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Sigerson Cup Results – Wins for Garda College & IT Sligo
IT Sligo began their Sigerson Cup campaign in Tuam Stadium on Thursday with a comprehensive 3-13 to 2-7 victory over GMIT.
James Shaughnessy was their top scorer with 1-6 and Bryan Walsh got another goal to give the Sligo college a 2-5 to 1-6 half-time lead.
Joseph Donnellan struck the major for the home side and added a second after the break. But with Jamie Brennan netting a third for the visitors, IT Sligo ran out comfortable nine-point winners.
Garda College kicked off their campaign with an 0-8 to 0-3 win in Templemore against Cork IT. Building a sizeable first-half lead, Seamus O’Carroll, Eoin Cleary and Thomas McDaniel all kicked two points each for a 0-6 to 0-1 advantage. Thomas Featherstone, Peadar Morris and Brian Coakley managed Cork IT points but the host side’s lead was never under threat.
On Wednesday, last year’s runners-up DCU began with an easy 3-10 to 0-3 win over Queen’s University in Belfast. After leading 0-6 to 0-2 at half-time, the Dublin outfit pulled away after Ryan Burns got a 39th minute goal. Niall Murphy and Enda Smith struck the other majors.
NUIG were comfortable winners against Trinity College by 4-12 to 1-7. Adam Gallagher, Sean Kelly, Colm Kelly and Matt McClean got the goals for the Tribesmen to advance.
And University Limerick (UL) won a thriller after extra-time against Maynooth University by 3-19 to 4-15. Maynooth lead by nine points through Ryan O’Rourke and two Joey Wallace majors with Daniel Flynn adding a fourth later. Jack Goulding had gotten an early UL goal and Gearoid Hegarty got their second. Michael Geaney got the third from a penalty as the Munster college came from four behind in the added period to get over the line.
Antrim v Offaly – Preview, team news, betting advice & live score updates
Antrim v Offaly – We have live score updates as Antrim meet Offaly in this All-Ireland SHC qualifier. This will be the 3rd meeting of the side’s this year with Offaly winning one and Antrim winning the relegation play-off. Throw in from Ballycastle is at 2.00 today
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE GAA SCORES
Form guide
Antrim won all of their Leinster SHC group matches topping the group after beating the O’Moore men in their final game 0-22 to 0-20. They then suffered a 13 point loss to Wexford on a 5-19 to 0-21. Offaly suffered a demoralizing defeat to Kilkenny. Brian Cody’s men scored 5-32 to Offaly’s 1-18 in what was a very worrying display by Brian Whelehan’s side.
Duel of the game
Neil McManus v Shane Dooley
McManus has been key for Antrim in the last number of year’s and is named at wing half against Offaly. McManus is a reliable free taker but with Paul Shields in such good form from the dead ball his ball-striking ability will be needed in the half back line. McManus has represented Ireland in aback the last 2 Shinty-hurling series.
Shane Dooley has been picked at Wing-forward after lining up at full-forward the last day at Kilkenny. Offaly will hope for a big game from the Tullamore man along with Coolderry’s Brian Carroll. Dooley is a strong player and his battle with McManus will be an interesting one.
Team news
Antrim have made 4 changes to the side that lost to Wexford.
Antrim: Chris O’Connell; Odhran McFadden, Conor McKinley, Aaron Graffin; Simon McCrory, Neal McAuley, Neil McManus; Tomas McCann, Jackson McGreevey; Conor Carson, Paul Shiels, Conor McCann; Darren Hamill, Ciaran Clarke, PJ O’Connell.
Offaly have made 5 changes to the team that lost to Kilkenny. Sean Gardner, Conor Doughan and Ciaran Slevin have also left the panel
Offaly: James Dempsey; Niall Wynne, Rory Hanniffy, Chris McDonald; Kevin Brady, Ger Healion, Cathal Parlon; Conor Mahon, Sean Ryan; Shane Dooley, David Kenny, Colin Egan; Brian Carroll, Dan Currams, Joe Bergin
Verdict
It will be interesting to see how Offaly react to their loss to Kilkenny. Offaly are a proud county with good hurling traditions and Brian Whelehan will hope for a better performance against Antrim. Antrim will have home advantage and will fancy their chances of progressing to the next round. When the sides last meet Antrim condemned Offaly to relegation to Division 2 and I think Antrim will run out winners today. Antrim to winning at HT and FT is 3/1 in what looks an appealing
The Green Machine takes on the FIH World Series
If you are a hockey enthusiast and looking for some hockeygamebets.com, so to say, then this might be your lucky day, as Ireland has appointed its squad for the FIH World Series that will take place in Le Touquet, France, starting on the 15th of June.
Of course, you will be able to choose from multiple teams if you want to bet on hockey games, as Ireland will have to face Scotland, Egypt, and Singapore in Pool A, and Ukraine, France, Korea, and Chile in Pool B.
Aiming for the Olympic Tickets
While you will engage in betting on your favorite teams, or even in ice hockey betting, the team that’s in the discussion today will try to get their hands on an Olympic qualifier ticket.
The top two teams of each FIH Series Finals will have a place secured at the qualification events that will be held later this year – naturally, these events will tell who is going to be present in Tokyo in 2020.
Get Ready for the Matches
Whether you are a bettor or only a hockey enthusiast, you will still have to open your notebook and write down the following information.
Before the tournament, during its lead up phase, Ireland will host both France and USA with international matches. These will take place on the 24th and 26th May against the USA, and on the 4th and 5th June against France.
If you want to see even more hockey being played, then feel free to join the open training session on the 31st of May, in Lisnagarvey. Naturally, all fans will be able to attend.
Optimistic
Head Coach, Alexander Cox, mentioned that the squad that will take on the FIH World Series gives him the opportunity to place certain players in multiple lines, stating that this feels like an advantage for the team.
Obviously, the team sees all the upcoming games as the perfect means of preparation for the World Series.
Rugby World Cup 2019
Rugby World Cup 2019
Rugby is one of the leading sports globally. Many nations host several rugby tournaments each year. The Rugby World Cup attracts thousands of fans from different countries. Japan will host this year’s Rugby World Cup from September 20 to November 2. Rugby fans can wager on any team in Betway. Here is an insight into the Rugby World Cup 2019.
The Rugby World Cup Bid
The World Rugby asked Rugby Union members who would like to host the Rugby World Cup 2019 to express their interest by August 15, 2018. It didn’t need them to provide details by then. Ten national rugby unions informed the international body that they would like to host the tournament. Nine countries expressed their desire to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Russia was interested in hosting the 2019 and 2015 Rugby World Cups. But, it withdrew its interest to host both tournaments in February 2009. Russia placed and won the bid to host the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Italy, South Africa, and Japan sent their bids for this year’s World Cup. The World Rugby announced them as potential hosts of the tournament on May 8, 2009. It confirmed in a special meeting in Dublin that it would hold the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England and the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. The Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) recommended World Rugby to announce Japan and England as the hosts of this year’s tournament. Punters can visit https://betway88.com/ to place rugby bets.
The Qualification Criteria
The first three teams from each pool of the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualified for this year’s edition. Although Japan was the third team in the last World Cup they got automatic qualification since they will host the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Several cross-regional playoffs and the Rugby Europe International Championships helped World Rugby pick the other eight teams.
The following teams will compete in this years’ Rugby World Cup:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- United States
- Canada
- Japan
- England
- France
- Georgia
- Ireland
- Italy
- Russia
- Scotland
- Wales
- Australia
- Fiji
- New Zealand
- Samoa
- Tonga
- Argentina
- Uruguay
Each team has competed in previous World Cups. Romania failed to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. It has competed in all other international tournaments. World Rugby disqualified it for adding ineligible players.
The Opening Match
This year’s Rugby World Cup is the ninth edition of the international rugby tournament. Japan will be the first Asian country to host it. Singapore and Hong Kong requested the World Rugby to allow them to host certain matches. The tournament’s organizers didn’t grant them their wish. The first game for Rugby World Cup 2019 will be played at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu while the final game will be played at Nissan Stadium, in Yokohama.
The Rugby World Cup is a popular rugby tournament which occurs after every four-years. It features international teams from all over the world. The winners receive the Webb Ellis Cup. Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand are the only countries which have ever won the trophy. Sign up with Betway to predict which team will win the Rugby World Cup 2019.
GAA players get first set of Government Grant payments
Patrick O’Donovan TD, the Gaelic Players Association have announced the commencement of the next phase of Government Grant payments to GAA Players.
This year will see the first tranche of the new funding agreement being paid to players over the next week. Grants awarded to players will range from €519 to €1,066 based on performance in the 2016 Championships. It will be will be a lot harder earned than getting your bet365 bonus after opening an account.
As with previous agreements, Sport Ireland provided the funding to the GAA who are working with the Gaelic Players Association for the appropriate disbursement of the grants to the players. The grant provides practical support to players and allows them to continue playing their sport at the highest level all over Ireland, while also maintaining a career or studies.
As well as promoting increased levels of physical activity, Gaelic players can act as important role models in a number of other key policy areas at local and national level. These include the promotion of mental health and wellbeing, the fight against obesity and the prevention of alcohol and drugs misuse.
In addition to supporting national policy, under the new agreement Inter county players will have increased involvement in promoting healthy lifestyles at a local level through the Local Sports partnerships in every county.
Minister O’Donovan: “The Government’s investment in this agreement shows how important Gaelic Games are to our country. It is an affirmation of the contribution of these sports to our communities, our culture and our sporting pride. Our Gaelic Games players give tireless commitment to club, community and county and I am glad to acknowledge this commitment today.
The areas of mental health, obesity, adult literacy and alcohol and drug misuse as well as efforts to increase physical activity levels across the population are ones which must be highlighted. It is fantastic that we have these players as role models to assist in the promotion and awareness of these issues.”
Dermot Earley, GPA CEO added; ‘‘Our players are role models in Irish society and are leaders in their community and parishes. It is important that we recognise the huge positive impact that they have on our society and Ireland as a whole. We are delighted that players will receive their grant payments this week. We fully support this new agreement and the focus it places on players helping to promote health and physical activity. Working with their Local Sports partnerships Intercounty players will take a lead role in helping to promote health and physical activity in their own communities as well as key national policies.”
GAA Fixture Dates – All Ireland Super 8’s explained
With the new structure of the Super 8’s took place last year with more games for spectators to go throughout the months of July and August. The way the Super 8’s work is the four provincial champions and the four winning teams from round four of the qualifiers compete in two groups of four teams.
Each group will consist of two provincial champions and the two beaten finalists of the other two provinces or the team that beat beats them in round 4 of the qualifiers. The first round of fixtures in each group will see the two provincial champions and the two qualifiers meet in Croke Park. Round two and three will see each team have a home game and an away game. In terms of point scoring, a win is 2 points and a draw is 1 point. The top two teams after the 3 games per team in each group will qualify for the All-Ireland semi-finals.
We have the fixtures dates and groups for the 2019 Super 8s of the All Ireland Gaelic football championship.
After the weekends results and the draw for the 4th round we now have a clear picture of what the Super 8s will look like in 2019. Dublin will be in a group with the Roscommon, Cork/Laois and Cavan/Tyrone.
The other group will be made up of Donegal, Kerry, Meath/Clare and Galway/Mayo
Saturday 6/Sunday 7 July TBC
All-Ireland SFC qualifiers round 4
Cavan v Tyrone
Cork v Laois
Galway v Mayo
Meath v Clare
So possible groups –
Dublin
Roscommon
Cork
Tyrone
Kerry
Donegal
Mayo
Clare
Saturday 13/Sunday 14 July TBC
All-Ireland SFC quarter-final phase 1
Kerry v Galway/Mayo,
Donegal v Meath/Clare,
Dublin v Cork/Laois,
Roscommon v Cavan/Tyrone
Saturday 20/Sunday 21 July TBC
All-Ireland SFC quarter-final phase 2
Kerry v Donegal
Galway/Mayo v Meath/Clare
Dublin v Roscommon
Cork/Laois v Cavan/Tyrone
Saturday 3/Sunday 4 August TBC
All-Ireland SFC quarter-final phase 3
Galway/Mayo v Donegal,
Meath/Clare v Kerry,
Cork/Laois v Roscommon
Cavan/Tyrone v Dublin,
Saturday 10/Sunday 11 August TBC
All-Ireland SFC semi-finals
Quarter-final group 1 winner v quarter-final group 2 runner-up
Quarter-final group 2 winner v quarter-final group 1 runner-up
Sunday 1 September
All-Ireland SFC final
Quarter-final group 1 winner or quarter-final group 2 runner-up v Quarter-final group 2 winner or quarter-final group 1 runner-up
Rugby rules introduction of new high tackle sanction
World Rugby has issued its guidelines in clarifying what constitutes a penalty, yellow card or red card in the instances of shoulder charges and high tackles.
With research demonstrating that 76 per cent of concussions occur in the tackle, with 72 per cent of those to the tackler, and that head injury risk is 4.2 times greater when tacklers are upright, the framework is aimed at changing player behaviour in this priority area, via the promotion of safer technique and builds on the January 2017 edict on tougher sanctioning of high tackles.
“Available as a step-by-step PDF, also supported by an educational video that illustrates what match officials are looking for when determining a sanction.”
World Rugby has also outlined as follows which of these merits a penalty, yellow card or red card.
Red Card
- Shoulder charge (no arms tackle) direct to the head or neck of the ball carrier, and mitigation is not applied
- High tackle with any contact between the tackler’s shoulder or head and the Ball Carrier’s head or neck, with high degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied
- High tackle with first contact from the tackler’s arm, direct to the BC’s head or neck, with high degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied
Yellow Card
- Any red card offence where mitigation is applied (as per framework)
- Shoulder charge to the body (no head or neck contact), with high degree of danger
- High tackle with any contact between the tackler’s shoulder or head and the BC’s head or neck, with low degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied
- High tackle with first contact from the tackler’s arm, direct to the BC’s head or neck with low degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied
- High tackle with first contact from the tackler’s arm, which starts elsewhere on the body and then slips or moves up to the BC’s head or neck, with high degree of danger, and mitigation is not applied
Penalty
- Any yellow card offence where mitigation is applied (as per framework)
- Shoulder charge to the body (no head or neck contact), with low degree of danger
- High tackle with first contact from the tackler’s arm, which starts elsewhere on the body and then slips or moves up to the BC’s head or neck, with low degree of danger and no mitigating factors
- High tackle with first contact above or over the shoulder of the ball carrier, but without contact to the head or neck of the ball carrier during the execution of the tackle (seat belt tackle
Republic of Ireland squad confirmed for Denmark and Gibraltar Euro 2020 qualifiers
Republic of Ireland manager has confirmed his squad for upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Denmark away from home on June 7th and Gibraltar at home on June 10th. McCarthy named a 35 man squad earlier this month but this has now been whittled down to 30 players.
Goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara has been ruled and Kristiansunds BK keeper Sean McDermott had been called up. Harry After, Jack Byrne, James Collins and Aidan O’brien also all miss out on a place in the squad. English league play-off players Glen Whelan, Richard Keogh, Conor Hourihane and Josh Cullen will all miss the training camp in Quinto Do Logo. However the quartet will join up with squad before the trip to Denmark.
McCarthy has included Luca Connell in his squad. Connell who plays with Bolton Wanderers has obviously impressed McCarthy to warrant a place in the squad. At 18 years of age he brings youth and exuberance. The Liverpool born player has played at U17 and U19 level for Ireland, he played 15 times for the Trotters this season in League 1. Commenting on this McCarthy said “Luca deserves this opportunity”. He continued “With midfielders Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan and Josh Cullen all on play-off duty with their clubs in the coming weeks, this is the perfect chance to get Luca into the squad.”
The squad itself sees Darren Randolph, Mark Travers and Sean McDermott named as the three goalkeepers. The defenders include Seamus Coleman, Kevin Long, Matt Doherty, Richard Keogh, John Egan, Shane Duffy, Enda Stevens and Greg Cunningham. McCarthy has included Alan Judge, Alan Browne, Glen Whelan, Jeff Hendrick, Conor Hourihane, Luca Connell, Josh Cullen, Robbie Brady, Callum O’Dowda, James McClean, Ronan Curtis. In the forwards, Dave McColdrick, Shane Long, Sean Maguire, Scott Hogan and Callum Robinson.
The full squad as follows:
Goalkeepers: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough), Mark Travers (Bournemouth), Sean McDermott (Kristiansund BK)
Defenders: Seamus Coleman (Everton), Matt Doherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Kevin Long (Burnley), Richard Keogh (Derby County), Shane Duffy (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enda Stevens (Sheffield United), Greg Cunningham (Cardiff City)
Midfielders: Alan Judge (Ipswich Town), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Glenn Whelan (Aston Villa), Jeff Hendrick (Burnley), Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa), Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers), Josh Cullen (Charlton Athletic*), Robbie Brady (Burnley), Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City), James McClean (Stoke City), Ronan Curtis (Portsmouth)
Forwards: David McGoldrick (Sheffield United), Shane Long (Southampton), Sean Maguire (Preston North End), Scott Hogan (Aston Villa), Callum Robinson (Preston North End)
Andy Farrell to become Ireland Rugby Coach after World Cup
It was no surprise that Joe Schmidt announced he was leaving his post as Irish coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This is bad news for Ireland but hopefully, it’s not too disruptive as Andy Farrell to become Ireland Rugby Coach after World Cup.
Joe Schmidt commented “I have decided to finish coaching and will prioritise family commitments after the RWC in 2019.
I feel that Irish rugby is in good hands. The management and players have been incredible to work with and the tremendous support we have had, particularly at home in the Aviva, but where ever we have travelled has been uplifting.
Thank you to the IRFU for their support and patience and thanks also to so many people who have adopted my family and me, making us feel part of the community here in Ireland.
There are some inspiring challenges over the next 11 months so there’s plenty of motivation for me to continue working hard, alongside the other management staff, so that the team can be as competitive as possible.”
Andy Farrell commented, “It is a privilege to be considered for such a prestigious role. I have learned a lot from Joe over the past few seasons and I will continue to learn from him over the next year as the coaching group and players focus on competing in two huge tournaments in 2019.”
Joe Schmidt commented,”The coaches have been fantastic to work with and Andy has made a big impact since coming into the group. His ability to lead and his understanding of the game will ensure that the group will continue to move forward.”