Latest news with #NorthernIrishmen
Belfast Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland pair headed for top flight as Sunderland win promotion to Premier League
The Black Cats earned their place back in the promised land for the first time since 2017 as second half goals from Eliezer Mayenda and teenager Tommy Watson, who struck five minutes into added time, earned them the 2-1 win. Ballard and Hume were immense in defence, both playing the full game, with Ballard producing an heroic block with the score tied 1-1 and Hume contributing with some crunching tackles as the Blades pressed. The pair will now join fellow defender Conor Bradley in the Premier League, with Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny making it four Northern Irishmen in the top flight, while there is still the possibility that Jonny Evans could land with a top flight club after his release from Manchester United and midfielder Jamie Donley is set to return to parent club Tottenham Hotspur after a season on loan at Leyton Orient. With the win, not only do Sunderland return to the Premier League for the first time in eight years but they also bank an estimated £220million, the majority of which comes from the Premier League's new £6.7billion broadcast deal. As well as that, Régis le Bris' side are also entitled to commercial fees, facility fees, and merit payments as a result of their promotion, while they are also guaranteed to at least receive parachute payments even if they are relegated back to the Championship next season, so their winnings could increase further if they survive an immediate return back to the second division. Watson had only been on the pitch since the 73rd minute when he was given room just outside the box to advance on goal and send a beautifully-placed finish into the bottom corner, the 19-year-old sparking bedlam in the stands. Sheffield United had looked set to seal themselves an immediate promotion following their relegation last season, Tyreece Campbell's goal midway through the first half handing Chris Wilder's side a lead they held until the final 15 minutes. Mayenda then scored with a stunning drive to level for Le Bris' side before Watson produced a moment that will live long in Wearside folklore.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
LIV Golf star shows why he ignored Rory McIlroy's plea at PGA Championship
Tom McKibbin's professional career has gone from strength to strength since he burst onto the scene in 2021, and his earnings from LIV have dwarfed the sum he won at the US PGA Tom McKibbin earned a modest £30,000 from his debut at the PGA Championship, a stark contrast to the millions he's made with LIV Golf. McKibbin burst onto the professional scene in 2021, and after only a few years on the DP World Tour, he secured his Tour Card and was offered the chance to shine on the PGA circuit for 2025. However, an offer from rival LIV lured him away, despite the appeals of legendary compatriot Rory McIlroy. Both were present at Quail Hollow, but neither could match the eventual winner Scottie Scheffler. While the American pocketed £2.6 million for his victory, both Northern Irishmen left approximately £30k richer, with McKibbin trailing McIlroy by one shot in a tie for 50th place. This prize money pales in comparison to the sums McKibbin has been earning on the breakaway LIV, suggesting that his decision to ignore McIlroy's advice and choose the Saudi-backed circuit may have been the right move. Since making his LIV debut in Riyadh, McKibbin, as part of the Legion XIII team, has participated in seven events, with his best finish coming in Hong Kong - where his -11 final score saw him tied for sixth place, reports Belfast Live. Over these appearances, both individual and team prizes have seen him walk away with a staggering £3.2m, which significantly overshadows the money he took home at the USPGA and other major tournaments. McKibbin's first two major appearances tell a similar story to the one at Quail Hollow last weekend, tying for 41st at the 2024 US Open, and 66th at his first Open Championship, earning small rewards for both outings. The young golfer from Holywood, who recently sidestepped McIlroy's advice at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, is keen on the LIV Golf League's appeal to youthful drive and ambition. McIlroy, who developed his craft at the same club as McKibbin, had previously said: "No one knows exactly how much he's going to get. What I would say is, there is still a ton of money to be made on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. "There is so much money in the game, and some would argue too much money in the game for the eyeballs that we attract. I think that for whatever the benefit may be, I don't think it's worth the sacrifice to what he's potentially going to give up." Yet, McKibbin who trailed just behind McIlroy in North Carolina, shared his reasoning for the switch, saying: "It was definitely in my mind, but to me I wasn't in any [majors or Ryder Cup ] anyway. The opportunity to play with these guys out here more often and more consistently was definitely a huge factor. "I'm not in those majors anyway at the moment so that really didn't bother me too much. Being young and 22 I've watched this last couple years since [LIV] started. "It's something I really like to watch. Something very different. It appeals to more people my age. "The opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world week in, week out is something that appealed very nicely to me. I liked the whole concept of everything."
