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Allianz Football League Division Two: Cork vs. Kildare Match Recap

Allianz Football League Division Two: Cork vs. Kildare Match Recap

Cork Secures Vital Win: 2-15 to 3-9 Victory

Kildare finds themselves edging closer to the Division Two relegation zone after a spirited Cork comeback in the second half boosts the Rebels’ survival prospects.

At SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork faced a five-point deficit approaching halftime, but a resurgent performance in the second half saw them dominate proceedings, outscoring Kildare by 2-11 to 1-2 and securing a crucial seven-point lead by the final whistle.

Despite a slow start, Cork’s attacking prowess shone through as they capitalized on every opportunity from open play, displaying precision and determination in front of goal.

John Cleary’s tactical adjustment and motivational words at halftime proved pivotal for Cork, igniting a remarkable turnaround in their performance. The team’s defense, previously passive, exhibited renewed vigor, while their attacking players showcased their skill with towering scores from all angles.

A standout moment came in the 52nd minute when Colm O’Callaghan’s spectacular diving mark set up Conor Corbett for a thunderous goal, further extending Cork’s lead and solidifying their dominance.

Although Kildare managed to pull a goal back from a penalty, Cork remained composed and settled, with O’Callaghan and Chris Óg Jones adding crucial points to secure the victory.

With this win, Cork climbs out of the relegation zone, overtaking Fermanagh and Louth to claim fifth place in the divisional standings, while Kildare faces mounting pressure as they remain without a point at the bottom of the table.

Looking ahead, Cork will aim to build on this momentum in upcoming fixtures against Roscommon and Galway, while Kildare faces a daunting challenge against Monaghan as they strive to avoid relegation.

In summary, Cork’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity exemplify their commitment to securing their position in Division Two, while Kildare’s struggles highlight the fierce competition and stakes in the Allianz Football League.

Video Highlights – GAA Football League Division One: Kerry vs. Tyrone Match Recap

Allianz Football League Division One: Kerry vs. Tyrone Match Recap

Kerry Bounces Back: 0-18 to 1-11 Victory

After a disappointing loss to Dublin, Kerry regains momentum with a convincing win over Tyrone, signaling a strong comeback in the league.

In the early stages, both teams exchanged blows, creating an atmosphere of intensity on the field. However, Kerry gradually asserted their dominance, with key players stepping up to the challenge.

David Clifford and Sean O’Shea showcased their talent with impressive performances, leading Kerry’s offensive charge. Their skillful play and accurate scoring helped Kerry gain a foothold in the game.

Despite a spirited effort from Tyrone, Kerry’s solid defense held firm, preventing any significant breakthroughs from the opposition. This defensive resilience proved crucial in maintaining Kerry’s lead throughout the match.

As the game progressed, Kerry’s confidence grew, allowing them to extend their lead further. With a combination of skillful ball movement and accurate shooting, Kerry continued to control the pace of the game.

Tyrone, to their credit, mounted a late fightback, displaying determination and perseverance until the final whistle. However, Kerry’s early dominance ultimately proved insurmountable for the visiting team.

Looking ahead, Kerry’s victory propels them up the divisional standings, putting them in contention for a spot in the league final. With promising fixtures against Roscommon and Galway on the horizon, Kerry remains optimistic about their chances in the competition.

Meanwhile, Tyrone faces a crucial challenge in their next match against Monaghan. Securing points in this fixture will be vital for Tyrone’s hopes of remaining in the top division, especially with a daunting encounter against Dublin looming in the final game of the season.

In summary, Kerry’s impressive performance against Tyrone serves as a statement of intent, highlighting their determination to succeed in the Allianz Football League Division One. With their sights set on further victories, Kerry looks poised to make a strong push towards the league final.

Scorers for Kerry: D Clifford 0-8 (6f), S O’Shea 0-4 (2f), P Clifford 0-3, S O’Brien 0-1, A Spillane 0-1, D Moynihan 0-1.

Scorers for Tyrone: C Daly 1-1, D Canavan 0-3, D McCurry 0-2 (1f), N Morgan 0-1 (‘45’), B Cullen 0-1, S O’Donnell 0-1, C Kilpatrick 0-1, R Canavan 0-1.

Kerry: Shane Ryan, Graham O’Sullivan, Jason Foley, Paul Murphy, Seán O’Brien, Tadhg Morley, Gavin Whitie, Diarmuid O’Connor, Joe O’Connor, Adrian Spillane, Paudie Clifford, Conor Geaney, David Clifford, Seán O’Shea, Dara Moynihan.

Subs: Tony Brosnan for C Geaney (ht), Ronan Buckley for A Spillane (52), Stefan Okunbor for S O’Brien (61), Stephen O’Brien for D Moynihan (62), Darragh Roche for P Clifford (67), D Casey for J Foley (temp, 70-ft).

Tyrone: Niall Morgan, Conall Devlin, Pádraig Hampsey, Cormac Quinn, Ben Cullen, Peter Harte, Niall Devlin, Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick, Ciarán Daly, David Mulgrew, Joe Oguz, Darren McCurry, Darragh Canavan, Seánie O’Donnell.

Subs: Ruairi Canavan for Harte (22), Kieran McGeary for D Mulgrew (39), Aodhan Donaghy for C Kilpatrick (inj, 42), Cathal McShane for D Canavan (62), Lorcan McGarrity for D McCurry (67).

REFEREE: David Coldrick (Meath)

 

Video Highlights – GAA Football League Division One: Galway vs. Monaghan Recap

Allianz Football League Division One: Galway vs. Monaghan Recap

Galway Dominates Monaghan: 3-12 to 0-14 Victory

Galway boosts its hopes of remaining in Division One of the Allianz NFL with a commanding win over Monaghan in Clones.

Galway’s Goal Blitz

Galway capitalises on defensive errors to secure victory, netting three goals during a critical spell. Cathal Sweeney, Rory Cunningham, and John Maher take advantage of defensive lapses to propel Galway to victory.

Monaghan Struggles

Despite the return of key veterans, Monaghan fails to find its rhythm, remaining at the bottom of the table after a disappointing performance.

First-Half Drama

Galway seizes control of the game with a flurry of goals before halftime, leaving Monaghan trailing by a significant margin.

Spirited Fightback

Monaghan tries to mount a comeback in the second half, but Galway’s resilience and scoring ability keep them at bay.

Key Players Shine

John Daly, Rory Cunningham, and Cillian Ó Curraoin deliver standout performances for Galway, ensuring their team’s victory.

Next Matches

Galway faces a tough challenge against an in-form Dublin side, while Monaghan prepares for an Ulster derby clash against Tyrone.

Scorers for Monaghan: Jack McCarron 0-4 (2f, 1m), Michael Hamill 0-2, Dessie Ward 0-2, Mícheál Bannigan 0-2 (1f, 1m), Conor McCarthy 0-2, Ryan O’Toole 0-1, Conor McManus 0-1f.

Scorers for Galway: Rory Cunningham 1-3, Cillian Ó Curraoin 0-5 (4f, 1m), John Maher 1-0, Cathal Sweeney 1-0, Rob Finnerty 0-2 (2fs), John Daly 0-1, Seán Kelly 0-1.

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Seán Mulkerrin, Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Daniel O’Flaherty; John Maher, Céin D’Arcy; Johnny Heaney, Seán Kelly, Cathal Sweeney; Niall Daly, Rob Finnerty, Rory Cunningham.

Subs: Jack Glynn for Mulkerrin (26), Liam Ó Conghaile for Finnerty (HT), Cillian Ó Curraoin for D’Arcy (47), Kieran Molloy for Heaney (49), Parick Egan for Sweeney (65).

Monaghan: Darren McDonnell; Thomas McPhillips, Ryan Wylie, Ryan O’Toole; Karl O’Connell, Kieran Duffy, Killian Lavelle; Mícheál McCarville, Darren Hughes; Michael Hamill, Mícheál Bannigan, Dessie Ward; Andrew Woods, Jack McCarron, Ciarán McNulty.

Subs: Conor McCarthy for Woods (45), Conor McManus for McNulty (49), David Garland for O’Connell (54), Jason Irwin for Bannigan (62), Kevin Loughran for Ward (65).

Referee: Barry Cassidy (Derry).

Manchester Derby Drama: City Overcome United in Thrilling Encounter

Manchester Derby Drama: City Overcome United in Thrilling Encounter

Gary Neville, Former Manchester United Defender, Reflects on Derby Intensity

Former Manchester United stalwart turned pundit, Gary Neville, captured the essence of derby matches, emphasizing the emotional and passionate nature, particularly for local academy products. Neville’s sentiments echoed throughout the electrifying encounter between Manchester City and Manchester United.

Fodens Brilliance Seals City’s Triumph

Phil Foden’s majestic performance left spectators and pundits alike in awe. Neville hailed Foden as “cool as ice” and “a special talent,” affirming his pivotal role in Manchester City’s victory. Foden’s brace, including a sensational winner, cemented his status as a rising star in English football. They are a big price of 6/5 to beat Liverpool next Sunday, you can get that fantastic price with BarOne Racing football markets.

End of United’s Unbeaten Streak

The clash marked the end of Manchester United’s remarkable 143-match unbeaten run in the Premier League when leading at half-time. Despite holding a halftime advantage, United faltered, failing to extend their streak to 144 matches.

Haaland and Foden Shine Bright

Erling Haaland showcased his predatory instincts, capitalizing on United’s defensive lapse to open the scoring for Manchester City. Meanwhile, Phil Foden’s virtuoso display saw him net two sublime goals, propelling City to a memorable victory.

Dublin Praises Rashford’s Brilliance

Former Manchester United striker, Dion Dublin, lauded Marcus Rashford’s clinical finish, describing it as “the perfect strike.” Rashford’s goal epitomized his determination and skill, underscoring his importance to the United cause.

In a pulsating Manchester derby, Manchester City emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. With Foden’s brilliance and United’s unbeaten streak shattered, the stage is set for an enthralling climax to the Premier League season.

Video Highlights – GAA League Division One: Mayo vs. Roscommon Match Recap

Allianz Football League Division One: Mayo vs. Roscommon Match Recap

Mayo Clinches Convincing Victory: 0-15 to 0-9

Mayo delivers a dominant performance, securing a commanding six-point victory over Roscommon in a game that saw Mayo assert their dominance in the second half.

Despite a closely contested first half, with only one point separating the teams at halftime (0-7 to 0-6), Mayo showcased their strength and determination in the second half, outscoring Roscommon by eight points to three.

Kevin McStay’s Roscommon side, seeking redemption after consecutive losses, started the game brightly, but Mayo quickly seized control with early scores from Fergal Boland and Colm Reape.

Ryan O’Donoghue’s exceptional efforts extended Mayo’s lead, but Roscommon fought back with points from Diarmuid Murtagh and Daire Cregg to keep the game within reach.

However, Mayo’s relentless attack and solid defense proved too much for Roscommon to handle in the second half. Seven unanswered points from Mayo effectively sealed the victory, with contributions from Boland, O’Donoghue, and Donnacha McHugh.

Despite late efforts from Conor Cox and Murtagh, Mayo maintained their dominance, with Cillian O’Connor sealing the victory with a final score.

With this impressive win, Mayo solidifies their position in the division, while Roscommon faces the challenge of regrouping before their next fixture.

In summary, Mayo’s commanding performance highlights their strength as a team, while Roscommon must regroup and refocus as they continue their campaign in the Allianz Football League Division One.

Scorers for Mayo: Ryan O’Donoghue 0-6 (3fs), Fergal Boland 0-2, Donnacha McHugh 0-2, Aidan O’Shea 0-1, Stephen Coen 0-1, Colm Reape 0-1, Cillian O’Connor 0-1, Enda Hession 0-1 (m).

Scorers for Roscommon: Diarmuid Murtagh 0-4 (1f), Conor Cox 0-2 (1f), Donie Smith 0-1, Daire Cregg 0-1, Conor Carroll 0-1 (45).

Mayo: Colm Reape; Jack Coyne, Rory Brickenden, Sam Callinan; Donnacha McHugh, Stephen Coen, Enda Hession; Jack Carney, Eoghan McLaughlin; Bob Tuohy, Fergal Boland, Jordan Flynn; Aidan O’Shea, Paul Towey, Ryan O’Donoghue.

Subs: Tommy Conroy for Towey, Darren McHale for Tuohy, Cillian O’Connor for O’Shea, Matthew Ruane for Flynn, Conor Loftus for McLaughlin

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; David Murray, Brian Stack, Niall Higgins; Tadhg O’Rourke, Eoin McCormack, Dylan Ruane; Enda Smith, Shane Cunnane; Robbie Dolan, Diarmuid Murtagh Ruaidhrí Fallon; Donie Smith, Daire Cregg, James Fitzpatrick.

Subs: Niall Daly for Shane Cunnane, Conor Cox for James Fitzpatrick, Andrew Glennon for Donie Smith, Ronan Daly for Fallon, Ultan Harney for O’Rourke.

Video Highlights – Connacht Rugby secure bonus point win over Scarlets

Connacht’s Victory in the BKT United Rugby Championship

Connacht Rugby secured a crucial 26-10 victory over Scarlets at Dexcom Stadium, propelling them into the playoff positions in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

In the first half, Connacht capitalized on their wind advantage, scoring tries through captain Caolin Blade, Eoin de Buitlear, and Sean Jansen to take a commanding 19-7 lead. Despite Scarlets’ scrum-half Efan Jones marking his URC debut with a try, they struggled to build momentum.

The pivotal moment came in the second half when Connacht’s Irish-qualified number eight, Jansen, effectively sealed the victory, extending Connacht’s lead and solidifying their position in the table.

Early on, the front rows took center stage, with Connacht’s Sam Wainwright denying de Buitlear a try before Blade finished off a swift attack. De Buitlear then added another try, capitalizing on Connacht’s turnover and showcasing their attacking prowess.

Although Scarlets managed to disrupt Connacht’s maul attempts, Jansen’s try extended Connacht’s lead. Scarlets fought back with a try from Jones, but Connacht’s improved defense and efficient play saw them maintain control of the game.

Cathal Forde’s performance was pivotal for Connacht, with his influential carries and partnership with David Hawkshaw in the center proving crucial. Connacht’s second try, originating from a Gavin Thornbury lineout steal, showcased their excellent teamwork and attacking flair.

Overall, Connacht’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, as they now sit in a promising position in the BKT United Rugby Championship standings.

Pat Spillane Criticises RTÉ’s GAA Punditry Direction

Pat Spillane Criticises RTÉ’s GAA Punditry Direction

Former Kerry GAA star, Pat Spillane, recently voiced his concerns over RTÉ’s approach to GAA punditry, highlighting a shift towards a more politically correct and generic style. Spillane, who graced The Sunday Game for three decades, retired in 2022 and shared his views in his Sunday World column.

Early Departure Amidst Changes

Spillane revealed his decision to depart before feeling pushed out, citing concerns over the broadcaster’s evolving ethos. He asserted that RTÉ’s pivot towards political correctness and generality influenced his choice to leave on his own terms, rather than succumb to potential dismissal.

Perceived Exclusivity in Inclusivity

While acknowledging RTÉ’s effort to promote inclusivity, Spillane critiqued the unintended exclusivity faced by male pundits aged 60 or older, deeming it unfair. He suggested that despite the intention to broaden representation, certain demographics felt sidelined, reflecting a broader issue within sports punditry.

Echoes of Industry Trends

Drawing parallels with industry trends, Spillane noted RTÉ’s emulation of Sky Sports’ analytical approach, emphasising statistics and technology over personality-driven punditry. However, he highlighted Sky Sports’ recent reversal of this strategy, reverting to a panel featuring prominent celebrity pundits, indicative of evolving viewer preferences.

John O’Shea Steps in as Interim Head Coach for Republic of Ireland

John O’Shea Steps in as Interim Head Coach for Republic of Ireland

Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has taken on the role of interim head coach for the Republic of Ireland national team. With an illustrious playing career that includes 118 caps for his country, O’Shea brings a wealth of experience to the position.

Following the departure of previous manager Stephen Kenny in November, O’Shea’s appointment comes amidst preparations for the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March. Assisting him will be Crystal Palace assistant coach Paddy McCarthy.

O’Shea, who retired from playing in 2019, expressed his pride and excitement at the opportunity to lead his country on the sidelines. “It’s an incredible honor to represent my country, whether as a player or now as part of the coaching staff,” he remarked.

Having served as an assistant coach under Kenny and with the Under-21 side, O’Shea is familiar with the team and is eager to prepare them for the challenges ahead. “I’ve got great belief in this group of players,” he affirmed.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has also indicated that a permanent replacement for Kenny will be appointed in early April. While several names, including Lee Carsley and Neil Lennon, have been linked with the role, O’Shea’s interim leadership aims to provide stability and continuity during this transitional period.

With preparations underway for the upcoming friendlies, O’Shea and McCarthy are poised to guide the Republic of Ireland as they face formidable opponents in front of their passionate home support.”

Top 3 Background Removal Tools to Edit Your Sports Visuals

Background removal might seem like a challenging process that requires designer skills, a lot of time, and high precision. But it doesn’t have to be this way. These days, there are plenty of online tools that can erase an image backdrop in less than a minute.

Read further to figure out when you might need them and discover top online bg removers like Depositphotos to consider.

Why you might need to use free background removal tools

The process of background removal

 

In 2022, the global content marketing industry revenue was estimated at roughly $63 billion. These numbers keep growing as time goes on and clearly indicate the importance and popularity of content marketing.

 

Content has to be diverse and appealing to perform well. That’s why sometimes you need to edit visuals to help them match your texts. In this case, you might need to use fast background remover tools.

You can use online background removers for the following:

  1. Professional photography. Removing the background can help enhance the overall aesthetics, allow viewers to focus on the main subject, and make images suitable for portfolios or promotional material.
  2. Product visuals for e-commerce. Photos used for websites and in product catalogs usually need to have a transparent or single-colored background so the potential could focus on the products’ features better. Background picture remover tools can help prepare such images. Furthermore, some of these tools have batch removal options, allowing you to process lots of visuals at once.
  3. Graphic design projects. Erasing image backgrounds can prepare them for further use in design projects. For instance, designers can use such images in promotional materials, advertisements, or branding assets.
  4. Social media visuals. Your social media posts need to not only stand out but also align with your branding. Removing the background of visuals allows you to easily integrate them with your social media templates and ensure an appealing and wholesome grid.
  5. Website design. Background removal tools play a crucial role in optimizing visuals for website design. Images without background help designers maintain a consistent and aesthetically pleasing look across web pages and, therefore, the overall user experience.
  6. Photo customization. Stock photos are one of the most popular choices for content marketing visuals. However, some of such images also perform worst of all visual formats. This includes generic and staged photos. But even such pictures can be improved with the help of background removers. You can erase their backdrop and add them to your graphic designs or personal creative art projects, such as photo collages.

FAQ: How do you pick the best background removal tool?

The choice of the best background remover depends on your specific requirements, the complexity of the images you’re working with, and preferred features. You should pay attention to factors like accuracy, ease of use, additional editing capabilities, and whether the tool aligns with your project needs. Test a few tools and explore their functionalities to pick the one best for your workflow.

FAQ: Why are AI-based editing tools great for background removal?

AI-based editing tools have advanced algorithms that can intelligently identify and separate foreground objects from their backgrounds. These tools use machine learning to continuously improve accuracy and become even more efficient and adaptable for various types of images.

3 automatic background removal tools to try

Graphic designer’s workplace

 

Web-based background remover tools are one of the best beginner-friendly solutions available. They can be accessed from any device with a stable internet connection and deliver precise results in less than a minute.

 

If you want to try working with such tools, consider one of the following options.

  1. Depositphotos Background Remover

This online tool created by Depositphotos is a free solution that can be used by both beginner and professional creators. It supports raster images in PNG, JPG, JPEG, and WebP file formats that weigh up to 30 MB.

 

Depositphotos Background Remover uses neural networks and advanced machine learning algorithms to quickly distinguish the foreground from the background and eliminate the letter. Due to that, its results are very precise, even with complex visuals that depict hair and fur. The tool doesn’t offer batch processing but allows you to erase backgrounds for free and download high-quality results after registration.

  1. Slazzer

Slazzer background remover is another choice for those seeking quick and accurate results. The tool allows you to delete image backdrops, blur them, and replace them with other visuals or single colors.

 

Slazzer has custom presets for visuals with people, cars, products, animals, real estate, and graphics. It can be integrated with Sketch and Figma via API to enable in-app background removal. However, to download the results in HD, you’ll have to purchase credits.

  1. PicWish

PicWish is another high-quality background remover that also offers several extra editing options, such as photo enhancement, retouching, and image compressing. To unlock these options, you need to register, either manually or by using your Google or Facebook account.

 

PicWish allows you to select customized removal for images with products, people, cars, animals, and graphics. It has an online version, a Windows app, and phone apps for iOS and Android. To download HD results, you’ll have to purchase credits.

FAQ: What is the best open-source background remover?

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful open-source graphic editing software that offers many features, including background removal. It is a great option for those who are seeking open-source solutions.

To sum up

Online background removers can help you quickly eliminate visuals’ backdrops, preparing them for further usage in product visuals, graphic and web design projects, social media, and other niches. Try one of the online tools listed in this article to see how they work and to enhance your content strategy with high-quality visuals.

List of Irish athletes and schedule at the World Indoor Athletics

Here’s the list of Irish athletes participating in the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow:

1. Sarah Healy – 1500m – UCD AC
2. Sarah Lavin – 60m Hurdles – Emerald AC
3. Israel Olatunde – 60m – Tallaght AC
4. Sharlene Mawdsley – W4x400m, 400m – Newport AC
5. Sophie Becker – W4x400m – Raheny Shamrock AC
6. Róisín Flanagan – 3000m – Finn Valley AC
7. Phil Healy – W4x400m – Bandon AC
8. Roisin Harrison – W4x400m – Emerald AC
9. Rachel McCann – W4x400m – North Down AC
10. Lauren Cadden – W4x400m – Sligo AC

The schedule for the Irish athletes is as follows:

Friday March 1st:

– 10.20am Women’s 400m Heats – Sharlene Mawdsley
– 13.10pm Men’s 60m Heats – Israel Olatunde
– 19.05pm Women’s 1500m Heats – Sarah Healy
– 19.45pm Men’s 60m Semi-Final
– 20.50pm Women’s 400m Semi-Final
– 21.45 Men’s 60m Final

Saturday March 2nd:

– 20.15pm Women’s 3,000m Final – Roisin Flanagan
– 21.00pm Women’s 400m Final

Sunday March 3rd:

– 10.25am Women’s 60m Hurdles Heats – Sarah Lavin
– 11.38am Women’s 4x400m Relay Heats
– 19.40pm Women’s 60m Hurdles Semi-Final
– 20.30pm Women’s 4x400m Final
– 21.00pm Women’s 60m Hurdles Final
– 21.45pm Women’s 1500m Final