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The 42
2 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
A deal two years in making - How Brentford finally made it a smooth Liverpool exit for Kelleher
IT WAS ONLY a couple of weeks before the Premier League season finished when Brentford knew they would need to sign a new goalkeeper. That's when it became clear that Mark Flekken, their 31-year-old Netherlands international, was a top priority for Bayer Leverkusen and heading to Germany once the transfer window opened. Head coach Xabi Alonso may have been leaving for Real Madrid but former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was set to be installed as his replacement. Leverkusen came second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and the added carrot of Champions League football was enough to lure Brentford's No.1 away. Suddenly, the side that finished 10th in the Premier League last season now had to act quickly, although that didn't mean decisions were made in panic. Technical director Lee Dykes and sporting director Phil Giles already had a shortlist of goalkeepers prepared, influenced predominantly by the research and data analysis that owner Matthew Benham puts at the forefront of the club's recruitment model. Brentford have data coverage on 85,000 players at the very beginning of their process and whittle that down to up to six options for each position. It was then that Dykes and Giles met internally to discuss their plan of action with head coach Thomas Frank and his extended staff. Kelleher (left) with Nathan Collins on Ireland duty. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO They had the names of three goalkeepers on the list, but only one was unanimously agreed upon as their top target: Caoimhín Kelleher. It would, as sources explained to The 42, turn out to be as smooth a deal as you are likely to get at this level of the game. While the alternatives to Kelleher were discussed, they were not considered in the same depth once all facets were considered: in every sense, now was the perfect time for this transfer to happen. Brentford's focus was on getting a deal done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Kelleher had already been high on their radar two years previously, when then first choice David Raya was preparing to leave on loan for Arsenal before joining the Gunners permanently. Timing worked against both parties then as Kelleher was just two seasons into a five-year contract. Advertisement The cost to get him out of Anfield would have been far higher than the initial €14 million (rising to €21.3m with around €3m due to Ringhmahon Rangers) paid this week. More prohibitive was Liverpool's refusal to want to sell given former boss Jurgen Klopp rated Kelleher as the best No.2 in world football. The Republic of Ireland international turned 26 last November and also switched agencies in February – the same group that represents Virgil van Dijk – as he prepared to enter the final season of that deal signed in 2021. As much as stats and data inform so much of Brentford's decision making, there are also a significant amount of background checks about a player's character and personality, both on and off the pitch, before progressing with any deal. Naturally, Kelleher's international teammate Nathan Collins provided a glowing reference while Frank didn't have to look far on his own staff given former Ireland assistant Keith Andrews, who worked with the goalkeeper at both U21 and senior level, joined the club ahead of last season. But it would be more than friendly faces that would get a deal over the line. Kelleher's temperament and emotional intelligence were cited. Again, had his personality profile been different Brentford still would have pursued the deal because of what the stats, and their eyes, were telling them. 'He is obsessed with improving. His best quality is his agility and he is a clever goalkeeper, with positioning and awareness being key elements of his game,' first-team goalkeeper coach Manu Sotelo said when the signing was confirmed. Kelleher makes a save from Bruno Guimares in last season's Carabao Cup final. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 'With us, I'm confident he will achieve the next level in terms of performance and show the potential he has.' Last season, Brentford's tally of 647 shots was the second-most conceded. Yet only 80 of those were deemed 'big chances' and the total of 233 shots faced from outside the box was more than any other side in the Premier League last season. What Brentford anticipate is that Kelleher will make the difference with those chances that rivals should be scoring, their analysis during his time with Liverpool and Ireland highlighting that he is capable of making big saves in big moments, while also relieving pressure on his team in crucial moments of games. Like the striker who doesn't just score the third or fourth in a five-goal rout, Kelleher is a goalkeeper who delivers for his team when the outcome is still in the balance. A very brilliant reminder of such quality came for Ireland against Senegal on Friday when he made a stunning fingertip save (below) from a powerful header that looked destined for the top corner. Once Brentford and Liverpool were able to agree the terms of the transfer and it began to filter out, rival clubs were surprised by how cheaply they were able to get Kelleher out of Anfield. Even with a year left on his contract it was seen as more clever business. Still, as much as things were going smoothly there were still fears at Brentford that they could be gazumped, right up until last week when Kelleher visited Frank and some of the technical staff for a detailed presentation to convince him this was the club where he could be tested at the highest level while still have an emphasis on developing even further. One joke is that the presentation could have just been putting Collins' face on the screen and detailing how he has been able to progress and mature, becoming the only outfielder to play in every minute of the Premier League last season. Kelleher in action for Liverpool against Brentford during the 2023/24 season. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Like Raya before him, Kelleher is viewed as a goalkeeper whose ceiling as a No.1 is yet to reached, and as much as that was laid out to him there was also acknowledgement that next season will be different in many ways. The challenge laid out to Kelleher, one that excited him and made him keen to join, was that he would have to show on a consistent basis each week that he was ready to perform as a first choice, shifting that mindset week in week out. Brentford are adamant it will not be an issue, and even the narrative around Kelleher will change this season. Excluding the three relegated teams and three who earned promotion from the Championship, only Brighton's Bart Verbruggen (22) will be a younger No.1 at the start of this season. The future of head coach Frank may now be up in the air as Tottenham Hotspur reportedly want him to succeed the sacked Ange Postecoglou, but Brentford are adamant they're getting Kelleher before he truly hits his peak. The work will soon begin on ensuring he can reach it.
The 42
4 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Here's the full list of winners from this year's FAI international awards
THE WINNERS OF the 35th FAI International Awards have been confirmed — and honoured at an event in the Aviva Stadium. Robbie Brady and Kyra Carusa were the big winners, crowned Senior Men's and Women's International Player of the Year respectively. Both players were presented with their awards in camp this week, with announcements made on the FAI social media channels. Brady also claimed the International Goal of the Year award (v Finland), repeating his 2016 double. Finn Azaz and Jessie Stapleton won the Young Player of the Year awards, while Cork's Matt Healy took the Men's Under-21 prize. Irish legends Denise Irwin and Olivia O'Toole were inducted into the FAI Hall of Fame. Irwin was capped 56 times, featuring at the 1994 World Cup in USA, while O'Toole is the Ireland women's national team record goalscorer with 54 goals. Denis Irwin (file photo). Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO Broadcaster George Hamilton was the recipient of the Special Merit Award. The event took place at Lansdowne Road before tonight's international friendly between Heimir Hallgrímsson's Ireland and Senegal. The performances taken into account were from June 2024 to May 2025, while a jury from Soccer Writers' Ireland helped with the selection of certain categories. Here's a full list of winners: 35th FAI International Awards Winners Senior Men's International Player of the Year Robbie Brady Senior Women's International Player of the Year Kyra Carusa Young Men's International Player of the Year Finn Azaz Advertisement Young Women's International Player of the Year Jessie Stapleton International Goal of the Year MNT | Robbie Brady vs Finland Men's Under-21 International Player of the Year Matt Healy Men's Under-19 International Player of the Year Freddie Turley Women's Under-19 International Player of the Year Aoife Kelly Men's Under-18 International Player of the Year Kyle Fitzgerald Men's Under-17 International Player of the Year Finn Sherlock Women's Under-17 International Player of the Year Madison McGuane Boys' Under-16 International Player of the Year Niall Sullivan Girls' Under-16 International Player of the Year Keelin Comiskey Boys' Under-15 International Player of the Year Archie Quinn Girls' Under-15 Schools International Player of the Year Hailey Twomey (Eureka Secondary School, Kells) Boys' Under-18 Schools International Player of the Year Rhys Knight (Clonkeen College, Blackrock) Football For All International Player of the Year Heather Jameson (Cerebral Palsy) Amateur Player of the Year Jake Dillon (Fairview Rangers) Hall of Fame Denis Irwin Olivia O'Toole Special Merit George Hamilton. You can view the nominees here>
The 42
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Teahupoo delivers again for Gordon Elliott, defending crown at Punchestown
TEAHUPOO SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDED his Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle crown with a comprehensive victory on day three of the Punchestown Festival. Gordon Elliott's charge returned to County Kildare off the back of successive defeats this season, including when bidding for back-to-back wins in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. The eight-year-old filled the runner-up spot in the Cotswolds, having previously found star mare Lossiemouth too strong in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse, and was a 5-4 favourite to get himself back in the winner's circle under Sam Ewing. Advertisement After being settled in midfield for the majority of the three-mile journey, Teahupoo travelled strongly before being nudged to lead rounding the home turn and the further he went the better he looked, with four and a quarter lengths the margin over Asterion Forlonge. Elliott said: 'This horse has got me out of trouble a few times and he's done it again. He's a star of a horse. Sam Ewing celebrates winning The Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) with Teahupoo. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO 'I was panicking turning in to be honest. If we had a couple of winners, I'd have had my chest out. 'He's so laid-back at home and you nearly start questioning yourself 'is he a bit heavy going around the ring'. 'Sam gave him a no-nonsense ride and kept it very straightforward. I'm very lucky to have the riders I have, the staff I have and the owners. 'I was dreaming last night if Teahupoo could win today and Meath could win the Leinster final it would finish off what has been a rough season to be a great season.'
Extra.ie
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
In Pics: Best Dressed winner steals the show in yellow at Punchestown
Crowds of eager revellers packed into Punchestown for the third day of the racing festival. The glamour didn't slow down as the ladies dressed to impress for Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle Day. It was all about stamina in the feature race as Teahupoo claimed a thrilling victory for jockey Sam Ewing and trainer Gordon Elliott. Maria Osborne who was the winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. The Bollinger Best Dressed competition continued on day three of the festival. Thursday's winner was Maria Osborne, from Co Kildare. Maria Osborne who was the winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. Maria will join Genevieve Ryan and Oniesa Owens in the finale of the competition at Ladies Day on Friday. Finalists at the Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. A once-in-a-lifetime getaway to the Bollinger Estate in France's Champagne region, complete with five-star accommodation in Paris, a Michelin-star dining experience and return flights awaits the winner. Check out all the style from Day Three at the Punchestown Festival below: The Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. The Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. The Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. The Bollinger Best Dressed competition on Day Three of the Punchestown Festival. Cleo Knight and Davina Knight. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Meaghan D'Souza. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Rachel Jones and Lauren Mezurczak. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Dee Ahearn and Mille Ahearn. Pic: Michael Chester Joanna Nicholls. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Laura Murphy, Siobhan Kavanagh and Dee Ahearn. Pic: Michael Chester Katie Smith. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy Caoimhe Carr. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Croine Gallagher and Aurelija Kupryte. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Siobhan Kavanagh. Pic: Michael Chester Ciara Murray. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Niamh Lordan. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
The 42
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Galopin Des Champs strolls to Punchestown Gold Cup
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS gained a deserved first victory in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup with a superlative performance. Denied a third Gold Cup at Cheltenham last month, the Willie Mullins-trained star was out to prevent an unwanted hat-trick in this race, having been second to Fastorslow for the past two years. The nine-year-old looked much happier than he did at Cheltenham all the way through this time, jumping for fun at the head of affairs and leading his rivals a merry dance in the hands of Paul Townend. Monty's Star was the first to cry enough under Rachael Blackmore and then Joseph O'Brien's King George winner Banbridge began to struggle. Spillane's Tower was still on the bridle at the fourth-last, but just when Mark Walsh would have been hoping to make his move, he failed to pick up, making quite a bad mistake. With Walsh still seemingly going well enough, Townend kicked on and Spillane's Tower had to meet the next fence perfectly to have a chance, but failed to do so and the race was over. Galopin Des Champs pinged the last and the 5-6 favourite came home 22 lengths clear, to rapturous applause from those in attendance. Paul Townend wins The Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1) on Galopin Des Champs. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO Mullins said: 'He was back to his best. His jumping was fantastic, at his ease, and Paul was just full of confidence on him. Advertisement 'To win that race by 22 lengths is awesome. Paul said he wasn't taking 'no' for an answer at any stage, he was going to put them to the sword and he did. 'I thought he was more at home today. I was a little bit worried about the heat and the weather, I'd imagine the other trainers were too. 'You could see from the start he was enjoying himself, there was a spark in him from jumping off. 'He's a very good horse, he has to be one of the best chasers we've ever had.' On coming back to Punchestown, he added: 'Good horses deserve to run in good races and good races deserve to have the good horses, as do big meetings like Punchestown, there are none bigger at this stage of the season. 'Cheltenham was Cheltenham and we were beaten, but horses get beaten. At least he's come back and proved that he's a real good horse. 'There is always next year and he's only nine, coming 10. He's still young enough to go and have another go but we're talking about today, not last month, and we're happy to be here today. 'We're happy that the horse has come home from Cheltenham and done this. A lot of people don't bring their horses back from Cheltenham, but I think 'let's have a crack', as it's good racing and good for the sport.' On the winner's past Punchestown record, Mullins said: 'That doesn't matter. You've got to run the good horses in good races and never be afraid to be beaten, I'm not anyway.' Jodie Townend on Bambino Fever celebrates winning The Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I-H. Flat Race (Grade 1). Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO Earlier Bambino Fever confirmed herself as the standout performer in her division when running out an impressive winner of the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion INH Flat Race. Surprisingly for a race of such stature, only six went to post, with Willie Mullins responsible for the eventual winner, ridden by Jody Townend, and Copacabana, the mount of Patrick Mullins. The five-year-old had already won at the Dublin Racing Festival and she followed up impressively under Townend in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper. Paul Townend excelled as Cheltenham winner Jasmin De Vaux edged out Aintree victor Honesty Policy in a thrilling finish to the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle at Punchestown. A notoriously iffy jumper at the best of times, Jasmin De Vaux appeared to be coming to win the race before making a mistake at the final flight. Townend lost his right iron shortly after landing and rather than try and get that one back, he kicked his left one out. That enabled him to get into a position to ride the strongest finish possible as quickly as he could – and it was an inspired decision. Mark Walsh had charted the inside course on Gordon Elliott's Honesty Policy, who lost little in defeat, as Townend swept around the outside. It was Jasmin De Vaux (13-8 favourite), winner of last year's Champion Bumper at Cheltenham before this year's Albert Bartlett success, who had the greater speed on the flat, though, and won by half a length.
