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Racing Home For Easter Festival at Cork Racecourse this weekend

Cork Racecourse hosts the three-day Racing Home For Easter Festival this weekend.

Cork Racecourse, Mallow, is the venue for a three-day racing festival this Easter weekend.

The southern racetrack will host its Racing Home For Easter Festival with racing starting on Saturday with an all flat card, while Easter Sunday and Easter Monday will be days for National Hunt followers.

The weekend highlights takes place on Sunday with the Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle and the Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase, named in honour of the popular Lombardstown native. In 2018 Michael O’Sullivan rode his first winner at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, aboard the Wilcosdiana trained by his uncle, Eugene O’Sullivan.

Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle

Among the 16 runners for the Bar One Racing Easter Handicap Hurdle is the Desmond Kenneally-trained Pray Tell. A winner of the Grade 3 Singletons SuperValu Stayers Novice Hurdle in December, Pray Tell was last seen in Grade 1 company, and will aim to record another memorable victory at Kenneally’s local racecourse.

The Big Doyen is another notable runner in the €45,000 showpiece over two miles and three furlongs. The eight-year-old is set to have his first start since moving to trainer Declan Queally. Top owner J.P. McManus is represented by the Colm Murphy-trained Goraibhmaithagat, and January winner Well Dressed, for Eddie and Patrick Harty.

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Gavin Cromwell has Addragoole and the consistent Tonaghneave Well in the race.

Waterford handler Henry de Bromhead, who won the race last year with Lucky Zebo, relies on previous Cork winner Arctic Bresil. The Ross O’Sullivan-trained Natural Look, and John McConnell’s West Away are also previous winners at the Mallow track.

Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase

Last year’s winner, Asterion Forlonge, heads the runners for the Grade 3 Michael O’Sullivan Chase, going to post at 3.57pm.

Champion handler Willie Mullins also has Mister Policeman among the five-runner field. Gordon Elliott’s Fll Dor, Lonesome Boatman from the Seán Allen yard, and Charles Coakley’s Hascoeur Clermont are the other runners in the 3 miles 100 yards contest.

Starting times

Racing at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, on Saturday will start at 1.25pm with an eight race flat card which features the Easter Festival April 19th-21st Handicap.

Sunday’s eight-race jumps programme will commence at 1.12pm. Easter Monday’s will see the first of eight jumps races go to post at 1.15pm.

Further details are available on the Cork Racecourse website.

Willie Mullins takes his British title challenge to Plumpton

The battle between Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton for the British Jump trainers' title moves to Plumpton this weekend.

Plumpton Racecourse, established in 1884, is set to play a key part in the 2024/25 British Jump trainers’ championship this weekend.

Reigning British champion Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton are sending strong squads for the BetGoodwin Easter Festival on Sunday, April 20 and Monday, April 21.

The two-day fixture offers £450,000 in prize money across 14 races, providing potential for a significant impact as the British championship reaches its conclusion later this month.

Mullins closed the deficit on Skelton dramatically at Aintree’s Grand National Festival and Ayr’s Scottish National Festival. Skelton hit back this week, however, by taking the feature Grade 2 handicap chase at Cheltenham.

Sussex Champion Hurdle

Reigning Irish and British champion Mullins has four of the 11 runners in the £75,000 BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Hurdle on Sunday, with Skelton responsible for two runners in the field.

Mullins will also have King Alexander and Mr Escobar in the £30,000 Phoenix Cycles Remember Ray Prior Handicap Hurdle later on the Sunday card, with Mostly Sunny set to represent Skelton.

The English hander will have a total of nine runners at the Easter Sunday meeting as he attempts to hold off the Mullins challenge.

Bank Holiday Monday

The Bank Holiday feature at the track is the £100,00 BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Chase with Mullins set to have four runners to Skelton’s one.

The Closutton handler will also have runners in the £45,000 Southern Cranes Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, and in the £23,000 BetGoodwin Free Bet On Nose Losers Open NH Flat Race, while Skelton will have a strong team of 12 runners on Monday.

Titans Basketball Club Launches ‘300 Club’ to Power Future Growth

Join the Movement: Help Build the Next Generation of Galway Titans

Galway’s Titans Basketball Club is calling on the community to be part of something special with the launch of the Titans 300 Club — a bold new initiative aimed at building a winning future both on and off the court.

The goal is simple but powerful: rally 300 supporters, each contributing €5 per week (or €250 annually), to create a sustainable financial foundation for player development, club growth, and the realisation of future ambitions.

Businesses, companies, and individuals alike are invited to get involved, invest in local sport, and make a lasting difference in one of Galway’s most vibrant and inclusive sporting communities.

Official Launch Event – April 28th, Bonham Quay, Galway

The Titans 300 Club will officially launch on April 28th at Bonham Quay, with the event proudly hosted by Genesys on their stunning top floor overlooking Galway Docks.

Attendees will enjoy an evening of basketball, inspiration, and community spirit. Before heading upstairs for a lively panel discussion featuring players, coaches, and club leaders, guests can shoot some hoops on the ground floor and experience the energy of the Titans family firsthand.

More Than Basketball – Building a Community

Titans Basketball Club is about much more than competition. It’s a thriving, diverse community that shapes young lives through sport, friendship, personal development, and belonging.

The club welcomes players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities — from enthusiastic Under-8s to competitive Under-18 boys and girls, all the way to the Men’s Under-20s. Titans also lead the way in inclusivity with their celebrated Wheelers program, making basketball accessible to players with disabilities, alongside a buzzing social league for those who simply want to enjoy the game for fun and fitness.

With a strong focus on coach development, mentorship, and life skills, Titans Basketball Club builds more than athletes — it builds confident, resilient, and connected individuals ready to make an impact on and off the court.

Whether you’re a seasoned supporter or discovering Titans for the first time, the Titans 300 Club is your chance to be part of a movement that’s shaping Galway’s sporting future.

Become a Titan today. Help us grow the game, build community, and inspire the next generation.

Is It Time That the GAA Looks to Licensed Products to Extend Appeal?

As an island, it’s hard to deny that there are no sports that enthral us quite like the Gaelic Games.

Every year, up and down the island, thousands flock to club and county games of all sizes. It’s the ultimate display of amateur sporting prowess, potentially anywhere on the planet.

When it comes to the All-Ireland final – both in football and hurling – Dublin is a city awash with colour. Nearly 100,000 people descend on Drumcondra to be part of what feels like the biggest sporting event on the planet. You can barely move for flags, jerseys, horns, and ribbons.

However, it’s notable that while many other sports in Ireland perhaps don’t have the same level of community outreach, there’s a much greater global awareness. Obviously, this is evidenced by the fact that the Games have remained popular in small pockets of the diaspora. Could the GAA improve this with more licensed products?

Many Sports Have Had Great Success with Licensing in the Modern Era

We are staunchly proud of our game’s amateur status. However, it’s important that the sport is able to maintain its place at the top table. At the start of this year, it was reported that, though finances were up for the association, attendance was actually falling compared to previous years. One way to ensure continued participation is brand connection.

In terms of licensing, you only have to look at how video game series like FIFA and Madden have managed to encourage booms in already-popular sports. In fact, back in the early 2000s, there were the Gaelic Games: Football and Gaelic Games: Hurling PlayStation titles. Now, though, it’s glaring that there’s nothing for fans on this front.

Even looking to the online casino industry, sports-themed games are extremely popular, but the Gaelic Games are nowhere to be seen. For example, at Karamba casino for Irish players, you can even find games like World Darts Championship and soccer-themed titles. However, the GAA has yet to capitalise on licensing any online games.

Where Does the GAA Stand When Compared with Other Sports in Ireland

In terms of actual participation, Gaelic football is still second in the list of the most highly participated team sports in Ireland, according to RTE. It sits just behind soccer, which is understandably the most popular. The game is a global phenomenon and has been for more than a century. However, it’s when looking at attendances that a shift becomes much more stark.

The League of Ireland has largely been the country’s runt of the litter when it comes to sport. Rugby union has been the flagbearer for professional sport, and the GAA has been one of our biggest cultural phenomena. However, our soccer league has been in a seemingly permanent state of decline. That is until very recently.

Attendances in the LOI have been growing now for around half a decade. What’s more, they appear only to be restricted by the size of the stadiums in the league. Just this year, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers played out a league fixture to more than 30,000 people in the Aviva. So, where GAA is seeing a dip in attendances, soccer is on the up.

What Could the GAA License to Extend Further Appeal?

Ultimately, the GAA is always going to be Ireland’s true national sport. It’s the one we have that we don’t really share with any other countries. However, if the association is serious about wanting to stop the rot at home, and maybe extend a hand across the seas, it may be time to look at where they can expand.

It doesn’t have to be video games, either. Look at fantasy football (both American and soccer) and how licensed versions have allowed leagues to foster an even more dedicated following. In fact, the League of Ireland has also released its own fantasy football game to try and reach out to new fans while enhancing existing relationships.

The GAA is one of the most financially successful institutions in Ireland and will likely think that it doesn’t need to make any big changes to retain that status. However, it may be an avenue worth exploring as it looks to stop the fall in attendances and ensure its place as the biggest sporting association in Ireland.

Kildare v Westmeath – Preview, Team News & Live Scores

Kildare v Westmeath – Preview, Team News & Live Scores

Leinster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final

Saturday, April 12 | Cedral St. Conleth’s Park | 7:00pm

Teams announced Friday – Live GAA scores on Irishscores.com

Saturday night lights in Newbridge will see Kildare take on Westmeath, with both sides opening their Leinster Championship campaigns. The Lilywhites finished top of Division 3 this spring but fell to Offaly in the final, while Westmeath’s form has plummeted since their Division 3 title last year, leading to relegation from Division 2.

These sides last met in 2022 when Kildare edged a high-scoring semi-final, and recent history is on the home side’s side. Westmeath haven’t beaten Kildare in the championship since 2016, and their seven-game winless streak across league and championship this season doesn’t bode well.

Glenn Ryan will demand a response from his Kildare charges after a stinging league final defeat. Daniel Flynn and Kevin Feely will be central to their hopes. Westmeath, meanwhile, need a spark. John Heslin remains a key figure, and their midfield battle will be crucial to containing Kildare’s runners.

The winners will face either Laois or Louth in the semi-finals.

Team News

Line-ups will be revealed on Friday. Visit Irishscores.com and follow official county social channels for updates.

Tyrone v Cavan – Preview, Team News & Live Scores

Tyrone v Cavan – Preview, Team News & Live Scores

Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final

Sunday, April 13 | Healy Park, Omagh | 4:15pm

Teams announced Friday – Live GAA scores on Irishscores.com

Tyrone and Cavan renew rivalries in another all-Ulster showdown this Sunday, just a year on from their extra-time thriller in Kingspan Breffni. That day, Tyrone edged out Cavan by a single point, 1-23 to 3-16, and the Red Hands will once again be favourites—despite a rocky league campaign that saw them relegated from Division 1.

Cavan, for their part, were a solid mid-table team in Division 2, winning four games and showing resilience throughout. Mickey Graham’s men will take confidence from their attacking style of play and will look to trouble a Tyrone defence that, while statistically the best in Division 1, has at times lacked bite when faced with high-tempo opposition.

Tyrone are still transitioning their squad but remain potent, with Darragh Canavan and Mattie Donnelly leading the line. Conor Meyler and Frank Burns are key men if the hosts are to progress.

Cavan will hope Paddy Lynch and Gearóid McKiernan can reproduce the form that lit up last year’s championship. But they haven’t beaten Tyrone in championship football since 1983—something that underlines the scale of their challenge.

The winners will face either Antrim or Armagh in the semi-final.

Team News

Official starting teams will be announced on Friday. Check Irishscores.com and team social media for confirmed line-ups and in-play updates.

Antrim v Armagh – Preview, Team News & Live Scores

Antrim v Armagh – Preview, Team News & Live Scores

Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final

Saturday, April 12 | Corrigan Park, Belfast | 12:30pm

Teams announced Friday – Live GAA scores on Irishscores.com

The Ulster Senior Football Championship gets underway with a compelling quarter-final as Antrim host Armagh at Corrigan Park. While history heavily favours the Orchard County, Antrim will relish the chance to cause an upset on home turf in what promises to be a fiercely contested clash.

The sides last met in 2023 when Armagh cruised to a 0-20 to 1-8 win in a preliminary round tie. In fact, Antrim haven’t defeated Armagh in the Ulster Championship since 1964, a stark reminder of the uphill task facing them on Saturday. Armagh’s consistency in recent years, including a sixth-place finish in Division 1 this spring, underlines their status as favourites, but they enter this year’s championship looking to avoid the kind of inconsistency that plagued their league campaign.

Antrim, meanwhile, endured a difficult Division 3 season, finishing second from bottom and suffering relegation. They did show flashes of promise, but defensive issues and inconsistency in front of goal ultimately cost them. It’s now 11 years since Antrim last won their opening game in the Ulster Championship, and they will need a massive performance to reverse that trend.

For Armagh, key figures such as Rian O’Neill, Stefan Campbell, and Jarly Óg Burns will be crucial if they are to assert their dominance early. Their pace, power, and experience give them a strong platform, especially against a side lacking in recent championship pedigree. Antrim will turn to the likes of Patrick McBride and Conor Stewart to anchor their resistance.

This is the first of a blockbuster weekend of Ulster football, and while the odds are stacked in Armagh’s favour, the Ulster Championship has never been a stranger to surprises. Should Antrim pull off a shock, it would be one of the stories of the season.

Team News

Both teams are expected to name their starting XVs on Friday afternoon. Keep an eye on Irishscores.com and official county channels for confirmed line-ups and live score updates.

2025 Masters Preview – Can McIlroy Complete the Grand Slam at Augusta?

2025 Masters Preview – Can McIlroy Complete the Grand Slam at Augusta?

Click here to play US masters comp 

The world’s best golfers have gathered once more in Georgia for The Masters, as the chase for the iconic Green Jacket and golfing immortality gets underway at Augusta National.Scottie Scheffler returns as defending champion following a commanding four-shot victory last year. The world number one is aiming to become the first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods and add a third major title to his résumé within four seasons.Hot on his heels is Rory McIlroy, fresh from victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship. McIlroy is bidding to complete the career Grand Slam and finally conquer the only major to elude him.

Contenders to Watch

Also in contention is Xander Schauffele, with two major wins last year and a strong Augusta record. Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Åberg arrive in good form, while Hideki Matsuyama, Russell Henley, and Viktor Hovland have all won on the PGA Tour in 2025.

Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry also bring consistency and experience as they chase their first majors.

McIlroy’s Grand Slam Bid

Golf legend Dame Laura Davies believes McIlroy’s time has come: “His form this year is great and it’s hard to see him not cross the finish line at Augusta.”

Butch Harmon added: “If he can relax and just play golf, this could be the week he gets over the hump.”

Morikawa’s Augusta Record

Morikawa has posted finishes of 5th, T-10th, and T-3rd in his last three Masters starts. Analysts highlight his current iron play as the best in the world—perfect for Augusta’s second-shot demands.

English Hopes at Augusta

Tommy Fleetwood is tipped for success if he can putt well, while Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose also aim to end England’s Masters drought.

Former pro Ewen Murray believes Hatton could surprise: “If he can stay mentally calm, he absolutely has the tools to challenge.”

Expert Predictions

  • Rich Beem: Winner – Rory McIlroy | Dark Horse – Brian Harman
  • Andrew Coltart: Winner – Collin Morikawa | Dark Horse – Russell Henley
  • Dame Laura Davies: Winner – Rory McIlroy | Dark Horse – Akshay Bhatia
  • Nick Dougherty: Winner – Collin Morikawa | Dark Horse – Tommy Fleetwood
  • Butch Harmon: Winner – Rory McIlroy | Dark Horse – Tommy Fleetwood

Fight Night Strategies: What to Watch for Before Placing a Bet

Before stepping into the high-stakes world of fight night betting, it’s crucial to assess the fighters’ styles, recent performances, and mental readiness. Understanding how their styles clash can be pivotal in predicting the outcome.

Delve into their current form, win-loss records, and any lingering injuries that might impact their performance. Also, pay attention to shifts in their mental states or strategic approaches. By grasping these essential elements, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a smart and informed betting strategy.

Key Takeaways

Analyze fighters’ recent performances, including win-loss records and any changes in their training regimen.
Consider the fighting styles and how they match up, factoring strengths, weaknesses, and the potential of blending techniques.
Monitor the fighters’ psycho-emotional state through pre-fight interviews and social media to gauge mental preparation.
Utilize advanced betting strategies like live betting and prop bets for specific outcomes based on fighter adaptability.
Practice effective bankroll management by setting betting limits and diversifying bets to mitigate risks.

Analyzing Fighting Styles and Matchups

When diving into analyzing fighting styles and matchups, you’ll discover that understanding how fighters with different styles face off is essential for predicting the flow and outcome of a fight.

Striking styles like boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing highlight precision, power, and distance control. Meanwhile, striking combinations in these disciplines are pivotal for breaking down an opponent’s defense and creating opportunities for landing strikes that dictate the tempo and outcome of any matchup. Grappling techniques, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, focus on ground control and takedowns – and they can be devastating when employed by a disciplined fighter.

Each style presents unique strengths and weaknesses, impacting matchups. A fighter’s ability to blend striking with grappling techniques offers a competitive edge.

Pay attention to how a fighter’s specialization dictates their strategy, and recognize the importance of adaptability during fights in order to optimize predictions.

Assessing Current Form and Recent Performance

Understanding fighting styles and matchups lays a solid foundation for predicting fight dynamics, but evaluating a fighter’s current form and recent performances is equally important.

Recent win-loss records can heavily influence UFC odds and fight strategies. Keep these factors in mind when evaluating your betting strategy:

Fight Frequency: Frequent fighters often have more current experience. UFC events occur year-round, including big cards and Fight Night events.
Injury Reports: Injuries can hinder a fighter’s full capability.
Training Regimen Changes: Changes might improve or harm performance.
Physical Conditioning: Peak condition offers stamina and endurance advantages.

Monitoring Psycho-Emotional States and Opponent Changes

To gain a deeper understanding of a boxer’s potential, it’s essential to focus on their emotional control skills. Managing fear and anxiety under pressure significantly enhances performance. Look for signs of visualization techniques and positive self-talk in their pre-fight routines, as these can indicate a strong mental foundation. Fighters who display emotional intelligence, effectively balancing aggression with composure, often achieve success.

Pre-fight interviews and social media can provide valuable insights into a fighter’s mental preparation. Additionally, observe how they handle crowd pressure, as this can significantly impact their performance. Post-fight responses also offer clues about their mental state and potential future performances. By paying attention to these psychological factors, you can better assess a fighter’s readiness and potential for success in the ring.

Capitalizing on Advanced Betting Strategies

Having dissected the psycho-emotional dynamics influencing fighters, it’s time to apply that insight to the strategic world of advanced betting. Leverage the interplay between fighter styles and market dynamics to maximize your chances.

Consider these strategies:

Prop Bet Variety: Explore specific outcomes, like predicting submission wins for grapplers.
Parlay Opportunities: Combine bets on versatile fighters who demonstrate style adaptability.
Moneyline Insights: Exploit mismatched odds by backing underappreciated versatile fighters.
Live Betting: Observe real-time adaptability to enhance strategic wagers.

Stay sharp and avoid emotional pitfalls. Bet with your head, not your heart, let your research and knowledge inform your betting strategy.

Utilizing Research and Data Analysis

To effectively navigate the intricate world of fight betting, diving deep into reliable research and precise data analysis is essential. Resources like FanDuel Research offer valuable insights to guide your approach.

Start by evaluating fighters’ historical performance, checking win-loss records, streaks, and post-injury comebacks. Analyze weight class trends and fighter styles, focusing on matchups, strengths, and coaching influences.

Embrace statistical tools, using data-driven models and AI predictions to refine your strategies. Pay attention to statistical performance metrics and use simulation tools to anticipate outcomes.

Don’t forget to factor in external factors like injuries, media hype, and environmental conditions. This all-encompassing approach bolsters your betting acumen, helping make informed decisions.

Practicing Effective Bankroll Management and Discipline

When it comes to successful fight betting, effective bankroll management and maintaining discipline are essential.

Start by defining your bankroll—set aside a dedicated amount for betting and guarantee not to overspend. Typically, you’ll want to bet only 1-2% of your bankroll per event. A unit-based system can help maintain discipline, with one unit usually representing 1% of your bankroll.

Remember:

Flat Betting: Consistently wager the same amount.
Variable Betting: Adjust your bets based on value.
Daily Limits: Restrict the number of bets each day.
Diversify Bets: Spread risks to mitigate individual outcomes.

These strategies help reduce “gambler’s ruin” and manage risk effectively.

Turning Insights into Winning Action

Now that you’ve explored the key elements that shape a fighter’s path to victory—style matchups, performance trends, mental readiness, betting techniques, and data analysis—you’re equipped to go beyond surface-level wagers. Every bout tells a story, and successful betting hinges on your ability to read between the lines.

Use what you’ve learned to approach fight night with sharpened instincts and smarter strategies. Whether you’re analyzing a striker-grappler clash or spotting psychological vulnerabilities, each insight adds a layer to your betting advantage. Pair that knowledge with disciplined bankroll management, and you’re not just watching fights—you’re playing the odds with purpose.

Let every bet be a calculated move, not a guess. The more you know, the more fight night becomes an arena for opportunity.

New Recruit Bubble Gum Delivers Noblesse Stakes for Twomey and Lee

Bubble Gum and Billy Lee win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes (Listed) at Cork. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Bubble Gum gave Paddy Twomey a second success in the 1 mile 4 furlongs Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse  Stakes (Listed) at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, on Sunday.

A winner with Moll in 2021, Twomey’s new recruit from France, Bubble Gum, ran out a one and a half length winner on debut for the stable.

Ridden today by Billy Lee, the four-year-old bay filly had been placed at listed level in France, but had finished sixth of her final French start at Chantilly.

The daughter of Cloth Of Stars claimed today’s feature Cork race, ahead of Ameerat Jumaira from the Jack Davison yard. A neck separated the runner-up and the third-placer, Goodie Two Shoes, trained by Joseph O’Brien for J.P. McManus.

The winning handler, Paddy Twomey, said of his new recruit’s win this afternoon:

“She hasn’t missed a beat since she came to me in December, has trained well and I’m delighted to have her. It is good to have a strong squad of fillies and this filly has a bit of class. We’ll find a Group race next.”

28/1 winner of Cork Stakes

The other listed race at Cork this afternoon was the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes over six furlongs.

Lady With The Lamp was a surprise 28/1 winner of the €26,550 first prize for Joseph O’Brien. Among the owners of the three-year-old bay filly are Kevin Blake of Sky Sports Racing and Nick Luck of Racing TV.

The daughter of King Of Change had finished eight in a Group 3 contest at Dundalk last October, but battled on today to win after a 163 day lay-off.

Ridden by Declan McDonogh, the Irish-bred filly won by a half-length from Willie McCreery’s Vespertilio. There was a further length and a half back to One Smack Mack for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane in third.

Commonwealth Cup may be on horizon

Speaking after today’s victory, part-owner Kevin Blake nominated the Polonia Stakes back at Cork as a potential short-term target, with the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot in June now being considered as a mid-summer option.