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The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Shelbourne's title defence continues to stutter as Ali Coote saves draw against Cork City in Premier Division clash
SHELBOURNE'S title defence continues to flounder despite an Ali Coote moment of magic that grabbed a point against Cork City. The relegation-threatened Leesiders were dominant for long spells until Seáni Maguire found the net before the hour mark. 2 Seani Maguire put Cork City in frotn against Shelbourne Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile 2 Damien Duff's team were saved by Ali Coote Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile But City have not beaten Shels since 2013 and have not kept a clean sheet all season — and those records remain after Coote's sublime finish in front of 2,821 fans at Turner's Cross. Shels move up a spot to fifth for the mid-season break. Ninth-placed City edge a point above bottom side Sligo Rovers after ending a run of four straight defeats. Ger Nash's programme notes declared the City hotseat as 'the biggest job in the League of Ireland' ahead of his first home game in charge. The 38-year-old welcomed back Maguire for his first start in almost three months, while despite experienced pair Seán Gannon and Paddy Barrett becoming available, Read More on League of Ireland Nash was up and down the steps of the Derrynane Road Stand as he watched his team control the opening half. Cathal O'Sullivan and Milan Mbeng showed their trickery by nutmegging defenders, while Evan McLaughlin ran the show in midfield alongside Seán Murray. Maguire had an early penalty appeal fall on deaf ears and Freddie Anderson headed a couple of corners towards goal. But his best attempt saw Josh Fitzpatrick get in the way of the ball. In the 27th minute, Fitzpatrick battled to tee up McLaughlin for a dipping long-range strike that clipped the crossbar on its way over. Most read in Football Then, a rehearsed free-kick routine from McLaughlin saw Charlie Lyons denied at the front post by stand-in keeper Lorcan Healy. Maguire had one shot blocked by Kameron Ledwidge before stabbing at another effort. Cork City fans watch League of Ireland clash against Dundalk in cinema Play was delayed due to a drone hovering over Turner's Cross before Shels' only chance of the half arrived. John Martin's hard work set up John O'Sullivan but Lyons headed his shot away to safety . It was Shels' sole shot against City's 11 in the first half. Duff showed his displeasure with three half-time substitutions. Barrett and James Norris were called upon to bolster their defence. Mipo Odubeko came on to partner Martin up front. Odubeko soon got off a couple of scruffy shots. But City had their deserved goal in the 57th minute. Fitzpatrick won the ball from a loose Odubeko touch. Mbeng then went on a charge down the right and stood up a brilliant cross for Maguire to rise above Mark Coyle to head home. A third goal of the season for the ex-Ireland international. Odubeko could not find the target with a free header but Shels were level by the 71st minute. Coyle and Odubeko were involved but the goal was all about Coote. The substitute turned into space on the edge of the box before drilling a perfect low finish into the net via the far post. And Coote could have doubled his account within a minute but for a brave Lyons block. But the hosts had a big opportunity to win it on 90 minutes when Rio Shipston's fierce shot was palmed away by Healy. SUN STAR MAN Evan McLaughlin (Cork). CORK CITY : Troost 6; Mbeng 8, Anderson 6, Lyons 7, Crowley 6; O'Sullivan 7 (Nolan 89, 6), S Murray 7 (Shipston 73, 6), McLaughlin 8, Fitzpatrick 7 (Dijksteel 73, 6); Maguire 7 (Bolger 66, 6), Daniels 7. SHELBOURNE : Healy 7; Coyle 6, Ledwidge 7, Wilson 6 (Barrett 46, 6); O'Sullivan 6 (Norris 46, 6), Lunney 6, McInroy 7, Caffrey 6; Chapman 6 (Coote 65, 7), Wood 5 (Odubeko 46, 6); Martin 6 (Kelly 82, 6). REFEREE : M Lynch (Galway) 6.


RTÉ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Ali Coote magic resuces point for Shelbourne on Leeside
Shelbourne's title defence continues to flounder despite an Ali Coote moment of magic to grab a point against Cork City. The relegation-threatened Leesiders were dominant for long spells until Seani Maguire found the net before the hour mark. But City haven't beaten their Dublin rivals since 2013, and haven't kept a clean sheet all season. Those records remained after Coote's sublime finish in front of 2,821 fans at Turner's Cross. Shels move up a spot to fifth for the mid-season break. Ninth-placed City edge a point above bottom side Sligo Rovers. Ger Nash's programme notes declared the City hotseat as "the biggest job in the League of Ireland" ahead of his first home game in charge. The 38-year-old welcomed back Maguire for his first start in almost three months. Despite Seán Gannon and Paddy Barrett's returns, Damien Duff opted for an unchanged starting XI. Nash was up and down the steps of the Derrynane Road Stand as he watched his team control the opening half. Cathal O'Sullivan and Milan Mbeng showed their trickery by nutmegging defenders. Evan McLaughlin ran the show in midfield alongside Seán Murray. Maguire had an early penalty appeal fall on deaf ears. Freddie Anderson headed a couple of corners towards goal. However, his best attempt saw Josh Fitzpatrick get in the way of the ball. In the 27th minute, Fitzpatrick battled to tee up McLaughlin for a dipping long-range strike. Shels were breathing a hefty sigh of relief as it clipped the crossbar on its way over. Then, a rehearsed free-kick routine from McLaughlin saw Charlie Lyons denied at the front post by stand-in keeper Lorcan Healy. Maguire had one shot blocked by Kameron Ledwidge before stabbing at another effort, which he should've taken on his left. Play was delayed due to a drone hovering over Turner's Cross before Shels' best chance of the half arrived. John Martin's hard work set up John O'Sullivan, but Lyons headed his shot away to safety. It was Shels' only shot against City's 11 in the first half. Duff showed his displeasure with three half-time substitutions. Barrett and James Norris were called upon to bolster their defence. Mipo Odubeko came on to partner Martin up front with Tyreke Wilson, John O'Sullivan and Harry Wood all making way. The changes gave Shels a foothold as Odubeko got off a couple of scruffy shots. But City had their deserved goal in the 57th minute. Fitzpatrick won the ball from a loose Odubeko touch. Mbeng went on a charge down the right and stood up a brilliant cross for Maguire to rise above Mark Coyle to head home. A third goal of the season for the ex-Ireland international. Odubeko couldn't find the target with a free header, but Shels were level by the 71st minute. Odubeko and Coyle were involved, but the goal was all about Coote. The substitute turned into space on the edge of the box before drilling a perfect low finish into the net via the far post. Coote could've doubled his account within a minute, but for a brave Lyons block. Chances were few and far between for a finish. But the hosts had a cracking opportunity on 90 minutes when Rio Shipston's fierce shot was palmed away by Healy. Cork City: Tein Troost; Milan Mbeng, Freddie Anderson, Charlie Lyons, Darragh Crowley; Cathal O'Sullivan (Alex Nolan 89), Seán Murray (Rio Shipston 73), Evan McLaughlin, Josh Fitzpatrick (Malik Dijksteel 73); Seani Maguire (Greg Bolger 66), Djenairo Daniels. Shelbourne: Lorcan Healy; Mark Coyle, Kameron Ledwidge, Tyreke Wilson (Paddy Barrett 46); John O'Sullivan (James Norris 46), JJ Lunney, Kerr McInroy, Evan Caffrey; Ellis Chapman (Ali Coote 65), Harry Wood (Mipo Odubeko 46); John Martin (Daniel Kelly 82).


Extra.ie
2 days ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Dilemma for Delap as striker is offered chance to make Ireland switch
Heimir Hallgrímsson has revealed that he met Ipswich striker Liam Delap to gauge if he has any interest in switching nationality to Ireland. Delap, who turned 22 earlier this year, is expected to lead the line for Lee Carsley's England side in next month's European Under 21 Championships, but the forward didn't completely close the door on the Irish option. The talented centre-forward scored 12 Premier League goals this season and has been in demand following Ipswich's relegation. He looks set to join Chelsea for £30million, despite interest from Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton. Heimir Hallgrímsson has revealed that he met Ipswich striker Liam Delap to gauge if he has any interest in switching nationality to Ireland. Pic:In the past, players weren't allowed to change nationality after 21 but a recent change in FIFA eligibility rules means that footballers can now switch nationality up to 22 years of age. Delap's father Rory, who is Robbie Keane's assistant at Hungarian title-winners Ferencvaros, is an ex-Ireland international, having qualified through his Letterkenny father and mother from Meath. 'Liam has good qualities, everybody knows that and his father played for the Republic,' Hallgrímsson said. 'Obviously we are always hoping the good players will join us. He is now in the England U21 squad for the [Euros] finals. That is his focus at the moment. What will happen after that we will have to wait and see.' Hallgrímsson told Delap how much he would love to have the striker in the Ireland camp. Delap's father Rory, who is Robbie Keane's assistant at Hungarian title-winners Ferencvaros, is an ex-Ireland international. Pic: INPHO/Aleksandar Djorovic 'We want the best players available, always playing for us. Others might have other opinions. It is up to him. These questions you need to ask the player himself, not me. We always want the best players.' At club level, Delap is certain to move this summer with Chelsea set to win the race to sign him from Ipswich, reuniting him with his former Manchester City youth coach Enzo Maresca. Despite efforts from Manchester United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton, the 22-year-old is preparing to link up with the Blues and is scheduled to have a medical in the next couple of days before signing a long-term contract. Delap is certain to move this summer with Chelsea set to win the race to sign him from Ipswich, reuniting him with his former Manchester City youth coach Enzo Maresca. Pic: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images Chelsea have reached an agreement over his £30million release clause, which they regard as excellent value. Ipswich paid £20m when they signed Delap from City last summer, and City will bank 30 per cent of the fee because of a sell-on clause. Meanwhile, Hallgrímsson insists that he wants Séamus Coleman to play some role in World Cup qualifying, despite the veteran Everton defender having to withdraw from the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg. 'He is a leader in this squad and you cannot have his experience in many players,' said the Ireland boss. 'His experience, his leadership skills are one thing, but his quality as a player is another thing as well,' said the Icelander.


Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Munster keen to pay tribute to mother of the late Anthony Foley and wife of Shaun Payne
Munster are hoping to have a mark of respect before Saturday's URC quarter-final away to the Sharks to honour two women with strong links to the squad who passed away in the last week. Sheelagh Foley – the mother of former Munster/Ireland No 8 and head coach Anthony and ex-Ireland international Rosie and wife of current branch president Brendan – died last Wednesday, while Michelle Payne, wife of former player and team manager Shaun, also passed away.


The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Weighs us down' – Ireland legend pinpoints Aviva Stadium flaw compared to Jack Charlton glory days at old Lansdowne
GARY KELLY met ex-Italy and AC Milan star Daniele Massaro at the Aviva Stadium yesterday and was instantly transported back to USA '94. The ex-Ireland defender was part of Jack Charlton's squad to travel to the World Cup. And the Drogheda man smiled: 'When I came in first, I said, 'Is that Daniele?' I actually have his jersey from f***ing Giants' Stadium. Unreal!' Asked if Massaro has his No 12 shirt from 31 years ago, the former full-back added: 'He said he does but couldn't make out my name on the back. Do the maths!' The pair were at the Aviva Stadium to announce ticket details for And while Leeds legend Kelly, who remains a season-ticket holder at Elland Road, is looking forward to seeing his old club at the Dublin 4 ground, he admitted he still misses the feeling he got from the old Lansdowne Road. Read more in Irish football Kelly, who made his Ireland debut under Charlton ahead of that 1994 World Cup, added: 'Lansdowne Road, cold showers . . . we'd teams beaten already under Jack. Teams — the dressing rooms were cold, cement, cold water, everything was horrible, showers, flickering lights — come here now and it's nearly too nice. 'Away teams come here and go, 'Why wouldn't you want to play football in this? Let's go beat them'. 'That's another little stone around their neck to weigh Ireland down because it's beautiful, it's an absolutely immaculate stadium, isn't it?' Most read in Football Whatever about their home ground, if Ireland are to make it through this year's World Cup qualifiers and get back to America to relive memories of USA '94, Kelly reckons the team will need to be horrible. The 50-year-old continued: 'I would rather play s**t and win than play pretty and lose. Just get that winning mentality back. Shamrock Rovers snap up Northern Ireland Under-21s goal-getter as Stephen Bradley gives exciting verdict You win your home games, pick up a few points on the road, I know it's easy saying it but under Jack we've done it, under Mick McCarthy we've done it. 'We have good players. If we can get out of that group — you have to be coming second. You have to aim for the play-offs. "If we don't, it's just rip up the paper and start again. How many times can we do that? 'It's just about making Ireland tough to play against again. The pretty football doesn't suit us. 1 Gary Kelly (centre) joined by World Cup oppenent Daniele Massaro (right) and fellow Leeds legend Tony Dorigo (left) at the Aviva stadium "Here it's about letting them know it's Ireland and you are not getting away with it. At home you have to beat the teams.' Kelly also stressed the key to success for Heimir Hallgrimsson's side will not be individuals but having a togetherness. He added: 'The bite can only come back in the player if the player wants to believe in it. "The new manager has his style, I think his main thing is he wants you to fight for the jersey, close down, keep the ball. 'If our manager can get the players to believe in what he's doing and get the confidence going . . . 'When we were injured under Jack, we'd still ask could we come in because we knew there'd be a lads' night out! That's important too. "Don't put them in their rooms for three or four days, have a game of golf or a beer and get to know one another. "Get them as a whole, tight-knit, get everything going the way you want it and that will transfer on to the pitch. 'We had Saturday night out, Sunday we'd all be down in Gibney's, do a bit of training Monday and you go out and could beat Holland here! AVIVA FORTRESS 'It was just a fortress here. I know the Aviva is pretty but you have to make it horrible to come to. "Irish fans are brilliant wherever they go. Make it hostile. Make the place a fortress.' If Ireland are at the World Cup next year, which is being hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, Kelly — who won 52 caps and featured at two World Cups — will be there. He added: 'This is a great opportunity to get to the World Cup. It would be amazing for the Irish people — and they will travel. 'I don't follow Ireland around, I watch them on TV, but if they qualify for somewhere like that, you are going, everyone is going for a bit of craic and a p***-up.' GARY KELLY was speaking to announce details of Leeds United's friendly with AC Milan at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, August 9. Tickets go on general sale today at 10am.