Rathnew happy to reach League final, but Championship remains the focus
Wicklow People
Speaking on behalf of the Rathnew management team, Mark Coffey cut an understandably pleased figure after his side booked their place in a Division One final; but he was understated as well, and it's clear he and his fellow management-team members are more focused on the action that will follow this League campaign.
Rathnew topped the table on 15 points, three clear of anyone else and more than enough to book a spot in the final against Éire Óg. Their opponents on Friday night, Baltinglass, will certainly have more man-power available to them in the County Championship, and it's hard to imagine last year's runners-up losing by a dozen points to anyone when the more-serious stuff gets underway. Coffey was keen to emphasis that.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cork boss Pat Ryan makes penalty admission after his side reclaim Munster title
Jubilant Cork boss Pat Ryan hailed his side's fighting qualities as they bounced back from a 16-point drubbing to take the Munster title. Limerick's long reign in the province is over after a dramatic penalty shootout saw their seven-in-a-row dreams dashed as Cork ran out 3-2 winners with the sides were deadlocked at 2-27 to 1-30 after extra time as Darragh Fitzgibbon's last gasp 65 saved a draw for the Rebels. It came just three weeks after Limerick destroyed them at the TUS Gaelic Grounds in the round robin phase, but they're now Munster champions for the first time since 2018. Ryan said: 'We didn't fight the last time we came up here and the lads, look, obviously they worked really hard, we fought really, really hard. 'It just took penalties to separate us and we're just delighted to get the trophy.' He added: 'We know that we're a really, really good team. But it's the same with every other team, there's loads of good teams out there and it's all about the attitude you bring and whether you're going to fight. 'We fought today really, really hard. We were missing a couple of fellas, a couple of bodies came on and sometimes that actually freshens up the team. 'I thought the lads came off the bench today and did a fantastic job. Robbie O'Flynn, Tommy O'Connell, Shane Kingston, I thought they were really, really good.' Cork scored three of the four penalties they took as Conor Lehane, Shane Kingston and Alan Connolly converted while Fitzgibbon saw his effort saved, though Ryan admitted they hadn't gone through a penalty routine collectively in the build-up to the game. 'None, none,' he said. "All the lads are practising a lot, I think. We had really, really good confidence in them. Eoin Downey probably practised more penalties than anyone.' Ryan has been at pains to keep a lid on the hype on Leeside this year, particularly when they stormed to a League title, and he said: "We won by penalties against a brilliant Limerick team. Do you know what I mean? 'This is just the start. This is just one thing. We move on to the All-Ireland series, the semi-finals. We know we're a really good team. 'We saw what we were like when we were not at it three weeks ago. Three or four weeks ago. That's all to play for. We're really looking forward to going to the Leinster final.' Ahead of an All-Ireland semi-final on July 5 as Limerick head for a quarter-final, Ryan added: "This is one less game. This is probably three or four weeks off. It's probably going to take a bit of managing now. That's something that we haven't accounted for before. 'Limerick have plenty of experience of how they deal with that. That's your four weeks off to manage properly and probably get a bit of advice from fellas that have done it before.'
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
This is how fans can apply for tickets for the BKT URC Grand Final at Croke Park
Leinster's showdown with the Bulls in the URC Grand Final will take place at Croke Park next Saturday (kick-off 5pm). It will be the first meeting of the clubs in the decider, after both came through their semi-finals on Saturday afternoon. Leinster dismissed defending champions Glasgow Warriors 37-19 at the Aviva Stadium, while the Bulls saw off the Sharks 25-13 at Loftus Versfeld. The Bulls, who have beaten Leinster in two semi-finals in the last three seasons, must travel to Dublin as Leinster are the competition's first seeds after topping the League phase. The Bulls, who finished in second place, have lost two Grand Finals. Leinster - eight-time league champions - are striving for their first silverware since 2021. Supporters who want to get the best seats with a 10% early bird discount can register for a 24-hour pre-sale window that goes live on Sunday, June 8 at 10am by signing up at Once the pre-sale window ends at 9am on Monday, the general ticket sale will begin at 10am - with ticket prices starting from €20. The game will be broadcast live on TG4 and Premier Sports in Ireland.
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Rathnew happy to reach League final, but Championship remains the focus
Wicklow People Speaking on behalf of the Rathnew management team, Mark Coffey cut an understandably pleased figure after his side booked their place in a Division One final; but he was understated as well, and it's clear he and his fellow management-team members are more focused on the action that will follow this League campaign. Rathnew topped the table on 15 points, three clear of anyone else and more than enough to book a spot in the final against Éire Óg. Their opponents on Friday night, Baltinglass, will certainly have more man-power available to them in the County Championship, and it's hard to imagine last year's runners-up losing by a dozen points to anyone when the more-serious stuff gets underway. Coffey was keen to emphasis that.
