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Irish Sailors Shine with Olympic Selection on the Line

Irish Sailors Shine in ILCA7 World Championships with Paris 2024 Olympic Selection on the Line

Irish sailors Finn Lynch and Ewan McMahon kick off the ILCA7 World Championships in Adelaide, making a promising start to the six-day series. The competition holds significant weight as it serves as the Olympic selection contest for the men’s single-handed event at Paris 2024.

Finn Lynch’s Strong Opening:

National Yacht Club’s Finn Lynch, a Rio 2016 Olympian, secured two top ten results in the 153-strong field on the first day, showcasing his prowess in the challenging races. Lynch, who qualified Ireland for the Paris 2024 Olympics, faces stiff competition from Howth Yacht Club’s Ewan McMahon for the coveted single spot in the upcoming Olympics.

Ewan McMahon’s Resilience:

Despite a mixed performance on the opening day with a 24th place, Ewan McMahon bounced back impressively, claiming a ninth place in the second race. The Dublin rival, determined to secure his spot for Paris 2024, demonstrated his ability to be in front, aiming for more consistency in the races to come.

Coaching Insights:

Irish Sailing’s Laser coach, Vasilij Zbogar, praised Finn Lynch’s solid performance and emphasized the importance of achieving top ten results in the qualifying races. He acknowledged Ewan McMahon’s potential but highlighted the need for greater consistency in the upcoming races.

Crucial Early Points:

With 153 competitors divided into three qualifying fleets, both Lynch and McMahon understand the significance of maximizing points in the early stages. The goal is to secure a position in the Gold fleet lineup for the finals series starting on Monday.

Challenging Conditions and Strategy:

Zbogar noted the challenging and physically demanding nature of the long races on the first day. Sailors are exercising caution, minimizing risks in these crucial initial days, as the top three days determine qualification for the finals.

Path to the Podium:

Securing a place in the Gold fleet is pivotal for both Irish sailors. However, the ultimate goal is a top ten overall finish, which is essential for qualifying for the medal race final. The championship concludes on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, with podium outcomes at stake.

Six of the Greatest GAA Hurlers of All Time

Defining the greatest hurlers of all time is no easy feat, with the sport being over 3000 years old and there being a shortage of player stats from its inception.

However, several players of GAA hurling are widely regarded as some of the best in the sport’s history. Here are some hurlers who stand out among the best:

Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)

Henry Shefflin, known as King Henry, is regarded as the greatest of the great by players and fans alike. This centre-forward hurling legend from Kilkenny had an illustrious career marked by unparalleled success. In addition to his record-breaking 10 All-Ireland titles, Shefflin earned numerous other individual accolades, including 11 All-Star awards and three Hurler of the Year awards (2002, 2006, 2012).

Shefflin ranks fourth amongst the top all-time champion scorers, with 27-484 = 565 points and an average score of 7.95 points per game.

Joe Canning (Galway)

Joe Canning is a modern hurling icon who is renowned for his exceptional skill, scoring ability, and leadership. As a centre half-forward, Canning had a fantastic skill of hitting sideline cuts. He’s considered Galway’s greatest-ever hurler, and his winning point against Tipperary in 2017 in the All-Ireland Championship stands out in the history books.

Joe’s best average score per game is an impressive 9.15 points, and he’s ranked as the third-best championship scorer of all time, with 27-486 = 567 points.

DJ Carey (Kilkenny)

At a time when other exciting games like the online pokies NZ offers were first emerging, DJ Carey crafted an extraordinary career as a Kilkenny and Irish hurling maestro in the 1990s. Carey played as a left wing-forward, and his sublime skill, scoring ability, and agility helped his team claim five All-Ireland titles. A nine-time All-Star, his influence transcended positions and showcased his flair and game-changing ability for his team and country. He has had some personal issues in recent times.

Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)

Tommy Walsh is another hurling legend who represented County Kilkenny. Comparatively shorter than his hurling peers, Walsh played right wing-back and was renowned for his defensive prowess, flying through the skies, plucking the sliotar, and driving his team on to score.

In his career, Walsh earned many accolades, including nine All-Ireland titles, nine All-Star titles, and Hurler of the Year in 2009. Walsh was a fan favourite across the counties, and hisversatility, leadership, and skill on the field further solidified his status as one of the greatest hurlers in the sport’s history.

TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

TJ Reid is a remarkable hurler known for his consistency in performance, scoring prowess, and versatility. Reid contributed to Kilkenny’s seven All-Ireland titles, and in 2023 he earned his seventh All-Star title. He’s rated the second-best all-time championship scorer, with 28-487 = 571 points and a best average score of 7.6 points per game.

Séamus Callanan (Tipperary)

Séamus Callanan is a revered hurler known for his prolific scoring and leadership on the field. In his 16 years of hurling for Tipperary, he helped the team win three All-Ireland titles and was shortlisted four times for the All-Stars honour. Callanan holds the record for being Tipperary’s top goal scorer and is ranked tenth highest for goal-scoring with 39-221 = 338 points. His average score per game is 5.54 points.

Conclusion

Six of the greatest hurlers in GAA history are Henry Shefflin, Joe Canning, DJ Carey, Tommy Walsh, TJ Reid, and Séamus Callanan. While these great hurlers have wowed us with their skill and talent, many others could be on this list. Excitingly enough, GAA hurling will likely witness new record-breaking greats this season and in those to come.

Paris 2024 Paralympics: Team Ireland’s Athletes and Events

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games take place from 28 August to 8 September.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) anticipates 4,400 athletes from 182 delegations to participate in the Games, where the IPC will host 549 medal events across 22 sports.

Team Ireland’s official sponsor is PTSB, and the bank has already announced its ambassadors in 2023. Four of the eleven ambassadors are para-athletes Nicole Turner, Jordan Lee, Britney Arendse, and Ronan Grimes.

Let’s look at Team Ireland’s participation in these prestigious games next:

Team Ireland’s Selected Paralympic Events for 2024

Team Ireland will participate in five of the 22 sports at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. Some athletes must still compete in their respective qualifiers to confirm their participation in the event. However, these are the sports and events with the achieved quotas for Team Ireland:

Para Athletics

The Paris 2024 Para-athletics features 164 medal events. Of the 1,069 expected athletes, two Irish female athletes will represent Ireland in the following two events:

• Women’s 100 m (T13)
• Women’s 1500 m (T13)

Para-athletics events will take place from the 30th of August to the 8th of September.

Para Cycling

Ireland’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC) entered two para cyclists (representing men and women) into the 2024 Summer Paralympics based on their ranking in the 2022 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) para-cycling ranking allocations.

More cycling slots will be allocated based on the 2024 UCI Para-cycling ranking, which closes on the 30th of June 2024. Irish paralympic gold medallists and tandem para-cyclists Eve McCrystal and Katie Dunlevy have partnered with two other women para-cyclists, hoping to earn two more berths for Paris by then. The new tandems are:

• Eve McCrystal and Josephine Healion
• Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly

Equestrian

Ireland’s NPC has entered four para-equestrians to representIreland at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. Two female equestrians representing the country are Tamsin Addison on horses Jaguar and Lissau’s Decco, and Kate Kerr-Horan on Lykkebo’s Don Akino.

A favourite with sports betting fans, the para-equestrian events for Paris 2024 include para-dressage, with various individual championship tests ranging from Grade I to V. Each class’s top eight qualifying athletes may compete in the individual freestyle tests. Team Ireland’s four dressage competitors will compete in Individual Champion Test Grades I, III, IV, and V.

Para-dressage events will take place on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th of September.

Rowing

Irish rowers qualified for the 2024 Summer Paralympics at the 2023 World Rowing Championships held in Serbia. The para-rowers qualified for the PR2 mixed double sculls event, meaning two male and two female para-rowers will represent Ireland at Vaires‑sur‑Marne from 30 August to 1 September.

Swimming

Team Ireland consists of two swimmers who qualified convincingly at the Para Swimming World Championships in 2023. The first Irish para-swimmer to qualify for a slot at the Paris Paralympics was Róisín Ní Riain, while Ellen Keane secured a second spot at the Games.

The ladies will swim in the Women’s 100 m breaststroke (SB8) and Women’s 100 m butterfly (S13) events at the Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, which has been transformed into an Olympic swimming pool. The para-swimming events will occur between the 29th of August and the 7th of September.

Conclusion

Team Ireland looks set to represent Ireland in five sports and the applicable events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. While some of the athletes are confirmed, we’ll know by mid-year all the athletes who qualify to partake in these prestigious games.

2024 Very Camogie Leagues Launched with Stellar Presence at Croke Park

2024 Very Camogie Leagues Launched with Stellar Presence at Croke Park

Very Ireland, in collaboration with the Camogie Association, is delighted to announce the kickoff of the 2024 Very Camogie Leagues. The prestigious event, held at Croke Park, witnessed the presence of esteemed players Áine Keane (Galway), Lorraine Bray (Waterford), Norette Casey (Kerry), Molly Lynch (Cork), Eleanor Treacy (Carlow), Aine O’Loughlin (Clare), and Siohban Donnelly (Tyrone).

Honoring Excellence On and Off the Field

Very aims to celebrate the accomplishments of players, both on and off the field, while illuminating the unique magic that defines this beloved sport.

Division 2B Kickoff

Division 2B of the Very Camogie Leagues is set to commence on Saturday, January 27th, featuring an exhilarating lineup. The 2023 League Champions, Cork, will face Tipperary, Wexford will take on Clare, and Galway will compete against Kilkenny, seeking redemption from their previous defeat by Cork in a final replay at The Ragg in Tipperary.

Round 1 Highlights: February 17th

February 17th marks the commencement of Very Camogie Leagues Round 1 for Division 1A, 2B, and 2A. Notable clashes in Division 1A include Kilkenny vs. Cork, Clare vs. Galway, and Tipperary vs. Waterford. Waterford secured promotion to Division 1A after a triumphant victory over Wexford in the 2023 Division 1B showdown at FBD Semple Stadium.

New Aspirations in Division 2A

Newly promoted Carlow, after their nail-biting victory over Armagh in the 2023 Division 3A final, will make their mark in Division 2A. Their campaign begins against Derry, while Meath faces Cavan, and Offaly challenges Westmeath.

Excitement in Division 3B

Very Camogie Leagues Division 3B promises thrilling matchups, including Down vs. Antrim and Dublin vs. Limerick.

Division 1B Unveils Drama

Kerry enters Division 1B in 2024, following a thrilling victory against Meath in Division 2A. On February 24th, Division 1B features Down vs. Antrim, Wexford vs. Dublin, Kerry vs. Limerick, Division 3A showcases Kildare vs. Laois, Armagh vs. Roscommon, and Division 4 sees Wicklow taking on Louth, while Tyrone faces Mayo.

Finals Showdowns

Mark your calendars for the Division 2B and 3B finals on Saturday, March 23rd. Subsequently, on April 13th, the finals for Division 1B, 3A, and Division 4 will take place, followed by a thrilling doubleheader on Sunday, April 14th, where the Very Camogie League finalists in Divisions 1A and 2A will vie for glory.

Catherine O’Toole and Hilda Breslin Share Enthusiasm

Catherine O’Toole, Head of Marketing at Very, expresses pride in supporting women in sport for the 8th consecutive year. Hilda Breslin, Uachtarán Cumann Camógaíochta, eagerly anticipates the competitive spirit of the Very Camogie Leagues, thanking Very for their unwavering support and promotion of the beloved sport. Join the action and be part of the excitement!

Liverpool Advances to Carabao Cup Final with Aggregate Victory

Liverpool Advances to Carabao Cup Final with Aggregate Victory

Liverpool secured a spot in the Carabao Cup final, holding Fulham to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage and clinching a 3-2 aggregate win in the semifinals. The match featured key moments, including Luis Diaz’s opener and Issa Diop’s equalizer.

*Key Moments:*
– **Diaz’s Quick Opener:** Exploiting a defensive lapse, Diaz scored in the 11th minute, giving Liverpool an early lead.
– **Fulham’s Response:** Despite Fulham’s efforts, including Palhinha’s volley and Robinson’s dangerous deliveries, Liverpool maintained their lead.

*Second-Half Action:*
– **Missed Opportunities:** Fulham struggled to convert chances in the second half, with Nunez’s effort and Pereira hitting the post.
– **Liverpool’s Defensive Stand:** Liverpool weathered Fulham’s attacks and asserted control, with Gravenberch’s narrowly missed strike.

*Fulham’s Late Equalizer:*
– **Wilson’s Assist, Diop’s Finish:** In the 77th minute, Wilson’s cross found Diop, who expertly finished to level the score.
– **Liverpool’s Defensive Hold:** Despite Fulham’s late push, Liverpool defended resolutely to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup final.

Looking Forward:

Liverpool will face Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea at Wembley on February 25, aiming to replicate their success from two years ago when they defeated Chelsea in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals.

Sigerson Cup review and quarter-final draw

Ulster University’s Quarter-Final Victory in Sigerson Cup

Ulster University secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Sigerson Cup with a remarkable 1-16 to 2-7 comeback win against MTU Cork at Abbotstown on Wednesday night.

Early Setback for Ulster University

Despite a challenging start, as MTU Cork surged ahead 2-2 to 0-1 with goals from Jack Cahalane and Ryan O’Donovan in the opening quarter, Ulster University rallied when Niall Loughlin’s 16th-minute goal injected vitality into their game.

Half-Time Drama

At the break, MTU Cork maintained a lead of 2-5 to 1-6. However, their momentum waned, and the visitors only managed to score two additional points during the second half.

Top Performers for Ulster University

Conor Cush emerged as the leading scorer for Ulster University, contributing 0-5, while Darragh Canavan, a county colleague from Tyrone, added 0-3 to the team’s tally.

—

Dublin City University Dominates TUS Midlands in Athlone

Dublin City University showcased a dominant performance with a comprehensive 0-22 to 0-7 victory over TUS Midlands in Athlone.

Early Lead for DCU

By halftime, DCU had the game in control with a commanding lead of 0-12 to 0-1, setting the tone for their triumph. TUS Midlands struggled to get on the scoreboard, with Luke Marren registering their only score in the first half.

Paraic Hughes, Matthew Costello, and Conor Corbett each contributed two points in the opening period, highlighting DCU’s well-rounded attack.

Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Quarter-Final draw

University of Galway v UCD

Maynooth University v Queens University

UL v DCU Dóchas Éireann

TU Dublin v Ulster University

All games to take place on Wednesday January 31.

 

Fitzgibbon Cup : UL and Mary Immaculate College Limerick Shine

Fitzgibbon Cup Highlights: UL and Mary Immaculate College Limerick Shine

In the Fitzgibbon Cup action, the University of Limerick (UL) and Mary Immaculate College Limerick celebrated victories.

UL’s Dominance Continues

UL, the reigning Fitzgibbon Cup champions, showcased their prowess with a convincing 2-30 to 1-13 win over TUS Midwest at Maguire Fields.

Gearoid O’Connor led the scoring for UL with 0-10, while Seán O’Hanlon contributed 1-5. UL’s impressive performance secured their place in the knockout stages as they aim for a third successive title.

Mary I’s Solid Start

Mary Immaculate College Limerick secured an eight-point victory at home against University College Cork, winning 1-25 to 0-20.

Devon Ryan led the scoring for Mary I with 0-9, showcasing a remarkable performance that included eight frees. Shane O’Brien added 0-5 from play to contribute to Mary I’s successful start in the competition.

Jim McGuinness Defends Provincial Championships in GAA

Jim McGuinness Defends Provincial Championships in GAA

In a candid interview with former Donegal teammate Brendan Devenney on Highland Radio, Jim McGuinness expressed his disagreement with those advocating for changes or elimination of provincial championships. The Tir Chonaill manager reaffirmed the significance of the Ulster Senior Football Championship (SFC), emphasizing its continued importance for him.

Ulster SFC: A Constant Priority

McGuinness countered criticisms directed at provincial championships, particularly highlighting the unchanged essence of the Ulster SFC. He asserted, “It’s still the exact same thing that it always was,” challenging perceptions that people may not take it seriously or prioritize the All-Ireland. He dismissed such notions as “absolute nonsense,” attributing misunderstandings to media coverage and podcast discussions.

Unwavering Focus on Competitions

For McGuinness, the Ulster SFC holds a special place, stating, “It will always be the number one competition.” He outlined a clear approach, emphasizing a sequential focus on the two annual championship football competitions. McGuinness clarified, “You focus on the first one first and the second one second,” highlighting the team’s dedication from the initial training session to the pivotal moment when the ball is thrown in at Celtic Park.

Maynooth University and University of Galway Advance to Sigerson Cup Quarter-Finals

Maynooth University and University of Galway Advance to Sigerson Cup Quarter-Finals

Maynooth’s Impressive Victory over UCC

Maynooth University secured a spot in the Sigerson Cup quarter-finals with a notable triumph over holders UCC, concluding with a 2-14 to 1-12 victory. Darragh Kirwan’s stellar performance, contributing 2-4 from play, played a pivotal role in Maynooth’s success. Both of Kirwan’s goals were netted in the opening quarter, establishing a commanding 2-9 to 1-4 halftime lead. Despite UCC’s previous high-scoring game, Maynooth’s defense proved resilient, limiting the holders’ comeback attempts. Shane O’Sullivan added to the victory with a contribution of 0-4, securing Maynooth’s advancement after a previous loss to UL.

University of Galway’s Late Surge against St Mary’s

In another thrilling encounter, the University of Galway secured their quarter-final berth by narrowly defeating St Mary’s University 0-11 to 1-7. Cian Monaghan emerged as the hero, delivering two crucial injury-time points. St Mary’s, trailing by four points, staged a late rally with 1-2, including a goal from Shea Daly in the 56th minute, taking the lead momentarily. However, University of Galway, displaying resilience, orchestrated a turnaround in the dying moments, securing their progression in a tightly contested match.

6 Nations Preview: France vs Ireland Match Preview

The competition to determine the best team in Europe starts in early February, marking the beginning of the 2024 Six Nations tournament. European nations did not have much luck at the World Cup last year. However, the second cycle will start in France on Friday, February 3.

This edition of the tournament is expected to be very competitive since all of the top contenders will need to address some uncertainties. Ireland triumphed in the 2023 Six Nations tournament, and they’ll kickstart this year’s competition in the opening game versus France.

Join us as we preview The Six Nations 2024 opening match between Ireland and France, as we break down the intricacies of this intriguing battle.

 

France vs. Ireland Game Information

Date: Friday, February 3rd, 2024

Location: Orange Velodrome, Marseille, France

Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Where to Watch: ITV, RTE & Virgin Media

France & Ireland: The Teams to Beat

France and Ireland have achieved the Grand Slam in the last two tournaments and are once again expected to be the most fearsome competitors.

France benefits from a strategic advantage in the fixture list since their most challenging matches against Ireland and England are scheduled on home soil.

Ireland has not emerged victorious in France since their close 15-13 triumph in 2018. Overcoming this streak will prove to be challenging, especially in the presence of a fervent French audience.

The retirement of Captain Johnny Sexton is a setback for their aspirations. As a result, it’s probable that Ireland will have challenges securing the leading position in the Six Nations this year.

France vs. Ireland: The History

Ireland secured a 32-19 victory with a bonus point over France in the 2023 Championship.

Overall, these sides have competed in a grand total of 102 test matches since their first encounter in 1909. France was victorious in 59, whilst Ireland won 36. Additionally, there have been a total of seven games that ended in a tie between the two countries.

Six Nations 2024 Betting Odds Insight

Team

Six Nations Winner

Grand Slam Winner

Triple Crown Winner

France

5/4

5/2

–

Ireland

13/8

7/2

6/5

France [5/4]

France failed to capitalise on their home advantage in the World Cup last year, as they were eliminated in the quarterfinals after an intense match against South Africa in Paris.

Nevertheless, their prospects of achieving Six Nations triumph this year are undeniably enhanced by the advantageous circumstance of hosting both Ireland and England. However, Antoine Dupont will not participate in the French team this year, as the renowned athlete dedicates his attention to sevens rugby in anticipation of the Summer Olympics. France emerged as the leading team in the rugby rankings in 2022, and they have a strong chance of surpassing their second-place performance from the previous year.

Ireland [13/8]

Ireland will embark on a new chapter in their rugby journey without the presence of Jonny Sexton. The team aims to secure a consecutive victory in the Six Nations tournament, as they exerted their dominance in the sport last year by achieving a Grand Slam victory, triumphing over all their opponents.

However, critics remain ambiguous about the team’s likelihood of successfully retaining the crown since there may be excessive pressure on the up-and-coming players to secure a significant win right from the start in a country, France, where they haven’t obtained victory since 2018. Nevertheless, it is improbable that they will finish this competition below the top two positions. Despite the growing squad concerns, highly recommended Irish gambling sites still favour the team to do well with odds of 13/8.

Coping Without Johnny Saxton

Although Ireland will confidently approach the tournament, the absence of Sexton will certainly create a significant void in their backline. Ireland’s renowned captain retired after the World Cup, resulting in a leadership change on the field as they enter the Six Nations.

Sexton guided Ireland to victory in four Six Nations tournaments and now holds the record for the most tally of points in the competition, with a total of 566. Coach Andy Farrell will rely on new captain Peter O’Mahony to replace the departed influential figure.

The Munster flanker is experienced in leadership, having previously led his side 10 times and also leading the British and Irish Lions. He will eagerly show his gratitude to Farrell by winning the Six Nations championship for the second consecutive year.

In addition to Sexton’s leadership, Ireland will feel the absence of the former fly-half’s scoring ability. Consequently, there is pressure on his subordinates to perform at a higher level. Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, and Harry Byrne, despite having just a combined total of 12 appearances, have been selected to replace Sexton at fly-half.

Besides the absence of Saxton, alterations have been made elsewhere to the Ireland World Cup team, who suffered a defeat in the quarterfinals. Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoneyhave reentered consideration for selection, along with Jordan Larmour, Cian Healy, and Calvin Nash, who were unable to participate in the tournament in France due to injury.

Revenge Game for Les Bleus

During the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, France fought fiercely against Ireland until Super Saturday. Still, it ultimately had to accept second place as Andy Farrell’s team achieved a perfect record of five victories out of five.

The Round 1 match in Marseille will be a rematch of a pivotal encounter that eventually determined the outcome of the 2023 Championship.

Ireland was victorious against France with a score of 32-19 at Aviva Stadium during Round 2 last year. This fixture will be renowned for its exceptional standard, making it one of the most remembered Guinness Six Nations games to date; however, this year, boasting a home advantage, it’s undoubtedly the French side’s game to lose.

As previously mentioned, Ireland is still a viable contender. Still, France, who have had a spectacular transformation in recent years, is the frontrunner to win and will certainly provide the biggest challenge to the Irish.

Given the anticipated strong performance from both sides, it is quite likely that the champions of this year’s competition will be determined during the first weekend, as it is quite likely that the victors of this encounter will ultimately emerge as the overall winners.

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