Leinster Schools Senior Cup First Round: Cistercian College Roscrea V Presentation College Bray – The Irish Examiner – January 31 2025

Posted on January 30, 2025 by admin

Cistercian College Roscrea power past Presentation College Bray in Leinster Schools Senior Cup 

Courtesy of unanswered tries by Deegan, Carney (his second), Eoin Naughton and Fionn Higgins, Roscrea brought an insurmountable 33-3 cushion into the interval.
DAIRE WALSH

Leinster Schools Senior Cup First Round: Cistercian College Roscrea 47 Presentation College Bray 15

Inside centre Jack Deegan amassed a personal haul of 17 points at Energia Park on Thursday as Cistercian College Roscrea powered into the Leinster Schools Senior Cup quarter-finals with a convincing victory against Presentation College Bray.

Eager to lay down a marker at the Donnybrook venue, Roscrea broke the deadlock in the fifth-minute when Kealan Dunne released Deegan’s midfield partner Rob Carney for the opening try of the contest. While their Wicklow counterparts got up and running moments later with a successful penalty from Daniel Moraghan, the school from the Offaly-Tipperary border subsequently assumed full control of the proceedings.

Courtesy of unanswered tries by Deegan, Carney (his second), Eoin Naughton and Fionn Higgins, Roscrea brought an insurmountable 33-3 cushion into the interval.

The 2015 champions continued to dictate the play on the resumption and scrum-half Fionn Carney added a sixth try that was supplemented by a fifth conversion from the boot of Deegan.

To their credit, Pres Bray did improve as the play progressed and lively replacement Luca Nolan bagged a brace of tries for the Putland Road outfit.

Yet Cistercian College Roscrea were determined to have the final say and a converted try from full-back Sam Cusack helped them to round off the scoring in clinical style.

Scorers for Cistercian College Roscrea: Tries: R Carney 2, J Deegan, E Naughton, F Higgins, F Carney, S Cusack. Cons: J Deegan 6.

Scorers for Presentation College Bray: Tries: L Nolan 2. Cons: D Moraghan. Pens: D Moraghan.

CISTERCIAN COLLEGE ROSCREA: S Cusack; K Dunne (H Finlay 51), R Carney, J Deegan (R Sullivan 64), F Higgins; A Moloney, F Carney; O Doody (W Powell 64), E Naughton (R O’Neill 63), H Maher (A Carroll 64); J Walsh, J Finn (A Kinsella Garcia 63); S Killeen (51), E Brophy, W Hayes (J Miller 51).

PRESENTATION COLLEGE BRAY: R O’Boyle; J Brandon (C James 67), L Mooney, A McDonald (L Nolan 48), F Kelly (P Doyle 67); D Moraghan, S McDonald; H Graham (D Corrigan 48), M Lawless, S Gillespie; A O’Dowd (R Hayes 23), M McGovern; D Jordan, B O’Reilly-Rhodes (E Croysdill 32), R Wrafter.

Referee: E Lyons (LRR).

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Leinster Schools Senior Cup First Round: Gonzaga College V Newbridge College – The Kildare Nationalist (Online) – January 29 2025

Posted on January 30, 2025 by admin

Newbridge College beaten by late try in Leinster Schools Senior Cup

Although they led with less than ten minutes to go, Newbridge College were ultimately beaten today in Donnybrook

DAIRE WALSH

LEINSTER SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP FIRST ROUND 

GONZAGA COLLEGE 20 NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE 15

There was disappointment for Newbridge College at Energia Park on Wednesday as they suffered an opening round defeat at the hands of Gonzaga College in the 2025 edition of the Leinster Schools Senior Cup.

This game represented a quick renewal of acquaintances, given the two sides clashed in the Leinster Schools Senior League final at the same venue as recently as December 4th of last year.

Conor Hanly, Michael Murphy and Luke Kelly tries propelled Newbridge into a commanding 19-3 lead during that encounter, only for a stirring Gonzaga comeback to be completed by a last-gasp drop goal from fly-half Daragh O’Dwyer. Following some early pressure in their latest duel in Donnybrook, the same player had an opportunity to break the deadlock for the Ranelagh-based outfit.

Although he was forced to wait while referee Sam Holt had his earpiece readjusted, O’Dwyer stroked a ninth-minute penalty between the posts to create some daylight. There was still a long way to go in the action of course and Newbridge were close to breaking over the Gonzaga whitewash on 13 minutes.

Yet their Metropolitan counterparts held firm under enormous pressure and subsequently increased their cushion inside the second-quarter. After a powerful surge by Jamie Sheil offered Gonzaga attacking momentum, Newbridge lock Daniel Cox conceded a penalty close to the try-line and found himself in the sin-bin as a result.

In the wake of his temporary departure, Sheil opted for a ‘tap and go’ and when the ball was worked towards a central channel, Patrick Masterson was on hand to dot down in routine fashion. O’Dwyer comfortably added the bonuses to move Gonzaga 10 points in front, but Newbridge finally opened their account with 33 minutes gone on the clock.

After out-half Michael Kenny had opted for touch on several occasions, the persistence of the Kildare school eventually paid off when hooker Lee Fitzpatrick powered over the Gonzaga whitewash. Kenny’s half-back partner Ben O’Connor went on to supply the extras and this left Newbridge just three points adrift (10-7) at the interval.

As a consequence of their strong finish to the opening period, Johne Murphy’s side had fresh impetus on the resumption. Though there was some initial hesitancy from the touch judge, it was determined that Kenny’s kick to touch off a 39th minute penalty had landed in the right corner.

An elongated move off the resulting line-out kept Gonzaga firmly on the back-foot and it was left for Fitzpatrick to crash over for a second time to the right of the posts. Despite O’Connor firing his bonus kick past the target, Newbridge were in the ascendancy for the very first time.

A successful O’Dwyer place-kick ensured their two-point advantage was short-lived, but Newbridge fired back with a three-pointer of their own from O’Connor on 49 minutes.

The latter score coincided with Gonzaga’s John Brophy being yellow carded and while the hooker’s team-mates coped well in his absence, Newbridge nevertheless brought a 15-13 buffer into the final-quarter.

However, 2023 champions Gonzaga predictably increased the tempo of their play as the action progressed and after being frustrated by the Newbridge defence on a number of occasions, the south Dubliners were rewarded with their second try of the game with six minutes of normal time remaining.

After Daragh O’Dwyer kicked a penalty to touch from inside the Newbridge half, James O’Dwyer applied the finishing touches to the resulting set-piece attack.

Daragh O’Dwyer converted superbly from the left-flank to put Gonzaga five points in front and even though Kelly ran underneath the posts for what would have been a game-changing try, Kenny’s pass towards the winger was deemed to have gone forward and this meant Newbridge ultimately came up short.

GONZAGA COLLEGE: Patrick Coleman; Eoghan O’Donavan, Patrick Masterson, Bobby Colbert, Zachary Mulligan; Daragh O’Dwyer, James O’Dwyer; Jamie Sheil, John Brophy, Matthew O’Herlihy; Michael Wall, Ronan Crowe; Joshua Mulligan, Borja Salto-Galdon, Charlie Kennedy.

NEWBRIDGE COLLEGE: Billy Cross; Patrick Waters, Alex Craig, Joseph Flanagan, Luke Kelly; Michael Kenny, Ben O’Connor; Charles O’Loughlin, Lee Fitzpatrick, Odhran Brannigan; Conor Hanly, Daniel Cox; Brion Donagh, Jonathan Fardy, Michael Murphy. Replacements: Tom Martin for Craig (43), Ruairi Harrington for O’Loughlin (52), Sam O’Loughlin for Brannigan (66).

Referee: Sam Holt (Leinster Rugby Referees).

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National Hurling League Odds Piece Round Two: Gambling.com – January 28 2025

Posted on January 29, 2025 by admin

GAA Betting: Who Are The Contenders For 2025 National Hurling League Title?

By Daire Walsh

Following an opening weekend that saw six of the seven teams in the competition making their bows for 2025, the best betting sites are once again looking at who the most likely winners are of this year’s National Hurling League.

While Limerick were left idle due to the uneven number of counties in Division 1A of the NHL, their provincial rivals Cork and Tipperary were in action and made a bright start to their respective campaigns.

First Round Wins For Cork, Tipperary And Kilkenny

At Chadwicks Wexford Park last Saturday evening, 2024 All-Ireland finalists Cork recorded a comprehensive 2-21 to 0-12 triumph over Wexford – Declan Dalton (1-5), Padraig Power (1-4), Darragh Fitzgibbon and Brian Hayes (0-4 apiece) leading the scoring for the Rebels.

On Sunday afternoon, Tipperary began their third season under the management of Liam Cahill in fine style as they defeated Galway on a final scoreline of 3-25 to 2-16.

Darragh McCarthy, Dylan Walsh and Gearoid O’Connor all found the net to guide the Premier County towards a morale-boosting win.

Rounding out the Division 1A winners last weekend were Kilkenny, who enjoyed a narrow two-point victory (0-23 to 0-21) at the expense of defending league and All-Ireland champions Clare at Cusack Park, Ennis on Sunday.

Interestingly, all three games at the weekend in the NHL top flight saw the away side come out on top.

Whether this trend continues over the next few weeks remains to be seen, but Limerick will be hoping to become the latest winners on the road when they face Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh this coming Saturday evening.

Limerick Still Slight Favourites

Despite only taking on a watching brief for the opening round of fixtures, the Treaty remain the favourites for league glory at 9/4 with Bet365.

While there have been seasons when Limerick were short of their best in the springtime, they have nevertheless secured NHL titles under current boss John Kiely in 2019, 2020 and 2023.

The championship will be the main priority for Limerick following a 2024 campaign that saw them losing out to Cork at the semi-final stage of the Liam MacCarthy Cup, but they may well be looking to lay down a marker in the NHL.

Cork, on the other hand, could potentially do with the boost of a national title, given their most recent crown of this nature was the All-Ireland senior hurling title of 2005.

You have to go back to 1998 for the last time they earned top league honours, and the odds of them bridging this 27-year gap are 5/2 with Bet365.

Kilkenny Realistic Contenders For The League

Having lost to Limerick and Clare in the last two NHL finals – before being defeated by both teams at the business end of the championship – Kilkenny are seeking to go a step further in 2025.

Billy Drennan and Martin Keoghan were in fine form during their aforementioned win over title holders Clare, amassing a combined tally of 12 points.

They continue to be in the mix since Derek Lyng took over as Cats supremo from the legendary Brian Cody and they are currently available at 4/1 for a league success.

Resurgent Tipperary Aiming For Record NHL Haul

On the competition’s roll of honour, Kilkenny are joint top with Tipperary on 19 titles.

However, since the Premier last tasted league success in 2008, their Noreside counterparts have won the NHL on six occasions – albeit their most recent triumph in 2021 was shared with Galway.

Their victory over Galway last weekend indicates they are intent on claiming a 20th crown and will be confident of making it two wins from two against Wexford in Thurles this Sunday.

After being viewed as seventh favourites for the NHL with some betting apps before their game with the Tribesmen, Tipp are now fourth in the betting rankings with Boylesports at 11/2.

Defending Champions Seen As Outsiders

Following their narrow loss to Kilkenny on the opening day of the league, Clare are now in the midst of a down week in Division 1A of the NHL.

Banner manager Brian Lohan didn’t exactly have his full complement of players on the field against the Cats, with just five of the players who started last July’s All-Ireland final win over Cork selected in the first 15.

Tony Kelly and hurler of the year Shane O’Donnell were notable absentees, but David Reidy did finish the game with 0-8 to his name and Clare had initially been in a strong position before Kilkenny eventually rallied.

It is unknown how high a league title win will be on Lohan’s list of priorities for 2025, but as it stands, they are just 8/1 to win a second successive NHL crown.

Galway And Wexford Not Seen As Major Contenders

In the wake of their heavy defeat to Tipperary, Galway will have a lot of work to do if they are to establish themselves as potential league title challengers.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Connacht men as this Sunday sees them travel to Nowlan Park for a second round tussle with Kilkenny.

With a new look to their panel at the moment, there is a sense that Micheal Donoghue’s men will have to go through some short-term pain before potentially achieving a long-term gain.

The Clarinbridge native did win an NHL title in his first spell as manager, but 10bet rate the prospect of them doing so again as only a 12/1 possibility.

It is thanks to second half goals from John Fleming and Declan McLoughlin that Galway are marginally in front of Wexford on score difference towards the foot of the table.

Considering the likes of Conor McDonald, Jack O’Connor and Lee Chin are currently marked absent – and they have lost Diarmuid O’Keeffe, Matthew O’Hanlon and Liam Og McGovern to retirement – it is perhaps unsurprising that Wexford were second best to Cork last weekend.

Keith Rossiter’s charges will be doing well to avoid relegation to NHL Division 1B for 2026.

With several GAA betting sites rating their chances of winning the top tier of the league this year at 100/1, survival rather than a title charge will likely be the main focus for the Slaneysiders in the next couple of months.

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Sigerson Cup Quarter-Final: TU Dublin V University Of Limerick – Independent.ie – January 28 2025

Posted on January 29, 2025 by admin

TU Dublin hold off strong University of Limerick challenge to make Sigerson Cup semi-finals

TU Dublin 2-15 University of Limerick 2-11

Daire Walsh

Seán Jones and Jack Lundy found the net at Grangegorman as TU Dublin held off a strong challenge from University of Limerick to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Sigerson Cup.

While UL broke the deadlock with a seventh-minute score from Cian McHale during a tentative start to the action, TU Dublin subsequently burst into life with five points on the bounce from Jones, Jordan Morris, Danny McCartan (two) and centre-forward Lundy.

Yet after Cian O’Grady, Conal Dawson and McHale split the uprights in quick succession, a clinically struck goal by Cork’s Sean McDonnell on 25 minutes propelled the Munster college back into the lead.

O’Grady proceeded to trade scores with opposition attacker Conor Fee, before three points in as many minutes from Morris, Jones and Dublin senior star Colm Basquel (free) offered TU Dublin a slender interval cushion of 0-9 to 1-5.

Although UL restored parity through Daniel Walsh and McHale either side of Basquel’s second on the resumption, the sin-binning of Walsh left the visitors hamstrung. In the direct aftermath of his temporary absence, TU Dublin created daylight with an excellent Jones goal on 35 minutes.

Despite Mayo due Frank Irwin and McHale finding the range for UL, the hosts were destined for the last-four when Jones and Joe Prendergast points were supplemented by a successful Lundy penalty in the 52nd minute.

McDonnell’s second major of the game offered UL fresh impetus in the closing stages of the contest, but late points from Prendergast and Morris helped to ensure TU Dublin’s progression.

Scorers – TU Dublin: S Jones 1-3, J Lundy 1-1 (1-0 pen), J Morris 0-3, C Basquel 0-2 (2f), J Prendergast, D McCartan 0-2 each, S Hanifin, C Fee 0-1 each. University of Limerick: S McDonnell 2-0, C McHale 0-4 (3f), C O’Grady 0-2, F Irwin 0-1 (‘45’), C Ryan, D Walsh, C Dawson, J Fallon 0-1 each.

TU Dublin: J Rodgers; C Reilly, M Nolan, N Carolan; D Fee, C McKeogh, J Prendergast; C McBride, S Hanifin; C Basquel, J Lundy, D McCartan; J Morris, C Fee, S Jones. Subs: S Reynolds for D Fee (44), D Rooney for C Fee (48), O Brooks for McCartan (56), D Lovett for Lundy (61).

University of Limerick: B Hogan; P O’Driscoll, C Keogh, F Kelly; E Clifford, D Cashman, D Walsh; T O’Donnell, D O’Hagan; C Dawson, F Irwin, D Heneghan; C McHale, S McDonnell, C O’Grady. Subs: P White for Dawson (45), J Fallon for O’Donnell, C Ryan for O’Hagan (both 47), J McCabe for Clifford (55), C O’Sullivan for Heneghan (63).

Referee: A Coyne (Westmeath).

Posted in Colleges GAA | Comments Off on Sigerson Cup Quarter-Final: TU Dublin V University Of Limerick – Independent.ie – January 28 2025

Leinster Schools Senior Cup First Round: Terenure College V Clongowes Wood College – The Kildare Nationalist – January 28 2025

Posted on January 29, 2025 by admin

LEINSTER SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP FIRST ROUND

TERENURE COLLEGE 18

CLONGOWES WOOD COLLEGE 15 

By Daire Walsh 

There was disappointment for Clongowes Wood College at Energia Park on Monday afternoon as Terenure College produced a late flourish to narrowly get the better of the Kildare school in the opening round of the Leinster Schools Senior Cup.

Eager to make amends for a heartbreaking defeat to Belvedere College at the same stage of last year’s competition, Clongowes began this contest like a team on a mission. After winning a penalty inside the Terenure ‘22’ straight from the kick-off, the Clane-based side elected to kick the ball to touch and hooker Conor Keogh was on hand to apply the finishing touches off the ensuing line-out maul.

Remarkably, all of the above occurred within the 60 seconds of the action and with outside centre Joshua Grant supplying the bonuses from a tight right-hand angle, Clongowes were already seven points to the good.

Eager to build on this whirlwind start, Wood once again kicked to the corner after being awarded a penalty deep inside the opposition half. While they ultimately came up short from their latest set-piece move, superb defence from Clongowes held up Terenure’s Michael Kennedy when he attempted to break over their try-line on 15 minutes.

An earlier wayward place-kick by Geoff O’Sullivan ensured Clongowes’ seven-point buffer remained intact, but the ‘Nure full-back eventually got his side up and running by routinely splitting the posts from close-range just shy of the first-quarter mark.

The south Dubliners were gradually growing into the game and even though winger Niall Fallon was forced into touch as he prepared himself for a race towards the left corner, Gareth Morgan stroked over another penalty in the 24th minute to leave the bare minimum between the teams.

Yet despite their Metropolitan opponents ramping up the pressure, Clongowes re-established a foothold on the play when No 8 Arthur Ashmore powerfully burst up the right-wing on 28 minutes to superbly claim their second try of the game.

Although Grant was wide of the mark from his next shot at the posts, Clongowes had done enough to bring a 12-6 cushion into the interval. This was a far from insurmountable lead, however, and Terenure would have believed it was within their grasp to swing the pendulum in their favour.

The Dubliners certainly stepped up their levels of intensity and performance on the resumption, as they forced Clongowes back inside their own ‘22’ for large stretches. However, thanks to their disciplined and diligent rearguard, the Kildare outfit’s line remained unbreached moving into the final-quarter.

Having held firm under enormous pressure from Terenure, Clongowes’ prospects were significantly bolstered when Grant’s midfield partner Ross Doyle spectacularly found the target off a long-distance penalty towards the right-flank.

Yet moments after receiving a let-off in the form of a missed ‘Nure penalty, Wood suffered a major blow when lock Matthew Smyth was sent to the sin bin on the hour mark. This substantially altered the course of the proceedings as Terenure ultimately seized the initiative during his temporary absence.

After replacement hooker Leo Zelman finished off a line-out maul for a converted try, inside centre Alvaro Swords discovered a gap through the heart of the Clongowes defence to secure a 66th minute five-pointer for the capital men.

While this was a major set-back for Clongowes, a missed conversion from Morgan meant Terenure were just three points ahead during a frantic finale to the action.

As Clongowes pushed hard for a way back into the reckoning, Doyle was presented with a couple of opportunities from the tee to force this encounter into a replay. However, he was narrowly off-target on both occasions as Terenure ultimately held out to reach the Senior Cup quarter-finals.

TERENURE COLLEGE: Geoff O’Sullivan; Ethan Balmarsh, Michael Kennedy, Alvaro Swords, Niall Fallon; Gareth Morgan, Jamie Coleman; Pearse Kelly, Cian Hyland, Adam Cooper; Josh Mooney, Frank Maher; Michael Smyth, Senan Gavin, Ben Blaney.

Replacements: Evan McMonagle for Kelly (26-29, blood), Leo Zelman for Hyland, McMonagle for Kelly, Luke McNiff for Mooney (all 44), James Greally for Fallon (48),

CLONGOWES WOOD COLLEGE: Finn Kehoe; Ross Adams, Joshua Grant, Ross Doyle, Thomas Strickland; Hugh O’Sullivan Sexton, Thomas Walsh; Max Doyle, Conor Keogh, Luke Murtagh; Simon Kelly, Matthew Smyth; James White, John Benson, Arthur Ashmore.

Replacements: Turlough Devitt for Ashmore (47), Ollie Worth for O’Sullivan Sexton (62), Michael O’Sullivan for Keogh (65), Brian A McCulloch for Strickland (67).

Referee: Padraic Reidy (Leinster Rugby Referees).

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National Football League Odds Piece Round Two: Gambling.com – January 28 2025

Posted on January 29, 2025 by admin

GAA Betting: Who Are The Contenders For This Year’s National Football League?

By Daire Walsh

Following an opening weekend of action that saw the new rules for Gaelic football on full display, the best betting sites are having another look at who the main contenders are for National Football League glory.

While it will likely be a while before spectators deliver their final verdict on the way the big ball game is now being played, the series of league encounters that took place around Saturday and Sunday offered some idea of how the sport might evolve in the weeks, months and – potentially – years to come.

New Rules Given First Significant Run Out

There were two-pointers aplenty across Ireland’s county grounds and there was also some evidence that teams are still coming to terms with the fact that they must keep three players in the opposition’s half of the field at all times.

The role of goalkeepers has also proven to be a big talking point over the past few days with the new rules still allowing for roaming netminders to make their way into the attacking half of the pitch.

Although each tie is understandably being viewed with these alterations in mind, the National Football League remains competitive, with little separating the top teams with GAA betting sites.

Kerry Still League Favourites Despite Being Idle So Far

The majority of fixtures that were due to be held at the weekend managed to take place despite Storm Eowyn sweeping across the nation last Friday.

Kerry’s proposed meeting with Donegal in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Sunday was ultimately postponed until a later date.

As a result, judgement will be reserved on both of these counties.

Even allowing for the fact that they are now playing catch-up on six of the teams in Division One, Kerry are still the favourites for the league title with Bet365 at odds of 10/3.

While this could change in the wake of their showdown with Derry at Celtic Park on Sunday, it is felt that the Kingdom will be a formidable proposition when they get up and running for 2025.

Dublin And Galway The Best Bets Available After The Kingdom

Dublin were seen as the second most likely side to win the league before it started, and the Sky Blues are still seen as a viable option for the top prize after earning a 1-17 to 1-15 victory over Mayo at Croke Park last Saturday night.

Sean Bugler registered seven points in a stellar performance for the Dubs, while Kevin Lahiff also impressed with a haul of 1-2.

The odds on Dessie Farrell’s men winning Division One are 4/1 with Boylesports and they are offering the same price on Galway (4/1) following their 1-12 to 0-9 success at home to Armagh.

This was revenge, of sorts, for Galway after their All-Ireland senior football championship final defeat to the Armagh last July.

Even though it wasn’t seen as a great advertisement for the new rules, second-half two-pointers from Cillian O Curraoin, Shane Walsh and Paul Conroy did help the Tribesmen create a strong cushion they never relinquished.

Donegal And Tyrone Good Options As An Outside Bet

Donegal were slightly ahead of the westerners before the opening round, but – unlike Kerry – being idle last weekend has seen them drop slightly in the betting order.

This means that followers of the O’Donnell County (as well as those across the nation) will have to wait until this Saturday’s home game against Dublin to see Michael Murphy make his long-awaited comeback to the inter-county fold.

A loss to the Sky Blues could affect their standing in the overall scheme of things, but for the time being Donegal are available at 5/1 for a first top-tier league success since 2007.

The same odds are now available on Tyrone (5/1) for Division One glory – a slight improvement on the 7/1 you could have gotten on them a little under a week ago.

A 2-13 to 1-9 triumph over Derry last Saturday has given the Red Hand a shot in the arm.

Given his recent achievements at club and county level, new team manager Malachy O’Rourke will feel he can get a tune out of this crop of Tyrone players.

If they were to have the measure of provincial rivals Armagh at the Athletic Grounds this Saturday, it would further bolster their claims for National Football League honours.

Odds Lengthen On An Armagh League Win

Despite their status as Sam Maguire Cup champions, Armagh weren’t necessarily considered top contenders for league honours in 2025.

Yet the 6/1 being offered on them before their duel with Galway was much more enticing than the 12/1 Bet365 are now placing on them.

This isn’t to suggest that Kieran McGeeney’s men are going to struggle to replicate their remarkable achievement in last year’s championship, but it does perhaps suggest that it may take them a while to rediscover their best form.

That said, a win against Tyrone this weekend could change matters in an instant, and it would be foolish to rule anybody out of contention just because they lost an opening-round fixture.

Mayo And Derry Seen As Outsiders

Though his side ended up on the wrong side of the final result, Mayo manager Kevin McStay should be able to glean plenty of positives from their two-point loss to Dublin at GAA HQ.

Alongside the more established Ryan O’Donoghue, the likes of Frank Irwin, Paul Towey and Davitt Neary also chipped in with scores.

Yet Mayo are missing some experienced figures at the moment for a variety of reasons, and it is possible they will use this league campaign as an opportunity to build rather than challenge for a title.

This could all change with some positive results – they face rivals Galway on home soil this Sunday in round two of Division One – but as it stands, the green and red are only available at odds of 16/1with 10Bet for the league crown.

It is remarkable when you consider they are the defending champions, but Derry (20/1) are only up for grabs at the same value for a second consecutive Division One success.

Their stock has dropped since that league final win on penalties against Dublin, and their long search for a manager after Mickey Harte stepped away in the aftermath of last year’s championship hasn’t helped matters.

Paddy Tally has ultimately assumed the reins after being involved in the Kerry backroom team more recently.

As a consequence of losing out to Tyrone in the first round, Derry are on the back foot going into their game with Kerry this weekend.

Posted in Gaelic Football, Gaelic Games | Comments Off on National Football League Odds Piece Round Two: Gambling.com – January 28 2025

Six Nations Odds Piece Round One: Gambling.com – January 28 2025

Posted on January 29, 2025 by admin

Six Nations Betting: Who Are The Contenders For This Year’s Championship?

By Daire Walsh

Back again for a 26th season in its current format and with three intriguing battles set to take place this weekend, betting sites are offering odds for this year’s Six Nations Championship.

Having previously operated under the moniker of the Five Nations Championship, the tournament was expanded in 2000 when Italy accepted an invitation to take part.

There has been plenty of discussion over the future of the Azzurri in the Six Nations since, but they are back once again and will open their 2025 campaign away to Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon.

This follows the tournament opener between France and Wales in Saint-Denis on Friday night, before Ireland and England complete the first round of fixtures with a tantalising duel at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

Ireland Chase Historic Third Successive Championship

Ireland will be seeking to make history in 2025 as the first nation to become Six Nations champions for a third successive season.

Given how competitive the tournament has become in modern times, this would represent a considerable achievement for the Green Army.

If they are to pull it off, it will be under the stewardship of interim head coach Simon Easterby – who is standing in for Andy Farrell while he focuses on his duties with the British & Irish Lions.

There might be some doubts over their ability to perform in the absence of coach Andy Farrell, but bookmakers still see Ireland as serious Six Nations contenders.

Despite the news that experienced tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of Saturday’s game with England, Easterby’s side are available at a healthy 7/4 with BoyleSports to claim top honours.

There is no guarantee that the player who starts in the out-half position against England – Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley are currently battling for the number 10 jersey – will finish the tournament in that pivotal role.

However, the feeling is that there is enough quality throughout the team to have a major tilt at another triumph.

France Share Favouritism For Six Nations Glory

Ahead of their showdown with Wales on Friday, France are currently rated as joint-favourites for the Six Nations at 7/4.

It would be a massive shock if Les Bleus didn’t get the better of Wales on home soil in their opening game.

And with the inspirational Antoine Dupont back in the saddle after missing last year’s tournament due to his commitments with the French 7s, there is every chance of them bridging a three-season gap to their last Six Nations success.

England Behind France And Ireland In Six Nations Betting

Having denied Ireland a shot at back-to-back Grand Slams by overcoming them in round four of the 2024 Championship, England are a side that can never be taken for granted.

Even if they aren’t seen as the most formidable team in their nation’s history, there is still plenty of quality in this English outfit with team captain Maro Itoje, Marcus Smith and Elliot Daly being among those who are capable of shining on the biggest stage.

As a result, Saturday’s opening game in Dublin could be a dangerous one for Ireland, who lost to their arch rivals at the same phase of the 2019 Championship.

England are certainly capable of pulling off a victory in this game, but there is still some concern over consistency with Steve Borthwick’s team.

Following that triumph over Ireland last year, their campaign ended in a narrow loss to France.

This might go some way towards explaining why the English are just third favourites for a Six Nations title at 9/2 with William Hill.

Scotland Possible Dark Horses Despite Problems With Consistency

Putting together a string of good results has also been an issue for Scotland under Gregor Townsend’s leadership as head coach.

They have defeated England in each of the last four Championships, but have also failed to register more than three wins in a given season since the tournament became the Six Nations Championship.

The presence of Finn Russell, Ben White and Blair Kinghorn is enough reason for the Scots to be considered a threat, but the absence of skipper Sione Tuipulotu through injury for the Championship is a massive blow for Townsend.

A reversal of their 2024 loss to Italy is paramount this weekend if they have designs on a title charge and for those who might see Scotland as dark horses for the Six Nations, there are odds of 7/1 available.

Wales And Italy Not Seen As Realistic Contenders

It wasn’t that long ago that Wales were one of the more feared sides in this tournament, but their fortunes have dipped alarmingly in recent years.

The struggles of Welsh rugby have been well documented and a wooden spoon finish in the 2024 edition of the Championship – following five straight defeats – makes them heavily unfancied coming into this year’s event.

Warren Gatland remains at the helm for another season, but even though he has helped them to three Six Nations Grand Slams in the past, his current squad seem to be a world away from that level.

Heading into a difficult assignment in Paris on Friday, Wales are only available at the lengthy odds of 66/1 for Championship glory with Spreadex.

After finding it tough for so long, 2024 saw Italy record their best ever performance in the Six Nations.

Following a draw with France in round three, the Azzurri overcame Scotland and Wales to finish the Championship table on 11 points – just four adrift of runners-up France.

This means they will be entering the upcoming tournament with renewed vigour and Gonzalo Quesada’s side will believe it is within their reach to overcome Scotland for a second successive year on Saturday.

That said, a maiden Six Nations title remains an unlikely scenario for the Italians, as evidenced by odds of 250/1.

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Post-Match Reaction Piece: Dan Sheehan & Leo Cullen – Leinster V Stormers – The42.ie – January 27 2025

Posted on January 27, 2025 by admin

Dan Sheehan eyes Ireland-England clash after injury return

There were doubts over the 26-year-old hooker’s availability for the upcoming Championship.

AFTER RETURNING from a lengthy injury lay-off in fine style at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, Dan Sheehan has said he wouldn’t hesitate to be involved in a Six Nations opener against England in the same venue this weekend.

When he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in the first Test of Ireland’s summer tour of South Africa on 6 July of last year, there were doubts over the 26-year-old hooker’s availability for the upcoming Championship. Yet 10 days after being named in Simon Easterby’s 36-man squad for the tournament, he returned to competitive fare in Leinster’s bonus point triumph over the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.

Eager to make an impression before jetting off to Portugal on Sunday to join up with the Ireland squad at their pre-Six Nations training base in Quinta do Lago, Sheehan bagged a brace of tries during his 63 minutes on the pitch at Irish Rugby HQ.

“It’s probably a step up [to play in the Six Nations], but there’s no hesitation at all really on the knee. I’ll get over tomorrow [Sunday] and hopefully crack into another week’s prep for a match and see how we go,” Sheehan remarked after being named player of the match against the Stormers.

“There would be absolutely no hesitation from my end, to play or to be involved in any way. It depends on what the team wants and the backroom staff. I’m not sure, I haven’t really been speaking to anyone in the IRFU.

“I just focused on getting back this week and just kept the mind simple. I suppose we’ll find out during the week.”

Considering it can often take eight or nine months for athletes to return to action following an ACL injury, Sheehan has done extremely well to get himself back in the saddle a little over six months after that aforementioned duel with South Africa.

Yet the former Clongowes Wood College student insisted he wasn’t necessarily planning for a return ahead of schedule and was willing to push back his recovery if it made sense from a medical perspective.

“I don’t think we missed a marker really, there were no real setbacks. It played ball with us, to be honest. Sometimes those things can go tricky and you have to set it back, but I was also very sure in my head that I wouldn’t rush it,” Sheehan added.

“If there was anything that I was hesitant about we could push it back, obviously hoping that it’ll be a big year. I wanted to play last week [against Bath], I was itching to go. I was sick of watching everyone else play and wanted that nervous feeling of getting back on a pitch. Delighted with how it went.”

While he did welcome Sheehan and James Lowe back from their respective lay-offs — Lowe had been troubled by a calf problem in recent weeks — Leinster head coach Leo Cullen had some fresh injury concerns arising from Saturday’s game.

Not long after outside centre Liam Turner had been withdrawn because of an ankle issue, Luke McGrath was stretchered off in a neck brace after receiving a heavy knock to the head that required lengthy treatment on the pitch. He was replaced just before half-time by Cormac Foley, who was also forced off with a late injury.

Although Leinster do not have another competitive fixture until their visit to the Ospreys in the URC on 14 February, there were some worries over the immediate wellbeing of McGrath. In addition to revealing he was wearing a brace as a precautionary measure, Cullen revealed the veteran scrum-half was in good spirits in the minutes that followed their 10th successive league win of the current season.

“Lukey is okay there. When you see a guy being carted off you start to get a bit worried alright, but I was chatting away to him. We were chatting about the lead-in and all the rest of the game, so he is pretty with it,” Cullen said.

“Cormac is similar, he’s okay as well. Liam is obviously just back from that ankle [injury] that he’s had done, so he’s got a bit of a jam there. I’m not sure of the extent of that. We’ll see. Obviously no game next week. Hopefully not too bad overall.”

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United Rugby Championship: Leinster V Stormers – The Irish Examiner (Print) – January 27 2025

Posted on January 27, 2025 by admin

Sheehan has ‘no hesitation’ ahead of Six Nations following recovery from knee injury

Dan Sheehan returned to action following his ACL injury in Ireland first test against South Africa in July.
DAIRE WALSH, AVIVA STADIUM

URC: Leinster 36 Stormers 12

After returning from a lengthy injury lay-off in fine style at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, Dan Sheehan has said he wouldn’t have any hesitation about being involved in a Six Nations opener against England in the same venue this weekend.

When he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in the first Test of Ireland’s summer tour of South Africa on July 6 of last year, there were doubts over Sheehan’s potential availability for the upcoming Championship. Yet 10 days on from being named in Simon Easterby’s 36-man squad for the tournament, Sheehan returned to competitive action in Leinster’s bonus point triumph over the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.

Eager to make an impression before jetting off to Portugal on Sunday to join up with the Ireland squad at their pre-Six Nations training base in Quinta do Lago, Sheehan bagged a brace of tries during his 63 minutes on the pitch at Irish Rugby HQ.

“It’s probably a step up [to play in the Six Nations], but there’s no hesitation at all really on the knee. I’ll get over tomorrow [Sunday] and hopefully crack into another week’s prep for a match and see how we go,” Sheehan remarked after being named player of the match against the Stormers.

“There would be absolutely no hesitation from my end, to play or to be involved in any way. It depends on what the team wants and the backroom staff. I’m not sure, I haven’t really been speaking to anyone in the IRFU. I just focused on getting back this week and just kept the mind simple. I suppose we’ll find out during the week.”

Seeking to make it a 10th successive win in this season’s URC – and a 14th victory from as many games across all competitions in 2024/25 – Leo Cullen’s men opened up a 10-point lead over their Cape Town counterparts before the clocked had even reached 12 minutes on Saturday.

Following an early breakthrough penalty by Ross Byrne, Andrew Osborne (whose older brother Jamie is amongst a large Leinster contingent at Ireland’s Portuguese training camp) finished off an extended move with a smooth finish in the right-corner.

Yet although a touchline conversion from Byrne further established Leinster’s authority, a Stormers side containing a host of players who have been capped by South Africa at Test level eventually came to life with a Ben Loader try in the 21st minute.

In the wake of a successful bonus strike from Springbok star Manie Libbok reducing their advantage to three points, Leinster suffered a double blow when Liam Turner and Luke McGrath were both withdrawn through injury – the latter was later reported to be in good spirits after being stretchered off wearing a precautionary neck brace.

However, James Lowe was joining Sheehan in returning from a recent injury absence and he put the dynamic front-row through for his 37th provincial try at the very end of the opening period.

After a wayward conversion attempt by Byrne meant Leinster brought a 15-7 buffer into the interval, Leinster ultimately created further daylight when All Blacks star Jordie Barrett touched down during an otherwise scrappy third-quarter of action.

This put Leinster within reach of a bonus point and after he gathered a delicate kick towards the left-wing from Lowe at the beginning of the final-quarter, Sheehan made no mistake with another clinical finish over the line.

Osborne matched Sheehan’s try-scoring efforts with his second of the tie on the stroke of 70 minutes and even though Stormers bagged a late five-pointer from Evan Roos off a line-out move, it was a mere consolation for the South Africans in the end.

LEINSTER: H McErlean (W Connors 64); A Osborne, L Turner (C Tector 29), J Barrett, J Lowe; R Byrne, L McGrath (C Foley 39) (B Deeny 76)); J Boyle (P McCarthy 61), D Sheehan (J McKee 63), R Slimani (R McGuire 70); RG Snyman, B Deeny (D Mangan 55); A Soroka (J Culhane 60), S Penny, M Deegan.

DHL STORMERS: W Gelant; B Loader, R Nel, J Roche, L Zas; M Libbok (W Simelane 39), P De Wet (H Jantjies 63); A Vermaak (S Sithole 63), J Dweba (A-H Venter 53), N Fouche (B Harris 63); JD Schickerling (S Moerat 30), R Van Heerden; D Fourie (P De Villiers 63), B-J Dixon (M Theunissen 64), E Roos.

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU).

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United Rugby Championship: Dragons V Munster – The Irish Times – January 27 2025

Posted on January 26, 2025 by admin

Munster secure URC away win with six tries against Dragons

Ben O’Connor marks debut start for Munster with early try

Daire Walsh
URC: Dragons 19 Munster 38

Munster moved up to seventh in the United Rugby Championship table after recording a bonus point victory over Dragons at Rodney Parade on Saturday night.

Even though their spirited opponents finished the game with an unanswered haul of 14 points, the visiting Irish province ran in six tries over the course of the proceedings to give themselves a much-needed play-off boost.

It was a dream start to the action for Munster in Newport as Diarmuid Kilgallen – fresh on from scoring a brace against Northampton Saints in the pool stages of the European Champions Cup seven days earlier – got through for a third-minute try following excellent approach work from Tom Ahern.

While Gavin Coombes had a potential five-pointer ruled out by the TMO off a subsequent attack, the bustling backrow released flanker Alex Kendellen for a second Munster try on 16 minutes.

Making his first start for the province, Ben O’Connor marked the occasion with his maiden Munster try just two minutes after Kendellen had crossed the whitewash. The visitors were in a rampant mood and before the opening quarter had even elapsed, a penalty try ensured they were guaranteed to return with a bonus point to their name.

Although Dragons did their best to contain Munster for the remainder of the half, loosehead prop Dian Bleuler capped the final appearance of his short-team deal with Ian Costello’s men by claiming their fifth try on 32 minutes.

This helped Munster to establish a seemingly insurmountable 31-0 lead at the interval, but Dragons finally opened their account when frontrow Chris Coleman touched down shortly after the restart.

The province remained very much in control of their own destiny, however, and – moments after taking over from Kendellen on the openside – John Hodnett claimed their sixth try of the night on 53 minutes. Supplementing the brace of conversions that Billy Burns registered in the opening half, Tony Butler supplied the bonuses to this score to leave Munster all of 31 points in front.

Yet despite being rooted to the bottom of the URC table, Dragons deserve credit for continuing to battle until the bitter end in this contest. They received a let-off when Munster replacement Paddy Patterson had a try ruled out for a knock-on, but the Welsh club reduced their final deficit to 19 points courtesy of converted tries from Harry Wilson and Dane Blacker.

SCORING SEQUENCE – 2 mins: Kilgallen try 0-5; 16: Kendellen try, Burns con 0-12; 18:O’Connor try, Burns con 0-19; 19: Penalty try 0-26 32: Bleuler try 0-31; 41: Coleman try 5-31; 53: Hodnett try, Butler con 5-38; 67: Wilson try, Evans con 12-38; 73: Blacker try, Reed con 19-38.

DRAGONS: H Anderson; R Dyer, A Owen, H Ackerman, J Rosser; L Evans, M Lloyd; R Martinez, B Coghlan, C Coleman; J Davies, R Woodman; S Lewis-Hughes, D Lydiate, T Basham. Replacements: G Young for Basham (4 mins); D Kelleher-Griffiths for Martinez (9); H Wilson for Ackerman (36); D Blacker for Lloyd (41); J Benjamin for Coghlan, B Langton-Cryer for Woodman (both 50); P Latu for Coleman (60); W Reed for Evans (67).

MUNSTER: B O’Connor; S Daly, T Farrell, R Scannell, D Kilgallen; B Burns, E Coughlan; D Bleuler, D Barron, O Jager; F Wycherley, T Ahern; J O’Donoghue, A Kendellen, G Coombes. Replacements: T Butler for Farrell (24 mins); J Ryan for Jager (41); P Patterson for Daly, J Hodnett for Kendellen (both 50); B Gleeson for Burns (56); E O’Connell for Wycherley (60); D Sheahan for Barron (64); K Ryan for Bleuler (67).

Referee: G Gnecchi (FIR).

Posted in European Rugby | Comments Off on United Rugby Championship: Dragons V Munster – The Irish Times – January 27 2025