Paul O'Connell: ‘This is not a Test match of small significance, it's really significant, the players have to perform'
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The Irish Sun
27 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
‘One of my closest friends in football' – Caoimhin Kelleher's tear-jerking tribute to Diogo Jota including wedding pic
CAOIMHIN Kelleher called Diogo Jota "one of my closest friends in football" in a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram. Everyone connected with Liverpool FC was plunged into a state of shock on Thursday as news broke of 4 Kelleher and Andy Robertson attending Jota's wedding 12 days ago Credit: @caoimhinkelleher98 4 Cork native Kelleher has been left in a state of shock after his friend's passing Credit: PA 4 Jota was a dad to three young children Credit: @caoimhinkelleher98 4 A chunk of the Liverpool squad, including Kelleher and Jota, enjoyed a trip to the Cheltenham Festival in March Credit: @caoimhinkelleher98 The crash also claimed the life of his brother Andre who was a professional footballer too. Their bodies will be laid to rest at The sense of sadness around the Reds ace's life being cut so cruelly short is compounded by the fact that he wed his long-term partner Rute just 12 days ago. Ireland goalkeeper Kelleher reflected on how he's struggling to come to terms with his pal being gone while sharing a photo in attendance at that joyful occasion less than a fortnight ago. He conceded: "Jots. Can't believe I'm writing this right now and I'm finding it hard to put into words. I'm absolutely devastated by this news. Read More On Diogo Jota "All my thoughts and condolences are with Rute and their three beautiful kids and Diogo and Andre's family. "It was a such a pleasure to get to know you over these years and to share some special memories on the pitch and even more so off it. "You became one of my closest friends in football. We bonded over all things sports watching any football match we could find often your brother Andre's game on your iPad. "I was surprised a lad from Portugal loved sports such as darts, snooker and horse racing so much and some of my best memories were having a laugh watching them with you. Most read in Football "You were such a fun genuine, normal down to earth and loving family man and always very competitive I'm gonna miss our pre match programme quiz. "I feel so blessed and grateful to have seen you on your happiest day, the day of your wedding and to be able to share in that day with you was special. I'll never forget it. 'Heartbroken' Ronaldo leads tributes to Diogo Jota as football mourns Liverpool & Portugal star "You were deeply loved by everyone at the club, the city and all over the world. "It's gonna hurt for a long time and I'm gonna miss you so much but I feel so lucky to have got know you and have such a good friend. Love you Diogo." Jota and his brother died late on Wednesday night when a tyre on his Lamborghini blew out and the car hurtled off the road, catching fire. The crash occurred on the A52, near the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria at around 12:40am (11:40pm Irish time), local police confirmed. The dad-of-three was believed to have been driving a luxury acid green Lamborghini Huracan and travelling towards a port in the northern city of Santander. FERRY PLAN He was due to catch a ferry this morning after being advised not to take a plane due to a recent lung surgery, according to CNN Portugal. The Portuguese ace had missed several matches last season after suffering a rib injury in October during a match against Chelsea. The striker is said to have had lunch with his wife and three children hours before his death in a paradise Atlantic Ocean resort dubbed 'the most beautiful land" in Portugal. Emergency crews rushed to the crash site in the early hours of Thursday morning and managed to put out the flames. Both brothers were tragically pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Zamora Provincial Council.
Irish Examiner
35 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
'I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner': Nick Giannotti completes Athlone town takeover
Athlone have endured a difficult season, only winning three games all campaign. The departure of Dario Castelo as manager in April was followed by the release of five players - Adam Wixted, Declan McDaid, Kyle O'Connor, JR Wilson and Bastien Héry - in May. Since then, the club appointed former Wexford and Bray Wanderers boss Ian Ryan in early June, with Giannotti's takeover the next step in their rebuilding process. Giannotti's vision, he notes, is "rooted in two principles: driving excellence and financial sustainability". Gianotti's statement read, in-full: " To the supporters of Athlone Town AFC, it is with great pride and excitement that I write to you today. "Since my very first conversation about Athlone Town, this moment has been on my mind. It's a privilege to now formally take on the responsibility of leading this historic club into its next chapter. "First and foremost, I want to thank David Dully, John Hayden, and Michael O'Connor for their dedication and assistance during this transition. Just a few weeks ago, we began this new journey by appointing Ian Ryan as manager of the Men's First Team, a decision that reflects our ambitions and intent. "As I have yet to spend a significant amount of time on the ground with the Club and in the community, getting to know all of you, please afford me the opportunity to introduce myself briefly. Many of you may be skeptical, as I am not local to Athlone, but I can assure you that I am not just another disconnected, non-Irish owner. "I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I grew up playing football for a club called the Nomads and won three national championships. "As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to spend two summers in the Northwest of England playing with the team, witnessing firsthand the significance of football to local communities. "My father immigrated to the United States from Italy through Ellis Island. His story echoes that of so many Irish families who made a new life abroad. My wife, whose roots trace back to Cork, also studied at university in Dublin. Together, we have two young children, and our family is proud to now become part of the Athlone community. "Professionally, I co-founded Redball Energy, a solar company I've had the privilege to lead for over 15 years. More recently, I've had the chance to merge my professional skills and personal passion by serving as a Director and minority shareholder of Plymouth Argyle FC. "Football is a lifelong passion of mine, and it is with that same energy, respect, and drive that I come to Athlone. "While I am not from Ireland, I know how much this club means to its supporters and its town. I understand the responsibility of this role. Please know that I am not here to change Athlone's identity. I aim to honour it, to protect it, and to grow it alongside all of you. "There are many things that my team and I intend to do, but our vision is rooted in two principles: driving excellence and financial sustainability. "We will invest in the club's infrastructure, our players, and our staff. We will work tirelessly to build financial stability, sustainability, and increase revenue streams, enabling our teams to succeed on the pitch. "We will become a club that nurtures and showcases young talent, both from Ireland and beyond, guided by data, smart recruitment, and a relentless commitment to improvement, both on and off the pitch. "Just as importantly, we want Athlone Town to feel like a family. We'll maintain and celebrate cherished traditions, and we'll continue to make this club a source of local pride. You'll see us in the stands, in the community, and hopefully, in the hearts of more and more supporters. "I look forward to listening and talking with many of you, hearing what this Club means to you, and how we can continue to improve it together. I don't have all the answers, and I won't be able to grant every wish, but I promise to be honest, transparent, thoughtful, and open with you all. "This journey will have its highs and lows. That's football. But we'll face them together, as a community, as a Club, as a town. "Finally, later this month and into next, Athlone Town will host the UEFA Women's Champions League. Our hosting of games is a truly special opportunity to showcase not only our team, but also our facilities, our people, and the pride of the Midlands on a European stage. "Let's make this next chapter something truly special. Thank you for welcoming me and my family. I am so excited to join you all as a massive supporter of the Club and the community."
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Lions star defends Owen Farrell's call-up to Australia tour
Luke Cowan-Dickie has confidently stated "you don't lose class" in response to the surprise selection of Owen Farrell by the British and Irish Lions. Farrell is set to land in Sydney on Friday, having been called up by the Lions to fill in for Elliot Daly, who's had to head back home due to a fractured forearm just as he was hitting form for the Test team. The choice of Andy Farrell to bring in his 33 year old son has sparked debate, especially since Farrell's last game for England was nearly two years ago and he only played 17 matches for Racing 92 last season, hindered by groin surgery and concussion issues. However, England's record points scorer and captain from 2018 to 2023 brings with him vast experience, including from three previous Lions tours, and he is the only player in the squad who was involved in the triumphant tour to Australia in 2013. Cowan-Dickie believes his CV makes him a valuable addition as the Lions continue their build-up to the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19. 'You don't lose class. Faz is a class player, so I'm well happy,' said Cowan-Dickie, who starts Saturday's match against the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney. 'When it was announced internally, the reaction was good. Faz is a well-known player. He's played quality rugby over many years. 'One thing about Faz is the standards he sets on the training field. He's got bit of an aura about him on training fields, which makes you want to try and train to perfection. 'I know it's quite hard to perfect training every single day, but he definitely makes standards higher. 'He's a good team man. Even though he might not be involved one week he stays the same in training and the standards he wants to set.' Farrell has not played since he was concussed against Lyon on May 4 and he must get up to speed as quickly as possible if he is to make an impact on the playing field Down Under. Tadhg Beirne, who has been named captain against the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium, played with Farrell during the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa. 'Owen bring some serious quality. We're looking forward to him coming into the squad and getting to hang out with him,' Beirne said. 'Any type of leadership is only going to enhance the squad. Playing with him four years ago, I've seen all those leadership qualities that he brings. 'There's the quality of his talent as well, which will do nothing but boost the squad.'
