The Championship: Race for Sam hots up, provincial hurling battles resume
Galway face a big test of their Sam Maguire credentials, it's crunch time for Clare and Down, while Mayo look to lift morale following their loss in the Connacht SFC final. Roscommon also head for Killarney searching for a spark to ignite their summer.
In hurling, former Kilkenny star Eoin Larkin also drops in to preview a mouthwatering menu of provincial collisions, with Leinster and Munster coming to the boil.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
27 minutes ago
- Irish Times
Athlone Town power past ZNK Agram to continue European charge
Women's Champions League, first-round qualifier: Athlone Town 3 (Gibson 17, 45+2; Waesch 22) ZNK Agram 0 Another sensational first-half performance was enough to send Athlone Town through to the second qualifying round of the Women's Champions League as they backed up last Wednesday's win over Cardiff City with an equally impressive victory over Croatian visitors ZNK Agram. The win means the Midlanders become the first League of Ireland team since Raheny United (2014/15) to reach the second qualifying round, for which Athlone will travel to FC Twente on August 27th and 30th. Breidablik of Iceland will be the next opponents for Colin Fortune's side, and while the former men's team player and manager will have some concerns about how Agram took over in the second half, two goals direct from Madison Gibson corner kicks and another close-range finish from dynamic midfielder Hannah Waesch meant they had more than enough work done to coast over the finish line. Gibson terrorised the Croatians with her direct running and trickery on the left flank, while her second corner of the game was forced over the line by Kelly Brady, only for the referee to cite contact with Nika Radolović in the Agram goal. READ MORE There was just as much chaos on the goal line from Gibson's next corner in the 17th minute, but this time no foul was spotted and the ball curved perfectly inside the far post. Gibson turned provider for their next effort, intercepting a sloppy pass out of defence and beating one defender before teeing up Hannah Waesch for a low finish five minutes later. The second quarter continued in the same vein with no pressure whatsoever on the Athlone defence, but without any further breakthrough either. Excellent approach play from Kelly Brady and Molloy teed up Shauna Brennan from close range, but on a brilliant night for Brennan defensively, her touch deserted her at the key moment and she skewed her kick off target. Two minutes into first-half stoppage time, Gibson got another corner and yet again picked her spot in the far top corner, the ball sailing over heavy traffic to ensure that while Agram were much more assured in the second half, controlling far more possession, Athlone could defend with confidence. Kayleigh Shine and Natalie McNally held firm at the centre of the defence, Waesch continued to produce a masterclass of defensive midfield play, and two assured saves from Megan Plaschko to control well-struck Agram shots from distance were enough to make sure the party atmosphere in the packed house of 1,916 supporters was never interrupted. ATHLONE TOWN: Plaschko; K Brennan, Shine, McNally, S Brennan; Waesch; Molloy (Fitzgerald 78), Rice, Groves (Slevin 70), Gibson (Donegan 70); Brady. ZNK AGRAM: Radolović; Bulut (Kolčić HT), Nevrkla, Popović (Vanjak 76), Bičanić (Barunović HT); Lubina (Mihić 81), Jakobašić; Djoković, Joščak, Stanić (Veseli 71); Dujmović. Referee: Briet Bragadottir (Iceland).
RTÉ News
27 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
WLOI round-up: Shels go top after hard-earned win at Cork City
Shelbourne jumped to the top of the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division on goal difference with a 2-0 victory over Cork City at Turner's Cross. Without player of the month Kate Mooney due to injury, their American striker Mackenzie Anthony made it two goals in two games before Aoibheann Clancy ensured the spoils with a late penalty. City gave them a stern examination throughout, hitting the post with a late attempt at an equaliser. Although it should be noted that Shels were twice denied by the woodwork. The Dubliners' +33 goal difference is five better than second-placed Athlone Town. City, meanwhile, dropped to the foot of the table due to Sligo Rovers' victory over Waterford. Clancy steps up and delivers! She fires home from the spot to make it 2-0 to Shelbourne with just minutes to play. 🔴 — LOI Women (@LoiWomen) August 2, 2025 The hosts made three changes as they sought to mirror the men's breakthrough in achieving a first win since April. There was a debut for inter-county Gaelic footballer Sadbh McGoldrick, a full debut for Holly O'Hagan, and a first start for Aoife Cronin since re-signing for the club. Shels boss Eoin Wearen opted for four switches after their penalty shoot-out exit from the All-Island Cup. He drafted in Mia Hannon, Lucy O'Rourke, Clancy, and Rebecca Devereux. It was all Shels in the first half, although City could claim to be unlucky to go in behind. Alex Kavanagh nodded an early chance off the post, before being called back for offside. Leah Doyle got in down the left only for the slightest of touches from Clodagh Fitzgerald to turn her shot just past the post. The 17-year-old keeper produced a more routine save from Clancy, while Anthony and Kavanagh, after some great footwork, flashed attempts wide. Shels broke through in the 32nd minute from a half-cleared corner. Kavanagh returned the ball into the box, Anthony flicked it on, and when Jessica Gargan's dink was miscontrolled by Shaunagh McCarthy, Anthony was on hand to tuck away her 10th league goal this were almost level within three minutes. Christina Dring and Eva Mangan combined brilliantly down the right before the latter launched a spectacular curler, which looked destined for the top corner until Amanda McQuillan's fingertips intervened to turn it behind. That kept Shels a goal ahead at the half-time whistle. The woodwork was struck three times after the break; twice by Shels and once by hit the butt of the post in the opening stages after Clancy had battled to regain possession. Clancy was next to test the goal frame with a deflected strike that dipped viciously onto the crossbar. Substitute Jemma Quinn then arrowed in a dangerous first-touch header, which was well held by Fitzgerald. City's big chance came in the 68th minute when Amy McCarthy capitalised on an O'Rourke error. Ellie O'Brien exploited the overlap to feed Áine Walsh, who launched a shot onto the far post. McCarthy floated the rebound just remained up for grabs until two minutes from time. McGoldrick had put in an impressive shift at the back, but was unfortunate to bring down Megan Smyth-Lynch in the box for a penalty. Clancy stepped up to fire home. Cork City: Clodagh Fitzgerald; Holly O'Hagan (Lauren Healy 88), Sadbh McGoldrick, Heidi Mackin, Shaunagh McCarthy; Lauren Homan, Aoife Cronin; Eva Mangan, Ellie O'Brien (Jodie Griffin 76), Áine Walsh (Sophia Redmond 76); Christina Dring (Amy McCarthy 57). Shelbourne: Amanda McQuillan; Nia Hannon, Pearl Slattery, Lucy O'Rourke (Maeve Wollmer 73); Jessica Gargan, Aoibheann Clancy, Rachel Graham (Megan Smyth-Lynch 73), Alex Kavanagh (Gabriella Del Pico 88), Leah Doyle; Rebecca Devereux (Jemma Quinn 64), Mackenzie Anthony. Katie McCarn helped herself to a hat-trick as Bohemians recorded a 5-2 victory away at DLR Waves. Such a goal-fest looked unlikely after 44 goalless minutes, but the away side hit the front seconds before the break. Bohs showed great desire to win the ball back in the middle of the park before good work from Fiona Donnelly down the left saw her low cross turned against the post by Alannah McEvoy and back at the feet of Sarah Power who was left with the simplest of finishes. Katie McCarn adds a second for Bohemians! 🔴⚫ Bohs back in front against DLR Waves. — LOI Women (@LoiWomen) August 2, 2025 DLR Waves were back on terms at the start of the second half as Bohs made an absolute mess of trying to clear a ball into the box – Amber Cosgrove credited with the goal – but Bohs were quickly back in front through McCarn as she put the finishing touches on a superb team passing move. McCarn all but sealed the points in the 82nd minute and Savannah Kane quickly added a fourth. Substitute Amber Cullen did pull one back for the waves minutes from the end, but there was still time for McCarn to complete here hat-trick. Sligo Rovers moved off the foot of the table after a 2-0 win away win in Waterford. Sligo had only one league win going into the game, but they were helped by a 29th minute red card to Waterford's Stephanie Dumevi. They made the most of that numerical advantage to lead at the break with Emma Hansberry putting them ahead in the 37th minute with a long-range strike. It got even better for the visitors in the 65th minute as Alana Doherty turned home a free-kick to secure a rare three points.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Crisis club Sheffield Wednesday missed out on huge Danny Rohl windfall before boss walked out
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY missed out on a Danny Rohl windfall weeks before his exit. German side Advertisement 2 Sheffield Wednesday missed out on cash for Danny Rohl's departure Credit: PA But Rohl, 36, Meanwhile, long-serving Liam Palmer, 33, will NOT hand in his notice despite the And neither will skipper Barry Bannan, who has signed a new contract at Wednesday to keep his daughter happy. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The midfielder, 35, was a free agent and claimed he turned down 'interest from elsewhere' to remain at Hillsborough for an 11th consecutive season. It was a surprising announcement given Wednesday's dire financial situation ahead of their opening Championship clash at Leicester on Sunday August 10. Under the ownership of Thai businessman Chansiri, there have been late payments to HMRC, transfer embargoes, multiple They only have Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN Yet Bannan struck an optimistic note as he explained his reasons for staying in the blue-and-white half of the Steel City. The Scottish father-of-two, who has made 447 Wednesday appearances, revealed that his children are delighted he is not leaving. He said: 'Being out of contract, it was the first time that has happened to me in my career so it's been hard. Advertisement 'Deep down inside I always knew what I wanted to do. 'At times it seemed like what I didn't want to do could happen but now I'm delighted to get it done and I can look forward. 'There's loads of reasons really. I've made it clear over the years my love for the club and the love I receive back. 'This club is a big part of me and my family, who are with me here as I'm signing. Advertisement 'They will always stand by me with whatever decision I make and I've decided to stay. 'With the season getting closer, this last week has been tough because there was interest from elsewhere and I had a lot to think about. 'We had a lot of conversations as a family and when I told my daughter Elsie that I might be leaving she started crying. 'Then last night when I told her I was staying she started crying again. I asked her why and she said they are just happy tears.' Advertisement 2 Barry Bannan is staying at Sheffield Wednesday Credit: PA
