Latest news with #RamseyCardy
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
John O'Shea admits timing of June friendlies ‘awkward' but challenges Ireland stars to ‘show I'm needed' for World Cup
THE tone surrounding the talk about international football in June — excluding tournaments — is nobody likes it. But around 33,000 supporters and counting who have bought tickets for 2 Ireland face Senegal and Luxembourg in a pair of friendlies Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile 2 John O'Shea challenged the players to show they are needed for the World Cup qualifiers Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile Ireland's June results over the years, however, are enough reason to be wary of games being played when players could be forgiven for thinking of their summer holidays. Only recently, Shelbourne boss International Jason Knight acknowledged as much Tuesday when it was mentioned that he could be in Albufeira rather than the Aviva Stadium this week. Read More on Ireland MNT The sun is out, the English season is over and it is soon time for a holiday. At this time of year, players leaving the old Lansdowne Road or Aviva Stadium wheeling the big suitcase — the one you pack for the holiday rather than a short stay in Dublin — was a common sight. In 2009, one player even walked through a mixed zone in Bulgaria shouting, 'Vegas, Vegas', to leave onlookers in no doubt to where he was going next. It was seen as good fortune that Ireland's Most read in Football No qualifiers in June is a no-brainer. But results in June windows when nothing is at stake can be even worse. Assistant manager Heimir Hallgrimsson gives first call-up to four Ireland players in squad for friendlies vs Senegal and Luxembourg The same opponents walloped Ireland 5-1 in New Jersey as they prepared for the 2014 World Cup. Friendly wins are like hens' teeth in June, with landmarks rather than performances making them memorable. O'Shea's 118th and final cap came against the That was also a rarity for O'Shea who was so often excused from the summer action when there were no qualifiers. Earlier in his career, Steve Staunton felt he knew enough about the serial The 2007 summer tour of the USA was made up of a squad of players who often show up in 'Where are they now?' features. As O'Shea got older, he was given time off to put his feet up as Giovanni Trapattoni and Martin O'Neill looked at other options. Still, the Ireland centurion was often back in the side when the real games started. But O'Shea insisted he and boss Those in the He said: 'It's awkward in the sense of the timing, it's different in the feeling of if these were qualifiers, the whole kind of reaction around it. 'But you have to build into what it can lead to in qualifying for tournaments. 'I think that has to outweigh any kind of . . . could be on holiday somewhere, could be away somewhere or whatever it might be. 'But I think the bigger goal of qualifying for the World Cup in America, 'If we get players to have an impact this week in the friendlies that suddenly help us qualify or score a goal to qualify us for the World Cup, I think you'll say it was definitely worthwhile.' KNIGHT & DAY It is why Knight — who was only included because his Championship season was extended by The 24-year-old said: 'I could be in Albufeira, you're right! Look, there's always time for holidays. I know I'm young, but I know these caps and these opportunities are like gold dust and I'm trying to grab them as much as I can. 'This is the dream, this is where I want to be and I'm excited to be here for these two games and hopefully many more.' His assistant boss O'Shea continued: 'It's representing your country at senior level, the highest level, and that's what you have to have in the background. 'And ultimately it's for the coaching staff, for us as a staff to have the time with the players to kind of get to increase the relationship with the players, increase the bond with the players, to introduce one or two new players, all those little factors. 'That brings a freshness into the lads that have been here a good while as well. We need that kind of freshness, but also increased competition. 'And I think it's up to the lads that are here now to show, 'Right, I'm in, I'm getting a chance, I'm involved, I need to stay here, I need to prove I can be needed here'. 'And I think that's the key element, increase that competition and then we get increased levels of performance. 'The lads that are having a rest as such from what the manager has spoken about, they will be thinking, 'I wonder how the other lads might get on'. That's what we need.'
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Everything you need to know ahead of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon
Let's go, girls! The day is here — the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon takes place this afternoon, Sunday, June 1. The beloved event will see thousands of women take to the streets of Dublin for a range of worth causes. 28,000 tickets for the main event are sold out, and the virtual mini-marathon took place on Saturday, May 31. Let's go, girls! The day is here — the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon takes place this afternoon, Sunday, June 1. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile EVOKE are the 2025 media partner for the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon — here's everything you need to know… The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon starts on Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2 at 12.30pm. Participants are urged to get into their 'wave' by 11.30am. Final arrival is at 12pm latest. The 10km race finishes on Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2. EVOKE confirm there will be water stations along the way, with the first station after the 3km mark on the Stillorgan Road near the Teresian School. The second will be at 6km on the Stillorgan Road near Belfield Bridge. A third and final station is situated outside AIB Place in Ballsbridge following the 8km mark. The Vhi Women's Mini Marathon starts on Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2 at 12.30pm. Participants are urged to get into their 'wave' by 11.30am. Final arrival is at 12pm latest. Pic: Getty Images Yes! There are more pacers than ever before, with participants encouraged to follow a pacer throughout the run, particularly if you are looking to finish the 10km in a certain time. Options include 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 90 and 120 minutes. Only clear bags and small bags no larger than A4 size are permitted into the event, and will be subject to searches. Bag drop locations are colour-coded to match your assigned wave. All bag drops open from 10.30am. White and Pink wave participants use the bag drop at Fitzwilliam Square with entry via Pembroke Street Upper and Leeson Street Lower while Blue and Orange can use the Baggot Street drop (entry via Hume Street and St Stephen's Green). Those in the green wave must drop their bags on Mount Street Upper, with access via Herbert Place and Mount Street Crescent and yellow wave participants will drop their bags to the Merrion Square South drop, with access via Merrion Square West and North. Yes! There are more pacers than ever before at the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon, with participants encouraged to follow a pacer throughout the run, particularly if you are looking to finish the 10km in a certain time. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile From 8am on Saturday, Herbert Street is closed while Merrion Street Upper, Ely Place, Pembroke Street, Merrion Square West, Dawson Street and Kildare Street all close from 8.30am. Further road closures take place from 10am and 11.30am including Leeson Street Lower, Leeson Street Upper, Donnybrook Road and Pembroke Road. For the full list of road closures and opening times go here. Elsewhere, the Cork City Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 1 with the marathon kicking off at 8.15am from the Patrick Street and the Half Marathon beginning at 10.15am on Monahan Road. The races will naturally impact traffic in and around the city with the city centre streets closed for most of the day. North Main Street, Liberty Street, Kyles Street, Adelaide Street and Castle Street closed at 7am on Sunday and will remain closed until 4pm, while St Patrick's Street is closed until 6om. The Jack Lynch tunnel will remain open for the day but will operate at contra-flow system from 12pm until 1pm. The full list of closures is available here.
Extra.ie
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
O'Rourke has pedigree to land Tyrone's fifth All-Ireland
For a calm man with a studied demeanour, Malachy O'Rourke has a long record of explosive impacts. The roll-call of achievements from his first season in a job is staggeringly good. In 2008, he led his native Fermanagh to their first Ulster final in 26 years, and they only lost to Armagh after a replay. In 2013, his debut season in charge of Monaghan brought their first Ulster title in 28 years. They reached the finals of 2014 and 2015 as well, winning in the latter campaign. Tyrone boss Malachy O'Rourke has a consoling word with Jim McGuinness. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile In 2021, he took Glen to their first-ever Derry championship; they went on to win the next two, and crowned their success with the All-Ireland club title in 2024. His appointment as Tyrone manager was hailed as a wise move, but also perhaps not fully appreciated, given just how good O'Rourke is. That reputation endures even in a football landscape transformed by rules which might have been expected to hamper his more conservative instincts. The Allianz League hinted, but only modestly, at the potential in a partnership of a veteran, wily manager and a playing group that is a tantalising mix of experienced All-Ireland winners and the bounty of successive exceptional Under 20 teams. Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile Wednesday's riotous second-half performance against Louth gave Tyrone their third All-Ireland title at that grade in four years, and only fattened already robust expectations of what could be achieved in this season and in campaigns to come. There is no county better equipped for the years to come — but given O'Rourke's pedigree and the proven quality already available, hope grows within Tyrone that this year could yet deliver Sam Maguire. That the League ended in relegation was the result of some clunky form but it was also a freak; Tyrone won three of their seven matches, drawing another one, and were relegated on seven points. Kerry took second place in the table and a League final place with eight points. And the evidence of the Championship so far is that of a team steadily finding its groove. O'Rourke was certainly among the managers who had reservations about the Football Review Committee (FRC) overhaul during the League — despite his role with Jim Gavin's committee, which he left upon his appointment to the Tyrone role. Ciaran Daly, left, and Darren McCurry of Tyrone. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile He had reservations about the new kick-out rules and the initial rules around the 3v3 in the event of a player being sent off. But tellingly, he also predicted that the transformative effect of the changes would be most felt when pitches dried and hardened. And it's true that football's glorious rebirth began through the baking days of late April and the first half of May. But it's also a fact that one of the most impressive performances of the Championship so far was delivered by O'Rourke's side on a night of squalls and showers in against Donegal in Ballybofey last Saturday. Deliverance came through the boots of Darren McCurry and Peter Harte late on, a pair of hardy veterans, but Seánie O'Donnell, an alumnus of the 2022 U20 champions, filched two goals and also pinned Ryan McHugh back. The return of Pádraig Hampsey strengthened a defence playing behind the best keeper in the country in Niall Morgan. Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile Every time he places a ball on the tee, he has the reassurance of looking out at the best midfield in the country, the pairing of Brian Kennedy and Conn Kilpatrick. And now O'Rourke can harvest U20s from this year's winning side to supplement plans which already extend to the knock-out stages, given the importance of last weekend's win. They also look good to make it two out of two in Omagh tomorrow night, with a fragile-looking Mayo visiting Healy Park. Their loss to Cavan in their first group game was disastrous, while the sombre news of Kevin McStay's health concerns obliging him to step away from the sideline, is a further complication. If beating fancied Donegal in their imposing home patch has transformed the look of Tyrone's season, the 5-16 to 0-17 win the U20s recorded over Louth in Armagh on Wednesday has lightened the mood even further. Noah Grimes. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile It was a performance featuring many of the impressive characteristics of the three All-Ireland-winning teams to emerge from Tyrone in the past three years, in particular the composure of players on the ball and in tight contests. Because this was a gripping contest for 40 minutes, with Tyrone eking out a two-point lead but then devastating Louth over the final quarter of an hour; they out-scored the Leinster champions 3-7 to 0-4. Noah Grimes scored 2-6 and was named man of the match, with Eoin McElholm landing 2-4. The latter, man of the match in last year's victorious final, has already established himself in the senior squad and came off the bench in Ballybofey. He is sure to become more central to O'Rourke's plans in the coming weeks, and that attacking edge is perhaps the one area of the game where Tyrone have looked unconvincing this year. Their defence was ropy-looking during the spring, too, but the return of Hampsey after missing the League following shoulder surgery is a major corrective, while the half-back line of Michael McKernan, Rory Brennan and Kieran McGeary is key on both sides of the ball. Losing to Mayo would not have much of an impact on their progression to the knock-out stages, but it would be a rare blip in a season that has taken off. Even their Ulster semi-final defeat to Armagh came in a classic as they lost by a point in 45-point game. O'Rourke's strong record of delivery brought excitement to Fermanagh, joy to Monaghan and unprecedented jubilation to a small club in Derry. Delivering Tyrone's fifth-ever All-Ireland would be his greatest feat yet. It's an ambition that grows more convincing with every game they play.
Extra.ie
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
What latest UEFA update means for Ireland's chances of automatic Euro 2028 place
Ireland have received a boost in their bid to qualify for Euro 2028 following UEFA's latest update. The governing body confirmed places at the tournament will be reserved for the two best-ranked host nations who don't automatically qualify. Ireland were confirmed as co-hosts along with Scotland, Wales and England back in 2023. Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England will co-host UEFA EURO 2028. Pic: Kristian Skeie/UEFA via Sportsfile Northern Ireland had been included as part of initial plans but that fell through when the plug was pulled on funding for the dilapidated Casement Park. The GAA ground has not been used since 2011 and spiralling construction costs have kept the project grounded for years on end. Elsewhere, in Dublin, the Aviva Stadium is scheduled to host six games throughout the tournament. Casement Park's inclusion in Euro 2028 was shelved as issues persisted with the derelict GAA ground. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile That figure could yet swell, however, with the five fixtures intended for Casement Park set to be divided out among other nations. The latest update from UEFA is a positive; it means that if two of England, Wales and Scotland reach the tournament through qualifying, Ireland are guaranteed to be at the tournament. That is irrespective of how they get on in their own qualification campaign, making it a backdoor safety net for the Boys in Green – although fans will still be looking for a solid qualifying campaign when it rolls around. As Casement Park is out of the equation, Northern Ireland will not be similarly afforded a backdoor exemption if they fail to qualify for the tournament.
Sunday World
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Sunday World
Pat Spillane: My GAA pecking order before the serious business begins
The provincial championships have been a revelation and I can't wait for the next phase of the race for Sam 10 May 2025; Michael Murphy of Donegal in action against Jarly Óg Burns of Armagh during the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Armagh and Donegal at St Tiernach's Park in Clones, Monaghan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile 11 May 2025; Louth players celebrate after the Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Louth and Meath at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 11 May 2025; Sam Mulroy of Louth scores his side's first goal, a penalty, during the Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Louth and Meath at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 11 May 2025; Bevan Duffy of Louth with his daughter Lydia, age 5, after the Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Louth and Meath at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile 10 May 2025; Donegal manager Jim McGuinness, left, and Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney after the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Armagh and Donegal at St Tiernach's Park in Clones, Monaghan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile The 2025 senior football championship is the competition that keeps on giving. Jim Gavin's Football Review Committee remit from Jarlath Burns was to make Gaelic football the most enjoyable amateur game to play and watch. And, boy, they are coming close to achieving that goal. The smile is back on players' faces; they're enjoying it. While supporters keep telling me they've fallen in love with Gaelic football again. That's great to hear. Early in the championship, we got a cracker between Kerry and Cork, the best game in the championship, and maybe the best match for a couple of years. The following week it was bettered by Armagh and Tyrone. Two weeks ago, even better again in the Connacht final between Galway and Mayo. And last week we wondered, just wondered, would the Ulster final throw up a great match. And it surely did. A classic. A really enjoyable game from start to finish. One of the best Ulster finals of all time? Perhaps. It is certainly a contender. I could regurgitate what I've written in the last few weeks telling you what makes a great sporting contest. But I will just use one stat from the final in Clones. Seventy-eight shots at goal in 80 minutes That's entertainment, that's a serious match. Let's have a deeper look at that great Ulster final. I will start with the losers. Two weeks ago I said there were four counties in contention for Sam: Galway, Kerry, Armagh and Donegal. That hasn't changed. Armagh lost nothing in defeat. They had a lot of positives to fall back on. Their attack got off seven more shots than Donegal in normal time, 36 to 29. They showed great character coming from seven points down three times and going ahead on one of those occasions. They had huge impact from the bench with five points, so they are building a strong panel. In the second half they played with a quicker tempo, and I believe this suits Armagh. And remember, this is an Armagh team that didn't have Joe McElroy, Aaron McKay and Rian O'Neill, who will be available in the coming weeks. They hit the woodwork three times and don't forget that stupid rule, where a goalie who touches a two-point effort negates it. It cost Oisín O'Neill a point which would have won the game for them in normal time. They also left two goal chances behind them – yet only lost by a point. The negatives? Three of Armagh's forwards didn't score from play. Playmaker Rory Grugan was anonymous. Their lack of goalscoring continues to haunt them, with none scored in the last two championship matches. I am going to say this about Armagh, but it also applies to Donegal, and even Louth. Zonal defending could cost them in Croke Park. The lack of a kicking game in transition could come back to bite them in the big matches. But would I rule Armagh out of retaining their All-Ireland? Not on the basis of their last result. They're still a serious bidder. I looked at Donegal and wrote down two words – McGuinness and belief. This is a group that believes in their manager and the system, and that is what carried them over the line. Michael Murphy catches the ball ahead of Jarly Óg Burns. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile I was particularly taken by their first-half performance, especially in attack. They showed more variety in their attacking play than normal. They went long to Michael Murphy. They were attempting more two-pointers. And they were carrying the ball through the centre. Their shooting efficiency in that first half was top class – 75 per cent. Also impressive was the range of their scorers, 12 different names on the scoring sheet. They are a team that works in bursts. When they get that strong midfield motoring and go at you, they hammer the hammer and make you pay. In the first half they went on a burst, outscoring Armagh 0-7 to 0-1. Likewise in the second half, just after half-time, they outscored Armagh 1-3 to 0-0. And, of course, Shaun Patton's kick-outs were hugely influential, like exocet missiles. But you know, even though they retained the title, there was something about the latest performance that raised a few doubts in my head that maybe Donegal are not the finished article. In the second half they stuck to the process and embarked on a pattern of recycling and recycling some more, and not taking the low percentage shot. They reverted to old habits. It was very unDonegal-like too that they failed to see out the game in normal time when they were leading. And with Murphy and Patrick McBrearty, I wonder will a lack of pace go against them in Croke Park. I'm not sure they will have the legs. And again there is that nagging concern that applies to the other counties mentioned, the reliance on zonal defending which leaves the threat of being exposed. There is an absence of a kicking game in transition, the way Kerry move the ball, for example. Donegal just about fell over the line, but they left me with more questions than answers. Even though I tipped Donegal to win, they are not, in my eyes, All-Ireland favourites. And that brings me to the Leinster final. Boy, was I happy for Louth. It's karma after the injustice of 2010. Seeing the tears of joy on the faces of the Louth supporters and their celebrations afterwards just emphasised how important sport is as an escape valve. How important it is as a means of uniting people in a county. And I know it's an old cliche, but you can dare to dream and yes, dreams can come true. It goes back to something I've said for years. There are 15 footballers in every county as good as the rest. If you get belief and commitment from them, then the sky is the limit. I was thrilled for those Louth players. Why did they win? Very simple. Experience, composure and game management. You can never disregard how important experience is. This was their third consecutive Leinster final. They've played the likes of Kerry in the championship in the last two years. There's a lot of learning from those days. Louth manager Ger Brennan and selector Niall Moyna. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile And there is no doubt that Ger Brennan and his team took those lessons on board. But it was their composure and game management in the clutch moments and in the closing stages that really stood out. They should have been beaten in the Kildare match, but when the game was level in the last five minutes, they outscored the Lilywhites 0-3 to 0-0. The latest match was no different. Three points down with 25 minutes to go, they showed the calm needed to take control. That was really noticeable in a fascinating period of the game which lasted seven minutes and 14 seconds. It began with Louth forward Bevan Duffy forcing a turnover off Aaron Lynch. For the rest of the game, in that seven minutes and 14 seconds that remained, only one Meath player touched the ball again. Louth strung together 81 passes and got three points in that spell. And in one sequence of play they kept the ball almost four minutes, strung together nearly 60 passes and took the ball into the tackle 13 times without losing it. Now that's serious coaching. And it ended up with a Ciaran Lennon point. But there were other factors. Defensively, they were very well organised. They got the bodies back in place and cut off the supply line to James Conlon. But what I really liked was that they were innovative in defending outside the arc to stop Meath's two-point shooting, which was their forte in earlier wins. Meath had 16 two-pointers in the championship going into the game but only scored one from play. Louth's kick-outs, meanwhile, mined 3-7 out of their 3-14. And then there was Sam Mulroy. Great teams and players never let the heads drop when things go wrong. And Mulroy was the classic example of that. He kicked four wides after half-time and in his next three shots he scored four points. That is the performance of a class footballer. But in statistical terms, here is the simple explanation why Louth won. In the first half, with 50pc possession, they got off a mere 10 shots. In the second half, they got off 18 shots. Finally, there is an old saying, goals win matches. You look at the provincial finals in Munster, Kerry scoring four to none from Clare, Donegal netting twice compared to zero from Armagh, and Louth getting three to one from Meath. That's a big factor too. And that brings me to Meath's display. They were only beaten by two points, but they didn't score their usual rate of two-pointers from play. Their lack of goals continues to be an issue. But the most damning stat is just five scores in the second half and one score in the last 23 minutes. You are not going to win a provincial final with that. It was a memorable occasion with Louth winning, a great atmosphere and what a crowd. But let's not over-gild the lily. For long spells, notably in the first half, it was fairly pedestrian, dull and with a governing policy of safety first. For a game with little physical intensity, there were numerous turnovers coming from unforced errors. Will Louth or Meath go on to win the All-Ireland? Sadly, no. My rankings, for what they're worth before the serious business begins, are as follows: 1. Kerry; 2. Galway; 3. Donegal; 4. Armagh; 5. Dublin; 6. Mayo. Cork are a dark horse outside of that top six – they won't win the All-Ireland but could cause a shock or two in the coming weeks. Sadly, Louth and Meath are not in that company. Normally, I have something negative to say. And we could pick out Leinster final referee Martin McNally, who had a brilliant performance, giving a handy free to Mulroy for that crucial late two-pointer. And while the new rules have been a revelation, the scourge of hand-passing and keeping the ball is still there. Lastly, the melee after the match in Clones was nasty and severe punishment must be handed out. There can be no place for that on any GAA field. But you know what? I am going to be positive. The provincial championships – shock-horror – have been a revelation. Three of the four finals have been absorbing – Ulster, Connacht and Leinster. I can't wait for the next phase. Roll on the next few weeks because I believe it's only going to get better. My glass is half full for the first time in many years. I'm on a high.
