Ireland include six debutants for opening summer tour game in Georgia, as Tommy O'Brien and Darragh Murray handed starts
Tommy O'Brien and Darragh Murray will make their Ireland debuts in Saturday evening's opening summer tour game against Georgia in Tbilisi (kick-off 6pm Irish time, live on Virgin Media).
Ireland interim head coach Paul O'Connell has named Leinster winger O'Brien and Connacht lock Murray in the starting team to face Georgia at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, while another four players – Munster duo Michael Milne and Tom Ahern, and Connacht pair Jack Aungier and Ben Murphy – are in line to win their first caps off the bench.
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The 42
3 hours ago
- The 42
Shelbourne confirm Joey O'Brien as Damien Duff's full-time successor
SHELBOURNE HAVE CONFIRMED the appointment of Joey O'Brien as the club's new head coach on a long-term deal, as first reported by The 42 on Wednesday. Former Republic of Ireland international O'Brien had served for three and a half years as Damien Duff's second-in-command and took charge of the League of Ireland champions on an interim basis following Duff's shock departure last month. Shels drew both fixtures for which O'Brien was interim boss — 2-2 at Waterford and 1-1 at Galway United respectively — and the club have now appointed the Dubliner on a full-time basis ahead of what will be his first home game in charge against Cork City on Friday. 'This is an incredible honour,' O'Brien said upon Thursday night's confirmation of his full-time appointment. 'Of course, being honest, it was unexpected — not something I was thinking about. The opportunity came up and I was asked to take it. I didn't take long to say yes. Advertisement 'I'm obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board. It's a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that's been done over the last few years. 'I know first-hand what this club is about and that's an advantage coming into the job,' O'Brien added. 'Over the last three and half years, I've got to see this club grow. This place is full of special people, and fans who have seen it all and stood by the club through everything. 'I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity. Myself, the staff and the players — we're proud to be the custodians of such a historic club, one of the biggest in Irish football, and that's a great honour but ultimately, Shelbourne Football Club, the heart and soul of it, is the people who are there every Friday night, making this club what it is. 'The job is to make those people proud and create more special memories.' Shels are currently fifth in the Premier Division table and face Linfield in the first qualifying round of the Champions League next week. They welcome the Irish League champions to Tolka Park on Wednesday, 9 July, before visiting Windsor Park for the second leg the following week. Retaining their League of Ireland crown now looks beyond the reigning champions but they are just five points off second-placed Bohemians. The Gypsies have a couple of games in hand but European qualification remains a realistic aim for O'Brien. Shels' FAI Cup campaign also kicks off on 19 July when they travel away to the FAI Junior Cup winners and Limerick District League Premier Division champions Fairview Rangers. Tomás Qunn, Shelbourne CEO, added of his 'delight' at O'Brien's appointment that 'Joey brings a deep understanding of the game, a wealth of top-level experience, and a clear vision for the future of the club. 'His passion, leadership, and commitment to developing both the team and our culture made him the standout choice,' Quinn continued. 'We're confident Joey is the right person to lead us into the next chapter of Shelbourne's journey, and we're excited for what lies ahead under his stewardship.' Technical director Luke Byrne added: 'Joey has been a fundamental part of the team's success over the last few years and proved himself to be an outstanding coach, leader and communicator. 'His strong leadership skills, relationship with the players in the dressing room, and relentless desire to be successful make him the ideal man to lead us forward. Related Reads Losing the LOI's top scorer for €30,000 shows measures clubs must take just to keep up From chasing new signings to calling it quits - Damien Duff resigns at end of dramatic week 'The appointment of Joey gives us continuity and stability at a crucial time in the season as well as the club's long term strategic plan. I can't wait to see him take to the touchline in Tolka Park as our head coach tomorrow night.'
RTÉ News
6 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Joey O'Brien succeeds Damien Duff as Shelbourne head coach
Shelbourne have appointed Joey O'Brien to succeed Damien Duff as head coach on a long-term deal. O'Brien, a former Republic of Ireland international, has been assistant manager at the club since 2021, working alongside Duff as the club regained the league title in 2024 after an 18-year gap. Following Duff's shock resignation last month, O'Brien served as caretaker manager for the last two league games, away draws against Waterford and Galway United. The club announced today that O'Brien would assume the head coach role on a long-term basis, stressing that the appointment would "ensure continuity and clarity" for the remainder of the season. Currently fifth in the league table, Shelbourne's European campaign commences with their Champions League first leg tie against Linfield looming down the tracks next Wednesday. "This is an incredible honour, of course being honest it was unexpected, not something I was thinking about. The opportunity came up, and I was asked to take it," O'Brien said in the statement. "I didn't take long to say yes, I'm obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board. It's a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that's been done over the last few years. "Leading Shelbourne is a huge honour and I feel very lucky to be given that trust. I know first-hand what this club is about, and that's an advantage coming into the job. "Over the last three and half years I've got to see this club grow. This place is full of special people, and fans who have seen it all and stood by the club through everything. "I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity, myself, the staff and the players we're proud to be the custodians of such a historic club, one of the biggest in Irish football, and that's a great honour but ultimately, Shelbourne Football Club, the heart and soul of it, is the people who are there every Friday night, making this club what it is. The job is to make those people proud and create more special memories. "For the board and the owners, I am delighted to get this chance, it's now up to me to repay the trust they've shown. There's been a great foundation laid over the last three and a half years, and I want to build on that and create even more special moments. "I'm excited to take this step. I've learned a huge amount over the last three and a half years working under Damien, and ultimately, that experience has led to this moment. "But it's not about me, it's all about the players. This is a proud moment for me, but the focus is on them and what we do together from here."
Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
'We used to joke he was really Irish' - Andy Robertson pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota
Andy Robertson pays an emotional tribute to his team mate Diogo Jota following the death of his Liverpool team-mate aged 28. The Liverpool forward died following a car crash in Spain, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer and played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel. Jota helped Liverpool to win the Premier League title last season and was part of the Portugal side, along with Ronaldo, that lifted the Nations League last month, and he got married less than a fortnight ago. Taking to social media Robertson said "The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls - Diogo and Andre." The Scottish defender went on to talk about the person and friend Jota was saying the used to joke that "he was really Irish". "He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish... I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota." Robertson went on to say "The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life - his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from the magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family. "I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. "But thank you for being in my life, mate - and for making it better. "Love you, Diogo." Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo said "it doesn't make sense" following the death Diogo. Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota: "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had got married. "To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 Former Liverpool star and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish wrote on X: "Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children. "Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA." Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to Jota, saying on Sky Sports News: "Just in a state of shock. Not with anyone associated to Liverpool but football in general. It is one of the few times when the football family all come together. "I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family - his wife and the children they've got, it's devastating for all involved. "I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family. "It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he's had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours, you can't even comprehend it." Jota's international team-mate Bruno Fernandes posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram story. The Manchester United skipper wrote: "Friend, colleague and companion of a thousand battles. It's hard to understand how can someone leave so soon. "May you and your brother find the peace you need to watch over your loved ones who lost you too soon and suddenly. My condolences to all your family." Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves also took to their Instagram stories following the announcement of their former Wolves colleague's death. Mexico striker Jimenez, now at Fulham, said: "It's hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can't believe it. "An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you." Jota's Portuguese compatriot Neves said: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget them." Jota's former clubs Porto and Atletico Madrid also took to social media. Porto said on X they were in "mourning" in a statement, while Atletico added they were "shocked by the tragic news". Sports agency Gestifute, which represented the Liverpool player, paid tribute to "a rare player and an exceptional professional, but he was much more than that. He was an exemplary son, a devoted husband, and a fervent and devoted father. And those who knew him closely also know that he was a unique friend and an extraordinary human being." Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville wrote on X: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family." NBA great and well-known Liverpool supporter LeBron James posted on X: "My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!" Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, who shared a dressing room with Jota on international duty with Portugal, said on his Instagram story: " strength to the family." Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice described the deaths as "heartbreaking" on his Instagram story and added: "RIP to Diogo and his brother Andre. Sending love and condolences to his family." England's Women's team, currently on Euro 2025 finals duty in Switzerland along with their Portuguese counterparts, posted on X: "We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It is truly difficult to comprehend. "The Lionesses send our heartfelt condolences to Diogo's family and friends and all the players, staff and fans connected to Liverpool FC, his former clubs and the Portugal national teams. "We stand beside the Portuguese team here in Switzerland and the whole football family in honouring Diogo and Andre's memory." UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: "His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten." On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… — UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025 FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted on the governing body's official X account: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. "On behalf of FIFA and the wider football family, my thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel and the Portuguese Football Federation. May they rest in peace." The Football Association too said they were "devastated" to learn of the two deaths and added in a tribute: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo's family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal." A moment of silence was held before Portugal's opening Women's Euro 2025 game against Spain in Bern. Players wore black armbands, while some fans had made signs in tribute to Jota. UEFA had earlier announced there would also be the same tribute observed at group matches on Friday.
