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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Popular GAA star announces retirement after 133 appearances and '13 years of dedication and commitment to the jersey'
POPULAR Roscommon star Donie Smith has announced his retirement from inter-county football. The 32-year-old made 133 appearances for the Rossies after making his debut in 2012. 2 Donie Smith has retired from inter-county football Credit: Stephen Marken/Sportsfile 2 He made 133 appearances for Roscommon Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile And his 14-season career saw him win the Connacht SFC title in 2017 and 2019. Those provincial honours were added to four Division 2 crowns and one Division 3 title. In a statement confirming his retirement, Roscommon GAA chairperson Brian Carroll praised his dedication to the cause. It read: "On behalf of everyone in Roscommon GAA, I want to thank Donie for his dedication and commitment to the Roscommon jersey over the past 13 years. Read More on GAA "He always wore the primrose and blue with great honesty and pride. Donie's scoring tally of 8-273 shows the consistent level of high performance that Donie gave while on the pitch. "We wish Donie, Laura, and Sadie all the very best for the future and a long, happy, and healthy life." His final campaign saw Roscommon knocked out of the All-Ireland series by Cork in the group stage. They did secure promotion back to Division 1 but didn't win the Division 2 final on this occasion due to a defeat to Monaghan in the final. Most read in GAA Football Their championship exit led to Davy Burke Burke said: 'After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as Kerry GAA star leads All-Ireland homecoming celebrations from HIS pub in front of huge street parade "I would like to thank the Roscommon County Board in particular County Chairperson, Brian Carroll for his unwavering support and loyalty through the highs and lows over the last 3 years. "I appreciated it more than you will know. "During my tenure I have had the privilege of working alongside a fantastic group of people in my backroom team. "While there are too many to mention individually, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your professionalism, dedication and loyalty to Roscommon Football. "My management team of Eddie Lohan, Mark Doran, Hugh Lynch and Leo Tierney. "Thanks lads for your immense commitment, your expertise and your constant support. It was a pleasure to work with you all. "To the Roscommon players, it was an honour of a lifetime to be entrusted to manage you bunch of men for 3 years. "I am very proud of the improvements we made, the work we put in together and the experiences we had along the way. "I will be on the terrace in The Hyde keenly watching on and wishing you continued success. "There is no better sight than The Hyde pitch full with Rossie jerseys after a win. "Finally to my family who as always were my biggest backers and supporters. There was never a journey too arduous for them. "The crew were always there.'
NZ Herald
24-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Poverty Bay East Coast indoor bowlers triumph at interprovincials in Hamilton
The Poverty Bay East Coast team who won Division 3 of the national interprovincial indoor bowls championships and earned promotion to Division 2 are, back (from left): Leighton Shanks, Kaye Easton (manager), David Lynn, Warren Gibb (reserve) and Keith Setter. Front: Jay Casey, Kayla Trowell, Matthew Foster, Dylan Foster and Malcolm Trowell. Poverty Bay East Coast indoor bowls representative team continued their stellar form for the 2025 season in winning the Division 3 National Interprovincial Championship in Hamilton last weekend. They came back from a slow start to finish 6½ points ahead of South Canterbury to win the Paterson Trophy for the
Irish Independent
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Top-flight survival for St Colmcille's as 2024 beaten finalists Ballinabrackey fall from grace
Damien Carroll, Danny Quinn and Niall Smullen all struck two-pointers for the Offaly border side as they led 0-11 to 0-8 at half-time. But Cille's dominated throughout the third quarter and three successive points had them level by the 37th minute. David Bell pointed them ahead a minute later and that was followed by a two-pointer from Ben Brennan and another single from Cathal Monaghan. A goal from Cormac O'Donoghue left the Cille's firmly in control and leading 1-16 to 0-11 after 48 minutes. The east Meath side then added another point before Ballinabrackey opened their second-half account on 53 minutes. It was 1-19 to 0-12 after 55 minutes and Ballinabrackey hit six unanswered points after that, but it was too little too late and their relegation was confirmed - 12 months after they contested the Division 1 final. Another east Meath side to avoid the drop was St Patrick's who registered a comfortable 2-20 to 0-8 win over Curraha in the Division 2 relegation play-off. In the Division 3 relegation decider Kilmainham defeated north Meath neighbours Ballinlough 1-16 to 1-13. Trim were crowned FL Division 2 champions following a decisive 4-10 to 1-12 win over Moynalvey. Tom Carmody scored an early goal for Trim and wing back Eoin Sweeney added another as the town side led 2-6 to 0-4 at half-time. Boosted by two-pointers from David McLoughlin and Adam Murphy, Moynalvey reduced the deficit to the minimum shortly after the restart. Trim were down to 14 at that stage after having Sweeney black-carded. However Trim responded in the best possible fashion with another brace of goals through Tadhg Carthy and Sean Foley, from which Moynalvey were unable to recover. Walterstown were crowned Division 3 champions following a 2-18 to 3-11 success over Clann na nGael. Tomas Doyle and the outstanding Ruairi O'Dowd swapped goals in the opening half as Walterstown led 1-10 to 1-7 at half-time. Two quick goals from Anthony Swaine and Doyle left Clans just a point behind with 10 minutes left, but Walterstown finished strongest with the help of points from Paul and David Donnellan, Neil McGinley and Ruairi O'Dowd. In the Division 6 final St Mary's overcame Drumconrath 2-17 to 1-12 in Castletown.
Irish Examiner
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
State of Cork football: report says five-year plan failed to meet key objectives
CORK GAA chiefs have admitted failure in two of the primary objective of the five-year plan for Gaelic football development in the county – inter-county success and winning back public support for football teams. Am executive report in the wake of a three-hour debate at County Board level on the state of football in Cork states that while most of the actions in the plan were completed, the over-arching objectives of success at inter-county level and greater engagement by the public in support of teams were not achieved. Starkly, it also says there are not enough grass pitches available to inter-county teams in Cork to properly prepare, and there is a 'worrying' downward trend in results at under age across Munster and beyond. The 2,000 word report, following discussions at the beginning of July, reports that 'milestones relating to success at inter-county level were not achieved - for example, a lack of success at underage level coupled with the senior team remaining in Division 2 for another season and with no All Ireland semi-final appearance in the interim. Also, the lack of engagement by the GAA public at large was clear.' The five-year plan was launched to much fanfare by then chair Tracey Kennedy, and has achieved structural and some commercial gains. It sought to achieve equity at County Board Level, a meaningful, competitive, club structure, top quality coaching, player development pathways based on scientific research, effective administration structures and, importantly, improved perception of football in Cork. The appointment of All-Ireland winning player and manager Conor Counihan as the county's football director was seen as a good first step in that direction, but the Aghada man has not been replaced since his departure last summer. Club competition structures have improved, though a review of divisional structures, proposed in the plan, has not been completed. Financially there have been gains at Board level, driven to some degree by hurling success and progress. The report notes that no funding request by senior football Management was refused across the duration of the plan. In the key areas of coaching and coaching development, the report notes: 'While there was significant progress in coach education countywide, there was a failure to engage the football coaching community to the same extent as their hurling counterparts, as well as a clear and present requirement to connect more with former players.' Progress on what remains a central tenet remains as elusive as ever, despite pledges that it remains a priority – a Cork GAA centre of excellence. 'While there was a clear improvement in terms of the provision of gym facilities and with engagement with regional facilities having been secured in clubs, there remained a shortage of grass pitches for inter-county teams. The support of MTU in this regard was noteworthy, while the pursuit of a Centre of Excellence is a clear objective of the current strategic plan,' the report says. UNCERTAIN: Cork manager John Cleary has done three seasons as senior manager and has made progress in broad terms without securing promotion back to Division 1. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile It said that hopes the five-year plan would elevate the performances and success of Cork's inter-county teams have not been realised. 'With Cork senior footballers losing to Kerry and Tyrone in 2018 by 17 and 16 points, respectively, some would argue that results have indeed stabilised. That said, there is a worrying downward trend in many of our underage football results and the long-awaited return to Division 1 (Allianz League) football has not been achieved. Meanwhile, excellent championship performances against a number of Division 1 teams have been spoiled by poor performances versus lower-ranked opposition. 'One positive to emerge from the football plan at this level was the formation of a senior development squad which has provided a pipeline to the senior squad, with a number of new debutants emerging in the past year.' The Cork executive report says that while the five-year strategy proposed the broadening of the base of development squads, a later consensus emerged in terms of narrowing the focus to have a more significant coaching effect on a lesser group of players. 'A central venue for the training of all underage teams, as proposed, is on hold until a Centre of Excellence comes to fruition.' Following a review of the 2019-24 plan by members of the original committee, it was recommended that there be a) a further broadening of development squads, b) a review of Divisions' and Colleges' participation in County Championships, c) continued focus on the senior development squad, d) expansion of training hubs across the county and e) reform and restructuring of the county coaching committee. Delegates at the July 1 meeting expressed their frustration at what was seen a lack of significant progress in recent seasons with one speaker arguing that the split season gave an advantage to single-code counties and was causing damage to a dual county such as Cork. Others outlined the stagnation of Cork football for over a decade, stating that returning to Division 1 was imperative and that it may be time to consider looking outside the county. The future of senior manager John Cleary remains unclear at this time. Cork's general style of football was criticised. 'The ponderous style and handpassing 'epidemic' were seen as covering for a skills shortage and it was suggested that the new Gaelic football rules would allow progression to a more 'forward friendly' style from Cork teams. This may entice more players towards the panel and encourage players to express themselves further rather than 'trying not to lose'.' Another area which was hotly disputed was the topic of inter-county underage players' availability to their clubs. Some felt that such players were being cocooned away from their clubs and friends, while others remained adamant that players were available to their clubs at all times. 'In truth, such availability probably varied depending on which specific age category or team management one was referring to,' the report notes. The July 1 meeting was also addressed by Head of Games Development, Niall Twomey who was adamant that players were available to their clubs for all fixtures. He stated: 'The first principle for all players and mentors in Cork GAA Development Squads is 'club comes first'.' County Coaching Officer, Ronan Dwane, outlined the context of the absence of city players on the Cork minor football squad in 2025 due to their preference for other codes and highlighted the drawing power of Cork hurling to fringe panel members. He said the days of the dual players had long since passed and he promoted a narrowing of development squads to increase the quality of coaching and to reduce the volume of players included on extended hurling panels. Cork's High Performance Manager Aidan O'Connell also address the meeting, highlighting a closing of the gap with competing counties in terms of S&C development over the duration of the five-year plan. He recommended that a firm focus be placed on coach education in optimising player development, outlining the various courses, conferences and workshops now available to mentors. He also highlighted the growing requirement for specific coaching qualifications at inter-county level. He believed coach education would 'rise all boats' and required specific and direct investment. This was even more important in the context of the rapid evolution of Gaelic football and the requirement for Cork football to be at the cutting edge of such progression.
IOL News
19-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Local favourites Kingdom Stars blow Tornadoes away in tense TNL Division 2 final
KZN Kingdom Stars wing attack Tshina Mdau soars high to collect the ball in the Division 2 final against the Tornadoes at the Durban ICC on Saturday night. Home team the KZN Kingdom Stars boosted their hopes of a return to the top table when they beat the Western Cape Tornadoes in Saturday evening's Telkom Netball League Division 2 final at the Durban ICC. They will face the Baobabs, who finished bottom of Division 1, in Sunday's relegation play-off for a place in Division 1 next season. There was little to choose from between the rivals in a low-scoring first quarter that ended 8-7 to the Tornadoes. Both teams were guilty of missing easy shooting chances as they matched each other for defensive intensity in the high-stakes clash. The error count was also high from both sides, and that continued into the second quarter. The match was turning into a battle of attrition, withy neither side able to grab a stranglehold on proceedings. Even the vibrant, chanting home crowd struggled to lift the game from its stupor as it became increasingly physical. The Tornadoes' 50% shooting percentage was particularly alarming, with goal shooter Rehana Noah and goal attack Kelly Ann Gouws misfiring. The Stars' goal shooter, Aphiwe Thusini started to find her range as they pulled four goals clear (17-13) with more than three minutes to go in the quarter.
