The Thrill of the Game: Ireland’s Beloved Sports, Inspiring Athletes, and Unwavering Fans

Ireland’s sporting culture is deeply ingrained in its national identity.

From the passion of Gaelic games to the elegance of rugby and the intensity of soccer, sports play a pivotal role in uniting communities and inspiring generations. This article delves into the beloved sports of Ireland, its inspiring athletes, and the unwavering support of its fans. All details, stats, and names are meticulously included to ensure a comprehensive and detailed discussion.

Gaelic Games: The Heart of Irish Sport

Gaelic Football

Gaelic football is the most popular sport in Ireland, with its roots dating back to ancient times. It combines the skills of soccer and rugby, played on a rectangular grass field with goals at each end. The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is the pinnacle of the sport, drawing massive crowds and viewership. In 2021, Mayo and Tyrone competed in the final, with Tyrone clinching the title 2-14 to 0-15. The game was watched by over 1 million viewers on RTÉ, highlighting the sport’s immense popularity.

Hurling, often described as the fastest field sport in the world, is another cherished Gaelic game. Played with a small ball called a sliotar and a wooden stick known as a hurley, it requires incredible skill and agility. The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final is a highlight of the sporting calendar. In 2021, Limerick defeated Cork 3-32 to 1-22, securing their third title in four years. The final attracted over 800,000 viewers, emphasizing the sport’s significance in Irish culture.

Rugby: A National Passion

Six Nations Championship

Rugby holds a special place in the hearts of Irish sports fans. The Six Nations Championship, contested by Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy, is one of the most anticipated events each year. Ireland has won the championship 14 times, including three Grand Slams. The 2018 Grand Slam victory was particularly memorable, with Ireland defeating England 24-15 at Twickenham. The match drew an average audience of 1.3 million viewers on TV3, highlighting rugby’s popularity.

Brian O’Driscoll, one of the greatest rugby players of all time, has left an indelible mark on the sport. With 133 caps for Ireland and a record 46 tries, O’Driscoll’s impact is unparalleled. Johnny Sexton, the current captain, continues to inspire with his leadership and skill. Sexton has amassed over 900 points for Ireland and was instrumental in securing the 2018 Grand Slam. These players embody the spirit of Irish rugby and inspire future generations.

Soccer: The Global Game in Ireland

League of Ireland

The League of Ireland is the top tier of professional soccer in the country. Despite facing competition from the English Premier League, the league has a dedicated following. Shamrock Rovers, the most successful club, won their 19th league title in 2020. The league’s viewership and attendance have seen steady growth, with an average attendance of 2,500 per match in the 2021 season.

The Republic of Ireland national soccer team has a proud history, with memorable moments such as reaching the quarterfinals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The team has qualified for three World Cups and three European Championships. In 2020, Stephen Kenny took over as manager, aiming to rebuild the team and achieve future success. The team’s matches draw significant viewership, with the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Portugal watched by over 700,000 viewers on RTÉ.

Horse Racing: A Tradition of Excellence

Prestigious Events

Horse racing is a beloved sport in Ireland, with a rich history and tradition. The Irish Derby, held at the Curragh Racecourse, is one of the most prestigious events. In 2021, Hurricane Lane, trained by Charlie Appleby, won the race with a prize purse of €1.25 million. The Galway Races, a week-long festival, attracts over 250,000 spectators each year, displaying the sport’s popularity.

Ruby Walsh, one of the greatest jockeys of all time, has had a stellar career with over 2,700 winners. His achievements include winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice and the Grand National. Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National, riding MinellaTimes. These jockeys have brought glory to Irish horse racing and inspired many.

Golf: Ireland’s Green Fairway

Major Champions: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry

Ireland has produced some of the world’s finest golfers. Rory McIlroy, with four major championships, including the 2011 U.S. Open and 2014 PGA Championship, is a global superstar. Shane Lowry’s victory at the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush was a historic moment for Irish golf. These players have elevated Ireland’s status in the golfing world.

Ireland boasts some of the world’s most iconic golf courses. Royal County Down, consistently ranked among the best courses globally, offers stunning views and challenging play. Ballybunion, another renowned course, is a favorite among golf enthusiasts. These courses attract golfers from around the world, contributing significantly to Ireland’s tourism industry.

Popularity and Economic Impact

The online betting market in Ireland is valued at approximately €1.1 billion, with Betting Sites Ireland becoming an integral part of the sports experience. Major events like the Six Nations and the All-Ireland Championships see a surge in betting activity. These platforms enhance the betting experience for users with promotional offers such as welcome bonuses and free bets.

The regulatory landscape for betting in Ireland is evolving, with discussions around stricter regulations to ensure consumer protection. The Gambling Control Bill aims to introduce comprehensive regulations for online betting. Despite regulatory challenges, the popularity of Betting Sites Ireland continues to grow, reflecting the changing attitudes towards sports betting.

Conclusion

Celebrating Ireland’s Sporting Heritage

Ireland’s rich sporting heritage, characterized by its beloved sports, inspiring athletes, and unwavering fans, is a testament to the nation’s passion for the game. From the historic grounds of Croke Park to the lush fairways of Royal County Down, sports are an integral part of Irish life.

As Ireland continues to embrace its sporting culture, the future looks bright. The integration of modern technologies and evolving betting landscapes promises new opportunities for engagement and growth. With a deep-rooted passion and unwavering support from fans, Ireland’s sporting journey is set to reach new heights.

Munster Hurling Final 2024: Clare vs Limerick – Preview, Betting, Stats, Start Time, and TV Details

Munster Hurling Final 2024: Clare vs Limerick

Match Details

– **Teams:** Limerick vs Clare
– **Date:** Sunday, June 11th, 2024
– **Venue:** FBD Semple Stadium
– **Start Time:** 4:00 PM
– **TV Coverage:** RTE

Betting Odds

– **Limerick:** 4/9
– **Clare:** 9/4

Team News and Lineups

Clare

Clare have made strategic changes ahead of the final. Star player Tony Kelly will start on the bench, potentially being a game-changer in the second half. Brian Lohan has introduced David McInerney and Rory Hayes into the defense, replacing Conor Leen and Cian Galvin.

**Starting XV:**
– Eibhear Quilligan
– Adam Hogan
– Conor Cleary
– Rory Hayes
– Diarmuid Ryan
– John Conlon
– David McInerney
– David Fitzgerald
– Darragh Lohan
– Cathal Malone
– Mark Rodgers
– Peter Duggan
– Aidan McCarthy
– Shane O’Donnell
– David Reidy

**Key Subs:** Tony Kelly, Seadna Morey, Ian Galvin

Limerick

Limerick will field Shane O’Brien from the start after his impressive performance against Waterford. However, they will miss Seamus Flanagan and Sean Finn due to injuries. Darragh O’Donovan and Richie English return to the bench, providing experienced options for John Kiely.

**Starting XV:**
– Nickie Quaid
– Mike Casey
– Dan Morrissey
– Barry Nash
– Diarmaid Byrnes
– Declan Hannon
– Kyle Hayes
– Will O Donoghue
– Cathal O’Neill
– Gearóid Hegarty
– David Reidy
– Tom Morrissey
– Aaron Gillane
– Shane O’Brien
– Cian Lynch

**Key Subs:** Darragh O’Donovan, Adam English, Richie English

Road to the Final

Clare’s Journey

– **Limerick 3-15 Clare 1-18**
– **Clare 3-26 Cork 3-24**
– **Clare 4-21 Waterford 2-26**
– **Clare 1-24 Tipperary 0-24**
– **Record:** Won 3, Lost 1

Limerick’s Journey

– **Limerick 3-15 Clare 1-18**
– **Limerick 2-27 Tipperary 0-18**
– **Cork 3-28 Limerick 3-26**
– **Limerick 0-30 Waterford 2-14**
– **Record:** Won 3, Lost 1

Key Players to Watch

Clare

– **Aidan McCarthy:** 1-33 (0-26 frees)
– **Mark Rodgers:** 2-13 (0-3 frees, 0-1 ‘65’, 0-1 s/l)
– **David Fitzgerald:** 2-10

Limerick

– **Aaron Gillane:** 2-27 (0-26 frees)
– **Seamus Flanagan:** 3-3
– **Gearóid Hegarty:** 0-9

Historical Context

– **Recent Munster Finals:**
– 2023: Limerick 1-23 Clare 1-22
– 2022: Limerick 1-29 Clare 0-29 aet
– **Overall Titles:**
– Limerick: 24 (last in 2023)
– Clare: 6 (last in 1998)

Analysis and Predictions

This year’s final promises another thrilling encounter between Clare and Limerick. With key players missing and others returning from injury, both teams will need to adapt quickly. Key battles in midfield and defense could determine the outcome, with star substitutes potentially playing pivotal roles in the second half.

*Limerick and Clare each won three of four games in this year’s Munster ‘round robin’. Clare’s only defeat was against
Limerick while Limerick’s only defeat was against Cork.

*Clare last won the Munster title in 1998. They have lost six finals since then.

*This will be the 62nd championship game between the counties. Limerick won 39 to Clare’s 20 with two draws, from
the previous 61.

*John Kiely is in his eighth season as Limerick manager. Their championship record in that period reads: Played 42;
Won 31, Drew 3, Lost 8.

*Brian Lohan is in his fifth year as Clare manager. Their championship record in that period reads: Played 28, Won 17,
Drew 1, Lost 10.

*Munster SHC titles (last year won in brackets): Cork 54 (2018); Tipperary 42 (2016); Limerick 24 (2023); Clare 6 (1998);
Kerry 1 (1891)

Prediction: Given Limerick’s recent dominance and depth in their squad, they are favorites. However, Clare’s determination and the possible impact of Tony Kelly off the bench make them formidable opponents.

What’s Next for Derby Winner City Of Troy?

For the second consecutive year, Aidan O’Brien won the Derby at Epsom with a horse that had previously been well beaten in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. City Of Troy gave the Irish trainer a record-extended 10th success in the most valuable Flat race in the UK.

And exhale! City Of Troy makes it 🔟 Derby wins for Aidan O’Brien… pic.twitter.com/7DW7AkHAZX

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 1, 2024

After such an impressive performance, the options are now wide open for the son of Justify. Here is a look at some of the races he may feature in this season.

Irish Derby

The most obvious next assignment for City Of Troy is likely to be the Irish Derby at the Curragh. That would allow him to become a dual Classic winner. He is odds-on at 4/7 in the bet on horse racing market for the prestigious Irish contest.

City Of Troy does have an entry in the St James’s Palace Stakes later this month where he has Ascot 2024 odds of 33/1. With the royal meeting and Irish Derby taking place within two weeks of each other, he is unlikely to line up in both races.

Deep Impact colt Auguste Rodin completes the English-Irish Derby double!

It’s also a first win in the @DDFRacing Irish Derby for Ryan Moore, and Aidan O’Brien’s 100th European Classic victory 👏#オーギュストロダン | #ディープインパクト | #競馬 | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/GQ8wBZXMsp

— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) July 2, 2023

There have been 19 horses that have completed the English and Irish Derby double. Auguste Rodin became the latest to do so for O’Brien in 2023. As his record suggests (15 triumphs), the Irish Champion Trainer is a big supporter of this race, so it would be no surprise to see his latest superstar feature.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

In his post-race interview following the Derby, O’Brien revealed that City Of Troy’s owners were keen on a shot at the Breeders’ Cup Classic this season with their talented three-year-old. It is a race they have been desperate to win throughout their time in the sport.

If the Epsom hero is to tackle one of the richest races in the world at Del Mar in November, he will need to get some experience on dirt before then. The Travers Stakes at Saratoga in August is an option for him. That was the race won by Arrogate in 2016 before he landed the Breeders’ Cup feature later that year.

No Irish-trained horse in history has won the Breeders’ Cup Classic. O’Brien has had success at the meeting, most notably in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, but this would be one of the highlights of his career, should City Of Troy beat North America’s leading dirt horses.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

The last Derby winner to score in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe later that season was Golden Horn in 2015. Since then, two three-year-olds have been successful in the open-age contest, with Enable and Ace Impact prevailing in 2017 and 2023 respectively.

The Arc is a race that O’Brien has high on his priority list each season. His most recent triumph came in 2016 when his talented filly, Found, prevailed. In City Of Troy, he now has a horse that would have an excellent chance of giving him a third victory in the most prestigious open-age turf contest in the world.

O’Brien has yet to commit to a plan for City Of Troy, but as ever, he will find the best route for the horse to allow him to fulfil his potential on the track.

What will Brighton do next with Ireland’s Evan Ferguson?

Brighton and Hove Albion have rightfully been given the tag of the best-run club in world football. The reason for this reputation is simple: the Seagulls buy low and sell high – ensuring that the club makes an eye-watering profit in the transfer window.

Brighton’s blueprint

As sure as night follows day, Brighton will identify and sign the next big name in football before demanding a king’s ransom from the biggest clubs in the league who want to recruit these players.

Last season alone the Seagulls made £165 million from player sales. The bulk of this sum was made by selling Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea for £115 million and Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool for £35 million. Crucially, Brighton only paid £4 million for Caicedo and £7 million for Mac Allister.

BREAKING: Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement reached and sealed right now — it’s gonna British record transfer fee 🚨🔵🇪🇨 #CFC

£115m fee plus sell-on clause included for Brighton.

Medical tests, booked.

Caicedo will sign until June 2031 with option until 2032. pic.twitter.com/7O8whsRLdK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2023

While these were seismic fees, there was a feeling on the South Coast in 2023 that the sale of Irish striker Evan Ferguson would yield the biggest profit in the club’s history when the time came to entertain bids.

The biggest fish yet

Brighton signed Ferguson from Dublin-based side Bohemians in 2021 for an undisclosed fee – believed to be less than half a million pounds.

Ferguson took to life in the Premier League with remarkable ease after leaving Ireland’s capital – scoring six goals and assisting twice in 19 appearances during his debut season in the English top flight.

This impressive return led to Manchester United bidding £50 million for the forward during the 2023 summer transfer window.
Brighton laughed off the offer and quickly placed a £120 million price tag on Ferguson after a man-of-the-match performance against Newcastle in September 2023 during a game where he scored a hattrick.

Essentially, the Seagulls knew they had a strong bargaining hand and were out to land an unprecedented fee.

However, the following eight months after making international headlines against Newcastle saw Ferguson net just two goals. It was a drop-off that few expected and might mean that Brighton passed up the chance of banking a £50 million profit on the player considering how much the Irishman’s value would have depreciated.

While the Brighton board might have been accused of lacking foresight, this is, of course, the nature of the transfer market where you can play too aggressively with the hand you have. Walking away with the money is much easier said than done when you have a history of getting every last penny from would-be buyers.

Indeed, while Kenny Rogers might have been adamant about knowing when to hold ’em and knowing when to fold ’em, the reality is that it’s incredibly difficult to mitigate against risk in the transfer market owing to how volatile it is.

The Wild West of the transfer market

At least, it is not like other industries where you can have a safety net in place to protect you from unexpected loss.

For instance, you have car insurance to soften the financial blow of any out-of-the-blue damage. Likewise, you might access travel insurance to cover any unforeseen issues when on holiday. The list is extensive, so much so that you can even find insurance in the gaming industry by accessing one of the best casino bonuses which allows free spins on the jackpot when you get started.

While these are differing examples, the broader point is that there are no measures in place to safeguard against loss in the transfer market if a player’s value drops. You simply have to take your medicine and try and learn from the lessons that losing millions teaches.

Stick or twist?

Now, the question is, what do Brighton do next, do they wait to see if the value of their investment goes up again or look to sell for a marked-down price in the knowledge that they paid a nominal fee for the Bettystown-born Ferguson?

The answer might be found in the fact that the club’s owner Tony Bloom is a professional gambler who is a regular on the international poker circuit. If Bloom thinks he’s got a strong hand, he’ll play it to the death. Don’t expect the Seagulls to let a player who was once world football’s most talked-about upcoming star leave anytime soon.

Irish Athletes at European Championships: Schedule Times and Event Start Times

Athletics Ireland has announced the final squad for the upcoming European Athletics Championships, set to take place in Rome from June 7th – 12th. This selection includes athletes who have been confirmed as qualified by rank by European Athletics, completing a strong Irish team heading to the Italian capital.

Key Highlights

Israel Olatunde (Tallaght AC) – Ireland’s fastest man, will compete in the individual 100m on June 7th, in addition to the men’s 4x100m relay team.
Louise Shanahan (Leevale AC) – Competing in the 800m.
Christopher O’Donnell (North Sligo AC) – Running the 400m.
Phil Healy (Bandon AC) – Participating in the 200m.

Certainly, here’s the revised version of the content with the information presented in a more SEO-friendly format and with tags separated by commas:

Athletics Ireland has announced the final squad selection for the upcoming European Athletics Championships in Rome, from June 7th – 12th. The final selection includes athletes confirmed as qualified by rank by European Athletics, completing a strong Irish team heading to the Italian capital.

Among the athletes added are Ireland’s fastest man, Israel Olatunde (Tallaght AC), who will compete in the individual 100m heats on Friday, June 7th. Other notable additions include Olympians Louise Shanahan (Leevale AC – 800m), Christopher O’Donnell (North Sligo AC – 400m), and Phil Healy (Bandon AC – 200m).

Here’s the complete list of athletes and their scheduled events:

Friday, 7.6.2024

– **Israel Olatunde**, 100m, Tallaght AC, Coach: Daniel Kilgallon, 21:10
– **Phil Healy**, 200m, Mx 4x400m, Women’s 4x400m, Bandon AC, Coach: Shane McCormack, 21:45, 22:20
– **Louise Shanahan**, 800m, Leevale AC, Coach: Mark Kirk, 12:20
– **Chris O’Donnell**, 400m, Mx 4x400m, Men’s 4x400m, North Sligo AC, Coach: Stewart Marshall, 11:45, 22:20
– **Jodie McCann**, 5000m, Dublin City Harriers, Coach: Clark McCann, 22:40
– **Oisin Lane**, 20km Walk, Mullingar Harriers AC, Coach: Michael Lane, 18:35
– **Laura Mooney**, 10,000m, Tullamore Harriers, Coach: Ray Treacy, Tuesday, 11.6.2024 – 21:30

Saturday, 8.6.2024

– **Mark Smyth**, 200m, Raheny Shamrock AC, Coach: Kay Bannon, 21:10

Sunday, 9.6.2024

– **Ryan Creech**, Half Marathon, Leevale AC, Coach: Donie Walsh, 09:00
– **Hiko Tonosa**, Half Marathon, Dundrum South Dublin AC, Coach: Donal Hennigan, 09:00
– **Shona Heaslip**, Half Marathon, An Ríocht AC, Coach: Niamh O’Sullivan, 09:30
– **Emily Haggard Kearney**, Half Marathon, North Belfast Harriers, Coach: Ronan Kearney, 09:30
– **Nicola Tuthill**, Hammer Throw, UCD AC, Coaches: Killian Barry, Kevin Warner, Roland Korom, 10:05

Additional Athletes

– **Colin Doyle**, Men’s 4x100m, Leevale AC, Coach: Alan Mahony
– **Paul Costelloe**, Men’s 4x100m, Dooneen AC, Coach: Gary Ryan
– **Joseph Ojewumi**, Men’s 4x100m, Tallaght AC, Coach: Daniel Kilgallon
– **Christopher Sibanda**, Men’s 4x100m 2nd Reserve, Clonliffe Harriers, Coaches: Drew & Hayley Harrison
– **Callum Baird**, Men’s 4x400m, Mx 4x400m Reserve, Ballymena & Antrim AC, Coach: Ian Neely
– **Cillín Greene**, Men’s 4x400m, Galway City Harriers AC, Coaches: Jeremy Lyons & Gerard O’Donnell
– **Sean Doggett**, Men’s 4x400m, Athenry AC, Coach: Stephen Doggett
– **Joe Doody**, Men’s 4x400m, Cabinteely AC, Coach: Brian Doody
– **Kelly McGrory**, Women’s 4x400m, Tir Chonaill AC, Coaches: Hayley & Drew Harrison
– **Lauren Cadden**, Women’s 4x400m, Sligo AC, Coach: Dermot McDermott
– **Cliodhna Manning**, Women’s 4x400m Reserve, Kilkenny City Harriers AC, Coach: Matt Elias

*Roisín Flanagan also qualified but has withdrawn due to injury.*

This squad is expected to perform strongly across various events, showcasing Ireland’s top athletic talent on the European stage. Stay tuned for updates and results as the championships unfold.

Complete Irish Team and Schedule for European Championships – Turn mobile phone on side

Athlete	Event(s)	Club	Coach	Time
Rhasidat Adeleke	400m, Mx 4x400m, Women’s 4x400m	Tallaght AC	Edrick Floreal
Ciara Mageean	1500m	City of Lisburn AC	Helen Clitheroe	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 11:45
Sarah Lavin	100mH	Emerald AC	Noelle Morrissey	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 10:10
Andrew Coscoran	1500m	Star of the Sea AC	Feidhlim Kelly	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 11:45
Sarah Healy	1500m	UCD AC	Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 11:45
Brian Fay	5000m & 10,000m	Raheny Shamrocks AC	Feidhlim Kelly	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:40
Sharlene Mawdsley	400m, Mx 4x400m, Women’s 4x400m	Newport AC	Gary Ryan
Eric Favors	SP	Raheny Shamrocks AC	Dane Mitchell	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 21:33
Efrem Gidey	10,000m	Clonliffe Harriers	Peter McDermott	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:40
Sophie Becker	400m, Mx 4x400m, Women’s 4x400m	Raheny Shamrocks AC	Jeremy Lyons & Gerard O’Donnell
Mark English	800m	Finn Valley AC	Feidhlim Kelly	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 12:20
Thomas Barr	400mH, Mx 4x400m, Men’s 4x400m	Ferrybank AC	Hayley & Drew Harrison	Saturday, 8.6.2024 – 20:35
Michelle Finn	3000mSC	Leevale AC	Feidhlim Kelly	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 13:05
Peter Lynch	10,000m	Kilkenny City Harriers	Shalane Flanagan	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:40
Luke McCann	Withdrawn	Withdrawn	Withdrawn
Cormac Dalton	10,000m	Mullingar Harriers AC	Joe Ryan	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:40
Barry Keane	10,000m	Waterford AC	Mark Carroll	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:40
Nick Griggs	1500m	Candour Track Club	Mark Kirk	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 11:45
Anika Thompson	10,000m	Leevale AC	Shalane Flanagan	Tuesday, 11.6.2024 – 21:30
Israel Olatunde	Men’s 4x100m, 100m	Tallaght AC	Daniel Kilgallon	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 21:10
Mark Smyth	Men’s 4x100m	Raheny Shamrock AC	Kay Bannon	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 11:50
Toluwabori Akinola	Men’s 4x100m	UCD AC	Adam McMullen	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 11:50
Marcus Lawler	Withdrawn	Withdrawn	Withdrawn
Colin Doyle</td	Colin Doyle


		Men’s 4x100m	Leevale AC	Alan Mahony	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 11:50	Paul Costelloe	Men’s 4x100m	Dooneen AC	Gary Ryan	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 11:50	Joseph Ojewumi	Men’s 4x100m	Tallaght AC	Daniel Kilgallon	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 11:50	Christopher Sibanda	Men’s 4x100m 2nd Reserve	Clonliffe Harriers	Drew & Hayley Harrison		Chris O’Donnell	Mx 4x400m, Men’s 4x400m	North Sligo AC	Stewart Marshall	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:20	Jack Raftery	Mx 4x400m, Men’s 4x400m	Donore Harriers AC	Jeremy Lyons & Gerard O’Donnell	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:20	Callum Baird	Men’s 4x400m, Mx 4x400m Reserve	Ballymena & Antrim AC	Ian Neely		Phil Healy	Mx 4x400m, Women’s 4x400m, 200m	Bandon AC	Shane McCormack	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:20	Cillín Greene	Men’s 4x400m	Galway City Harriers AC	Jeremy Lyons & Gerard O’Donnell	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:20	Sean Doggett	Men’s 4x400m	Athenry AC	Stephen Doggett	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:20	Joe Doody	Men’s 4x400m	Cabinteely AC	Brian Doody	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:20	Kelly McGrory	Women’s 4x400m	Tir Chonaill AC	Hayley & Drew Harrison		Lauren Cadden	Women’s 4x400m	Sligo AC	Dermot McDermott		Cliodhna Manning	Women’s 4x400m Reserve	Kilkenny City Harriers AC	Matt Elias		Chris O’Donnell	400m	North Sligo AC	Stewart Marshall	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 11:45	Ryan Creech	Half Marathon	Leevale AC	Donie Walsh	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 09:00	Israel Olatunde	100m	Tallaght AC	Daniel Kilgallon	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 21:10	Mark Smyth	200m	Raheny Shamrock AC	Kay Bannon	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 21:10	Shona Heaslip	Half Marathon	An Ríocht AC	Niamh O’Sullivan	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 09:30	Louise Shanahan	800m	Leevale AC	Mark Kirk	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 12:20	Nicola Tuthill	Hammer Throw	UCD AC	Killian Barry, Kevin Warner, Roland Korom	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 10:05	Hiko Tonosa	Half Marathon	Dundrum South Dublin AC	Donal Hennigan	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 09:00	Oisin Lane	20km Walk	Mullingar Harriers AC	Michael Lane	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 18:35	Emily Haggard Kearney	Half Marathon	North Belfast Harriers	Ronan Kearney	Sunday, 9.6.2024 – 09:30	Jodie McCann	5000m	Dublin City Harriers	Clark McCann	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 22:40	Phil Healy	200m	Bandon AC	Shane McCormack	Friday, 7.6.2024 – 21:45	Laura Mooney	10,000m	Tullamore Harriers	Ray Treacy	Tuesday, 11.6.2024 – 21:30

Cavan v Dublin : Preview, Stats, Teams & Betting

GAA Showdown: Cavan vs Dublin at Kingspan Breffni – Start Time, Betting Odds, and Team News for June 1st Clash

Saturday June 1
Cavan v Dublin, Kingspan Breffni, 7:00pm

Match Preview

Kingspan Breffni provides the backdrop for Saturday evening’s encounter – a repeat of the 2020 All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final. Cavan, minus the injured Paddy Lynch, were soundly beaten by Mayo in Castlebar, and face another daunting task against the standard bearers. Pádraig Faulkner and Oisín Brady have enjoyed productive moments in the championship for Cavan, who beat Monaghan before losing narrowly to Tyrone in Ulster.

Dublin finished strongly against Roscommon with Con O’Callaghan continuing to make an impact. In four championship matches this year, the Cuala forward has contributed 4-12. Brian Fenton and John Small have also been influential figures for Dessie Farrell’s accomplished team.

Championship So Far

Cavan

Cavan 3-12 Monaghan 1-12 (Ulster preliminary round)
Tyrone 1-23 Cavan 3-16 (aet) (Ulster quarter-final)
Mayo 0-20 Cavan 1-8 (All-Ireland round robin)

Top Scorers

P Lynch: 1-14 (0-10 frees, 0-1 ’45’)
O Brady: 0-9 (0-5 frees)
P Faulkner: 2-0
G Smith: 1-2
C Madden: 1-1

Dublin

Dublin 3-19 Meath 0-12 (Leinster quarter-final)
Dublin 3-22 Offaly 0-11 (Leinster semi-final)
Dublin 1-19 Louth 2-12 (Leinster final)
Dublin 2-19 Roscommon 0-13 (All-Ireland round robin)

Top Scorers

C O’Callaghan: 4-12 (0-2 mark)
P Mannion: 1-12 (0-3 frees)
C Costello: 0-13 (0-8 frees)
C Basquel: 2-6 (0-2 frees)
N Scully: 1-4 (0-2 mark)

Previous Championship Meetings

2020: Dublin 1-24 Cavan 0-12 (All-Ireland semi-final)
1942: Dublin 1-6 Cavan 1-3 (All-Ireland semi-final)
1925: Dublin 0-6 Cavan 1-1 (All-Ireland semi-final)
1920: Dublin 3-6 Cavan 1-3 (All-Ireland semi-final)
1892: Dublin 3-7 Cavan 0-3 (All-Ireland semi-final)

*Cavan’s last win over Dublin in a competitive game was in 1960 when they won a National League semi-final by six points in Navan.
*Cavan and Dublin have met five times in the championship, with Dublin having won all five.
*Dublin have averaged 2-21 in their wins over Meath, Offaly, Louth, and Roscommon.

Group 2 Table

Team	P	W	L	For	Against	Difference	Pts
Dublin	1	1	0	2-19	0-13	+12	2
Mayo	1	1	0	0-20	1-8	+9	2
Cavan	1	0	1	1-8	0-20	-9	0
Roscommon	1	0	1	0 -13	2-19	-12	0

Cork v Donegal : Preview, Stats, Teams & Betting

Live GAA Preview: Cork vs Donegal Clash at Páirc Uí Rinn – Start Time, Betting Odds, and Team News for June 1st Showdown

Saturday June 1
Cork v Donegal, Páirc Uí Rinn, 2.30pm

Match Preview

These are encouraging times for Donegal, who followed up the Ulster triumph with a solid home victory over Tyrone. Peadar Mogan drove forward to land three sweet points for Jim McGuinness’ dynamic team. At centrefield, Michael Langan and Jason McGee have been dovetailing nicely for a developing Donegal outfit.

Cork, though, were heartened by the away victory over Clare with John Cleary satisfied with the progress being made. Brian Hurley and Chris Óg Jones are capable attackers for a Cork side, who will be eager to examine Donegal’s credentials.

Championship So Far

Cork

Cork 3-13 Limerick 0-11 (Munster quarter-final)
Kerry 0-18 Cork 1-12 (Munster semi-final)
Cork 1-13 Clare 1-11 (All-Ireland round robin)

Top Scorers

B Hurley: 0-15 (0-8 frees)
C Óg Jones: 1-4
P Walsh: 1-2
C Corbett: 0-4 (0-1 mark)

Donegal

Donegal 4-11 Derry 0-17 (Ulster quarter-final)
Donegal 0-18 Tyrone 0-16 (aet) (Ulster semi-final)
Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 aet (Donegal won on penalties) (Ulster final)
Donegal 0-21 Tyrone 0-14 (All-Ireland round robin)

Top Scorers

O Gallen: 1-19 (0-13 frees, 1-0 pen)
D O Baoill: 2-5
P Mogan: 0-7
P McBrearty: 0-7 (0-4 frees)

Previous Championship Meetings

2016: Donegal 0-21 Cork 1-15 (All-Ireland qualifier)
2012: Donegal 0-16 Cork 1-11 (All-Ireland semi-final)
2009: Cork 1-27 Donegal 2-10 (All-Ireland quarter-final)
2006: Cork 1-11 Donegal 1-10 (All-Ireland quarter-final)

Armagh v Derry : Preview, Stats, Team News & Betting

Group 1: Derry v Armagh – GAA Championship Showdown

Match Preview

The Group 1 encounter in the GAA Gaelic football championship features Derry facing Armagh. Both teams have experienced contrasting starts to their campaigns, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup. This would be a disastrous loss for Derry after such a great start to the season.

Live scores for Armagh v Derry

Previous Encounters

Derry and Armagh last met in the championship in the 2023 Ulster final, which Derry won on penalties after extra-time. This game adds another chapter to their storied rivalry.

Championship Journey So Far

Derry

Donegal 4-11 Derry 0-17 (Ulster quarter-final)
Galway 2-14 Derry 0-15 (All-Ireland round robin)

Derry have struggled in their championship journey so far, suffering defeats to Donegal and Galway.

Top Scorers for Derry

S McGuigan: 0-8 (0-4 frees)
E Doherty: 0-5
L Murray: 0-4
B Rogers: 0-3
P Cassidy: 0-3 (0-1 mark)

Armagh

Armagh 3-11 Fermanagh 0-9 (Ulster quarter-final)
Armagh 0-13 Down 2-6 (Ulster semi-final)
Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 aet: Donegal won on penalties (Ulster final)
Armagh 0-16 Westmeath 0-11 (All-Ireland round robin)

Armagh have had a more balanced journey, with a notable victory over Westmeath in their first All-Ireland round robin game.

Top Scorers for Armagh

R Grugan: 0-12 (0-8 frees)
C Turbitt: 1-8 (0-2 frees)
S Campbell: 1-4
A Nugent: 0-6
R O’Neill: 0-5 (0-1 free, 0-1 mark)

Recent Championship Meetings

2023: Derry 1-15 Armagh 0-18 aet – Derry won on penalties (Ulster final)
2020: Armagh 0-17 Derry 0-15 (Ulster quarter-final)
2011: Derry 3-14 Armagh 1-11 (Ulster semi-final)
2010: Armagh 1-10 Derry 1-7 (Ulster preliminary round)
2007: Derry 0-10 Armagh 0-9 (All-Ireland qualifiers – R1)

Key Insights

This will be Armagh’s fifth game in the championship. They conceded two goals against Down but none against Fermanagh, Donegal, or Westmeath.
Derry are having their third outing, having lost to Donegal and Galway by six and five points respectively.

Group 1 Table

Team	P	W	L	For	Against	Difference	Pts
Galway	1	1	0	2-14	0-15	+5	2
Armagh	1	1	0	0-16	0-11	+5	2
Derry	1	0	1	0-15	2-14	-5	0
Westmeath	1	0	1	0-11	0-16	-5	0

Team News for Armagh v Derry

Derry: Odhran Lynch; Conor McCluskey, Chrissy McKaigue, Diarmuid Baker; Conor Doherty, Eoin McEvoy, Emmett Bradley; Conor Glass, Brendan Rogers; Ethan Doherty, Ciarán McFaul, Paul Cassidy; Niall Toner, Shane McGuigan, Lachlan Murray.

Subs: Ryan Scullion, Martin Bradley, Declan Cassidy, Mark Doherty, Shea Downey, Ruairi Forbes, Donncha Gilmore, Danny McDermott, Cahir McMonagle, Cormac Murphy, Eunan Mulholland.

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Barry McCambridge, Aaron McKay, Peter McGrane; Joe McElroy, Ciarán Mackin, Aidan Forker; Rian O’Neill, Ben Crealey; Stefan Campbell, Rory Grugan, Tiernan Kelly; Oisín Conaty, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt.

Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Connaire Mackin, Greg McCabe, Niall Grimley, Paddy Burns, Jason Duffy, Oisín O’Neill, Shane McPartlan, Aidan Nugent, Ross McQuillan, Jarly Óg Burns.

Betting

Armagh 13/8 Derry 4/7 Draw 8/1

Conclusion

The upcoming match between Derry and Armagh is poised to be a crucial encounter in Group 1. Armagh will be looking to continue their strong form, while Derry will be eager to bounce back from their recent setbacks. Fans can expect a highly competitive game as both teams vie for important points in the championship. Expect Derry another close encounter maybe the draw at 8/1

Westmeath v Galway : Preview, Stats, Teams & Betting

Group 1: Westmeath v Galway – GAA Championship Clash

Match Preview

The eagerly anticipated Group 1 clash in the GAA Gaelic football championship features Westmeath taking on Galway. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in their initial outings, setting the stage for a fascinating encounter. Galway will secure a place in the quarter-finals if they win.

Live Scores for Westmeath v Galway

Previous Encounters

Westmeath and Galway have met only twice previously in the championship. Westmeath claimed a narrow victory in an All-Ireland qualifier tie back in 2006, winning 1-8 to 0-10 in Pearse Stadium. However, Galway exacted revenge last year, securing a comfortable 0-20 to 0-12 win in Mullingar during the All-Ireland round robin series.

Championship Journey So Far

Galway

Galway 5-21 London 0-9 (Connacht quarter-final)
Galway 1-13 Sligo 0-14 (Connacht semi-final)
Galway 0-16 Mayo 0-15 (Connacht final)
Galway 2-14 Derry 0-15 (All-Ireland round robin)

Galway have showcased their offensive prowess and defensive solidity, highlighted by their remarkable run of not conceding a single goal in their four championship games to date.

Top Scorers for Galway

R Finnerty: 1-21 (0-8 frees, 0-1 mark)
C Darcy: 2-4
P Conroy: 1-6
J Heaney: 0-7
T Culhane: 2-0

Westmeath

Wicklow 2-9 Westmeath 1-11 (Leinster first round)
Armagh 0-16 Westmeath 0-11 (All-Ireland round robin)

Westmeath’s journey has been more challenging, with a narrow defeat to Wicklow in the Leinster first round and a five-point loss to Armagh in their initial All-Ireland round robin match.

Top Scorers for Westmeath

L Loughlin: 0-6 (0-3 frees)
J Heslin: 0-5 (0-2 frees)
J Lynam: 1-0
R Forde: 0-3 (0-1 free)
R O’Toole: 0-3

Key Insights

Galway’s stellar defense has not conceded any goals in their four championship games so far.
Rival managers, Pádraic Joyce (Galway) and Dessie Dolan (Westmeath), were both players in the first championship clash between these teams in 2006, with Dolan captaining Westmeath to a one-point win.
Westmeath is still seeking their first victory in the ‘round robin’ series introduced last year, having lost to Galway, Armagh, and drawing with Tyrone previously, and losing again to Armagh this year.

Team News

Westmeath: Jason Daly; Jamie Gonoud, Kevin Maguire, James Dolan; Sam McCartan, Ronan Wallace, David Lynch; Ray Connellan, Andy McCormack; Jonathan Lynam, Ronan O’Toole, Conor Dillon; Luke Loughlin, John Heslin, Robbie Forde.

Subs: Jack Connaughton, Shane Allen, Charlie Drumm, Eoin Mulvihill, Matthew Whittaker, Daniel Scahill, Senan Baker, Lorcan Dolan, Stephen Smith, Kieran Martin, Conor McCormack.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Liam Silke; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Johnny Heaney, Matthew Tierney, Céin D’Arcy; Liam Ó Conghaile, Shane Walsh, Cillian McDaid.

Subs: Conor Flaherty, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin, Eoghan Kelly, Daniel O’Flaherty, Kieran Molloy, Cian Hernon, Patrick Egan, Cathal Sweeney, Cillian Ó Curroain, Tomo Culhane, Niall Daly.

Betting

Galway 1/8 Westmeath 6/1

Handicap – Galway -6 10/11

Conclusion

As Westmeath seek to register their first round robin win and Galway aim to continue their winning streak with both teams eager to secure vital points in Group 1. Expect Westmeath to get within 6pts.

Roscommon v Mayo : Preview, Stats, Teams & Betting

Group 2: Roscommon v Mayo – GAA Championship Showdown

Match Preview

The Group 2 clash in the GAA Gaelic football championship sees Roscommon taking on Mayo. Both teams have had different starts to their campaigns, with Mayo looking strong and Roscommon aiming to bounce back.

Previous Encounters

Roscommon and Mayo meet again in the Connacht championship for the second time this year. Mayo secured a five-point victory in the Connacht semi-final clash last month, adding to their recent dominance in this fixture.

Live scores for Roscommon v Mayo

Championship Journey So Far

Roscommon

Mayo 1-15 Roscommon 0-13 (Connacht semi-final)
Dublin 2-19 Roscommon 0-13 (All-Ireland round robin)

Roscommon have faced tough opposition, losing to both Mayo and Dublin, and will be eager to turn their fortunes around in this match.

Top Scorers for Roscommon

D Murtagh: 0-10 (0-5 frees)
D Cregg: 0-8 (0-3 frees)
C Cox: 0-4 (0-1 mark)

Mayo

Mayo 2-21 New York 2-6 (Connacht quarter-final)
Mayo 1-15 Roscommon 0-13 (Connacht semi-final)
Galway 0-16 Mayo 0-15 (Connacht final)
Mayo 0-20 Cavan 1-8 (All-Ireland round robin)

Mayo have had a solid campaign, highlighted by their convincing win over Cavan in their first All-Ireland round robin game.

Top Scorers for Mayo

R O’Donoghue: 1-33 (0-20 frees, 0-1 mark)
C O’Connor: 1-6 (1-0 pen)
M Ruane: 0-6
A O’Shea: 1-2 (0-1f)
F Boland: 0-5

Recent Championship Meetings

2024: Mayo 1-15 Roscommon 0-13 (Connacht semi-final)
2023: Roscommon 2-8 Mayo 0-10 (Connacht quarter-final)
2020: Mayo 1-16 Roscommon 0-13 (Connacht semi-final)
2019: Roscommon 2-12 Mayo 0-17 (Connacht semi-final)
2017: Mayo 4-19 Roscommon 0-9 (All-Ireland quarter-final) Replay

Key Insights

Roscommon and Mayo meet in the Connacht championship for the second time this year, with Mayo having won a Connacht semi-final clash last month by five points.
Mayo beat Roscommon by six points in this year’s Allianz League clash.

Team News for Roscommon v Mayo

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; David Murray, Brian Stack, Niall Higgins; Niall Daly, Robbie Dolan, Eoin McCormack; Enda Smith, Tadhg O’Rourke; Dylan Ruane, Donie Smith, Ciarán Lennon; Conor Cox, Daire Cregg, Diarmuid Murtagh.

Subs: Colm Lavin, Patrick Gavin, Shane Cunnane, Ruaidhri Fallon, Ronan Daly, Cian Connolly, Ultan Harney, Keith Doyle, Conor Hussey, Adam McDermott, Conor Hand.

Mayo: Colm Reape; Jack Coyne, David McBrien, Donnacha McHugh; Stephen Coen, Sam Callinan, Eoghan McLaughlin; Jack Carney, Mattie Ruane; Darren McHale, Ryan O’Donoghue, Jordan Flynn; Aidan O’Shea, Tommy Conroy, Cillian O’Connor.

Subs: Rob Hennelly, Fergal Boland, Diarmuid Duffy, Enda Hession, Conor Loftus, Conor McStay, Eoin O’Donoghue, Padraig O’Hora, Michael Plunkett, Paul Towey, Bob Tuohy.

Betting

Roscommon 9/4 Mayo 1/2 Draw 8/1

Conclusion

The upcoming match between Roscommon and Mayo promises to be an exciting encounter in Group 2. Roscommon will be determined to improve their performance, while Mayo aim to maintain their strong form. Expect Roscommon to win at 9/4