Latest news with #StephenMcCarthy
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Rugby legend makes touching gesture to Louise Quinn following tearful Ireland star's final game before retirement
DONNCHA O'CALLAGHAN comforted Louise Quinn after she played her final game for the Republic of Ireland. The popular defender came on for Carla Ward near the end of Ireland's 2 Louise Quinn played her final game for Ireland against Slovenia Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 She was comforted by Donncha O'Callaghan Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile It was her 122nd and last cap for her country, and her last game in professional soccer before retiring altogether. The tears flowed upon the final whistle at Pairc Ui Chaoimh as Quinn gave the post-match team-talk while being embraced by teammates. When she went over to the stands at the home of Present at the game was former star Donncha O'Callaghan, who made the point of sharing a moment with Quinn. Read More on Ireland WNT The legendary defender bids farewell to an international career that peaked when she starred at the 2023 And speaking to She said: "I think it will take a little bit of time but I just feel like where we have come as a team and to now, you can see that progress. "We were a nation that was really struggling and to be part of something that has built to where it is now, I am so proud. Most read in Football "To make it this far and I am still in one piece, I am pretty happy." Louise Quinn was not the only player for whom Tuesday night was an emotional occasion. 'You can't make this up' - Irish fans in stitches at Ruesha Littlejohn's playful prank upon Katie McCabe's camp arrival Saoirse Noonan scored the only goal of the game as the striker achieved an unexpected feat of her own. By starting for the In 2020, she played full forward for the Rebelettes against She described it as a "surreal" occasion and revealed how much it would mean to her family. Noonan said: 'Carla called the team last night. "When I got the nod, I just told my parents and kept it a bit quiet and just tried to treat it like another game. 'The goal, when it went in and hit off my head, I could just see it dipping. I don't even know how I celebrated or anything. 'I just had a little moment, took a deep breath and was back into focus, we wanted to get that next goal quick. 'My Grandad would have been a proud man tonight, he would have been at every game with my granny, and this was the first time she's seen me play senior (for Ireland). "It was emotional and it meant a lot to me. 'Being in Cork is enough motivation in itself. Wearing the Irish jersey is enough motivation. "You don't need anything else really. It does add that little bit of grit. 'Since the new stadium's been built, I played here with the Cork ladies footballers at senior level. "To come back wearing a different shirt, it's the same feeling, you're representing something you're really proud of. "It's phenomenal.'
Irish Examiner
30-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Cork driver fleeing gardaí collided with car after going through stop sign
A motorist sped off from gardaí while going through a stop sign and crashed into another car. When he was eventually arrested weeks later he spat at the member of An Garda Síochána and pulled at his stab vest. Stephen McCarthy of Bay 10, Spring Lane halting site, Cork, pleaded guilty to multiple offences arising out of the driving, drug possession, and his violent resistance of the garda. Sergeant Gearóid Davis said: 'On July 7, Garda Eoghan O'Mahony observed a white Ford Focus driving erratically. 'Gardaí indicated for this vehicle to stop but it failed to do so. 'At the junction of Mount Eden Road and Cathedral Road, Gurranabraher it went through a stop sign at speed and collided with a Toyota Corolla on Cathedral Road. 'This collision happened in full view of Garda O'Mahony. Two males alighted from the Ford Focus and fled. Garda O'Mahony recognised the driver as Stephen McCarthy — who was known to him. 'Stephen McCarthy discarded a white box as he exited the vehicle. He fled and gardaí were unable to locate him on the night. The box contained Alprazolam tablets and a phone registered to the defendant. 'He was arrested on October 10 and taken to Gurranabraher garda station for questioning. It is alleged he threw a cigarette at gardaí and attempted to walk out a door of the station. He had to be restrained and he actively resisted and grabbed Garda O'Mahony by his stab vest, pulled him with force towards him, raising his hand in a clenched fist.' Arising out of that latter confrontation, Stephen McCarthy pleaded guilty to resisting or obstructing the garda. He admitted several offences out of the driving escapade, including dangerous driving, failing to remain at the scene of a collision, and being in possession of drugs. Judge Mary Dorgan imposed several sentences, the longest being six months and some were consecutive to each other at Cork District Court but they will not increase the sentence already being served by the same man which was imposed a month ago. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison with the last year suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court after he addmitted a number of charges including that on Sunday, September 1 2024, at Murphy's Rock, Ballincollie Rd, Dublin Hill, Cork, he committed arson in that he damaged by fire property, namely doors, windows, blinds, and exterior and interior paint, intending damage or being reckless as to whether it would be damaged.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Retiring Ireland legend makes shock return to ‘bring her leadership' to Carla Ward's squad ahead of Nations League games
LOUISE QUINN is a shock inclusion in the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the crunch Nations League double header. Last month, the veteran defender 2 Carla Ward has named her Ireland squad for the Nations League double header against Turkey and Slovenia Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Louise Quinn is back in the squad despite announcing her retirement Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile She was believed to have played the last game of her career in Birmingham City's final day draw against the London City Lionesses in the Championship . However, in an unexpected twist, the 34-year-old has been named in Carla Ward's squad "to bring her experience" for the games against Turkiye (May 30) and The Blessington woman will still be hanging up the boots this summer , but her presence will be a welcome boost to an injury-blighted panel. Heather Payne (Achilles) and Leanne Kiernan (quad) will miss the games while Tara O'Hanlon, Read More on Ireland WNT Megan Connolly returns after missing the back-to-back wins over Greece in April. There is a first call-up for Adelaide United forward Erin Healy, who qualifies through her Monaghan-born Grandfather. Originally from San Diego , USA , the 24-year-old has scored eight goals in her debut season in the A-League. Captain Most read in Football She will be aiming to become the fourth Irish woman to pick up a winners' medal for The Girls in Green will be looking to cap off League B with a bang when they play their final two games. Carla Ward explains why Ireland don't need 'drastic changes' as Katie McCabe vows 'way more' to come from squad It starts with the trip to Istanbul to face Turkiye on May 30, followed by the visit of Slovenia to Tallaght on June 3. Ward's side will be out for revenge in the latter, with Slovenia infamously beating Ireland 4-0 back in February in the low point of the new manager's tenure. Wins in both games will guarantee Ireland a promotion play-off to League A, while they could leapfrog Slovenia to automatic promotion if they drop points to Greece. Ireland WNT Squad Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Unattached), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic) Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Louise Quinn (Unattached), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Megan Campbell (Unattached), Katie McCabe (Arsenal) Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Ruesha Littlejohn (Shamrock Rovers), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne) Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Saoirse Noonan (Celtic), Erin Healy (Adelaide United)
Extra.ie
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Carla Ward demands a new era of leadership in her Ireland squad
Even though it was early on a Monday morning, Carla Ward had plenty on her mind in Abbotstown. From weighing in on the skorts controversy in camogie, calling it 'ludicrous', to waxing lyrical about Katie McCabe, from pointing out that the Women's League of Ireland is in need of some love and attention, to detailing the sleepless nights she's suffered since the 4-0 defeat in Slovenia, it was an illuminating half-hour in the company of the Ireland manager. She was in Tallaght Stadium on Saturday to watch Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers play out a goalless draw, as part of the effort to build bridges between the league and the national team. Carla Ward had plenty on her mind in Abbotstown. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Former Athlone Town boss Ciarán Kilduff had suggested there was a disconnect between the two entities during the previous regime, but Ward has reached out to club coaches. 'We have a WhatsApp group. Some of them have contacted me, there has been four or five managers who have been in contact in the past week about various things, just around players or support and whether we can help them with a couple of things and I am very open to that, because if we can help them in any way, I will. 'They know my door is open,' the former Aston Villa boss said. Former Athlone Town boss Ciarán Kilduff. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Veteran midfelder Ruesha Littlejohn has been typically fortright about the strides that the league needs to make. Ward did note Littlejohn's comments, but also pointed out that as a product, it is still in the developmental stage. 'I've loved having eyes across the league. Across the staff, we've had somebody at games most weekends. It's a very young league that needs a lot of work, more care and attention as well as a little bit of love,' she said. 'I've seen Ruesha's comments. It's not quite there yet but that's okay because it's still very early. 'The English Championship took 10, 15 years to where it has got to now. The League of Ireland won't happen overnight so we've to help it continue to grow but equally don't think it's at a level that it's not. That's how it sometimes falls down. We must celebrate where it is now and celebrate how we move it forward. It's got some wonderful high potential players there. Ruesha Littlejohn. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 'I think the league needs guidance. Each club's department needs guidance. We talked about it a lot but won't go into much detail because it's something we've still to present at board level. We have a good idea on how we can help each club and each coach, try to maybe guide them on what's elite. There will probably be some clubs that don't know that or the level but that's okay because they have to start somewhere.' So, perhaps expect a couple of players from the league in the squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header against Turkey and Slovenia. The heavy defeat in Koper means Ireland are chasing them in this group and are depending on Greece to do them a favour in the next window. If Ireland get promotion to League A, it makes the route to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil slightly easier, as teams competing in League A are guaranteed at least a play-off. However, to get there, Ward concedes there needs to be greater leadership within the squad. 'I said it before the last camp that we're trying to develop leaders because there's leaders in some of those players, it's probably just that they've never had to come to the surface or because they've had that in abundance. 'One thing I think we've all agreed on as a group of staff and players is we have lacked leaders. We need people to step up now and be counted and heard. We're starting to get that.' Ward highlighted Jessie Stapleton and Anna Patten as two players who can develop leadership skills. 'Jessie is somebody that leads at club level and we probably haven't seen her lead as much here. It's a challenge that we've set her that we want to hear you. Jessie Stapleton and Anna Patten. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 'Patsy [Patten] is another, I've worked with her for a long time, she's got some leadership skills and people value her and respect her. We need her to start using her voice. I think there's various people, I mean Amber [Barrett] is a leader, a really strong leader. Can we hear more from Amber and give her the platform? Kyra [Carusa] the same, Courtney [Brosnan], I think there's a few of them that, now we want to hear them.' Ward will have to do without another strong leader after Louise Quinn announced her retirement, though the veteran may be around for this double-header. Once again, the manager insists that the Slovenia humbling could turn out to be a good thing in the long run. 'I said Slovenia was a horrible night but it taught us a lot, and I think that was probably needed for the reality of where we're at and what we need to do. 'I have had a lot of sleepless nights because I always want more. But the sooner you get hit the sooner you get up and you go again. That was a big hit and allowed us to deep dive into where we were at.' The final two Nations League games should offer a better gauge of where Carla Ward's Irish side are.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘They're top of the table for a reason' – Stephen Bradley hails ‘very clever' Drogheda Utd trait ‘referees need to see'
STEPHEN BRADLEY believes Drogheda United's rise to the top is down to knowing when to drop - and he has told his players to be prepared for it. Bradley's Shamrock Rovers' host the Drogs at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow night in a battle of second versus first in the table. 2 Drogheda United are top of the Airtricity League Premier Division Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley praised the Drogs Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile And the Hoops' gaffer was full of praise for table toppers Drogheda United who he acknowledged have a totally different style to his team. But he also warned his side to keep their discipline, as he believes no side in the league plays for - or is as effective at - winning free kicks. Bradley said: 'They've been very good at what they're doing. Very clever at what they're doing. 'They must have the most fouls in the league, they are very clever. They hit the deck at every opportunity. Read More on League of Ireland 'I watched the game against Cork , I didn't count the amount of fouls but it was really high. 'That's them being clever, hitting the ground after contact because they know they want to get in the box. 'Any contact and they go down and they get free kicks and with that they get to put it in the box. It's working for them. Why would they change it? 'You're asking for the refs to see that and be strong. But you've got to respect that, they've recognised that and they're doing it. Most read in Football 'That's a way of playing. Everyone has their own style, their own way. 'It doesn't make me and our way more effective than their way. It's obviously not because they are top of the league. 'Nothing surprises me' - Stephen Bradley reacts to ex-Shamrock Rovers star Liam Burt's social media outburst 'There is more than one way to play football , if we all played the same way, it would be pretty boring, they've their way, it's effective. 'They are top of the league for a reason. They've been very efficient at what they are doing. So we've got to be ready for tomorrow.' But Bradley is confident that his side are in good form despite Monday's win over Sligo Rovers being their first in five matches. But the preceding four - draws with St Pat's, Shelbourne, and Cork City , and a loss to Bohemians - saw them lead in all of them and he believes performances have been good. Bradley added: 'I understand people react to results and would correlate that with your performances and what you are doing but I think what we've been doing is really good. 'If you go back to the Pat's game and take it from there, we should win them games. We were ahead and normally you go and win them games. 'It was about not reacting to them results and understanding a large part of what we're doing was really really good. 'It's just about relaxing, keep doing what we're doing, if you asked us in January to be where we are now after the back of last year and pre-season , we would have taken your hand off. 'We know this team only gets better, and stronger as the season goes.' SOUND OF SILENCE Meanwhile, Bradley confirmed there has been no contact with Shelbourne manager He said: 'It's not about reaching out, it's about when I say something that's how I feel. If I feel something I will say it, and then for me it's quite easy, get ready for the next training session, the next game.' And he said that he has not spoken to Ireland defender and former Hoop Dublin after he was released by Bradley continued: 'I haven't spoken to Enda, I would often speak to him when he's home, I spoke to him before about his coaching aspect. 'I think he would not be short of options (in England) in terms of what he wants to do, how he plays and the level he has played at, he will definitely have options.'
