Des Cahill Slams Mayo GAA Over McStay Departure: “No Class”

Veteran RTÉ broadcaster Des Cahill has launched a scathing attack on Mayo GAA following the announcement that Kevin McStay and his management team have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.

In a post shared on social media, Cahill accused Mayo GAA of showing “absolutely no class” and being “totally insensitive” to McStay, who has been involved with Mayo football since his teenage years.

“I wonder if Mayo sponsors stand over the tone and language used in dumping a genuine management group, who admittedly failed to win an All-Ireland – like every predecessor since 1951!!” Cahill wrote.

His remarks came shortly after Mayo GAA issued a statement confirming that McStay had been removed from his position as manager of the senior football team, effective immediately. The statement followed a Coiste Bainistíochta meeting held at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park on Wednesday, 25 June.

The Mayo GAA statement read:

“A decision was made to relieve Kevin McStay and his management team from their roles with the Mayo Senior Football Team with immediate effect.

We would like to sincerely thank Kevin and his management team for their time, effort, and commitment… Their dedication to the players and the jersey has been greatly appreciated by all involved with Mayo GAA.”

Despite the statement including well-wishes and gratitude for McStay’s service, Cahill took issue with what he felt was a cold and dismissive tone. The former “The Sunday Game” presenter suggested that the way the decision was handled lacked basic decency and failed to acknowledge McStay’s long-standing service.

McStay, a former Roscommon manager and respected pundit, took charge of Mayo ahead of the 2023 season. While he failed to deliver the elusive All-Ireland title, many supporters praised his style of play and the development of younger talent.

Cahill’s public criticism is likely to spark further debate over how county boards handle managerial transitions and the human side of decision-making in elite GAA structures.

“Liverpool”— the pride of fans, a club that doesn’t know how to lose gracefully

When, in 1892, a group of dissatisfied Everton directors decided to create their own club, hardly anyone could have imagined that, more than a century later, Liverpool would become a legend of world football.

The story began with a trivial conflict over the lease of Anfield Stadium — how many great stories begin with petty squabbles!

The newly formed team’s first match in the Lancashire League against Higher Walton ended in an 8-0 defeat. Apparently, the guys had serious ambitions from the very beginning. By 1901, the “Reds” were already celebrating their first championship title, and five years later they repeated their success. Not bad for a newcomer. Many fans, including those who use the official 1xBet mobile app for Irish users, follow the team’s games precisely because of this rich history. However, the following decades were not so rosy. After a couple of titles in the 1920s, there was a long drought that lasted until 1947. Apparently, the football gods decided to test the patience of Liverpool fans.

Shankly changes everything

1959 was a turning point when Bill Shankly joined the team. This Scotsman had a rare gift: he could fire up players with a single glance and a few words. His charisma was so powerful that even opponents sometimes forgot who they were playing for. Websites such as Balls offer detailed sports statistics, allowing fans to follow results and current trends.

In five years, Shankly pulled Liverpool out of the second division and made them champions again in 1964. And in 1965, the long-awaited moment arrived — the first FA Cup in the club’s history. Fans still remember that day as a national holiday.

By 1973, the UEFA Cup was added to the trophy collection. Liverpool was rapidly transforming from an ordinary English team into a European giant.

Peasley and the golden years

When Shankly unexpectedly retired, many thought it was the end of an era. But Bob Paisley, his quiet and modest assistant, proved to be an even more successful coach. Under his leadership, the club won the European Cup three times, in 1977, 1978, and 1981. The 1977 final against Borussia Mönchengladbach was particularly memorable, with the “Reds” winning 3–1. That match is still considered the benchmark for team play. At the same time, other areas are actively developing in the country, according to information from the website https://midlandsbusinessnews.co.uk/the-midlands-a-thriving-epicentre-for-gaming-businesses-and-events/, football remains an indisputable symbol of national unity and pride. The 1970s and early 1980s were a golden age not only for the club but for English football as a whole. Liverpool played such beautiful football that even neutral fans came to Anfield just to watch.

The numbers speak for themselves

“Liverpool” is one of the most successful clubs not only in England but also in the world:

● 20 league titles (the last one in 2020, after a 30-year hiatus!);

● 6 Champions League victories — a record among English teams;

● 10 League Cups — an absolute English record;

● 3 UEFA Cups plus the Club World Cup.

These figures impress even skeptics. There are also personal records that seem unattainable. Ian Callaghan played 857 matches for the club — can you imagine how many kilometers that is on the field? And Ian Rush scored 346 goals, many of them in key games.

The Istanbul miracle

2005 gave fans perhaps the most dramatic final in the history of the Champions League. In Istanbul, Liverpool faced Milan, the tournament favorites. At halftime, the score was 0-3 in favor of the Italians, and it seemed that it was all over. But the “Reds” are not famous for their character for nothing. In the second half, they came back to tie the score at 3:3. It is thanks to matches like this that Premier League betting in Ireland is so popular today, because football is sometimes capable of real miracles. And then they won on penalties. The “Miracle of Istanbul” became a new chapter in the club’s mythology.

Many fans started supporting Liverpool from that day on. How can you not love a team capable of such miracles?

Return to the top

After Istanbul, there were many years of disappointment. The club seemed to have lost its recipe for success in major tournaments. Coaches changed, players came and went, and titles went to others. Websites such as Cork Sports News offer detailed sports statistics. Everything changed with the arrival of Jürgen Klopp in 2015. This German with an infectious smile and boundless energy managed to restore Liverpool’s winning spirit.

Live GAA on TV this weekend

We have the list of live GAA matches that will be broadcast live by RTE, TG4, GAAGO Sky Sports & RTE, here are the fixtures Hurling and Gaelic Football league and championships.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE GAA SCORES AND COMMENTARY

🏆 GAA Summer Showdowns: Full Fixture List (28 June – 10 August)

The business end of the GAA season is here! All-Ireland quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals are set to light up Croke Park and beyond — across football, hurling, camogie and ladies football. Here’s the full list of key fixtures coming up:

📅 Saturday 28 June

All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals: Tyrone v Dublin, 6.15pm – GAA+ | Monaghan v Donegal, 4pm – GAA+
Camogie Senior Championship Round 5: Wexford v Cork | Tipperary v Clare | Galway v Waterford | Dublin v Derry
Ladies IFC Relegation Semi-Final: Down v Offaly, 2pm
All-Ireland MHC Final: Clare v Waterford, 5.15pm – TG4

📅 Sunday 29 June

All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Finals: Meath v Galway, 1.45pm – RTE | Armagh v Kerry, 4pm – RTE
Ladies IFC Quarter-Finals: Laois v Wexford | Tyrone v Fermanagh | Clare v Monaghan | Cavan v Westmeath
IFC Relegation Semi-Final: Roscommon v Wicklow

📅 Saturday 5 July

All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final: Cork v Dublin, 5pm – RTE/BBC
Ladies SFC Quarter-Finals: Kerry v Kildare | Dublin v Cork | Galway v Waterford (TBC)
Camogie Quarter-Final: TBC v TBC, Croke Park

📅 Sunday 6 July

All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final: Kilkenny v Tipperary, 4pm – RTE/BBC
Camogie Quarter-Final: TBC v TBC, Croke Park
Ladies SFC Quarter-Final: Meath v Tipperary, 5.15pm
All-Ireland MFC Final: Tyrone v Kerry, 1.30pm – TG4

📅 Friday 11 July

All-Ireland JFC Semi-Finals: New York v TBC | Kilkenny v TBC (Abbotstown)

📅 Saturday 12 July

All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final: TBC v TBC, 5pm – RTE/BBC
Tailteann Cup Final: Kildare v Limerick, 2.30pm – RTE

📅 Sunday 13 July

All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final: TBC v TBC, 4pm – RTE/BBC
All-Ireland JFC Final: TBC v TBC, 1.30pm

📅 Saturday 19 July

Ladies SFC Semi-Finals: Kerry/Kildare v Meath/Tipperary | Dublin/Cork v Galway/Waterford (Glenisk O’Connor Park)

📅 Sunday 20 July

All-Ireland SHC Final: Cork/Dublin v Kilkenny/Tipperary, 3.30pm

📅 Saturday 26 July

Camogie Semi-Finals: TBC v TBC, Nowlan Park

📅 Sunday 27 July

All-Ireland SFC Final: TBC v TBC, 3.30pm

📅 Sunday 3 August

Ladies All-Ireland SFC Final: TBC v TBC, Croke Park

📅 Sunday 10 August

Camogie All-Ireland Senior Final: TBC v TBC, Croke Park

#GAA2025 #AllIreland #MaroonArmy

Lambourn Leads Epsom Trio into Curragh Classic Clash

The Curragh Racecourse is braced for a spectacular showdown in the 160th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby this Sunday, with a rematch on the cards between the top three finishers from this year’s Epsom Derby.

Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten colt Lambourn, a son of 2014 Irish Derby hero Australia, headlines the 10-strong field. After a dominant Epsom victory, Ryan Moore’s mount is set to face his closest challengers once again: Lazy Griff for Charlie Johnston and Tennessee Stud for Joseph O’Brien.

Joseph O’Brien, who won this race both as a jockey and trainer, is quietly optimistic: “We were very proud of Tennessee Stud’s run in Epsom. He came home strongly and is open to plenty of improvement. We’d love him to run another career best at the Curragh.”

Ralph Beckett will field two contenders: Pride Of Arras, winner of the Dante Stakes, and Sir Dinadan. Meanwhile, Jessica Harrington saddles Green Impact, who bounced back from a gutsy Guineas run to win at Leopardstown.

Lambourn’s stablemates Puppet Master, Shackleton and Thrice round out the possible Derby runners.

Festival Highlights and Feature Races

Ireland’s most prestigious flat race headlines a stacked nine-race card that includes seven contests worth €100,000 and the €50,000 Dubai Duty Free Irish EBF Stayers Handicap.

The sprinting elite are also in action with the Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Dash Stakes, where defending champion My Mate Alfie could return for Ger Lyons. Meanwhile, Lord Massusus may line up in the Colm McLoughlin Celebration Stakes for Joe Murphy.

The three-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival begins on Friday with an eight-race card. On Saturday, Group 1 action arrives with a hot renewal of the Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes, featuring Aidan O’Brien’s Oaks runner-up Whirl, and Wemightakedlongway for Joseph O’Brien.

Pretty Polly Set for International Showdown

Andrew Balding’s Group 1 winner Kalpana returns after placing in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, while French trainer Nicolas Clement could send Survie, a Group 1 runner-up.

Paddy Twomey – winner in 2022 with La Petite Coco – has a strong hand with six entries, including One Look and Purple Lily, both Classic-placed fillies.

Saturday’s racing also pays tribute to the late Kevin Prendergast, with the Group 3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes run in his memory. Malih Al Basti praised the legendary trainer’s contribution to racing: “Kevin was a dear friend and his legacy lives on through the generations he influenced.”

Dermot Weld’s Elizabeth Jane could feature in the race, having last won the Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown.

More Group Action on Super Saturday

The Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes could see unbeaten filly Lady Iman stretch her winning streak for Ger Lyons.

Aidan O’Brien’s Brussels and Flushing Meadows top the field for the Group 3 Jebel Ali Racecourse Anglesey Stakes, with Suzie Songs among the challengers for Lyons again.

And in a storybook subplot, Pat O’Donnell and daughter Sylvia could renew their Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby fairytale with Hemight, aiming to replicate their memorable 2022 triumph.

All-Ireland Football Quarter-Finals – Fixtures, Betting & Previews

🏐 All-Ireland Football 2025 Quarter-Finals – Betting Preview & Tips

The Championship is heating up! Four group winners — Armagh, Meath, Monaghan and Tyrone — go head-to-head with four battle-hardened prelim winners: Galway, Kerry, Donegal and Dublin.

📍 Meath vs Galway – Sunday 1:45pm

Meath: 13/5
Draw: 9/1
Galway: 2/5

Galway’s inside line looks razor-sharp after tearing Down apart. Shane Walsh will hopefully be fully fit. Meath have had a great campaign, beating Kerry in a dead rubber and knocking Dublin out of the Leinster championship — but this is a step up in class and they did fail to beat Louth in the provincial final.

✅ Tip: Galway to win (2/5)
🎯 Value: Galway -4 handicap

📍 Monaghan vs Donegal – Saturday 4pm

Monaghan: 11/4
Draw: 10/1
Donegal: 1/3

Donegal made a huge statement hammering Louth. Michael Murphy is flying, while Monaghan may struggle to match their pace.

✅ Tip: Donegal to win (1/3)
🔥 Angle: Donegal by 4–6 points

📍 Tyrone vs Dublin – Saturday 6:15pm

Tyrone: 11/10
Draw: 8/1
Dublin: 10/11

Hard to call. Tyrone have built momentum and topped their group, but Dublin showed signs of their old self in beating Cork. Could go the distance.

✅ Tip: Dublin to edge it (10/11)
💡 Saver: Draw at 8/1

📍 Armagh vs Kerry – Sunday 4pm

Armagh: 8/11
Draw: 17/2
Kerry: 7/5

Armagh have been superb but lost to Galway when already through. Kerry, likewise, were toppled by Meath but still dangerous. Clifford could be the difference.

✅ Tip: Kerry to win (7/5)
📊 Safer bet: Kerry +2 points handicap

🏆 Outright Winner Odds (Each-Way 1/3, 2 Places)

Team	Odds
Donegal	10/3
Galway	4/1
Armagh	4/1
Kerry	9/2
Tyrone	7/1
Dublin	7/1
Monaghan	20/1
Meath	40/1

💡 Outright Betting Tips:

Kerry (9/2): Value play – could catch fire late
Each-way longshot: Tyrone (7/1)

🎯 Keep an eye on line movements closer to throw-in. With knockout tension building, underdog value could shift quickly.

Which way are you leaning? Let us know your best bets below 👇

Galway Footballers Edge Thriller in Newry as Down Push Them to the Brink

Galway Survive Late Down Surge to Reach Quarter-Finals

All-Ireland SFC Preliminary Quarter-Final Galway 2-26 (2-5-16) Down 3-21 (3-4-13) By Billy Coss at Páirc Esler Galway’s All-Ireland hopes are still alive after a pulsating encounter in Newry, where they overcame a determined Down outfit in front of over 14,000 fans at Páirc Esler. A powerful end to the first half and the brilliance of Shane Walsh, Rob Finnerty and rookie Matthew Thompson saw the Tribesmen through a frantic finish that produced nine goals in total.

🔥 First Half Blitz Gives Galway Control

Down were matching Galway blow for blow early on, with Odhran Murdock and Danny Magill impressing and Murdock setting up John McGeough for the game’s opening goal on 14 minutes. But despite Ronan Burns producing fine saves from Rob Finnerty and Cian Hernon, Galway soon found their rhythm. A slick move saw Shane Walsh net Galway’s first goal on 22 minutes following a pinpoint Thompson pass. The Tribesmen then exploded, landing 1-9 without reply before half-time. Thompson, Finnerty, Walsh and Cillian McDaid (2) all raised white flags from range to give Galway a commanding 1-16 to 1-6 lead at the break.

⚡ Down Fight Back After the Restart

The home side roared into life after the restart. Daniel Guinness and Miceal Rooney both struck quickfire two-pointers, and Pat Havern converted a free to close the gap to five. They nearly grabbed a second goal too, but Conor Flaherty pulled off a vital save to deny Adam Crimmins. Galway responded in kind with points from Thompson, Finnerty and Matthew Tierney to steady the ship, but Down weren’t done. Guinness, Crimmins, Ceilum Doherty and substitute Caolan Mooney (2) helped close the gap to just two, forcing Galway into a reshuffle as pressure mounted on their kickouts.

🧊 Galway Finish Strong Despite Late Drama

Substitutes Peter Cooke and Daniel O’Flaherty made timely contributions before Shane Walsh, shortly before going off injured, landed a vital two-point free to make it 1-24 to 1-19. Cooke was then denied by Burns in what would have been the clincher, but another twist was to come. Murdock netted Down’s second goal on 65 minutes to cut the gap to two, only for Galway sub Tomo Culhane to rifle in his side’s second goal moments later. Ryan Magill struck at the other end to keep it interesting, but a Céin D’Arcy point and a ninth two-pointer of the game from Ryan McEvoy closed out a classic encounter.

📊 What’s Next?

Galway now advance to the All-Ireland quarter-finals, where they will face one of Meath, Monaghan or Tyrone. For Down, it’s the end of the road in what was an encouraging summer under Conor Laverty. Scorers: Galway – S Walsh 1-7 (0-3f, 0-1m), R Finnerty 0-6, M Thompson 0-5, T Culhane 1-0, C McDaid 0-2, M Tierney 0-2, P Cooke 0-1, D O’Flaherty 0-1, C D’Arcy 0-1, E Daly 0-1. Down – O Murdock 1-2, R Magill 1-1, J McGeough 1-0, D Guinness 0-4, C Mooney 0-2, A Crimmins 0-2, P Havern 0-2f, M Rooney 0-2, R McEvoy 0-2, C Doherty 0-1. Attendance: 14,000+ at Páirc Esler

From Fan Huddles to Title Glory – The Story of Damien Duff at Shelbourne

After 151 games in charge, Damien Duff has officially stepped down as manager of Shelbourne FC. His three-and-a-half-year reign at Tolka Park brought with it a Premier Division title, a return to European competition, memorable soundbites, and a deeply personal bond with the club. Here’s a look back at a tenure that transformed Shels on and off the pitch.

🟥 November 2021 – Duff Takes the Leap

Unveiled at the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport, Duff’s appointment as Shelbourne manager marked his first senior role in management. Despite initial hesitation, a touching moment with his son Woody wearing a Shels jersey helped seal his decision.

“Am I scared? Absolutely… But I’ve been preaching to kids about courage. For me to say no on Friday, I was lacking that.”

🏆 October 2022 – Cup Final Return & Monday Night Fire

Shels reached their first FAI Cup final since 2011 after beating Waterford, with Duff describing the win as one of the proudest moments of his career. However, he also hit out at the League of Ireland’s “ridiculous” approach to Monday night games.

“F***ing hell, it’s ridiculous. I hate that mentality.”

💔 November 2022 – Cup Final Heartbreak

A 4-0 loss to Derry City at Lansdowne Road was tough to take, but Duff stood firm and praised his team’s spirit throughout the campaign.

💼 June 2023 – Turkish Takeover Arrives

Turkish media mogul Acun Ilicali became majority shareholder, but Duff remained laser-focused on footballing matters and the culture he was building.

🌍 November 2023 – Europe Secured & Ownership Chaos

Shels clinched a return to European football after an 18-year absence. Amid this high, owner Ilicali stepped away, prompting Duff to reaffirm his commitment and sign a new deal.

“Shelbourne FC is a Dublin institution… built on hard work, respect, humility and honesty.”

🎤 April 2024 – Fan in the Huddle

Following a derby win, Duff famously invited fan Ciaran Harmon from the Riverside Stand to address the team post-match – a symbol of his close bond with the supporters.

🇮🇪 May 2024 – Rules Out Ireland Job

Despite rumours linking him to the Ireland senior job, Duff made it clear: international management wasn’t for him.

“No, it would drive me insane… There’s nothing better than being with the players every day.”

⚽ July 2024 – European Nights Return

Shels returned to European competition with a win over St Joseph’s of Gibraltar before falling to FC Zurich. For Duff, it was a career highlight.

“I’m the proudest man in Ireland tonight.”

🏅 November 2024 – League Champions Again

Against all odds, Shelbourne clinched the Premier Division title for the first time since 2006. Jose Mourinho even sent the squad a motivational video before the final-day decider.

“It’s absolutely Hollywood.”

📢 February 2025 – “The FAI is the Problem Child”

In a scathing critique, Duff echoed growing frustration in the League of Ireland towards the FAI’s governance.

“The biggest problem child in Irish sport is the FAI. End of story.”

📸 May 2025 – The Viral Grassy Knoll Moment

With a touchline ban in place, Duff watched from a hill behind the Des Kelly Stand at Dalymount. The photo went viral – and he wasn’t impressed.

“I’m not mortified for myself – I’m mortified for the league.”

🔚 June 2025 – The End of an Era

Following a 1-0 defeat to Derry City and concerns about player motivation, Duff stepped down. The club said it “fully respected” his decision.

“To become champions again, you have to be hungrier. I smelled these issues in pre-season.”

📝 Duff’s Legacy

🏐 Down v Galway – Preview, Teams, TV Info & Result

🏐 Down v Galway – Preview, Teams & TV Info

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Preliminary Quarter-Final
📍 Páirc Esler, Newry
🕝 Throw-in: 1.45pm, Sunday 22 June
📺 Live on GAA+

Live GAA scores on Irishscores.com

Galway head north as strong favourites, but Páirc Esler is no easy place to come. Down will relish home advantage and the opportunity to test themselves against a side that came within touching distance of All-Ireland glory just 12 months ago.

While Galway bring big-game pedigree and match-winners like Shane Walsh—who kicked 0-9 against Armagh—and the returning Paul Conroy, Down continue to make strides under Conor Laverty. The Mourne men impressed in the group stage with convincing wins over Clare and Louth, and despite losing narrowly to Monaghan, they showed grit and attacking flair.

Laverty’s team will again rely on the sharp shooting of Pat Havern, who landed 12 points last weekend, and the driving runs of Ryan McEvoy and Odhran Murdock. Their youthful, energetic style will be tested by Galway’s more structured and composed play.

The Tribesmen make two changes: Cian Hernon starts in defence while Paul Conroy returns to midfield. Damien Comer is named on the bench and could have a key role to play if called upon.

Prediction: Galway by 4

✅ Teams

DOWN:
Ronan Burns; Patrick McCarthy, Peter Fegan, Ceilum Doherty; Ryan Magill, Pierce Laverty, Miceal Rooney; Daniel Guinness, Ryan McEvoy; Danny Magill, Odhran Murdock, Eugene Branagan; James Guinness, Pat Havern, John McGeough.
Subs: John O’Hare, Ruairi McCormack, Aaron McClements, Donal Scullion, Eoin McCrickard, Adam Crimmins, Oisin Savage, Caolan Mooney, Finn Murdock, Patrick Brooks, Conor McCrickard.

GALWAY:
Conor Flaherty; Johnny McGrath, Sean Fitzgerald, Liam Silke; Dylan McHugh, Sean Kelly, Cian Hernon; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Cein Darcy, Matthew Tierney, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Matthew Thompson.
Subs: Connor Gleeson, Jack Glynn, Cathal Sweeney, Sean O Maoilchiarain, Daniel O’Flaherty, John Daly, Peter Cooke, Kieran Molloy, Tomo Culhane, Johnny Heaney, Damien Comer.

Irish Gaming Regulations Shape Licensed Online Casino Industry Development

Ireland’s gambling laws are undergoing significant changes with innovative systems that revolutionize the creation and operation of licensed online casinos.

The enactment of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is a critical development for the Irish betting market.

Setting up Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was established in March 2025 as the legal entity to regulate all gambling activities in Ireland except for the National Lottery.

This represented a new legislative frontier aimed at promoting responsible gambling while fostering the industry. The GRAI regulates and enforces rules by issuing licenses to online and offline gambling businesses.

The authority’s scope will extend to all forms of gambling, including betting, gaming, and lotteries. It must provide for a robust regulatory framework that must apply in both the physical and digital worlds.

The introduction of the proposed new regulatory system shall be phased over several years, and online gaming licenses (comprising online casino licenses) will be up for grabs in early 2026, with the first concentration being on betting licenses in late 2025.

GRAI Licensing and Industry Modernization

This modernizes the industry and positions Ireland as a progressive leader in European gambling regulation. The establishment of GRAI reflects the government’s commitment to making the environment safer and more transparent for operators as well as players.

Broadly-based, the GRAI has set out rigorous licensing conditions that will ensure only acceptable operators provide gambling services in Ireland. Licensing of an operator will require adherence to these conditions, which will also be applied to charitable and philanthropic gaming activities.

License applicants shall pay the fees as determined by the tiered structure based on their annual turnover, for a remote (online) license or an onsite license. The three-year license will require operators to pay an annual contribution to the Social Impact Fund, which will be earmarked for facilitating responsible gambling and supporting social programs.

Player Protection and Regulatory Measures

Player protection is a key component of the new Irish gaming regulations, and it is being asserted through various regulatory measures. The major changes in the Irish gambling laws pertain to advertising restrictions, which are extremely important.

From now onward, there shall be a restriction on gambling advertisements with specific time slots, and there will be a 5:30 am to 9:00 pm watershed period. This will ensure that all sensitive groups, particularly young children, do not get exposed to promotions related to gambling at inappropriate times.

Besides advertising rules, the laws bring in a countrywide gambling opt-out list, which will let people exclude themselves from certain businesses or all betting actions for fixed times. This is a key help in shielding those who could be in danger of forming betting issues, making sure that they get the resources and backing needed to take a break from betting.

New Compliance Standards and Market Impact

New technical and compliance standards for operators. Truly, this means having very solid systems in player account management, data protection, responsible gambling tools—anything related to compliance because GRAI will conduct continuous compliance checks and has discretionary enforcement powers, hence able to respond quickly to any emerging risk and make sure that the operator is meeting required standards.

The new regulatory regime should affect the Irish gambling market a lot. The principles of legal clarity and equal treatment will probably attract more remote (online) operators since they now have a clear and reliable framework under which to operate. Modernization is set up to drive growth and innovation for the sector, in turn driving reputable international operators into the Irish Market.

Transition to GRAI and Social Impact Fund

For existing operators, the change to full GRAI will be slow, with permits given by the Revenue Commissioners staying valid until new rules take complete effect. This old system will eventually have to make way for the new system, leading to much more simplified and standardized operations across the board.

Also, the annual sums to the Social Impact Fund will be used to assist gambling education, research, and care for problem gambling. This shows a strong commitment to social responsibility and highlights Ireland’s efforts to balance the growth of the gambling industry with its duty to protect vulnerable people.

The new rules were communicated in clear time steps. GRAI kicked off operations in March 2025, opening the 1st tranche of applications for betting licenses towards the end of 2025. Licenses for online gaming — meaning online casinos — will come in 2026. By 2027, all categories of licenses will be fully implemented; regulated betting gets a clean slate in Ireland.

Wrapping up

The coming of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and setting up the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is a big move for the Irish betting field. These laws are meant to make things open and take current steps in keeping players safe as well as bringing the field into modern times. This will make Ireland, by giving clear and detailed rules, a center for allowed online casinos and betting companies.

Rugby betting roster 2025: 5 events to look forward to the rest of the year

There’s never a dull moment in rugby, and 2025 is no different.

Although we’re already down half the year, there’s still a lot of fun, nail-biting action to expect from the world of scrums and tackles. This means there’s still more action for rugby betting enthusiasts to bet on. Below, we look at five places where this action will be for the rest of 2025.

2025 Asia Rugby Championship

The 9th season of the Asia Rugby tournament is scheduled for June 13th to July 5th 2025. Bringing together the UAE, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and South Korea, the event will dominate rugby betting platforms in Asia for at least 2 weeks. You can access the betting markets outside of Asia when you download Betway or other international sportsbook apps. And although all eyes are on five-time winners Hong Kong, anything can happen in the Asia Rugby tournament.

2025 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup

The PNC launched a new tournament format in 2024, and this will be exciting to see. This year, the finale is being held in the US, which means you can take advantage of sports betting’s legality there to join the action through platforms like Betway. The teams competing are Fiji, Canada, Samoa, Japan, Tonga, and the US. If that wasn’t exciting enough, this year’s edition is also the World Cup qualifier event for the Pacific region. All teams except Japan and Fiji, who have already secured their spot, will be battling for a seat at the 2027 international event.

2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup

Everyone is betting on women’s sports right now, including rugby bettors. In 2025, you can wager on the biggest international tournament in women’s rugby, the World Cup. The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled for 22nd to 27th August and takes place in England. It features 16 teams, up 4 from the normal 12, and is the first tournament to be branded the Women’s Rugby World Cup. If you like favorites, all eyes are on defending champions New Zealand.

2025 World Rugby U20 Championship

The U20 Championship is back for its 15th edition, and this time, it’s called Italia 2025. From June 29th to July 19th, 12 teams will battle it out in cities across Italy to dethrone England and win the cup. These teams include Argentina, South Africa, Australia, Ireland, Wales, and 2024 U20 Trophy champions, Scotland, among others.

2025 British & Irish Lions Australia Tour

Lastly, starting June 28th, the British and Irish Lions team tours Australia as part of their 2025 international rugby union schedule. The most exciting part of this series of matches is that the British & Irish Lions feature a host of the best players from Britain, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. This makes it a great game to test out your player knowledge and predict how the team performs away from home against the best Australia has to offer.

Wrapping up

And there you have it. Over the next six months, the best teams and players rugby has to offer will deliver enough games and events to keep you glued to your screen in 2025. Top betting providers like Betway will also broadcast the action, offering live betting options among other rugby betting markets. As you wait, update your rugby betting strategy and set up a betting account with a trusted sportsbook in your country.