Fionnán Sheahan: Why Micheál Martin and Simon Harris should be wary of repeating predecessors' Áras missteps
Your memory plays tricks on you. It's 35 years ago tonight since Ireland were beaten by Italy in the quarter-finals of 1990 World Cup. The Irish take on the game is we were narrowly knocked out by the Italia '90 hosts in Rome after a tight game.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Irish tennis star, 21, hails ‘dream come true' Wimbledon debut as his dad reveals unconventional way he was trained
AN IRISH tennis star has hailed as a "dream come true" the chance to play at Wimbledon. James McCabe, 21, faces Hungary 's Fabian Marozsan tomorrow in his first involvement at Advertisement 3 James McCabe is making his Wimbledon debut tomorrow Credit: Alamy Live News 3 His dad revealed he first learned to play through YouTube Credit: Alamy Live News He is Australian-born - with his dad Patrick having moved to Patrick, originally from Walkinstown in Mr McCabe appeared on He admitted: "I did it through money ." Advertisement Read More on Wimbledon Their early base of operation was a complex in Rockdale, near Sydney Airport. Patrick added: "There were two tennis courts in the facility. "I took James down when he was two-and-a-half or three so he had a bit of aptitude. "If the courts weren't there, I don't think James would have picked up a racket." Advertisement Most read in Sport Along with tennis, James showed an aptitude for both He is a former national champion in the pool , while he learned how to play the flute and piano and is a self-taught guitar player. Grumpy Wimbledon fans left with sticky fingers as record-breaking weather sees ice creams melt before getting to court While his dad admitted to getting "carried away" and being "a bit hard" on his son, James himself argued he did not know any different. McCabe explained: "That was my childhood. Maybe it wasn't normal at the time but it is what it is and that is the only thing I knew so it was normal to me. Advertisement "Probably looking back now, it wasn't the most normal but it builds character and without it, I wouldn't be where I am now." That is despite a hectic daily schedule that did not even account for tennis, which he temporarily gave up when he was 12 until 15. "I had to wake up at like 4am or 5am in the morning. "Swimming training would start at 5am then go to 7am and then at 7:30am I would have to do orchestra or choir or symphonic wind band or marching band depending on the day. Advertisement "I would go to school , it would start at 8:30am, recess at 10:30am, music lesson then and then 10:30am to 1pm would be classes and then another music lesson. "3:45pm finish school, try to get something to eat quickly and then there would be orchestra after school, marching band, or symphonic wind band. "That would finish at 5pm or 6pm, then try to get something light to eat then before swimming lessons at 7pm. "I would be finishing at 9pm, get home at nearly 10pm. Try to get my homework done, go to bed at midnight and get up the next day at 5am." Advertisement 'GOOSEBUMPS' Once he picked the racket up once again, his talent was quickly apparent. James won schoolboys national titles in singles, and nationals in singles and doubles before getting a wildcard into the Australian junior championships. He beat Tomas Barrios Vera of Chile at Roehampton to qualify for He beamed: "It is every tennis player's dream to play Wimbledon. Advertisement "It is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and, being Irish, my dad's dream was always to come to Wimbledon. "He would always watch it when he was younger. He would watch Bjorn Borg because it was on "It is a bit overwhelming. All the history hits you at once. "I was lucky enough to get the Championship Tour so I got to walk where Advertisement While born in Australian and the son of a Philippine mum, James is proud of his Irish roots. He holds an Irish passport, a distinction his 13-year-old sister Jasmin is keen to replicate. And he revealed his dad Patrick has imparted his taste in Irish music onto him. "I have three aunties in Ireland: one in Blessington, one in Saggart, and one in Mullingar. I have also got an uncle in Sydney. Advertisement "Irish has always been a big part of my life. "I have been to "He always listens to the Dubliners and all that stuff. Every day he plays the old Irish songs . "He makes me play them on the flute, the Irish national anthem and the old songs about the Advertisement 3 James Mccabe plays a baseline shot to Colton Smith during the match in the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Open Credit: Alamy Live News
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘I lost myself' – Keith Earls hails fan reaction after feeling ‘tired and disconnected' amid post-retirement struggles
KEITH EARLS thanked fans for their support after revealing he had become "tired" and "burnt out" since retiring from rugby. The former New Zealand . Advertisement 2 Keith Earls retired from rugby after the 2023 World Cup Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile 2 He revealed struggles since retiring Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Since then, the 37-year-old threw himself into post-rugby work with Eleven14 - a However, his commitment came at a cost, as he outlined in a lengthy Earls explained: "The last two years since I retired have taught me more than any course, book, or business coach ever could. "I built something I was proud of. A real business. Real customers. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself in it. Advertisement Read More on Keith Earls "I was always working. Always thinking about the next move. Saying yes to everything. "And even when things were going well… I felt tired. Disconnected. Like I was building something for everyone else while missing the moments that actually mattered to me. "It took hitting that wall mentally, emotionally to realise: The business isn't my identity just like "Not a badge. Not a burden. Not the full story of who I am. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union "Now? I still build. I still care. But it's different. I've started choosing presence over pressure. Structure over chaos. Quiet over performance. "I don't need to chase a purpose anymore. Living well is the purpose. Ireland stars Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton and Peter O'Mahony make incredible gesture to Keith Earls ahead of 100th cap "If you're tired from building something that's burning you out you're not alone. You're not behind. You're just human. "I'm looking forward to building Eleven14 while staying true to my values." Advertisement His honest and open admission prompted supportive comments, both from general fans and former rugby colleagues. Jean-Marie Stander - wife of former Ireland international CJ Stander - said: "Think this is so relatable for many people". The outpouring of backing clearly blew Earls away, as he posted a follow-up message to say thanks. Advertisement He said: "Just wanted to say thanks for all the messages, shares and replies to my last post. "Honestly didn't expect that response, just felt like something I needed to say out loud. "Things are great. I feel more calm, more clear, more grounded than I've felt in a long time. "I've got a beautiful family and great friends. A business I care about on my terms now. Good people around me. I'm very lucky." Advertisement
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Ireland Under-21s ace James Abankwah rejoins Watford on a season-long loan from sister club Udinese
JAMES Abankwah has joined Watford on a loan for a second time. Abankwah, 21, impressed in his 19 appearances after linking up with the Hornets in January, earning a first call-up to the Ireland senior squad in March. Advertisement 2 He is clearly held at a high regard at Vicarage Road Credit: Watfordfc on x 2 He has racked up nine appearances for the Ireland Under-21s And Udinese have agreed to send the defender back to their sister club for the entire campaign this time around as new boss Paulo Pezzolano eyes up a promotion challenge. Sporting director Gian Luca Nani said: 'We saw the impact James had during his last loan period with us and we know that he can have a similar impact on the team. 'Paulo was impressed with his performances and was very keen to work with James. 'The relationship with Udinese has always been a powerful one that has benefitted both clubs overall and we are happy that it has allowed us to bring James back. Advertisement Read more on irish football 'We are content with our work so far in this window but there is still much to do and our immediate concern is strengthening our attacking options in line with Paulo's input.' Udinese signed Abankwah in January 2022 after he had shone for St Pat's, helping them to win the FAI Cup a couple of months previously. He was loaned back to the Inchicore outfit to enable him to complete his Leaving Cert before moving to Italy that summer. Abankwah signed for Udinese in 2022 from Irish side St Patrick's Athletic, who he then returned to on loan. Advertisement Most read in Football He has made eight Serie A appearances for them, either side of an unsuccessful stint with Charlton, and was handed a new contract which runs until the summer of 2029. Saipan film trailer splits opinion as Irish football fans voice concern about Roy Keane portrayal
