
RTÉ Soccer Podcast: LOI at HT, PSG in-person, Cork revenge mission and Delap (not) for Ireland?
TIMESTAMPS
01:00 Alan talks about the experience of attending Saturday's Champions League final as Paris Saint-Germain thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich, before he and Richie analyse the Parisians' victory and what it means for the European game at large.
21:00 Rachel and Anthony reflect on the Republic of Ireland's late win over Turkey in the Women's Nations League and the task to come on Tuesday (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player) as Carla Ward's side prepare to take on an impressive Slovenia in Cork.
40:30 Richie and Alan talk League of Ireland as the season reaches the halfway mark. They pick their Players and Young Players of the campaign so far, while Richie has his say on his former Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley's public criticism of Josh Honohan's performance against Galway United, and Alan gives his take on Sligo Rovers' issues and Cork City appointing David Meyler as assistant manager.
1:20.30 Building up to Ireland's friendly against Senegal (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player this Friday), Alan and Richie react to Heimir Hallgrimsson's comments about Liam Delap's willingness or not to switch to the Boys in Green, while also touching on Caoimhin Kelleher's imminent move from Liverpool to Brentford and a potential club v country impasse for Ireland U17s at the World Cup later this year.
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Irish Examiner
23 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Funding gap forces Ireland's top para riders to fundraise to compete at European Championships
Ireland's top para riders, who face challenges most elite athletes don't, must now clear an unexpected financial hurdle that threatens their participation in the European championships next month. Despite having achieved the international qualification standards required to represent their country, the Irish para dressage team said 'unforeseen circumstances' have left a funding gap, which puts at risk their dream of competing at the European Para Dressage Championships. They have now launched a last-minute fundraising drive to ensure they can compete at the event at the National Equestrian Centre in Ermelo, the Netherlands, from September 3 to 7. The team, which includes Katie Reilly, 16, from Kildare, and Clodagh Walsh, 16, from Waterford, both of whom are ranked one and two in the world at under-18 level, and Angela Lyons, from Cork, are determined to make it. 'Finding out about the shortfall a month before the competition wasn't ideal,' Angela said. But we are going to do everything possible to turn this dream of competing in this competition into reality. We are not ones for giving up. 'Everyone's worked so hard to get to this level, and we are all doing our best to keep our training going, and to stay fit, so this funding shortfall is really the last thing we needed, but we are a determined bunch. 'We are very grateful for the support and help we have received to date, but we need to keep going.' Katie, the world number one in her category, and who will compete with Keystone Dawn Chorus, said: 'I was really proud and excited when I found out I was selected. My rider John helps get Lottie ready so I can focus on riding my best. I couldn't do it without my team.' Clodagh, the world number two in the same group, said: 'It's a great honour to represent Ireland. My support team helps me prepare and compete, and I'm very thankful for everything they do.' Dressage is one of the most technically demanding disciplines in equestrian sport, requiring absolute precision, mutual trust between rider and horse, and the ability to perform under immense pressure. Para dressage is for athletes with physical disabilities, with athletes competing in grades, ranked one to five, based on their individual physical abilities, with grade one for athletes with the most challenges. It is run under the same basic rules as traditional dressage, with riders performing a series of prescribed movements on their horses to demonstrate their horsemanship skills and the horse's training, with tests which include movements in straight lines, circles, and changes of gait. Para rider Katie Reilly on Keystone Dawn Chorus. She is ranked number one in the world at under-18 level. Riders can use compensatory aids or assistive devices like additional dressage crops, specially adapted reins, or special saddles. Para Equestrian Ireland, the charity which supports the athletes, said they ride not for financial gain or fame, but for pride, identity, and a belief in what is possible. 'It's not about medals, it's about meaning,' a spokesperson said. It is supporting the team's travel and competition expenses, but the money won't cover additional costs for accessible transport, specialist support and accessible accommodation, carers, therapy appointments, and personal care alongside training. Angela, who will compete with Tommy, said it's a huge honour to be picked to represent Ireland. 'Every time I ride, I remember why I do this. It's not just about competing but about showing what's possible,' she said. Para rider Clodagh Walsh on Chantal. She is ranked number two in the world at under-18 level. 'Everyone wants to show their ability. We all do it for the love of the sport, but also to prove to ourselves that we can do it.' The horses will depart for the Netherlands in late August to arrive in the Ermelo stables by September 1, ahead of the competition. If you or your company would like to support the athletes, email or donate directly on idonate.


Irish Examiner
23 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Katie McCabe: 'I think that structure between 19s and the senior level is really key, so we don't continue to lose players'
For someone with a Champions League medal around her neck, Katie McCabe still has a sense of her original place. Arsenal's triumph is ending an 18-year wait for Europe's prize trophy had the Irish captain front and centre, the left-back playing the most minutes of any player in the competition. She became as famous for her celebrations back in London as the performance she delivered to help dethrone Barcelona in the May final in Lisbon. McCabe was excused for Ireland's subsequent transatlantic trip to USA for two friendlies, although she disagrees with the declaration by Carla Ward of her being burnt out. She was able to witness from her sun-lounger most of her fellow Gunners participate in the Euros, eventually leading to Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly and bolter Michelle Agyemang lifting the trophy against Spain last Sunday. McCabe is one of the few players back in pre-season at Arsenal, mulling as to where Ireland fits into the international success her peers are rejoicing in. She dined at the top table of a World Cup two years ago in Australia at Ireland's first major tournament but, after missing out in the Euros, next up within their sights is the 2027 edition of the global showpiece in Brazil. Stressing Ireland are immersed in a transition since Ward was appointed in December, concerns exist about the generation seeking to fill the gaps created by a glut of retirements since the sojourn Down Under. What Ireland lacks compared to England – and even Scotland in recent years – is an U21 or U23 team equipping players with the skillset necessary to migrate into the senior fold. Finance has been blamed for the FAI's inability to add the team above their U19 level. Imminent staff cutbacks suggest that won't change, leaving them reliant on grants from Fifa to fund what's a vital component to bridging the gap. "We need to keep doing more,' noted McCabe, back in Dublin yesterday visiting patients at Crumlin Children's Hospital. 'In my opinion, I think that structure between 19s and the senior level is really key, so we don't continue to lose players. 'Maybe it's the Gaelic football - maybe they just stop playing - but it's a big issue for me. "I think an U21 team would be the end goal. The starting process would be to look at how we function through the four provinces - then structure it into a development squad, home-based training session, where you've got the best crop of Irish talent around the country. Let them train together and get exposed to senior level football with the manager. I think that needs looking at.' BRINGING SMILES: Republic of Ireland captain and Arsenal star Katie McCabe made a heartwarming visit to Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, meeting patient Meddinah and creating unforgettable memories for young patients and their families. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile In the meantime, there's a playoff against Belgium on October 24 and 28 to determine which of the nations will contest next year's World Cup qualifiers in the top tier. Crucially, it guarantees a playoff route as fallback but Belgium are fresh from the Euros. Although they lost 6-2 against the Spanish, they beat Portugal and came out 1-0 losers in a tight contest against semi-finalists Italy. McCabe is due to win her 100th cap in the second leg held in Leuven, just outside Brussels. Putting Ireland in a stronger position for a second successive World Cup on the occasion of her personal milestone is of equal importance. 'Belgium are a serious, serious team,' warned the 29-year-old. 'I was watching them in the Euros over the summer and it's going to be difficult. 'This is a massive tie so we want the Aviva absolutely rocking on that Friday night. "Even if people are fans of the men's game but are football fans, we'd love for you to come and support us.' Meanwhile, McCabe's former Arsenal teammate and current goalkeeping coach with Ireland, Emma Byrne, has been appointed as manager of English third-tier club Lewes. Lewes operate in the FA Women's National League South, a tier below the Women's Super League 2. They confirmed Ireland's record caps holder will combine her new role with her FAI duties. "Emma will continue her role with the FAI and the Ireland women's national team, and we are proud to support her in balancing her dual responsibilities,' they said. 'Her presence at Lewes reflects the club's ambition to connect domestic development with the international game.'


The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Chelsea hit stumbling block in Xavi Simons transfer chase… because RB Leipzig aren't interested in any Blues stars
CHELSEA'S Xavi Simons chase has hit a snag — as RB Leipzig do not want any Blues players. 6 Xavi Simons wants to leave RB Leipzig this summer Credit: AFP 6 Christopher Nkunku is not on RB Leipzig's wishlist Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Armando Broja spent last season on loan at Everton Credit: Getty Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw But the German club want a straight-up £60million fee for the Dutch playmaker, 22. Agent Ali Barat — hired by But Stamford Bridge chiefs are making progress with loaning out young players. Midfielder Kendry Paez, 18, has followed keeper Mike Penders, 20, to sister club Strasbourg and striker READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The Blues have also signed winger Jesse Derry, 18, from Simons initially joined The Dutch international made the switch permanent back in January. RB Leipzig forked out a club-record £43million to sign Simons. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 6 Tyrique George broke into Chelsea's first team last season Credit: Getty 6 Carney Chukwuemeka is not in Enzo Maresca's plans at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty While significant add-ons were also agreed that could take the fee up to as much as £70m. Simons decided to quit the German club after they failed to qualify for the Champions League. How Nicolas Jackson could make £80m Newcastle switch | Transfers Exposed 6