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2020 PDC Darts Masters Championship Results

Peter Wright best Joe Cullen on Night Two of the 2020 PDC Masters Darts in Milton Keynes on Saturday.

 

Wright continued the form which saw him claim glory at Alexandra Palace on New Year’s Day with a 103.55 average, the highest of the tournament so far, to reach the Masters quarter-finals.

 

A high-quality contest featuring five ton-plus checkouts was level at six-all before Wright won four of the last five legs to book his place in Sunday afternoon’s last eight, where the Scot will face Dave Chisnall.

 

“It’s nice to get back into the groove because I’ve missed playing over this last month, and I had to get out there and do the job so I’m happy with that win,” said Wright, who reached the semi-finals at the 2019 event.

 

“I couldn’t get away from Joe – he’s a fantastic player and he’s matured into a player who’s hard to beat.

 

“I was panicking that the World Champion was going to go out in the first round. I switched my darts at five-all to a longer point because I had to try and get away from him, and to do that I needed to hit more 180s.”

 

Wright added: “It was amazing to be introduced as World Champion – it sounded amazing and I’ve got to get used to it!”

 

Night Two saw the remaining four last 16 matches take place, as 2016 Masters runner-up Chisnall came through a tight tussle with Daryl Gurney, winning 10-8 to reach the quarter-finals.

 

Chisnall, who sported a pair of spectacles on stage for the first time, took out finishes of 100 and 74 to lead 5-2 before world number seven Gurney hit back with checkouts of 117 and 81 to level at 5-5.

 

The next six legs were shared to make it 8-8 but four missed double attempts from Gurney across the next two legs were punished by Chisnall, who consigned the Northern Irishman to a third defeat in the first round in as many outings at the event.

 

“It was hard but I’m feeling good and did a job tonight,” said Chisnall.  “I kept getting two or three legs in front and Daryl kept coming back at me, and it was a game that could’ve gone either way.

 

“I’ve got the new glasses and I can see a little bit better but it was tough – it wasn’t the glasses annoying me, I’m getting headaches because I’m still getting used to them.

 

“I’m also throwing from a little bit lower and I was flicking the dart a little bit, but I’ll keep working on my game.”

 

2017 Masters runner-up Gary Anderson got his year off to the perfect start with a hard-fought 10-8 victory over Ian White.

 

A tight contest saw no more than two legs between the pair throughout, but at 7-7 Anderson struck a crucial 11-dart break of throw and with White unable to reply in kind for the remained of the match, Anderson advanced to the last eight.

 

“Ian’s a good player and he kept coming back when I got in front, but I won and it’s a good start,” said Anderson, who missed last year’s Masters due to injury.

 

“I’ve got a long way to go yet but I’ve had a month or so since the World Championship and I’ve practiced well, so I’ll give it a go tomorrow.”

 

Anderson now plays Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals, after the world number three held off Simon Whitlock’s fightback to win a thriller in a deciding leg.

 

Whitlock came from two legs down to lead 4-3, only for the Grand Slam champion to show his quality with a superb six-leg streak to move into a 9-4 advantage.

 

The Australian, though, kept the game alive with legs of 12 and 11 darts to spark a run of five straight legs as he forced a decider, but Price proved too strong to move into the last eight.

 

“I could have been 5-3 down at one point but I was feeling good and I just couldn’t put him away,” said Price. “Thankfully he didn’t play as well in the last leg as he did in the previous five and I got over the line.

 

“Simon played pretty well against the throw, he was hitting the high scores and putting me under pressure, so I’m happy to win. I feel I can kick on tomorrow and hopefully I can improve on this game.”

 

Sunday’s final day of action will see the quarter-finals take place in the afternoon session, before the winners return for the semi-finals and final in the evening.

 

With former champions Michael van Gerwen and James Wade having been eliminated on the opening night, the tournament is guaranteed a new champion, with the eventual Masters winner scooping a £60,000 prize.

 

The tournament will be broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and RTL7, and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers.

 

2020 Ladbrokes Masters

Saturday February 1

First Round

Dave Chisnall 10-8 Daryl Gurney

Gary Anderson 10-8 Ian White

Peter Wright 10-7 Joe Cullen

Gerwyn Price 10-9 Simon Whitlock

 

Sunday February 2

Afternoon Session (1245 GMT)

Quarter-Finals

Adrian Lewis v Michael Smith

Jonny Clayton v Nathan Aspinall

Gerwyn Price v Gary Anderson

Peter Wright v Dave Chisnall

 

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Semi-Finals

Clayton/Aspinall v Smith/Lewis

Wright/Chisnall v Price/Anderson

 

Final

v

 

Format

Quarter-Finals – Best of 19 legs

Semi-Finals – Best of 21 legs

Final – Best of 21 legs

Cork beat Tipperary in high scoring contest in Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Cork 2-24 Tipperary 1-25

Cork beat Tipperary at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in an entertaining and high scoring contest on Saturday night. The hosts were full value for the win, but the game was overshadowed by the injury to John O’Dwyer who had to be carried off on a stretcher meaning the game was played past 80 minutes.

Cork led by 1-07 to 0-05 after 15 minutes. Robbie O’Flynn grabbing the Cork goal on 11 minutes. Furthermore, Alan Cadogan and Patrick Horgan added points. Tipperary are not All-Ireland champions for no reason though. They rattled off five in a row. Jason Forde (2), Mark Keogh, John McGrath and Ronan Maher all raising white flags. Tipperary now level with 24 minutes played. Points were exchanged then four times. Paudie Maher as he so often does taking the game by the scruff of the neck to land a couple of nice points from long distance. Tipperary ahead 0-15 to 1-11.

It was Cork that finished the half stronger though. Seamus Harnedy and Darragh Fitzgibbon pointing from play. Patrick Horgan then blasted a penalty past Brian Hogan after Sean O’Brien fouled Robbie O’Flynn. The score at the break 2-13 to 1-15.

The gap was at two points heading into the final quarter of the game. Liam Sheedy deciding to spring Hurler of the Year 2019 Seamus Callanan from the bench. Patrick Horgan landed a massive free from around 80 metres Cork leading 2-19 to 0-22 with 15 minutes left. Horgan extended the gap to four, but Jason Forde and Jake Morris pointed for the Premier men. Patrick Horgan knocked over his first score from play and Cork now led by a goal with 63 minutes played. John McGrath should have had a goal when his ground stroke went over the bar, but the Rebels went four ahead with Darragh Fitzgibbon and Mark Coleman pointing.

Tipperary got a penalty of their own on 68 minutes when Bill Cooper fouled Mark Kehoe. Brian Hogan made the long trip to the opposite end of the field to finish to the roof of the net past Patrick Collins. Tipperary had further goal chances to win the game through McGrath and Callanan. But it was Cork who sealed the win to beat Tipperary with scores from Harnedy and Fitzgibbon in a high scoring contest on Leeside.

Cork: Patrick Collins; Colm Spillane, Sean O’Donoghue, Robert Downey; Chris O’Leary, Tim O’Mahony, Bill Cooper; Damien Cahalane (0-01), Luke Meade (0-01); Seamus Harnedy (0-02), Robbie O’Flynn (1-3), Aidan Walsh (0-01); Alan Cadogan (0-04), Declan Dalton, Patrick Horgan (1-9, 0-08f, 1-00pen).

Subs: Darragh Fitzgibbon (0-02) for Walsh (21), Mark Coleman (0-01) for O’Mahony (27), Conor Lehane for Dalton (47), Shane Kingston for Meade (61).

Tipperary: Brian Hogan (1-00 pen); Joe O’Dwyer, Ronan Maher (0-01, 0-01f), Sean O’Brien; Seamus Kennedy, Paudie Maher (0-03), Alan Flynn (0-01); Paddy Cadell (0-02), Willie Connors; Mark Kehoe (0-04), John McGrath (0-04), Michael Breen; Jason Forde (0-04, 0-03f), Jake Morris (0-02), Cian Darcy (0-02).

Subs: Jerome Cahill (0-01) for Cadell (27), Niall O’Meara (0-01) for Breen (34), Seamus Callanan for Darcy (48), Brian O’Meara for Kennedy (53), John O’Dwyer for Forde (65), Paul Flynn for John O’Dwyer (76).

Dublin beat Mayo in MacHale Park

Dublin 1-11 Mayo 0-08

Dublin beat Mayo in MacHale Park on scoreline of 1-11 to 0-08. It was manager Dessie Farrell’s first competitive win as Dublin senior football boss.

Aidan O’Shea opened the scoring for Mayo inside the first 15 seconds. The Breaffy man wasn’t originally named in the side and replaced Kevin McLoughlin before throw in. It took the All-Ireland champions 9 minutes to get on the scoreboard with Ciaran Kilkenny registering a white flag. James Horan’s charges pushed two points clear. Diarmuid O’Connor kicked a glorious 45, while James Carr landed a score from play. Mayo were then dealt a massive though as Flynn was sent off for catching John Small in the face. Whether it was a red card or not we will let you decide.

Dean Rock then got on the scoreboard on 19 minutes. However, on 25 minutes, James Durcan made it double scores. Fergal Boland and Kevin McManamon traded scores. Dean Rock and James McCarthy got on the scoreboard to. Colm Boyle went off with a knee injury, however Lee Keegan was brought in as a substitute.

Dan O’Brien kicked the opening score of the second half to put Dublin ahead. Dean Rock then goaled on 45 minutes after some neat play from McManamon n the build up. He came down from right wing before crossing a ball to the edge of the square to Rock who fisted to the net. Dublin ahead 1-06 to 0-05. Niall Scully added a further point to stretch the lead.

Durcan got Mayo’s first score in 23 minutes from a free. Mick Fitzsimons was then black carded and sin-binned for a poor mistimed shoulder. James McCarthy had Dublin coasting when he pointed on 66 minutes. Tommy Conroy replied for the hosts. Dean Rock and Aaron Byrne knocked over points, before Boland registered a consolation point. Dublin the winners in the end though as they beat Mayo.

Mayo: R Hennelly; P O’Hora, O Mullin, B Harrison; M Plunkett, C Boyle, P Durcan; S Coen, D O’Connor (0-01, 1f); F Boland (0-02, 1m), R O’Donoghue, J Flynn; A O’Shea (0-01), J Carr (0-01), J Durcan (0-02, 1f).

Subs used: L Keegan for Boyle (inj); T Conroy (0-1) for Carr; K McLoughlin for O’Donoghue; J McCormack for O’Shea; C Loftus for J Durcan.

Dublin: E Comerford; M Fitzsimons, D Byrne, R O’Carroll; J McCarthy (0-02), J Small (0-01), E Murchan; B Fenton, B Howard; N Scully (0-01), C McHugh, C Kilkenny (0-01); K McManamon (0-01), D O’Brien (0-01), D Rock (1-03, 2f).

Subs used: P Mannion for McHugh; L Flatman for O’Carroll; P Small for McManamon; A Byrne (0-1) for O’Brien; C O’Shea for Murchan.

Late Geaney goal gets Kingdom out of jail in Tralee.

Kerry 1-15 Galway 2-11

For the second week running the Kingdom got out of jail late on. Paul Geaney’s goal levelled the contest as the game ticked into injury time. An even later David Clifford effort hit the post and substitute Killian Spillane reacted quickest to pop over the rebound to give Kerry the win by a single point.

For the second week running the time-keeping was a major talking point. The Galway management fumed on the sidelines as Cillian McDaid had spent 12 minutes in the sin-bin. Kerry’s winning point came while Galway should have been returned to the full compliment.

David Clifford got the scoring underway with an early point. James O’Donoghue doubled the home sides lead before Damien Comer hit Galway’s first point. Kerry settled into the game quicker and further points from Michael Burns and a Clifford free stretched the home sides lead to 0-4 v 0-1.

Paul Geaney and Clifford added to Kerry’s tally and Walsh picked off another point for the Tribesmen. John Heaney’s goal after 18 minutes brought Padraic Joyce’s side back to within a point.

James O’Donoughe responded with a point for Kerry, but points from Damien Comer and Michael Daly brought Galway level at 0-8 v 1-5. Further points from Stephen O’Brien and Geaney sent Peter Keane’s men into the interval with a two-point lead.

Second-half

Michael Burns and Eamon Brannigan swapped points on resumption. The sides again traded scores with points from two Walsh’s – Shane and Tommy – before  David Clifford extended the home sides lead back out to three points at 0-13 v 1-07.

Shane Walsh and Brannigan fired over to reduce the gap and then Walsh blasted past Shane Ryan in the Kerry net just before the hour mark. This saw Galway hit the front for the first time in the match. Walsh added another point to his tally as Galway went three ahead as the game ticked final ten minutes.

Cillian McDaid’s black card handed the Kingdom a numerical advantage for the closing stages in Tralee. Geaney’s late goal and Spillane’s even later point snatched the win for a scarcely deserving Kerry side.

Both sides head north next weekend as Galway travel to Ballybofey to face Donegal and Kerry have a trip to Omagh to meet Tyrone.

Full list of fixtures available here.

League tables here

Teams:
Kerry
  1. Shane Ryan (Rathmore)
  2. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue)
  3. Graham O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses)
  4. Shane Enright (Tarbert)
  5. Paul Murphy (Rathmore)
  6. Gavin Crowley (Templenoe)
  7. Gavin White (Dr. Crokes)
  8. Liam Kearney (Spa)
  9. Jack Barry (Na Gaeil)
  10. Gavin O’Brien (Kerin O’Rahillys)
  11. Michael Burns (Dr. Crokes)
  12. Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare Shamrocks)
  13. James O’Donoughue (Killarney Legion)
  14. David Clifford (Fossa)
  15. Paul Geaney (Dingle)

Subs: 22. Diarmuid O’Connor (Na Gaeil) for Gavin O’Brien, 21. Tommy Walsh (Kerins O’Rahillys) for James O’Donoghue, 23. Darragh Moynihan (Spa) for Michael Burns, 18. Killian Spillane (Templenoe) for Liam Kearney.

Galway
  1. Connor Gleeson (Dunmore)
  2. Johny Duane (St.James)
  3. Seán Mulkerrin (Oileáin Árann)
  4. Johnny Heaney (Killanin)
  5. Gary O’Donnell (Tuam Stars)
  6. John Daly (Mountbellew/Moylough)
  7. Cillian McDaid (Monevia/Abbey)
  8. Ronan Steed (Corofin)
  9. Céin D’Arcy (Carlistrane)
  10. Eamon Brannigan
  11. Damien Comer (Annaghdown)
  12. Finian Ó Laoí (An Spidéal)
  13. Michael Daly (Mountbellew/Moylough)
  14. Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin/Clonberne)
  15. Robert Finnerty (Salthill/Knocknacarra)

Subs: 18. Sean Kelly (Moycullen) for Johnny Duane, 24. Matthew Tierney (Oughterard) for Robert Finnerty, 19. Tom Flynn (Athenry) for Ronan Steed, 22. Liam Costello (Milltown) for Finian Ó Laoí, Adrian Varley (Cortoon Shamrocks) for Michael Daly.

 

 

Laois beat Armagh 0-16 to 0-10 in Portlaoise

Laois 0-16 Armagh 0-10

Laois beat Armagh 0-16 to 0-10 in Portlaoise. The win means Mike Quirke’s side now top Division 2 after an impressive 6 point win. Mark Barry top scored for the hosts with six points.

Armagh were heavy favourites coming into the game on the back of a massive win over Cavan on the opening weekend. However, the first half here was all Laois. Evan O’Carroll and Rian O’Neill swapped frees to open the scoring for each side. Laois though kicked the next two scores through Mark Barry and Michael Keogh as they led by 0-03 to 0-01. Niall Grimley cut the gap with a 20th minute point. Then came a Laois purple patch knocking over five scores in a row. Evan O’Carroll getting two, Brian Byrne, Kieran Lillis, Mark Timmons all pointing to give Laois a 0-08 to 0-02 lead the break.

Kieran McGeeney obviously wasn’t happy with his side and they came out playing much better football at the start of the second half. Mark Barry landed a free for the hosts but then came the Orchard’s purple patch. They kicked four in a row. Rian O’Neill landed three frees while Conor Tubritt scored from play. With 30 minutes left the gap was down to three. However, Mark Barry steadied the Laois ship. He knocked over a couple of frees, while O’Carroll registered two from play to Laois 0-13 to 0-08 ahead with 55 minutes played. Mark Barry and Jamie Clarke traded a couple of frees at the end but Laois weren’t going to be denied here as they went on to beat Armagh by 6 points.

Galvin gets first win as Wexford boss

Wexford 2-10 Carlow 1-06

Wexford manager Paul Galvin got his first win as Wexford boss with a superb 2-10 to 1-06 win over Carlow at Wexford Park. 

It took 10 minutes for the first score of the game to arrive with James Stafford pointing. The lead was doubled when Mark Rossiter pointed. The Slaneysiders then hit a crucial score on 19th minutes. Castletown man Ben Brosnan netting after an excellent team move beginning with goalkeeper Ivan Meegan. Brosnan in fact added two further points. One came from play and the other from a free. The gap was stretched even further when Jonathan Bealin, son of former Dublin player Paul, finished off another good team move which meant Paul Galvin’s men went in at the break 10 points ahead, 2-06 to 0-02.

However, it was Carlow who made a bright start to the second half. John Murphy converted a penalty on 37 minutes. Darragh Foley kicked over a couple of points and the gap was then down to four. Carlow gradually coming into their own. However, Wexford were not be denied. Goalkeeper Ivan Meegan knocking over a point from a free on 64 minutes. Mark Rossiter then knocked over the insurance score for Paul Galvin’s men.

Wexford: I Meegan (0-1, 1f); M O’Connor, G Sheehan, C Carty; R Devereux,d B Malone, E Nolan; G Malone, N Hughes; S Nolan, J Stafford, T Byrne; M Rossiter (0-3), J Bealin (1-1), B Brosnan (1-5, 1f). Subs: M Molloy for Nolan (48mins), C Devitt for Byrne (54), J Rossiter for M Rossiter (60), S Doyle for Carty (65), R Crosbie for Stafford (68).

Carlow: R Sansom; M Bambrick, S Remond, N Roche; J Morrissey, R Walker, C Doyle; S Murphy, E Ruth; J Murphy (1-1, 1 pen. 1f), D Foley (0-1, 1f), D O’Brien; S Gannon (0-1, 1f), B Murphy, D Walshe (0-3, 3f). Subs: J Moore for Bambrick (48mins), C Crowley for Doyle (49), Simon Doyle for J Murphy (66), R Dunphy for O’Brien (66).

Ref: S Mulhare (Laois).

Ireland 19 Scotland 12 in Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva

Ireland 19 Scotland 12

The Andy Farrell era got off to a nervy start as Ireland overcame Scotland by 19-12 in a disappointing Guinness Six Nations encounter at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, this evening.

Farrell, who succeeded Joe Schmidt as Ireland Head Coach, will feel relieved to have got the win, but will certainly be disappointed with the overall Irish performance, especially his side’s discipline, having conceded 9 penalties over the 80 minutes.

An Ireland international debut for Caelan Dorris ended after only 4 minutes of the game when injury forced the Leinster player off the field, to be replaced by Peter O’Mahony.

A minute later, however, a straightforward penalty for Adam Hastings put the visitors into the lead, an advantage that lasted only five minutes.

When Scotland No. 8 Nick Haining failed to come from the hindmost foot, Ireland were awarded a penalty only for captain Sexton to decide to kick for the touchline instead of the posts. Sexton’s bravery soon paid off as following numerous phases a huge gap opened up out wide. Conor Murray used this to his advantage to find his half back partner with an accurate pass, allowing the St. Mary’s College man score Ireland’s opening try of this season’s Guinness Six Nations Championship. With Sexton then converting his own five-pointer, Ireland held a 7-3 lead.

In a half which witnessed poor Irish discipline, Adam Hastings kicked a second penalty, when the home side was adjudged by French referee Mathieu Raynal to have collapsed the scrum. The Glasgow Warriors’ kicker left the minimum between the Celtic sides with 16 minutes on the clock.

Ireland soon went off their feet at the breakdown giving the Scots another kick at goal. Fortunately for Andy Farrell’s side, the visitors failed to take advantage.

When Ali Price went offside Sexton kicked an excellent penalty from around 40m out, but in a central position. The score extended his side’s lead to four points with 6 minutes remaining in the first half. With Jonny Gray going off his feet, following excellent work by Rob Herring, Sexton missed his first kick at posts.

On the cusp of half-time, Scotland should have scored a try following an interception from a Conor Murray pass. Despite making metres towards the Irish line, Murray’s fellow Munster man CJ Stander saved him as the South African-born player won the penalty for new Head Coach Farrell’s side.

Half-time: Ireland 10 Scotland 6.

An early second half Scottish infringement allowed Sexton extend his side’s advantage to 13-6 as an easy central penalty dissected the posts.

Scotland captain Stuart Hogg had a guild-edged chance to score his team’s first try of the game on the 50 minute mark, but failed to put both hands on the ball to properly touch down. To the ironic jeers of the Irish crowd, the fullback knocked the ball on, but with a penalty already awarded to Gregor Townsend’s men, they then scored the three points, leaving Ireland 13-9 ahead.

With Sexton’s third and fourth successful penalty kicks either side of another Adam Hastings three-pointer, Ireland held on for a 19-12 victory to begin their 2020 Guinness Six Nations Championship campaign with a victory.

Ireland can be grateful to Guinness Man of the Match for a crucial turnover in the dying minutes of the game, when it looked as Scotland would score a try near the posts. A converted try that late in the game could have levelled the scores and ended Ireland’s Triple Crown, Championship and Grand Slams hopes in the first game of the campaign.

Final score: Ireland 19 Scotland 12.

Ireland Team:

15. Jordan Larmour, 14. Andrew Conway, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. Jacob Stockdale, 10. Jonathan Sexton (captain), 9. Conor Murray.

1. Cian Healy, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Iain Henderson, 5. James Ryan, 6. CJ Stander, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris.

Ireland Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Dave Kilcoyne, 18. Andrew Porter, 19. Devin Toner, 20. Peter O’Mahony, 21. John Cooney, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Robbie Henshaw.

Scotland Team:

15. Stuart Hogg (captain), 14. Seán Maitland, 13. Huw Jones, 12. San Johnson, 11. Blair Kinghorn, 10. Adam Hastings, 9. Ali Price.

1. Rory Sutherland, 2. Fraser Brown, 3. Zander Fagerson, 4. Scott Cummings, 5. Jonny Gray, 6. Jamie Ritchie, 7. Hamish Watson, 8. Nick Haining.

Scotland Replacements:

16. Stuart McInally, 17. Allan Dell, 18. Simon Berghan, 19. Ben Toolis, 20. Cornell du Preez, 21. George Horne, 22. Rory Hutchinson, 23. Chris Harris.

Top ten resorts for golf breaks in Ireland

Ireland, an island well known as one of the top international golf breaks, provides more than just a golf experience. Lush vegetation, remarkable scenes, and favourable terrain, mean that to golf Ireland is a holiday perfect for all types of player. Visit some of the most fantastic Irish greens and enjoy the many thrilling attractions this country has. Besides experiencing impressive fairways, your holiday could include visiting magnificent castles rich in Irish history, or satisfying your whims with whiskey touring to some of the finest distilleries.

With summers warm weather from June to August, this is the most suitable season for golfing in Ireland. This season, coupled with exciting activities and easily accessible courses, make Ireland an idyllic spot for golfers, both from home and abroad.

While Ireland is home to many good golf courses, certain courses have greatness that supersedes many. The excellence of these top 10 resorts certainly matches their popularity.

Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links

Located on shoreline just 15 minutes from the Dublin Airport with views of a rugged peninsula, this is a magnificent resort. If you’re a golfer who enjoys a challenge, this links golf club is your ideal. Beginners and professional golfers alike have enjoyed the remarkable fairways this resort has to offer in many events over the years. Recent improvements involving extensive upgrades have significantly transformed this golf course. Such as riveting of traditional links pot bunkers, grass pathways, and further enhancements to fully utilize the natural occurring dunes and terrains.

Castleknock Hotel & Country Club

Dublin golf courses are quite spectacular thanks to the low mountains stretching up to the Atlantic coast. And if you’re looking to combine your golfing experience in Ireland with luxury leisure, there isn’t a more perfect place. Just 15 minutes from Dublin, this 4-star hotel and country club provides a leisure centre, a day spa as well as bars and restaurants, in one of the most peaceful settings.

Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg

Imagine how stimulating it would be to golf in 1.5 miles of crescent-shaped beach and century-old sand dunes. This 18-hole championship links course offers thrills any golfer would appreciate any time. Spectacular views of the Atlantic can be appreciated from 16 holes, with varying speeds and direction from the wind providing an exciting golfing experience.

Carton House

The beauty of Carton Estate makes this your perfect golf getaway. On the banks of the River Rye are two amazing layouts of Ireland’s fine parkland designs. You’re beckoned by the 7,300-yard links design of the Montgomerie Course with its enticing greens and fantastic bunkers. And now, the O’Meara Course, skirting the River Rye banks has improvements to the 1st and 18th holes that you wouldn’t want to miss.

The K Club

Famously designed by Arnold Palmer is the amazing The Kildare Hotel and Golf Club, Considered by many as one of the most luxurious golf courses and perfect golf breaks. The layout may give you a hard time in instances, but you’ll most definitely love it if you’re one for a challenge. The tee areas are not to be chosen without care. Meandering through the course is the River Liffey which offers exciting dangers on a number of holes providing a thrilling experience. You’ll always remember this course if you make it here.

Fota Island Resort

Nestled amongst beautiful parkland scenery with tall oak trees is this 5-star golf resort with three challenging golf courses. As you show off your golf skills, you’re treated to the surrounding natural beauty sceneries provided by the beautiful Fota Wildlife Park.

Powerscourt Golf Club

Wonderful contours inspired the design of this golf course. You’ll definitely make memories in this challenging yet rewarding course. The highly rated Sugar Loaf lounge, with its spectacular views, make it more than just a golf course. The luxurious Powerscourt hotel has terrific amenities for your stay here.

Mount Juliet Estate & Golf Club

The luxury offered in the 5-star hotel, amazing activities including equestrian pursuits, archery, salmon and trout fishing give any golfer more than they had bargained for here at Mount Juliet. The golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is magnificent, spacious and has exciting features where water appears on many holes. Nicklaus signature well-protected greens offer the greatest challenge you’d want to take on as an avid golfer.

Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort

One of the two famous championship links courses in Rosapenna, is considered amongst Ireland’s finest modern links courses. Designed by Pat Ruddy, Sandy Links offers everything you’re looking for in a modern golf course. You might also be interested in golfing in the Old Tom Morris course, which has been in existence since the late 19th century.

Castlemartyr Resort

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most fantastic golf resorts in Ireland. Complimenting the elegant links-style golf course is wonderful features and structures you’ll remember fondly. A combination of modern and ancient structures make this a one of a kind resort to play golf in. Alongside the 17th-century classic manor house, an 800-year-old castle ruins, and impeccably-restored parterre gardens, greatly influence the environment and appearance of this resort. National and international golfers come to enjoy this stimulating 18-hole, 6,790-yard links-style golf course.

To make your perfect getaway when you play golf in Ireland, these resorts are guaranteed to provide an amazing experience.

Notebook remains unbeaten over fences after Grade 1 Arkle Novice Chase

Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead won the ERSG Arkle Novice Steeplechase (Grade 1) at Leopardstown with Notebook (5/4f), holding off Cash Back by three-quarters-of-a-length, their first win of this weekend’s Dublin Racing Festival.

Maintaining his unbeaten record over fences, the bold-jumping Notebook was prominent throughout the race, and with eventual runner-up Cash Back (100/30), was clear of the field entering the home straight in the 2 mile 1 furlong contest.

The pair battled each other after the last fence with Henry de Bromhead’s charge pulling ahead with the line in sight. Cash Back was seven lengths clear of Gallant John Joe in third.

Chacun Pour Soi leads home Mullins 1-2 in Ladbrokes Dublin Chase

Chacun Pour Soi, under Paul Townend, led home a Willie Mullins-trained 1-2 in The Ladbrokes Dublin Steeplechase, the second Grade 1 contest on the first day of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown.

The 6/5 favourite beat stable companion and twice winner of the race, Min (Robbie Power), by three-and-three-quarter-lengths in the 2m 1f race, which was weakened by the withdrawal of A Plus Tard earlier in the day.

Henry de Bromhead’s Ornua was twenty-four lengths back in third, while the only other finisher in the seven-runner event, Castlegrace Paddy, was another four-lengths back.

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SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

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