Month: April 2022

THE NOMINATIONS FOR the eir Sports Book of the Year prize have been revealed.

In its second year running, the inaugural award was won by former Dublin footballer John Leonard with Dub Sub Confidential in 2015 and a 20-strong longlist has been announced this evening.

Included are books from ex-Ireland and Munster rugby captain Paul O’Connell (The Battle), Ireland’s top MMA coach John Kavanagh (Win Or Learn), Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy (What do you think of that?), Olympic medallist Rob Heffernan (Walking Tall) and the authorised biography of Jack Charlton by Colin Young.

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It will be cut down to a final shortlist on 28 November and the winner, who receives a €1,500 cash prize, a specially-commissioned trophy and €10,000 worth of TV advertising on eir Sport, is set to be announced at an awards event in December.

“When we decided to begin a new award scheme to recognise the best in Irish sports writing in the middle of last year, we could not have foreseen just how successful year one would have been,” said eir Sport Director of Operations Brian Quinn.

“The standard of entries was remarkably high and in Dub Sub Confidential we had a book that was a compelling read for any sports fan due to its honesty, wit and excellence.

This year’s longlist is again full of quality writing and I am certain that the judging panel will arrive at a book that will be a worthy winner of the accolade of eir Sport Sports Book of the Year.

“I would like to thank our partners at Publishing Ireland and the publishing houses throughout the country without whom this scheme could not be a success.

“I’d also like to thank Mark and the judging panel. They have a tough task ahead of them this year!”

The judging panel is independently-chaired by Mark Duncan and made up of sports editors and producers from the national media: Shane Scanlon (Irish Independent), Brian Flanagan (Irish Daily Star), Jack White (Irish Daily Mail), Malachy Logan (Irish Times), Jacqui Hurley (RTE), Adrian Barry (Newstalk), Michael Foley (Sunday Times), Dion Fanning (SportsJoe).

Here’s the longlist:

• Win or Learn: John Kavanagh – Paul Dollery
• The Battle: Paul O’Connell – Paul O’Connell
• Blood, Sweat & McAteer – Jason McAteer
• The Best is Yet to Come – Alan O’Mara
• Spirit of ’58 – Evan Marshall
• Full Throttle – Liam Beckett
• Coolmore Stud – Alan Conway
• Jack Charlton: The Authorised Biography – Colin Young
• My Life In Rugby – Donal Lenihan
• Front Up, Rise Up – Gerry Thornley
• The Heart and Soul of Kerry Football – Weeshie Fogarty
• Rob Heffernan’s autobiography, Walking Tall – Rob Heffernan
• Everything to Play For: 99 Poems about Sport – John McAuliffe
• Out Of Control – Cathal McCarron with Christy O’Connor
• What do you think of that? – Kieran Donaghy
• Retired: What happens to footballers when the game’s up? – Alan Gernon
• Blood, sweat, triumph and tears – John Scally
• Hand on Heart – Ken McGrath & Michael Moynihan
• Second City – Neal Horgan
• Man Tests – The misadventures of an endurance fanatic

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FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ATTENDANCES have fallen by an average of more than 7,000 per game over the last 10 years, new figures released by the GAA show.

A total of 788,746 fans attended the 60 games (not including replays) played in the provincial championships and All-Ireland series in 2016.

This average crowd of 13,146 per match represents a drop of almost 35% from the 2007 average of 20,172.

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Crowd numbers have been steadily decreasing since then, although there was a slight increase in 2015.

The figures and the charts were released as part of a document to outline a new football championship format and address criticisms.

The major change would see the quarter-final stage of the championship scrapped and replaced by a round-robin with two groups of four teams (four provincial champions and four Round 4 qualifier winners), with each team playing each other once, and the top two teams in each group progressing to seeded semi-finals.

“The new structure will generate an increase in football championship attendances, which have been declining in recent years,” the GAA writes. “We recognise, of course, that the economic recession has been a factor here.”

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THE GAA HAS issued revised proposals for a Gaelic football championship restructure in what appears to be an attempt to appease critics of the original ideas revealed in August.

However, the latest document released by GAA director general Paraic Duffy is persisting with a round-robin stage for the last eight of the football championship, to replace the knock-out quarter-finals.

The process for finding the last eight would remain the same under the proposal, with the four provincial winners guaranteed their spots along with the victors from clashes between the provincial runners-up and the final four sides in the qualifiers.

But from there the teams would be divided into two groups with each side to play each other once — including one home game, one away fixture and one tie at Croke Park.

The top two from each group would then advance to the semi-finals, with those fixtures to be played across both days of the first weekend in August.

The hurling All-Ireland final would be played on the second Sunday in August with the football equivalent coming two weeks later, meaning inter-county players would be available to their clubs earlier in the year.

Some have claimed that a move to a round-robin for the last eight of the football championship would make life even more difficult for weaker counties to bridge the gap with the game’s elite.

The fear is that the likes of Tipperary, one of the stories of the GAA season this year, would find it considerably more difficult to make the All-Ireland semi-finals under such a structure.

But the GAA seems adamant that the best teams in the country should make up the final four in the race for Sam Maguire.

“This will have the effect of ensuring that the finalists will have been equally tested and that the two best teams in the country contest the All-Ireland final,” the proposal argues.

There is some good news for the so-called weaker counties in the proposal however, with Division 3 and 4 teams guaranteed home advantage in round one, two or three of the qualifiers if they are pitted against a side from one of the top two divisions.

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The group stage of the football championship would add eight matches to the season but it is proposed that the football league semi-finals would be abolished, as well as reducing the waiting times between fixtures, to aid congestion issues.

There are also plans to introduce extra-time at the end of all drawn games to reduce the likelihood of replays and the amount of extra fixtures being added to the calendar.

The proposal insists it is just a “medium-term” reform of the football championship as the GAA believes options for immediate and radical change are quite limited.

Key focus points of the proposal include:

• Retaining the provincial championships in their current format
• Group stage to replace quarter-finals in football championship
• Playing All-Ireland football semi-finals over one weekend, but hurling semis would be played on consecutive weekends
• Playing hurling and football All-Ireland finals in August
• Keeping all teams in provincial championships and qualifiers, crucially not implementing a ‘B’ championship
• A low-price ticket policy for group stage matches
• A more condensed season
• Reducing the intervals between inter-county matches
• Play extra-time at the end of all drawn games
• Abolishing league semi-finals in football

Well, what do you make of all that? Would it be a good move for the GAA? Let us know in the comments section below.

You can see the proposal in full here.

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FORMER LOUTH PLAYER Colm Nally says Dundalk’s dominance of the national soccer scene has left local Gaelic football teams with a battle to win over the hearts and minds of talented teenagers.

Several Louth minor footballers have quit the game to play underage soccer for Dundalk, according to Nally, with a view to ultimately making it in the first team.

It’s the inevitable consequence of the club’s thrilling progress both at home and abroad under Stephen Kenny though the GAA intend to fight their patch in the north-east.

Nally is a coaching tutor with the Leinster Council who have launched a new programme throughout the province to recruit former inter-county players for Award 1 Youth/Adult coaching courses.

There’s been a particularly high uptake in Louth with 23 ex-players including Seamus O’Hanlon, Ken and David Reilly and 2010 Leinster final goalkeeper Neil Gallagher all beginning the course in Darver last night.

The hope is that the players will progress to coaching locally and Nally reckons that, in Louth’s case, the mere presence and high profile of those players could help to convince young players to stick with Gaelic football.

Asked about Dundalk’s profile in the region, Nally said: “It’s massive, it is. You’d have a lot of players at 18 or 19 that would be part of Louth minor squads and part of the Dundalk U-19s too. They (Dundalk) have the full first pull on them at the minute.

They are following the dream. They have access to European football. The top League of Ireland players are all playing for Dundalk at the minute so their profile is quite high. They are all involved with them and they are all hoping to make the breakthrough.

“They are also all GAA players, all playing with their local clubs but we are hoping we can get a few of them to wear the red of Louth.

“There would be four or five fellas that would have played on our recent minor teams who are now playing with Dundalk and there is a few with Drogheda as well.”

Ex-Louth goalkeeper Nally said the ultimate aim is to keep Louth’s best young Gaelic footballers together.

“Louth is a great sporting county and it keeps producing great sports people, many of them successful players,” he said.

“From the Gary Kellys to the Ian Hartes, who have all played Gaelic football, Rob Kearney played with Cooley minors and seniors and his brother, Dave, they’ve all played so it’s a great sporting county and you’d love one day that they’ll all come together, those with the best potential, and just click.

‘Devastated’

“I think if we get one breakthrough team, the fellas will see that there’s a huge buzz to playing for your county.”

The 2010 Leinster final naturally sticks out as a huge PR opportunity that passed Louth by with Meath winning that game following a late goal that was awarded in error.

“I wasn’t playing at the time and was with my own kids when that match was on, they left the Cusack Stand to run down onto the pitch,” said Nally. “By the time they got to the bottom that famous goal was scored and they were devastated.

“I know they, like hundreds of other kids, were just devastated. They couldn’t believe it. That would have been a massive plus for us to win that.”

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ALL-IRELAND WINNING DUBLIN football coach Jason Sherlock has downplayed the issue of Dublin’s enormous backroom team and highlighted the role that volunteers have played in their incredible run of success.

Sherlock, a former Dublin star forward, was among a 23-strong group of backroom team members photographed on the Croke Park pitch after their All-Ireland final replay win over Mayo.

A number of others, such as high performance manager Bryan Cullen, weren’t included so Jim Gavin’s entire Dublin management team could stretch to beyond 25 people.

It’s drawn inevitable commentary that Dublin enjoy an unfair advantage as the cash rich capital county with access to financial resources that their rivals can only dream of.

But Sherlock insisted that the majority of their backroom team are unpaid volunteers and noted generally the impact that ex-players have had on bringing through vital rookie talent from development squads.

“In relation to that picture, I think Jim’s father was in it and maybe two or three members of the county board but anyone that was in it are volunteers as far as I know, excluding Bryan Cullen,” said Sherlock.

“I don’t know how many volunteers are with other counties. All I know is that I was asked by Jim to see if I could assist and I’m happy to do it. I don’t know what’s going on elsewhere.

“I understand there is always going to be that debate about Dublin (and their finances) and all that but as far as I’m concerned it was the same situation when I played. We had the biggest population, the biggest resources but we didn’t have success.”

Sherlock reckons that Dublin are simply more organised these days, something that can be done without major financial investment.

“You’d have to look at that as a contributory factor,” continued the 1995 All-Ireland medallist. “From my point of view, I was asked to get involved in the Dublin development squads three years ago and it was a privilege to be asked and something I was delighted to do.

“I asked others that I would have played with to get involved and probably to a man they all agreed and were willing to give their time. It was great to see that they were willing to do that.

Sherlock celebrates with Paddy Andrews after the All-Ireland final.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

“We’re in grounds at the weekends with U-14s and U-15s, as volunteers. We have Davy Henry, Paul Griffin, Paul Casey, Declan Lally, Brendan O’Brien and then we’ve a few other guys as well.”

Dublin’s sponsorship deal with global insurance giants AIG is worth a reported EUR800,000 per annum while their list of ‘official partners’ runs into double figures.

But Sherlock insisted all of those ex-players are simply in it to give something back to the county and he said they’ve played an important role in the overall success.

“When I picked up the phone they were all happy to play their part and to contribute,” he said. “That’s got nothing to do with resources, they are people who are proud to have played with Dublin and want to give something back.”

Sherlock was recognised as one of the most creative and exciting forwards of his generation and is responsible for mentoring the current Dublin forwards.

Those forwards’ challenge has been more difficult in recent seasons as a result of consistently coming up against packed out defences. Former Dublin defender Ger Brennan claimed after the drawn All-Ireland final with Mayo that Dublin’s attacking edge has been blunted by being continuously forced to recycle and retain possession.

“We can’t control how a team sets up against us,” said Sherlock. “There’s a big emphasis on the defensive side of the game at the moment and that’s a challenge Dublin have had over the last number of years so there’s no point in doing something a certain way if you don’t think it’s going to have benefits.

“The stage where the players are at is that they have to decide themselves on the pitch what is the best way of reacting to something.

“As a coach, that’s all you can do, empower your players to deal with situations and full credit to the lads, they’ve been able to deal with what’s in front of them.”

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SECOND HALF GOALS from Thomas Hill and Ross Mulcahy ensured Moyle Rovers edged tonight’s Tipperary SFC quarter-final against Aherlow Gaels by a score of 2 – 11 to 0 – 13.

File photo: Ross Mulcahy in minor action for Tipp in 2013.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Rovers, playing without the Dubai-based Peter Acheson, had to come from behind as Aherlow finished the first period the stronger side to build a half-time lead of 0 – 5 to  0-9 having been level at five points apiece with 17 minutes on the clock.

Liam Boland signalled Moyle Rovers’ intent from the start of the second half with back-to-back scored before Hill hit the net on 44 minutes.

File photo: Thomas Hill in minor action for Tipp in 2009.

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

That score gave Rovers the lead which they would not cough up. Though the score was reduced to the minimum by Aherlow until Mulcahy struck to open up a 2 – 8 to 0-10 advantage with just over 15 minutes remaining.

The victory sets up a clash with Kilsheelan-Kilcash in Sunday’s semi-final (throw-in 14.30). Reigning Munster champions Clonmel Commercials take on 2014 Tipp senior champions Loughmore-Castleiney in the other county semi-final.

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Home

Peter O’Mahony and Rassie Erasmus speak to the media at UL.

Source: Niall Carson

• Munster’s Champions Cup game against Glasgow Warriors will go ahead as planned on Saturday.
• The province’s captain, Peter O’Mahony, was understandably emotional as he paid tribute to Anthony Foley in Limerick.
• Seamus ‘Banty‘ McEnaney is back in inter-county management after taking the reins of the Wexford footballers.
• Paddy Barnes has been added to the same New York card as Michael Conlan for St Patrick’s Day.
• Ulster are hopeful of having Ruan Pienaar fit for their must-win Champions Cup clash against Exeter this weekend.
• Connacht’s new Springbok out-half Marnitz Boshoff will arrive in Galway later this week.
• Louis Ludik has signed a new three-year deal with Ulster.
• Tomás O’Leary, meanwhile, has signed a short-term deal with Top 14 outfit Montpellier.

Dundalk players after training at Tallaght Stadium.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Away

• Steve Hansen has made three changes for New Zealand‘s Test match against Australia on Saturday.
• Fenerhahce‘s plane had an emergency landing en route to Manchester for tomorrow’s Europa League tie with United.
• Anthony Joshua will defend his world heavyweight title on 10 December.
• All Black great Dan Carter insists he has never come across any banned substances in rugby.
• Former Man City CEO Garry Cook is among a number of high-profile staff let go by UFC.

The Best Thing We Shared

Liverpool teen Harry Wilson further enhanced his reputation as a star of the future with a delightful backheel against Manchester United’s U23s last night

Source: SpotlightTV/YouTube

On The Record

“I cannot confirm that he will play, but now he is fit and it is now time for him to go back to the levels that we know he can achieve.”

Jose Mourinho has issued a warning to Man United’s big-money signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan after the Armenian has endured a frustrating start to life at the club.

Where we were today

Murray Kinsella was down in Limerick as Rassie Erasmus and Peter O’Mahony bravely faced the media, while Ben Blake was at Tallaght for Dundalk’s pre-game press conference.

Dundalk’s Andy Boyle.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

The Fixture List

• Attention turns to the Europa League on Thursday with Dundalk continuing their campaign against Zenit at Tallaght Stadium (8.05pm).
• Man United are also in action as they host Fenerbahce (8.05pm) at Old Trafford while Southampton are in Milan to face Inter (6pm).

Showbiz, Baby!

Don’t turn your back on a powerful footballer who has three All-Irelands and two All-Stars to his name, as Rory O’Carroll showed a poor opponent in Auckland.

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SEAMUS ‘BANTY’ MCENANEY is back in inter-county football after agreeing a three-year term as Wexford manager.

McEnaney, the former Monaghan and Meath boss, takes over from David Power in charge of the Division 4 outfit.

“On foot of a recommendation from the FAC, agreement has been reached with Seamus McEnaney from Monaghan to assume the role of SF Manager for a 3 year period subject to review at end of year 2,” a statement from Wexford read.

“Considerable consultation has taken place with key panel members and the appointment will be warmly received by them and supporters generally.

“We wish Seamus, who is better known as Banty to his friends, and the players well.”

McEnaney had been tipped to replace Terry Hyland in Cavan before that job went to Mattie McGleenan.

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DON’T TURN YOUR back on a powerful footballer who has three All-Irelands and two All-Stars to his name.

It’s a harsh lesson but one that was learned by a St Patrick’s Emerald City player in a match against former Dublin full-back Rory O’Carroll in Auckland over the weekend.

O’Carroll recently joined Marist Rangers GAA Club having decided to work and travel in New Zealand, and opt out of the Dubs’ All-Ireland title defence attempt, at the start of this year.

A man who is more accustomed to dealing with the physical challenges posed by Aidan O’Shea and Kieran Donaghy, he made his presence felt in this Auckland GAA tie, a 3-10 to 2-12 victory for the Rangers.

He may have been in the unfamiliar role of midfield but when you have the experience and athleticism of O’Carroll, the number on your back doesn’t matter a whole lot.

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The Kilmacud Crokes clubman also lined out for John McBrides GAA club in Chicago over the summer months after a spell of travel in Latin America.

Crokes are, of course, also having to make do without O’Carroll’s services this season and would no doubt like to have the 26-year-old available for their Dublin SFC quarter-final clash against St Jude’s tonight.

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ZACH TUOHY LOOKS set to follow Pearce Hanley’s lead in completing an AFL move and ending a lengthy spell with his first club in the oval-ball game.

The Laois native, who was an unused substitute for Portlaoise in their county final defeat to Stradbally last weekend, is on the brink of signing for Geelong in a draft-pick trade deal.

Mayo man Hanley confirmed his move to Gold Coast Suns yesterday, ending his eight-year stint at the Brisbane Lions.

Tuohy recently requested a trade to Geelong after rejecting a contract offer from Carlton, the club he joined on an international rookie deal in 2010 before making his first-grade debut in 2011. And he has appears to have had his wish granted.

The half-back, who is renowned for his running game and his booming kick, has gone on to accumulate 120 appearances for the Blues which included a remarkable run of 90 consecutive games dating back to the start of the 2013 season.

Tuohy is expected to join the Cats who will forego a future first-round draft pick, while Carlton utility Billy Smedts is also expected to switch to Geelong as part of the deal.

Carlton, who still have Irish recruits Ciaran Byrne (Louth) and Ciaran Sheehan (Cork) on their books, had a disappointing season in 2016 which culminated in a 14th-place finish after 15 losses in their 22 games.

Sheehan’s AFL future remains uncertain having not played a first-grade game since 2014, only making his return from an 18-month injury absence with Carlton’s affiliate club, the Northern Blues, last May.

Byrne is another who has struggled with injuries — his 2015 season was ended by a hamstring issue days after making his debut, while his 2016 season was cruelly ended by a cruciate injury after he had earned rave reviews in a number of his 11 appearances.

Tuohy looks set to join former Kerry minor captain Mark O’Connor, who confirmed his move to the club yesterday, at Geelong for next season. Padraig Lucey, another Kerry native, was delisted by the club towards the end of last month after failing to make the breakthrough to the first grade.

Geelong have been one of the top teams in the AFL in recent seasons, having won three Grand Finals over the past 10 years, and were beaten by Sydney Swans in the Preliminary Finals (final four) last month.

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