Latest news with #Sportsfile
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
GAA manager exodus continues as top boss steps down after ‘three years of ups and downs' following All-Ireland exit
ROSCOMMON are the latest county on the look-out for a new manager after Davy Burke stepped down. Burke leaves the job after three years at the helm, having guided the Rossies back to Division 1 of the National League in his final campaign. 2 Davy Burke has stepped down as Roscommon manager Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile 2 His final act was defeat to Cork in the All-Ireland series Credit: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile He is the latest inter-county managerial departure, following Burke said: 'After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as Football Manager, bringing an end to my 3 year term. "I would like to thank the Roscommon County Board in particular County Chairperson, Brian Carroll for his unwavering support and loyalty through the highs and lows over the last 3 years. "I appreciated it more than you will know. Read More on GAA "During my tenure I have had the privilege of working alongside a fantastic group of people in my backroom team. "While there are too many to mention individually, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your professionalism, dedication and loyalty to Roscommon Football. "My management team of Eddie Lohan, Mark Doran, Hugh Lynch and Leo Tierney. "Thanks lads for your immense commitment, your expertise and your constant support. It was a pleasure to work with you all. Most read in GAA Football "To the Roscommon players, it was an honour of a lifetime to be entrusted to manage you bunch of men for 3 years. "I am very proud of the improvements we made, the work we put in together and the experiences we had along the way. 'So much integrity' - RTE viewers hail Stephen Cluxton for 'principled stand' Dublin GAA icon took during Parnells saga "I will be on the terrace in The Hyde keenly watching on and wishing you continued success. "There is no better sight than The Hyde pitch full with Rossie jerseys after a win. "Finally to my family who as always were my biggest backers and supporters. There was never a journey too arduous for them. "The crew were always there.' The former In his first season, they narrowly missed out on the Division 1 final, while they beat Mayo in the Connacht SFC before losing to His maiden All-Ireland series in charge was ended by 2024 saw them drop down to Division 2 while they lost to Mayo in the provincial semi-finals and Armagh in the last eight of the Sam Maguire. They bounced back up to Division 1 earlier this year before once again losing in the Connacht SFC semi-finals, to Galway. The Rossies failed to get out of the All-Ireland round robin this summer , with Burke's final act as boss being a two-point loss to Cork. 'SINCERE THANKS' Chairperson Brian Carroll said: "I have witnessed first hand the effort, dedication and commitment Davy has put in since his appointment in October 2022. "I want to thank Davy most sincerely for everything he has done for Roscommon "We have had highs and lows over the 3 years but Davy's ambitions and goals for our players, supporters and our County was always to be the very best we could possibly be. "I want to thank all our backroom team for their work over the last 3 years. "Finally I want to wish Davy, Shauna, Shea and little Conn the very very best in the future and I wish them health , happiness and success on and off the pitch. "It was a pleasure to work with Davy and he will always be welcome in Roscommon.' Roscommon GAA will now begin the process of appointing a new senior football manager .
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Mayo GAA axing Kevin McStay as manager was not massive surprise but it's hard to make sense of how they did it
AFTER giving three years of his life to managing his county, the least Kevin McStay deserved was a fond farewell. The manner in which Mayo Advertisement 2 Kevin McStay was let go by Mayo Credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile 2 Graham Geraghty reacted to his axing Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile Still, it is hard to make sense of why they were in such a rush to But justifying such a hasty decision on those grounds — and the With Mayo still licking their wounds after having their season harpooned just ten days earlier, was there really a need to put the boot into the management so soon? Advertisement Read More on GAA The gentlemanly thing would have been to sit down with McStay, talk through the last three years and engage on what would be best for the Equally, the management were entitled to be treated with more respect. McStay is a passionate Mayo man who took on the job with the best of intentions. And he will feel more disappointed than anybody that his tenure did not yield more success. Advertisement Most read in GAA Football Exclusive But it should not be forgotten that his reign brought a National League title. Championship wins over 'So much integrity' - RTE viewers hail Stephen Cluxton for 'principled stand' Dublin GAA icon took during Parnells saga His successor is sure to discover how difficult a job it is to manage Mayo. In many ways, it is the hardest one in reality . Anything less than an All-Ireland will not satisfy Mayo fans — but their best chances of achieving that are behind them at this stage. Advertisement If I had aspirations of being involved in inter-county management, the Mayo gig is one I would not go near. With that in mind, one can only admire McStay for his efforts. But the events of the last few days would suggest that he is better off without it. I wish him all the best for a happy and healthy future. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Irish rower Fiona Murtagh hails coach for talking her into ‘new era I never foresaw' after bitter Olympics heartbreak
FIONA MURTAGH knew after her Paris woe that she needed some time alone — she just never expected it to be in a boat. The 29-year-old is in Lucerne this weekend for the World Rowing Cup as one to beat after 2 Rower Fiona Murtagh poses for a portrait during an OFI Media Conference Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile 2 Fiona Murtagh in action during the Women's Single Sculls A Final at the 2025 European Rowing Championships Credit: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile Murtagh — who won her heat yesterday to qualify for the semi-final in Switzerland — claimed Olympic bronze as part of the coxless fours in Tokyo but is now bringing home precious metals in the single sculls. She told SunSport: 'It's a new chapter that I never foresaw. I didn't see it happening. I used to actively avoid being in a single. 'If they ever asked if I'd like to go out in a single, I would say 'No!' ' And it was never an ambition of hers either — despite watching former Irish world champion Sanita Puspure shine on the biggest stage. Read More on Olympics She said: 'It was just never a strength of mine. I'd look at Sanita and it would be, 'Fair play girl! But not for me!' And now, here we are. It's funny how things work out.' The agony of the The pair went to Vaires-sur-Marne among the favourites having medalled in every event in the build-up. But their form simply deserted them on the day. Most read in Other Sports Murtagh said: 'It was just massively disappointing, especially after having such a good season going into it. 'We were going from strength to strength and it just didn't happen. We don't know why it didn't happen.' I worked late shifts at a Land Rover factory but hated it so much it inspired my Olympic dream, says Galal Yafai next . And getting back in the water was not appealing to the Galwegian. But Rowing Ireland head coach Dominic Casey had different ideas and reckoned the solitude of a solo rower was what Murtagh needed. Murtagh explained: 'It was difficult post-Paris. But I'm thankful to my support network, the girls, my family and the people around me who brought me through it. 'After two Olympic cycles, I just felt so tired and I didn't know what to do with it anymore, or what I could give. 'But I have to credit Dominic for giving me the space , being incredibly patient and staying firm. 'I asked to get out of the single and he was, 'No, you're sticking to it'. He could see it. 'He had the vision and could see it long before I did.' 'HARDEST PART' And it meant a lot of solitude. Murtagh was not used to being in a boat on her own at the National Rowing Centre in Farran, Co Cork . She said: 'That was the hardest part of it, doing the session on your own. Even if there was someone else on the water, a faster boat, or some of the lads, anyone . . . doing intensity sessions completely solo at 7am, you're like, 'What am I doing?' 'It was like a vulnerable space. I didn't want to do it because I didn't think I had the skills to be honest. 'But I needed to come face to face with how I am as an athlete and what am I good at, what do I need to improve on and how can I improve that? 'Being in the single helped answer those questions.' The evidence was soon there as the competitiveness that was always in her came to the fore. The rookie single sculler quickly proved she is one of the best in Europe . 'We may not be rowing together but we're still in tandem!' She said: 'I didn't know what I was going to do after Paris and I didn't expect the single to be the answer to it. But I'm glad that it was. 'I'm really enjoying the journey of it all and it's just giving me that new freshness. 'It's feels almost like day one. I'm competitive anyway. 'Even if I go in saying, 'I'll see what it's like', I'll quickly be like, 'I want a medal'. 'It was great, even at the Europeans, but there is so much that I can still grow.' And while she is now alone in a boat, it is very different on dry land. Her Tokyo WhatsApp group is still going strong with support for her new solo pursuit. And her Paris partner Keogh is seen as much as if they were still on the water together. Murtagh said: 'I've started working in JP Morgan — there is an athletes programme through Sport Ireland. 'Aifric is there too. We haven't left each other's lives. 'Even the day I was at the Europeans and won silver, Aifric did the women's mini marathon and had her medal from the 10k. 'We Facetimed after I was on the podium so I'm there with my silver medal around my neck from the Europeans and she had her medal. 'We may not be rowing together but we're still in tandem!'
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Power ranking All-Ireland quarter-finalists from Shane Walsh reliant Galway, to consistent Donegal, and formidable Kerry
WE'RE just four weeks away from seeing Jarlath Burns hand over Sam Maguire — yet it's hard to recall a time when forecasting a winner at this stage of the Championship was such a conundrum. The finely balanced match-ups thrown up by the draw have made this weekend's quarter-final bill hugely exciting. 9 Graham Geraghty power ranks the All-Ireland quarter-finalists Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile At 11-4 each, Meath and Monaghan are the biggest outsiders to reach the last four. Still, given the form and calibre of both teams, it would not go down as a major shock if either, or even both, were to advance. Given that nobody can seem to agree on who is in pole position to claim All-Ireland SFC glory on July 27, here is my own pecking order in the race for Sam . . . 8) GALWAY THIS one might raise eyebrows straight off the bat. Read More on GAA And such are the fine margins at play, there will be no great surprise on my behalf if 9 Shane Walsh of Galway reacts during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship preliminary quarter-final against Down Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile But for me, a Tribe side capable of blowing hot and cold are not as formidable as they were 12 months ago. When Shane Walsh does not catch fire , they tend not to function well as a unit. They have coped without Damien Comer, though the different dimension he can provide would be a huge asset for them. Most read in GAA Football After losing an All-Ireland final by a point, the road to atonement is long and arduous. Both mentally and physically, there is a lot of mileage on the clock. 'So much integrity' - RTE viewers hail Stephen Cluxton for 'principled stand' Dublin GAA icon took during Parnells saga 7) MEATH BEATING Galway tomorrow is well within Meath's capability. The Royals have excelled under the new rules and they have become a very confident outfit under Robbie Brennan. It is as if the shackles have been taken off, particularly for the younger players as they have really started to express themselves. 9 Ciarán Caulfield, left, and Aaron Lynch of Meath after the Leinster semi-final win over Dublin Credit: Ray McManus/Sportsfile Meath have done extremely well to persevere in the face of injuries to some important players. But that has left them a bit light on the bench. Losing Martin Corey and Joe McMahon from the backroom staff was a massive blow in March. Having since taken the scalps of 6) ARMAGH PLENTY of perplexed Armagh faces are sure to await me at Croker tomorrow after having the nerve to consign the All-Ireland champions to such a lowly position! The strength of their panel is one of the things I have really admired this year. 9 Armagh are reigning All-Ireland champions Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile However, with Soupy Campbell and Oisín O'Neill out injured, they suddenly look much weaker in that regard. Such a talented team led by a man like Kieran McGeeney are more than capable of shoving this ranking back down my throat. But we are at the Championship now. And as I learned in 1997 after Meath's reign as All-Ireland champions was ended by hunted . 5) TYRONE OF the teams remaining, Any side that can hold Peter Harte and Ruairí Canavan in reserve is clearly in good nick. 9 Aidan Clarke of Tyrone in action against Cian Madden of Cavan Credit: Ben McShane/Sportsfile Apart from their big men in the middle, they are mostly a small, nippy team so Croke Park might suit them in one sense. And if they can consistently hit the heights that they did against The concern would be whether they can handle the rough and tumble over 70-plus minutes at this stage of the Championship. 4) MONAGHAN THIS is a Monaghan team I have a lot of time for. And while they will be up against it in today's meeting with Donegal, a win could do wonders for them if they can get over the line. On the one hand, they were not tested massively in the group stages. 9 Jack McCarron could be a big influence on Monaghan Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile That being said, there is also a sense that we have not yet seen the best of them. Jack McCarron is a fantastic player to have back in and they would have been disappointed to have lost two Donegal by two points in Ulster on a day when they were caught by the hooter. Gabriel Bannigan's charges are a good By all accounts, Andy Moran has had a massive impact behind the scenes too. 3) DUBLIN ASIDE from a brilliant display in Salthill when their backs were against the wall after losing to Meath, Dublin have flattered to deceive. Are they still capable of setting the world alight? 9 Con O'Callaghan in action for Dublin Credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile If Con O'Callaghan is fully fit, today might be the day to answer that question. The wake-up call they got against Meath was a catalyst for significant improvement for the Dubs. There is no doubt about that. They have been good at times but there is still more in them. And their team is still packed with players who know more than anybody else about what is required to win on the big days at Croke Park. 2) DONEGAL NOTWITHSTANDING their defeat to Tyrone, Donegal have probably been the most consistent team throughout the season. Are they depending too heavily on Michael Murphy? Perhaps that is unfair to the supporting cast. 9 Donegal manager Jim McGuinness, left, and Michael Murphy Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Nevertheless, they cannot afford for their prodigal son to be off-form. They cut loose in the second half against Louth and the Wee County were no match for them. Getting over Monaghan would be a huge step for Donegal as this is no easy task. You would certainly sympathise with them over the six-day turnaround. Having said that, if they were playing in the second game tomorrow instead, Jim McGuinness would complain that they were getting home too late on a Sunday night. It is all part of the siege mentality he is aiming to generate. In his eyes, it's Donegal against the rest of the world. And that could ultimately work in their favour. 1) KERRY WHEN you back a team like Kerry into a corner, expect them to come out fighting. And with 9 David Clifford of Kerry celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Cavan Credit: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Since the defeat to Meath, there has been a bit of deflecting going on in the Kingdom. By playing down their chances, people like Darragh Ó Sé have been doing their bit to try to take the pressure off them. Going to Croke Park as underdogs is an unusual scenario for Kerry to find themselves in. But they will relish that too. While they have been badly hit by injuries, Jack O'Connor is still taking a squad packed full of talent up to the capital tomorrow. Even if he fielded his second-best XV, they would still probably trouble most teams. The season starts tomorrow for Kerry. Write them off at your peril.
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Super substitute Rory Gaffney sends Shamrock Rovers 11 points clear at top of Premier Division with win over Waterford
RORY GAFFNEY came off the bench to give Shamrock Rovers a huge three points in their bid to regain the Premier Division title. The hosts had looked to be steamrolling their way to the trophy by going 11 games unbeaten before falling to defeat in the 2 Rory Gaffney scored the winner for Shamrock Rovers against Waterford Credit: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile 2 Shamrock Rovers are not 11 points clear at the top of the Premier Division Credit: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile But Stephen Bradley's men got back on track thanks to Gaffney's second-half finish. Before the match, Bradley claimed the Bohs loss could prove to be a 'kick up the a***' for his men. And this seemed the case as his side went close to opening the scoring within the first five minutes. Graham Burke got to the endline before standing up a deep cross to the back post to Danny Grant. Read More on Shamrock Rovers The wing-back chested the ball down under pressure before hitting the foot of the near post, with his effort somehow staying out. Having been sidelined since April with a calf problem, Andy Boyle was welcomed back to the He was booked for hauling down Michael Noonan near the halfway line as the teenager — 18 years his junior — looked to be clear through on goal. In his first trip to Tallaght as Blues boss, John Coleman made one enforced change to the side that drew 2-2 at home to champions Shelbourne on Monday, with Conan Noonan unavailable against his parent club. Most read in Football And his side responded well to the early onslaught. Wing-back Jesse Demspey found space down the left and cleverly cut back to the edge of the area into the path of James Olayinka. Shamrock Rovers snap up Northern Ireland Under-21s goal-getter as Stephen Bradley gives exciting verdict Attempting to sweep the ball home, his strike was well turned away by Ed McGinty before Josh Honohan cleared under pressure. Both sides exchanged strikes from range as they sensed an opener was within touching distance. Honohan's right-footed curler, as he cut inside from the left, was brilliantly tipped around the post by Stephen McMullan at full stretch. The impressive Olayinka then showed awareness to turn two men and drill a powerful effort straight into McGinty's midriff. The visitors fashioned one of the clearest chances to break the deadlock just after the half-hour mark when Tommy Lonergan got in behind the Rovers rearguard. Dan Cleary came across to force the frontman wide, leaving poacher supreme Pádraig Amond free inside the six-yard box. But with the angle against him, Lonergan opted to go himself, shooting straight at McGinty as Amond looked on in disbelief. TEN OUT OF TEN The hosts, roared on by the majority of the 4,014 in Tallaght Stadium, continued to prod for an opening but were met by a well-organised sea of blue that carried a threat on the break. With nothing between the sides as the second half wore on, the introduction former PFAI award winners Jack Byrne and Gaffney showed the strength in depth at Bradley's disposal. Seeing them coming into the mix also lifted the crowd. And Gaffney took just ten minutes to have a crucial impact. The 35-year-old rolled back the years as he showed lightning-quick reactions to race on to a spill by McMullan — who had initially failed to hold a stinging Danny Mandroiu strike from 25 yards — and tap home with 15 minutes to go. Rovers pushed for a second and Maxim Kovalevskis, impressive again off the bench, showed great feet to cut inside and square to Gaffney. But he saw his thunderous effort bravely blocked to safety . Rovers held on for what could be a pivotal win in the title race as attention turns to another European adventure and the start of an FAI Cup tilt over the month of July. SUN STAR MAN Danny Mandroiu (Shamrock Rovers) SHAMROCK ROVERS : McGinty 7; Cleary 7, Lopes 8, Grace 7: Grant 7 (Kovalevskis 76, 7), Watts 7 (Gaffney 65, 9) Healy 7, Mandroiu 9 (Nugent 88, 7), Honohan 7; G Burke 7 (Byrne 65, 7), Noonan 7 (O'Neill 88, 7). WATERFORD : McMullen 7; Boyle 7, Leahy 7, Burke 7 (Coyle 80, 7); Horton 7, McDonald 7 (McMenamy 69, 7), Glenfield 7, Olayinka 8, Dempsey (White 71, 7): Lonergan 7, Amond 7. REFEREE : P Norton (Dublin) 6.
