Malachy O'Rourke says Tyrone have been ‘well warned' of ‘impressive' Kerry ahead of semi-final showdown
Kerryman
They were the fifteen minutes which rocked the GAA world.
Hyperbole? Maybe… maybe not. Either way they were fifteen minutes which would have made any of the remaining teams in the All-Ireland series sit up and take notice.
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Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
How Munster's LGBT+ sports clubs are helping athletes find acceptance and belonging
One of my earliest memories of sport is hiding in our chicken coop on a Saturday morning to avoid hurling training. I was an active child but not a sporty one. In the early 2000s there weren't many options for sport outside of hurling and football for children to get into. It was a highly masculine space, dads shouting at us from the sideline, men close to the same age as I am now – it was pretty intimidating to a boy that already felt like he didn't belong in this space. I entered my teen years and early adulthood convinced sport wasn't for me. Now I'm a member of the Irish Triathlon team. So, what changed? Becoming more comfortable and finally embracing my sexuality was pivotal for me. A huge step on this journey was joining an LGBT+ swimming club, Out to Swim, where I live and work in London. Creating an environment within sport clubs is imperative to encouraging not only members of the LGBT+ community into the world of sport but everyone, whether you're a woman who is intimidated by the traditional 'macho' vibes of a rugby or GAA club, or a gay man who may struggle to find a sense of belonging or understanding within a predominantly heterosexual sporting club. Micheál Costello, training in Battersea Park, London. It is in everyone's best interests, including sporting clubs and their athletes, to open their doors to people from every background and make us all feel welcome. That being said, LGBT+ specific clubs play a hugely important role in sport the world over, including in Ireland. The fact that I'm often asked to speak about being a gay long-distance triathlete, and other more illustrious athletes like Katie McCabe and Olympian Jack Woolley are often asked to speak about their experience, is a sign that we're still an anomaly and being out in sport is 'brave'. The ability to access LGBT+ spaces in sport is something I didn't hold in high regard until I joined Out to Swim. Before joining the club just over seven months ago, I had my triathlon, my coach and I thought I was set. However, as soon as the nerves surrounding my first session with Out to Swim subsided, the sense of belonging and comfort I felt was truly special. Micheál Costello marching in London Pride. It is a fact that the majority of LGBT+ people either feel like they have to, or are forced to announce their sexuality and/or gender identity the second they step into a sporting context. Heading into the pool with a beautiful group of people running the gamut of the LGBT+ spectrum was such a weight lifted off my shoulders, a weight I didn't even know was there. Like any group of people, we're all different, we come from a variety of backgrounds, countries and cultures, but there is one commonality between us all and that is that we know what it is to feel different and excluded, and we all hold a huge appreciation of the happiness inclusion in sport brings. Up and down Ireland, there are clubs from runners, to rugby players, to GAA changing the sporting fabric of Ireland through their dedication to including LGBT+ people in sport. Sitting down to chat with some of these athletes struck a chord with me. Within every quote they echo that feeling of belonging and the continued importance of feeling included in a society that, sadly, can feel like it is becoming increasingly divided. Cork Frontrunners and Brisk Walkers Jack Mulcahy, Rónan Murray and Emma Harrington of Frontrunners and Briskwalkers, Cork out for a run on the Marina, Cork. Picture: David Creedon Cork-based LGBT+ running and walking club. They've been in existence since October 2018 and are growing. Rónan Murray — club secretary I was never interested in sport when I was younger, partially because I felt out of place among all straight teams. I joined FRBW Cork a year and a half ago, and I have been flourishing ever since. There is an amazing and supportive community, and I finally feel more at home. I have become an avid runner, have since completed five half marathons and a full marathon, and I am currently training for more! Sport has become such a huge part of my life, something which I never imagined would have happened without the safe space provided by the club. Jack Mulcahy — PRO Being a part of the club has given me a chance to improve my fitness and friendships with other queer people in a way that always makes me excited to show up to the next run. The support, laughter, and shared pride make even the toughest runs all the more rewarding. With FRBW I've made friends for life and I'm incredibly grateful to have access to a group of friends where being gay is the norm. Emma Harrington — athlete Joining the Frontrunners a year ago has been a gateway to making new friends in the queer community since moving back home after living abroad for six years. It has given me a space where I can truly be myself, both as a runner and as a member of the queer community. The club has made the transition back feel far less isolating and much more welcoming. More than just a run club, it's a support network that extends well beyond fitness, offering connection, encouragement, and a genuine sense of belonging. Sarsfields Rugby Club Sarsfields Rugby chairperson Dave Cuddihy proudly sporting his team kit This Limerick-based rugby club is the Midwest's first LGBT+ inclusive rugby project. They launched at Limerick Pride in July 2022 and have since grown into one of the largest LGBT+ social/sports groups in Limerick. Dave Cuddihy — chairperson If you told me four years ago that I'd be part of a rugby team I would have told you that you were mad! Team sports was always something that I considered out of my comfort zone and that was engrained in my brain from the culture and stereotypical 'macho' nature of teams growing up, it was not me, I didn't fit into that culture. Since joining Sarsfields I have realised that I can be a part of a team, and I have found my place there. Sarsfields came at a time where I was a bit lost on my path, friends were all moving away for work and I found myself questioning whether I actually belonged in Limerick anymore. Sarsfields changed all of that. Now I am part of a 70+ member sports group and have found a completely new lease of life. Sarsfields became more than just a rugby club, it became a community to me. The beauty of the club is that we have people of all abilities, all genders, all sexualities, but no one actually cares as long as you're sound. We have straight members who joined the team because they felt the 'typical' club environment didn't suit them. They love being involved because no one questions their situations — everyone is too busy getting on with our new love of rugby. There is so much to be learned from the likes of Sarsfields and our counterparts across the country in the likes of Cork Hellhounds, Emerald Warriors, Belfast Azlans and all the other inclusive clubs across their disciplines. Na Laochra Aeracha Na Laochra Aeracha - taking pride in their place in sport. Cork's first openly LGBT+ inclusive GAA club Dean Kinsella — co-founder and vice chairperson Many team sports clubs and organisations have a reputation for enforcing heteronormative behaviour and often are seen as being outright discriminative towards LGBT+ people. The reality however is very different. A recent survey of players from several amateur and professional sports clubs revealed that although the majority of players were unaware of LGBT+ people on their team, the overwhelming majority of them would welcome and support an LGBT+ player. Dean Kinsella, co-founder and vice-chairperson of Na Laochra Aeracha GAA Club Times are changing, and attitudes are not what they once were. Although there is an increasing amount of LGBT+ inclusive sports clubs around, much more can be done to create these safe spaces and promote visibility of LGBT+ people in sports. Increased visibility creates increased awareness, which leads to better understanding and a more supportive and inclusive community, not just across the LGBT+ community but also across our sporting community. Deirbhile Lynch — GAA player Joining Na Laochra Aeracha may have been a step outside of my comfort zone, but it was the best decision I have made in my adult life, enabling me to pursue my passion for GAA and expand my social circle. Queer spaces such as this are vital for ensuring that members of the LGBT+ community feel represented and respected in the sports world, in which we have long been hidden. Deirbhile Lynch, a passionate GAA player with Na Laochra Aeracha. The club continuously fills me with pride as we grow in numbers, improve our abilities and support one another during training. Whatever your background or experience in GAA, our team will welcome you! Read More Vanishing act: The realities and impacts of ghosting on those left behind
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kenny raves about St Pat's ace and lauds 'incredible football intelligence'
Stephen Kenny has hailed Jay McClelland for stepping out from the shadows and into the European spotlight for St Pat's. McClelland was the Saints man-of-the-match in Thursday's tense 1-0 Conference League win over nine-man Kalju, a result that puts St Pat's in control going to Estonia. And if they hold their rivals at bay on Thursday, the Inchicore men will face the loser of the Europa League tie between Besiktas and Shakhtar Donetsk. As it stands, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Besiktas are the most likely opponents as they lost Thursday's first-leg 4-2 at home. McClelland, 28, has been at St Pat's since 2020 but hasn't always been a starter and when he does play, he could be deployed in any number of positions. Lately, the attacking midfielder has been playing at left-back but has also popped up on the left wing and in the middle of the park. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . But Kenny has hailed McClelland's professionalism for refusing to cave when opportunities were hard to come by, after becoming a key man in Europe this year. Ex-Ireland boss Kenny said: 'No, he hasn't (always been a starter), and hasn't always been in the squad - he's been in the stand in the past. He's had to bide his time but he's just having a run of form and his innate football intelligence is incredible. St Pat's Jay McClelland and Daniil Tarassenkov of Kalju (Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne) 'He can see great pictures and has the technical ability to execute really intelligent passes and crosses. He's a very intelligent player. The physicality maybe wasn't his strongest point but he has adapted that to his game to help him play there. 'He's worked on aspects of his game which weren't his strongest points where you might get exposed as a left-back, in your one-on-one defending and your heading. 'He's got much better at those facets of the game and his distribution is very inventive. It's a competitive area for us. Anto Breslin has never let us down, he's always been a terrific full-back at the club. 'At the start of the season we probably wouldn't have factored Jason playing at left-back but when people take their opportunity you have to reward that.' McClelland only started five league games last season - he came on another 16 times - but already has 12 Premier Division starts this year from his 21 league appearances. At no stage since Kenny took charge 14 months ago has the Dubliner ever knocked on the manager's door demanding to leave. St. Patrick's Athletic's Jay McClelland (Image: ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy) Kenny said: 'He was out of contract last year but I made it clear to him that I wanted him to stay. His versatility is important. Even when he's not in the team, he's super fit and that's a challenge because players find it hard to stay at the level when they're not in the team- they get demoralised.' Ryan McLaughlin, the former Liverpool and Northern Ireland player, is another who has stepped up to snatch a starting role. He was behind Axel Sjoberg as Kenny's right-back option, but has now wrestled the shirt off the Swede. Kenny continued: 'Ryan and Jason didn't start any of the European games last year and they're in the positions now. "You see the passing, Ryan to Jason and then Jason back to Ryan. You don't see that much in matches, those touchline to touchline passes from full-backs. But Ryan has that in his locker and the in-joke in the group is that he showed Trent Alexander-Arnold how to do it! Meanwhile, Kenny won't rule out signing a midfielder before Monday's 11pm transfer deadline for contracted players, as Romal Palmer remains on the long-term list. But Chris Forrester is nearing a return to the starting line-up after stepping up his comeback from injury of late, and scoring the all-important late winner against Kalju. Kenny said of Forrester: 'He's been a great player, a regular in nearly all of my games since I took over but he was out for eight weeks. 'That's two months and you can lose a lot. He needs to work hard. He's had a few weeks' training and is coming on so he definitely comes into our thoughts.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Bowling: Shane Crowley retains Munster U18 title
Shane Crowley retained his Munster U18 road bowling crown in a show of power and awe against Cathal Creedon at Bantry. Once he hit his stride with his huge second bowl, he quickly took control. Creedon had opened with a brilliant bowl, straight over the sop, towards McSweeney's lane. Crowley's reply was well right of his sop. That handed, what turned out to be, the only lead of the night to Creedon. Crowley wiped out the deficit immediately with his second throw. Creedon did well to miss that by just eight metres. Creedon's next bowl broke left, but still reached McSweeney's farm. Crowley beat that by 70m. That turned into almost a bowl of odds when Creedon beat it by just 45m with his next fourth shot. Crowley was now in full flight. He delivered a searing bowl up the middle towards Harrington's that put him well over a bowl in front. His next one was below par, but he immediately clicked back into top gear. A sensational sixth bowl to light at Casey's cross pushed him two bowls clear. Even a beauty from Creedon past Cronin's cross, could do little to stem the tide. Crowley followed with another massive bowl past the hedge and that brought the curtain down on the contest. Eoghan Kelly was an impressive Munster U14 winner. He defeated last year's All-Ireland U12 champion, Fionán Twohig, by two bowls of odds. This final followed a very similar narrative to the U18 final. Twohig opened with a huge bowl to win the first tip comfortably. Kelly then got a great second bowl, which won him a big lead. He was never again headed. He increased his lead with a great third throw towards the crush. He then produced the score defining bowl. It scorched down the left and ran all the way to Cronin's cross. That catapulted him two bowls clear. It also closed off almost any chance of Twohig regaining a foothold in the score. Still Twohig managed to contain the odds. He had it back to an even two bowls of odds after nine and 11 to the fuchsias past McSweeney's farm. That was as close as he got as Kelly increased his lead again in the run-in.
