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Islands of Opportunity: A Deep Dive into UK and Irish Gambling

Teed Up and Raymond Barron win Connacht Hotel Handicap at Galway.

In the islands that make up the United Kingdom and Ireland, gambling has long been a part of the cultural fabric.

From horse racing to football betting, the options are plentiful. However, the landscape has evolved dramatically with the rise of online casinos and sports betting platforms. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a novice looking to get in on the action, understanding the current scene can give you a significant edge. In this in-depth look, we’ll explore the booming world of UK and Irish gambling, including emerging trends and must-visit platforms, with a special mention of TopCasinoSearch.com as your go-to source for reliable online casino reviews and guides.

 

The Traditional Realm: Betting Shops and Casinos

Both the UK and Ireland have a long-standing history of betting shops and traditional casinos. Renowned for its horse racing, the UK alone hosts some of the world’s most prestigious events like the Grand National and the Royal Ascot. Ireland isn’t far behind, with events like the Irish Grand National attracting a large pool of bets.

 

Digital Transformation: Online Betting

While traditional avenues remain popular, online gambling has significantly changed the game. Online casinos and sportsbooks offer the convenience of betting from the comfort of your home, or even on the go. With just a smartphone or computer, gamblers can now access a myriad of betting options, from classic table games to intricate slot machines and virtual sports.

 

Regulatory Framework

Both the UK and Ireland have robust regulatory frameworks to ensure that gambling remains fair, safe, and responsible. The UK operates under the Gambling Commission, which enforces stringent rules on licensing, advertising, and customer interaction. In Ireland, the regulatory landscape is under transformation, aiming for stricter oversight and consumer protection.

 

Emerging Trends: What’s on the Rise?

  1. Live Casinos: These provide an immersive experience that replicates the atmosphere of a real-life casino.
  2. E-sports Betting: As competitive video gaming gains traction, so does the betting market surrounding it.
  3. Cryptocurrency Betting: Many platforms are now accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a form of payment.

 

Finding the Right Platform: The Role of TopCasinoSearch.com

Navigating the vast sea of online casinos can be overwhelming, but that’s where TopCasinoSearch.com comes into play. This platform is a trusted source for impartial reviews and guides, helping you find the perfect casino or sportsbook tailored to your needs. It cuts through the noise, providing valuable insights into bonuses, game variety, customer service, and payment options. With resources like TopCasinoSearch.com, making educated bets becomes a much simpler task.

 

The Surrounding Islands

It’s worth noting that the UK and Ireland aren’t the only players in the game. The Isle of Man, for example, has become a hub for online gambling companies, thanks in part to its favorable tax laws and advanced IT infrastructure.

 

Conclusion

From the high streets filled with betting shops to the digital landscape offering endless possibilities, the UK and Ireland are paradises for gamblers. As the industry continues to evolve, platforms like TopCasinoSearch.com prove invaluable for both newcomers and seasoned bettors looking for reliable reviews and guides. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this ever-changing world, filled with opportunities for those willing to take a chance.

 

Ireland Rugby World Cup Squad

Andy Farrell named Ireland's Rugby World Cup squad on Sunday. Credit: IRFU.

Head Coach Andy Farrell announced his 33-player Ireland squad on Sunday afternoon for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Jonathan Sexton is named to captain the team in France.

The Ireland squad will depart Dublin for their base camp in Tours on Thursday next, as preparations step up a gear for the Rugby World Cup Pool B opener against Romania in Bordeaux on Saturday, 9 September (Kick-off 2.30pm Irish time).

Sexton is one of three Ireland players set to appear at their fourth Rugby World Cup, with the captain having featured at the 2011, 2015 and 2019 editions alongside Conor Murray and recent Test centurion Keith Earls.

Experienced Players

There is a wealth of Rugby World Cup experience throughout the 33-player travelling squad, as Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Robbie Henshaw and Peter O’Mahony prepare for their third Rugby World Cup. Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier were all involved in Japan four years ago.

18 players making Rugby World Cup debut

The remaining 18 players in Farrell’s squad will be making their Rugby World Cup debuts in France. Forwards Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Jeremy Loughman, Caelan Doris, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Tom O’Toole and Dan Sheehan and backs Ross Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe and Jimmy O’Brien all earn selection following Ireland’s recent Bank of Ireland Nations Series wins over Italy, England and Samoa.

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup Matches

Ireland open their Pool B campaign against Romania at Stade de Bordeaux, before playing on Tonga in their second outing in Nantes on Saturday, 16 September (Kick-off 8pm Irish time).

Farrell’s side then go to Stade de France in Paris for games against defending champions South Africa on Saturday, 23 September (Kick-off 8pm Irish time) and Scotland on Saturday, 7 October (Kick-off 8pm Irish time).

Credit: Irish Rugby TV/IRFU.

“Hugely Exciting” says Farrell

Commenting on Ireland’s squad announcement, Head Coach Andy Farrell said: “It has been a difficult selection process over the last number of weeks because a squad of 43 players have worked extremely hard throughout an eight-week pre-season period, with the group pushing each other on the pitch and becoming very close off it.

“As coaches, we are pleased with our 33-player selection and believe we have chosen the right group to represent Ireland in France. It is a hugely exciting time for the group as we prepare to depart for Tours and finalise our preparations for our Rugby World Cup opener against Romania.

“We look forward to the challenges ahead, knowing there is a huge level of support for the team from across the four Provinces, from all those in green around the world and from the thousands who will be in France backing us throughout the tournament.”

Honour for Sexton to captain Ireland

Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton added: “It is a great honour to lead this group of players to the Rugby World Cup. We have been open and honest about our ambitions for the weeks ahead and with a strong body of work behind us in pre-season, we are looking forward to travelling to France this week to fine-tune our preparations.

“We are under no illusions of the size of the task ahead, starting with Romania in our Pool opener. We will take each challenge as it comes, leaning on the experiences and lessons we have learnt as a group over the last four years, and with our supporters travelling in numbers, we will be working hard to make this a tournament to remember.”

Credit: Irish Rugby TV/IRFU.

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign is live on RTÉ and Virgin Media.

Ireland Squad – Rugby World Cup 2023
Forwards (18):

Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University)(13)
Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers)(32)
Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne)(41)
Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere)(39)
Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College)(31)
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf)(67)
Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy)(74)
Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch)(37)
Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne)(21)
David Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians)(52)
Jeremy Loughman (Munster/Garryowen)(3)
Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Dublin University)(3)
Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution)(96)
Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch)(11)
Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD)(54)
James Ryan (Leinster/UCD)(55)
Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne)(18)
Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD)(52)

Backs (15):

Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians)(47)
Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD)(21)
Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon)(12)
Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution)(6)
Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster)(100)
Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(26)
Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians)(16)
Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers)(64)
Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD)(31)
James Lowe (Leinster)(21)
Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor)(13)
Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen)(106)
Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas)(6)
Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD)(51)
Jonathan Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College)(captain)(113)

Ireland Fixtures, Rugby World Cup 2023:

Pool B:
Ireland v Romania, Saturday 9 September, Stade de Bordeaux (2.30pm Irish time).
Ireland v Tonga, Saturday 16 September, Stade de la Beaujoire (8pm Irish time).
Ireland v South Africa, Saturday 23 September, Stade de France (8pm Irish time).
Ireland v Scotland, Saturday 7 October, Stade de France (8pm Irish time).

Notre Dame 42 Navy 3 in Aer Lingus Classic

Credit: @cfbIreland.

Notre Dame and Navy were back in Dublin on Saturday evening, competing in the Aer Lingus Classic 2023, with the former running out easy winners on a score line of 42-3.

The 97th meeting of the Fighting Irish and the Midshipmen of the US Naval Academy was the third edition of the Aer Lingus Classic, which was played in 2016 (Georgia Tech v Boston College) and 2022 (Northwestern v Nebraska).

The game, broadcast live on NBC throughout the USA, attracted a full-house at the Lansdowne Road venue, where the game kicked off at 7.30pm Irish time.

The 2023 Aer Lingus College Football Classic marked the third meeting between the Notre Dame and Navy in Ireland, but the first time that the Fighting Irish were the designated home team. The teams met in 1996 at Croke Park where Notre Dame won 54-27 and at Aviva Stadium in 2012 where they achieved a 50-10 victory.

In a dominant opening first two quarters, Notre Dame scored four touchdowns, each of them converted. The side had 17 first downs and passed for 200 yards. They added another two touchdowns during the third and fourth quarters to complete their comfortable victory.

Notre Dame took the lead through a rushing touchdown scored by Audric Estimé, the 13th play of the drive, which covered 81 yards and took 6 minutes 28 seconds of the opening quarter. Estimé just missed out on a 1,000-yard season in 2022 (he finished with 920 yards), with his specialty is wearing down the defence throughout the game.

The kick which followed from Spencer Shrader was successful giving the designated ‘home’ side a 7-0 lead. Shrader, a former professional soccer player, decided to play his final year at Notre Dame, claiming the starting kicker duties, has rushed twice in his career (once for a 22-yard touchdown), caught a pass for seven yards, made two tackles on kick offs, punted once for 36 yards and has converted 28 career field goals.

A 19-yard rushing touchdown from Jadarian Price, followed by another successful kick from Shrader, saw Notre Dame double their advantage to 14-0 with over a minute remaining in the opening quarter.

Jaden Greathouse worked well to gather the ball from quarterback Sam Hartman at the end of a Notre Dame four-play drive. The 6-pointer extended the South Bend, Indiana college’s advantage over their great rivals. With Shrader maintaining his accuracy at the posts, Notre Dame were 21-0 ahead, with 10 minutes still remaining in the first half.

Placekicker Evan Warren failed to get his side on the scoreboard at the end of Navy’s next possession. His effort failed to dissect the posts. This miss was soon punished as Notre Dame’s wide receiver Jayden Thomas got in on the scoring act when claiming his side’s fourth touchdown on the cusp of half-time.

Thomas, the leading returning receiver for the Irish offence, catching 25 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns in 2022, received a 14-yard pass from quarterback Hartman in the ninth move of the drive which saw his side move 80 yards down the field. Shrader succeeded with his fourth kick at the posts and moved his team into a comfortable 28-0 at half-time.

Jaden Greathouse scored his second touchdown of the game early in the third quarter. Receiving an accurate 20-yard pass from quarterback Hartman, wide receiver Greathouse brought his personal points tally for the night to 10 points, before Shrader again kicked the extras for a 35-0 lead.

Shrader’s impeccable record at kicking for the posts ending with 4 minutes remaining in the third quarter. A 42-yard field goal attempt went right and wide of the uprights, as Shrader’s 100% success record on the night ended.

A 25-yard reception for Deion Colzie, who posted his best game of the season against Navy last year when catching two passes for 50 yards, saw the ‘home’ team extend their lead early in the final quarter. Seven plays in the drive saw Notre Dame move 60 yards in 3:43 minutes. With Shrader adding the extra score, it was a 42-0 advantage for Irish.

An Evan Warren field goal attempt from 31 yards out finally put Navy on the score board, but it was all too little, to late. The score came at the end of a 15-play 62-yard drive which lasted 8 minutes 21 seconds.

This one-sided game saw Notre Dame run out easy 42-3 victors over Navy.

The next instalment of US college football in Dublin, the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, will see Florida State University and Georgia Tech visit the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 24 August 2024.

Major winners Adam Scott & Danny Willett set for Irish Open

Credit: Getty Images. Photo provided by DP World Tour.

With the Horizon Irish Open at the K Club from September 6-10 fast approaching, it has been confirmed that Adam Scott and Danny Willett will both participate in the tournament.

The two major champions will tee it up alongside fellow Major champions Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington at the Horizon Irish Open.

Scott, who won the Masters Tournament in 2013, three years before Willett claimed the coveted Green Jacket in 2016, will also be making his 250th DP World Tour appearance that week.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Ireland to play in the Horizon Irish Open,” said Scott. “We’re coming up to a very exciting time in the DP World Tour season and I’m excited to play in front of the Irish crowds again after a few years.”

Adrian Meronk, the defending champion, will tee it up at The K Club alongside two-time Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton and PGA TOUR winners Séamus Power and Tom Hoge. Hoge ranked 44th on the Official World Golf Ranking, will be making his first appearance in a regular DP World Tour event next month.

Poland’s Meronk will defend his title in the company of a number of Ryder Cup hopefuls, including the Højgaard twins, Nicolai and Rasmus, and Yannik Paul, with Luke Donald, also set to tee it up at The K Club, making his six Captain’s Picks on the Monday of event week.

Meronk made history at last year’s Horizon Irish Open as he became the first player from Poland to win on the DP World Tour. He has since won his second and third DP World Tour titles, with all three of his victories coming at national opens – the Horizon Irish Open, ISPS HANDA Australian Open and DS Automobiles Italian Open.

Last year, he added his name to a roll of honour that includes the likes of Seve Ballesteros, McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Harrington and José María Olazábal.

The Horizon Irish Open returns to The K Club this year for the first time since 2016, when McIlroy won his first professional title on Irish soil. The prestigious venue, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006, will also host the Irish Open in 2025 and 2027, when the tournament will celebrate its 100th anniversary the same year as Ireland hosts The Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.

There will be live music at the conclusion of play on Saturday and Sunday, with chart-toppers Scouting for Girls taking to the main stage on Saturday September 9 and The Stunning, from Galway, bringing festivities to a close after the final putt has dropped on Sunday September 10.

All tickets have sold out for Sunday September 10, with General Admission tickets selling fast for Saturday’s third round.

Could the Irish Rugby Team see More Success in this Year’s Rugby World Cup?

We are now just a few weeks away from the Rugby World Cup with hosts France opening the tournament against the All Blacks on September 8.


Rugby world cup odds currently have the two teams as the favorites for the tournament with New Zealand’s All Blacks narrowly leading the way ahead of Le XV de France.

Among the rest of the more favored teams are Ireland who bookmakers have just below New Zealand and France. The team, led by head coach Andy Farrell, had a disappointing campaign in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. They exited the tournament in the quarterfinals in a heavy 46-14 defeat at the hands of New Zealand. This came after their second place finish in Pool A where they suffered one of the biggest shock defeats in the history of the sport when they lost 19-12 to hosts Japan.

A new path

Head coach Joe Schmidt stepped down after the tournament as he had previously announced at the end of 2018. In his place came current coach Andy Ferrell, who had previously been the Ireland defence coach. A lot of their hopes will be pinned on him in the forthcoming World Cup and he has settled into life well since taking the reigns at the Aviva Stadium.

He currently has a record of 18-4 as head coach with some big wins over the likes of England, Wales and New Zealand. His rejigging of the squad came to a head in 2023 when he led Ireland to a Grand Slam-Six Nations win. It was just the fourth time in the teams history, that they had completed the Grand Slam and that performance catapulted them to the forefront of the favorites for the World Cup.

Farrell’s form as coach has breathed a new lease of life into the Irish team ad they are in good form and good spirits heading to France. Elsewhere, there are a number of key players that should impress.

One player whose chances of appearing at the World Cup are up in the air is captain Johnny Sexton. The legendary fly-half has already announced that he will retire following the tournament but after re-aggravating a groin injury in the final Six Nations game his status is up in the air. In his place, lock James Ryan has been captaining the nation and is set to make his eighth appearance as skipper in their coming fixture against England at the time of writing.

They also have a quality front row in Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong with the latter proving to be one of Ireland’s best players in this current crop. However, something that many point to as a potential downfall in Ireland’s game is their psychological approach.

Hope?

It is worth noting that Ireland have never won the rugby World Cup despite consistently being one of the best teams in the world. In fact, they are currently ranked as the number one Rugby Union nation in the world, their standing made even stronger by their dominant six nations performance.

Could it be that there is simply something deeply embedded into these players that prevents them from winning the big one? There is no doubt they have had plenty of teams throughout the years who were more than capable of winning but for whatever reason it has never been done.

There is an argument that they perhaps focus on short term results too often. This has of course been a successful approach for them at times, however it looks as if it may hinder them when it comes to lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy. They may need to usher in new blood more often rather than sticking to the old guard, however under Farrell we have seen that happen a lot more often.

One thing that is certain is that both Irish fans and players will be expecting a lot more from the team that underperformed in 2019. With their fortunes seemingly taking a turn since then, it seems increasingly likely that we will see that happen.

The Irish may not be the tournament favourites, but it would be incredibly foolish to write them off. It has been 20 years since a team that wasn’t South Africa or New Zealand won the World Cup, but Ireland is certain to do everything they can to put an end to that run. They are the number one ranked team in the world for a reason and they may just have as good a chance as they ever have at finally getting their hands on the Webb Ellis Trophy in 2023.

Ciara Mageean 4th in World 1500m Final

Ciara Mageean speaking to Virgin Media Sport after her 4th place finish in tonight's World Championships 1500m Final. Credit: @VMSportIE.

Ciara Mageean delivered the performance of her career to break her own Irish record in a time of 3:56.61 to take 4th place in Tuesday evening’s World Athletics Championships 1500m Final in Budapest.

The City of Lisburn AC athlete, ranked ninth on her season’s best, ran a tactically superb race throughout to put herself right in contention for a medal at the bell in what was one of the best 1500m fields ever assembled for a championship final.

Ciara Mageean went with the leading athletes in the race defining move with 300m to go but unfortunately could not reel in the front three of hot favourite Faith Kipyegon from Kenya (3:54.87), Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji (3:55.69), and Sifan Hassan from The Netherlands (3:56.00).

Speaking after the race, the Portaferry runner said:

“To be honest, to be disappointed with 4th is probably a good thing. I came in with the aim of a medal because it’s the best I’ve ever felt coming into a championships. To come away with 4th is bittersweet but I’ve had the season of my life.”

The European silver medallist added:

“Many years ago I wouldn’t have dreamt of 4th at a global senior final and I’m standing her disappointed with 4th and a national record so I know I can do it. It’s another year to the Olympics, and I’m putting myself in with a fighting chance with the best 1500m athletes in the world”.

“I ran the race perfectly and did the best I could so I’ll walk away with my head held high. The dream lives on and I’ve many races ahead of me next year and the year after”, said Mageean.

This evening’s excellent performance continues a remarkable period for the Irish record holder who achieved Commonwealth Games and European silver medals in the last 12 months.

Top Irish Footballers in the European Leagues

From the bustling streets of Dublin to the quiet countryside towns, Irish players have left a mark on the world of international football. From Robbie Keane to Damien Duff, the annals of the king of sports have recorded top Irish footballers, each a symbol of unwavering dedication and a source of national pride.

Now, in turn, a new generation of players continues to the reputation of Irish football. Here are the most valuable Irish players who are poised to carry the torch forward.

Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool FC)

A native of Cork., Kelleher graduated from Liverpool’s youth academy in 2019 and joined the first team in the same year. While he didn’t have much opportunity to shine – Becker is in the spotlight – he did make his presence felt in the 2022 EFL Cup final where he scored the decisive penalty against Chelsea.

 

According to Transfermarkt, Kelleher has a market value of EUR 12 million.

Josh Cullen

A West Ham graduate, Cullen stayed in East London for most of his career. Or at least he did on paper, because he spent most of his five seasons with the Hammers on loans. He left England for Belgium in 2020, playing two seasons with Anderlecht, and earning the club’s (and the fans’) respect in the process. In 2022, he returned to England, joining Burnley FC as a defensive midfielder.

Josh Cullen is currently worth EUR 13 million.

Gavin Bazunu

Bazunu’s career at the Shamrock Rovers was short – he left the club after half a dozen apps, including two in the Europa League. He joined Man City in 2019 but spent most of his time there on loan before signing a five-year contract with Southampton.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper has a “Premier League Save of the Month” and 16 national team apps under his belt, and a market value of EUR 15 million.

Nathan Collins

Collins started his career at Cherry Orchard, like his father and uncle before him, moving on to Stoke City, and spending three years as a youth, and two seasons as a senior there. His next stop was Burnley for a season, and the Wolves for one more. This year, he ended up at Brentford – the Bees paid £23m (circa EUR 26.7 million) to have him.

Evan Ferguson

He may be just 18, but he’s already the stuff of legends. Ferguson grew out of St Kevin’s Boys to join the Bohemians, signing his first professional contract with the club in 2019 – at the age of 14, becoming the club’s youngest player to join the senior team. By age 17, he already left – he currently plays with Brighton & Hove Albion as a striker, and he has been playing there ever since.

 

According to Transfermarkt, Ferguson has a market value of EUR 30 million. And he just signed a fresh contract with Brighton, making Falmer Stadium his home for the coming years.

In conclusion

 

In the realm of European football, Irish players shine bright. A new generation, like Kelleher, Cullen, Bazunu, Collins, and Ferguson, stands ready to carry the legacy. Their journey, a blend of dedication and talent, adds an exciting twist to the soccer bet we place on their future.

Evolution of Irish Football: A Journey of Passion and Pride

The Origin of Irish Football

Irish football’s journey began in the late 19th century. During those early years, it was more than just a game. It was an outlet for political and social sentiments, reflecting the emotions of the nation. As with many European footballing stories, Irish teams were often formed around local churches and community hubs. Interestingly, around the same time, the culture of betting on sports was beginning to gain traction. Even in today’s digital age, many are drawn to online offerings, with platforms like 5 pound deposit casinosbeing particularly popular, paralleling the evolution of both football and its associated industries.

The Splitting Path: North and South

The early 20th century saw a major split in Irish football. 1921 marked the division of Ireland into North and South, leading to the establishment of two separate football associations: The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) in the South and the Irish Football Association (IFA) in the North. Both associations developed their leagues and teams, adding another layer of rivalry to the beautiful game on the island.

Significant Achievements and Moments

The 20th century had its fair share of memorable moments for Irish football. A few highlights include:

● Republic of Ireland: Qualifying for their first World Cup in 1990, and then reaching the quarter-finals.
● Northern Ireland: Their World Cup journey in 1958, where they reached the quarter-finals.
● Memorable matches against some of football’s biggest giants, including England, Germany, and Spain.

Modern Times: The Rise of Talents

The 21st century has been significant for the rise of individual talents from Ireland. Players like Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, and Shay Given have played for top clubs in the English Premier League and beyond. Northern Ireland, too, has produced gems like Steven Davis and Jonny Evans, showcasing the continuous evolution and growth of the sport across the island.

Domestic Leagues and Their Challenges

While the talents of individual players have been recognized on the international stage, domestic leagues like the League of Ireland have faced their share of challenges. From financial difficulties to the migration of top talents abroad, the domestic scene has often been overshadowed. However, steps are being taken to revive and strengthen the home leagues, with increased investments and grassroots initiatives.

The Fans: The Heartbeat of Irish Football

Irish football fans, both from the North and the South, are renowned for their passion and loyalty. Whether it’s supporting the national teams in major tournaments or travelling across Europe with their club teams, their energy is unmistakable. A few noteworthy fan moments include:

● The incredible atmosphere in Euro 2016, where both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland fans were awarded the Medal of the City of Paris for their exemplary sportsmanship.
● Local derbies, which bring cities and towns alive with fervor and excitement.

Conclusion: A Future Bright and Promising

The journey of Irish football is a testament to the resilience, passion, and love for the game that exists on the island. From its humble beginnings in the 19th century to the bright lights of major European tournaments, the sport has evolved remarkably. With initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic leagues and the continuous production of world-class talents, the future looks bright for Irish football. And as always, the fans will be at the heart of this journey, cheering, supporting, and celebrating every goal, every win, and every memorable moment.

Dominant Ireland beat England 29-10

Ireland beat England 29-10 on Saturday. Credit: @Irishrugby.

Ireland dominated England in their second and final Bank of Ireland Nations Series game at Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, on Saturday evening.

In a game where the home side scored 5 tries to one for the visitors, they dominated throughout the field before finally showing that domination on the scoreboard.

Centurion Keith Earls was among the try scorers to the delight of the home fans, while England’s Billy Vunipola, who was initially yellow-carded for a high tackle on Andrew Porter, saw a review of the tackle upgrade his card to red.

First Half

Though Ireland had a strong starting team, the usual high level of accuracy was missing in the opening half as the home side conceded 6 penalties.

The visitors opened the scoring through George Ford when he kicked a Tadhg Beirne conceded penalty. Kicking from slightly left of the posts, the Sale Sharks’ man slotted over just before the clock hit 5 minutes.

Try for Bundee

An attacking move from Ireland gave winger James Lowe possession with the New Zealand-born player gaining metres. He was strongly supported by Peter O’Mahony who found a lot of space in the centre of the English defence. The Corkman eventually off-loaded to the onrushing Bundee Aki, with the centre having space to comfortably make the try-scoring line. A Ross Byrne conversion from in front of the posts, put Ireland into a 7-3 lead approaching 10 minutes on the clock.

Mack Hansen failing to roll away gave England an opportunity to close the gap on the scoreboard on 25 minutes, but George Ford surprisingly struck it to the right and wide of the far post.

In spite of some unforced errors from Andy Farrell’s side during the opening half, Ireland made some good decisions on the ball and ran some clever lines in the dying minutes of that opening period.

Hansen finds Ringrose

With the energetic Mack Hansen, the Player of the Match, in possession of the ball on the far side of the pitch, he saw centre Garry Ringrose on the opposite end. A long, well-directed accurate kick from the Connacht winger found Ringrose who had enough to cross for Ireland’s second try of the half.

Byrne attempted the conversion from 40m out, and though he had the distance, he failed with accuracy and send the ball left of the far post and wide.

With the teams heading to the dressing rooms for the half-time team talk, Ireland lead 12-3.

Second Half

James Lowe scored his 10th international try 15 minutes into the second half. With England down for 14 men following a yellow card for Billy Vunipola for a dangerous high tackle on Andrew Porter, England were stretched by the home side, and Lowe found himself in splendid isolation out on the wing. A fast pass to the winger saw him run in for his side’s third try of the game.

Ross Byrne’s conversion attempt came back off the left post, leaving the Irish side with a 17-3 advantage.

It was then announced that the review panel had upgraded Billy Vunipola’s yellow card to red, meaning the Saracens’ man’s day was over.

The positive use of width and space brought more success for Ireland when claiming their fourth try of the evening. The industrious Mack Hansen touched down for his 7th international try, giving the scoreboard a more respectable look, and showing more accurately the difference between the two sides. Ross Byrne’s difficult day at kicking for the posts continued as he missed another attempt, leaving Ireland 22-3 ahead.

100th cap for Keith Earls

The loudest cheer of the day seemed to come on 60 minutes when Limerick’s Keith Earls became the 9th Irish player to win 100 International caps.

The loudness of that roar was bettered in the 73rd minute, however, when Earls dived into the corner to score the 36th international try of his career. His Munster comrade Jack Crowley converted from close to the touchline, giving Ireland a 29-10 victory.

Keith Rossiter new Wexford Senior Hurling Manager

Wexford GAA Announces Keith Rossiter as Prospective Wexford Senior Hurling Manager

Wexford GAA have unveiled Keith Rossiter as the potential Wexford Senior Hurling Manager, with a proposed three-year tenure. Keith’s impressive track record includes successful leadership of Wexford’s U20 Hurling Team for the past two seasons, culminating in consecutive appearances at the Leinster Finals. His extensive experience also encompasses his prior role as a selector within our senior hurling team from 2017 to 2021.

A Legacy of Excellence in Playing and Coaching

Keith Rossiter’s impact extends beyond the coaching realm. As a distinguished player, he proudly represented Wexford at the senior level for over a decade. Notably, his contributions played a pivotal role in securing Wexford’s Leinster title victory in 2004. Beyond his county achievements, Keith’s prowess shone through in his association with Oulart-The Ballagh, where he garnered an astounding ten Wexford Senior Hurling titles, two of which he achieved as captain. His exceptional achievements also encompassed a remarkable victory in the Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship.

Ratification Set for County Committee Meeting

The nomination of Keith Rossiter as Wexford’s Senior Hurling Manager, along with the endorsement of his proficient support team, is slated for official ratification. This critical juncture will be addressed during the upcoming County Committee meeting, scheduled to convene on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Stay tuned for the official announcement following this pivotal gathering.

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