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Extra.ie
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Ireland v Georgia: What you need to know ahead of huge test for Ireland's prop idols
When you think of scrums, the Georgians immediately spring to mind. When it comes to the dark arts of the set piece, the Lelos are the masters. Many Tier One forward units have packed down against Georgia and still bear the scars – both mental and physical – from the experience. The nation that straddles Europe and Asia has always produced giant forwards and hardy props who love to scrum. A 2018 training session between England and Georgia on a school training pitch in West London still lives in infamy. Then England head coach Eddie Jones felt his forwards could do with a scrummaging session against the Georgians, and it proved a sobering afternoon for the hosts. 27 February 2016; Stuart McCloskey, Ireland, is tackled by Dylan Hartley, England. Pic: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE 'We got a hiding that day,' former England captain Dylan Hartley recalled years later. Joe Marler got through a gruelling shift on the loosehead side of the scrum and remembers that referee Wayne Barnes, who was bussed in to bring a bit of order to all the chaos, began to fear for the well-being of the English pack. 'We had a five metre scrum and it was under the sticks near one of the posts, and he said, 'wait, hang on a minute' and he moved the scrum 10 metres away from the posts because he was worried we were going to go back so fast that there would be an injury going into this post.' This is what a young Irish pack will be facing this weekend. This rising rugby nation has long been banging on the door for further exposure. Pleas to be included in the Six Nations or at least a shot at gaining a seat at the championship table through a promotion bid have fallen on deaf ears for years, despite Georgia claiming recent wins against Wales and Italy. Caelan Doris. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile On Saturday, they will look to make a big statement against a Six Nations heavyweight. Ireland arrives in Tbilisi this week for a match at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium. The visitors are without 16 frontliners, who are on Lions duty in Australia, while key players such as Caelan Doris and Robbie Henshaw have been ruled out through injury. Cian Healy, Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray have all called it a day. So, this is a depleted Irish squad which, lest we forget, is shorn of head coach Andy Farrell and a host of assistant coaches and key backroom members. But it would still be a huge scalp for the Georgians. They will be fired up for this meeting. Their home stadium will be packed to the rafters, and, despite the 9 pm local kick-off time, it is expected to be a sweltering night in their capital city. Pic: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) This young and experimental Irish team is going to feel the heat all evening, especially at scrum time. It almost feels like this fixture was engineered to stress test the next generation of Irish props. Much has been made about the depth, or lack thereof, in the Irish front-row departments of late. This is not a new development. John Hayes and his successor Mike Ross effectively propped up Irish scrums for the best part of two decades between them. It was only when Andrew Porter emerged on the scene to back up Tadhg Furlong that Ireland seemed to have genuine depth at tighthead. Porter was subsequently shifted over to the loosehead side. The situation was so bad last year that the newly-appointed IRFU performance director, David Humphreys, announced that the provinces would need to adhere to a recruitment freeze on overseas front-rowers the following season. Humphreys has rowed back on that stance. Thomas Clarkson. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile The emergence of Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson in the Leinster system was seen as a positive development, while Michael Milne and Lee Barron moving to Munster was another encouraging move. And Ireland's next generation of young front-rowers are set to be put to the test this weekend. Furlong, Finlay Bealham and Porter are on Lions duty, while Healy has hung up his boots. The Leinster stalwart was still going strong at 37 last season, but the fact that his province and country were still leaning so heavily on him as a back-up to Porter said everything about the lack of trust in the younger candidates. Now, interim head coach Paul O'Connell is set to pit a front row of greenhorns against one of the fiercest scrummaging packs in the world. An all-Leinster front row of Boyle (23), Gus McCarthy (21) and Clarkson (25) are primed to start in Tbilisi. This could be a massive weekend in the burgeoning careers of three front-rowers with a combined total of 12 caps between them. McCarthy was a breakout star of the autumn internationals series when the academy hooker was handed a Test debut against Fiji at Aviva Stadium. Now that Dan Sheehan and Ronan Kelleher are on Lions special ops, he has another brilliant opportunity to move further up the pecking order. Boyle and Clarkson have both made massive strides in the past 12 months. The former made two impressive late cameos from the bench against Wales and Italy in the Six Nations. Clarkson's one and only Ireland start came against the Welsh in Cardiff. The Leinster tighthead had a tough afternoon, but he has clearly learned from the experience. Clarkson has always been a mobile prop who gets through plenty of work around the park. His scrummaging has notably improved as well, however. The URC final felt like a big day in his career. A giant Bulls pack – featuring monstrous Springbok tighthead Wilco Louw – was widely tipped to do a demolition job on a Leinster pack that was without the services of the injured Furlong. But head coach Leo Cullen made a big show of faith in Clarkson, keeping renowned French tighthead Rabah Slimani in reserve and backing the young tighthead to lock out the Leinster scrum. And Clarkson excelled as the South Africans were put to the sword in Croke Park. Another big shift against the Georgians and Clarkson can look forward to more exposure, with Leinster and Ireland, in the coming years. The same goes for Boyle. Because the Georgians are the ultimate test in this area. No better time to see if Ireland's fledgling props have the right stuff.
The Irish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Popular RTE star pays emotional tribute to ‘horse of a lifetime' that was feature of racing coverage following sad death
RTE RACING analyst and former jockey Katie Walsh paid an emotional tribute to her "horse of a lifetime" after his sad death. Thousand Stars died aged 21 after spending his retirement in the care of Walsh. Advertisement 2 Katie Walsh, left, paid tribute to Thousand Stars following his death Credit: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE 2 The horse was a regular on RTE TV after retirement Credit: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile The horse, which was trained by He was steered to three victories by Katie Walsh, who paid loving tribute to the rival and stablemate of Hurricane Fly. The daughter of Ted Walsh told "The County Hurdle was a great day, it was my second winner at Advertisement Read More on Horse Racing "The Prix la Barka was brilliant too and I rode him in a lot of Grade 1s, chasing home Hurricane Fly on numerous occasions. He ran in a lot of top-class races. "It just goes to show how sound he was of wind, legs and wind and everything. "That's the standout part about it all. He had a lot of runs in "He definitely stood the test of time and was a very sound horse." Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing Exclusive In a racing career that spanned ten years, Thousand Stars earned well over £1 million in prize money before retiring in 2016. In the subsequent nine years, he became a regular feature on 'Absolutely priceless' video shows Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson singing 'We Are The Champions' at Cheltenham It was on board Thousand Stars that Walsh would conduct post-race And she added: "He was with us a long time, it was lovely to have him. Advertisement "I used to do all the RTE work and the jockeys' interviews on him. "He was a great horse for that and I rode him in a Racehorse to Riding Horse event at the RDS [Dublin Horse Show]. "From the day I went to Willie's, he was there and since he retired, he's been with us. "He was always around the place and it was great to get the opportunity to look after him and I'm sorry he's gone." Advertisement Hers was one of a number of At The Races said: "Grade 1 wins in France and "Remembering National Hunt favourite Thousand Stars who has sadly died aged 21." RacingTV posted: "Sad to hear of the passing of Thousand Stars at the age of 21. Katie Walsh described him as "The horse of a lifetime."" Advertisement Ben said: "Sad to hear Thousand Stars has passed away. Was a class horse on his day and have great memories of him from my time at Cheltenham"
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Irish jockey ‘angry at my body' but holding onto ‘glimmer of light' after being left paralyzed by life-altering injuries
IRISH jockey Graham Lee admitted he was "angry at my body" after suffering life-changing injuries from a horrific fall. The Galway rider, 49, when he was unseated in the stalls in a Flat race at Newcastle in November 2023. 2 Graham Lee suffered life-changing injuries from a fall Credit: Cody Glenn / SPORTSFILE 2 He has opened up on the emotional journey The 2004 Aintree winner and legendary figure in the weighing room was left paralysed from the neck down and has required 24-hour care ever since. His daughter Amy started a JustGiving fundraising page for the Injured Jockeys Fund which has raced beyond £200,000. In an And while he admitted to being angry at his body in the aftermath of the injury, he is holding out a 'glimmer of hope' that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Read More on Graham Lee He said: "I had lots of broken bones and plenty of head injuries along the way but my body always overcame the obstacles. "It always healed. This ain't healing. "That makes me angry at my body, which is probably very unfair because my body is okay, it's just the spinal cord that is broken. "I'm angry because in the past my body collapsed but then came back. At the minute, there is no coming back. Most read in Horse Racing "When you're a jockey, you always dream of getting on that one horse who will take you to the next level. "My situation is the same. I'm hoping and I'm dreaming. That's what keeps us going. My dad was a Grand National legend envious rivals called 'God' - but life's changed in many ways since his accident "I'm just hoping that somewhere, some day, there will be that glimmer of light." Lee reserved particular appreciation for his wife who has stuck by him throughout his recovery. He added: "I am the luckiest man in the world to have the most amazing wife. "Excuse my language but she is my f***ing rock. "In Amy and Robbie, I've got two amazing children who are happy, healthy and make me feel incredibly proud and fortunate. "Yes, I have to get Becks to scratch my nose or itch my ear, and I probably do her head in, but I'm so lucky to have her. "I was lucky to have a very good career but, at the end of the day, it means nothing. "People say to me, 'Wow, you won the Grand National, you won the Gold Cup.' So what? It means nothing. "I would give up every winner I ever rode to walk out of this room. "If the TV was switched on and I saw Amberleigh House winning the Grand National or Trip To Paris winning the Gold Cup, it would be like watching a totally different person, even though I know it was me. "I'll be forever thankful for what racing has given us as a family, but at the minute I can't forgive racing for what it has taken away from me. "Maybe that's because it's still raw."
The Irish Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
GAA ace Davy Fitzgerald breaks silence on son's rehab for ‘out-of-control gambling addiction' after €35k bank thefts
CLARE hurling legend Davy Fitzgerald has said he is 'proud' of his son for facing up to his gambling addiction and seeking treatment. Colm Fitzgerald recently 3 Davy Fitzgerald with his son Colm in 2013 Credit: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE 3 Colm avoided jail after stealing €35,000 from his employer Credit: Brendan Gleeson Speaking for the first time about his son's case, In an interview with 'I don't want to go into it too much but so far, so good. He's trying very hard. Read more on Davy Fitzgerald 'There was a lot of stuff he had to go through but I'm proud of him. He would get a lot of stick and sometimes you have to take that. Sometimes you do things you shouldn't do, you accept them and you move on.' Last month a The The Games are an outdoor pursuits-style competition for corporates and business to raise funds for the charity's life-saving work. Most read in The Irish Sun Davy said: 'The Samaritans do such a great job. 'I've spoken openly before about my own mental health struggles in the past and I truly believe in what the Samaritans do, giving people the time and a safe space to work through their problems. Fans condemn ugly scenes as Davy Fitzgerald and Waterford rage over late decision that sees Clare edge victory 'Speaking through your thoughts and having someone to listen, in confidence, is often what someone needs to see a way out.' The GAA man admits he feels under pressure himself, being recognised on the street, but tells himself to ignore the negatives. 'YOU'LL SNAP AT THEM' He said: 'I get both sides of it. 'You don't mind nice people coming up to you who want to stop and chat. But you'll meet the opposite as well. Someone who has a go and you'll snap at them and regret it afterwards. "That happened to me recently. Something was said. I didn't like it and I thought there was no call for it. 'I reacted and I shouldn't have. No matter what was said to me. I should have let it go.' ACTION NEEDED But the hurling manager and former player believes people have to face worse from online trolls. Davy said: 'I've no problem with people's opinion but not when it gets personal. Stuff on social media can affect your family. 'I can't believe there isn't legislation there to stop it. 'It's something I call on the Government to deal with. Freedom of speech is one thing but having a go at people just isn't right. It's tough when people online just want to attack you.' CHARITY EFFORTS Davy repeatedly stressed the importance of being able to talk to someone about a problem. He has teamed up with adventurer Dane Galligan, his TV co-star from The challenges include balance beams, monkey bars, and the ultimate test — the 'Final Climb for Samaritans' — a 12ft ramp featured on Ireland's Fittest Family. GET INVOLVED SAMARITANS Away Day Games will be held on Friday, September 26 at Wanderers Stadium, Dublin 4. For more info and to register visit: Samaritans is a suicide prevention charity which encourages people to reach out for support before an issue becomes so overwhelming you see no way out. Its volunteers answer more than half a million calls and emails every year to its freephone number 116 123 and email jo@ supporting people with a range of concerns including mental health issues, loneliness and isolation, family and relationship problems, as well as from people who are feeling suicidal. 3 Davy Fitzgerald has been manning an impressive charity campaign Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
The Irish Sun
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Conor Whelan urges Galway to take ‘massive opportunity' in Leinster final and bounce back from All-Ireland setbacks
CONOR WHELAN'S decade in maroon has flown by. The 3 Conor Whelan has been starring for Galway for ten years Credit: Stephen Marken/Sportsfile 3 He got to the All-Ireland final in his first year in 2015 Credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE 3 He won Liam McCarthy in 2017 Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile And the Kinvara ace enjoyed a dream start — scoring 1-2 against the Rebels in Thurles. He then racked up 0-2 in a 0-26 to 3-16 semi-final victory over Tipperary at Two years later, Whelan become an All-Ireland champion under Micheál Donoghue — and he was an All-Star that year too. The 28-year-old is now captain and into his 11th campaign at senior inter-county level. Read More on GAA But the Tribes have not made an All-Ireland SHC final since That was also the last year they claimed glory in Leinster — having lost three provincial finals on the spin in 2020, 2022 and 2023. Whelan is determined to make up for lost time in tomorrow's provincial showpiece against Kilkenny at But he admits forging special bonds is more difficult than before. He said: 'It's gone very fast. I think the years where you get knocked out early in particular are definitely accelerated. Most read in GAA Hurling 'If you play only five Championship games in the year, you feel like 'Jesus, I never got going really at times'.' Galway bowed out of the Championship in 2019 in the Leinster round robin — just as they did last year. Tipperary GAA star 'had to do live apology on RTE' the day after cursing during All-Ireland interview - They also exited in the second round of the qualifiers in 2021. And Whelan admits those setbacks felt like missed opportunities for the county. He added: 'Last year, 2021 and 2019 — those three years feel like they accelerated faster. 'It goes very fast and there's less opportunities for the group to spend time together with the way it is condensed. 'I don't think we've been on a night out since the start of the year because of the nature of the league and Championship. 'When you have lots of fresh faces coming in and spending time together, it's a massive part of it. 'We missed out on that an awful lot during Covid as well. 'There's something to look at around the structure of it. Even if you give players two weeks between certain games, just to have that down time and spend some time together. 'When you were there and part of the old system, you had two or three weeks until your next game. It feels like it goes faster now.' SPECIAL BOND Whelan's bond with Donoghue will always be special thanks to that 2017 All-Ireland triumph. But the Clarinbridge man left under a cloud after their 2019 Leinster round-robin loss to summer . Galway suffered the same fate against the Sky Blues last summer with Donoghue in charge of their opponents as former boss But two-time All-Star Whelan always knew his former supremo He said: 'We had fond memories with Micheál, so it's always nice to have him and his management team back. 'Micheál always brings a very high standard of what he expects and he's very good at moulding a group and bringing people together. 'He's experienced and brings a familiarity and standard. It has been positive. 'I always felt he would be back and he would have had a very close connection with the players from the first time. I knew that would always draw him back. 'I thought he'd leave it another couple of years until a good few of us were finished. But I always felt that he'd be back.' Seven long years have passed since Galway's last piece of Championship silverware. The Cats clawed them in the 2020, 2022 and 2023 finals and are going for six in a row tomorrow. Kilkenny's 3-24 to 0-21 first-round win on April 19 was a rude awakening for the Tribes. But they won their next four games against And Whelan hopes they can end their hoodoo against Derek Lyng's men and seal their place in the last four of the All-Ireland series. He said: 'As a group and individual, you have to look internally after a result like that and take what you need from that to understand that that's not the level. 'The group responded and we've been fortunate to turn it around but we haven't won anything yet. 'It's fairly prestigious to pick up a Leinster medal and put yourself in a great position, then moving forward heading into the last four. 'That's something we haven't done for the last couple of years. 'It's a massive opportunity from a silverware perspective and from the prize of going through the front door.'
