Leinster Senior Club Football Championship Final: Cuala V Ardee St Mary’s – The Irish Sun On Sunday – December 1 2024

Posted on December 1, 2024 by admin
CUAL DAY

Cuala manager reacts after his side withstand comeback bid by St Mary’s Ardee to claim first Leinster crown

It was one of their veterans who provided the winning score in injury-time
Daire Walsh

AUSTIN O’MALLEY was proud as punch at Croke Park last night after Cuala claimed a first Leinster SFC club title.

But they had to withstand a gallant fightback from Ardee outfit St Mary’s.

Nine points clear with 20 minutes played, the Dublin champions were pegged back when Ardee grabbed quickfire goals through Ryan Rooney and Seán Callaghan moments after Cuala’s Eoin Kennedy was black-carded.

But Cuala dug deep during a tense finish as forward Luke Keating knocked over an injury time free to shake off the Louth men.

And O’Malley said: “I’m just so proud of the guys there. That just went right to the wire and before the game I thought it would.

“We got a run on them in the first half. We had a cushion but the black card had obviously a major bearing on things in the second half.

“I knew that Ardee were going to come and they did.

“They clawed their way back and it’s just such a testament to the spirit of them and obviously the spirit of Louth football. It’s on an up at the moment as well.

“I’m so proud for our boys to hang in there and to not panic. To show the kind of mental resilience and resolve.

“We just kept going through the phases and found the final score there to see it out.

“I’m immensely proud and so delighted for the club. It’s just an amazing and historic night.”

After Michael Fitzsimons and Con O’Callaghan kicked points to supplement another from the latter’s brother Niall, Cuala put daylight between the teams when Conor O’Brien raised a green flag in the 15th minute.

Further points from Con O’Callaghan and Keating moved the Dalkey men into a 1-6 to 0-0 lead before Ardee came to life with three pointed frees from Ciarán Keenan, Jonathan Commins and Tiernan Markey.

But after a fisted point from Kennedy in time added on, Cuala brought a convincing 1-7 to 0-3 cushion into the interval.

The capital side remained in control during the initial stages of the second half.

But St Mary’s were offered a new lease of life when — after Keenan and Daire McConnon pointed — Kennedy was black-carded in the 46th minute.

While O’Malley’s side responded with a Niall O’Callaghan point, Ardee wiped out their deficit by the 50th minute at GAA HQ.

After sub Rooney bagged his side’s first goal of the night when Cuala keeper Ryan Scollard failed to hold on to a high delivery by Tadgh McDonnell, midfielder Callaghan also raised a green flag with a clinical finish.

That threw down the gauntlet to Cuala, who fired back with a Cal Doran point.

Keating also found the range during a hectic period but with Rooney splitting the uprights in a direct reply to both of these scores, Ardee threatened to pull off a sensational victory.

The prospect of extra-time loomed when Con O’Callaghan was short of the mark from a late free but Keating kept his composure to knock over a place-ball effort in injury time.

CUALA: R Scollard; D Conroy, M Fitzsimons 0-1, E O’Callaghan; E Kennedy 0-1, C McMorrow 0-1, D O’Dowd; P O Cofaigh Byrne, P Duffy; C Dunne, C O’Brien 1-1, C Doran 0-1; L Keating 0-3, 2f, N O’Callaghan 0-2, C O’Callaghan 0-4, 2f.

Subs: C O Giollain for Dunne 37 mins; M Conroy for D Conroy 43; C Groarke for O’Brien 43; S Mangan for O’Dowd 57.

ST MARY’S, ARDEE: T Markey 0-1f; T McDonnell 0-1, K Faulkner, E Keenan; J Commins 0-2, 1f, D McKenny, P McKenny; RJ Callaghan, S Callaghan 1-0; C Keenan 0-3f, L Jackson, K Moran; S Matthews, D McConnon 0-1, T Jackson.

Subs: R Carroll for Matthews 43 mins; R Rooney 1-2 for Moran 43; C Gillespie for Commins 53; R Leavy for RJ Callaghan 58.

REFEREE: S Mulhare (Laois).

Posted in Gaelic Football | Comments Off on Leinster Senior Club Football Championship Final: Cuala V Ardee St Mary’s – The Irish Sun On Sunday – December 1 2024

All-Ireland Senior Ladies Club Football Championship Semi-Final: Kilmacud Crokes V Castleisland Desmonds – Ladiesgaelic.ie – November 30 2024

Posted on December 1, 2024 by admin

Cotter leads the way as Kilmacud Crokes reach first AIB All-Ireland senior final

AIB All-Ireland SFC semi-final

Kilmacud Crokes 5-11

Castleisland Desmonds 1-5

By Daire Walsh

Niamh Cotter struck an excellent haul of 2-4 at Pairc de Burca as Kilmacud Crokes reached their first AIB All-Ireland senior club championship decider with an impressive victory over Castleisland Desmonds.

Amy Conroy, Michelle Davoren and Mia Jennings were also amongst the goals on a day when Crokes overcame a brace of semi-final defeats in the past two seasons to face the winners of tomorrow’s clash between defending champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne and Clann Eireann in this year’s final at Croke Park on December 14.

Playing on their home patch, the Stillorgan club stormed five points clear in the early exchanges after inter-county stars Ailbhe Davoren (Galway) and Lauren Magee (Dublin) kicked points either side of corner-forward Conroy clinically bagged the first goal of the game in the eighth-minute.

This threw down the gauntlet to Castleisland – who were captained by former Ireland women’s rugby international Ciara O’Sullivan (née Griffin) – but the Kerry outfit finally came to life when full-forward Julia Curtin fired home an excellent goal on 10 minutes.

Although their Dublin counterparts responded to this effort with a well-worked point by Michelle Davoren, Leah Griffin was on hand to raise a white flag for two-time All-Ireland senior champions Castleisland at the opposite end.

Aisling Leonard also found the range for the visitors, but with Grace Kós and Cotter (two) firing over in the closing stages of the opening period, Crokes brought a 1-6 to 1-2 cushion into the interval.

Even though Castleisland made a bright start to the second half with a point from Andrea Murphy, Crokes turned on the style for the remainder of the third-quarter.

When the Metropolitan women were awarded a penalty on 34 minutes, Cotter stepped up to the spot and ruthlessly dispatched the ball past Castleisland netminder Jennifer Drumm. This created significant daylight between the teams once again and after she had joined Conroy in adding an extra point to their personal tallies, Cotter registered her second goal of the action on the third-quarter mark.

This stretched a relentless Crokes into a seemingly insurmountable 11-point lead, before Michelle Davoren and Jennings claimed fourth and fifth goals for the south Dubliners in the 48th and 51st minutes.

Kingdom veterans Lorraine Scanlon and Eilis Lynch did kick points for Castleisland in the closing moments, but Cotter and Magee also found the target as Kilmacud eased their way into next month’s showpiece.

 Scorers – Kilmacud Crokes: N Cotter 2-4 (1-0 pen, 0-4f), A Conroy 1-2, M Davoren 1-1, M Jennings 1-0, L Magee 0-2, G Kós, A Davoren 0-1.

Castleisland Desmonds: J Curtin 1-0, L Scanlon 0-1 (f), E Lynch, A Murphy, A Leonard, L Griffin 0-1 each.

 KILMACUD CROKES: D Gower; N Carr, E Sweeney, P Greene; A Kane, M Lamb, K Murray; G Kós, L Magee; N Cotter, A Davoren, M Jennings; A Conroy, M Davoren, É Rutledge. Subs: S O’Donoghue for Kós (45), C Regan for Greene (50), D Egan for Conroy, L Kane for Jennings (both 51), C Moran for M Davoren (55).

CASTLEISLAND DESMONDS: J Drumm; H Herlihy, E Lynch, H Bourke; G Kearney, K O’Connor, C Lynch; L Scanlon, C O’Sullivan; A Curtin, A Murphy, A Leonard; L Walmsley, J Curtin, L Griffin. Subs: N Walsh for Bourke (37), K O’Connor for Curtin, K O’Sullivan for Griffin (both 48), H Murphy for Herlihy (53), R Cronin for Murphy (54).

 Referee: Brendan Rice (Down).

Posted in Ladies GAA | Comments Off on All-Ireland Senior Ladies Club Football Championship Semi-Final: Kilmacud Crokes V Castleisland Desmonds – Ladiesgaelic.ie – November 30 2024

Ireland Build-Up To Australia Home In Autumn Nations Series: Caelan Doris – The Irish Sun – November 30 2024

Posted on December 1, 2024 by admin
CIAN FAN

Caelan Doris reveals Cian Healy’s ‘unique & obscure’ methods that have him on cusp of breaking Brian O’Driscoll’s record

The Mayo native also spoke of the wider historical significance around today’s fixture
Daire Walsh

JOE SCHMIDT’S return to the Aviva Stadium has dominated the headlines this week — but Ireland captain Caelan Doris is not focused on that.

Andy Farrell’s men are keen to make it a 150th anniversary match to remember against Australia in their Autumn Nations Series finale.

Five years after handing the reins to Farrell — who worked alongside the Kiwi as an assistant coach from 2016 to 2019 — Schmidt returns this afternoon as Wallabies chief.

Australia are aiming to bounce back from a defeat to Scotland in Edinburgh last weekend.

Today also marks Farrell’s last game in charge as he leaves to focus on leading the Lions Down Under next year.

This showdown is also being billed as a 150th anniversary game for the IRFU.

And Leinster No  8 Doris has revealed the historic element to the game has been a talking point.

The skipper said: “The history has been touched on quite a bit — not just this week, but generally it’s something we talk about.

“The legacy of Irish rugby and how the success of teams in the past inspired us to play and how we want to inspire the next generation through how we play.

“It is talked about quite a bit and the jersey definitely means a lot to us. It’s important and it serves as an extra motivation for us.”

Today’s game will see Cian Healy become Ireland’s most-capped player, provided he is sprung from the bench by Faz.

The prop became Leinster’s record appearance holder — with 282 caps — when the Blues faced the Dragons in the URC at the end of September.

And ahead of what Healy, 37, hopes is his 134th Ireland outing, Doris waxed lyrical about his provincial and international pal.

Healy — a keen artist — made his bow for Ireland against the Wallabies at Croke Park in 2009.

And Doris said: “He’s a great fella and is very popular among the squad.

“We were actually watching some of his highlights during the week from his debut against Australia, funnily enough in Croke Park, and 134 caps is just wild.

“I think that’s in large part a testament to how well he looks after himself.

“I had the pleasure of rooming with him in Ireland for about four years and he’s up to all sorts of tricks in terms of his recovery.

“He is sometimes sleeping on the ground with his legs elevated.

“He is sleeping on acupressure mats, does mindfulness and even has all sorts of cold showers.

“He does loads of stretching and it has stood to him in terms of his body and the ability to stay going at this age.

“He is very much his own man as well. People were saying during the week how he hasn’t changed a lot since when he first came in.

“He’s got his own unique and obscure hobbies and does his own thing off the pitch.

“He’s true to himself, which is a good thing.”

DEFINING DAY

While he led Ireland against Italy and South Africa earlier this year, Doris’ first game after being officially named captain was in the Autumn Nations opening loss to New Zealand earlier this month.

Farrell’s men went down 23-13 to the All Blacks at the Aviva but the Mayo man has since guided his team to victories over Argentina and Fiji.

And Doris knows this afternoon’s clash is likely to define how this November window is going to be viewed.

With that in mind, he is hopeful the Green Army can sign off on 2024 with victory at Lansdowne Road.

Doris explained: “We have the chance to go three from four and improve our performance.

“A lot lies on this weekend in terms of the success of the autumn for us and how that’s viewed in terms of how we get our performance right.

“The first meeting when we came in this autumn was about continual growth and improvement, and players trying to take it to another level.

“Other teams are getting better. We’re not playing South Africa but you can see their improvements through the year and we need to be doing the same.

“I think we showed that in the first half against Argentina.

“We showed that at times last week against Fiji but we definitely need to show it again this week.”

With Munster’s Tadhg Beirne and Leinster’s Josh van der Flier lining up with Doris for the third time in four games, Ireland have a settled back row.

AUSSIE EDGE?

But Aussie trio Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson are a formidable combination.

And the Ireland skipper is expecting a robust challenge — having faced Valetini in a 13-10 win two years ago in Dublin.

Doris added: “Harry Wilson is obviously their captain and he’s a pretty talismanic figure for them.

“Fraser McReight is class at No 7 and I think he’s got a pretty varied skill set and gets lots of turnovers.

“Rob Valetini is a very hard runner. He is a big physical presence and hits hard. I remember tackling him here back in 2022.

“He’s a big man and he is a hard man to take down. We’ll have our hands full with them.”

Posted in International Rugby | Comments Off on Ireland Build-Up To Australia Home In Autumn Nations Series: Caelan Doris – The Irish Sun – November 30 2024

The Big Interview: Nicola Ward (Galway/Kilkerrin-Clonberne) – Media West Ireland – November 30 2024

Posted on November 30, 2024 by admin

‘Overwhelmed’ Nicola Ward seeking club silver lining

By Daire Walsh

She has secured her share of individual and collective accolades down through the years, but Galway and Kilkerrin-Clonberne star Nicola Ward has admitted to being ‘really overwhelmed’ with winning the TG4 Senior Players’ Player of the Year earlier this month.

Already on the stage at The Bonnington Dublin Hotel earlier this month after being named on the All-Star team alongside three of her fellow county women, Ward was taken by surprise when it was announced that she had seen off the challenges of Kayleigh Cronin (Kerry) and Lauren McConville (Armagh) to take the prestigous accolade.

Due to the fact her twin sister Louise was nominated for an All-Star, and her close friend and club-mate Olivia Divilly was named in the team alongside the dynamic centre half-back, Ward was able to celebrate with those nearest and dearest to her on the night.

“It was a shock,” Ward acknowledged. “Especially being up against the two girls, Lauren and Kayleigh. They had such brilliant years with their respective counties as well.

“It’s not something that I expected for sure, but I was delighted to get it. It’s a massive honour and especially as well that it was chosen by the players. I think it made it extra special, but I was just really overwhelmed with it to be honest,”

“Louise was nominated and Olivia Divilly, who is one of my good friends. It was a great night for our family. Mum and Dad are very proud and the club is very proud as well. It was a special night.”

A couple of months before picking up her first All-Star in 2019, Ward was part of a Galway team that fell short to Dublin in an All-Ireland final. It was a similar scenario for the 28-year-old this year as the recent awards banquet was preceded by the Tribeswomen’s defeat to Kerry in their latest Brendan Martin Cup decider appearance at GAA HQ.

While she was understandably disappointed to finish second best in an All-Ireland inter-county showpiece for the second time in her career, Ward ultimately looks upon 2024 as a year of progress for Galway.

“I would definitely see the year as progress. We had a poor league campaign and then after that really we kind of didn’t look back. We went on to retain the Connacht title and then built good confidence from that. Then obviously we got past a quarter-final stage, which hasn’t happened [for a while].

“We’ve fallen at quarter-final stages to Meath and to Mayo in the previous two years by a point. To break down that barrier that day [against Dublin], it was great. There’s a lot to take from the year and I would hope that we would carry it into next year.

You can fully expect that Ward will persevere in the maroon of her native county, given the way she had to overcome some frustrating days out with Kilkerrin-Clonberne before they went on to establish themselves as one of the most formidable club teams in the land.

After falling to a number of defeats in the last-four of the competition, they eventually reached the final of the AIB All-Ireland senior club championship in the winter of 2019.

Kilkerrin-Clonberne lost out agonisingly by a single point to defending champions Mourneabbey on that occasion in the TUS Gaelic Grounds, before turning the tables on the Cork outfit in the 2021 decider – which was played in January 2022 at St Brendan’s Park in Birr.

The Galway and Connacht supremos went on from there to add a further brace of Dolores Tyrrell crowns courtesy of final wins over Donaghmoyne (Monaghan) and Ballymacarbry (Waterford) with Ward’s father Willie at the managerial helm for all three of these national successes.

“He managed us at senior level back a good few years ago. He took a break and then came back four years ago. He’s still going strong at the minute. It’s lovely. We can bounce ideas off him from a players’ perspective and if he’s not happy with things, we can bring it back to the girls.”

Having become the first team from either Galway or Connacht to secure three senior All-Ireland titles on the bounce last December, Kilkerrin-Clonberne have their sights set on remaining at the top of the club ladder.

Yet with the three teams they have defeated to claim those All-Ireland crowns (Mourneabbey, Donaghmoyne and Ballymacarbry) all being knocked out in their respective county championships this year, Ward and her playing colleagues aren’t taking anything for granted.

Armagh and Ulster champions Clann Eireann will be seeking to dethrone their western counterparts in an All-Ireland senior semi-final showdown on their home patch tomorrow afternoon, but Ward (who started a new job as a production planning analyst with Coca Cola Ballina Beverages in February) is more than hopeful Kilkerrin-Clonberne can rise to the occasion.

“It’s a lot easier being the chaser than the ones being chased. Plenty of teams are coming for us and trying to knock us back, but the good thing about us is that we’re aware of that and we don’t want to give up what we have,” Ward added.

“Because over the last number of years we’ve brought great joy to our community and it has been a golden era for us, that we’ve had such top class players all come through at the same time. We’re definitely not looking to give the crown to someone else any time soon.”

Posted in Ladies GAA | Comments Off on The Big Interview: Nicola Ward (Galway/Kilkerrin-Clonberne) – Media West Ireland – November 30 2024

Leinster Build-Up To Ulster Away In United Rugby Championship: Will Connors – The42.ie – November 29 2024

Posted on November 30, 2024 by admin

Connors seeks more big Leinster starts in near future after recent trip down Memory Lane

The 28-year-old recently trained with the province at both his former school and his boyhood club on the same day.

IN THE MIDDLE of the five-week period that has separated Leinster’s triumph over Emirates Lions at the Aviva Stadium on 26 October and their interprovincial clash with Ulster in Belfast this evening, Will Connors found himself taking two swift journeys down Memory Lane.

As part of their 12 County Tour, Leinster Rugby held a gym session within the grounds of Connors’ alma mater – the Clane-based Clongowes Wood College – on the morning of 12 November. Later on the same day, Leo Cullen’s squad travelled roughly 15 minutes down the road for an open training session at North Kildare RFC, where the 28-year-old flanker originally got a taste for the oval ball game as a youngster.

Located between the towns of Maynooth and Kilcock, this club also boasts Irish internationals Devin Toner and Bob Casey amongst its list of past players, and Connors was delighted to return there with his provincial colleagues in tow.

“It’s a special moment to get back to your home club and I was fortunate enough to do it. I said before, every kid has the dream of playing for Leinster or playing for Ireland. I suppose it starts on those cold Wednesday nights in places like North Kildare,” Connors said at a Leinster media briefing earlier this week.

“Even if you had the €2 in your sock going off to get your jellies after the game. It was class. Even to marry it with the school as well, going to Clongowes: there’s a lot of proud days when you get to play for Leinster and you get to play for Ireland, but that will definitely stick in the memory as one of the better days I’ve had.”

While Connors hasn’t played a first-team game for Leinster since starting their United Rugby Championship win against Connacht at Dexcom Stadium on 19 October, he has nevertheless seen some game time in recent weeks.

The province have been using a certain number of senior players in the ongoing IRFU ‘A’ Interprovincial Championship and the Kildare man was selected at openside flanker for their round one victory over Connacht Eagles in Creggs RFC a little under a fortnight ago.

Connors (who picked up the last of his nine Ireland senior caps to date against Scotland in the 2021 Six Nations) will also be occupying the number seven jersey in Kingspan Stadium tonight, when Leinster will be aiming to further cement their current status as URC pace-setters.

Their latest Interpro bout in Ravenhill is also a perfect opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection in Leinster’s European Champions Cup Pool 2 opener away to Bristol Bears on Sunday week – albeit Connors is aware Leo Cullen and his fellow provincial coaches will also be keeping a close eye on Ireland’s duel with Australia in the Aviva Stadium tomorrow.

“I think we’re fortunate enough that this is such a big game. Obviously the lads will be playing Australia and that’s going to be another massive game. The lead into this Bristol game, I think there will be two heavy-hitting games this weekend.

“We’ll see how selection goes then over the next couple of weeks, but every opportunity you get with the Leinster jersey on, you want to put your best foot forward.”

Like most positions in the team, there is fierce competition for the openside flanker spot within the Leinster squad. As well as 2022 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year Josh van der Flier, Connors also has to contend with the reliable Scott Penny in his bid to establish himself as the eastern province’s number seven of choice.

Yet the Donadea native has shown increased flexibility within the past 12 months as he started three consecutive games at blindside flanker in last season’s URC campaign. This run of fixtures saw Connors finally getting the chance to play alongside the aforementioned Penny and if called upon at any point in the current term, he will be more than willing to don the number six jersey for Leinster.

“I loved being out there with another 7. When I’m playing out there with Scott, it’s like you’re singing off the same hymn sheet. You’re both trying to get involved and I really like that balance in the back-row,” Connors added.

“Hopefully going forward there will be games where we can get two 7s out on the pitch, but we’ll see. I’d love to keep playing in the big games whatever way that happens, but it’s all about me putting my best foot forward. Trying to impress for selection.”

Daire Walsh

Posted in European Rugby | Comments Off on Leinster Build-Up To Ulster Away In United Rugby Championship: Will Connors – The42.ie – November 29 2024

Ireland Build-Up To Australia Home In Autumn Nations Series: Andy Farrell – The Irish Sun – November 29 2024

Posted on November 30, 2024 by admin
GAST CRAIC

Andy Farrell insists Sam Prendergast ‘deserves it’ as starlet set for landmark Ireland start against Australia

Farrell spoke out about Jack Crowley’s place in the team
Daire Walsh

ANDY FARRELL declared that Sam Prendergast fully merits being selected at No 10 again for Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series finale against Australia tomorrow.

And as he prepared for his last game in charge before taking a break from Ireland commitments to focus on the Lions, Farrell says the Aviva Stadium clash against a revitalised Wallabies side will act as a ‘good part’ of the development of rookies such as Leinster man Prendergast.

After making his debut off the bench in the narrow win over Argentina a fortnight ago, Prendergast, 21, was handed a first start when Faz’s men comfortably defeated Fiji last weekend.

Despite being sent to the sin bin just seven minutes into the contest for a high tackle on Jiuta Wainiqolo, the Kildare native returned to the field of play following a bunker review and ended the action with ten points off the tee.

And ahead of his third cap, Farrell said: “I think he deserves it. I thought he played pretty well against Fiji.

“He has trained pretty well over the course of this Autumn Series so there’s another chance there to lead the week and grow in that manner. Obviously, there’s the opportunity to play in a big game along with a good side behind him.

“For the likes of himself and Gus McCarthy, and a few others actually, hopefully you combine all of that together and it kicks them on for the future.

“This isn’t just throwing someone in and hoping to get the best out of it.

“I suppose with the two young lads, this game won’t define them. It’ll be a good part of their development and that’s what you’re hoping for.”

Jack Crowley was rested last weekend after starting against New Zealand and Argentina and the Munster man has to be content with a spot among the replacements tomorrow for Irish Rugby’s 150th anniversary duel with a Wallabies team coached by former Ireland chief Joe Schmidt.

Farrell admitted Crowley is a player he wants to see more from, adding: “Jack’s played very well for us for a good while now, played in a lot of big games as well.

“So we know as far as that’s concerned what we’ve got, although there’s a lot of improving to be had and to be seen with Jack and Ciarán Frawley, etc.”

After shaking up his starting team against the Fijians, Farrell this week, as expected, reverts to a side closer to the ones that faced the All Blacks and Argentina.

From the side that lined out against the Pumas, only Crowley and centre Garry Ringrose are not named from the start this time around.

And joining them among the replacements is Cian Healy, who will become Ireland’s most-capped international player with 134 appearances if he is introduced to the fray.

While there was already a big deal made when the prop equalled Brian O’Driscoll’s haul of 133 caps in the Argentina game, Farrell stated that the camp will once again be doing their best to mark Healy’s remarkable longevity in the green jersey.

Healy, 37, made his Ireland debut in a 20-20 draw with the Wallabies at Croke Park in 2009 — a game that marked O’Driscoll’s 100th Test appearance.

The Ireland players were last night presented with the one-off jerseys that will be used for this 150th anniversary game.

Farrell added: “It’s a privilege for us because we talk about our history a lot in this type of position when it comes around on our shift.

“The 150th anniversary is a special place for us and then you combine it with what’s happening there with Cian.

“What a story, playing his debut 15 years ago against Australia. It’s fitting for both the Union and for Cian and his family, so a privileged type situation for us all to be involved in.”

Posted in International Rugby | Comments Off on Ireland Build-Up To Australia Home In Autumn Nations Series: Andy Farrell – The Irish Sun – November 29 2024

UEFA Conference League: Rapid Vienna V Shamrock Rovers – The Irish Times – November 29 2024

Posted on November 28, 2024 by admin

Shamrock Rovers take step closer to knockout stages with heroic draw in Vienna

Johnny Kenny scores equaliser as Irish team’s good run in Europe continues

Conference League: Rapid Wien 1 Shamrock Rovers 1 (Cvetković 9, Kenny 55)

Johnny Kenny struck a 55th-minute equaliser at Allianz Stadion on Thursday night as Shamrock Rovers edged a step closer to the knockout stages of the Uefa Conference League with an impressive draw against Rapid Vienna.

At 1-0 behind at the midway stage of the action courtesy of Nenad Cvetkovic’s deadlock breaker, the Hoops cancelled out the Austrian outfit’s lead when Kenny shook the net for his fifth European goal of 2024. This means that Stephen Bradley’s charges currently occupy 10th place in the competition’s league phase with just two games left to play, and with those positioned between 9th and 24th progressing into a play-off round at that point, Rovers are well on course to advance beyond the current phase of the Conference League.

Despite Kenny having an early shot off a breakaway move that drifted past the target, Rapid quickly set out their attacking stall in this encounter. Team captain Matthias Seidl and Mali midfielder Mamadou Sangare were both denied by the woodwork, before the home team eventually took the lead on nine minutes as centre-half Cvetkovic powered an unstoppable volley beyond of Hoops netminder Leon Pohls from a set-piece move.

This was very much a case of the home team’s persistence ultimately paying off and the travelling Rovers contingent breathed a sigh of relief when Rapid’s on-loan striker Dion Drena Beljo shot harmlessly wide from close-range in the 11th minute.

In stark contrast to his Hoops counterpart Pohls, Rapid custodian Niklas Hedl was largely untroubled during the opening period and Rovers – who had seven points to their name coming into this fixture – were facing into a one-goal deficit when the play resumed in Vienna.

The Hoops then looked set to suffer a further blow when referee Gergo Bogar awarded a penalty to Rapid five minutes into the second half. However, after he was asked to review the incident by video assistant referee Tamas Bognar, Bogar ultimately determined that Rovers midfielder Gary O’Neill hadn’t handled a ball into the area by Louis Schaub.

This helped the League of Ireland side to keep within touching distance of Rapid and they spectacularly found themselves on level terms five minutes later.

After racing impressively down the left wing, Josh Honohan delivered an enticing cross into the box, where Kenny was on hand to fire home his third goal of this league phase for the Dublin club.

This suddenly had Rovers within sight of another massive European result, but Rapid were once again denied by the crossbar when Beljo rose above Pohls to meet a Heidl corner from the left-hand side.

Yet the Tallaght men were playing with much greater intent in the second period and a snap shot by Kenny 11 minutes from the end bounced off the body of Hedl, before shaking the post and going behind for a corner.

The lively Kenny also forced a low save out of Hedl in the 87th minute after he turned sharply inside the final-third and while Rapid ended the contest with 68 per cent of the possession, a diligent defensive showing guided Rovers towards a share of the spoils.

RAPID VIENNA: Hedl; Bolla, Cvetkovic, Raux-Yao, Auer; Seidl (Wurmbrand, 88 mins), Grgic, Sangare, Schaub (Kaygin, 67 mins); Beljo, Burgstaller (Bischof, 67 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Pohls; Cleary, Lopes, Grace; Burns (Clarke, 88 mins), O’Neill (Nugent, 75 mins), Poom, Honohan; Watts (Byrne, 88 mins), Farrugia; Kenny.

Referee: G Bogar (Hungary).

Posted in European Football, League Of Ireland | Comments Off on UEFA Conference League: Rapid Vienna V Shamrock Rovers – The Irish Times – November 29 2024

Ireland Build-Up To Australia Home In Autumn Nations Series: Josh van der Flier – The Irish Sun – November 28 2024

Posted on November 28, 2024 by admin
JOE SHOW

Josh van der Flier pays tribute to ‘brilliant coach’ Joe Schmidt ahead of reuniting with ex-Ireland boss vs Australia

Schmidt was also Leinster head coach when the back row star joined the province’s academy set-up
Daire Walsh

JOSH VAN DER FLIER insists Ireland must stay focused ahead of their Autumn Nations Series finale against Australia.

The Six Nations holders face the Wallabies on Saturday afternoon looking to build on wins over Argentina and Fiji this month.

And they will be hoping to give Andy Farrell a big result before he takes charge of the Lions — with whom he faces three Tests against the Aussies next summer.

Simon Easterby is set to take over Ireland as interim chief in Farrell’s absence.

But Van der Flier believes the temporary departure of Farrell will have no bearing on Saturday’s clash at the Aviva — even though Ireland want to give him a win.

The Leinster ace said: “It’s not something we’re thinking of very much.

“I’m sure it’s interesting for him because he’ll be coaching against Australialate next year.

“But from our point of view, he’s our Irish coach and we’re fully in the week.

“Everyone is just so immersed in getting focused for this game and trying to play as well as we can.

“We’ll try and leave all the rest of the stuff up to other people to talk about.”

Boss Farrell served as an assistant to current Wales head coach Warren Gatland when the Lions toured Australia in 2013 and the tourists won the series 2-1.

The current Ireland supremo later worked with Joe Schmidt in the IRFU.

But in 2013, Schmidt was only just appointed to the role as Ireland chief after taking over from Declan Kidney. He is now in charge of the Wallabies — with 67-time Ireland cap Van der Flier looking forward to facing his former international boss on Saturday afternoon in Dublin 4.

Schmidt gave Wicklow man Van der Flier, 31, his Ireland bow against England in a 21-10 Six Nations defeat back in 2016.

While Matt O’Connor was in charge by the time Van der Flier made his senior debut for Leinster, Schmidt was also the Blues’ head coach when the back row star joined the province’s academy set-up.

He therefore knows the Kiwi as well as most within the Ireland fold.

And Van der Flier even has a fair idea of what to expect from the Wallabies in this weekend’s Autumn Nations Series clash.

He said: “Joe gave me my first Irish cap. When I came into the Leinster Academy he was my first coach.

“That was my first experience of fully professional rugby.

“He helped me a huge amount. His emphasis on detail, he goes above and beyond in that way.

“That attention to detail he shows was something I tried to develop into my game and he is a brilliant coach.

“I learned a huge amount from him.

“He has played a huge role in my career to date.

“We know Joe very well. They will be well organised, we all know that.

“We saw his trick-plays from our side and the way he sets up the team to beat the opposition.

“It will be a bit different and we will be expecting a few trick-plays and a well-drilled side.

“The individuals as well, they have a lot of very good players throughout their team. They have some lads who can disrupt our ball pretty well.

“They have some good individuals who will make big tackles.

“I’m expecting quite a physical game with good attacking play from them.”

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Australia Build-Up To Ireland Away In Autumn Nations Series: Laurie Fisher – The Irish Examiner – November 28 2024

Posted on November 27, 2024 by admin

Ireland winger Mack Hansen ‘definitely one that got away’ for Australia

Australia assistant coach Laurie Fisher thinks Mack Hansen was given “freedom to play and be himself” in Ireland whereas Down Under, “there was more of a straitjacket on him”.
DAIRE WALSH

While Joe Schmidt is understandably seen as the man with the inside track, there is another member of the Australian backroom team for this Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series encounter who has in-depth knowledge of some of those within the Ireland camp.

A native of Canberra, Laurie Fisher was appointed as forwards coach of Munster in the summer of 2008 and remained there for a total of three years. Paul O’Connell was a key player during this period, while Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray were beginning to make significant strides towards the end of Fisher’s spell in the province.

Whereas O’Connell and Fisher will be assistant coaches for their respective nations in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, O’Mahony and Murray are hoping to be included in Ireland’s match day 23 for the game after making two appearances apiece to date in the November test window. Amongst a select group of players to have represented Ireland on more than 100 occasions, Fisher always had a sense that the Munster duo would go on to become stars of the international arena.

“You always knew that barring injury they were going to play for Ireland. The fact that they’re still doing it 13 or 14 years later is pretty remarkable for both of those gentlemen,” Fisher said.

“They’ve had wonderful careers, but very different players. I’ve followed them closely and enjoyed what they’ve contributed to Irish rugby and world rugby. It has really been remarkable from both those players.”

Another player that Fisher has been keeping a close eye on in more recent times is current Ireland winger Mack Hansen. Before joining Connacht in 2021, Hansen spent three years with Super Rugby outfit the Brumbies – with whom Fisher was working as a forwards coach at the time.

Despite acknowledging that he’s one that got away from an Australian rugby perspective, Fisher is nevertheless pleased to see his fellow Canberra man flourishing so strongly within the Irish system.

“He’s definitely one that got away. We made a good offer to Mack at the Brumbies, but there was no guarantee that he’d start here or play there. We invested a lot of time in Mack as an 18-year-old coming in through the academy system, to developing him to have the capacity then to come here to perform for Connacht and then Ireland.

“Disappointing to lose him, but again you’ve just got to smile when you see people succeed in whatever environment on the world stage. It’s wonderfully rewarding to see a kid who spent four years in our system excel where he’s excelling.

“We would have loved to have kept him, but he had got an opportunity over here and he’s shown what capacity he had. I think he just had the freedom to play and be himself over here and maybe felt there was more of a straitjacket on him at home.

“He’s a free spirit, a wonderfully talented player and given the right environment he’s shown what he’s capable of producing.”

When Fisher signed off on his time in Munster with a victory in the 2011 Magners League Grand Final at Thomond Park, Joe Schmidt was in the opposition corner as head coach of Leinster. Fast forward 13 years and the duo find themselves working together within the Australian set-up.

Although the Wallabies have had some difficult results over the course of the 12 games he’s been in charge for, the vibes surrounding the team since Schmidt officially assumed control of the reins in March of this year have been largely positive.

While his present contract with Rugby Australia only runs up to the end of the British & Irish Lions Tour of the nation in the summer of 2025 – he revealed recently he will make a call next month on whether or not he will extend this deal – Fisher would be more than happy for Schmidt to remain with the Wallabies beyond this point.

“I think it would be great for Australian rugby. He’s a class act and he’s making a huge difference,” Fisher added, “but he’s got other things and he’ll make decisions around whatever’s happening in his life. Whichever way it goes, I wish him all the best.”

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Ireland Build-Up Piece To Australia Home In Autumn Nations Series: Paul O’Connell – The Irish Sun – November 27 2024

Posted on November 27, 2024 by admin
POC PRAISE

Paul O’Connell hails Joe Schmidt’s coaching clarity ahead of Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series clash with Australia

Ireland boss Farrell takes a break to lead the Lions next year
Daire Walsh

PAUL O’CONNELL could be forgiven for feeling confused at the Aviva on Saturday.

The Ireland forward coach will be saying farewell Farrell and hello Joe.

The showdown with Schmidt’s Australia will be Ireland’s final match before head coach Faz takes a break to lead the Lions next year to  take on  . . . Schmidt’s Australia.

O’Connell was a key figure for Leinster’s arch rivals Munster during the Kiwi’s time in charge of the Blues.

When the former teacher stepped up to the Ireland hotseat.

The Limerick lock captained two of Schmidt’s three Six Nations title-winning sides before his retirement in 2015. Schmidt then left Ireland in 2019 and was succeeded by his assistant Farrell.

Having led the Green Army to a historic win over New Zealand, he became attack coach with his native country and was part of the set-up when the All Blacks knocked Ireland out of the World Cup in last year’s quarter-finals.

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