Inside a chaotic press conference: Holtz's silence over selecting convicted domestic abuser Gerson Rodrigues speaks volumes
Luc Holtz is the second longest-serving international manager in European football, so clearly a man with experience. Before Ireland last visited Luxembourg, he said that Stephen Kenny's team had somehow abandoned their principles and reverted to a 'British' style of play, while after the game – a 3-0 win for Ireland – he hit out at the 'unsporting behaviour of the staff of Ireland' at the final whistle.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
'I'm unable to finish out this season' - Rhasidat Adeleke to miss world championships
Rhasidat Adeleke will not compete in the upcoming World Atheltics Championships in Tokyo after announcing that her 2025 season is over after recent injury setbacks. The 22-year old had qualified for the World Championships in both the 200m and 400m but had struggled to replicate the form of previous seasons over the course of the summer. In a post on Instagram, she said that she was unable to complete the season and would be taking the rest of the year off to recover. "This season has tested me in more ways than I ever anticipated," Adeleke wrote. "Lingering injuries and continuous setbacks made it increasingly difficult to train and perform at the level I expect from myself. "Following yet another recent roadblock, I'm saddened to share that I'm unable to finish out this season. "I'll take this time to heal, recover and do what's necessary so I can show up next season as my best self, mind and body. "I'm so grateful to everyone that shows me unwavering support. It means the world. Much love - R." Adeleke, a European silver medallist in the 400m in Rome last year, would have been targetting her first medal at world level, after fourth place finishes in the Olympic final last year and at the last world championships in Budapest two years ago. However, she was unable to reach the heights of 2023 and 2024, with her season's best 400m time of 50.42 well off the 49.07 she posted in Rome last summer. Her decision to withdraw from the world championships is a major blow to Team Ireland's medal hopes, especially for the 4x400m women's relay team who came agonisingly close to a medal at the Paris Olympics.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘My body has reached the end' – British tennis icon and Australian Open semi-finalist retires aged just 30
Tributes to his career were led by Andy Murray No more racquet 'My body has reached the end' – British tennis icon and Australian Open semi-finalist retires aged just 30 FORMER British tennis No1 Kyle Edmund has announced his retirement at the age of 30. Edmund, who was born in South Africa but raised in Yorkshire, England after moving at the age of three, made an emotional announcement on social media on Monday evening. 3 Kyle Edmund has announced his retirement from tennis Credit: Getty 3 Edmund admitted his body had 'reached the end point' Credit: Getty 3 Edmund was the Davis Cup and represented Team GB at the Olympics Credit: Getty The former World No14 spoke candidly in a heartfelt video, which left him holding back tears. He admitted that his body had "reached the end point" and was telling him to retire after struggling with a series of injuries. Edmund was just the second British tennis player since 1978, after Scotsman Andy Murray, to reach the Australian Open semi-finals when he did so in 2018. But the end of his career was heavily hit by three knee surgeries. READ MORE IN TENNIS CARL ME MAYBE Raducanu and Alcaraz could be forced to pull out of $1m US Open mixed doubles In his retirement video, Edmund said: "The last five years have taken a toll with three surgeries and other injuries such as wrist, ab, hip and foot in trying to get better, my body is telling me its finally reached the end point. "Looking back I can say I tried my absolute best in my career and my hardest to get back to where I was. There are no regrets whatsoever. "I have always been quite a determined person and I have no doubt I'll apply those principles that I learned in my tennis career to whatever I do next and something I'm very excited about." Replying in the comments, Murray said: "Great stuff Kedders!" BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Former British tennis star Laura Robson said: "Happy retirement kedders!!! Just the beginning." British tennis doubles specialist Julian Cash said: "Congrats mate! Amazing career and always had huge respect for how you dealt with the tough moments through injury. Wish you the best with the next chapter." BBC presenter taken to hospital after 'real wake up call' working at Wimbledon and putting off medical care Fellow Brit tennis star Marcus Willis said: "Inspired by how you went about your tennis, how you battled through your injuries, will miss watching that forehand. All the best fella. YNWA." Edmund's Australian Open result was the best at a grand slam tournament, while his best at Wimbledon saw him reach the third round in 2018 before he ran into eventual title-winner Novak Djokovic. However, Edmund was part of the Great Britain team which won the Davis Cup in 2015. He also went on to represent the UK at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil and win two ATP Tour titles - the first in Antwerp in 2018 and then in New York in 2020. After reaching the rank of British No1 in 2018, succeeding Murray, Edmund started to struggle with knee problems. Edmund underwent the first of three procedures in 2020, sidelining him for the best part of two years. It also unfortunately signalled the end of his time at the top, as Edmund never made it past the first round of a grand slam or ATP 1000 tournament again.
Extra.ie
4 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Sky pundit angers fans after calling Keith Andrews 'British'
Sky Sports pundit and former Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson triggered a familiar nerve among Ireland fans on Saturday. Dawson mistakenly labelled Keith Andrews as 'British' while discussing how he might get on as the new Brentford boss. Andrews, who earned 35 caps for Ireland during his playing days, endured a 3-1 defeat away to Nottingham Forest in his first game as a Premier League manager. Michael Dawson sparked fury among Ireland fans. Pic: Visionhaus/Getty Images During the pre-match discussion on Sky Sports, Dawson remarked that Andrews getting the nod to replace Thomas Frank at Brentford was a 'new British manager getting an opportunity in the Premier League'. Unsurprisingly, the ex-Hull City defender's comment sparked a bit of irritation among Irish football fans and they made sure to vent their frustration on social media. One user wrote: 'Michael Dawson referred to Keith Andrews as a 'British manager' on Sky Sports today. Thought Sky Sports like to educate people on this matter or maybe that's just for the Irish women's team. Dawson and Sky Sports, clowns.' Another said: 'FYI Michael Dawson: Keith Andrews is Irish, not British! What is it about Sky Sports News getting things like that wrong?' A third added: 'Michael Dawson just said with reference to Keith Andrews that it's great to see a 'new British manager getting an opportunity in the Premier League'. Daft in this day and age really.' One other person saw the lighter side of it and quipped: 'We need Clinton Morrison to start calling the likes of Eddie Howe Irish.' Andrews will no doubt have more to worry about than pundits getting his nationality wrong after his opening day anguish against Forest. There were question marks about the Dubliner's appointment at the club with fans immediately presuming his lack of experience won't get him far. Andrews joined Brentford in July 2024 as a set-piece coach and was promoted to the major role after Thomas Frank's departure this summer. However, conceding from a corner five minutes into his first match set an ominous tone for a new manager whose specialty was set-pieces. Andrews has had a tough start at Brentford. Pic:Fans have not held back their criticism of the 44-year-old online. One said: 'Keith Andrews will be the first PL manager sacked this season. Completely out of his depth and everyone knew it back in June when he was appointed.' Another wrote: 'Get Keith Andrews the f*** out of here. An absolute joke of an appointment by Brentford. Feel sorry for their players and fans.' A third simply added: 'Brentford are playing like a team managed by Keith Andrews.' In fairness to Andrews, he was handed a pretty nightmarish task replacing Frank at the club. Not only did the long-serving boss depart but Brentford also lost two key players with star man Bryan Mbeumo moving to Manchester United and captain Christian Norgaard heading to Arsenal. On top of these, talented striker Yoane Wissa is heavily linked with a move to Newcastle and is essentially unavailable for selection until the move is complete. A couple of fans shared sympathy for Andrews, understanding the immediate obstacles thrust upon him. One fan said: 'Felt sorry for Keith Andrews. He clearly wanted Wissa in his squad and in his team today but he's obviously not in the right frame of mind after being tapped up. He wants the situation sorted. I don't understand why Newcastle don't just pay the asking price and get it over with.' Another agreed: 'Keith Andrews looked gutted today. He really wanted Wissa to play … it could have made a big difference. Now he has to replace him, so selling him quickly is a must.'
