Latest news with #Showgrounds
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Coleraine confirm Cooper capture on multi-year deal
Coleraine have announced the signing of Irish Premiership title winner Joel Cooper on a "multi-year deal".Cooper's contract at Linfield expired at the end of the season and the 29-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to the Showgrounds midway through the campaign. However, it did not hamper the attacker's form as he scored 19 goals to help Linfield win the Irish Premiership for the first time in three seasons. His performances throughout the season saw him win the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Player of the Year, Ulster Footballer of the Year, Northern Ireland Football League Player of the Year and PFA NI Player of the Year. Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins he was excited to start working with Cooper, who he described as a "winner"."He's won over and over again and knows what it takes," said former Derry City boss Higgins, who replaced Dean Shiels as manager in May."He's an extremely talented footballer that anyone would want to work with."I'm excited to start working with him and the conversations I've had with Joel, he's a very driven individual and he will come here looking to achieve and take this club to the next level."Cooper started his career at Ballyclare Comrades and made the move to top flight side Glenavon, where he won the Irish Cup in made the switch to David Healy's Linfield in 2018 and helped the Blues win three Irish Premiership titles in a row as well as an Irish form saw him earn a move to League One side Oxford United, but he returned to the Irish Premiership with Linfield on an initial loan spell in 2022 before a permanent deal was struck between the played a key role in two League Cup triumphs and as the Blues won the Irish Premiership title this season. "If you want to achieve and get other players to follow – you need winners in your changing room and I think he will lead with his actions," added Higgins."What he achieved last season was incredible and I think he will be absolutely brilliant for this football club."Cooper is the latest high-profile addition to Coleraine, who have signed Kodi Lyons-Foster from Glentoran and Stephen Fallon from Linfield.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Precious memories of the late Tommie Gorman shared at special Sligo event
Cathaoirleach Bree welcomed all attendees, with a special acknowledgment to Ceara Roche, wife of Tommie Gorman, along with extended family and friends, and those watching the live stream. Speaking at the event, Councillor Bree said: 'Tommie Gorman was many things: reporter, correspondent, interviewer, sportsman, mentor, friend, husband, father. But above all, he was a man of principle — rooted deeply in the place he called home, devoted to its people, and tireless in his efforts to shine a light on the stories that matter. 'His legacy will undoubtedly live on, not just in the archives of RTÉ, but in the heart of our county, in the stands of the Showgrounds, and in the countless lives he touched through his work and his unwavering commitment to others.' Leo Gray, retired sports editor of The Sligo Champion, and Niall Delaney of Ocean FM, joined moderator Adrian Eames, RTÉ sports commentator and producer, for a panel discussion covering Tommie Gorman's successful career as a journalist and correspondent, his lifelong love of Sligo, Sligo Rovers FC, and his unwavering commitment to helping others throughout his life. The stories, memories, and music shared throughout the evening formed a fitting tribute to this remarkable Sligo man. Contributions from the audience highlighting the support Tommie Gorman gave to numerous projects came from Kevin Colreavy, Sligo Rovers Heritage Committee; Simone Hickey, Lest Sligo Forgets; Colm McIntyre, Principal, Ursuline College Sligo; and Maura Gilligan, artist and writer. Seamie and Stephen O'Dowd provided a moving musical accompaniment, bringing the evening to a close with a poignant rendition of Thom Moore's beautiful song, 'Believe Me, Sligo.' The special edition of The Word was supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media through the Creative Ireland Programme, and can be viewed on the Sligo Libraries YouTube channel.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coleraine FC announce major shake-up as ex-Derry City boss set to replace Dean Shiels
Coleraine have announced that head coach Dean Shiels has departed the club "with immediate effect", just days out from the club's massive European playoffs. Assistant coach Michael O'Connor has also left the Bannsiders in a major shake-up at the Showgrounds. The European playoff semi-finals take place next week, with Coleraine set to play either Dungannon Swifts or Crusaders, depending on the outcome of Saturday's Irish Cup final. It is expected that former Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins will be appointed as Shiels' successor in the coming days, to take the club into those crunch playoffs. READ MORE: NIFL European playoffs update as dates and 'scenarios' confirmed READ MORE: Glentoran announce signing of former Rangers and Celtic youth midfielder The Showgrounds club said in a statement: "Coleraine Football Club can confirm that, with immediate effect, Head Coach Dean Shiels and Assistant Coach Michael O'Connor have departed their roles at the club.. "The Bannsiders would like to extend sincere thanks to Dean and Michael for their commitment, professionalism and service during their time at The Showgrounds. Both leave with the utmost respect and gratitude, and will always be warmly welcomed back in the future." Shiels was only appointed in May last year, coming in to replace Oran Kearney who moved into a Sporting Director role with the Bannsiders. Kearney's role remains uncertain at the Showgrounds. During his first season in charge Shiels guided Coleraine to a fifth-place finish in the Irish Premiership. Executive Chairman and majority shareholder Henry Ross said: 'Dean has led the team with great passion, and we are grateful for the energy and dedication he brought to the club. Michael has been a tremendous presence within the dressing room and on the training ground, providing invaluable support to our players. Coleraine FC can confirm that, with immediate effect, Head Coach Dean Shiels and Assistant Coach Michael O'Connor have departed their roles at the story#COTB — Coleraine FC (@ColeraineFC) April 30, 2025 "On behalf of everyone connected to Coleraine Football Club, I extend heartfelt thanks to Dean and Michael, and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers.' Higgins will be a big appointment for Coleraine. He left Derry City in November last year after three-and-a-half years at the Brandywell. During his tenure the former Coleraine defender led the Candystripes to runners-up spot in the League of Ireland and won the FAI Cup in 2022. Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ruaidhri Higgins in call to Coleraine fans as he makes Irish League powerhouse assertion
Ruaidhri Higgins has called on Coleraine fans to come out in force and help the club realise its potential as they prepare for their biggest game of the season. The Bannsiders are 90 minutes away from securing European football next season if they can navigate their way past Cliftonville. Higgins, who is only a week into his role as manager at The Showgrounds, believes the supporters can help his side over the line like they did in Wednesday night's semi-final win over Crusaders and push them closer to becoming a "really powerful club" in the Irish League. READ MORE: Paul Hughes v Bruno Miranda recap as Hughes wins with stunning 42 second KO READ MORE: Michael Dunlop emulates his late father Robert after stunning day of racing at North West 200 "There's so much potential at this club,' said the Coleraine boss. 'There's a big fan base, we can grow it even further, and they have been brilliant. "In difficult moments when we were coming under pressure [on Wednesday] they helped get us over the line and we need that. This could be a really powerful club if we get even more people in the gate and we all stick together. "It would be a brilliant achievement if we could secure European football, we're playing against a really good side in Cliftonville, but we will be ready and looking forward to it." Higgins may have only had a few days to work with his new squad but he saw enough in the 1-0 win over the Crues to be positive going forward. 'I'm delighted with the result, but I think you can look at the two halves in different ways," he said. "The first half we played some brilliant football and should have had more something we need to develop as a team, being more ruthless. "The second half, we showed a different side, we stood up, we defended our box when we needed to, we looked a threat on the break. "It's never going to be perfect for 90 minutes but all in all I'm delighted with how the players applied themselves and how receptive they've been." Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Shiels leaves Coleraine job ahead of Euro play-off
Dean Shiels has left his role as Coleraine head coach ahead of the club's European play-off on 7 was appointed in May 2024 and guided the Bannsiders to fifth in the Irish Premiership as the club transitioned into full-time a spell as Oran Kearney's assistant, the 40-year-old stepped up to head coach at the Showgrounds after his brother-in-law moved into a director of football role at the Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins in the frontrunner to take over from Shiels and could be in position for the European play-off semi-final on Wednesday, 7 May. The Bannsiders will face either Crusaders or Irish Cup semi-finalists Dungannon Swifts in the O'Connor, Shiels' assistant coach, has also left the Showgrounds.
