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Video Highlights – Top 5 Greatest Hurlers of All Time

With the GAA currently been postponed for the foreseeable future I have decided to look at the top 5 hurlers of all time. I have compiled a list below which I believe have been the top 5 hurlers.

1. Christy Ring  

Ringey as he was effectively known as played for Cork from 1939 to 1962. He won 8 All-Ireland titles, 9 Munster titles and 4 National League Medals. He played at club level for both Cloyne 1938 to 1940 and then for Glen Rovers from 1941 to 1967. Ring made 65 appearances for Cork scoring 33 goals 208 points. Christy was named on the team of the millenium in 2000 and he was also named the best hurler of the century. The Christy Ring Cup in the GAA is named after him.

2. Nicky Rackard 

Rackard was around in the same era as Ring. He was an excellent hurler. He played his club hurling with the famed Rathnure club. Furthermore, he would 4 county titles with the club. In addition, He made over 35 appearances for Wexford. In total, he amassed a tally of 59 goals 98 points in those games. Rackard, won four Leinster titles, 2 All-Ireland titles and 1 league. He also won a Leinster football title with Wexford. He was named on the team of the millenium, however he wasn’t named on the team of the century. The Nicky Rackard Cup is named in honour of him.

3. Jimmy Doyle

James “Jimmy” Doyle was one of the greatest hurlers to play game for Tipperary. From Thurles Doyle had an outstanding career. He won 10 county titles with the Thurles Sarsfields. He made his Tipperary senior debut in 1957 and went on to make 39 appearances up to 1973, he scored 18-176 in those games. With Tipperary he won 6 All-Ireland titles, 9 Munster titles and 6 league titles. He was inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame in 2013. Additionally, He was also named on the hurling team of the millenium and team of the century.

4. Henry Shefflin 

Shefflin had an outstanding career with Kilkenny and Ballyhale Shamrocks. The 41 year old sets the record for the most All-Ireland hurling medals in history of the GAA. Shefflin won 10 All-Ireland titles with Kilkenny, he also claimed 13 Leinster titles, 6 National League titles and a record 11 all-star awards. Shefflin is also recognised as the championship top scorer with 27-484 in 71 games. Furthermore, he also won major honours with his native Ballyhale. He won 5 county titles, 4 Leinster titles and 3 All-Ireland titles. Moreover, He was named hurler of the year three times. He was also inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame. He has since been coaching with Ballyhale and led them to an All-Ireland title this year, before leaving the role. 

5. DJ Carey 

The man known as The Dodger is another player that will go down in history as one of best players to play the game. DJ from the Young Ireland’s club in Gowran made his senior debut in 1989. He would go on to make 57 appearances for the Cats scoring 33-188. He won 5 All-Ireland titles, 10 Leinster titles, 9 All-Stars and 4 league titles. DJ was named hurler of the year in 2000. He has been involved in coaching in recent years with  IT Carlow, Kilkenny U20/U21 side and now of course as a selector with the senior inter-county side itself.

The English Premier League: The Top Scorers

The English Premier League, or also referred to as the Premier League, is the most popular English football league system in the whole world. This is contested and participated by 20 clubs and operates according to a system of relegation and promotion with the EFL. The gaming seasons for this run from August to May, with each participating team to play 38 matches each.

With over 28 years of gameplay, the league and the audiences have witnessed extraordinary matches in which some players even achieved their best scores. With that in mind, listed below are some of the greatest scorers in the said league of all time.

Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer is a retired footballer who was known to be the Premier League’s record scorer. In 1994 he was also named as the Football Writer’s Association Player of the Year and has even won the Player of the Year for the PFA during 1995. He was also set as an inspiration for an avatar in some sports gaming sites like w88.

During his career, Shearer has scored a total of 283 goals including the 260 goals in the Premier League and has joined a total of 422 football competitions of all levels. In total, Shearer has set a 0.667 ratio of goals-to-game throughout his entire career.

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is a professional football player and the captain of Derby County. He is also a versatile player because he had played as a forward and attacking midfielder in various games in his career. Also, he is one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League with a total goal score of 208 for his entire career.

During 2009, Rooney has won the FWA Footballer of the Year and PFA Players’ Player of the Year. He even won the Player of the Month award of the Premier League five times for which a record that was only bettered by Harry Kane and Steven Gerrard.

Andy Cole

The third goalscorer in the league, Andy Cole has scored a total of 187 goals. He is a former professional football player who played as a striker from 1988 to 2008. He has the distinction to be one of the few players in England to be awarded by all possible honors like the UEFA Champions League title and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Conclusion

English Premier League was founded last 1992 after following the decisions of the clubs joining the Football League First Division; these people aim to break away from the Football League that was created last 1888 and create an advantage on the lucrative deal on the television rights. Because of this, the Premier League was broadcasted in over 212 territories within 643 million homes and has 4.7 audiences, making it the most-watched sports league all over the world. The league’s popularity has inspired today’s sports sites like w88 to spread awareness of the game and, at the same time, give more knowledge about the sport, football.

Aussie Rules – AFL postponed until June 2020

They played the first round of matches this weekend of AFL, but it’s been decided to postpone the season due to coronavirus.

Sunday’s match between West Coast Eagles and Melbourne will be the final match before the AFL season goes into a temporary halt with the suspension of all games until May 31, 2020.

The AFL will review the situation by the end of April to determine whether a further suspension period would be required.

Today’s AFLW semi-final between Carlton and Brisbane Lions will be the last NAB AFL Women’s match to be played with the 2020 season ending today. Given the twin conference structure and that the finals series was not completed, the AFL Commission has determined no premiership will be awarded for this season, following a recommendation from the AFL Executive.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the worsening situation in the community and the decision by various State Governments to close their borders meant it was time for the AFL to immediately stop the AFL and AFLW competitions.

He said all AFL club training would be suspended while the AFL worked with the clubs on the best way to manage players ahead of games being resumed. The May 31, 2020 resumption time for the season would be reviewed and – depending on the medical advice and Government regulations in place at the time – the date could be extended out.

Mr McLachlan said over the next 48 hours the AFL and clubs would detail the drastic and immediate steps needed to be taken to cut costs.

Mr McLachlan said the AFL industry was facing its biggest financial crisis in its history, but the key priority was to do everything possible to keep players, staff, and supporters healthy and well through this pandemic.

“Our industry provides livelihoods for thousands and thousands of people but our key focus at the moment – like every organisation in the country – is to do everything that needs to be done to help slow the spread of this virus and to keep people as healthy as possible,” Mr McLachlan said.

“To say this is the most serious threat to our game in 100 years is an understatement. It is unprecedented in its impact. It is unprecedented in the impact it is having on our game and the wider community, and as a community and as a code, we all need to take the unprecedented and required actions to get through this together.

“I know that everyone involved in our game and our millions of supporters will be impacted by this decision and that many people will suffer significant hardship as are people right across the community but I also know that we all have a responsibility to the community and each other. And we have the will to work collectively to overcome this crisis.

Mr McLachlan said the AFL had been given advice by the Government and the Chief Medical Officers that it was right to start the season, but that advice had also included that it would be paused at some stage.

“It was the right decision to start the season, and clearly it is now the right decision to stop. That is why we have acted immediately to take this step to play our role in the community and to protect the long-term future of our game.”

Mr McLachlan said the AFL plan was to play all remaining 144 games plus finals this year and the competition would need to remain agile and flexible on when those games were scheduled and when play returned. He said the AFL was prepared to run as late as possible in 2020 to complete the season if it was required.

He said the AFL focus over the coming days was working with the clubs to embed the medical protocols provided, finalise the operating model for the clubs during the temporary suspension period and working with funding partners to secure a line of credit to fund cash shortfalls across the industry while allowing the best possible chance for a return to football matches.

An alternative fixture based on a season of remaining 144 games plus finals, would also be worked on over the coming weeks.

Mr McLachlan thanked the Federal and State and Territory Governments for their advice and support over the past few weeks and the whole football community including broadcast and corporate partners of the AFL and clubs, members and supporters – for their support and understanding in what has been an unprecedented time in the game’s history.

“I also want to thank our staff who have been tireless in working with everyone across football through this issue. The only way that footy can find a way through is to continue to be agile, flexible and – most importantly – united.”

 

Cork City to suspend wages

Cork City will suspend wages of all players and a number of staff due the ongoing pandemic of Covid 19.

The news comes after the League of Ireland and FAI have decided to postpone the league till June 19th. The club released a statement on Saturday confirming the news that players and staff will receive wages as normal up to next weekend. However, they stated “they are not in a position to continue paying wages beyond this point”. The club said that they have to act in terms of sustaining the club long term going forward. The statement continued, 2We also have to act in order to secure the long-term future of the club”.

The club announced that they have been working on some initiatives to raise some much needed revenue. They said that although they are grateful for the support, that the revenue generated comes nowhere near that would generated from playing games in the League of Ireland. It said, “The club has been working on a number of initiatives to generate revenue”. They stated they are immensely grateful for the support we have received thus far, this comes nowhere near replacing the revenue that would have been generated by playing matches”.

Chairman of Cork City Declan Carey said that “these are difficult and unprecedented times”. He said the club is responsible to shareholders and that these decisions were made in the best interest of the club. He asked all supporters of the club to help in anyway, be it through purchasing merchandise and supporting online initiatives.

Top 5 Sports Documentaries to Watch

With many people inside for the next week and not much if any sport on TV, may be it is time to catch up some interesting sports documentaries. Let’s take a look at the top 5 sports documentaries to watch.

  1. The Mind of Aaron Hernandez – This a real life documentary. It looks at the unravelling of his career. Hernandez who played with the New England Patriots. This documentary gets insights from friends and former teammates. Interestingly his family declined to take any part in this. There is audio from prison which also shows the way Hernandez carried on. In 2015 he was found guilty of first degree murder. In 2017 he was accused of a double murder. He was acquitted of these. However, he committed suicide in his cell a few days after the trial.

2. ROG

This is for all the rugby fans who are at home with no rugby to watch. ROG is about former Munster and Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara. The documentary itself is thrilling and gives you an insight into the life of one of Ireland’s greatest ever players. He gives an insight into what drives him on to new challenges such as coaching and punditry. It is a great watch if you like your rugby that’s for sure.

3. Sunderland Till I Die

This documentary follows the former Premier League club who are now in League 1 in the UK. It follows the club and fans. It follows the highs and lows of the club itself. Sports Illustrated have described the documentary as “A cut above the rest”.

4. The Trilogy – Kilkenny v Tipperary

This documentary looks at the golden years for Kilkenny and Tipperary hurling. Knows as the Trilogy because the teams played in the All Ireland hurling for three consecutive years 2009, 2010 and 2011. There are interviews from players like Jackie Tyrrell, Lar Corbett, Brendan Cummins and Tommy Walsh.

5. Jimmy’s Winnin Matches

Jimmy’s Winnin Matches as we all probably know is about former Donegal manager Jimmy McGuinness who led Donegal to the promised land in 2012 winning Sam Maguire. The Tir Chonaill men beat Mayo in the final that year. There is some great insight into his life at home and also on the pitch.

 

Do The Irish Love Sports Betting As Much As The Rest Of The World

The luck of the Irish might be the reason why gambling is such a popular pastime in Ireland.

To understand just how popular it is, consider that the gaming authorities issue 32 new licenses for gaming machines every year for the past two years. The laws of the country are very relaxed, with casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, and online slots all being opportunities for people to enjoy making a wager.

The National Approach

Though the national government leaves granting gaming licenses to the local governing agencies, the national economy receives a huge boost from the industry. Even though operators might be facing some tougher regulations in the near future, the taxes that the gambling operations pay (recently moved from 1% to 2%) is a large source of national revenue. It has also created jobs for the country. According to the data, the gambling market brings is worth an estimated 1.1 billion euros each year. Approximately 134 million euros come from gaming machines, 65 million from private clubs and casinos, 315 million from land-based betting, 65 million from bingo, and 310 million from lotteries.

In 2015, the government legalized online gambling, a factor that has significantly contributed to the growth of the industry in Ireland. A safe guesstimate is that online gambling alone sees about 220 million euros spent each year. The Irish government is able to use taxation to reap the benefits of a robust, nationally-favored industry, but some businesses are looking into new ways to get in on the action. Even though it seems that the growing Irish betting trends are to engage in online wagering, the popularity of the industry has many bars turning into amusement arcades to increase both traffic and profit. There is more income potential for the online operators over the land-based activities, but either option brings more money to the Irish economy. Ireland has one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe, growing six times faster than its counterparts.

The Perks of Irish Gaming

Overall, the UK is much more liberal in its approach to gambling, though showing a more clearly relaxed approach with online gambling. The Irish people and bookies more quickly adopted and released online gaming sites, far outpacing the United States that recently legalized online gaming. Even though there are over 40,000 locations in Irish where the slots can be played, a number of online slots have opened and received just as much attention. One favored online slot site is Wizards Slots, which receives more activity than any other Irish site. However, the Irish market has several common household names on the gaming industry, with Paddy Power and Betfair being some of the most popular sites that accept Irish players. Betfair operates with a distinctly Irish theme that is easily recognized in their social media accounts, branding, and marketing campaigns. Popular Irish-themed slot operations are Irish Clover, Irish Frenzy, and Irish Riches.

Some prefer the old fashioned feel of the table, but in the absence of a local gaming room, the Irish can go online to play live table games. Through a setup that feels like sitting at a table in a casino, the Irish can try their hands at Roulette, Blackjack, and poker. Online operators also offer bingo, and for the sporting enthusiast, Paddy Power also offers fantasy sports betting. There is something for everyone in Ireland, as there are also online options for betting on political events.

The Blind Love of the Gamble

There is no doubt that the Irish love a good gamble. Though historians can trace betting practices back as early as the 15th century, the first legislation wasn’t passed until 1926, just four years after the country became a free state. In 1988, three bookmakers partnered together to form Paddy Power. The organization has grown to over 600 shops across Ireland and the UK, and when their online presence became live in 2000, it became a gambling powerhouse. Not only does the revenue generated from the operations help the country financially, but they also have more than 1,700 employees running their operations. However, if you take a good look at the statistics, the Irish aren’t that lucky when it comes to gambling. For this reason, perhaps their love is blind. One of the latest reports showed that the Irish were the third biggest losers in the world in the gambling arena, with an average loss of 470 euros per adult. More disconcerting is the rising number of problem gambling statistics, jumping from a 7% increase in adults suffering from a gambling addiction to 9.5% in 2017. Not all of these losses are because of a bad wager. Since there is an open policy with online gaming, many Irish lose their money at a bad betting site, falling into the trap of an illegitimate bookmaker.

For some Irish, the love for the gambling industry goes far deeper than just a good and successful wager. The gambling industry has become a part of Irish culture that financially supports its healthy economy and creates jobs and entertainment for millions.

Review of Irish Players that played Aussie Rules this weekend

The inter-County scene has long been home to several high profile stars that are now plying trade in the Australian Football League (AFL).  With the Aussie Rules season currently been played let’s take a look at Irish players that are playing the game at present.

1. Zach Tuohy (Geelong) – Laois man Tuohy has been in Australia for 10 years now.  Tuohy played for the Carlton Blues from 2010 to 2016. Making over 120 appearances for the side. He has been playing with Geelong since 2017 and has made 66 appearance thus far. The 30 year old Portlaoise is settled in Australia and is obviously enjoying his time playing AFL. Tuohy played in the opening round this weekend in his sides 105 to 73 loss to the GWS Giants. Tuohy got on plenty of ball but couldn’t influence a game in which the GWS Giants dominated from start to finish.

2. Pearce Hanley (Gold Coast Sun’s) – The Mayo man just like Tuohy is well settled in Australia now. Hanley played for the Brisbane Lions from 2008 to 2016 making nearly 130 appearances for the club. He has since moved to the Gold Coast Sun’s. He has made 32 appearances since 2017. The Ballaghaderreen native picked up the Marcus Ashcroft Medal in 2014.

3. Colin O’Riordan (Sydney Swans) – O’Riordan signed for the club in 2015. However, the Tipperary man had to bide time before he was given his debut which came in 2018. He  signed a two year contract extension and will remain at the club till the end of the season 2021. At present he has made 13 appearances for the club.

4. Conor McKenna (Essendon) – McKenna is now back in the fold in Essendon having took a short break home to Co Tyrone in the pre season. The 23 year old has already made 75 appearances for the club. He has been at the club since 2015. It is likely he will return to Tyrone at some stage given his age but he has still a lot to give to the side known as the Bombers.

5. James Madden (Brisbane Lions) – Dublin man Madden was drafted in 2018 by the Lions. He has yet to make his debut but has played in the NEAFL in 2019. It will likely be another year before he makes his full debut for the Lions.

6. Anton Tohill (Collingwood) – Tohill signed for the Magpies in 2018 in the draft. He has yet to make his debut for the side. He is the son of former Derry midfielder Anthony. Tohill is a super talent and is still learning his trade but he is likely to make a debut next season.

7. Darragh Joyce (St Kilda) – The Kilkenny man is enjoying life in the AFL. He made his debut in 2018 against Melbourne. He has plenty more games to be played that’s for sure. The 22 year old though may come back to his beloved Kilkenny in a few years to come as hurling will always be his first love for sure.

8. Stefan Okunbur (Geelong) – Things have gone to plan for Okunbur as he suffered an achilles tendon injury while training for Geelong back in January. He has since undergone surgery. He will likely be out until next season at the very least.

Irish Rugby players agree to pay cuts and deferrals

The IRFU, Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster Rugby, in agreement and partnership with Rugby Players Ireland and its members, have today agreed a payment deferral model for all employees.

These deferrals, based on an equitable sliding scale which ranges from 10% – 50%, will be effective from April, and beyond if required, but will remain subject to constant review of the financial circumstances of the IRFU and Provinces.

The IRFU hopes to return to full pay, and repay any deferrals, as soon as possible.

IRFU CEO Philip Browne said,

“We are entering uncharted waters as the Covid-19 crisis continues to unfold but we remain hopeful that something of this season can be retrieved later in summer. This is important as the whole game, amateur and professional, is financially dependent on the resumption of the professional tournaments and the revenues that they generate. With postponement of these tournaments the IRFU and the Provinces are facing some daunting financial challenges around loss of revenue and cash flow and we must cut our costs.

The IRFU has worked closely with our provincial colleagues and our partners in Rugby Players Ireland to move to protect the future of Irish Rugby and this arrangement will allow Irish Rugby the breathing space required in relation to cashflow that can ensure that when this crisis abates, we still have a business that can deliver for all those that play and love rugby. The situation will obviously remain under continuous review in case further action is required.

I thank all our partners, Rugby Players Ireland and all our employees for standing with us at this time.”

RPI CEO Simon Keogh said,

“We recognise the need to work with the IRFU with respect to these payment deferrals in light of the current circumstances. All endeavours have been made to contact those affected on an individual basis. Our members appreciate that such moves are necessary in order to protect the future of the game in this country. The health and safety of the public is the priority at this time. We will continue to work with the IRFU as this situation develops.”

Friday 19th June set as target date for resumption of SSE Airtricity League

The Football Association of Ireland and the National League Executive Committee hope to resume the SSE Airtricity League the weekend of June 19.

The decision was made at a tele-conference conducted from FAI HQ at Abbotstown today, with all 19 League clubs represented.

The plan is based around UEFA guidelines on a return to club action across Europe. This decision will see the Premier Division and the First Division of the SSE Airtricity League resume on the weekend commencing Friday, June 19.

The Premier Division will finish on Friday, December 4 and the SSE Airtricity League season will close on Friday, December 11, with the second leg of the promotion/relegation play-off.

The Extra.ie FAI Cup Final will go ahead as scheduled on November 1, whilst the EA SPORTS Cup will be deferred.

The new schedule will require the cancellation of the last round of fixtures in the Premier Division, now reduced to 27 games in total. Changes to the dates for European club fixtures may force alterations to the new calendar of games as the season develops and this will be continually reviewed.

The First Division clubs will examine the possibility of fulfilling their 27-game schedule within this timeframe from June to December.

World Snooker Championship postponed until July or August

The 2020 Betfred World Snooker Championship has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The qualifying rounds of snooker’s biggest event were due to run from April 8 to 15 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, followed by the final stages from April 18 to May 4 at the Crucible Theatre.

WST has announced that it intends to host the final stages at the Crucible on rescheduled dates in July or August. This will be preceded by the qualifying rounds.

When new dates are confirmed, following consultation with the BBC, tickets for the final stages will be automatically transferred and the organisers will then outline the policy for refunds.

WST Chairman Barry Hearn said: “These are tough times for everyone but we are determined to get through it. Fans around the world – as well as the 144 players involved – are anxious to know if and when the World Championship will go ahead. I can assure everyone that we are doing all we can alongside our broadcasters, the venues and other partners to confirm new dates as soon as possible.

“Snooker players are self-employed, they need opportunities to earn prize money so we have a responsibility to them. We are currently exploring the potential to stage tournaments behind closed doors to keep the circuit alive, with more details to follow next week.

“Live televised coverage of the biggest sporting events can be an inspiration to people around the world in these challenging times so it is important that we strive to find solutions for our tournaments.”

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