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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.

Latest Exhibition takes opening Grade 1 of Dublin Racing Festival

Paul Nolan and jockey Bryan Cooper took the opening race of the 2020 Dublin Racing Festival when claiming The Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors ‘€50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff’ Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) over 2 miles and six furlongs.

The winner, who defeated Andy Dufresne at Navan in December, had two-lengths to spare over the front-running Cobbler’s Way (9/1), with Longhouse Poet (6/1) a further head behind in third.

Silver for Dunleavy & McCrystal at UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships

Katie-George Dunleavy and Eve McCrystal have won a silver medal in the Women’s Tandem Pursuit Race on Day 2 of the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Milton, Canada.

Dunleavy and McCrystal rode 3:27.358 to break their own Irish national record by over 3 seconds and qualify for the gold medal race against New Zealand pairing, Emma Foy and Hannah Van Kampen.

New Zealand set a new World Record of 3:20.819 during qualification and as a result went into the final as favourites.

The New Zealand duo led from the first time check and covered the 3 kilometre race in a time of 3:23.163, with Ireland taking the silver medal in a time of 3:31.396. The bronze medal went to Belgium’s Griet Hoet and Anneleen Monsieur.

Dunleavy and McCrystal will race again in the Women’s Tandem Time Trial, a 4-lap 1-kilometre race against the clock, tomorrow evening.

Day 1 of Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown

Leopardstown Racecourse hosts Day 1 of the 2-day Dublin Racing Festival this afternoon with the opener on a 7-race card going to post at 12.50pm.

This afternoon’s feature event among the four Grade 1 races on the card is the PCI Irish Champion Hurdle over 2 miles. Co. Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead will hope classy mare Honeysuckle can maintain her incredible winning record in the 3.10pm contest. A slight concern for punters might be the fact the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle winner will be going left handed for the first time today.

The Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors ‘€50,000 Cheltenham Bonus For Stable Staff’ Novice Hurdle over 2m 6f opens the day’s action at 12.50pm, a race in which Latest Exhibition from the Paul Nolan yard is expected to start favourite.

The Ladbrokes Dublin Steeplechase (Grade 1) at 1.25pm will feature another clash between A Plus Tard and Chacun Pour Soi, who also met at the South Co. Dublin track during the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

Henry de Bromhead will hope Notebook can maintain his unbeaten record over fences in the Grade 1 ERSG Arkle Novice Chase over 2m 1f at 2.00pm, on what could be a productive afternoon for de Bromhead.

Other races on the day’s card are the Grade B Matheson Handicap Steeplechase over 2m 1f, the 2-mile Ladbrokes Hurdle and the Goffs Future Stars INH Flat Race (Grade 2), the concluding contest on Day 1 of the Dublin Racing Festival.

Ireland U20 open their campaign with 38-26 six-try win over Scotland U20

Noel McNamara’s Ireland U20 side began their U20 Six Nations Championship with a 38-26 six-try victory over Scotland U20 at Irish Independent Park in Cork on Friday night.

The home side scored three tries to two in the opening half, before adding a further three, to Scotland’s two five-pointers in the second forty minutes.

PwC Player of the Match Jack Crowley opened the scoring for Ireland U20 when picking up a bouncing ball and spinning inside to cross for a try in the 10th minute of the game. The Cork Constitution player then converted to give the home side an early 7-0 advantage.

Minutes later Scotland were on the score sheet as Euan Ashman scored a try. Nathan Chamberlain levelled the scores at 7-7 approaching the 20 minute mark.

Thomas Clarkson drove over for the green side’s second five-pointer of the game, but Noel McNamara’s charges had to wait referee Gianluca Gnecchi’s consultation with his fellow officials before awarding the score. Jack Crowley converted his second kick from as many efforts as the Irish side moved to double scores ahead, 14-7.

Scotland winger Jack Blain soon improved his side’s position on the scoreboard, showing accuracy in touching down in the corner following a period of domination by the visitors. The difficult conversion effort from the touchline was missed by kicker Nathan Chamberlain, leaving the home side with a slender 2-point lead as the half-time whistle approached.

Ireland U20 fly half Jack Crowley ran 70 yards from deep inside his own half, along the touchline, even fending off a later defensive effort from Scotland, to score a brilliant try for his side.

Crowley stepped up to claim the full seven points by converting in injury time at the end of the opening half. The late 7 points gave Ireland U20 a significant 21-12 advantage at the break.

Half-time: Ireland U20 21 Scotland U20 12.

As early as three minutes after the re-start, Ireland claimed their fourth try of the game as winger Andrew Smith showed his pace as he broke through the Scottish defence. Jack Crowley again converted as McNamara’s boys moved 28-12 ahead.

Another try followed just four minutes later as an Irish break down the touchline saw second row Thomas Ahern, who had been instrumental in the move, use his length to stretch out for the line to touch down for Ireland’s fifth five-pointer. The difficult conversion attempt from the far touchline saw Crowley miss his first kick at goal in the game thus far, leaving the hosts with a commanding 33-12 lead.

It took Scotland until the 62nd minute of the game to get their first score of the second period. Nathan Chamberlain showed strength to break through the Irish centre, touching down under the posts. The No. 10 converted his own try to reduce the home side’s lead, leaving Ireland 33-19 ahead.

Replacement Ciaran Ryan’s try inside the final ten minutes of the game moved Ireland U20 out to 38 points. The conversion was missed when the ball came off the upright.

A late consolation try by Cameron Scott for the visitors, converted by Nathan Chamberlain  saw Ireland U20 run out comfortable 38-26 winners.

Final score: Ireland U20 38 Scotland U20 26.

Ireland U20 Team

15. Oran McNulty, 14. Ethan McIlroy, 13. Dan Kelly, 12. Hayden Hyde, 11. Andrew Smith, 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Lewis Finlay.

1. Charlie Ward, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Brian Deeny, 5. Thomas Ahern, 6. Seán O’Brien, 7. Mark Hernan, 8. David McCann (captain).

Replacements:

16. John McKee, 17. Ciaran Ryan, 18. Ryan McMahon, 19. Joe McCarthy, 20. Alex Soroka, 21. Ben Murphy, 22. Tim Corkery, 23. Luis Faria.

Scotland U20 Team:

15. Ollie Smith, 14. Jacob Henry, 13. Matt Currie, 12. Robbie McCallum, 11. Jack Blain, 10. Nathan Chamberlain, 9. Roan Frostwick.

1. Alex Maxwell, 2. Euan Ashman, 3. Mak Wilson, 4. Kieran Watt, 5. Cameron Henderson, 6. Jack Hill, 7. Connor Boyle, 8. Rory Darge (captain).

Replacements:

16. Rory Jackson, 17. George Breeze, 18. Thomas Lambert, 19. Jamie Campbell, 20. Gregor Brown, 21. Kyle McGhie, 22. Cameron Scott, 23. Rufus McLean.

Ireland U20 V Scotland U20 at Irish Independent Park at 7.15pm

The U20 Six Nations Championship gets underway for Ireland this evening at Irish Independent Park in Cork.

The Irish U20 side begins the Championship against Scotland U20 in a game which kicks off at 7.15pm.

The Ireland and Scotland U20 sides line out as follows:

Ireland U20 Team

15. Oran McNulty, 14. Ethan McIlroy, 13. Dan Kelly, 12. Hayden Hyde, 11. Andrew Smith, 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Lewis Finlay.

1. Charlie Ward, 2. Tom Stewart, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Brian Deeny, 5. Thomas Ahern, 6. Seán O’Brien, 7. Mark Hernan, 8. David McCann (captain).

Replacements:

16. John McKee, 17. Ciaran Ryan, 18. Ryan McMahon, 19. Joe McCarthy, 20. Alex Soroka, 21. Ben Murphy, 22. Tim Corkery, 23. Luis Faria.

Scotland U20 Team:

15. Ollie Smith, 14. Jacob Henry, 13. Matt Currie, 12. Robbie McCallum, 11. Jack Blain, 10. Nathan Chamberlain, 9. Roan Frostwick.

1. Alex Maxwell, 2. Ewan Ashman, 3. Mak Wilson, 4. Kieran Watt, 5. Cameron Henderson, 6. Jack Hill, 7. Connor Boyle, 8. Rory Darge (captain).

Replacements:

16. Rory Jackson, 17. George Breeze, 18. Thomas Lambert, 19. Jamie Campbell, 20. Gregor Brown, 21. Kyle McGhie, 22. Cameron Scott, 23. Rufus McLean.

Kerry v Galway preview

Kerry v Galway

Allianz Football League, Division 1
Austin stack Park, 7pm Saturday 1st February 2020.

Kerry came away from Croke Park last Saturday evening with a single league point to show for their efforts. David Clifford’s late-late equalising free securing a 1-19 apiece draw with the Dubs.

Peter Keane’s side went blow for blow with the All-Ireland champions and showed why they will be a force to be reckoned with at the business end of both league and championship this season. Clifford, who only turned 21 during the week, scored a superb solo first-half goal.

In a replica of the drawn All-Ireland final last year, Kerry could have won as they led by 3 points with 65 minutes gone. A couple of Ciaran Kilkenny scores and a Dean Rock free looked to have given Dublin the win. However, Clifford was nerveless as he drove over the free a full ten minutes into stoppage time.

Galway’s new approach under the new management trio of Padráic Joyce, John Divily and John Concannon was tested by Banty McEnany’s Monaghan on Sunday afternoon. Galway shaded this tight encounter by the bare minimum. 

Galway’s attacking style was very direct against Monaghan. The quick ball into their forwards was in direct contrast to the often slow laborious build-ups witnessed by Galway fans last season under the previous regime. However, there were signs that Galway will be susceptible to conceding scores just as easily as getting them at the other end. Monaghan’s attack troubled the Galway rearguard when they went direct up the middle of the park. There was uncertainty in the tribesmen’s defensive system. Galway’s midfield faded in the third quarter of the game. During this stage, Monaghan reeled off five points on the spin. 

These two sides met in Tuam Stadium last February in round four of  league. On that occasion, the visitors won by a single point. Galway 1-10 Kerry 0-14. 

Team News

Kerry v Galway

Peter Keane has made three changes from last weeks side. There are new faces in the 7,8 & 9 shirts for their Saturday evening clash with Galway. There is a new midfield pairing as Liam Kearney and Jack Barry pair up. While Gavin White come back into the side at right half-back. Brian Ó Beaglaoich and Adrian Spillane who both picked up knocks last weekend drop out. Tommy Walsh is the third player to make way.

Pádraic Joyce has also made three changes from the Galway side that overcame Monaghan last Sunday. Ronan Steede, who gave a man of the match display for Corofin in their All-Ireland win over Kilcoo, will start in midfield. While the other two changes come in the half-forward line. Eamon Brannigan and Damien Comer both start. Michael Boyle, Adrian Varley & Paul Conroy are the players to make way.

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)
Kerry
  1. Shane Ryan (Rathmore)
  2. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue)
  3. Tadhg Morley (Templenoe)
  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. Seán O’Shea (Kenmare Shamrocks)
  12. Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare Shamrocks)
  13. James O’Donoughue (Killarney Legion)
  14. David Clifford (Fossa)
  15. Paul Geaney (Dingle)
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