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The 42
2 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
How will Tyrone and Meath reflect on their 2025 seasons?
Tyrone A first All-Ireland semi-final since their 2021 Sam Maguire triumph ended in a bruising defeat to Kerry. The signs were creeping in before Mattie Donnelly knocked over a point at the half-time buzzer to bring the gap back to three. They could have been trailing by much more had Kerry been more efficient with their goal chances. Darragh Canavan's four points — including a two-pointer — in the early stages of the second half kept Tyrone in the hunt, but Kerry went on to outscore them 0-9 to 0-4. After smoking out Dublin with the stronger finish in the All-Ireland quarter-final, Tyrone ended up with a second-half fadeout to exit the championship. Michael McKernan was a major absentee from their defence due to injury, and although he was declared fit for Kerry, his second-half introduction did little to affect the outcome. Tyrone's attacking force failed to fire too. Canavan scored 0-7, while their half-forward line of Seánie O'Donnell, Donnelly and Ciarán Daly combined for 0-6. But four of their six starting forwards were taken off, including the normally lively Darren McCurry who was well marshalled by Jason Foley. Malachy O'Rourke's first season as Tyrone boss started with relegation from Division 1 for the first time since 2016. Three losses in a row to Armagh, Mayo and Kerry put them in drop zone territory and subsequent wins over Donegal and Dublin were not enough to rescue them from playing Division 2 football for 2026. Advertisement Their search for a first Ulster title since 2021 goes on after a thrilling Ulster semi-final defeat to Armagh which was settled by a Rory Grugan free at the buzzer. They recovered from that defeat to win Group 1 in the All-Ireland series and take the direct route to the All-Ireland quarter-final. Leading Dublin by just one with five minutes to go, they reeled off the last six points of the game to win by 0-23 to 0-16. Tyrone have enjoyed a hugely successful year at underage level, claiming back-to-back All-Ireland U20 titles — three in total since 2022 — as well as the minor crown. Eoin McHolm, who made his first senior championship start in the semi-final against Kerry, hit 2-4 for the U20s in their 5-16 to 0-17 All-Ireland final win over Louth. Emerging star Joel Kerr was unavailable Tyrone's first All-Ireland minor victory since 2010 as he is contracted with West Ham United. But the Red Hands still prevailed by one point against Kerry. Another positive for Tyrone to reflect on this year is Errigal Ciarán reaching a first All-Ireland senior club final where they were held off by Dublin's Cuala. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Meath It was also a year of firsts for Meath as they ended a 16-year wait for an All-Ireland semi-final appearance. Under new manager Robbie Brennan, Meath ended Dublin's dominance in the Leinster championship while also enjoying major victories against Kerry and Galway in the All-Ireland series. Three high-stakes wins is a major green tick. Similar to Tyrone, though, they lacked the firepower to keep pace with Donegal on Sunday. Jim McGuinness's side scored three goals but left a lot of green flags behind in a 20-point victory. The sharpness and efficiency that characterised Meath's win over Galway eluded them this time in Croke Park. They were also guilty of some wayward shooting, while the loss of influential midfielder Bryan Mention to injury ultimately paved the way for a Donegal massacre. Missing out on promotion to Division 1 was a blow for Meath in 2025. They were on the brink of reaching the top tier before losing out to a Louth side who preserved their Division 2 status with a 1-19 to 0-17 win in March. Ace forward Jordan Morris also suffered what looked like a season-ending injury that day. The following month brought another setback as Joe McMahon and Martin Corey stepped away from the backroom team just over a week before the start of their Leinster championship. Brennan steered Meath through that rocky patch to reach the Leinster final, while Morris managed to come back from a fractured tibia along with Grade 2 tears of the ACL and PCL in just six weeks. Meath's Leinster semi-final victory over Dublin shook the GAA world, ending a 15-year stranglehold on the province. It was a particularly striking result as they were 10 points down at half-time against Offaly in the quarter-final before eventually winning by seven. The provincial decider against Louth was a repeat of the controversial 2010 final. And while it was somewhat fitting that the Wee County avenged those ghosts with a famous win, it was another disappointing result for Meath. A Matthew Costello goal in the 62nd minute edged Meath ahead by one point and appeared to be the turning point in the game. But they failed to build on that momentum and conceded a free outside the arc which Sam Mulroy converted to move the dial again. But as Louth toasted a first Leinster success in 68 years, they struggled through the All-Ireland series while Meath regenerated to win their group. They claimed the All-Ireland quarter-final spot with a 1-22 to 0-16 upset win over Kerry. The Kingdom were within two points by the 50th minute, but Meath's composure secured another big win for Brennan's resolute crew. Last year's All-Ireland finalists Galway were considered the favourites for that quarter-final meeting, but Meath would not be conquered. A quickfire 2-3 in five minutes put the Tribesmen two clear in the final 10 minutes but Morris struck back with a goal to quench the Galway revival and spark the Meath celebrations. Related Reads 'We massively underachieved in our eyes. When Jim came back, standards were raised' 'Like that older brother that you don't want to let down' - Dublin club glory to Meath manager Jack and David have decided that this state of affairs will not do. At all. That score helped bring Morris's tally to 1-6 to cap off a remarkable comeback from injury and put himself in All-Star contention. Bryan Menton, Eoghan Frayne and Seán Rafferty have put themselves in that conversation too. And while Donegal proved to be a step too far, Meath will reflect on 2025 with much fondness.
The 42
3 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Donegal cruise into All-Ireland final with 20-point victory over Meath
Donegal 3-26 Meath 0-15 FOR THE FIRST time in 11 years, and for only the fourth time in the county's history, Donegal will be part of the duo contesting on All-Ireland final day. They qualified for that showpiece with one of the great semi-final displays of power, pace and scoring touch as they cruised past Meath with 20 points to spare. Oisín Gallen, Ciarán Moore, and Conor O'Donnell slotted home the goals in the second half to confirm the Ulster champions passage to a final clash against Kerry. Meath's Ciarán Caulfield and Oisin Gallen of Donegal. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO The first half saw Meath hit by setbacks. They lost their imposing midfielder Bryan Menton through injury in the 20th minute, while the nine wides they amassed and the one shot dropped short, captured the tale of a team who were forcing shots and struggling to hit full speed in attack. Gratitude was owed to goalkeeper Billy Hogan. The Meath netminder dived to tip away an effort from Conor O'Donnell and then stopped a more clearcut opening, Hugh McFadden gathering after a Caolan McColgan attempt hit the upright, swivelling and shooting for goal, only to be blocked by the alert Hogan. Meath's Billy Hogan saves a shot from Hugh McFadden of Donegal. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Michael Murphy, who knocked over five points in the opening half, blazed over another opportunity off his left as Donegal's flowing team moves unlocked the Meath defence to fashion a 0-13 to 0-8 interval advantage. Advertisement More to follow… Scorers for Donegal: Michael Murphy 0-6 (1 2pt free, 0-1f), Conor O'Donnell 1-3, Oisín Gallen 1-2, Ciarán Moore 1-1, Michael Langan 0-4, Patrick McBrearty 0-3, Ciarán Thompson 0-2, Shaun Patton 0-1 (0-1 '45), Peadar Mogan 0-1, Ryan McHugh 0-1, Shane O'Donnell 0-1, Dáire Ó Baoill 0-1. Scorers for Meath: Eoghan Frayne 0-5 (1 2pt play, 0-1f), Keith Curtis 0-3, Ruairí Kinsella 0-3 (1 2pt play), Seán Rafferty0-1, Conor Duke 0-1, Jordan Morris 0-1, Mathew Costello 0-1 (0-1f). Donegal 1. Shaun Patton (St. Eunan's) 2. Finnbarr Roarty (Naomh Conaill), 3. Brendan McCole (St. Naul's), 4. Peadar Mogan (St. Naul's) 5. Ryan McHugh (Kilcar), 6. Eoghan Bán Gallagher (Killybegs), 7. Caolan McColgan (St Patrick's Muff) 8. Hugh McFadden (Killybegs), 9. Michael Langan (St. Michael's) 10. Shane O'Donnell (St. Eunan's), 11. Ciarán Thompson (Naomh Conaill), 12. Ciarán Moore (St. Eunan's) 13. Conor O'Donnell (Carndonagh), 14. Michael Murphy (Glenswilly), 15. Oisín Gallen (Seán Mac Cumhaills) Subs Meath 1. Billy Hogan (Longwood) 2. Seamus Lavin (St Peter's, Dunboyne), 3. Seán Rafferty (Na Fianna), 4. Ronan Ryan (Summerhill) 5. Donal Keogan (Rathkenny), 6. Seán Coffey (Ballinabrackey), 7. Ciaran Caulfield (Trim) 8. Bryan Menton (Donaghmore-Ashbourne), 9. Adam O'Neill (Wolfe Tones) 10. Conor Duke (Dunshaughlin), 11. Ruairi Kinsella (Dunshaughlin), 12. Keith Curtis (Rathkenny), 13. Jordan Morris (Kingscourt Stars – Cavan), 14. Mathew Costello (Dunshaughlin), 15. Eoghan Frayne (Summerhill – captain) Subs 21. Conor Gray (Dunshaughlin) for Menton (inj) (20) Referee: Paul Faloon (Down) *****
The 42
4 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Kildare win Tailteann Cup after repelling Limerick's last-gasp attack
Kildare 1-24 Limerick 2-19 NOTHING HAS EVER come easily for Kildare at Croke Park and it was no different in this Tailteann Cup final. They took the title in the end, securing a golden ticket to the 2025 Sam Maguire Cup race. But the Lilywhites were pushed all the way for the big prize and were mightily grateful for the scoring contribution of Man of the Match Darragh Kirwan who registered 0-8. Alex Beirne's 1-2 haul was huge too while, just like in the semi-final, Brian McLoughlin had a big impact when he came on, hitting 0-3. Trailing by two points after Limerick's second goal in the 48th minute, 1-16 to 2-15, Kildare fans wondered if more Croke Park heartache was coming their way after losing the Division 3 final there in March. But eight points in the next 15 minutes or so moved them four points clear and gave them a vital cushion at the death. Limerick, bidding to become the first Division 4 team to win the competition, battled all the way to their credit and got the gap down to just three points when the siren sounded. They had possession of the ball at that stage and chased a goal to level the game but when sub Darragh Murray's shot was saved, Rory O'Brien gathered the rebound and was only able to shoot over for a point – ending the game. Kildare win the Tailteann Cup. In a pulsating finale, Limerick almost snatched a dramatic goal to force extra-time but the Lilywhites put their bodies on the line to survive. 📺 📻 💻 #RTEgaa — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 12, 2025 Kildare were just about good value overall for the two-point win and can reflect on a solid first season under Flanagan who has guided them to 12 wins from 15 competitive games. All the talk beforehand was about the impact of the elements and the searing heat but a stiff wind which aided Kildare initially was even more influential. Kirwan used the wind advantage to drill two two-pointers in the opening 20 minutes and Callum Bolton notched another. Daniel Flynn tried for one too but his effort flew wide. Kildare were in a healthy position at the 20-minute stage with a 1-10 to 1-3 lead, bouncing back in powerful fashion after falling three points behind early on. Kildare's David Hyland gets a block on Emmet Rigter. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Limerick captain Cillian Fahy scored their first goal in the seventh minute, pouncing on the follow up after Emmet Rigter's initial attempt was blocked. Kildare reeled off 1-7 without response between the 11th and 19th minutes to take firm control of the game. The scores seemed to come easier for the Leinster semi-finalists who opened up with some terrific football and punished Limerick with a high press on Josh Ryan's kick-outs. Beirne's 14th minute goal, for example, came after Kildare won a Ryan kick-out and worked the ball back in at pace, Beirne playing a neat one-two before finishing smartly to the bottom corner. Kildare keeper Cian Burke takes a free. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO But just as soon as Kildare had gained apparent control of the game, Limerick came roaring back into it, cutting the gap to just two points at one stage. Now it was their time to enjoy a scoring blitz, reeling off five points in a row. Danny Neville was excellent for them in this period and while Limerick wasted a couple of decent score chances, they still picked off enough scores to haul themselves right back into contention. Advertisement Kildare finished the half stronger, opening up a 1-13 to 1-9 lead at the interval, but Limerick remained in a strong position with the wind advantage to come. And they seized the opportunity with both hands, dominating the third quarter of the game to turn that four-point deficit into a two-point lead with 20 minutes to go, 2-15 to 1-16. Limerick's Tommie Childs is tackled by Kildare's Brendan Gibbons and Brian Byrne. Tom O'Hanlon / INPHO Tom O'Hanlon / INPHO / INPHO Wing-back Tony McCarthy pinched back-to-back points for Limerick before goalkeeper Ryan boomed a two-pointer. Veteran Iain Corbett and Nash added points to narrow the gap and when Killian Ryan netted with a shot that deflected in off Brian Byrne, Limerick supporters were in dreamland with that two-point advantage. But Kildare hit another purple patch just when it counted down the home stretch, wrestling back control of the game. A two-pointer for McLoughlin ignited them and there were timely points too from Kirwan, Tommy Gill, Kevin Feely and Colm Dalton before Limerick whipped up that late drama right at the death. Scorers for Kildare: Darragh Kirwan 0-8 (2 tp), Alex Beirne 1-2, Ryan Sinkey 0-3, Brian McLoughlin 0-3 (tp), Callum Bolton 0-2 (1 tp), Kevin Feely 0-2 (0-1f), Colm Dalton 0-2, Tommy Gill 0-1, Daniel Flynn 0-1. Scorers for Limerick: Cillian Fahy 1-1, Killian Ryan 1-1, Tony McCarthy 0-3, Josh Ryan 0-3 (1tpf, 1 45), Peter Nash 0-3 (0-1f), Emmet Rigter 0-2, James Naughton 0-2 (0-2f), Danny Neville 0-1, Tommie Childs 0-1, Iain Corbett 0-1, Rory O'Brien 0-1. Kildare 1. Cian Burke (Clane) 4. Brian Byrne (Naas) 3. Ryan Burke (Caragh) 2. Harry O'Neill (Clane) 5. Tommy Gill (Carbury) 6. David Hyland (Athy) 7. James McGrath (Athy) 8. Kevin Feely (Athy – Captain) 9. Brendan Gibbons (Kilcock) 12. Callum Bolton (Sarsfields) 14. Darragh Kirwan (Naas) 10. Colm Dalton (Sallins) 13. Ryan Sinkey (Naas) 11. Alex Beirne (Naas) 15. Daniel Flynn (Johnstownbridge) Substitutes: 17. Jack McKevitt (Naas) for McGrath (43) 24. Brian McLoughlin (Clane) for Gibbons (43) 26. Eoin Cully (Carbury) for Daniel Flynn (47) 19. Mick O'Grady (Cill Droichid) for Burke (66) Limerick 1. Josh Ryan (Oola) 2. Jason Hassett (Mungret/St Pauls) 3. Darren O'Doherty (Newcastle West) 4. Mark McCarthy (Fr Caseys) 5. Killian Ryan (Mungret/St Pauls) 6. Iain Corbett (Newcastle West) 7. Tony McCarthy (Kildimo/Pallaskenry) 8. Tommie Childs (Galtee Gaels) 9. Darragh O'Hagan (Mungret/St Paul's) 10. Paul Maher (Adare) 11. Cillian Fahy (Dromcollogher/Broadford – Captain) 12. Danny Neville (Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan) 13. Emmet Rigter (Newcastle West) 14. James Naughton (St Senans) 15. Peter Nash (Kildimo/Pallaskenry) Substitutes: 20. Barry Coleman (Rathkeale) for Childs (16-20, blood) 23. Darragh Murray (Monaleen) for O'Hagan (43) 20. Coleman for Maher (47) 26. Rob Childs (Galtee Gaels) for Rigter (55) 18. Tadgh O Siochru (Monaleen) for Corbett (61) 24. Rory O'Brien (Fr Caseys) for Tommie Childs (66)
The 42
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Scoreboard malfunction colours the close of remarkable Tipperary victory
WE MIGHT NEVER get to the bottom of The Great Scoreline Mystery of the All-Ireland hurling semi-final of 2025. Shortly after the end of the game, GAA officials were adamant that Tipperary had scored 4-21 to Kilkenny's 0-30. The press box in Croke Park, those that weren't lost in nose-picking distraction, had a late Noel McGrath shot marked down as a wide. No white flag was raised. A few eagle-eyed observers insist that an umpire waved it wide. However, the scoreboard in Croke Park ticked it up. What odds, you might say? But there is a very important principle at play here. Because the margin was three points, that meant Kilkenny had to go looking for a goal in a game in which they barely got a sniff of one. With four minutes added on, Kilkenny could have gone hunting for two points to level the game and bring it to extra-time. As it happens, they did get a sight of goal. A few wriggles here from TJ Reid, a shimmy there and John Donnelly was handed the ball in enough space to get a good slap at it. He caught the ball right on the meat and it flew past Tipperary goalkeeper Rhys Shelly. But not past Robert Doyle of Clonoulty Rossmore, who had retreated to a yard off the line and controlled a rocket of a shot. The whistle blew shortly after. Tipperary's first game in Croke Park in six years brought victory. It's only a little thing, granted, but the panic spread to the press box where reporters desperately beseeched each other on what the Tipperary score was. In the media centre, GAA employee Jamie Ó Tuama confirmed that the score would remain as 4-21 to Tipperary. Advertisement It's an unsatisfactory end to a game that falls slightly short of a classic – there was too much loose play – but one that was typically packed with incident between these two. The shorthand version first; the underdogs, who were priced 13/8 before the ball was thrown in, hadn't played on this pitch since the 2019 All-Ireland final when they beat Kilkenny by 14 points. We dredge up someone else's phrase here, but there has always been something of the Old Testament about Tipperary and Kilkenny that makes those involved nervous of each other. Huw Lawlor catches. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO That seemed to spread pitchside prior to the game. As the Artane Band led the teams around in the pre-match parade, Kilkenny's Shane Murphy and Adrian Mullen emerged out of the tunnel to belatedly take up their spots, followed later again by TJ Reid. Given these players are lorrying water into themselves for days prior to a game, we hereby launch a campaign for a comfort break for all players in the space between warm-up and parade. These lads aren't camels. The first three scores arrived from Reid, Billy Ryan and Martin Keogan. It took eight minutes for 0-3; in today's money that's slow scoring. Jake Morris charged through the centre of the Cats defence to offload a shot that was blocked. The ball squirted out to John McGrath who placed it in the roof of the Kilkenny net. That was answered by five Kilkenny points. Tipperary were being pegged back. The full-forward line of Keogan, Reid and Eoin Cody was functioning well against a full-back line that many in Tipp were saying Novenas for. But they got to grips with it. Conor Stakelum got their second score on 14 minutes. He got their third two minutes later. Eoghan Connolly produced a burst of three points from play from full-back. Then, a long ball into the corner evaded Jason Forde and Mikey Carey. It broke for Darragh McCarthy who made for goal with Huw Lawlor flaking away, but he squeezed his shot to the net on 22 minutes. Three minutes later, another break in that corner of the Canal End and Cusack Stand. This time McCarthy was able to scoop a handpass towards Jason Forde on his way to goal and he produced a delicate flick over Eoin Murphy to the net. For the first quarter, there was an element of 'After the Lord Mayor's Show' to the game. Now it was alive. The crowd were invested. A block anywhere near the stands always gets a good reaction, but when Alan Tynan came on for two minutes as a temporary sub for Andrew Ormond, he got a full-length block on Paddy Deegan that put the Premier support delirious. Kilkenny kept chipping away but the Tipp attack still looked lethal. Shelly worked a give and go from a puckout that he landed in front of John McGrath and Lawlor. A good old-fashioned wrestle played out but once McGrath got free he got his head down to drive the ball, but it flew over the bar. Now to Darragh McCarthy. The promising young man from Toomevara is a rare talent and reminiscent of Noel McGrath in his senior infancy. He converted Tipp's first free on 38 minutes. But free-taking is a merciless business and on a wet and windy Croke Park it's brutal. That was becoming apparent as McCarthy, followed by full-back Eoghan Connolly, put frees wide. Putting a free wide is one thing. Doing so with an elaborate free-taking routine such as McCarthy's feels like missing two in one go. Standing side on to the ball, then approaching it face-on. Throwing up a few blades of grass, all that stuff just serves to produce a louder guffaw of mockery from the opposition support if and when it drifts wide. Four wides from Tipp from the 40th to 42nd minutes felt like a mini-meltdown. McCarthy missing another one on 47th minutes was self-harm. After 50 minutes, a Reid free drew Kilkenny level. Another put them ahead. Instant surgery was required and Tipp manager Liam Cahill put Jason Forde on the frees. He knocked over two that were high up on the difficulty scale. But it was Kilkenny in the lead when McCarthy was sent off for his second yellow card on 59 minutes. A tap on the hand of Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy. A yellow by the book. But the sort of offence that would cause no alarm in the middle of a crowded midfield. Liam Cahill meets Darragh McCarthy after being sent off. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Tipp would go on to outscored Kilkenny 1-5 to 0-4 for the remainder of the game. Jake Morris hit a special. Forde converted a free that should have brought a second yellow for Paddy Deegan but instead Mikey Carey got it. Another free from Forde after Ormond was fouled brought them level. Oisín O'Donoghue entered the fray on 63 minutes. The Cashel man had a spectacular impact as he disposed Richie Reid who was making a rather, well, 'relaxed' clearance and the play ended with a bullet of a point from Forde to take the lead. It's all subjective whims and thoughts of course. But if it had been Brian Cody on the nearby sideline, you'd be tempted to think that ball might have been launched by Reid. The climax was fitting and maybe unexpected as O'Donoghue picked up a scrap of possession and, despite being surrounded by Kilkenny defenders, got a shot off that hit the top corner of Eoin Murphy's net. Related Reads 'There's a lot of drive in them' - The North Tipperary attacking stars pointing the way Absolute warfare: The return of Kilkenny and Tipperary after six years 'We won't be sitting back admiring them' - Clare plotting Déise downfall to reach semi-finals It wasn't quite a knockout blow. But the next 'score' from Noel McGrath felt it as it was chalked up on the scoreboard. Jordon Molloy got a point for Kilkenny. If the scoreboard at that point was right, then Kilkenny might have gone about things differently. Long after the game, Michael Verney of the Irish Independent texted the referee James Owens to enquire about the scoreline. '4-20 to 30 points' was his reply. Some calls were put through to the GAA media department. The same calls rang out. Eventually, Cian Murphy of the Communications Department appeared to inform all left in the Micheál O'Hehir suite that the scoreline, as suspected, was 4-20 to 0-30. The excitement and fervour of a Cork-Tipperary All-Ireland final will drown out any controversy from today. Lucky for some. * Check out the latest episode of The42′s GAA Weekly podcast here
The Journal
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Journal
Ireland suffer 4-0 defeat against dominant USA in friendly in Colorado
USA 4 Republic of Ireland 0 IRELAND FELL TO a four-goal defeat against the USA in Denver last night in the opening game of their international friendly double-header. The world number-one ranked side proved too strong for Carla Ward's team. Avery Patterson's header put USA ahead in the 19th minute before Ireland suffered another setback in first-half injury time when Sam Coffey scored. The third USA goal arrived courtesy of Rose Lavelle in the 53rd minute and the US rounded off the scoring in the 63rd minute courtesy of Alyssa Thompson. Ireland are straight back into action on Sunday night when they face the USA in Cincinnati, (kick-off 8pm Irish time). The scale of the challenge is apparent after this opening game for a squad that had the likes of Katie McCabe and Aoife Mannion unavailable for selection beforehand, while injury ruled out Denise O'Sullivan and Megan Campbell in the build-up to the game. Emma Hayes rested the European-based players in the US squad as she focused on a team of mostly domestic talent, with the exception of Chelsea's Naomi Girma who captained the team. Advertisement Ireland's Jessie Stapleton and Alyssa Thompson of USA. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Ireland Head Coach Carla Ward. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Chloe Mustaki made a first start for Ireland since April 2022, while it as a landmark night for Erin Healy as she made her senior international debut when brought on as a 74thn minute substitute. Ireland entered the game after the boost of a 1-0 over Slovenia earlier this month, a result that sets up their two-leg Nations League play-off against Belgium in late October, but they were on the backfoot early in this friendly with Patterson heading home at the backpost to get the US up and running. A left-foot strike by Coffey beyond the dive of goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, Ireland captain on the night. doubled the US advantage as the teams reached the interval. Lavelle notched the third after being set up by Emily Sonnett, before Thompson registered the fourth with a curling finish the touched the inside of the post before finding the net. Ireland's Jessie Stapleton, Caitlin Hayes and Saoirse Noonan dejected after the game. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO USA: Dickey; Patterson (G Thompson 59), Girma capt (Bugg 73), Sonnett, Reale; Hutton, Lavelle (Moultrie 59), Coffey; Cooper (Biyendolo 73), Sentnor (Ryan 86), A Thompson (Sears 86). Ireland: Brosnan (capt); Stapleton, Patten, Hayes, Mustaki (Atkinson 89); Littlejohn (Toland HT), Connolly; Murphy (Sheva 65), Carusa (Noonan 65), Quinn (Larkin HT), Barrett (Healy 74). Referee: Vimarest Diaz (Dominican Republic) Written by The 42 and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
