News in Sport Blog
Championship Overview
Gaelic Football
Munster Championship
Kerry secured a sixth consecutive Munster title after pulling away from Cork in the second-half in Killarney. Cork stayed within touching distance for long periods and were boosted by a late Brian O’Driscoll goal, but Kerry’s quality proved decisive down the stretch. David Clifford starred once again for the Kingdom, adding 1-6 in a composed performance for the champions.
Kerry 1-23 | 1-15 Cork
Connacht Championship
Roscommon claimed the Connacht title after a dramatic comeback victory over Galway in Dr Hyde Park. Galway looked on course for a fifth provincial title in-a-row after goals from Matthew Tierney and Damien Comer helped them into the lead late on. Roscommon responded brilliantly however, with Darragh Heneghan scoring 2-02 and Diarmuid Murtagh landing a crucial two-pointer as the Rossies finished strongly to seal the title.
Roscommon 3-21 | 2-22 Galway
Tailteann Cup
Laois made a strong start to their campaign with a convincing victory over Wicklow. Wicklow put up a spirited fight late on, but Laois had built up too strong of a lead to overcome.
Fermanagh edged out Longford in an entertaining round 1 game in Enniskillen. Longford stayed in contention throughout, but Fermanagh had too much running and scoring power for the visitors to deal with.
Tipperary secured a hard-fought win over Sligo in a closely contested battle. Sligo pushed the Premier County all the way, but Tipperary’s full forward Sean O’Connor was the difference, scoring 0-6 from play.
Carlow and Antrim produced one of the games of the weekend in an extraordinary extra-time clash. The Saffron County fought hard to get over the line, with excellent performances from Ryan McQuillan and Ronan Boyle with 4 goals between them.
London delivered one of the standout performances of the round with a dominant win away to Waterford. Their attacking threat proved too much to handle as they raised five green flags in an emphatic display.
Offaly came through a tough test against Clare in a tightly fought encounter. A strong finish helped Offaly edge clear late on and secure an important opening round win.
Wexford rounded off the weekend with an impressive victory over Limerick. Wexford proved a superior attacking edge, displaying 11 different scorers.
Laois 1-23 | 0-19 Wicklow
Fermanagh 1-24 | 2-17 Longford
Tipperary 0-17 | Sligo 1-12
Antrim 6-17 | Carlow 2-26 AET
London 5-12 | Waterford 0-10
Offaly 1-17 | 1-14 Clare
Wexford 2-19 | 1-11 Limerick
Hurling
Munster Championship
Cork continued their strong championship form with a hard-fought victory over Waterford in Walsh Park. Waterford produced an energetic display and remained within touching distance for most of the game, but Cork’s experience and composure down the stretch saw them close out the win. Brian Hayes impressed for the Rebels with 0-7 from play in a Man of the Match showing.
Cork 1-26 | Waterford 0-25
Leinster Championship
Galway survived a major scare to overcome Kildare in a thrilling encounter packed with goals. Kildare pushed the Tribesmen all the way and stayed firmly in contention throughout, but Galway’s clinical edge in front of goal ultimately proved decisive. Brian Concannon and Cathal Mannion played key roles for Galway as they eventually pulled clear in a hugely entertaining clash.
Dublin claimed an important away win over Wexford to leave the hosts under serious pressure heading into the closing stages of the championship. Wexford battled throughout and kept themselves in the contest with some impressive scoring, but Dublin’s greater attacking efficiency and a remarkable 0-14 tally from Donal Burke helped the visitors seal the win.
Galway 4-22 | Kildare 1-22
Dublin 2-21 | Wexford 0-22
Joe McDonagh Cup
Antrim avoided a major upset in London after recovering from a difficult opening spell to eventually pull clear for victory. London stunned the visitors early on with a strong attacking display and a goal that left the hosts dreaming of a shock result. Antrim responded with greater control and accuracy as the game progressed, with their experience proving decisive in the second half.
Laois kept their Joe McDonagh Cup hopes alive with an emphatic win over Westmeath in a high-scoring contest. Aaron Dunphy starred for Laois with a superb scoring display as they repeatedly exposed the Westmeath defence. Laois’ clinical finishing and attacking movement proved far too strong throughout.
Carlow survived a huge Down comeback to secure an important victory in a dramatic encounter. Carlow looked in control after building a strong lead, but Down rallied impressively in the closing stages and threatened to snatch the result. Carlow held their nerve however to close out a hard-fought win.
Antrim 1-22 | London 4-09
Laois 5-28 | Westmeath 2-19
Carlow 3-17 | Down 2-17
Christy Ring Cup
Kerry booked their place in the Christy Ring Cup final in emphatic fashion after a dominant victory over Wicklow. The Kingdom’s attacking play proved far too strong throughout as they ran riot in front of goal with an eight-goal display.
Meath and Derry played out a dramatic draw in one of the games of the weekend. Both sides traded momentum throughout in a high-scoring contest, but two late Derry goals through Rian Collins and Eamon Cassidy snatched the draw for the visitors.
Donegal and Roscommon also finished level after a tightly contested encounter. Roscommon’s goal proved crucial in keeping them in touch, while Donegal battled hard to earn a share of the spoils.
Kerry 8-25 | 0-17 Wicklow
Meath 3-15 | 3-15 Derry
Donegal 0-17 | 1-14 Roscommon
Nicky Rackard Cup
Mayo secured a dramatic victory over Sligo in an entertaining high-scoring clash. Sligo pushed Mayo all the way, but a penalty from Mayo’s Cormac Phillips provided the crucial score to clinch the win.
Louth edged out Armagh in another thrilling encounter packed with goals. Both sides caused problems throughout, but Louth managed to hold on after a strong attacking display from Ciaran McKelvey who contributed 2-02.
Tyrone produced an impressive performance to overcome Fermanagh with goals proving the difference once again. Their sharp finishing and control around the middle third helped Tyrone pull clear as the game progressed.
Mayo 2-22 | 1-21 Sligo
Louth 3-19 | 3-16 Armagh
Tyrone 3-21 | 2-13 Fermanagh
Lory Meagher Cup
Monaghan continued their strong campaign with an impressive victory over Lancashire. Their sharp attacking play and accuracy from distance helped them control the contest for long periods.
Leitrim edged out Warwickshire in a tightly fought battle that remained in the balance until the closing stages. Strong finishing late on helped Leitrim secure an important win.
Longford also impressed with a commanding performance against Cavan. Goals at crucial stages helped Longford build momentum as they secured another valuable result.
Monaghan 0-28 | 1-13 Lancashire
Leitrim 1-18 | 2-12 Warwickshire
Longford 3-18 | 1-15 Cavan
League of Ireland Soccer
Bohemians ended their winless run in impressive fashion with a strong comeback victory over Dundalk at Dalymount Park. After falling behind early on, Bohs responded brilliantly with three unanswered goals to turn the game around. Their attacking intensity and sharp finishing proved too much for Dundalk as the hosts produced one of their best performances of the season.
Shelbourne were left frustrated once again at Tolka Park after being held to a scoreless draw by Sligo Rovers. Despite controlling large spells and creating the better chances, Shels were unable to find a breakthrough as Sligo defended resolutely to earn an important away point.
Shamrock Rovers continued their dominant recent record against Galway United with a comfortable victory in Tallaght Stadium. The Hoops were clinical in attack and controlled proceedings for much of the contest, with their quality in the final third proving decisive once again.
Drogheda United secured a narrow but important victory over Derry City thanks to a decisive penalty from Ryan Brennan. In a tightly contested encounter with few clear-cut opportunities, Drogheda remained organised defensively and held firm to secure all three points.
Bohemian 3-1 Dundalk
Shelbourne 0-0 Sligo Rovers
Shamrock Rovers 3-1 Galway United
Drogheda United 1-0 Derry City