Latest news with #Rovers
RTÉ News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Galway hold firm to leave Tallaght with a point after stalemate with Shamrock Rovers
On a day of big results, Galway United reminded us that they haven't gone away you know, with Shamrock Rovers floundering before the half-season holidays. Rovers all but emptied their bench but were left deeply frustrated on the night, Galway's defensive machination a work of wonder, and ultimately Rovers had no answer: XG will show that neither side mustered up much in terms of chances. The calibre of players substituted throughout the night was testament to the depth of talent in the league right now but this was a triumph of hard work over ingenuity, Rovers looking less and less likely to score as darkness set in. They could have had a penalty or two but will appreciate that they did not create enough to extend their lead at the summit. United began with an aggressive high press and Rovers took some time to get going – partly because of the well-drilled visitors, but also, perhaps, due to a shade of complacency based on their recent winning run. Most believe Rovers will now go on to regain the title, but they created little enough in the opening 45. Vince Borden had a half-chance early on, slicing his effort wide, while both that and a subsequent Ed McCarthy effort followed sloppy Rovers play, before the home side dominated all the way up to the break, limiting United to a mere sniff of goal. Aaron McEneff had a couple of openings. He worked Evan Watts – still preferred to veteran Brendan Clarke – with a curler on 12 minutes, before the Derry native skied wide after nice work on the wing from Danny Grant. Michael Noonan was on the hunt for four goals in successive games but his inexperience – that or the instinct of a goalscorer – let him down around the half-hour mark. Graham Burke, who was his usual influential self, had words with the teenager: he should have squared it. As if to arrest the game from its soporific slide, Grant had had enough as half-time approached, running with gusto at United's defence and forcing Watts to save, while Garry Buckley also had to make a block to stop Noonan hitting the target again. Burke was forced away from goal and his effort just shy of the interval hit the hand of Rob Slevin but referee Kevin O'Sullivan rightly waved play on. It was clear, though, that United were far from content with O'Sullivan's interpretation of Rovers' dealing with the gigantic American Patrick Hickey, who was man-handled and then some in the first half. Many words from many men were said to O'Sullivan that the big man deserved more protection. The 6,204 who bore witness, Heimir Hallgrímsson and John O'Shea included, would have been hoping for more in the second half, with Rovers expected to lift their levels, but one got the impression John Caulfield had implored his side at the break to show a lot more offensively themselves. Excellent last-gasp defending by Buckley saved United in the first attack of the second half before Josh Honohan flashed across goal. Burke had a genuine call for a penalty on 54 minutes; after a sweet one-two with Jack Byrne, he collided with another Irish international, Greg Cunningham, but O'Sullivan reckoned there was not much in it. Cunningham subsequently made way for Bobby Burns. Honohan, recently called up by Hallgrímsson for Ireland duty, was also taken off shortly afterwards. With 20 minutes gone in the second half, Rovers were making little impact, and Burke's curling shot was always clearing Watts' post. United were beginning to believe. Byrne and Noonan were both taken off shortly afterwards, Stephen Bradley feeling the urgent need to change things, with substitute Bobby Burns making a hash of a half-chance from a corner as United grew in hope. It was Tuam native Rory Gaffney whose goal separated this pair when they last met; he was Bradley's latest dice throw on 76 minutes. United's defending was utterly admirable and Slevin made a superb block with six minutes left, Burke with the trigger pulled and likely wondering would he ever work Watts, who barely had a save to make in the second half. To sum this game up in one sequence of play, note the 90th minute, when Graham Burke had what seemed like half the United team trying to cut him off in the box. He went left, he went right, he went left; the ball was blocked. United saw it out. This was as good a nil-all win as a visiting side will ever enjoy in Tallaght. Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty; Adam Matthews (Rory Gaffney 76), Roberto Lopes, Cory O'Sullivan; Danny Grant, Jack Byrne (Dylan Watts 69), Matt Healy, Aaron McEneff (Danny Mândroiu 59), Josh Honohan (Victor Ozhianvuna 59); Graham Burke, Michael Noonan (Aaron Greene 69). Galway United: Evan Watts; Jeannot Esua, Gary Buckley, Rob Slevin, Greg Cunningham (Bobby Burns 57); Cian Byrne; Patrick Hickey, David Hurley (Conor McCormack 76), Vincent Borden (Stephen Walsh 90), Ed McCarthy; Moses Dyer (Killian Brouder 90).
RTÉ News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Aidan Keena returns to haunt Sligo as St Pat's claim nervy win
Sligo Rovers will spend the summer break bottom of the Premier Division table after a tenth minute penalty from their former striker Aidan Keena saw St Patrick's Athletic pick up their first win in three with a nervy victory at the Showgrounds. Stephen Kenny's side should have made things more comfortable for themselves as they created the best of the chances in this one, though Rovers substitute Francely Lomboto did have a chance in the 96th minute to take a late point but could only fire straight at Pat's net minder Joseph Anang. The Saints haven't met expectations recently with just one win in the last five for one of the pre-season title favourites. Boss Kenny made no less than five changes in a hope to shift fortunes. Jamie Lennon, Jay McClelland, Ryan McLaughlin and former Sligo duo Keena and Simon Power were reinstated to the starting team. While Rovers made two changes from last week's narrow loss to Shels. Jake Doyle-Hayes and Ronan Manning returned to John Russell's midfield, as the home side sought just a second victory on home soil this year. As has happened so often this season, Rovers made things tough for themselves by falling behind early on. McClelland had forced Sam Sargeant into an early two-handed save with an effort from distance before ex-Rovers man Keena dispatched a tenth minute penalty after Power, another former Showgrounds favourite, had collided with Doyle-Hayes inside the Sligo area. The hosts struggled to find a way through a packed Pat's centre and had their only chance of the half on twenty minutes. Cian Kavangh, who spent 2024 with Pat's, was unable to get any purchase on a Doyle-Hayes set piece as his attempted header trickled harmlessly wide of Joe Anang's goal. The Dubliners were left frustrated that they were unable to make their dominance count further given their control of the contest and lost centre half Sean Hoare to what seemed like a hamstring injury before the interval. Power passed up a couple of opportunities early in the second period, bending one around Sargeant's far post close to the hour, while Manning's shot after trojan work from Rovers' teen full-back Conor Reynolds was deflected on to the top of Anang's post by Joe Redmond. Pat's were struggling to shake Sligo off as the game wore on and Power should have had their second on 65 minutes but couldn't stretch in time to meet Zach Elbouzedi's cross with an open goal on offer. Lennon dragged an effort from 20 yards narrowly wide with eight to go while Sligo sub Lomboto fluffed an opportunity in the sixth minute of added time after a neat one-two with Jad Hakiki opened up the space in front of Anang. Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Conor Reynolds (Kyle McDonagh 66), John Mahon, Gareth McElroy, Reece Hutchinson; Jake Doyle-Hayes, Matty Wolfe (Jad Hakiki 66); Will Fitzgerald, Ronan Manning (Francely Lomboto 78), Owen Elding; Cian Kavanagh (Wilson Waweru 45). St Patrick's Athletic: Joe Anang; Ryan McLaughlin, Joe Redmond, Sean Hoare (Tom Grivosti 44), Anto Breslin; Jay McClelland, Jamie Lennon; Simon Power, Kian Leavy (Luke Turner 96), Zach Elbouzedi; Aidan Keena (Conor Carty 86). Attendance: 2,356.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Where Coronation Street fans have seen Noah Hedley before as rival soap role uncovered
It's set to be a dramatic night in Coronation Street tonight as fans will see the arrival of Noah Hedley - who fans may recognise from a rival soap There's more upcoming drama on the cobbles tonight as new character Noah Hedley will be making his way to Coronation Street tonight. Noah, who works at the church, will be seen entering the Rovers during Julie Carp's wake, as he speaks to his friend Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank). Billy isn't the only resident he's familiar with. As well as Noah being familiar with residents, fans may be familiar with the actor, Richard Winsor, as it isn't his first time in Soapland. Spoilers previously revealed that things were set to take a turn at Julie Carp 's wake, after a man called Noah enters the Rovers. However, Theo Silverton also recognises the character, sending shivers down his spine. He then reveals to Todd Grimshaw that he recognises Noah from his conversion therapy, which he was made to attend by his religious parents. As for fans, they may recognise actor Richard Windsor from his past role in Casualty. Richard played Caleb Knight in the hospital drama from 2014 until 2017, when his character was brutally killed off. In devastating scenes, Caleb was brutally stabbed to death by Scott Ellison while trying to protect his brother Ethan. It's not the only big role the actor has starred in. Soap fans may also recognise the star from his role in Hollyoaks in 2011, where he played priest Father Francis. Fans will remember the character for his affair with Carmel McQueen. Other credits for the actor include Royal Mob, The Machines That Built America, and StreetDance: The Movie. Noah won't be the only surprise entrance in the Rovers tonight as Ryan Thomas is set to reprise his role as Jason Grimshaw for Eileen's exit storyline. The actor returns to the show after nine years away, and it seems he wastes no time in getting to know a certain female character. It's now been revealed as newcomer Danielle Silverton, the wife of Theo Silverton. However, Jason unfortunately won't be sticking around for long as his final scenes will air next week. His onscreen mother Eileen, played by Sue Cleaver will bow out of the soap next Friday (June 6) after more than two decades in the role, debuting in 2000. Eileen's final scenes will see her make a life-changing decision, with Jason heavily involved.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Valerien Ismael's unprecedented transfer wish as Blackburn Rovers wait continues
Blackburn Rovers' wait for a summer signing breakthrough continues, though they are not the only Championship club yet to break their duck. Only six signings have been announced so far across the division, including three loan deal that have been turned permanent. The three 'Citys' have been active with Jacob joining Norwich, Gustavo Puerto to Hull and Alfons Sampsted to Birmingham. The other three deals are free transfers; Hector Kyprianou to Watford plus Daniel Iversen and Jordan Thompson to Preston North End. Advertisement The summer transfer window doesn't officially open until Sunday, June 1. It will close again on Tuesday, June 10 because of the Club World Cup and then re-open on Monday, June 16 until deadline day on Monday, September 1. Valerien Ismael was adamant he wanted new faces through the door by the start of pre-season. That means it will be a busy June for Rovers if they're to meet expectations. READ MORE: Ex-Blackburn Rovers star Adam Wharton suffers setback after FA Cup final injury Negotiations are on going to sign Modipo Sagnan, a key target to bolster their centre-back options. Much will depend on the final decisions of Danny Batth and Andi Weimann as to whether they have to recruit another this window. Advertisement Talks with the out-of-contract pair remain ongoing but, as reported by The LT this week, there is a growing belief they will decide to join Derby County and reunite with John Eustace. That would be a blow and surely add to Rudy Gestede's shopping list. This time last year, there were nine deals confirmed in the Championship waiting to be officially processed when the window opened on June 14, and then there were only 21 more before the start of July. Rovers did not get their first player through the door until right at the end of the month with Makhtar Gueye signing on July 30. Ninety per cent of all signings in the Championship were announced after July 1. In fact, 50 per cent of deals were done after August 1, nearly 40 per cent were done after the first game of the season on August 10 and 25 per cent in the last two days of the window, as per number crunching from Stoke-on-Trent Live. Rovers' earliest business in recent seasons was, ironically, in the summer of 2023, where the start of the end began for Jon Dahl Tomasson. Niall Ennis penned a four-year deal on May 26 whilst Sondre Tronstad and Arnor Sigurdsson were confirmed before the end of June. They then had to wait until August to finish their business after issues in India became apparent. Players remain on holiday and the Championship season has only just officially concluded after the play-off final. But now things will begin to gear up. Maybe not in terms of 'done deals' but negotiations, agent talks and speculation.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Stuart Byrne column: Already a case of 'catch us if you can' for Shamrock Rovers
Is there such a thing as a good - or bad - time to go top of the table? It's a matter of perspective as it depends on which team it is and at what point of their season. Drogheda were leading the way for a chunk of the year - a club transitioning from part-time to full-time and not expected to challenge, despite winning the FAI Cup. Going top was a good thing for them, at a good time, as it breeds confidence and energy into their team for the rest of the campaign. It also increases expectation, which is a good thing, too, once it's reasonable and realistic expectation. It can only benefit them this season, but that might have a knock-on effect for next year. Shamrock Rovers moving into a six point lead at the top is a different animal altogether. Rovers are a team fully tuned into the length of a season and have the experience of knowing when to peak at the right time. They know how to manage the marathon distance of a title race, they know how to deal with the demands on players, staff and fans. And that's why going to the top now is pretty ominous. But this is not Shamrock Rovers laying down the gauntlet. Far from it. They are merely doing what they have become conditioned to do over the last five or six years. They won't be gloating about their position, they won't be rubbing it in anyone's face. They'll just go through the motions and keep doing what they do. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. We're hitting the strange part of the season of summer breaks, European games and FAI Cup matches completely disrupting the flow of league games. That's why tonight's round of matches are so important for the chasing pack who have been set a challenge by Rovers. As the reigning champions, Shelbourne have to get rid of their gremlins and put their best foot forward. There's been a lot of hype around St Pat's and they have the capability to win most games when they're on song. But they haven't been singing lately. Shels go to Cork and St Pat's travel to Sligo and I reckon both are winnable games. They have to win to send out a reminder that they're waiting in the wings. I was very lucky to win leagues as a player. And I did that by the only way I knew how - pure hunger. You can have all the talent in the world but it counts for absolutely nothing if you're not hungry. Football is a highly conditioned game and to win things you have to be at your best physically and mentally - but above anything it's the hunger game. Shelbourne had no right to win the league last year, but they had more will to win than anyone else. It's a very simple formula. That has provoked a response from Rovers this year, but am I surprised? Not one bit, because that's what good teams do. A pet hate of mine is people who overlook very good players and tell you about others who could have been much better, were it not for this, that and the other. You know the types. 'My mate had trials with this team and that team', or 'such and such is a good player but his brother was even better, he was just too fond of the booze'. It's all hearsay and shows complete disregard for the achievements of the players who actually got out there, rolled up their sleeves and made a success of it because they wanted it. And again, that boils down to hunger. Some lads wanted to be successful footballers, others talked a good game. You see it in the Premier League with Manchester United. There's no hunger at play and I can't believe what I'm seeing and people are tuning out of this nonsense. It's very simple, people identify with hungry players and Shamrock Rovers have it back. Now it's up to the rest to prove they have it too. Reynolds adopts weight and see attitude I love that Alan Reynolds has weighed his Bohs players before they jet off to the sun this weekend. It's a little reminder to rein in the partying before they step back on the scales on their return. You know I hate this break and I guarantee you that three or four teams won't turn up tonight because their players are already thinking of sunnier climes. I suspect the four teams in Europe will have a different approach as they are building towards something significant not too far down the line. But I was interested in Rennie's comments this week about trying to strike a balance between sports science and trusting his own instinct on player conditioning. Of course players keep themselves fit, but are they doing it for the right reasons? Is it more for vanity and self indulgence, rather than being the best footballer they can be? I honestly think there is too much emphasis on the physical conditioning of players and not enough on mental strength and mental resolve. As a player, you need to go to dark places psychologically. It might be an injury, or some things aren't working out at home, or maybe you've a child who is unwell and you're still expected to go out and perform. Going into the gym to stare at yourself in the mirror for 45 minutes might tick a box but it doesn't prepare you for battle. Rennie referenced how in his playing days his 'gym work' was working on the drinks truck and lifting kegs and crates of beer up and down stairs all day. I know other players who worked on building sites, and another who was a window cleaner. I'm sure they didn't want to be lugging bricks around all day, or hanging out of ladders but I know for a fact that it conditioned them mentally. There should always be doubt in a player's mind and a wall to climb over. It's supposed to hurt. In today's professional environment, the players want for nothing but have they become completely detached? Do they know how to overcome adversity? If everything is provided for you, and if it's too easy, then what's left to fight for? You're just doomed to fail. Fight or flight There's no way Stephen Bradley wants to prevent Michael Noonan and Victor Ozhianvuna going to the U17 World Cup in Qatar. But he's not going to call it now - and nor should he. As the November finals fall outside of the traditional international window, Ireland boss Colin O'Brien is relying on the good will of managers to release his best players. But Rovers' final league game is not until November 1st - which is only two days before the start of the World Cup. And that's not to mention the FAI Cup final on November 9. By the end of a season, clubs are usually down to the bare bones with injuries and suspensions so you can't make a decision until closer to the time. But we live in a small world and nothing is ever more than a flight away. So I've a one-word answer for Colin O'Brien's problems: Emirates. September Study As a retired footballer, I'm worried about dementia. I headed the ball a lot, I was knocked unconscious three times and had multiple concussions, so it's a topic that fascinates and freaks me in equal measure. So that's why I'm delighted to be involved in a Trinity College study into the subject this September. Dr Alan Byrne, such a familiar face on the football beat for years and years, contacted me about it to see if I'd have any interest. It's a two-day study on retired footballers, GAA and rugby players aged between 30 and 59. All sorts of testing will be carried out from brain scans, ECGs, cognitive tests, blood tests, you name it. I think it's a really important and worthwhile study and I'm delighted to play a small part in it, even if I'm genuinely spooked by it all.
