Kerry racer Darragh Crean to return to Manx Grand Prix
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Kerry IFC: David Clifford puts on first-half masterclass as Fossa sweep aside Mitchels
Kerry IFC group 1, round 1: Fossa 2-19 John Mitchels 1-11 There was an audible gasp when the Fossa team was called out over the tannoy with Paudie Clifford not in the lineup but the large crowd's disappointment was short lived as his brother David lit up the gathering gloom with a five star display, kicking 1-7 in the opening half, with only one point from a free. One had to have sympathy for his marker Jack Myers who was powerless to stop the magical moves and superlative kicking of Clifford. John Mitchels decided early on that the best tactic of curbing Clifford was by holding possession and they managed to hold the ball for the opening three minutes but Alan O'Donoghue could not find the target. But once Fossa got possession Ted O'Gorman and Clifford fired over a point each. The Clifford fire was lit and John Mitchels had no chance as the footballer of the year elect was unmarkable. Myers and Stephen Bowler were chasing shadows at times. Fossa raced 0-8 to 0-2 in front by the end of the opening quarter thanks to four from Clifford, one each from O'Gorman and Killian Buckley. Michael Kelliher and John Carmody responded with points for Mitchels and then the Tralee side scored a bizarre goal in the 18th minute when a Cian Holden shot deflected off keeper Shane O'Sullivan's foot and ended up in the net. Paudie Clifford of Fossa on the sideline against John Mitchels in their Kerry Petroleum IFC Championship Group 1 Round 1 match at Austin Stack Park, Tralee, Co Kerry. Picture Dan Linehan O'Gorman kicked another point but then Clifford responded a minute later when he carved his way through a phalanx of Mitchels defenders and side-footed the ball to the net. Two more O'Gorman points pushed Fossa 1-11 to 1-2 clear and it was game over, but the crowd was going nowhere as they wanted to see Clifford's genius at work. Darragh Cunnane and John Carmody added points but Clifford finished the half in style with a brace of points, one an outrageous effort falling on his backside in the process. Fossa retired 1-13 to 1-4 in front with Clifford scoring 1-7, and only one free without appearing to get out of first gear. Clifford hardly got out of neutral in the second half, adding just a point to his personal tally, but he was involved in plenty of scores, including the killer pass that set up Mattie Rennie for the second goal. David Clifford doing David Clifford things😮💨 Just the 1-5 from Clifford in the opening 18 minutes... 📺 — Clubber (@clubber) August 9, 2025 Emmet O'Shea added three points while Mitchels top scorer was their keeper Sean Broderick with 0-3, including a two-point free. But overall it was the Clifford show and he certainly didn't disappoint in the opening half even without brother Paudie. Scorers for Fossa: D Clifford (1-8, 1f), T O'Gorman (0-5), M Rennie (1-0), E O'Shea (0-3), C O'Shea, K Buckley and F Coffey (0-1 each) Scorers for John Mitchels: C Holden (1-0), S Broderick (0-3, 1x45, 2ptf), C Hurley (2pt), J Carmody (1f), M Kelliher (1f) (0-2 each), D Cunnane and P White (0-1 each). FOSSA: S O'Sullivan; D O'Connell, T Gorman, S Buckley; K O'Sullivan, E Talbot, P Sheehan; C O'Shea, M Rennie; K Buckley, D Ryan, R Colleran; D Clifford, E O'Shea, H Buckley. Subs: B Myers for R Colleran (42), F Coffey for H Buckley (45), A O'Keeffe for K O'Sullivan (53), D O'Keeffe for T O'Gorman (55), M O'Dwyer for K Buckley (60) JOHN MITCHELS: S Broderick; C White, B O'Donnell, N Rogers; J Myers, S O'Connor, C Hurley, S Bowler, J Carmody; S Moloney, C Holden, P Kearney; A O'Donoghue, D Cunnane, M Kelliher Subs: P White for A O'Donoghue (h/t), J O'Halloran for B O'Donnell (42), D Rusk for S Bowler (52), S Corkery for C Hurley (57), T Flaherty for D Cunnane (60) Referee: P Curtin (Brosna)
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Cobh Ramblers get job done early to stay within touch of leaders Dundalk
BRAY WANDERERS 0 COBH RAMBLERS 2 (Cian Bargary 8, Barry Coffey 20) Two early goals by Cian Bargary and Barry Coffey give Cobh Ramblers the edge over Bray Wanderers as Dundalk's title rivals heading into the final series of games. Dundalk's quest for an immediate to the Premier division remained on course despite a minor hiccup of falling behind at home to Athlone Town, but Cobh remain within six points off the leaders with nine matches left. Bray spurned the chance of leapfrogging the Rams into that runner-up berth, conceding goals 12 minutes apart to fall five points adrift in third. Teen genius Billy O'Neill showed flashes of his repertoire for Bray, attracting comparisons with Damien Duff. He made the short journey from his Wicklow home for the fixture, a first sighting on the League of Ireland circuit since quitting the Premier champions Shelbourne in June. Damian Duff at the Carlisle Grounds . Photograph Moya Nolan While Bray looked assured of a playoff spot, at this stage it appears the only threat Dundalk face during the run-up will come from Leeside. Manager Mick McDermott always contended he was happy to stay within shooting distance until the latter stages, potentially setting up a final day decider at St Colman's Park when the sides meet on October 17. His confidence stems from his side overcoming off-field upheaval to not only retain their players but strengthen in this window. US-based group Digital Athlete Ventures stepped in three weeks ago to take a 90% stake of the club, ending the uncertainty created by the withdrawal of another foreign group, FC32. Failure to land a suitable backer would have led to a crisis, not just for Cobh but the league itself. Instead, they could rid themselves of being the First Division club longest without being in the top-flight. Turbulence has been a watchword since that 2008 season in the Premier. All McDermott can do is ensure he fulfils his part on the pitch. He's helped by having his team's backbone composed of Cork City's title-winning team from last season. Jonas Häkkinen and new capture Dylan McGlade were part of the City team that won the 2022 season but the two goalscorers, along with captain Cian Coleman at the back and Cian Murphy up top, constitute a quartet with recent experience of emerging from the second tier. Another former City player, goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran, was pressurised from a couple of early Cobh corners. There was nothing he could do about the breakthrough from one of those deliveries on eight minutes. Following pinball in the box, Bargary was first to react by unleashing a shot across his body that flew into the top corner. Coffey's reputation as a free-scoring attacking midfielder was maintained by him popping up in a crowded penalty area to slot the loose ball into the bottom corner. In response, Bray's Paul Murphy had a shot blocked, the same obstacle Rhys Bradley encountered when connecting with a corner. Substitute Justin Ferizaj smashed the ball over with 20 minutes left but at the other end Rhys Gourdie was off-target with his volley at back post. BRAY WANDERERS: J Corcoran; J Duggan (A Kzenga 53), K Cantwell, P Murphy, M Murphy; S Brennan, R Bartley (R Knight 46); B O'Neill, C Doyle (J Ferizaj 67), C Knight (J Ferizaj 53);C Curtis (G Almirall 67). COBH RAMBLERS: T Martin; I Hughes (J Häkkinen 63), C Coleman, Shane A Griffin (J Abbott 83), L Le Bervet; N O'Keeffe (R Goudrie 63), H Cribb; C Bargary (S Bellis 71), B Coffey (D McGlade 72), Shane Griffin; C Murphy. Referee: Daniel Murphy (Dublin). Attendance: 1,213.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
How Morecambe FC faces possible EXTINCTION amid financial mess as fans despair with just 11 days left to find new owner
Fans blame the club's demise on Essex-based owner Jason Whittingham for not fulfilling his promise to sell the crisis-hit club BRING BACK THE SUNSHINE How Morecambe FC faces possible EXTINCTION amid financial mess as fans despair with just 11 days left to find new owner STARING at the giant Morecambe FC flag bearing the legend Bring Me Sunshine, tears fill club worker Colette Davies' eyes. 'There's no sunshine right now,' weeps the mum of three. 'It's more like dark, black clouds.' Advertisement 8 Morecambe have missed the final deadline and are on the brink of being kicked out the National League 8 Bring Me Sunshine — the signature tune of the town's most famous son, Eric Morecambe isn't likely to echo around the stadium any time soon Credit: Alamy 8 Colette, whose job is 'housekeeper' for the players, says she and other fans are experiencing 'absolute heartbreak' Belted out by fans on match day, Bring Me Sunshine — the signature tune of the town's most famous son, Eric Morecambe — is unlikely to echo around the Shrimps' stadium any time soon. Mired in a financial mess, the club has been suspended by the National League for its first three games this season. If the Lancs club is not sold by August 20, they may be kicked out of the league altogether. Possible extinction of this 105-year-old institution would be a devastating blow for a seaside resort that has seen its tourism industry decimated by cheap package holidays abroad. Advertisement Standing next to the club's well-manicured pitch, Colette, whose job is 'housekeeper' for the players, says she and other fans are experiencing 'absolute heartbreak'. For Colette and many who pack the Halo home stand on match days, the Shrimps are a family affair. Her dad Les Dewhirst has been the club's kit man for the last 30 years and her three children are all Morecambe mad. Les told me he is too upset to be interviewed, saying: 'It's hurting so much and my head won't settle.' Advertisement Ghostly sadness As seagulls wheel overhead, Colette adds: 'There's been lots of tears and anger. When I have to go home and tell my boys that I don't know what's going on at the club, there's absolute heartbreak. They're 14 and 15. This club is their life.' Like other staff at the club, Colette has not been paid since May. With tears rolling down her cheeks, she tells me that new school uniforms for her children are 'on hold'. Tyson Fury opens up on relationship with Joseph Parker and claims he's now his 'part-time manager and financial advisor' 'It's the school holidays, so there's been no fun activities really for my kids because we just can't afford it,' she adds. The giant Bring Me Sunshine flag — complete with a silhouette of a skipping Eric Morecambe, a shrimp and the red rose of Lancashire — stands limp in the sunshine at the back of the Halo stand. Advertisement Despite being born in the resort. the comic genius was famously a Luton Town fan and club director. As with a closed-down pub, a ghostly sadness haunts a shuttered football ground where laughter and emotion once reverberated. Planned weddings, wakes and school proms booked at the 6,241- capacity Mazuma Stadium this summer have all been cancelled. One corner of the stadium is occupied by local hero Tyson Fury's gym. Many in the town are hoping the former heavyweight boxing world champ will step in as a white knight to save the club. Advertisement As yet, there has been no word on a possible takeover from the big man. Colette shows me the empty changing rooms where everything is neat and tidy for when the players should be preparing to face Brackley Town next Saturday. Like today's away fixture at Boston United, it has been postponed. Playing in England's third tier as recently as 2021, only a world war has stopped the Shrimps fulfilling their fixtures until now. Fans blame the demise on Essex-based owner Jason Whittingham for not fulfilling his promise to sell the crisis-hit club. Advertisement On Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said he was 'very concerned' about the plight of Morecambe FC and urged everyone involved with the club 'to do the right thing'. 8 .Season ticket holder Helen Coates, 56, buying a replica shirt for her grandson Coby, 5 8 Railway worker Russ Horrocks, 38, and son Noah, 11 8 Official kit supplier Terrace's director Carl Sewell says cash from the merchandise will not reach owner Whittingham's pockets Advertisement Supporters have this week been queuing at a pop-up shop on the promenade to buy this season's shirts, even though their team may never get to wear them. There was a forlorn sense of despondency along the usually jaunty seafront as hundreds waited for hours to make their purchase. Railway worker Russ Horrocks, 38, snapped up the away shirt for son Noah, 11, saying: 'Morecambe's a great atmosphere on match days. 'There's 4,000 on a good day, but the noise makes it sound like more. It's as much about meeting your mates as the result.' Advertisement Retired Alan McGinley, 62, whose brother John played for the club, revealed: 'The club is everything for this town now the tourism has been hit. My brother used to get a pork pie for playing and £1 if he scored.' A banner reading, 'Bring back the sunshine' was strapped to railings at the store run by official kit supplier Terrace. Its director, Carl Sewell, says cash from the merchandise will not reach owner Whittingham's pockets, adding: 'We sold around 1,500 shirts in just four hours.' Of the club's slip towards possible exclusion from the league, he said: 'It's horrendous. It will suck the blood out of the town and hit local businesses.' Season ticket holder Helen Coates, 56, buying a replica shirt for her grandson Coby, five, added: 'I don't know what I'm going to do with my Saturdays now. Advertisement 'I took my sons to watch Morecambe, I now take my grandsons. It was only £3 for little ones. It makes me want to weep.' With stunning views of the Lake District fells, Morecambe became a seaside destination for Yorkshire factory workers when a connecting rail line was built around 1850. The club is everything for this town now the tourism has been hit. My brother used to get a pork pie for playing and £1 if he scored. Alan McGinley The resort boomed in the 20th Century — with Scottish holidaymakers also being drawn to it — before no- frills flights to the Med dented its popularity. It had been home to the country's largest Pontins holiday camp, but the last Bluecoats left in 1994. Advertisement Morecambe's once iconic pair of piers are long gone, as is its famous Bubbles swimming pool and the Frontierland fairground. Hope is offered by an £80million scheme to construct a northern version of the Eden Project botanical garden on the seafront. Shrimps season ticket holder David Lambert, 63, points down the promenade and tells me: 'This town used to be packed out at this time of year. 'You couldn't walk along that prom for people. At least on Saturdays the football would give this place a buzz. Away fans would come and walk along the prom, go to the pubs and have fish and chips. That might all be gone now.' Advertisement 'Used to be packed out' Morecambe's once mighty fleet of shrimp fishing boats has also been in steep decline. Ray Edmondson still stocks his little fishmongers with shrimps caught from his boat, the Bernadette. The fisherman says there were 30 shrimp boats when he started out. Now there are just two. He blames 'too many rules and regulations'. Advertisement Ray, who has run his business for 47 years, adds: 'Away fans come in here to buy a few pots of shrimps and take them home with them.' Nearby, staff at Atkinson's Fish & Chips are worried they could lose a decent slice of trade if the football club goes under. The football helps many hospitality businesses through the lean winter months. Bernie Harkin, 52, who has grafted in the shop for 26 years, tells me: 'Fans love our chips with a bit of haddock. The football club is such an important part of the town. Advertisement 'We have our Christmas parties at the stadium.' 8 The club has been suspended by the National League for its first three games this season 8 One corner of the stadium is occupied by local hero Tyson Fury's gym Credit: Getty Barman Zac Rossall, 19, serving pints at the Eric Bartholomew — a Wetherspoon pub bearing Eric Morecambe's real name — says: 'It gets packed here on match day. Advertisement 'I'm not a football fan, but I'm a fan of what it brings to Morecambe. 'If the club closes, it will mean less footfall in the town.' So why is Morecambe in such a financial mess? In 2023, Jason Whittingham's Bond Group Investments announced it was selling the club to investment firm Panjab Warriors. The company loaned £6million to the Shrimps as the club descended into financial turmoil with unpaid bills, sackings and resignations. Advertisement Panjab Warriors are ready to take Morecambe off his hands, but Whittingham says he has an alternative buyer. 'Club is held hostage' Last month, Whittingham sacked the Shrimps' board of directors after they threatened to place the club into administration. Morecambe MP Lizzi Collinge has raised the issue in Parliament and said: 'Morecambe FC is being held hostage and it breaks my heart.' In June the Shrimps' players were only paid a third of their salaries. Many have now chosen to leave the club to pay their mortgages. Advertisement One player forced to quit, midfielder Tom White, 28, said: 'Morecambe Football Club is special. This institution needs to survive, and I'm praying.' A town that followed its football club to Wembley three times since 1974 now may lose its cornerstone. While a new Morecambe could rise from the ashes if the club is booted out of the league, it would then likely have to take its place at the bottom of the football pyramid. Bury FC, who were expelled from the Football League for financial difficulties in 2019, have invited Shrimps fans to watch their match free today 'in solidarity'. Advertisement Dozens are planning on making the journey. And they will be supporting another club that understands how football binds a community together.
