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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

Nickeze: Empowering Females to Stay Playing Sport

Nickeze: Empowering Females to Stay Active Through Innovative Period Solutions

In the heart of Galway, a company called Nickeze is revolutionising the way females experience their periods, particularly in the realm of sports and physical activity. Founded by Ellie Loftus, a General and Paediatric nurse with a passion for empowering women and girls, Nickeze offers a range of innovative period products designed to provide comfort, confidence, and sustainability.

In a society where period-related concerns often hinder females from participating in sports and other physical activities, Nickeze is making a significant impact. Loftus, drawing from her nursing background and personal experiences as an athlete and mother of two girls, recognized the need for effective and sustainable period solutions. This recognition led her to establish Nickeze in Barna, Galway, with the mission of empowering females to stay active and engaged regardless of their menstrual cycle.

Nickeze’s product line includes period underwear, swimwear, and sports shorts, offering an alternative to traditional tampons and sanitary towels. These innovative products not only provide reliable protection against leaks and discomfort but also promote environmental sustainability by reducing the reliance on disposable menstrual products that contribute to landfill waste.

One of Nickeze’s core values is inclusivity, ensuring that their products cater to the diverse needs of women and girls, including those with special needs. The black interior of Nickeze’s underwear, for example, provides a discreet and stress-free solution for individuals with special needs, eliminating the association of blood with pain and injury.

Testimonials from Nickeze customers underscore the transformative effect of the company’s products on women’s lives. One mother shared how Nickeze’s period underwear has been life-changing for her teenage daughter with special needs, enabling her to participate in activities without fear or discomfort.

Beyond offering innovative period solutions, Nickeze is committed to fostering conversations about period health and empowerment. Loftus emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation and encouraging open dialogue about period-related challenges faced by women and girls.

As Nickeze continues to champion period health and empowerment in Galway and beyond, founder Ellie Loftus invites individuals to join the conversation and support their mission. By providing innovative products and promoting inclusivity and sustainability, Nickeze is paving the way for a future where females can fully embrace their athleticism and potential without being held back by their periods.

Red Bull’s Christian Horner Cleared of Misconduct Allegations After Internal Probe

Red Bull’s Christian Horner Cleared of Misconduct Allegations After Internal Probe

Christian Horner, the longstanding team principal of Red Bull Racing, has been exonerated following an internal investigation into allegations of misconduct toward a female colleague. The 50-year-old faced accusations of inappropriate and controlling behavior, which he vehemently denied.

Red Bull has declared confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the investigation, stating that it was conducted rigorously. Despite the allegations, Horner will continue in his roles as team principal and chief executive of Red Bull F1.

The decision, announced by Red Bull’s headquarters in Austria, allows for the complainant to appeal. However, the details of the allegations and the investigation remain confidential, with Red Bull emphasizing respect for all parties involved.

The investigation, which spanned eight weeks and garnered attention earlier this month, culminated in Red Bull’s board of directors affirming Horner’s position. The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest workplace standards.

Amidst the investigation, Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, stressed the importance of upholding values of safety and inclusivity in the sport. Concerns were also raised by US car giant Ford, Red Bull’s future engine partner, regarding the time taken for the investigation and the lack of transparency.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s star driver, expressed trust in the investigative process but refrained from commenting on his faith in Horner’s leadership.

Christian Horner, a prominent figure in Formula 1, has led Red Bull Racing since its inception in 2005, overseeing numerous championship victories. Honored with both an OBE and a CBE, Horner’s successful career has been punctuated by his achievements on and off the track.”

Liverpool Teenager Jayden Danns called it “the best day of my life”

Teenager Jayden Danns called it “the best day of my life” after scoring twice off the bench as Liverpool beat Southampton to set up an FA Cup quarter-final tie with Manchester United.

There was also a dream debut for Danns’ fellow 18-year-old Lewis Koumas, who opened the scoring at Anfield when he collected Bobby Clark’s pass and found the bottom corner with a shot that deflected off Saints captain Jack Stephens a minute before the break.

He struck again two minutes from time, thumping the ball home after Southampton goalkeeper Joe Lumley had parried Conor Bradley’s shot into his path.

“I couldn’t be happier today. Today is the best day of my life,” Danns told BBC Sport.

“I’ve watched Liverpool since I was a young boy and to score at the Kop End is more than a dream. I couldn’t be happier.”

With injuries to a host of first-team players, Jurgen Klopp named six players aged 21 or younger in his starting XI and, just as in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, the youngsters did not let him down.

Southampton had a host of chances in the first half, but having failed to make them count they were punished by Koumas late in the half.

The visitors had further opportunities to level in the second period but remained profligate in front of goal.

Again they were made to pay, this time by Danns, who was making just his third Liverpool appearance after debuting against Luton last week.

“In the Carabao Cup final I had a couple of opportunities to score, so I came into today thinking ‘bury the next one’,” Danns added.

“I couldn’t describe it [what it feels like to celebrate in front of the Kop]. It is a dream come true. The first thing I thought was to slide on my knees. It was an unbelievable experience.”

While Liverpool remain in contention for a quadruple, and can look forward to a mouth-watering meeting at Old Trafford in the last eight, Russell Martin’s Saints can now give their full attention to trying to earn promotion back to the Premier League.

Klopp’s kids keep quadruple hopes alive

After their Wembley heroics at the weekend, for much of the first 45 minutes, this looked like a game too far for an injury-hit Liverpool as their younger players struggled to make an impact.

Southampton had also made eight changes from their home loss to Millwall at the weekend but remained committed to their usual approach, cutting through the hosts on a number of occasions with their attractive passing game.

However, the finishing let them down as Sekou Mara was twice denied by Caoimhin Kelleher when well placed, while Kamaldeen Sulemana hit the post.

Liverpool were hanging on but a moment of quality, plus some good fortune, gave them the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Clark found Koumas with an incisive pass and the latter – son of former Wales international Jason – moved across the edge of the box before seeing his shot deflected in.

The goal gave the hosts more confidence and they were much more imposing after the break, although the visitors still had chances. Shea Charles missed the best of them when he scuffed his shot wide after being left completely unmarked at the back post at a corner.

It was then over to Danns, who showed composure beyond his years to lift the ball over Lumley for his first after Will Smallbone had lost possession in his own half.

When he hammered in his second, at 18 years and 43 days, the striker became the youngest Liverpool player to score two or more in a game since Michael Owen scored a hat-trick against Grimsby in November 1997.

“It feels like I’m in a movie,” Danns told ITV. “The second one was just pure joy, it didn’t feel like it could come to me, I was happy with one. I lost all composure.

“My dad cried when I made my debut so I don’t know what he’s going to be doing now.”

Klopp will hope to have a few of his more experienced players back from injury before they travel to face United in a couple of weeks but, if not, his youngsters have risen to every challenge they have faced so far and would surely relish the opportunity to show their class once again.

Centennial Club Seeking Buyers: Biarritz Olympique Up for Grabs at One Euro!

Centennial Club Seeking Buyers: Biarritz Olympique Up for Grabs at One Euro!

The owner and his right-hand man are ready to hand over the club immediately for just one euro. According to our sources, they have asked the Biarritz city council to find a new owner, or else it’s liquidation.

Biarritz Olympique, a century-old club, is on the market. And it’s a steal at just one euro – a symbolic price. As reported by ‘Sud Ouest,’ Louis-Vincent Gave, the club’s owner since 2018, has decided to pull the plug following the failed stadium project in San Sebastián, Spain, at the end of January. Jean-Baptiste Aldigé made this clear to the Biarritz city council shortly after. Essentially, their message was: ‘Find someone to take over the club, we’re out.’ And preferably, do it quickly. Before the end of the season.

When contacted this Wednesday, the president of the executive board declined to comment. From City Hall, Maider Arosteguy deflects, saying, ‘The important question isn’t whether the club’s leadership will stay or go but rather that rugby fans return to the stadium to support their team, which needs them.’ Yet, there’s an urgent need. Without a takeover plan on the table, Gave and Aldigé would liquidate the club at the end of the season.

Shutting Off the Tap

From the outset, the two men indicated their desire to give the club an economic model with the stadium as the key. The Anoeta stadium represented their last chance. Aguilera? They no longer wish to participate in its renovation. For them, the Biarritz venue would not generate enough revenue with the competition from Aviron Bayonnais (Top 14) just five kilometers away.”

Fairway to Riches: When Online Casino Brands Engage in Sponsorship Deals with Sports Teams

Bundee Aki try at World Cup

The landscape of sponsorship in sports has taken an interesting turn with the rise of online casino brands entering into partnerships with teams.

This merger between the gambling and sports industries brings forth financial opportunities for both parties while raising concerns about the impact of gambling on sporting events. In this article, we delve into the reasoning behind these collaborations, their economic significance, and potential areas of concern.

Synergy for Success

Online casinos like Bufflo Megaways and sports teams find a natural connection through their shared appeal to audiences who thrive on competition. By joining forces through sponsorships, like Сonquestador, the online casino Ireland does, not only gain valuable exposure but also entice passionate sports fans to explore their platforms as a show of support for their beloved teams.

On the flip side, these deals bring great advantages to sports teams by ensuring a stable financial boost that allows them to invest in better infrastructure, offer higher salaries to players, and attract top talent. Such partnerships are instrumental in fostering growth and professionalizing teams and leagues that may otherwise struggle due to limited funding.

In addition to direct financial aid, sponsorships open doors for creative collaborations such as co-branded merchandise, exclusive fan events, and captivating marketing campaigns tailored specifically for shared audiences.

The Economic Boom

Sports world has seen a major transformation thanks to these crazy sponsorship deals between online casinos and sports teams. I’m talking big bucks – we’re talking multi-million dollar contracts! The global sports sponsorship market was already worth a whopping $40 billion in 2019, and you know what? It’s still growing like there’s no tomorrow!

For online casinos, these partnerships are pure gold. By teaming up with popular sports events and teams, they get access to a massive audience and major brand recognition. That means more new players flocking to their sites. And hey, in the cutthroat world of online gambling – that’s a game-changer.

But here’s where things get tricky – ethics enter the ring. Some folks worry about promoting online gambling through sports as it exposes younger audiences to tempting offers related to betting. They’re concerned about addiction issues and how it can mess with people’s mental well-being and finances.

On the other hand, supporters argue that regulated online gaming provides tools like self-exclusion or deposit limits to promote responsible betting practices. They say it levels the playing field ’cause everything is transparent and controlled.

Worried about all this? Well, some places have implemented rules on gambling companies sponsoring sports events. These regulations make sure there are strict advertising protocols and fair practices when it comes to responsible gambling guidelines.

While this economic boom is bringing in lots of cash for everyone involved, people are definitely keeping an eye on its impact – especially when our beloved sport gets mixed up with those flashy casino ads!

The Path Ahead

It is undeniable­ that sponsorship deals betwee­n online casino brands and sports teams have be­come a permanent fixture­, evoking both adoration and animosity. These partne­rships undoubtedly bring mutual benefits. Ne­vertheless, as the­ industry undergoes constant transformation, the collaboration and e­stablishment of effective­ oversight and regulation among governme­nts and stakeholders take on e­ver-increasing significance.

Promoting responsible­ gambling, ensuring stringent controls and transparency in online­ gambling and sports sponsorships, is crucial for achieving a harmonious balance. Online casino brands and sports te­ams can navigate towards prosperity in this expanding marke­t by holding themselves accountable­ to high standards and best practices. Successful partne­rships can be formed through these­ efforts.

Pacific Nations Cup Rugby – Pools and Fixture Dates

Canada and the United States are set to rejoin the Pacific Nations Cup this year.

In a revamped format aimed at expanding rugby’s global reach and fostering increased competitiveness.

New Format Unveiled by World Rugby

World Rugby announced the introduction of a two-stage, six-team competition, culminating in finals held in Japan. This move signifies a strategic effort by the governing body to invigorate the sport and create more opportunities for nations to showcase their talent on the international stage.

Emulating Rivalries for Intense Competition

The new format aims to emulate the annual competition and rivalries of the men’s Six Nations and Rugby Championship, according to World Rugby. By fostering similar intense rivalries and competitive spirit, the Pacific Nations Cup seeks to elevate the standard of play and captivate audiences worldwide.

Optimizing Player Recovery for Peak Performance

Two regional pools of three teams have been established to optimize player recovery and reduce travel fatigue. This thoughtful approach ensures that teams can perform at their peak during the tournament, enhancing the quality of matches and overall spectator experience.

Increased Opportunities for Participation

Each team is slated to play a minimum of three matches, with at least one home fixture, offering participating unions an opportunity to expand their audience and engage with local communities. This increased exposure not only benefits the teams but also contributes to the growth of rugby as a global sport.

Pacific Islands Test Increase Marks Milestone

Pool A, comprising Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, will engage in home and away fixtures, marking a significant increase in Tests organized in the Pacific Islands. This milestone reflects a concerted effort to support rugby development in the region and provide more opportunities for Pacific Island nations to compete at the highest level.

Round-Robin Competition Intensifies Rivalries

Canada, Japan, and the USA will compete in a round-robin format in Pool B, setting the stage for intense battles and fierce competition. With each team vying for supremacy, every match promises to be a thrilling display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

Culminating Finals Series Captivates Audience

The Pacific Nations Cup will culminate in a winner-takes-all finals series, alternating between Japan and the USA, two key markets for rugby’s future growth. This captivating finale not only crowns the champion but also showcases the sport’s global appeal and competitive fervor.

Inaugural Edition Sets Stage for Excitement

The inaugural edition’s finals will be hosted in Japan, with Tokyo staging the fifth-place playoff and semifinals on September 14-15, followed by the third-place playoff and final in Osaka a week later, on September 21. This historic event promises to be a celebration of rugby excellence and a testament to the sport’s enduring legacy.