Tyrone clinch All-Ireland minor title with dramatic victory over Kerry
Drama to the very, very last with Tyrone's underage's hegemony over the Kingdom continuing as they laid claim to their ninth All-Ireland minor crown and their first since 2010.
For Kerry – who have now suffered a pair of All-Ireland final defeats to Tyrone at minor and U-21 level in the last 12 months – it was a particularly bitter pill to swallow, given they'd held sway on the scoreboard for much of the second half, and having held a lead at the break.
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Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Blackrock v Barrs derby kickstarts pivotal weekend in Cork Premier SHC
This weekend is make or break for a number of clubs in the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier SHC. Some eagerly anticipated ties await and for the teams that secured opening day wins - Sarsfields, Charleville, Blackrock, Midleton, Glen Rovers and St Finbarr's - they will try and carry that momentum into the next round, safe in the knowledge that they have already delivered. Come Sunday evening, there will be a clearer picture. Of the six games to be decided, there are three standout derby clashes including Blackrock v St Finbarr's who get proceedings underway. The clash is certain to attract a huge crowd to Páirc Uí Rinn this evening at 7.30pm. In this all-city clash, both sides are in a positive state following their respective victories over Kanturk and Douglas. Ger Cunningham's charges were boosted by the return of their five Cork players (albeit minus the injured Brian Hayes) and recorded a nine-point triumph over Douglas. The Barrs are champions from three years ago, when incidentally they got the better of the Rockies. They've come off an up-and-down campaign, but they kick-started this year on an optimistic note with Ben Cunningham, Jack Cahalane and William Buckley top in the scoring charts. Jamie Harrington's Blackrock edged past the Barrs last summer thanks to a late Robbie Cotter goal. And it was a Michael O'Halloran goal that helped the champions of 2020 past Kanturk a fortnight ago, while Alan Connolly accounted for five points. Large crowds are expected at the Boreenmanna Road venue again tomorrow when it will host a double header, the second of which involves Erin's Own and county final runners-up and titleholders from the previous year Sarsfields (7pm) - another pairing that is sure to whet the appetite. These near neighbours need no introduction. The Glounthaune club is among six teams that kicked off their season with a disappointing defeat. Together with Fr O'Neill's, Newcestown, Kanturk, Douglas and Newtownshandrum, they seek a favourable result to keep their championship hopes on track. New manager Shay Bowen, who recently retired as their number one goalkeeper after over two decades of incredible service with Erin's Own, is at the helm. His team is in a period of transition, but he will be heartened by their strong finish against Glen Rovers. Goalscorer Finn O'Brien and Robbie O'Flynn are players they will look to. Johnny Crowley's Sars had 14 points to spare over Fr O'Neill's and the All-Ireland club finalists were inspired by Jack O'Connor, Cian Darcy and the dead ball accuracy of Colm McCarthy. They will be favourites in this all east-Cork battle. On Sunday, all roads lead to Milford (4pm) for Charleville v Newtownshandrum when these two north-Cork heavyweights collide. With so much on the line for both outfits, the atmosphere will be electric. Former soccer player Dominic Foley is in as coach to Charleville and helped steer them to an 11-point success over Newcestown. And after difficult times over the years - including 2024, when they faced the prospect of relegation - this has to be a significant result for them. Psychologically, more than anything else. An impressive league display is encouraging news for their supporters too and demonstrates how much they have evolved as a group while awaiting the return of their leading light Darragh Fitzgibbon. The mention of Newtownshandrum, and the input of Tim O'Mahony and Cormac O'Brien cannot be underestimated. O'Mahony, in particular, has filled a variety of positions over the years for his beloved Green and Gold. Newtown too, have come off a decent league. Midleton provided round one opposition and it was the Magpies that emerged five point winners.
RTÉ News
3 hours ago
- RTÉ News
FAI Cup preview: Big sides set for early FAI Cup exit ahead of quarter-finals
After all the excitement of the midweek European action, the focus turns to the FAI Cup last 16 with eight games taking place tonight, and over the weekend. And yet, there remains a continental theme to tonight's game as the competition offers a viable route into Europe, especially with the league proving so competitive once again this season. Four wins is all it will take for one of the remaining sides to secure that coveted place, and some big teams are set to tumble this weekend with eight top-flight sides drawn against each other, while at least two First Division teams will be in the draw for the quarter-finals. Two of those all-Premier Division ties take place this evening with Sligo Rovers and Bohemians going head-to-head, while Cork City take the short hop east to face neighbours Waterford. Contrasting seasons in the league for the Sligo and Bohs with the two teams sitting second from bottom and second from top respectively, however, the three games between the two sides have been competitive. Sligo have only taken one point from Bohs but they will bring a strong element of confidence into this one despite coming into the game off back-to-back defeats. John Russell's side looked to be really improving last month and will welcome the distraction of the cup to start to build momentum for a vital league run in. And the manager also sees a great opportunity for the side to remain in the competition going into the business end of the season. "It's a massive opportunity for both sides", said Russell. "You have four top-flight teams that are guaranteed to be knocked out this weekend and if you can make it through, with a bit of luck you might find yourself with a decent draw in a quarter-final. "We are yet to beat Bohs this season but all three games between us have been extremely tight. I expect Friday will be just as competitive. "We're looking for a more settled performance. We know we have more than enough in us to get through and of course Bohs will be very strong at home. "I don't like the old cliches and that anything can happen. You need to be properly prepared and you need to make happen, what you want to happen. "I have huge belief in this group and this a big opportunity for them. It's not a secret around Sligo that we would dearly love to go far in this competition this year." Jad Hakiki is Sligo's only injury concern, struggling with a hamstring injury, while defender Paddy McClean is available after his recent red card was rescinded. Cork City are another Premier Division side that will welcome the change of scene as they go on the road to the RSC to face Waterford. The relegation-threatened Turner's Cross outfit, like Sligo, have looked a lot stronger in recent weeks, and while league survival remains the main objective, they will also look to take confidence into tonight's game. Waterford will be buoyed by a recent victory over their Munster rivals, however, they have proved inconsistent this season and are unlikely to challenge for a top-three place in the league. The cup looks like their best route to success this season with defeat potentially making for a long, laborious, and fruitless, end to the campaign. Galway United are one of the two Premier Division sides to be handed lower league opponents, however, it should be a lively affair at Eamonn Deacy Park as a derby game awaits against one-time league side Salthill Devon. The Galway outfit, who currently ply their trade in the Galway & District League, have given up home advantage to take the tie to Terryland – they have won their respective title for the past four years. United showed promise early on in the league, however, they are in danger of getting dragged into a relegation battle, and anything other than a comfortable victory tonight could further damage confidence ahead of the run-in. The other two ties tonight sees four second-tier sides going head-to-head for attractive quarter-final action later in the competition. Bray Wanderers will be making the 530km round journey to Finn Park for the second time in 12 days to face Finn Harps, and are boosted by the news that defender Harvey Warren, midfielder Jamie Ryan and on-loan winger Matthew Britton have all resumed first-team training. But midfielder Sean Brennan and striker Danú Kinsella Bishop are both doubts. "It should be an exciting Cup tie with both sides fancying their chances to progress to a Quarter Final" said coach Paul Heffernan. "We know all about what Finn Harps are going to bring to the game. But we are more focused on ourselves, and we need to make sure we perform to our level." Cobh Ramblers' season is still very much alive as they look to rein in Dundalk at the top of the First Division, and it could get even better by securing a quarter-final berth. However, they face a much-improved Kerry side and it should be a competitive affair as the Mounthawk Park outfit will have a real go as they look to make it through to the last eight for the first time in their history. Kerry knocked Cobh out of the cup last season away from home and will be looking to repeat the feat on their home turf tonight. Colin Healy's side will be without Sean McGrath, Ryan Kelliher and Nathan Gleeson through injury, while Daniel Okwute is suspended, and Ewan Lee is cup-tied, having played for UCC in the first round. Tim-Oliver Hiemer is nearer to a return after a broken finger, and Luke Palmer has returned to training after an ankle injury. "I'm sure there will be a buzz in Mounthawk Park," said Healy. "The fans will be in full voice, and we are all looking forward to it. "It's a special cup. You have a chance to go to the Aviva, which is amazing. The players are looking forward to it, I'm looking forward to it, and hopefully it will be a good night for everybody." There is one game up for decision on Saturday as Derry City host Drogheda United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell. One of the cup favourites will bow out at the holders take on the Premier Division's third-placed team, and another will follow on Sunday as outgoing league champions Shelbourne face off in a Dublin derby against St Patrick's Athletic. Shamrock Rovers Longford on Sunday evening.
RTÉ News
3 hours ago
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Shels star Gargan: Rovers rematch feels like Cup final
Women's FAI Cup holders Shelbourne continue the defence of their title this weekend, and their date with rivals Shamrock Rovers is easily the plum tie of the round. Shels knocked out the Tallaght side in dramatic circumstances at the same stage last season and Reds' midfielder Jess Gargan has no problem acknowledging this Friday night kick-off represents the latest round of a brooding Dublin rivalry. "It feels massive and I think it probably stems from last year," Gargan told RTÉ Sport earlier this week. "It was a midweek game, nearly went to extra time, but we got a late goal at the end. We were down to 10 players, Pearl [Slattery] got sent off. It almost felt like a cup final – that's our memories from last year going into this week." Shelbourne have been to four straight WFAI Cup finals and are currently sitting on a 50-50 return for that run with two wins in 2022 and 2024 entwined with a pair of defeats, first in 2021 to Wexford Youths, and a 2023 loss to Athlone on penalties. However, there's something about a Shels-Rovers rematch that provokes that unique Cup feeling. Straight knockout situation. Win or go home. No grey areas here. "Even though it's a quarter final, we're probably treating it like a final. I think you have to treat every game like a final at this stage," Gargan added. "At the start of the season they have one up on us, they beat us in the league so I think we have a point to prove this week. "It's always been a tough game against Rovers, whether it's League, whether it's Cup, even the All-Island Cup last year as well, they beat us in. So, we know it's going to be a tough game, but we're really looking forward to it." Shelbourne are currently looking down at the rest from atop the league table with European heroes – and finalists in three straight Cup deciders – Athlone Town hot on their heels. That leaves some of the expected heavyweights of the Women's League Of Ireland languishing somewhat in mid-table obscurity. Peamount United, league winners in the inaugural 2011-12 season and four times overall (most recently just two season ago), currently sit in eighth position. Rovers – late to the WLOI party, but not short of financial clout – are in sixth spot. That might suggest Friday's meeting means more to the Tallaght women in terms of opportunities for silverware. But either way, it's seems increasingly clear that Shels-Rovers is becoming one of the most interesting rivalries in the women's game. Gargan, having worn the colours of both, is perfectly placed to pinpoint the rivalry's origins. "It probably stems from the fact that, when when Rovers came into the league, a good few of us went to Rovers. So that created that rivalry," Gargan explained. "Obviously, we're two Dublin teams as well, but the rivalry was created pretty soon when they came into the league. So from the get go, it was there. "To be fair, a lot of teams that play against us, for one reason or another, always want to beat us. Which is a compliment to us. Teams always show up against us as well. "We're looking forward to it. You want to be playing in these big games, games that are tight and that are going to be back and forth. "They're more exciting for us. It's better than playing against a team that sits back for 70, 80 minutes. When two teams are going at it, it's good for people to watch."
