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Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Letters to the Editor: An excellent match in a top-class stadium
For more than half a century, I have been fortunate to have enjoyed many thrilling hurling and football games at the old 'park' and latterly SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, but last Tuesday evening's Uefa Women's Nations League match between Ireland and Slovenia has to rank right up there in terms of skill and enjoyment. The demographic of the crowd, which seemed to consist for the most part of groups of teenage girls, and even younger, served to create a vibrantly refreshing atmosphere of pure unadulterated excitement and an almost innocently empathetic sense of support for the Irish team. This contrasted sharply with the usual matchday win-at-all-cost atmosphere generated by largely adult male supporters. This is surely a huge tribute to the connection which the Irish ladies' team has established with these young girls, a segment of our population which has up to now, for the most part, been devoid of any sporting heroines to whom they can relate and seek to emulate in the future. On the field, Ireland produced a heart-warming display full of skill, determination, and spirit which, with a little luck, could have delivered the four goals necessary to top the table. It was gratifying for the home crowd that central to this display was the contribution of the Cork girls — from the silky skills and ball control of Denise O'Sullivan, to the industry of Megan Connolly, and the splendid match-winning goal scored by Saoirse Noonan. One of the standout moments of the evening for me was the sight of Megan Campbell emerging from the tunnel and throwing the ball a prodigious distance into the Slovenian penalty area. Ireland's Denise O'Sullivan with supporters after the Uefa Women's Nations League B match between the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile It evoked memories of another player from a different code and another era, an All-Ireland winning hurler with Cork in the 1940s, Billy 'Long Puck' Murphy, who was reputably capable of hitting the sliotar almost from one end of the park to the other. The performance by the team was testament to the work of coach Carla Ward and her backroom staff, and was also due in no small way to the outstanding display of skill, drive, and leadership of captain Katie McCabe — reminiscent in many respects of Cork's own Roy Keane. There was one other winner on the evening — namely the stadium itself, which looked resplendent in the evening sunshine, with the pitch in pristine condition and supporters afforded a superb view of the action on the field, regardless of where they were seated. Great credit is due to the Cork County Board and the GAA authorities for making Páirc Uí Chaoimh available for the staging of this and other similar matches. As always, we are all deeply indebted to the stewards, groundsmen, and the many volunteers without whose efforts it would not be possible to stage such matches. Long may SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh continue to offer us such thrilling sporting spectacles such as we all enjoyed on Tuesday evening. Tadhg Nash, Ovens, Co Cork We need a complete overhaul of animal rescue Regarding the article 'Ireland's animal welfare system is unfit for purpose and animals are suffering because of it' ( Irish Examiner, Tuesday, June 3): I have been involved with Animal welfare for many years, both here and in the UK. Smaller rescues are at breaking point. The abuse of animals is relentless. Pets are being surrendered as landlords will not allow them in their homes. This adds to the fact that the country went crazy during the pandemic. So many cross-breeds were bred for extortionate amounts of money, and a lot of these mixed breeds should never have been bred, causing unnecessary problems with eye problems, heart defects, biting issues — the list goes on. We need a complete overhaul of animal rescue. If an animal needs urgent care, we have no authority to go and seize the poor animal; we have to contact the ISPCA to see if they can send an inspector out. The gardaí are very reluctant to assist as they don't have the necessary training or facilities to deal with animal welfare. Puppy breeding needs to have far more legislation and big fines for those who don't comply. It takes far too long to get a cruelty case to court: An independent court system that deals with just these cases is needed, and imprisonment and a huge fine are needed. It is no good banning them from keeping animals; they just keep them somewhere else. The grants we apply for every year don't go far enough. Vet fees have increased dramatically, and rescues can only do so much. Thank you for your wonderful article thank you for highlighting this very important issue. Bridget Banham, Knockcroghery, Roscommon It's our duty to protect our oceans Ahead of World Oceans Day tomorrow, we urge all those who depend on our waters across industry, transport, tourism, and beyond to move past words and take real action to protect our most essential natural resource. At Brittany Ferries, we depend on the ocean and believe it's our duty to safeguard it. When everyone takes responsibility to reduce their environmental impact, the results can be significant. That's why we have introduced LNG-powered vessels, Salamanca and Santona, on our Rosslare to Spain routes. These ships are designed to cut sulphur and particulate matter to near zero while reducing emissions by up to 20%. The vessels are also equipped to run on transition fuels, such as biomethane and e-methane, which will play a key role in our energy security as Ireland works toward a net-zero society by 2050. While the arrival of these two new vessels will make a significant difference to our carbon footprint, the protection of our oceans relies on the co-operation of industry, society, and governments across the globe. Our waters are a natural resource under growing pressure from climate change, pollution, and loss of marine biodiversity. We must act urgently and together to combat this. Hugh Bruton, general manager, Ireland Brittany Ferries Limit on Defence Forces deployment abroad Watching the Oireachtas committee debate on the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 last week, one issue stood out to the casual observer. Leaving aside the larger and more emotive issue of the 'triple lock', the question was discussed about the benefits of raising the number of Defence Forces members allowed to serve abroad — in a lawful and recognised operation — from 12 to 50. The answer is relatively simple. A group of 50 can encompass the widely utilised and accepted military unit of a platoon of 33 persons, plus or minus, (+/-) who are operational and militarily ready for engagement, with the necessary support personnel — technical maintenance, signals (including drone operators), medical, and minimal admin element, to deploy an independent military unit — independent platoon, platoon plus, augmented platoon, the title is inconsequential — as part of a larger UN or EU mission. Any reader who has worked in the regular or reserve Defence Forces, Civil Defence, or Scouting Ireland will recognise the logical utility of this measure. This is not an esoteric question about how many angels will fit on the head of a pin, it is a meaningful military concern, for soldiers and their families. Tim O'Connell, Capt (retired), Ballinteer, Dublin 16 Dismal Hiqa response to nursing homes scandal Regarding the RTÉ Investigates special report on the nursing homes scandal, it took Hiqa 17 weeks before they carried out an inspection. Taking into account that many protective disclosures were made by concerned workers, Hiqa's response was dismal, damming, and immoral. I do not trust this agency or the Government that is pushing the private nursing home agenda to care for the wellbeing of a very vulnerable sector of our society. Citizens of Ireland, please let your public representatives know your feelings. It is in your own interest that you do. James Jackman, Castleknock, Dublin 15 We need to show compassion for the elderly I support fully the chairperson of Safeguarding Ireland in calling for an independent authority after Wednesday nights RTÉ Investigates documentary into alleged failings of care in two nursing homes. It was heartbreaking to hear two leading doctors in geriatric medicine describe the undercover footage they witnessed as shocking and disturbing. One doctor quite rightly posited the notion: 'What's the point of adding years to life if we cannot add life to years as well?' It's my contention that compassion, kindness, humanity, and empathy should be as much a recruitment standard for care workers, nurses, and doctors as their exam results. We hear a lot about compassion for the elderly. Isn't it time we showed some? John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Scandal caused by decades of government failure The RTÉ team who revealed the horrific happenings in two nursing homes are to be commended, but it made very disturbing viewing. However, equally disturbing was the fact that one of your editorial writers saw fit to highlight this latest national scandal with a heading 'State failing its citizens of all ages' ( Irish Examiner, June 5). And how right he or she was. Where will it all end? Practically every week another horrific national scandal emerges, and our do-nothing Government does not seem to care. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the people of Ireland have had to put up with more than one useless government over the past 20 years or so, and there is no indication whatsoever that governance in Ireland will improve in the immediate future. It is almost a certainty that it will become more difficult to get on the housing ladder, all areas of the health service will continue to disimprove, and nobody as usual will be held to account. Liam Burke, Dunmore, Co Kilkenny
Irish Examiner
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
From Corinthians to Colosseum - Megan Connolly loving Roman reign
Getting barracked by scowling supporters wasn't what Megan Connolly envisaged, especially in the land of His Holiness. Nothing the Corkwoman had encountered in her career at home, America or England prepared her for the hostility awaiting in the Rome derby. Lazio against Roma is a big deal regardless of gender. Fans from both sides attend men's and women's clashes, applying equality in their approaches to goading opposition players. Connolly was soon exposed to the Derby della Capitale on her debut last August, a feisty 2-2 draw. Playing in the English Women's Super League for Brighton and then Bristol City had brought pressure but this was far more overt. 'You hear so much about the derby but I didn't know what to expect and it was quite a shock,' recalls the Ireland defender. 'There are rivalries in England but it is just a bit different here. Among the Roma fans, you have grown men shouting at you. I still enjoyed the atmosphere and hopefully we can beat them twice next year.' Connolly has reason to be confident. Lazio finished the season strongly by winning seven of their last eight games, albeit it was in the lower half of a split from midseason. She'd snapped a six-year spell in England to try the Continental route. Contractual uncertainty accompanied her on the trip and there was the language barrier but she's content with how her maiden season unravelled. So too were her employers to the point they granted a two-year contract extension. 'While I took quite a big risk to go there, I look back on it as such a great decision for me personally and for my career,' said Connolly. 'At the start it was quite difficult. It was quite a big change moving from England, going to a new culture, a new everything. 'But once you immerse yourself in the culture, learn from it and your Italian teammates, it helps. 'However, the language is quite difficult. That was never my forte in school. I'm doing lessons but I'm not sure if it's making much of a difference for me!' This time last year, the sister of Cork GAA footballer Luke was back home surveying her future options. Yet the wait until August for the Italian job was one she reflects on fondly. 'At that point of my career, there were certain things that I value quite a lot,' she explained about her mindset. 'I'd been at Brighton and then captained Bristol City. 'I had some great relationships and great experiences but knew what I wanted. For the next move I wanted to go somewhere playing football where I could kind of develop my football and also have that feeling of being a key player; someone who could implement their leadership, my style of play, and everything I bring to the pitch. 'I waited for a bit and Lazio came in. As soon as I got the first phone call, I knew straight away. It's hard to put into words the feeling but it was exactly what I was waiting for the whole time. "I got that feeling of a club who were ambitious, had a style of play, and a manager who valued me. 'Looking back on it now, it panned out how I had hoped for. The waiting paid off.' Besides an injury which also kept her out of the April international camp, Connolly has been a mainstay at Lazio. She even chipped in with a sublime goal against Napoli to further endear her to the fanbase. 'It was disappointing to miss out on the top half by just one result and I'm glad they're adding two teams next year to remove the split,' the 28-year-old says. By then, she'll have broadened her knowledge of the Italian capital. Connolly is based in Formello, a brief 25 jaunt from the centre, and she doesn't pass up opportunities of exploring the famous city. 'In the first few months it was more a case of trying to survive, adapt and get the football stuff sorted,' she outlines about the transition. 'Once things on the pitch were going well and I was settled in, I went out a bit more to experience the culture. It's been quite nice, such a beautiful place and city. 'You can turn any corner walking through the city and find a new landmark that you didn't even know. 'You won't get to see everything you want food wise. When I go into the centre there's so many food places, even places you wouldn't think are restaurants. Then you go into the back of them and it's a proper cultural experience. 'Being there for the next two years it will be nice to get out and experience new cultures and restaurants. It's been fantastic and not the worst place to live. Bristol and Brighton were lovely in different ways!' She's in Turkey for Friday's penultimate Uefa Nations League fixture before returning to familiar territory next week. Páirc Uí Chaoímh for the visit of Slovenia on Tuesday evokes happy memories, the most recent her assist for Anna Patten in last July's 3-1 win over France. There'll be droves of young girls in attendance, idolising locals Connolly, Denise O'Sullivan and Saoirse Noonan for their exploits. 'I know that my former club Corinthians have a great underage programme in Cork, so having an international game right around the corner from where they're all training is fantastic. 'The club did a great gesture after the World Cup by putting the banner up on the main pitch. That's always there. Recently one of the teams won the league and got their picture in front of the banner. "It's always nice to see; reminding me of where I come from. I try to give back whenever I'm home by going up there.'
Irish Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland women's star Megan Connolly inspired by Katie McCabe success story
Rome wasn't built in a day. Nor was Megan Connolly's career. She had figured that bit out before she landed in Formella, 25 minutes from the Italian capital, a two-year contract with Lazio the biggest move of her career. All those stepping stones towards this chance, the formative years with Cork Corinthians, the coming-of-age experiences with Brighton and Bristol City, have led to this. Read more: Former Down GAA star and Irish Cup winner has message for fans after joining Shamrock Rovers Read more: Bundesliga giants eye up summer swoop for Bray Wanderers and Ireland underage star She's here now, in the Italian capital, playing in one of the best leagues in the world, at the peak of her powers. At 28, Connolly is both old enough to have seen the tougher side of football, and young enough to realise better days lie ahead. And that's where Lazio come into play, the Italian Serie A club offering her the chance to step up from super-sub to starter on the Ireland team. The Cork woman says: 'At the start it was quite difficult to settle in going to a new culture, trying to learn a new language. 'So yeah, it was a shock at the start. But now I'm absolutely loving it. The league is great, the football is great. Lazio is fantastic, the training is great, the players, the staff. While I took quite a big risk to go there, I look back on it as such a great decision for me personally and for my career. 'It is a growing league with some fantastic players, Italians and other internationals who relocated last year. You have some of the best teams in Europe in the WSL, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City but there are some fantastic teams in Italy and yeah the level is top. 'The Rome derby was different to anything I ever experienced in England, grown men shouting at you. It was quite a shock. But a nice one. A good atmosphere. And yeah we played well in both games so that made the atmosphere really good and hopefully we can beat them twice next season.' Before then she has work to do with Ireland. A poor start to this Nations League saw Ireland lose 4-0 away to Slovenia before they posted wins over Turkey and Greece (twice). That sets them up nicely for the showdown with Slovenia in Pairc ui Chaoimh in Connolly's home town next Tuesday. She said: 'We have been trying to implement a new style of play under Carla (Ward, Ireland's recently appointed manager). 'We are over the Slovenia defeat, definitely something we'll learn from, teaching us what can happen when you're not on your game. 'It was a wake-up call that while we're trying to implement new things, change our style and grow, these things can happen and we have to make sure they don't happen again. 'These are two really big games for us (Turkey away on Friday, Slovenia at home next Tuesday) to try and get back into League A. 'We know that has an effect on the World Cup qualifying campaign. So the focus for us is on Friday, get the result, and then go for Tuesday and try to get another good result. We know it's going to be difficult.' But being in the Pairc will help, for it was there, last year, when they got their best result in recent years, beating France 3-1. Connolly said: 'Hopefully the same crowd comes out, the same noise is there. The pitch was fantastic the last time as well. Down in Cork, they always keep it so well. 'I know there's lots of games on it with the GAA but the pitch quality was unreal and as were the fans and the atmosphere. 'That France game was amazing to see the crowd we got. 'The last time we had played in Cork before that was in Turner's Cross and I was there as a fan about ten years beforehand. 'So I'm not sure we kind of knew what to expect. Obviously all the fans that turned out and the noise that was made was something that I think stuck with everyone, even with all the players. 'They loved everything about it and we all hoped to come back to Cork. Once we found out one of the games was back in Cork, it was such great news for all the girls who play football in the city. 'For us to come back down to Cork and expose ourselves to more fans down here is massive. Hopefully the crowd is just as loud because we'll need them.' Indeed they need all the help they can get. Should Ireland beat Turkey on Friday - which is likely - and should Slovenia defeat Greece that same day - which is even likelier - then Ireland would have to beat the Slovenes by five goals. That's a big ask and a promotion/relegation play-off is their probable destiny. But Connolly says: 'We will give it our best shot.'
