Latest news with #LeagueofIrelandPremierDivision
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Nash feels he now has Cork City group that are 'all-in' for 12-game survival mission
Twelve League of Ireland Premier Division fixtures. Six at home in Turner's Cross. Six away. That's what Ger Nash and his Cork City charges have left to save their top-flight lives. What is now a 12-game season - or survival mission - begins with the most important fixture of all: Ninth-place Sligo Rovers' visit to Leeside on Friday night. An eight-point gap can - and for Nash and City, needs - to be closed to five, not stretched to 11. It's imperative for their hopes of remaining at the top-level of football in this country. The meeting with John Caulfield's Galway United the following Friday holds the same importance. It's a sentiment Nash is acutely aware of, but for now, Sligo is the test that simply must be passed. "It's a huge week, it's a huge game," City boss Nash said. "We're in no doubt about that, we know the importance of it, we know we need to win games. We've got two home games coming up and I would go as far as to say both games are incredibly important and we need to pick up maximum points. It's that time, it's two-thirds of the way through the season, and we need to win games. "It's as simple as that, that's what is going to get us out of the position that we're in." There has been an evolution within Nash's playing squad this month with multiple arrivals and departures. On-loan midfielder Rio Shipston has returned to Sheffield Wednesday with the English club under a transfer embargo, Djenairo Daniels has headed for Kilmarnock, and Dutch 'keeper Tein Troost has left. Youngster Callum Honohan has joined his brother Josh at Shamrock Rovers, while Arran Healy has joined Kerry in search of first-team football. Malik Dijksteel will depart for 'Keeper David Odumosu, defenders Rory Feely and Fiacre Kelleher, attackers Charlie Lutz and Brody Lee have all arrived. Added to that quintet, on-loan Preston North End midfielder Kaedyn Kamara landed in the door in recent days. All change, but what Nash now knows is where everyone in the building stands. Every player inside the walls of their Bishopstown training base will be carrying the fight to keep City afloat for the next 12 games. The City boss is now sure his current players are "not looking at their next move". He feels they are "all-in" and "want to be" at Cork City. "I've just done a team meeting, and when I look around and what I see in the squad for tomorrow night is a group of people who fully understand the importance of the next 12 games to the people of Cork, to the City fans, for all of our careers, myself as manager, my staff, I think we see a group of people that are all-in," he said. "We need it to work for us and I think that is one of the big things that has come out of this month is that we've lost people, but we've also finished the month, going into this 12-game spell with people who want to be at Cork City and need it to be successful; I need it to be successful, the staff need it to be successful and the players need it to be successful. It's as simple as that." "I don't think we have any people who are looking at their next move, where they want to go next." Circumstances on the injury front are not ideal heading into such a crucial meeting with John Russell's Sligo, who have garnered eight points from their last four league games. Nash teased a first start for long-term absentee Benny Couto, but injuries to Odumosu, Greg Bolger and Murray leave holes in the City's strongest 11. The likelihood is that Darragh Crowley will shift into midfield to accompany Evan McLaughlin, while Conor Brann will be stationed between the posts. "Sean Murray was injured against Shelbourne, came off at half-time, so he's a doubt, Greg Bolger and David Odumosu unfortunately picked up injuries against Waterford, so they are also going to be out, the 38-year-old said. "Milan Mbeng is someone we haven't seen play since the Celtic game, so he's another one." For Sligo and Russell, the objective is simple. Play front-footed football and push City further towards the abyss. "I think it's a huge weekend of football at the bottom end of the table," Russell said. "If we manage to get a win tomorrow night, it gives us another three points on the board and there's 11 games to go. "We know we have to go and attack the game. if you want to win games in this league, home or away, you must to be at your best."
Irish Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Wedded Miss! 30-year club veteran can't play in biggest ever game v Cork City
Leicester Celtic's long-serving captain Alan O'Shaughnessy will miss the biggest game of his life - because the Rathfarnham club's FAI Cup tie with Cork City clashes with his wedding. O'Shaughnessy and fiancée Laura will tie the knot on Friday, and with the celebrations spilling over to Saturday, the 30-year club veteran will sit out their first game at this level. At the club since he was in the under-8s, he will have to cheer his teammates on from afar as they bid to cause a huge second round upset against the struggling League of Ireland Premier Division side. 'Alan played in the game against Fanad, played schoolboy from under-8s right up, and has played in the senior team for 15 or 20 years,' explained Karl Corcoran, director of coaching at the club. 'He's getting married (today). The game, we thought, was going to be (today), because Cork usually play on a Friday night. But they have probably somewhat accommodated us by moving it to the Saturday. 'Even still, he is having day two of his wedding, so I don't know about you but imagine telling your wife-to-be, would you mind moving the wedding? 'I know in my household it wouldn't be a runner, anyway. Leicester Celtic's starting 11 ahead of their FAI Cup first round clash with Fanad United, with captain Alan O'Shaughnessy (second from right, back row) (Image: Mark Collins Photography) 'The timing is very unfortunate for Alan, someone who has played such a key role at the club. When he started as a kid with Leicester Celtic's under-8s, there was no senior team. 'He played a huge part coming through, he's the captain, so for him to miss out on such a big day is very unfortunate.' Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . A few of his teammates will attend the wedding, before following the rest of the squad down to Cork, where they will stay overnight ahead of their noon kick-off on Saturday. Making the FAI Cup second round for the first time in the club's history has generated huge excitement around Rathfarnham, where around 500 people turned out for their historic first round win over Donegal side Fanad. Head coach Owen Norton and his staff, including Paul Miley, Daniel Murphy and Thomas McDermott, will be opposite Leesiders boss Gerard Nash and his assistant David Meyler tomorrow. Below the senior team is a club that has grown massively since O'Shaughnessy's time with the under-8s. They now have around 1,100 players across 70 teams from under-8s to -18s, three senior men's teams, a women's senior team in their first season and an over-35s team. Players come from Rathfarnham, Dundrum, Nutgrove and Churchtown, and further afield, and their home ground - the Damien Duff Astro - is named after their most famous past player. Regardless of the result against Cork, just making it this far is a huge accomplishment, as Corcoran outlines. 'There are four divisions in the Leinster Senior League and we are in the fourth tier,' he said. 'It was our first time qualifying for the FAI Cup first round, let alone the second round. About six weeks ago we played Fanad United from Donegal, and we won 2-1. 'There'll be loads of lads in the team that would have played schoolboy for Leicester. And even if they didn't play schoolboy football for the club, they've been here for eight or 10 years. 'It's like the FA Cup in England, it's one of those fairytales, when a non-league team gets to play one of the big guns. We were delighted with it, to get a big draw. 'Outside of the big Dublin clubs, Cork are probably the biggest club in the country. It's a good draw and a good day out for the club.' Corcoran expects around 150/200 travelling fans at Turner's Cross, while some lucky younger Leicester Celtic players will act as mascots at the game. 'Each player is going to walk out with a mascot, players from our schoolboy section. We did it in the home game against Fanad as well,' he said. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
Belfast Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Cliftonville will only think of Shamrock Rovers if we get through, maintains Shea Gordon
The allure of a glamour European tie with Shamrock Rovers will not distract Cliftonville from the job in front of them, according to midfielder Shea Gordon. Jim Magilton's men will earn a clash with the League of Ireland Premier Division leaders if they overcome St Joseph's in their Uefa Conference League qualifier.
RTÉ News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
David Healy backs Linfield to turn tie around against Shelbourne
Linfield manager David Healy believes that his side can find an extra gear to turn the tie around when they take on Shelbourne in Wednesday's second-leg of their Champions League first-round qualifier. Shelbourne take a narrow 1-0 lead going into the game at Windsor Park, thanks to Mipo Odubeko's 58th-minute goal at Tolka Park a week ago. Shels dominated possession in Dublin but were unable to put the tie beyond Linfield and the tie remains very much in the balance. With Shelbourne already midway through the League of Ireland Premier Division campaign and the NIFL Premiership not getting underway until August, Shels looked the sharper of the two side but Healy is hoping that home advantage can be a leveller this time around. "With the way the draw worked out, and the fitness levels Shels had, we had to give up something last week," Healy said. "We worked on that. We had to give up a little on the wide areas. There are things we can improve on, certainly in possession. We can't be sloppy in possession when we do have the ball. At times last week we did all the hard work off the ball, and when we got it, we gave it away cheapy and didn't create opportunities. "You can improve in a week. We'll probably change one or two things, the players will be aware of that. "All teams have strengths. Shels have good players and are neat and tidy on the ball. I don't think our strengths were shown last week on the ball. "Shelbourne will be excited by the playing surface. We didn't have enough possession last week to go and hurt Shels. Hopefully tomorrow, with the energy, another week's training, and strong support behind us, I can see a much-improved performance in us. "We have a strong record at Windsor Park and the players believe there is an opportunity." Healy can welcome back former Dundalk midfielder Chris Shields who missed the first game through suspension. Shields has a wealth of experience when it comes to European ties and he could offer Linfield an extra dimension in midfield, but Healy is being coy as to whether or not he will start. "We underperformed with the ball last week," the Linfield boss said. "Our work ethic and organisation was there, but if we are better on the ball tomorrow night with the players that we have, Chris being back and involved – I've not decided if he is starting or not – we will be better. "I have no doubt we will be better in possession. "A second goal for Shels would have made it really difficult, but with the performance levels, the attitude, and most importantly speaking to the players after the game, and over the last few days, there is huge belief that we can build on that performance. "It would be brilliant if we did score in the first 10, 15 minutes and the tie is level, but we don't need to. The most important thing is we build into the game. "I have no doubt, if and when we do take the lead tomorrow night, the electricity and energy around this place becomes important as the players will be fuelled by the belief they can win the tie."
Irish Independent
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
League of Ireland: Waterford claim Munster spoils while Bohemians cruise past Galway
Live | There's a lighter programme than normal with only two League of Ireland Premier Division fixtures up for decision as the sides playing in Europe get a night off. You can follow all the action as it unfolds here. Key updates 73' GOAL! Clarke at the double! Bohemians 3 - Galway United 0 Bohs are running away with this fixture now! Dawson Devoy probes down the left once again. He slips a pass in to James Clarke who opens the shooting angle up on his right foot before whipping it past Watts. The Galway defence was pretty anonymous there! 62' GOAL! Clarke gets in on the fun! Bohemians 2 - Galway United 0 It's been coming from Bohemians as they attack down the Jodi Stand sideline. Dawson Devoy cuts the ball back inside to James Clarke who finds himself in an acre of space to steer home with his right boot. Tidy finish from the 24-year-old! 47' GOAL! Bohs break the deadlock! Bohemians 1 - Galway United 0 Bohemians have taken the lead at Dalymount Park as Douglas James-Taylor takes the acclaim of the fans in the Des Kelly Stand! His first since making the move from Drogheda United. It's so simple from the hosts as first-half substitute Leigh Kavanagh feeds the English attacker who turns and drills a low effort inside the left upright. Evan Watts was at full stretch but stood no chance! GOAL! The Blues double their advantage! Waterford 2 - Cork City 0 Route one football from Waterford sees Stephen McMullan send it long to Padraig Amond. The 37-year-old striker keeps it alive and finds Grant Horton who crossed centrally. Fired up by his rejected penanlty appeal minutes earlier, Tommy Lonergan nips in to glance a beautiful header past David Odumusu on 38 minutes. GOAL! The Blues take the lead in the Munster derby! Waterford 1 - Cork City 0 Just as the clock hits 21 minutes, Waterford hit the front at the RSC. Sam Glenfield put Evan McLaughlin under all sorts of pressure, pinched possession and drove the ball into the top-right corner with a ruthless finish. What a strike! League of Ireland (Full-time) Premier Division: Bohemians 3 - Galway United 0 Waterford 2 - Cork City 0 First Division: Bray Wanderers 2 - Dundalk 0 Treaty United 2 - Cobh Ramblers 1 UCD 3 - Finn Harps 1 Wexford FC 0 - Athlone Town 0 Today 04:47 PM That's going to be that in terms of our coverage this evening! It was a pleasure to guide you through all the action and thank you for joining us on yet another thrilling round of League of Ireland drama. Make sure to keep an eye on the Irish Independent as the evening progresses for further post-match reports and articles. Enjoy the rest of your night! Today 04:46 PM FULL-TIME: Bohemians 3 - Galway United 0 A massive win for Bohemians, who believe it or not, defeat Galway United in Dalymount Park for the first time since August 2015. That's almost a decade! Alan Reynolds' side ran riot in the second-half as new signing Douglas James-Taylor opened the scoring before James Clarke fired in a brace. Bohs subsequently climb above Derry City in the table by a solitary point into second place. Waterford 2 - Cork City 0 (Full-time) All over in the sun-soaked RSC and it's derby delight for the Blues as first-half strikes from Sam Glenfield and Tommy Lonergan guided them to victory. Waterford leapfrog Galway in the standings and claim seventh spot in the LOI table. Today 04:40 PM First Division updates: Bray Wanderers 2 - Dundalk 0 (90+4 mins) Deep into additional time with Dundalk throwing the kitchen sink at Bray in the hope of snatching a point, the hosts counter as Danu Bishop Kinsella makes sure the spoils go the way of the Seagulls. Today 04:36 PM Waterford 2 - Cork City 0 (89 mins) Almost over at the RSC as we approach the final minute of normal time. Waterford are on the brink of Munster derby glory. Stephen McMullan has been named as the man of the match for the Blues. Today 04:34 PM First Division updates: Treaty United 2 - Cobh Ramblers 1 (87 mins) Cian Murphy restored parity for Cobh Ramblers just before the hour, but the Shannonsiders are back in front in dramatic fashion - substitutes Brian Cunningham and Mark Byrne linking up for their second goal on 86 minutes. League of Ireland on Twitter / X Has Mark Byrne won it for Treaty United?What a finish💥 League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 11, 2025 Today 04:32 PM 83' Bohs fans will be glad to see the returning face of Conor Parsons who has been struggling with a hamstring injury for a while. John Mountney is also being introduced. Perhaps the only blot on Bohs' copybook is the knock picked up by Rob Cornwall in that first-half. Today 04:25 PM Waterford 2 - Cork City 0 (78 mins) Another fine save from Stephen McMullan to deny Cork loanee Charlie Lutz. The English midfielder aimed for the near post but the Blues shot-stopper was down to parry. Today 04:22 PM 73' GOAL! Clarke at the double! Bohemians 3 - Galway United 0 Bohs are running away with this fixture now! Dawson Devoy probes down the left once again. He slips a pass in to James Clarke who opens the shooting angle up on his right foot before whipping it past Watts. The Galway defence was pretty anonymous there! League of Ireland on Twitter / X A goal that reflects James Clarkes performance tonight!🌟Clarke gets his second and Bohs third of the game. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 11, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 04:15 PM 66' CLOSE! Ed McCarthy does well to create space to cross for Malcolm Shaw but the 29-year-old can't steer his headed effort on target. Today 04:11 PM 62' GOAL! Clarke gets in on the fun! Bohemians 2 - Galway United 0 It's been coming from Bohemians as they attack down the Jodi Stand sideline. Dawson Devoy cuts the ball back inside to James Clarke who finds himself in an acre of space to steer home with his right boot. Tidy finish from the 24-year-old! League of Ireland on Twitter / X Liquid football from Bohs to go two ahead against Galway!👏James Clarke gets his fourth of the season. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 11, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 04:08 PM Waterford 2 - Cork City 0 (61 mins) SAVE! Cork go close again as Kitt Nelson slips a ball through to Cathal O'Sullivan. The 18-year-old cuts back inside on his left and curls it towards the top corner - Stephen McMullan claws it away with a big right glove. Today 04:04 PM 56' CHANCE! Bohs almost extend their lead minutes later as James Clarke wriggles free and looks to place it in the top-right corner. Evan Watts pulls off another remarkable save. Today 04:00 PM First Division updates: Treaty United 1 - Cobh Ramblers 0 (52 mins) The Shannonsiders have taken the initiative at Markets Field as Colin Conroy found the perfect pass to pick out Connor Wilson in the 50th-minute. UCD 3 - Finn Harps 1 (52 mins) UCD have extended their lead inside five second-half minutes as Michael Raggett converts from the penalty spot. Today 03:57 PM 47' GOAL! Bohs break the deadlock! Bohemians 1 - Galway United 0 Bohemians have taken the lead at Dalymount Park as Douglas James-Taylor takes the acclaim of the fans in the Des Kelly Stand! His first since making the move from Drogheda United. It's so simple from the hosts as first-half substitute Leigh Kavanagh feeds the English attacker who turns and drills a low effort inside the left upright. Evan Watts was at full stretch but stood no chance! League of Ireland on Twitter / X What a way for Douglas James-Taylor to introduce him to Dalymount Park!🚀 League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 11, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 03:53 PM 46' The second-half has just started in Dalymount Park! No changes from either team as Alan Reynolds and John Caulfield keep their power dry for the time being. The action is also back underway at the RSC between Waterford and Cork City. Today 03:38 PM First Division updates: UCD 2 - Finn Harps 1 (Half-time) The Students have reestablished their one-goal lead at the UCD Bowl courtesy of Ciaran Behan's ball to pick out Michael McCullagh - that's a goal and an assist in this first-half of football for the 21-year-old! League of Ireland on Twitter / X Michael McCullagh with a moment of magic just before the break to give The Students the lead!💫 League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 11, 2025 Today 03:36 PM HALF-TIME: Bohemians 0 - Galway United 0 Nothing to separate the teams at the break in Dalymount Park. The hosts had two decent chances towards the end of the first-half. Jeannot Esua pulled off a brave block to deny Ross Tierney. Meanwhile, Jordan Flores tried his luck from range - it was close but whistled past the upright by a couple of feet. Today 03:34 PM Waterford 2 - Cork City 0 (44 mins) SAVE! Matthew Kiernan's direct running opened space for Kitt Nelson to shoot from the edge of the box. Stephen McMullan is alive to the danger and pulls off a sublime save down to his lower right side. Live Blog Software
