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The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Jim McGuinness makes eye-catching David Clifford claim in run-up to Donegal battling Kerry in All-Ireland final
JIM McGuinness has acknowledged Donegal may be facing the best Gaelic footballer ever when they battle Kerry on Sunday. The All-Ireland final match-up has Advertisement 2 Jim McGuinness is aiming to avenge their 2014 final loss 2 Clifford, 26, only has the one Celtic Cross Clifford's place amongst the all-time greats So it was no surprise that McGuinness was asked for his take at Tuesday's media day. The 52-year-old pondered: 'Myself and Mark Anthony (his son) were chatting about it on the way up in the car there and we were talking about the fact that he could be the best player that has ever played the game and time will tell on that I suppose. 'You can never make that assertion until somebody hangs up the boots but certainly he's an exceptional football player. He seems to be very driven this year. Advertisement Read More On GAA "He's carrying the fight I would almost say with a determination and aggressiveness like an attacking aggressiveness – when he sees a gap he's just really going for that gap. 'Even some of the scorers even in Croke Park – he's not kicking it over, he's firing it over. It's almost like he's putting down markers and I think he's leading from the front, literally.' Tuesday also brought even more words on Sunday's potential classic from former Brolly Advertisement Most read in GAA Football Apearing on the "They've worked with a basketball coach. McGuinness actually said it the week that the new rules were unveiled. Sharlene Mawdsley takes part in hilarious road race as part of Tipperary's All-Ireland celebration "He said 'We're going back to the old game, this is all about scoring rate.' They're scoring 1-27, 1-28, 3-25. "Paddy McBrearty was asked after the All-Ireland semi-final about how he'd be pushing for a place in starting fifteen and he said he'd be pushing for a place in the matchday 26! Advertisement "There's massive competition there because Jim has this messianic quality." A few minutes later Spillane then gave his view that he'd marginally give the edge to the Kingdom. When he mentioned that Donegal had a few weaknesses, Brolly called on him to be more specific. To which the eight-time All-Ireland winner replied: "Their running game is a hard game to sustain for 70 minutes. Zonal defence is a weakness. There's space to be exploited there by a kicking team. Advertisement "The first half against Monaghan showed that as Monaghan switched the play from one side to the other. They'd an overload and took them on one-on-one and were very impressive. "So zonal marking, running in transition and Michael Murphy - no different from David Clifford - if he's contained (Kerry can win). The new rules suit Kerry, Croke Park suits them as a heads up kicking team." WEATHER WITH US He also added that his hopeful view was partly down to the weather forecast being good for Sunday with dry conditions further helping their prospects. The two counties did of course contest the 2014 decider with McGuinness saying this week that Advertisement One instant improvement this time around will be that The Kerry county board have confirmed that Jack O'Connor's charges will line out in their alternative dark blue kit. Following on from the
RTÉ News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
'If there is any chance for us, we have to curb his influence' - Donegal captain McBrearty wary of Kerry star David Clifford
When Donegal last took home Sam Maguire in 2012, Jim McGuinness' side had seven games to navigate their way to All-Ireland glory, including an Ulster preliminary quarter-final against Cavan. Should the Tír Chonaill men claim a third ever Sam Maguire win on Sunday, they will do so after a gruelling 11-game schedule (it could even reach a dozen if the sides remain deadlocked after extra-time). McGuinness has been vocal in his criticism of the demands being put on his players, yet his 2025 crop are potentially just 70 minutes away from the Holy Grail. Captain Paddy McBrearty and talisman Michael Murphy are the only players in the panel that were involved in the 2-11 to 0-13 victory over Mayo 13 years ago. McBrearty started every time during the victorious Ulster campaign but, in the subsequent half a dozen games, has only been selected from the off against Cavan. Replaced at half-time in the comfortable win over the Breffni men, the Kilcar man has impressed in cameo roles when sprung from the bench. He picked off two points in the comeback victory over Monaghan in the All-Ireland quarter-final, while last time out he terrorised the Meath defence with three points in an all-action display after replacing Murphy in the 45th minute. It seems likely that he will again be held in reserve for the Sunday's showdown with the Kingdom, but the 31-year-old cannot wait for the game to come around. "It's back to where every team wants to be, back in an All-Ireland final," he tells RTÉ Sport. "For some of us in the group, it has taken a long time to get back there. "It's pure relief to get back there. A lot of hard work and bad days as well along the way." One defeat in 10 isn't a bad return for a side that only two years ago were in disarray. That sole reversal came at home to Tyrone, yet the rare taste of defeat in Ballybofey has stood to the team, with McBrearty highlighting the nature of the wins over Mayo and Monaghan as proof of the resilience within the group. "The Tyrone loss was a disappointment, but we got back on the horse well," he says. "The team has shown great character, particularly in the Mayo game. Likewise, the Monaghan game when we were eight points down." With the likes of Finnbarr Roarty, Caolan McColgan and Ciarán Moore starring in their run to the final, some of the more established players have been forced to showcase their talents off the bench. In the semi-final demolition of the Royals, McGuinness was able to introduce McBrearty, Jason McGee, Caolan McGonagle, Daire Ó Baoill and Odhrán McFadden Ferry to proceedings in a show of arms. "There are a lot of very good footballers that can't get into the 26 at the minute," McBrearty says. "Every night at training, everyone is putting their best foot forward." Kerry are the final hurdle they must overcome in a demanding season. In 2012, McGuinness got the better of Jack O'Connor at the quarter-final stage – McBrearty kicked a score in a two-point win – and the two men will be plotting each other's downfall once again on Sunday. Central to McGuinness' plans will be how to curtail David Clifford, with the Kerry forward back in Player of the Year form. Pivotal in the quarter-final win over Armagh, he torched the Tyrone defence with 1-05 from play last time out. "He's obviously one of the all-time greats," McBrearty says. "Anyone within the GAA is a fan of his. He's different to anyone else. "If there is any chance for us to win the game, we have to curb his influence, which is a very, very hard task to do. "Every team says that before they go out onto the field. There are a lot of battles all over the field, and whoever is on him has a massive job to do." The fact they playing the most decorated county in the game adds another layer for a team targeting just a third title. "Kerry has a massive history within the game. They nearly expect to win it," he adds. "A lot of players in their group have won All-Irelands, but there are a few that haven't also. "There are a lot of boys in our group around the block a long time that haven't won an All-Ireland, so it's two teams mad to win."
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Meet Finglas community Gardai who foster positive relationships with locals
We left Finglas Garda Station shortly after 5pm. The rain, which had hammered down for most of the day, had just begun to ease. The respite from the downpours also coincided with the start of The Irish Mirror's time with officers from the station's community policing unit on Saturday, June 14. We joined Garda Aidan McHugh, Garda Sharon Clarke and Sergeant Noel Monaghan. We got first-hand experience of what it's like to police an area that usually comes to national prominence for all the wrong reasons. The officers believe the negative connotations some members of the public have about Finglas are unwarranted and once the high-profile incidents are removed from the equation – it's a regular community with hard-working families. Garda Sergeant Noel Monaghan from the Finglas community unit with Irish Mirror reporter Danny De Vaal Locals are still reeling after programmes like Inside the K made the area appear like a warzone, when in reality, they were a collection of incidents that took place over a number of years. While all three are still regular gardai, they view themselves slightly differently from those in other units. The first main difference is the patrol vehicle. Apart from a few 'Garda' markings embossed on the bonnet and door. It doesn't have a fluorescent wrap like regular patrol vehicles. The white SUV is non-descript, and the officers feel it makes them more approachable when driving around. Gardai from Sgt Monaghan's unit spend considerable time getting to know youngsters in the area through school talks and while out on patrol. Conversations revolve around the score of the previous night's football match with some gentle ribbing thrown in for good measure. Their particular beat also allows them to spend more time engaging with locals compared with officers on the regular unit. Shortly after leaving the station, two young children came up to the window as we meandered through a housing estate. Garda McHugh and Garda Clarke knew them both from various school talks over the years. The young boy, who was no older than 10, told Garda McHugh he was going to get a "yup bro haircut" the next day and, without missing a beat, also said he's worried about his hairline. They were just two of the various characters we met along the way. Another was a man, who was looking after the car park for a ceilidh. After we pulled up, he asked what was going on. He was relieved to find out it was just a patrol and nothing untoward was unfolding under his watch. After he asked what the score of the Dublin v Derry match was, he told both officers about his various ideas on how he would set the world right. Both interactions may seem banal, but they showcase how relaxed locals in the area are when interacting with officers from Sgt Monaghan's unit. The Guards said they built up the rapport over a long period of time and said some children from the area initially hated the force because of their family – but over time they realised they had nothing to fear. The Irish Mirror went on patrol with Gardai from the Finglas Community Unit (Image: REACH PLC) The community cops stressed they want young people to know they're not the "enemy" and are there to help. Garda McHugh, Garda Clarke and Sgt Monaghan all play a central role in helping young people stay on the right path. The dedicated officers are involved in various initiatives in the area – such as the local summer projects and late-night football leagues. Sgt Noel Monaghan explained: "We don't want kids to be thinking 'there's that bad guard.' "We'd rather that when we're driving around or out on the mountain bikes, we want kids to come over and say 'hello' to us and get to know us in a friendly way." He also said officers on his unit spend a lot of time in schools and deliver talks on a range of topics – including road safety, online safety, and drugs – that are tailored to specific age groups. Sgt Monaghan said he believes his officers' work is having a positive impact but acknowledged it was impossible to help everybody. He said: "We can't say that we divert all the kids or no kids – we don't know. But we'd hope that what we're doing is impacting some of them and steering them on the right path. "It's an unquantifiable thing we're doing. "Even if it helps one child have a better life, I think that's good." A young man rides a scrambler through a housing estae (Image: REACH PLC) Meanwhile, Garda McHugh also said officers attached to the community unit need to balance their responsibilities and avoid getting involved when other units carry out raids. He explained: "We try to stay away from doing searches or warrants where the doors might be put through or there might be a physical altercation in the house – [because] that might be kids' only interaction with the guards [at that point]." Garda McHugh added: "We want to teach them from Montessori onwards – we're here as a point of help." Sgt Monaghan added: "We like to stop and talk to people and let them know we're out and about. Lots of kids will know who they are, they will stop and wave and the lads will stop and chat to them. It's all about engagement." They also said the downfall of gang boss Mr Flashy and the Gucci Gang should serve as a cautionary tale for young people on the brink of criminality. The Finglas thug, who was only recently unmasked as Glen Ward, is currently behind bars in Portlaoise Prison on firearm charges. The gangster, 32, led the Gucci Gang, which at its peak was considered one of the country's most violent, dangerous and reckless criminal gangs. But tireless work by the Gardai in Dublin eventually led to the gang being dismantled. Glen Ward AKA Mr. Flashy Garda McHugh says Ward's conviction is a major win for Gardai and sends a powerful message to young people that a life of crime doesn't pay. He said: "So the work that was done here from different units to take a big criminal organisation like that down, it does send an example and warning to the younger lads who are on the edge of maybe going down a similar path." Garda McHugh said the Gucci Gang's takedown shows that those who "go around threatening people" or "selling drugs" will face "repercussions" and be "locked up". He continued: "For us, it is a benefit; the younger people will see that there is a negative to it. "It is not all flashy clothes and nice gear." Garda McHugh, who has worked in Finglas for nearly 20 years, said the gang knew members of the community were in fear of them, which meant most locals were afraid to interact with the Gardai. He explained: "For the people in the area, having them out of the area is great as well. "There was obviously an element of fear, people wouldn't talk to you, they wouldn't engage with you and only after the fact - you'll see people are far quicker to say 'hello' to you as you're driving by - before that they'd just keep their heads down, they didn't want to be seen talking to guards." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Michelle Monaghan joins John Cena and Eric Andre in 'Little Brother'
Hollywood actor Michelle Monaghan , best known for her role in the third season of the HBO's acclaimed series "The White Lotus" and films such as "Mission: Impossible III", and "Source Code", is set to star in the upcoming comedy feature "Little Brother". The 49-year-old actor will appear alongside the previously announced cast comprising John Cena and Eric Andre , according to the entertainment news outlet Deadline. Directed by Matt Spicer of "Ingrid Goes West" fame, "Little Brother" follows a famous real estate agent whose carefully curated world is upended when his eccentric little brother unexpectedly reappears. The film is produced by David Bernad alongside Ruben Fleischer for Middle Child Pictures. The script has been penned by Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel. Actors Chris Meloni, Ego Nwodim, Sherry Cola , Caleb Hearon, and Ben Ahlers round off the cast of the film. Besides "Little Brother", Monaghan will next star in the action comedy "The Family Plan 2", a sequel to the 2023 release from Simon Cellan Jones. She will also feature in the upcoming Netflix film "The Whisper Man", based on the crime thriller novel with the same title. The film is directed by James Ashcroft and will star Monaghan alongside Robert De Niro . The film is slated to release in 2026. 'Messiah' Trailer: Michelle Monaghan, Mehdi Dehbi starrer 'Messiah' Official Trailer
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Michelle Monaghan joins John Cena and Eric Andre in Little Brother
Agency: PTI Los Angeles, Jul 18 (PTI) Hollywood actor Michelle Monaghan, best known for her role in the third season of the HBO's acclaimed series 'The White Lotus" and films such as 'Mission: Impossible III", and 'Source Code", is set to star in the upcoming comedy feature 'Little Brother". The 49-year-old actor will appear alongside the previously announced cast comprising John Cena and Eric Andre, according to the entertainment news outlet Deadline. Directed by Matt Spicer of 'Ingrid Goes West" fame, 'Little Brother" follows a famous real estate agent whose carefully curated world is upended when his eccentric little brother unexpectedly reappears. The film is produced by David Bernad alongside Ruben Fleischer for Middle Child Pictures. The script has been penned by Jarrad Paul and Andrew Mogel. Actors Chris Meloni, Ego Nwodim, Sherry Cola, Caleb Hearon, and Ben Ahlers round off the cast of the film. Besides 'Little Brother", Monaghan will next star in the action comedy 'The Family Plan 2", a sequel to the 2023 release from Simon Cellan Jones. She will also feature in the upcoming Netflix film 'The Whisper Man", based on the crime thriller novel with the same title. The film is directed by James Ashcroft and will star Monaghan alongside Robert De Niro. The film is slated to release in 2026. PTI ATR ATR First Published: July 18, 2025, 19:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
