it was fine. But it is completely about finding stride patterns in between the hurdles. It’s not like sprinting whatever works. It’s like getting the right hurdle, knowing when you’re going to hit it. But yeah, thankfully worked out.”

Bronze for Burke

Tipperary sprinter Joe Burke is no stranger to the podium, having won a bronze medal at last year’s European U18 Championships in this event, in a similar race. Reacting to his medal winning race, he said:

“Yeah, I don’t know what to say Joe. It’s the same situation as last year. Blanket finish across the line. Waiting I waiting. And then just hearing your name for third is just surreal. It’s a feeling you can’t explain or describe to anyone. It means so much to you as a person that you just can’t express.”

First Irish gymnastics medal at EYOF

Chester Enriquez won the third Irish medal of the day, with a phenomenal bronze medal in the Boys’ Floor exercise.

Going into the competition, the Origin Gymnastics athlete was ranked 7th, and his clean routine saw him score 13.566, pushing him into the bronze medal position.

The gymnastics events are taking place in Osijek in Croatia, and speaking after receiving his medal, the 17-year-old reacted to winning Ireland’s first ever gymnastics medal at the EYOF:

“Today was an amazing experience, to say the least. Going out and doing what I’ve done is history in the making. It was just an amazing experience in general. The atmosphere was amazing.”

Under-21 EURO Qualifiers Set to Shine in Dublin and Cork

Irish football is on the cusp of something special. After months of playing abroad, the Ireland Under-21 team is finally back home—and they’re coming back with a bang. Two iconic cities, Dublin and Cork, will play host to electrifying UEFA European Championship qualifiers this autumn. The buzz is real, and so is the belief: this could be the start of a golden era for Irish football.

The Fixtures

Ireland vs. Andorra – Tallaght Stadium, Dublin

This match on Tuesday, September 9, is more than just a game—it’s a homecoming. After 11 long months, Ireland’s rising stars return to Tallaght to face Andorra. Expect intensity, crowd roars, and maybe even a few fireworks.

Ireland vs. Slovakia – Turner’s Cross, Cork

On Friday, October 10, the battleground shifts to the Rebel County. Turner’s Cross, a fortress of Irish football, will host a key clash with Slovakia. If you know Cork, you know the fans will turn this into a night to remember.

Group D: A Gauntlet of Greatness

The Opponents

Ireland’s road to qualification is anything but easy:

England – two-time defending champions and favorites to top the group
Slovakia – a disciplined, well-drilled outfit
Moldova – scrappy and unpredictable
Kazakhstan – physically and fast-improving
Andorra – small but not to be underestimated

England – The Mountain to Climb

Facing England is like climbing Everest. Packed with Premier League talent and winning pedigree, they’re the benchmark. But Irish teams thrive as underdogs, and a surprise is always around the corner.

Ireland’s Under-21s – A Team in Evolution

From Academy Talents to International Stars

Just look at Festy Ebosele, Sinclair Armstrong, and Andrew Moran—they wore the U21 jersey not long ago and now shine for the senior team. The path from hopeful to hero starts here.

Ones to Watch in 2025

Keep your eye on League of Ireland standouts. These players bring grit, flair, and an unmistakable hunger to represent their country on the biggest youth stage in Europe.

Why Home Turf Matters

Tallaght Stadium – Where Dreams Begin

From dramatic last-minute winners to standing ovations, Tallaght has been a launchpad for greatness. Expect nothing less this September.

Turner’s Cross – A Cork Fortress

Packed crowds. Deafening chants. Raw passion. Cork’s football culture will be on full blast when Slovakia comes to town—and that could be the edge Ireland needs.

Supporters – The 12th Man

In recent years, over 5,000 fans packed stadiums to back the U21s. That’s not just good—it’s elite. Ireland ranks among the top-supported youth national teams in Europe.

It’s more than a football match—it’s a celebration. Families, kids, and entire communities turn up. It’s grassroots spirit meeting elite performance.

Jim Crawford’s Rallying Cry

“Be the Difference”

Coach Jim Crawford is calling on fans to repeat history. “The stats show we’re one of the best-supported Under-21 teams in Europe,” he said. That support has helped turn tough matches into magical nights—and he knows the crowd can do it again.

Tickets: Your Pass to History

Release Date and Details

Mark it down: tickets go on sale Monday, August 4. Head to the FAI’s official website to snag your seat.

Why You Should Be There

Where else can you watch international-level football, support future superstars, and feel the roar of a united crowd, for the price of a couple of coffees?

Ireland’s Football Future Starts Here

The League of Ireland is no longer just a stepping stone—it’s a pipeline. Week in, week out, it churns out players ready for the big stage. The Under-21s are proof.

These games are about more than points. They’re about progress, pride, and possibility. For fans, they’re a chance to say, “I was there when it all began.”

Conclusion

As Dublin and Cork gear up to welcome the Ireland Under-21 team, the energy is undeniable. These aren’t just football games—they’re electric nights full of dreams, passion, and purpose. The Boys in Green are ready to rise, and with your support in the stands, their journey could ignite a new chapter in Irish football history. Don’t just hear about it—be part of it.

The Ultimate Showdown in Tongits!

Introduced last June, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) is the premier Tongits tournament in the Philippines. It brought together the nation’s top 93 elite players, who earned their spots through fierce online qualifiers. These Tongits titans then battled it out offline for a jaw-dropping ₱10 million prize pool. GTCC has redefined competitive card gaming in the country, putting Tongits on the esports map.

Steelers vs. Vikings in Dublin: NFL’s European Expansion

The NFL’s 2025 international slate brings something new to Ireland: a regular-season game at Croke Park featuring the Steelers and Vikings. This isn’t just a marketing event, it’s a major step in the league’s European expansion. With seven games across five countries, the NFL is turning global fans into active participants.

Dublin wasn’t chosen at random. Its strong Irish-American ties, especially to Pittsburgh, and rising Irish interest in American sports make it a strategic pick. For Minnesota, the Dublin game kicks off a rare two-country stretch, with London up next. The international momentum is real and growing.

Croke Park Hosts a Game Unlike Any Before

Croke Park, steeped in Irish athletic tradition, has never hosted a professional American football game of this scale. It’s a bold choice. The stadium usually houses Gaelic football and hurling, but for one Sunday in September 2025, it becomes the center of the NFL world. The matchup between the Steelers and Vikings will unfold before a crowd that blends die-hard fans, curious locals, and international travelers.

For the Steelers, this game is more than just a travel assignment. Pittsburgh’s identity is closely tied to Irish heritage, making the team a fitting “home” representative. Their fanbase, known for traveling well, is already rallying behind this milestone.

The NFL has gone beyond superficial marketing here. By choosing teams with cultural resonance and strategic brand alignment, it is positioning the league not just as a visitor in Europe, but as a participant in its sporting culture.

The logistics are equally ambitious. Charter flights, local partnerships, and broadcasting infrastructure are being fine-tuned to ensure both on-the-ground attendance and digital reach. Irish fans may be new to NFL tailgates, but they won’t be unfamiliar for long.

The Vikings Make History With a Two-Game Tour

The Minnesota Vikings are setting an NFL precedent. After facing the Steelers in Dublin, they’ll head straight to London to play the Cleveland Browns, becoming the first team in history to play back-to-back regular-season games in two countries.

This scheduling decision isn’t just about headlines. It tests how teams adapt to extended international travel during the season, and could shape future expansion models.

This stretch will challenge players and coaches alike. European stadiums mean altered routines, new fan dynamics, and logistics that go far beyond the typical game week. Yet for the Vikings, who have been strong supporters of the league’s global push, it’s an opportunity to grow the franchise internationally.

Both the Dublin and London games will give the Vikings exposure across two vibrant European capitals in a matter of days. That sort of visibility could pay long-term dividends in merchandise, fan loyalty, and brand equity. If this experiment proves successful, expect more teams to follow a similar path.

Europe’s Growing Role in the NFL Calendar

The 2025 NFL season includes seven international matchups, spread across Germany, Spain, Brazil, England, and now Ireland. This marks the largest slate of global games in league history. The move aligns with the NFL’s long-term objective: establish a consistent international presence that goes beyond preseason games or rare one-off events.

Each market plays a different role. Madrid is new. Berlin returns after a strong debut. São Paulo introduces South America. But Dublin carries unique weight. It’s not a huge population center by NFL standards, but its symbolic value is undeniable. It’s also a test case for less saturated European markets.

For many fans in Ireland, this game could be their first live NFL experience. The strategy here is long-term: build roots now, harvest loyalty later. NFL Europe may have failed decades ago, but today’s strategy is far more calculated. It builds on the back of digital access, streaming partnerships, and social media momentum that didn’t exist when the league last attempted to expand outside of U.S. borders.

Cultural Ties Make Dublin a Natural Fit

Few American cities have embraced their Irish roots as proudly as Pittsburgh. The city’s identity includes massive annual St. Patrick’s Day events, deep ancestral ties, and even Irish themes in its neighborhood names. Choosing the Steelers to host Ireland’s first NFL regular-season game was no accident. The connection runs deeper than just branding; it reflects shared history, values, and community pride.

It also helps that the team is one of the most storied in the league. With six Super Bowl titles, a national following, and a rugged style of play, the Steelers are an ideal ambassador for American football. Meanwhile, the Vikings are no strangers to international play, having previously appeared in London games with strong overseas support and frequent mentions in NFL team news around their global outreach strategy and consistent competitiveness.

These choices matter. The NFL isn’t just exporting a game; it’s curating a narrative. The matchup in Dublin will be more than a contest. It will be a shared cultural event, with themed festivities, Irish-American symbolism, and storytelling that connects fans across continents.

Travel, Broadcast, and Fan Experience Plans

Planning a regular-season game overseas involves far more than just travel. The NFL is creating a full experience for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

Broadcast, Engagement, and Real-Time Fan Tools

On the broadcast side, the game is set for a 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time start. That ensures live U.S. coverage while still filling Croke Park’s afternoon slot. Fans in Ireland will enjoy a daytime event, while American audiences can tune in with their morning coffee. Platforms like FanDuel are also enhancing the experience with real-time team odds, fantasy matchups, and interactive tools that keep viewers engaged.

Flight Packages and Ticket Access

A game abroad brings more than a new venue. It demands a complete rethinking of logistics for fans and teams. The NFL has partnered with Aer Lingus to offer special flights and packages for traveling Steelers fans. In fact, Aer Lingus has signed a four-year partnership with the Steelers, becoming an Official Airline Partner and a Founding Partner of Steelers Ireland.

Ticket availability is being managed with Irish law in mind, which restricts resale to prevent price gouging.

Weekend Events Around the City

Beyond the game itself, expect surrounding events. NFL-themed pop-ups, player appearances, and media activationswill transform Dublin’s city center into a weekend celebration of football. This isn’t just about the 60 minutes of gameplay; it’s about staging a global spectacle.

Strategic Importance For the NFL’s Future

If this game sells out, draws strong ratings, and sparks fan growth, the NFL may increase its European footprint further. Dublin could become a regular part of the international rotation or even host playoff games in the future. The league is watching more than the scoreboard.

With several European games now hosted annually, the NFL is inching toward a time when playing overseas won’t be news; it’ll be routine.

*This article is based on information available as of 2025/07/14. Scheduling, team participation, and event details are subject to change. Readers should consult official NFL sources for the latest updates.

Collin Morikawa Splits With Caddy After Only Five Tournaments

Former champion Collin Morikawa is continuing his search for the perfect partner, having recently dismissed his current caddy after just five tournaments. Why is this so important, and will it actually lead to a turnaround in the athlete’s game?

The Dismissal of Joe Greiner

Joe Greiner has barely had time to bed in as the caddy for two-time major champion Collin Morikawa. Yet, after just five tournaments, it was announced that he has been let go. Morikawa brought in a temporary caddy for the Rocket Classic, the veteran KK Limbhasut. The split was announced after the last Travelers Championship. In this, Morikawa ended in a disappointing tie for 42nd place.

The tournament at the Detroit Golf Club did have him down as the favourite. This was eventually won by Aldrich Potgieter in his maiden outing. Despite his patchy form, and some issues putting at the Rocket, he remains in the top contenders for many of the upcoming events he is in. This includes his odds for the US Open where he is currently 25/1. This is against some stiff competition.

Morikawa’s Previous Caddies

Source: Pexels

J Jakovac had been Morikawa’s original caddy. He had taken him through his switch to a professional game in 2019. This led the pair to pick up the 2020 PGA Championship and the subsequent year 2021 Open Championship. Undoubtedly, this will have made his five-year tenure hard to follow, although many had assumed this partnership would have run at least a little longer.

At the time, Morikawa had said that something had just felt off when he dismissed Jakovac. At May’s Truist Championship, he had hoped that making a change for Greiner would have allowed him more ownership of his game.

Upcoming Tournaments

This crisis of faith has had a marked impact on Morikawa’s outlook for tournaments further afield than the Rocket Classic. The 2025 British Open has Scottie Scheffler at the head of the pack with golf odds of 9/2. While the Open has provided some of his worst results so far, he is still the world number one and on his game.

Rory McIlroy is second in contention at 15/2. He is a golfer on a run at the moment, but a home crowd could put the pressure on him. He has buckled under it before and may do it again.

Following this, a host of other golfers are ahead of Morikawa in the betting, who trails at odds of around 25/1. This will be the next of the Majors before it turns into the 2026 tournaments. The only golfer other than Scheffler and McIlroy who has better sports betting 20/1 odds on the futures markets for these is Jon Rahm.

With a third caddy in place, the open will be the real test for Morikawa. If this does not work, then he must look at his game and realise that this may not be the issue. Alternatively, it could break the crisis of confidence and see him become one of the best turnaround stars of the year.

Two-Point Revolution: 11.8 Attempts Per Game, 51% Success Rate — How GAA 2025 Was Redefined by Rule Changes

🎯 Two-Point Revolution: 11.8 Attempts Per Game, 51% Success Rate — How GAA 2025 Was Redefined by Rule Changes

The 2025 GAA Championship was always going to be different — but few predicted just how quickly the sport would adapt to the most dramatic rule changes in a generation. At the heart of this evolution? The newly introduced 2-point scoring rule.

In its first full season of implementation, the two-point shot has transformed how teams attack, defend, and structure entire games. Now, thanks to the GAA Games Intelligence Unit’s (GIU) data from Weeks 9–13, we finally see its impact — in cold, hard numbers.

📊 Two-Point Stats: Impact by the Numbers

Sam Maguire Cup: 11.8 two-point attempts per game
Tailteann Cup: 12.0 per game, peaking at 12.2 in QFs
Conversion rate: 43.1% average, 51% in knockout games

That means over 1 in every 5 shots is now aimed for two points — and half of them are going over.

🧤 Goalkeepers Go Rogue – And It’s Working

The rule changes also opened the pitch for goalkeepers — and they’ve taken full advantage.

Keeper involvement: 1.2 possessions per game in Sam Maguire, 2.0 in Tailteann QFs
100% of goalkeeper pass receptions in QFs were beyond their 45
One keeper even took a shot from open play

They’re not just launching — they’re linking. It’s a new playmaking role, and coaches are clearly designing for it.

🦶 Kick It Early: Handpasses Collapse, Kick Passes Rise

The handpass-to-kickpass ratio tells the story:

2024: 4.4 handpasses per kick pass
2025: 3.4 — the steepest decline in GIU records

Teams now average just 5.9 passes per possession in the Sam Maguire. It’s direct, attacking football — designed to exploit space created by 2-point zones and new restart timing rules.

🎯 Accuracy Improves — Because It Has To

Open play shot accuracy: 56.7% in Sam Maguire, up from 52%
Total scores per game: 30.7 in Sam Maguire, 34.2 in Tailteann
2-point shot accuracy: Up to 51% in QFs

It’s not just more shooting — it’s smarter shooting.

🛑 Fouls Drop, Flow Increases

Fouls per game: Down to 23.8 in Sam Maguire, from 29.1 last year
Ball-in-play time: Up to 62% in Tailteann QFs — highest ever

Fewer stoppages. More play. Better spectacle.

🌀 Kick-Out Chaos Reignites the Midfield War

Kick-outs retained (Sam Maguire R1): Just 61.2%
Contested kick-outs: 64% — a 10-year high

Forget the short, safe restart — this year brought back clean fetches and broken ball battles as the norm.

🔚 Final Whistle: The GAA Got It Right

The GIU stats don’t lie — the rule changes worked:

Games are faster
Shooting is sharper
Play is more open
And the crowd is loving it

2025 will go down as the year Gaelic football modernised without losing its soul. From the double-score zones to midfield dogfights and keeper counterattacks — the game is alive and kicking again.

Evan Ferguson Linked with AS Roma Move

🚨 BREAKING: AS Roma Target Irish Striker Evan Ferguson! 🇮🇪☘️

Italian giants AS Roma are exploring a summer move for Brighton’s young Irish striker Evan Ferguson, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Ferguson is reportedly one of several names on their shortlist as they look to bolster their forward line ahead of the new Serie A season.

The 20-year-old struggled for consistent minutes at Brighton last term and had an unremarkable loan spell at West Ham. Still, it’s clear that Roma see untapped potential in the Meath-born forward, who remains one of Ireland’s most exciting talents.

Should the move go through, Serie A could be the ideal environment for Ferguson’s development. The tactical nature of Italian football and the chance to play regular European matches – with Roma qualifying for the UEFA Europa League – may offer him the perfect platform to reignite his career and fulfil his promise.

Roma aren’t the only club linked with Ferguson. In recent months, he’s also attracted attention from Premier League sides Everton and Fulham, Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, and a host of Bundesliga clubs.

Irish fans – would you be happy to see Ferguson take his talents to Rome?
Let us know in the comments below! 🇮🇪

Connacht Appoint Allan Temple Jones as New Head of Athletic Performance

🟢 Connacht Appoint Allan Temple Jones as New Head of Athletic Performance

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the appointment of Allan Temple Jones as the province’s new Head of Athletic Performance.

Temple Jones brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of rugby codes, with an impressive CV built on elite-level roles in Ireland, South Africa, and the international Sevens scene. He joins a new-look backroom team at Connacht this season, led by Stuart Lancaster and supported by Rob Seib.

🔵 Proven Success on the Global Stage

Temple Jones most recently served as head coach of the Ireland Women’s Sevens team, a role in which he guided the side to their first-ever title on the SVNS Series, with a standout victory in Perth in 2024. His leadership also saw the team qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

🟣 His latest stint with the Irish Sevens ran for two years, but it was actually his second spell with the programme, having worked as Head of Athletic Performance for the men’s and women’s Sevens teams from 2017 to 2021.

🟡 South African Roots, World-Class Pedigree

Between 2021 and 2023, Temple Jones worked with The Sharks in his native South Africa, where he held the position of Athletic Performance Manager. A Durban native, he spent a decade as Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Springbok Sevens, gaining a reputation as one of the best in the business during South Africa’s most successful period at Sevens level.

🏅 His achievements include:
– Olympic Bronze Medal
– Commonwealth Gold
– Two World Series Titles

🔴 Taking Over from Michael Kiely

Temple Jones replaces Michael Kiely, who departs after three years in the role. Connacht Rugby and the IRFU thanked Kiely for his commitment and contributions, wishing him every success in his next chapter.

🟠 A Forward-Focused Appointment

This high-profile appointment signals a serious intent from Connacht and the IRFU to drive elite performance standards heading into the next cycle of domestic and international rugby. With Stuart Lancaster at the helm and Rob Seib also part of the coaching ticket, Temple Jones joins a team determined to bring silverware west of the Shannon.

Most bet-on sports in Ireland

Camille Pissarro and Ryan Moore win the French Derby at Chantilly.

In Ireland, sport isn’t just something you watch. It’s something you feel.

On a windy Saturday afternoon in Cork or a chilly evening in Dublin, you can walk into any pub and hear it in the way people talk. It’s not just about who won, but who covered the spread, who scored first, who cost them a tenner in injury time. Betting has been stitched into the fabric of Irish sport for as long as anyone can remember. And while a lot has changed, the sports that people put their money on have stayed surprisingly consistent.

Horse racing sits at the top of the table. Always has. Likely always will. If you want to understand Irish betting culture, you start at the track. The country has produced some of the best trainers, jockeys, and horses in the world, and that isn’t just luck. It’s a national obsession. Punchestown, Leopardstown, the Galway Races, these aren’t just events. They’re landmarks on the Irish calendar. For many punters, a day at the races isn’t complete without a bet, even if it’s just a small one placed more out of habit than strategy. And when Cheltenham rolls around across the water, you’ll feel it here too. Streets are quiet. Pubs are full. Sports Bet is flying.

Gaelic games are next, and they’re uniquely Irish. Hurling and Gaelic football are the real deal here. They’re part of the country’s identity. That pride spills over into the betting slips. A county final can see just as much betting chatter in a pub as an All-Ireland semi-final. Because for a lot of people, it’s not about big money. It’s about backing your parish, your friends, your neighbors. You can feel the stakes even when the odds don’t seem to matter.

Then there’s football which keeps growing in popularity every year. The English Premier League is popular in Ireland, and it shows up on the betting sheets week after week. With teams lik Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, every weekend those names echo through living rooms and bookies alike. People here know the form tables, the injury lists, the odds of a clean sheet better than they know the weather forecast. Champions League nights and World Cup summers only turn the volume up higher.

Rugby also has its place. Not as frenzied as racing or football, but deeply respected. The Six Nations tournament, in particular, sparks a wave of bets every spring. Ireland’s rise in world rugby has given people a reason to bet with both head and heart. When Ireland plays England, you can feel the energy shift, the money move, the pride sharpen.

What’s interesting is how the habits have evolved without really changing the hierarchy. You can still walk into a shop and fill out a paper slip if you like, but more and more bets are made on phones now. Apps have made it easier to bet in-play, to place small wagers at halftime, to jump on odds as they change. But the sports themselves? They’ve stayed the same. People still back horses in the rain. Still cheer on their counties with a fiver riding on the final whistle. Still argue about who’s due a win and who’s letting them down.

The most bet-on sports in Ireland aren’t just about gambling. They’re about connection. To a place. To a team. To a tradition. They’re about the rhythm of a year marked by races and finals and derbies. And if you stand in the right pub on the right day, you’ll see it happen when someone checking their phone, shouting at the screen, slipping another coin across the counter. Not just watching the game. Living it. With a little something on the line.

List of Live GAA Matches on Clubber This Weekend

📺 This Week’s Fixtures on Clubber TV

There’s a feast of action lined up this week across the Clubber TV network, with top-class club fixtures from Roscommon, Laois, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Offaly, and Kerry all being streamed live. From fierce rivalries to local bragging rights, here’s what’s coming up!

🟡 Roscommon

St. Brigid’s v Roscommon Gaels – Fri, July 11th – 8:00pm
Athleague v Oran – Sun, July 13th – 1:00pm
St. Dominic’s v Camross – Sun, July 13th – 2:30pm
Roscommon Gaels v Pádráig P. – Sun, July 13th – 4:00pm

🔵 Laois

Abbeyleix St. Laz v The Harps – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
Rosenallis v Rathdowney Errill – Sat, July 12th – 5:30pm
Ballinakill v Borris Kilcotton – Sat, July 12th – 7:00pm
Clough Ballacolla v Castletown – Sun, July 13th – 1:00pm
Portlaois v Camross – Sun, July 13th – 2:30pm

🔹 Waterford

Tramore v Ballysaggart – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
Shamrocks v Ballygunner – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
Passage v Mount Sion – Sat, July 12th – 2:30pm
Dungarvan v Ferrybank – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
Affane/Cap./Tourin v Portlaw – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
Clonea v Brickey Rangers – Sat, July 12th – 6:00pm
Lismore v Fourmilewater – Sat, July 12th – 7:30pm
Ballygunner v Abbeyside – Sun, July 13th – 2:00pm
De La Salle v Roanmore – Sun, July 13th – 3:30pm
Tallow v Clashmore/Kinsalebeg – Sun, July 13th – 6:00pm

🟣 Wexford

Kilanerin v Shelmaliers – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
Crossabeg/B. v HWH Bunclody – Fri, July 11th – 7:30pm
Castletown v Starlight – Fri, July 11th – 8:00pm
Glynn Barntown v Sarsfields – Sat, July 12th – 2:00pm
Naomh Éanna v St. James – Sat, July 12th – 4:00pm
Gusserane O’R. v St. Mogue’s – Sat, July 12th – 8:00pm

🔴 Cork

Sarsfields v St. Finbarr’s – Sat, July 12th – 3:00pm
Midleton v Killeagh – Sun, July 13th – 5:00pm

🟢 Offaly

Seir Kieran v Birr – Fri, July 11th – 7:00pm
Belmont v Kilcormac-Killoughey – Sat, July 12th – 1:30pm
Ballinamere v Coolderry – Sat, July 12th – 3:30pm
Shinrone v St. Rynagh’s – Sun, July 13th – 5:00pm

🟩 Kerry

Causeway v Ballyduff – Sat, July 13th – 2:00pm
St. Brendan’s v Ballyheigue – Sun, July 13th – 4:00pm

📲 Get unlimited access to ALL counties with your Clubber Annual Pass – tune in and support your club this weekend!