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Irish Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Irish player tracker: Festy Ebosele impresses on Istanbul Başakşehir debut
With the season now wrapped up for the Irish contingent plying their trade in England, it was a weekend marked by joy for some and heartbreak for others – all while Irish players continued to shine across the Continent. It is a weekend that gives plenty of optimism for Heimir Hallgrímsson as he prepares for the upcoming international fixtures. Nathan Collins made history this weekend, becoming the only outfield player to play every minute of the 2024–25 Premier League season. The Brentford defender completed 90 minutes once again in their 1-1 draw with Wolves, sealing a 10th-place finish. Matt Doherty also featured for 87 minutes in that game, ending a strong season on a positive note. Jake O'Brien continued his fine form, playing another full match as Everton stunned Newcastle with a 1-0 win at St James' Park. It has been a brilliant end to the season for the Cork native, though Seamus Coleman missed out through injury. There was a welcome return for Sammy Szmodics, who came off the bench for the final 12 minutes of Ipswich's 3-1 defeat to West Ham. Jack Taylor also featured, while Dara O'Shea played the full 90. On the other side, Evan Ferguson missed out again, capping off a disappointing loan spell with the Hammers. READ MORE [ Irish player tracker: Silver lining beckons for Jason Knight Opens in new window ] Nathan Collins: played every game for Brentford. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA Kasey McAteer started for Leicester and played 86 minutes in their 2-0 loss to Bournemouth. For Southampton, Will Smallbone came on late against Arsenal, while Ryan Manning was an unused sub. Jack Henry-Francis stayed on the bench for the Gunners. Staying in England, Alan Browne can now call himself a Premier League player after Sunderland's dramatic 2-1 win over Tom Cannon's Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final. Browne was an unused substitute for the Black Cats, while Cannon came on late for the Blades. It remains to be seen whether Browne will still be at Sunderland next season, but promotion marks a big moment in his career. [ Irish player tracker: Adam Idah keeps scoring for Celtic but Evan Ferguson unused by West Ham again Opens in new window ] In the League One playoff final, there was heartbreak for Josh Keeley and Ollie O'Neill as Leyton Orient fell 1-0 to Charlton Athletic. Keeley might feel he could have done better with the goal that proved decisive, though O'Neill impressed with a strong performance. On the other side, Conor Coventry and Alex Gilbert played their part as Charlton secured a return to the Championship. The Irish influence continues in the League Two playoff final, which is set for Monday afternoon and will feature several more Irish players vying for promotion. There was a big upset in the Scottish Cup final as Jamie McGrath and Gavin Molloy's Aberdeen defeated Celtic on penalties after a late equaliser forced extra time. Johnny Kenny scored in the shoot-out for Celtic, while Adam Idah played 65 minutes and Liam Scales completed the full 120. McGrath and Molloy missed out for Aberdeen due to injury but were part of the squad that claimed a historic win. It was not just in the UK that Irishmen were featuring in cup finals this weekend. John Patrick's Stade Reims lost 3-0 to PSG in the Coupe de France final. Patrick came on for the last 16 minutes, showing promise despite the defeat. He now prepares for the relegation playoff second leg against Metz on Thursday. In Germany, Ryan Johansson started as SV Wehen Wiesbaden won the Hessenpokal Cup on penalties against Hessen Kassel. In the Netherlands, Troy Parrott made his return from injury off the bench in AZ Alkmaar's win over Heerenveen in the European qualifying playoff semi-final. On Sunday, he again came off the bench to help AZ beat Twente 3-2, securing Uefa Conference League qualification. Parrott's late shot in the 93rd minute led to the winning goal, making a key contribution to the victory. In more positive news, Festy Ebosele made his full debut for Istanbul Başakşehir in their narrow 3-2 loss to Adana Demirspor on Sunday. Playing at right-back, Festy put in an excellent performance, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking support. His strong display is encouraging news for Heimir Hallgrímsson as the international break approaches. Player of the Week – Festy Ebosele (İstanbul Başakşehir ) Festy Ebosele made his full debut for Istanbul Başakşehir at the weekend and did not disappoint. Playing at right-back, he put in an exceptional performance, making one tackle, completing four key passes, and creating two big chances. Fouled three times, Ebosele showed just how dynamic he is as a ball carrier. He also registered one shot and an impressive seven completed dribbles, highlighting his ability to drive the ball forward. Goal of the Week – Peter Grogan (Austin II) There was only one Irish goalscorer abroad this weekend – Peter Grogan for Austin II. The former Bray Wanderers striker netted his second goal of the season in his sixth start for the MLS Next Pro side, continuing to develop in the States and proving he has a sharp eye for goal. Peter Grogan finishes off the cross and puts us ahead! — Austin FC II (@AustinFCII) Stat of the Week – Nathan Collins – 38/38 Games, 3420 Minutes (Brentford) Nathan Collins completed all 38 Premier League games this season, playing every single minute – a remarkable achievement unmatched by any outfield player. Logging 3,420 minutes for Brentford, Collins continues to shine, and there is no doubt top clubs will be taking serious notice of his impressive consistency and performances.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Burns joins Carrick Rangers after Crues departure
Defender Billy Joe Burns will join Carrick Rangers upon the expiration of his contract with former Crues captain spent 11 years with the Seaview club, making 423 appearances and scoring 33 goals after signing for the north Belfast outfit in played a key role in helping the club secure three Irish Premiership titles, three Irish Cup victories and two County Antrim Shield 36-year-old also picked up personal accolades, collecting the Ulster Footballer of the Year and NIFWA Footballer of the Year in the 2015-16 that, Burns spent eight years at Linfield where he also won three Premiership titles and three Irish playing time has been restricted by injury in recent seasons, but he will be reunited with former Crues boss Stephen Baxter at Taylors Avenue, something he said attracted him to the club."I've worked with Stephen for so long, he knows a lot about me, I know a lot about him, so that was quite simple," he told the club's website."I've spoken with players who have been here before and everyone has had nice things to say, so it was quite an easy decision."I'm excited for a fresh challenge, something new after a long period at Crusaders, I can't wait to get started."Burns becomes Carrick's second summer signing after another former Crusaders midfielder Aidan Steele arrived from Ballymena United have announced the signing of striker Ryan McNickle on a 25-year-old arrives from Newry City after scoring 20 goals in the Championship as his side suffered relegation.
Irish Times
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Irish player tracker: Silver lining beckons for Jason Knight
The EFL playoff semi-finals have now wrapped up and we know which Irish players will be walking out at Wembley next weekend. Unlike most weeks in Irish football, this one has brought a welcome wave of positivity – both on and off the pitch. Performances have improved, and there's a growing sense of optimism surrounding Heimir Hallgrímsson 's recent Ireland squad selection. The early part of the week was dominated by the playoffs. On Monday night, Sheffield United comfortably finished the job against Bristol City with a 3-0 win at Bramall Lane to seal a 6-0 aggregate victory. Tom Cannon started for the hosts and played 62 minutes, while both Jason Knight and Max O'Leary completed the full 90 minutes for City. READ MORE For Knight, many believe it may have been his final appearance in a Bristol City shirt with Premier League clubs linked to his signature. United will meet Alan Browne and Sunderland in the play-off final after the Black Cats edged past Coventry City in extra-time on Tuesday. Browne remained an unused substitute on the night. The League One playoff semi-finals also contained plenty of interest from an Irish viewpoint. Leyton Orient's dramatic win over Stockport County saw Ollie O'Neill score early, before Josh Keeley became the shoot-out hero (again) – on the same day he received his first senior Ireland call-up. Orient will now face Charlton Athletic in the final. Conor Coventry was outstanding in Charlton's win over Wycombe, with Alex Gilbert also starting, while Kieran Sadlier featured for the opposition. Meanwhile, in League Two, a strong Irish presence will be on show in the playoff final as Walsall booked their place with a win over Chesterfield. The Saddlers boast a promising Irish core, including David Okagbue, Oisín McEntee, Ronan Maher, and Evan Weir. They'll face James Furlong's AFC Wimbledon, who overcame Notts County in their semi-final. County were without the injured David McGoldrick for the second leg. It was a brilliant week for the three Irish players at Celtic, especially Johnny Kenny. While Celtic celebrated lifting the trophy at home on Saturday, it was Wednesday's 5-1 win over Aberdeen that truly excited Irish fans. Kenny made his first start for the club and scored a memorable header – a moment he'll never forget. Liam Scales played the full 90 minutes in both matches, while Adam Idah also found the net on Wednesday – his 20th goal of the season. In the Premier League, Seamus Coleman had the bittersweet honour of captaining Everton for the final time at Goodison Park. Both he and Jake O'Brien started the match, but unfortunately Coleman's outing was cut short after just 18 minutes due to injury – a disappointing end to his time at the stadium. Meanwhile, Kasey McAteer enjoyed a standout game for Leicester, hitting the post and scoring his first Premier League goal to help secure a 2-0 win over Ipswich. Dara O'Shea played the full 90 minutes for the visitors, with Jack Taylor coming on for the final 20. Nathan Collins also played 90 minutes for Brentford in their loss to Fulham, while Evan Ferguson was once again an unused substitute for West Ham. Andrew Omobamidele (right) endured a nightmare cameo appearance for Strasbourg in the final game of his loan move. Photograph: Frederick Florin/AFP/Getty Images In France, it was a nightmare end to the season for Andrew Omobamidele and Strasbourg. In what was his final game on loan at the club, Omobamidele came off the bench in the 88th minute, only to be sent off in injury time after conceding a penalty – a costly error that saw Strasbourg miss out on Europa League qualification. They now need PSG to beat Stade de Reims in the French Cup final to secure a spot in the Conference League. As for Stade de Reims, John Patrick and his side will play in the relegation playoff due to La Havre picking up three points. Player of the Week – Kasey McAteer (Leicester City) Kasey McAteer's first Premier League goal!🇮🇪 — Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) It was another strong week for Kasey McAteer at Leicester City. On Wednesday, he was recalled to the Ireland squad following a string of impressive performances. He's back in the starting XI regularly and capped off the week by scoring his first Premier League goal in a standout display against Ipswich. He even struck the post earlier in the game. A massive confidence boost for McAteer as he looks to become a regular for club and country. Goal of the Week – Graham Carey (St Johnstone) Graham Carey's left foot is a wand!🪄 St Johnstone lost the game 2-1 with Carey and Sam Curtis (on loan) sadly being relegated to the Scottish Championship. Should the 35 year-old come home? — Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@reptracker) Graham Carey scored a stunning goal for St Johnstone, showing he's still got it at 35. With his trademark left foot, he curled a brilliant long-range strike from a dead ball into the top corner. There's still life left in the old dog. Stat of the Week – Adam Idah's 20th goal of the season Adam Idah reached the coveted 20-goal mark on Wednesday in Celtic's win over Aberdeen, capping off what has been a standout season. Since the start of 2025, he's developed into a key figure for the Hoops, delivering consistently up front. With the Scottish Cup final still to come, Idah will be hoping to add to his tally and finish an already impressive campaign on an even higher note.
Irish Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Rory McIlroy looks to go beyond the end of the rainbow
After reaching paradise by completing the career Grand Slam with his Masters win, stating on Wednesday that he had achieved everything he had ever wanted in golf, what now for Rory McIlroy? Is that sense of 'fulfilment' dangerous, asks Denis Walsh. How long can it last 'before it becomes corrosive?' 'What do you do when you reach the end of the rainbow?' Well, we're about to find out just how hungry McIlroy is for another major, the US PGA Championship getting under way today at Quail Hollow - a course, Denis reminds us, where McIlroy's record is staggering . He has been drawn in a stellar group with world number one Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Xander Schauffele, but who else is in contention? 'Is there a lurker in the field this week,' Denis wonders. Paradise for the Irish football team would be qualifying for the next World Cup - and manager Heimir Hallgrímsson is certain the mission can be accomplished . 'This is how we should all think: we are going to the World Cup,' he said when he unveiled his squad for next month's friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg. Gavin Cummiskey brings you the details. Gordon Manning, meanwhile, sets the scene for camogie's 'hastily arranged' special congress next Thursday when another vote will be taken on the skorts issue, while Ciarán Murphy reflects on the success of this season's provincial football finals . 'If you were looking for evidence that these are trophies that exist as their own entity, and are deemed worth winning in their own right, look no further than the last two weeks.' READ MORE If the provincial finals don't always receive a whole lotta love, the split season has had its doubters too . But Muireann Duffy heard Gaelic Players Association chief executive Tom Parsons reiterate his stance that it should be maintained. In rugby, while Munster, still battling to make the last eight, have a key URC game against Benetton tomorrow night, 'the fates of the other three Irish provinces are already determined,' writes John O'Sullivan . Leinster will start the knock-out stage as top seeds, but Ulster and Connacht are out. There is, though, still plenty at stake for players with ambitions of making the Irish squad for July's games against Georgia and Portugal. And in his America at Large column, Dave Hannigan tells us about the key question Americans wanted answered after Chicago native Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected Pope - were his baseball allegiance with the White Sox or the Cubs? The Cubs tried to claim him, but Prevost's brother John confirmed that he grew up supporting the White Sox. That, a fellow fan ruefully noted, means 'he can identify with suffering'. TV Watch: It's round one of the US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow today, Sky Sports Golf bringing you just the 11 hours of coverage (from 1pm). And this evening Barcelona need just a point from their game against their beloved neighbours Espanyol to wrap up their 28th La Liga title (ITV4 and Premier Sports 1, 8.30).
