Latest news with #UCD
RTÉ News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne's aerial dominance key to Dublin's cause
Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne has claimed primary possession under half of the kickouts he has contested so far in the 2025 championship. For the first time in a decade Dublin are without the retired Brian Fenton in the number eight jersey, giving the towering Cuala man the chance to step up as the county's new midfield general. Ahead of this afternoon's clash with reigning All-Ireland champions Armagh, Ó Cofaigh Byrne has cleanly caught 30 per cent of the kickouts he has contested. From 26 kickouts in three championship matches he has caught eight and won another five following a juggle, or by knocking the ball down to himself. On top of that he's also claimed half of the six throw balls he has been in for at the start of each half across Dublin's win over Wicklow, shock defeat to Meath and most recently in the victory in Galway. So all in all, so far in his first season as a Dublin regular starter (he made only two short substitute appearances last summer) the former UCD student has won primary possession under exactly 50% of his total aerial contests. Not once has his opposing player beaten him and claimed possession, with the other 50 per cent of the duels breaking away. A Dublin team-mate has won the subsequent breaking ball on five occasions with the opposition team coming away with possession the remaining eight times. Therein lies the 25 year-old's greatest strength, to little surprise the 6ft 6in midfielder is a powerhouse under a high ball, and while it's unfair for any player to be compared to the incredible all rounder that was Fenton, both players arrived into the Dublin team at the optimal time. Before this year's rule changes, efficiency, control, and decision making had become the key requirements for a footballer over the past 10 years. Teams prioritised maintaining possession and creating high percentage opportunities with minimal risk. Fenton had 29 possessions from midfield in his last All-Ireland final in 2023 and he was never turned over. A machine to cover ground and get on the ball, he was consistently comfortable and composed, more often than not picking the right pass or option. Following the rule changes around kickouts (needing to go beyond the two-point arc) introduced this season, the percentage of contested restarts in the provincial championships rose from 26 per cent in 2024 to 63%. While in Leinster that figure was up to 70% this year. Before Fenton there was Michael Darragh MacAuley and prior to him Ciaran Whelan, while throughout the six-in-a-row winning seasons Dublin never lost sight of the importance of Denis Bastick and the presence and physicality he brought to their midfield. So while Dublin have always appreciated the need for primary ball winners and leaders in the middle third, Ó Cofaigh Byrne is thriving even more so given the current environment he's playing in with kickouts galore often deciding games. Nevertheless - Dublin have kicked out 60 long or contestable kickouts in their three championship games to date. Meaning there is still scope to further trust and involve their most dominant ball winner. In his final competitive game playing the old rules, Cuala's club All-Ireland final victory over Errigal Ciarán last January, his goalkeeper only kicked two long kickouts to him. He caught both. Of 41 kickouts in the game, he only had three contests, with Cuala retaining possession each time. He also scored 1-1 in that final, as well as assisting another goal, winning a throw-in and making three crucial interceptions. One to cut out a scoring chance, and another to turn over Darragh Canavan. All within just eight possessions and 12 involvements. For Dublin so far this championship his overall possessions - especially in comparison to Fenton over the past 10 years - and involvement in the general play is quite low. Rather than linking or starting moves, he often gets ahead of the play and looks to enter attacks in and around the D area. He's assisted 0-03 but yet to have a shot this summer. As he grows into his role and seeks more responsibility Dessie Farrell will expect him to kick on in those aspects. In three matches he's had just 25 possessions. Ultimately however the importance of his aerial dominance can't be understated. Meath, particularly in the first half playing with the wind, decimated the Dublin kickout. Which along with their ability to shoot two-pointers, was the winning of the game. Against Galway Dublin's long kickout game was far more complete. Up against a much stronger opposition than the Royals they caught five clean possessions - Ó Cofaigh Byrne with three - to the Tribesmen's zero. Armagh will present a strong physical challenge around the middle sector - with big Ben Crealy likely to provide an interesting match-up. As much as Brian Fenton was a generational talent, he grew into the position game-on-game in his early years. If Ó Cofaigh Byrne can build on his start to the season and deliver against the current champions, it'll be a big step to making the number eight jersey his own.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Lorraine Courtney: I did an Arts degree and learnt nothing useful
This week, thousands of teenagers across Ireland will file into exam halls, palms clammy, biro tips poised, as the Leaving Cert ritual begins once again. It's the great Irish sorting hat — the test we still pretend will determine everything. Futures will be fretted over. Points will be chased. And somewhere, quietly, parents will start practising the lines, 'He got into Trinity' or 'She's hoping for Commerce in UCD'.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sunday World
Duo kick off epic run the length of Ireland in aid of Pieta House
The lads say they are doing the run 'for those who can't' Dubliner Bill Staunton and Donegal man Barry Lee yesterday kicked off their 10-day journey by beginning their run from Mizen Head to Malin Head. 'I've always had a strong sporting background and a passion for pushing myself both mentally and physically,' explains Bill, who hails from Balscadden in north Co Dublin and currently lives in Sydney. 'The Wild Irish Run is my first endurance challenge of this scale, and it's something I've felt deeply compelled to take on.' Poster for the Wild Irish Run Barry, who hails from Letterkenny, also lives in Sydney. 'He has a strong sporting background and, last year, he ran 126km in a single day around Centennial Park in Sydney, raising funds for the Irish Heart Foundation,' explains Bill. The lads are geared up for their epic run. 'The run is a 10-day journey from Mizen Head in Co Cork to Malin Head in Co Donegal, covering approximately 550km,' notes Terenure College and UCD graduate Bill. 'It's in support of Pieta House, a charity that provides vital services for people affected by suicide and self-harm. 'Our tagline is 'Do it for those who can't', which reflects our motivation to honour those who are struggling or no longer with us. 'We're grateful to have the support of Donegal Motorhomes, who have kindly sponsored a camper van for the event. 'This will serve as our base each day throughout the run, and their support has been a huge help in making this journey possible.' The duo hope to complete their run on June 7. Bill Staunton and Barry Lee News in 90 Seconds - May 30th 'Our aim is not just to raise funds, but also to spark conversation, connection, and hope across the country,' he beams. 'This is a very personal mission for both of us, and it means a lot to have support from family and friends. 'We're also inviting anyone who feels inspired to join us for a few kilometres along the way, to help us spread the message that no one has to face mental health struggles alone. Whether people run, walk, or just show up for support, every bit of energy adds to the cause.' The lads have so far raised over €8,000 of their €20,000 target for the charity. * Donations can be made on GoFundMe here.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Jenny Melia appointed CEO of Enterprise Ireland
Jenny Melia has held a number of senior roles during her career with EI. She is a graduate of UCD with a PhD in Chemistry. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke TD confirmed the appointment. 'I want to congratulate Jenny Melia on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland. Jenny is a dedicated public servant, who has spent much of her career supporting and fostering the development of the Irish enterprise base through her impressive tenure with Enterprise Ireland, which spans almost three decades,' he said. The chairman of Enterprise Ireland, Michael Carey, said Jenny Melia was appointed after a highly competitive recruitment process. "She has an outstanding track record of providing clear vision and strategic leadership within the organisation, has established deep relationships working collaboratively with key stakeholders from across the ecosystem, and has worked extensively and directly with our client companies,' he said. Employment at companies supported by Enterprise Ireland rose to a record 234,454 earlier this year, and the organisation's new strategy sets out a number of ambitious targets for the Irish enterprise base, including plans to increase exports to €50bn by 2029.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Enterprise Ireland names Jenny Melia as new CEO
Enterprise Ireland has announced the appointment of Jenny Melia as its new chief executive. Ms Melia, who has worked with the agency for 29 years, is currently an executive director of the agency, which is responsible for helping Irish companies tap export markets. In her current role, she is chief client officer for the agency. She will take up her new role in July. It is understood the recruitment process attracted huge interest across the public and private sector, both domestically and from abroad. READ MORE Kevin Sherry, who has been interim chief executive since March, will return to his previous position of executive director. Mr Sherry stepped into the breach after Leo Clancy left the organisation to take up the role of chief executive at Ei Electronics in Shannon, Co Clare. Ms Melia, who is a UCD graduate, has held a number of senior leadership roles across Enterprise Ireland, working with client companies of varying scales across all sectors, including food, industrial, and technology. She has also worked with the agency's high potential start-up division, as well as its research and development team. Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said Ms Melia was 'a dedicated public servant who has spent much of her career supporting and fostering the development of the Irish enterprise base'. Enterprise Ireland chairman Michael Carey said Ms Melia had established 'deep relationships' with key stakeholders, and had played a 'pivotal role' in the group's client base now exporting and employing at record levels. Employment at companies supported by Enterprise Ireland rose to 234,454 earlier this year. The group's five-year plan, which Ms Melia will spearhead, aims to increase exports to €50 billion by 2029. The strategy, which was published earlier this year, is aimed at growing the number of jobs in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland to 275,000 over the same period. The plan, Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally, is focused on adding 1,700 new Irish-owned exporters, helping them to become more productive, sustainable and innovative. It also aims to support 1,000 new start-ups to help drive long-term sustainable growth and job creation. Among the targets are reducing carbon dioxide emissions at Enterprise Ireland-supported companies by 35 per cent by the end of 2030, and a 3 per cent annual average increase in productivity. That will be supported by a rise in investment in research and development, with Enterprise Ireland companies expected to spend €2.2 billion in 2029 compared to €1.55 billion in 2023.
