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Munster squad update ahead of Scarlets game

Munster rugby have issued a squad update ahead of their Pro 14 game with the Scarlets on Saturday at 5pm in Thomond Park.

There is no Six Nations action this weekend so Andy Farrell has released both Jack O’Donoghue and Chris Farrell for this game back to the province. Shane Daly and Niall Scannell have undergone scans following last Friday’s game with Zebre. The outcome of these is expected in the coming days. Scannell came off after 20 minutes with a leg injury.  Daly was withdrawn from the starting XV following tightness in his hip.

In further injury news Craig Casey who went off in the win over Zebre in the second half had an x-ray on his hand but no fracture was sustained. He in fact trained with Munster on Monday. Munster rugby also report that Joey Carbery is still nursing his wrist injury. However, he also seen an ankle specialist last week who advised further surgery was required.

Players that are continuing their rehab from injury include: Jean Kleyn (neck), Rhys Marshall (knee), Joey Carbery (wrist/ankle), Tadhg Beirne (ankle), Brian Scott (foot), Tyler Bleyendaal (neck).

There were 12 Munster players in action in the AIL for their clubs over the weekend. Munster academy players featured in the Cork derby between Cork Con and UCC on Friday.  Alex McHenry and Jonathan Wren helped Cork Con to a 16-12 victory over UCC. John Hodnett and James French lined for UCC

Four Academy players helped Garryowen to a 32-13 victory away at Clontarf. Ben Healy kicked 12 points in the victory. Jack Stafford, Diarmuid Barron and Paddy Kelly also lining out for Garryowen. Senior prop Ciaran Parker made his second appearance on his return from injury for Shannon in their 50-10 victory over Naas.  Eoghan Clarke also played a part.

Munster v Scarlets takes place at 5pm on Saturday.

Zidane and Madrid face do-or-die week of football

Returning to Real Madrid as both one of the clubs greatest players and managers, Zinedine Zidane’s 2nd tenure with Los Blancos was supposed to be very different.

Having been hampered with the meddling hands of the club’s upper hierarchy (namely Florentino Perez) in his initial tenure, a failed Julen Lopetegui experiment seemed to have gifted Zidane a free reign of the clubs development and transfer affairs.

Things however have not quite gone to plan for the World Cup winner.

Hampered by the ghosts of his three consecutive Champions League triumphs, not to mention the departing Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane has struggled in moulding the team in his image.

Whilst the club sit just 2 points behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga, a recent drop in form and continued fireworks with club president Perez may see ‘Zizou’ seek employment elsewhere come the season end if reports are to be believed.

It was just at the beginning of the month the club was celebrating a hard fought Atletico Madrid in the league. Talisman Karim Benzema scoring the only goal of the game, helping the side stretch their La Liga lead to to six points. The club were in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey to boot.

Recent defeats against Real Sociedad and Levante however have shown alarming cracks in the clubs season. Added to that, Eden Hazard is now likely to miss the remaining campaign after viewers winced watching the former Chelsea man fractured his ankle watching the weekends football live stream against Levante.

This week Real face both Manchester City in the Champions League and Barcelona in La Liga. Whilst the side undoubtedly has the talent and leadership to bounce back, the club are clearly lacking confidence.

A problem since club legend Ronaldo’s departure, finding the back of the net has been a continuing problem for Zidane. Hardly known for scintillating football during his tenure, the Frenchman has leaned heavily on fellow countryman Benzema to fill the void.

Recently the forwards goals have dried up. An overall haul of 2 goals in his last 12 matches reflects badly on the side, it doesn’t seem that under studies Luka Jovic and Eder Militao are going to chip in any time soon either. 

No doubt Zidane understands his sides issues. Unable to trust in attacking options such as Vinicius Junior and Gareth Bale, Madrid will likely opt to strangle both City and Barca with a restrictive defensive style.

As unimaginative it will seem to supporters, few will back the club to go toe-to-toe with some of Europe’s best attacking talent this week. A 1st leg against City will be damage limitation, the following La Liga match against their nearest rivals is an undeniable must win.

At least they can be comforted by the fact that Barcelona face their own internal struggles. They can only hope Lionel Messi is down-trodden about the whole Abidal affair, the rest of us know he’s quite likely to show the world why you can’t keep a good man down.

Cheltenham Betting Tips

Cheltenham Festival is fast approaching, with it beginning on Tuesday 10th March 2020 and ends on Friday 13th March 2020. That means that it is time to win some money! You can find a lot of offers for Cheltenham Festival 2020 over at BettingOnline where they have prepared a complete preview.

They have put together some of the best horse racing tips and strategies specific to the Cheltenham Festival, so that you can enjoy betting on Cheltenham for the days it is on! It would be a shame to go in with no tips or ideas on whom to bet on and then having spent your budget on the first day, we want to be able to go the whole length, from the first race to the very last.

We have been in search for the best tips for Cheltenham, doing research and discussing with tipsters to see which horses there are to help us take the bookies’ money. There are a lot of different things to take into consideration when betting on a horse, which makes it so difficult. It is not just the odds to look at, but also the diet, the weight, the recent form, the way it jumps and more.

There are on average around 7 races per day, starting from 1:30pm through to 5:30pm. This gives you plenty of time to place some bets and if you see some that you don’t fancy wagering on, there are always more. Especially if you don’t win off one race, it’s onto the next.

Here are the top 5 favourite horses for Cheltenham:

  • Defi Du Seuil
  • Harry Senior
  • Aspire Tower
  • Paisley Park
  • Notebook

Here are the top 5 Jockeys for Cheltenham:

  • Jonjo O’Neill
  • Barry Geraghty
  • Brian Hughes
  • Harry Skelton
  • Rachel Blackmore

The bookmakers do not want to favourite to win, hence why they are such low odds sometimes, the favourite is what most people will try and bet on as they are the most likely to win on paper. If you bet on one favourite on its own, the odds won’t be too great, so it is recommended to bet in an accumulator bet, where the odds are much higher whilst still being able to stake low.

The only issue with favourite betting, aside from it not being a guaranteed win is that some bookies try and trick customers, by labelling a horse a favourite, when it is not a favourite in actual fact and is not likely to win, this way players will back it and have a high chance of losing.

Be careful when betting and refer back to previous events in order to sustain some knowledge on which horse to back. Only bet when the odds are in your favour as well, don’t go wasting money on bets offering low returns on something that in actual fact is a risk. If you want the best prices, then it is usually a good idea to bet early. Betting early is when the bookies offer some god odds. Refer to other tipsters to see what they are backing, but don’t think that their opinions are guaranteed wins.

Clare reach knockout stages with Kilkenny draw

Kilkenny 1-19 Clare 3-13

Clare have reached the knockout stages of the Allianz League after they drew with Kilkenny at Nowlan Park. Brian Lohan’s charges have yet to be beaten in the league and will now have a league quarter-final at the very least.

Clare in truth probably should have won the game given the 17 wides they amassed. Billy Ryan and Colin Guilfoyle traded early scores. Kilkenny took the lead when young hurler of the year Adrian Mullen pointe on 3 minutes. However, Clare had a goal at the other end in a matter of minute. Tony Kelly sent a long delivery from way inside his own half down to Shane O’Donnell, the Eire Og man gathered and finished past Darren Brennan.  Kilkenny were back on level terms after John Donnelly and Mullen floated over points. Alan Murphy had the Cats ahead 0-8 to 1-3 with 18 minutes played. Clare knocked over five scores in the next 15 minutes. One of these scores was a goal courtesy of Ryan Taylor on 23 minutes. Clare ahead 2-05 to 0-08. Richie Leahy and Alan Murphy (free) left the scores 2-07 to 0-10 at the break.

Ger Aylward had a Kilkenny goal on 48 minutes. That same player registered a point to go with scores from Donnelly and Alan Murphy. Kilkenny led by 1-16 to 2-09 with an hour played. Tony Kelly and Diarmuid Ryan scored sublime points, before O’Donnell popped up with his second goal on 69 minutes. The score was 3-12 to 1-17. Walter Walsh pointed to level matters. However, Clare then took the lead once more when substitute Aaron Cunningham pointed , however Alan Murphy ensured that Kilkenny would come out of the game with a share of the spoils.

Kilkenny – D Brennan; Conor Browne, H Lawlor, C Wallace; C Delaney, P Deegan, D Mullen (0-1); C Buckley, A Murphy (0-7f); A Mullen (0-2), J Donnelly (0-2), R Leahy (0-1); B Ryan (0-1), R Hogan (0-1), W Walsh (0-2). Subs: G Aylward (1-1) for A Mullen, T Walsh for C Browne, B Sheehan for R Hogan, E Cody (0-1) for B Ryan.

Clare – D Tuohy; L Corry, P O’Connor, J Browne; S O’Halloran, C Cleary A McCarthy; D McInerney, T Kelly (0-7, 4f); D Reidy (0-1), J Conlon (0-1), D McMahon; R Taylor (1-0), S O’Donnell (2-1), C Guilfoyle (0-1). Subs: A Shanahan for J Conlon, D Ryan (0-1) for C Guilfoyle, A Cunningham (0-1) for D Reidy, P Collins for R Taylor, S Morey for D McMahon.

Limerick record 0-29 to 2-21 win over Cork

Limerick 0-29 Cork 2-21

Limerick recorded a 0-29 to 2-21 win over Cork at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon in a fantastic display of hurling from both sides. The wins now sees John Kiely top of the table with 3 wins from 3 games. They remain the favourites for the league title.

Cian Lynch got the first point immediately after the throw in. Aaron Gillane once again proved his worth from placed balls, while Paddy O’Loughlin also got on the scoreboard. It was 0-12 to 0-06 with the first quarter coming to a close. Gillane fired over four frees without reply to stretch the lead to 8 points, but Patrick Horgan replied with a brace of scores for Kieran Kingston’s charges.

Horgan hit a free on the resumption, before O’Donovan replied. Cork were much more improved in the second half. They registered three of the next four points to narrow the gap to just four points with 45 minutes on the clock. Shane Kingston then got a much needed Cork goal which sparked the game into life. He took a pass from Bill Cooper before firing to the net. The scores were soon level when Horgan scored his 13th point of the day. In response though Gillane put the Treaty county ahead.

Horgan replied to tie the scores up again, before Cork took the lead. They took the lead as Aidan Walsh reacted well when a Horgan free broke in the square. Cork were now ahead but Aaron Gillane kept Limerick in touch. He fired over two more frees. Tom Morrissey’s impact from the bench was immediate firing over a 61st minute point from play to level the game. Patrick Horgan put Cork ahead again but late points from Diarmuid Byrnes and Aaron Gillane sealed a win for Limerick. Limerick record a high scoring 0-29 to 2-21 win in the end.

Limerick – N Quaid; S Finn, M Casey, A Costello; D Byrnes (0-1’65), D Hannon, P O’Loughlin (0-2); C Lynch (0-2), W O’Donoghue (0-1); K Hayes (0-2), G Hegarty (0-1), D O’Donovan (0-3); D Dempsey (0-1), A Gillane (0-13, 11f), S Flanagan (0-2). Subs: T Morrissey (0-1) for G Hegarty, G Mulcahy for D Dempsey, D Reidy for C Lynch, B Nash for P O’Loughlin, D O’Connell for S Flanagan.

Cork – P Collins; E Cadogan, C Spillane, S O’Leary Hayes; M Coleman, R Downey, T O’Mahony; B Cooper (0-1), D Fitzgibbon; R O’Flynn, S Harnedy, L Meade; D Dalton (0-2, 1sl), P Horgan (0-17, 15f, 1’65), S Kingston (1-1). Subs: A Walsh (1-0) for L Meade, C Lehane for D Dalton, C Joyce for T O’Mahony, C Cahalane for R O’Flynn.

 

Tipperary hammer Westmeath by 20 points

All-Ireland champions got their first win of the Allianz League after they hammered Westmeath by 20 points in Thurles.  

Jason Forde who top scored with 0-14 in all, got the opening two scores of the game inside 4 minutes. The Silvermines man was looking very sharp. Derek McNicholas knocked over a fine score from the wing in response. Mark Kehoe and Killian Doyle exchanged points, before Tipperary went on a scoring spree from the 11th to the 19th minutes. Tipperary had a goal when Aaron McHugh was forced into a poor mishit clearance by Seamus Callanan, Cian Darcy was on hand to claim possession to finish easily to the net. However, Tipperary picked up three points previous to that goal, Michael Breen then knocked over a point to make it 1-07 to 0-03. Killian Doyle who was a late addition to the Westmeath starting team hit back with a nice point. However, Forde (2) and Alan Flynn (2) put the Premier firmly in control.

Furthermore, Jake Morris grabbed Tipperary’s second goal of the game soon after. Cian Darcy made a lung bursting run looking to get his second goal, however he was hooked by Conor Shaw. Morris was on hand however to flick the ball to the net. Doyle notched his fourth point on the board but Westmeath were behind 2-11 to 0-05 with 29 minutes played. Jason Forde knocked over a sublime sideline just before the break leaving it 2-14 to 0-07 and the game over as a contest at half time.

Forde continued the scoring on the resumption with a free. Killian Doyle knocked over a free on 39 minutes. But moments later was sent off on a straight red card for a collision with Seanie O’Brien.  Ronan Maher made it 2-18 to 0-10. Jake Morris flashed over a quick fire double on 48 and 52 minutes. Liam Sheedy emptied his bench opting to bring on Noel McGrath, Paul Flynn and Paddy Caddell. Finally, Westmeath hit late scores from McNicholas and Devine but Westmeath are now staring down the barrel of relegation. Tipperary look forward to a clash with Waterford.

Tipperary: Brian Hogan; Cathal Barrett, Barry Heffernan, Seán O’Brien; Séamus Kennedy, Ronan Maher (0-03), Bryan O’Mara; Alan Flynn (0-02), Michael Breen (0-02);  Jason Forde (0-14, 0-09f, 0-01 sl), Séamus Callanan (1-01), Niall O’Meara; Cian Darcy (1-01), Jake Morris (1-03), Mark Kehoe (0-01).

Subs used: Craig Morgan for Barrett (44), Noel McGrath for Kehoe (48), Dillon Quirke for O’Brien (48), Paul Flynn for O’Meara (56), Paddy Cadell for Kennedy (66).

Westmeath: Aaron McHugh; Adam Ennis, Tommy Doyle, Conor Shaw; Aaron Craig, Aonghus Clarke (0-01), Liam Varley; Robbie Greville, Cormac Boyle; Joey Boyle, Derek McNicholas (0-02), Josh Coll; Killian Doyle (0-07, 0-06f, 0-01 65), Allan Devine (0-05, 0-05f), Niall Mitchell.

Subs used: Ciarán Doyle (0-01) for Coll (23), Brian McHugh for Aaron McHugh (35), Darragh Clinton for J Boyle (48), Darragh Egerton for Ennis (58), John McCarthy for Mitchell (62)

Walsh stars in Galway rout of Tyrone

Galway 2-25 Tyrone 0-12

Shane Walsh was the star as the Galway captain led his side to a convincing 2-25 to 0-12, 19 point win over Tyrone on Sunday.

Although it was another terrific performance from Padraig Joyce’s men it was far from that for their opponents. They had two players sent off (Frank’s Burns and Kieran McGeary), while Cathal McShane was also stretchered off with what appeared to be an ankle injury. To add further insult Tyrone are now in the relegation mix following the defeat.

Looking at the game itself. Darren McCurry opened the scoring for Mickey Harte’s charges. However, Galway rattled off points from Ronan Steede, Damian Comer and Eamonn Brannigan to lead 0-03 to 0-01 with 8 minutes played. McShane and Steede then traded scores, before McShane who turned down AFL football scored another Comer cancelling that out. It was double scores midway through the half as Shane Walsh pointed. They stormed five points clear then as Varley and Walsh raised further white flags. McGeary registered a Tyrone point but Daly replied a minute later. McGeary was sent off not long after his score. Galway leading 0-12 to 0-06 at the break.

It went from bad to worse for Tyrone. McShane had to be stretchered off once Walsh increased the Galway advantage after the break. Darren McCurry sparked Mickey Harte’s men ino life with a brace of frees, before Mark Bradley kicked a fine score. Adrian Varley was on target for Galway. Tyrone’s hopes of staging any sort of come back were dashed come 53 minutes. Shane Walsh finishing a penalty to the net past Morgan after Comer was fouled inside the box. 1-14 to 0-11 now. Daly increased the gap to seven points, while Walsh tagged on a further two frees. Franks Burns was sent off on a second yellow card soon after.

Paul Conroy then grabbed a quick 1-01 in a matter of minutes Galway coasting to victory with 61 minutes played. Walsh brought his personal tally to 1-07, before Brannigan kicked three points to leave a massive 17 points between the sides with 67 minutes played. McCurry would go on to kick a free but Varley kicked a brace and man of the match Shane Walsh closed out the scoring as Galway beat Tyrone handsomely in the end.

 

Connolly the hero as Cork claim win over Tipperary

Cork 3-13 Tipperary 0-21

Luke Connolly was the Cork hero on Saturday as his side claimed a 3-13 to 0-21 win over Tipperary at Semple Stadium. The win preserves Cork’s unbeaten record in Division 3 of the league.

However it was Tipperary who made a super start to this game. They kicked four points through Steven O’Brien, Sean O’Connor, Emmet Moloney and Colman Kennedy. It took Ronan McCarthy’s men 10 minutes to find a score. That came courtesy of Mattie Taylor to make it 0-05 o 0-01. Cian Kelly got Cork’s second point. However, David Powers charges replied. It was Conor Sweeney and Quigley raising white flags. John O’Rourke pointed for Cork. Moreover, Ruairi Deane found the net and then Cathail O’Mahony pointed to leave it 1-04 to 0-07 after 26 minutes. Tipperary responded excellently though. Additionally, they kicked the next 5 points. However, Cork through O’Rourke and O’Mahony cut the gap to leave it 0-12 to 1-06.

The lead was pushed out to five points after 39 minutes. Liam Boland and Kennedy this time on target. Cork though thundered into the game from there. Luke Connolly registered a goal from the penalty spot after Mattie Taylor was fouled. It was 0-14 to 2-06. Cathail O’Mahony kicked over two points and the gap was down to one. Connolly then scored his second goal to put the Rebels ahead for the first time in the game. Ciaran Sheehan knocked over another point to make 3-10 to 0-16. Conor Sweeney and Brian Fox once again responded for Tipperary, but nonetheless Connolly and Mahony still had Cork leading with 63 minutes played.

Tipperary managed to get the gap down to minimum in the six minute of injury time, but Cork held on for a deserving victory which keeps them top of the table in Division 3. Therefore, firmly keeping the promotion charge back to Division 2 on track.

Scorers – Cork: Luke Connolly 2-02 (1-00 pen, 0-01f, 0-01 mark), Cathail O’Mahony 0-05 (0-02f), Ruairí Deane 1-00, John O’Rourke 0-02, Sean Powter 0-01, Mattie Taylor 0-01, Cian Kiely 0-01, Ciaran Sheehan (0-01) Tipperary: Jack Kennedy 0-05 (0-04f), Conor Sweeney 0-04, (0-04f), Riain Quigley 0-02, Steven O’Brien 0-02, Emmet Moloney 0-02, Evan Comerford (0-01, 1 ’45’), Colman Kennedy 0-01, Brian Fox 0-01, Sean O’Connor 0-01 (0-01 mark)

Cork: Micheál Martin; Paul Ring, Sean Powter, James Loughrey; Tomás Clancy, Mattie Taylor, Cian Kiely; Ian Maguire, Killian O’Hanlon; John O’Rourke, Sean White, Brian Hartnett; Ruairí Deane, Luke Connolly, Cathail O’Mahony (0-05, 0-02f).

Subs: Liam O’Donovan for Taylor (21-27, blood), Ciaran Sheehan for White (45), O’Donovan for Kiely (49), Colm O’Callaghan for O’Mahony (56), Paul Walsh for Powter (62), Kevin O’Driscoll for O’Hanlon (65).

Tipperary: Evan Comerford; Alan Campbell, John Meagher, Tadhg Fitzgerald; Kevin Fahey, Robbie Kiely, Bill Maher; Steven O’Brien, Jack Kennedy; Emmet Moloney, Colman Kennedy, Brian Fox; Conor Sweeney, Riain Quigley, Sean O’Connor (0-01, 0-01 mark).

Mannion goal key as Dublin beat Donegal

Dublin 1-15 Donegal 1-14

Dublin proved yet again while they are All-Ireland Champions as a 65 minute goal from Paul Mannion was key in beating Donegal at Croke Park on Saturday.

The Dubs were in fact 5 points behind in the opening and clawed back the win. This is the second week in a row Dessie Farrell’s side came back from a losing position, having been down 10 points at one stage against Monaghan. Donegal led by 1-05 to 0-02 after 20 minutes and were much better in the opening quarter. Ciaran Thompson opened the scoring, before Odhran McFadden powered through for an 8 minute goal to make it 1-01 to 0-00. Jamie Brennan and Michael Murphy then knocked over two points each. Dublin did improve before the break Sean Bugler and Ciaran Kilkenny coming to the fore. Brian Howard, Bugler, Rock and Kilkenny all pointing to leave it 1-06 to 0-07 at the break.

Dublin weren’t going to be denied in this game. However it was Donegal through Thompson and Mogan who doubled their lead to four points. Dean Rock, Cormac Costello and Howard all pointing in response. Man of the match Michael Murphy replied for Donegal. Mogan and Rock traded scores, before McBrearty making his first start of the year came on. Michael Murphy point from play meant a goal still separated the sides. Brian Fenton kicked over a brace of points, before Comerford was called into action to keep out a rasping shot from McBrearty. Colm Basquel had the sides level 0-14 to 1-11 after 60 minutes.

Mannion then netted on 65 minutes. A long delivery in from the Hoganstand side was no dealt with by goalkeeper Shaun Patton which allowed Mannion to palm the ball into the net. Murphy instantly replied with a free. Davy Byrne knocked a point over but McFadden and McBrearty left a single point in with five to go. John Small and Michael Murphy were both sent off on second yellow cards by Maurice Deegan. However, it was Dublin who get another win but it was another close game.

 

Laois ease relegation fears with win over Carlow

Laois 0-15 Carlow 0-14 

Laois will play in Division 1 in 2021 after a hard fought win over Carlow in dreadful conditions in O’Moore Park on Saturday. The relegation fears now eased, Eddie Brennan’s side will be looking forward to their remaining games in the division.

Ross King knocked over 12 points for Eddie Brennan’s charges, nine of those coming from play. Laois played with the aid of the wind in the opening half. However, they made work of it and failed to pull away. That man King was the thorn in the side knocking over 8 first half points., three of these came from play. Willie and Aaron Dunphy also added points, while Marty Kavanagh knocked over all of Carlow’s points in the opening half. It was 0-10 to 0-05 at the break.

The gap was down to two when Marty Kavanagh and Chris Nolan pointed. However, Ross King knocked over a free and then a point from play. Ciaran McEvoy settled Laois nerves from a tight angle on 50 minutes. Chris Nolan and Marty Kavanagh kept Carlow in touch but it was Ross King who kept the O’Moore men in front with his accuracy from placed balls. John Nolan thought he had rescued a draw for Carlow with 69 minutes played but it was left to Ross King to fire over the winning point in injury time. Marty Kavanagh did have one final free to tie up the game but it went wide.

Scorers – Laois: Ross King 0-12 (nine frees), Aaron Dunphy 0-1, Willie Dunphy 0-1, Ciaran McEvoy 0-1 Carlow: Marty Kavanagh 0-11 (eight frees), Chris Nolan 0-2, John Nolan 0-1

Laois: Enda Rowland; Liam Senior, Matthew Whelan, Donncha Hartnett; Ciaran McEvoy, Padraig Delaney, Jack Kelly; John Lennon, Fiachra C Fennell; Paddy Purcell, James Ryan, Aaron Dunphy; Ross King, Willie Dunphy, Eoin Gaughan.

Subs: Cian Taylor for A Dunphy (56), Ronan Broderick for Kelly (57), Ciaran Comerford for Fennell (65)

Carlow: Damien Jordan; Michael Doyle, Paul Doyle, Ross Smithers; Alan Corcoran, David English, Gary Bennett; Aaron Amond, Kevin McDonald; Diarmuid Byrne, John Michael Nolan, Jack Kavanagh; Ted Joyce, Martin Kavanagh, Paul Coady.

Subs: Chris Nolan for Coady (ht), John Nolan for Amond (54), Sean Whelan for Joyce (56), Edward Byrne for D Byrne (64), Michael Malone for JM Nolan (67)