Latest news with #IRELAND
The 42
2 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Another 4x100m relay record helps Ireland into fifth place at European Team Championships
IRELAND IS IN fifth place at the European Team Championships Division 2 after a raft of strong performances in Maribor, Slovenia. Ireland has a total of 192 points heading into Day 2, which puts them in contention to reach a top-three spot and promotion to Division 1. The bottom three teams will be relegated. For the second weekend in a row, the men's 4x100m relay team have broken the national record. After breaking the 25-year-old record in Switzerland last weekend, Michael Farrelly, Sean Aigboboh, Marcus Lawler and Israel Olatunde clocked 38.88 to beat the 38.92 they ran last week. That time was enough to see the team win their heat and finish second overall. It also gave Ireland 15 points to help them climb up the leaderboard. Day 1 ✅ | Team Ireland sitting strong in 5th 🇮🇪 After 20 events, Ireland holds 5th place on 192 points heading into Day 2 of the European Team Championships Division 2 in Maribor 🇸🇮 Results from the last events of the day⤵️ 🔹Brian Fay 2nd place Men's 5000m: 15 pts 🔹Ava… — Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) June 28, 2025 'Back to back records, it's fantastic,' a delighted Farrelly said after. 'The goal here was to run our fastest or second-fastest. We just ran our fastest again. To be on a team with these lads is an honour.' Aigboboh was a sub last week and came in to replace the injured Bori Akinola. 'To be on the track here today and play a part is great. It's an amazing feeling. A great senior debut.' Commenting on Ireland's fifth-place position, relay team captain Lawler said: 'We're going well and we're gonna go stronger again tomorrow. There's a lot of positive energy so we'll keep it up.' 🗣️"That record hadn't be broken for 25 years, and we've gone and done it back to back and to be part of something huge like this, it's just great." The Men's 4x100m team reflect on their National record performance at today's European Team Championships💚#IrishAthletics… — Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) June 28, 2025 Sharlene Mawdsley and Jack Raftery also produced vital times over 400m. Advertisement Raftery became just the second Irish man to break 45 seconds after running clocking 44.98 to finish fourth in the event, contributing 13 points to Ireland's cause. 'I don't know if I have words for it,' a breathless Raftery said. 'I was lucky enough to be in a fantastic race. It's the best field I've ever been part of. 'I can't believe that. I felt great coming down the home straight. I'm really enjoying my running, I'm enjoying the process. I don't think it's gonna hit me for a couple of hours. I've no idea how I'm going to process this.' 🗣️ 'I don't know if I have words for it…I can't believe it. Oh my god I'm delighted.' An elated Jack Raftery chats to us after clocking 44.98 at the European Team Championships to move second on the Irish all-time list 🤯#IrishAthletics #Maribor2025 #ETCH2025 — Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) June 28, 2025 Mawdsley ran season's best of 50.93 to take third in the women's race which amounted to 14 points. 'Honestly, I don't know how I made it around,' Mawdsley said. 'A season's best is great, it's a shame I didn't come first, I would have loved the top points but it probably would have taken a PB [personal best] to do that today. 'Today was about getting out there and doing my family proud.' 🗣️ 'A season's best is great…I'm looking forward to cheering on the rest of the team now.' Hear from Sharlene Mawdsley after she clocked a season's best of 50.93 to finish third in the Women's 400m at the European Team Championships 🤩#IrishAthletics #Maribor2025 #ETCH2025 — Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) June 28, 2025 Meanwhile, Brian Fay earned 15 points after clinching second place in the men's 5,000m in a time of 13:56.07 behind Belgium's Issac Kimeli who won in 13:55.70. Team Ireland sits in 13th place (33 pts) after the opening six events at the European Team Championships in Maribor 🇸🇮 Strong efforts across the board as our athletes get the campaign underway: 🔹Sean Mockler 12th place Men's Hammer: 5 pts 🔹Shane Howard 11th place Men's Long… — Athletics Ireland (@irishathletics) June 28, 2025 Elsewhere, Conor Kelly set a new national U20 record of 46.06 in the men's 400m of at the Junioren Gala in Mannheim. This improves on his previous record of 46.18, which he set last month at the IFAM Outdoor.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Irish Defence Forces set for cheaper drones, guns & air systems in huge new EU deal amid €1.5bn military spending bid
IRELAND is set to join a new EU scheme to buy drones, guns and air defence systems. Defence Minister Advertisement The ability to team up with other EU countries will make the procurement process quicker and cheaper for the Irish The SAFE deal only covers specific The procurement deal will also give Ireland quicker access to cyber security technology and weapons for our navy including underwater equipment. This is part of a move from the Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS The SAFE deal was agreed by the EU last month with each individual member state given the option of signing up. The instrument also creates a Tanaiste Simon Harris believes that the SAFE instrument could help speed up the A Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces has recommended that Ireland increase spending on the military to €1.5 bn a year by 2028 and add 2,000 staff and soldiers to our army, navy and air corps. Advertisement Most read in the Irish Sun Minister Harris said: 'Availing of the possibilities available under the SAFE Regulation will allow Ireland to realise this ambition more quickly and more efficiently. 'I am determined to provide for the development of a full spectrum of Defence Force Capabilities that will bring Ireland in line with other similar-sized 'I have agreed, therefore, that the Department of Defence should leverage the common procurement opportunities offered under the SAFE Regulation as much as possible to progress delivery of Ireland's defence capabilities needs as quickly as possible.' TRUMP PUTS ON PRESSURE It comes as US President Advertisement President Trump has previously accused the EU of freeloading on the military capabilities of the Earlier this week, Ireland is one of the lowest spenders on defence in Europe with current spending equating to around 0.25 per cent of GDP. 1 The M2 Bradley is an American infantry fighting vehicle Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Climate
- RTÉ News
USA v Republic of Ireland - All you need to know
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY USA v Republic of Ireland, Dick's Sport Goods Park, Colorado, Friday, 2am TV Live coverage on RTÉ Player from 2am. ONLINE WEATHER A warm and humid day is forecast in Colorado with long sunny spells along with the chance of heavy downpours and thunderstorms come the local kick-off time of 3pm. Highest temperatures of 33c, feeling closer to 38c out of the shade. WARD'S IRELAND FACE THEIR BIGGEST TEST YET Still less than six months in the job, Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward faces her toughest challenge to date as she leads her side into a double-header with the number one ranked side in the world. Ireland take on the US in Colorado in the early hours of the morning, Irish time, on Friday before travelling to face their hosts in Ohio on Sunday evening. Ward's side come into the game off the back of Nations League victories over Slovenia and Turkey which, which while welcome, still saw Ireland fall short when it came to securing Nations League promotion. Having been thrown in at the deep end and straight into the Nations League, this double header represents Ward's first friendlies in charge of Ireland but given the quality of the opposition, she's unlikely to field anything but the strongest side available to her. Ward will get the chance to experiment however and will have to get creative as some of her most experienced players are absent. Arsenal's Champions League winner Katie McCabe misses out as do Aoife Mannion, Heather Payne, Tara O'Hanlon, Jamie Finn, Lily Agg, Jess Ziu and Leanne Kiernan with many of those players needing a break after hectic domestic campaigns. In particular, Ward spoke of McCabe being in danger of burnout. Defender Hayley Nolan and midfielder Ellen Molloy are handed their first squad call-ups under Ward who will be eager to get one over on her friend and USA manager Emma Hayes. RECORD BOOKS AND CONDITIONS AGAINST IRELAND Ireland's record against the US does not make for promising reading. In the 15 games between the two nations, which have all been played in the States, Ireland have lost every match, conceding a totally of 51 goals and scoring just once. However, there is reason for optimism for Irish supporters, despite the head-to-head record and the status of the US as the best team in the world. Ward has no doubts as to their quality and she's expecting a difficult game, no matter how the hosts line up, especially given the conditions her side are likely to face. With the game being played 1,600m above sea level and weather conditions set to be hot and humid, the game looks likely to be an endurance test for Ireland as much as anything else. "It's going to be difficult," said Ward. "Anyone around the world would find it difficult to beat the US. I'm well aware of the history between the two sides, 16 games with 16 wins for the US and only one goal scored for Ireland. "The result is not what we're going after. It's more continuing the process and building on what we are doing. We'd be foolish to say we are coming here to win these games of football but we have to look bigger than that, where we're at and trying to build." Ward is also concerned by the weather conditions and high altitude the game will be played at: "It's difficult any time to play the beast that is the USA, but add in the heat and the altitude and, yeah, it's going to be difficult. I went to the gym at five this morning and I struggled – and that was inside." US BOSS HAYES GIVING YOUTH A CHANCE Much like Ward, US boss Hayes is opting to rest most of her high-profile players and only one member of the squad she has named plays outside of America. Chelsea's $1.1 million signing Naomi Girma is the only player in the squad who isn't currently playing in the NWSL. With the World Cup qualification campaign looming, Hayes is giving players a chance to stake a claim for a place in her squad and has been handing out debuts freely. This time there's four uncapped players in her squad with defenders Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale and Izzy Rodriguez and midfielder Sam Meza all receiving their first call-ups. Hayes has so far handed 27 players their first senior call-ups as she gives new faces a chance to impress. Of the 24 players named in Hayes' squad, six have yet to earn their first caps and 19 of them have fewer than 10 international appearances. For Hayes, the two games against Ireland and an early July tie with neighbours Canada are all about her getting a chance to cast an eye over as many players as possible. "We want to continue to improve our understanding of how we want to play and widen the player pool, and those are some of the key goals of this three-game window," she said. "On this roster, we have players with a varied amount of experience, and my priority is to deepen the exposures required for international soccer. These are three challenging matches and as always, we want to win, but also to make sure we are ready for the next steps. "Ireland is one of the most difficult European teams to play against, so I'm happy we could get these games," Hayes said. "We need to play teams that will push us and create an environment where our players have to solve problems and play under pressure. We're still early in our process of building towards World Cup qualifying for '27 and we still have a lot of growth to go as a team and as individuals."
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Aldi Ireland fans rushing to buy new school uniforms for new term with prices from 99c
IRISH parents are rushing to buy bargain school uniforms for next term at Aldi. The retailer is set to release its famous range with prices from just 99 cent. 5 There are a range of school uniform essentials from €0.99 Credit: Aldi 5 You can pick up a two-pack of boys or girls polo shirts for €1.65 in blue and white Credit: Aldi 5 You can get a range of cardigans and sweatshirts for €0.99 Credit: Aldi The range, which includes everything your First off, you can pick up the Pleated Skirt for just €1.65. This grey Or, pick up a two-pack of boys or girls polo shirts for €1.65 which comes in blue and white. READ MORE IN ALDI IRELAND Or, get the Jersey Trousers in sizes 4/5 to 11/12 in dark grey for just €3.49. The Girls Trousers cost just €1.65 in a grey shade, which is available in sizes 4/5 to 11/12. You can get a two-pack of the Classic Pinafore in grey for just €7.99, which also comes in sizes 4/5 to 11/12. Most read in Money Or get a sweatshirt in navy or red, or cardigan in red - both of which cost just €0.99. I tried Aldi's Dyson airwrap dupe at bargain price - and it gave me easy hair salon look There are a range of essentials available including a five-pack of socks for €2.69 and a three-pack of tights from €4.49. There is also a two-pack of crew neck t-shirts for €1.99, a two-pack of jersey pinafore dresses for €8.99, or a jersey skirt for €3.99. For PE, pick up the two-pack of You can also get some Shoppers can also pick up a range of different backpacks for just €9.99 and premium lunch bags for €6.99. The range is in stores from Sunday June 29 but is set to fly off the shelves. Meanwhile, Aldi Ireland fans are also loving a new beauty item ideal for a The Lacura Facial Tanning Mist is available in stores now while stocks last in the middle aisle. And it is priced at just €3.99. Shoppers can choose between two products - Day Glimmer or Night Shine. "The product is enriched with hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. "Perfect for your night time routine. By the morning your skin is looking radiantly sunkissed. "It is combined with refreshing rosemary oil." THE HISTORY OF ALDI The German discount supermarket chain came to Ireland in 1999. Aldi's first few shops opened in November 1999, with locations in Sandyford, Dublin, and Ballincollig, Cork. By the mid-2000s, Aldi bosses had opened numerous stores, focusing on providing high-quality products at low prices. As the recession hit 2008-2012, Aldi's popularity grew as consumers became more price-conscious. The supermarket giant continued it's expansion in Ireland between 2013-2018, while refurbishing existing stores. By 2018, Aldi had over 130 shops throughout the country. The chain began to focus on expanding its range of Irish-made products and supporting local producers. In 2023, Aldi had over 140 stores in Ireland. The store invested in sustainability initiatives, such as reducing plastic packaging and increasing the availability of organic and eco-friendly products. Aldi chiefs said: 'At Aldi we are committed to supporting Irish suppliers. Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is designed to help the very best Irish suppliers develop their brand. 'To date, we've invested €10 million in our Grow with Aldi development programme in a bid to find the very best Irish suppliers. 'As a result, for a limited time only there are over 47 new products, from 27 Irish suppliers available in store.' Aldi have introduced technological advancements with self-checkout systems and contactless payment options. 5 You can pick up girls skirts from €1.65 Credit: Aldi 5 Aldi is also selling a range of essentials Credit: Aldi
The 42
6 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
O'Neill mischievously wishes Andrews well in potential Bees appointment
FORMER IRELAND MANAGER Martin O'Neill has delivered some withering analysis on the future of Keith Andrews as he seems poised to get the manager's job at Brentford. Following Thomas Frank's appointment as Tottenham Hotspur manager, Andrews – who was set-piece coach for Frank – has moved into a strong position to take the reigns at the west London club. Speaking on Talksport, former Celtic manager O'Neill expressed his hope that Andrews would get the job, 'because then he will realise what management is all about'. Advertisement While O'Neill was in charge of Ireland, Andrews was an outspoken critic of O'Neill and his assistant Roy Keane, in a spell when they reached the Euro finals and beat Italy. 'He has been their set-piece coach,' said O'Neill of Andrews. 'The irony is when I was manager of the Republic of Ireland he was a particularly vitriolic critic of mine at the time. He was really dead against me trying to use setpieces to try to win games. 'The irony is he becomes the set-piece coach. Really I say good luck to him. Brentford have decided, if it is the case, that he should get it.' He added, 'I hope he does get it because then he will realise what management is all about. It's not as easy to be sitting in a pundit's chair sitting to criticise someone who in all honesty had a much better career than he had. 'He was dealing at the bottom end of it when I was winning the European Cup. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be criticising. Everyone to their own. But it'll be a different ball game now.' It wasn't all swipes however, as he did throw some praise in Andrews' direction. 'In terms of some of the decisions he has made, I think he has done very well as the set-piece coach. A lot of credit has gone to him for the fast starts Brentford have made in games,' said the Kilrea man. 'He is stepping into an unknown. It's all very well when you can be the friend of the players. You can have the set-pieces, you can be the coach sitting there in the room. It's a different ball game when you're making the big decisions.'
