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The 42
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
'My dream would be to go back at some point and play for Ulster'
HAVING FINISHED UP with the Ulster academy at the end of the season, Jack Boal was in a confusing sort of situation as he tried to figure out his next step in rugby. Ever since the age of 14, the loosehead prop had a pre-season to report for with his team but he was facing the odd scenario of launching into one by himself. He had spoken to a couple of English Championship clubs, but nothing had been agreed. And then at the end of June, Boal got a call from his agent, former Ireland and Ulster lock Dan Tuohy, asking if he was up for an adventure in Australia. 22-year-old Boal jumped at the chance. So it is that he finds himself in a key role for the University of Queensland club, playing alongside Tim Nanai-Williams – still 'a baller' at the age of 36 – Fijian out-half Teti Tela, and lots of Super Rugby players. Boal hopes to get a deal over the line with a Championship club in England before their season starts in October, but Brisbane is a beautiful place for him to be kicking on with life after Ulster. He has been impressing Down Under in recent weeks, catching the eye with his dynamic performances in the front row. Sitting outside a nice neighbourhood café in the suburb of St Lucia, where he's based, Boal said it's the perfect spot to move on from the disappointment of leaving Ulster. 'It was tough,' said Boal. 'I think I struggled more after the fact. A few weeks had gone by and you're still in the building, we had Ulster A games to prep for, and I was still training with the seniors. 'I was trying to wrap my head around it and even thinking, 'If I go really well here, I might change their decision.' Even now, leaving group chats and whatever, that sort of aspect of it is tough.' Boal has started to look ahead with excitement, though. He knows lots of Irish players have gone abroad and done very well. Boal in action for Ulster A against Munster A. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO And he spoke to Ulster players like Andrew Warwick, Alan O'Connor, and Corrie Barrett about how they didn't have the most linear journeys in rugby but made it as pros. 'I think my dream would obviously be to go back at some point and play for Ulster,' said Boal. 'I've got so much time to develop and hopefully gain a lot of experience. It's an exciting journey as well. I get to come out here and experience Brisbane and I think my girlfriend's going to come over and we might do a few weeks travelling at the end of the season, exploring down to Sydney or up north a wee bit.' Advertisement Boal is a Bangor boy who started playing with his local club before making an impression at Campbell College, where he says the coaching of former Ireland internationals Brian Robinson and Neil Doak was a major influence on him. Boal joined Belfast Harlequins after school and had to prove himself during two seasons with the Ulster sub-academy before he got a full academy deal in 2023. The sub-academy was a real 'grind,' explained Boal, who can also play tighthead. Gym sessions early in the morning meant long days, but he loved proving himself. He credits 'class act' Doak with showing him a professional approach to things like analysis, while Boal says that the Ulster academy coach and current Ireland U20s boss' straight-to-the-point communication helped get the best out of him. The All-Ireland League was an ideal place for a young loosehead to learn, with ex-Ulster prop Paddy McAllister another positive influence on Boal in Belfast Harlequins. 'Even just the amount of reset challenges that you can have as a prop, because even at pro level, boys get turned over, they get flipped. 'Paddy would just be like, 'Next job, you know what to do and just believe in what you've been doing before.' I think I progressed quite well. Jack Boal training with the Ireland U19s. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO 'I think I got milled a few times in those first few games but no, it was really good.' Boal played for the Ireland U19s in 2022, winning two caps against France and impressing a few people he reckons might not have seen him as much of a prospect before that. Frustratingly, he suffered a hamstring injury at the end of that season and was playing catch-up when it came to the Ireland U20s in 2023. He was part of Richie Murphy's group, but Paddy McCarthy and George Hadden established themselves as the two looseheads. 'I was worried after not playing 20s that I wouldn't then be contracted because that's normally the benchmark,' said Boal, but he was thrilled that Doak, Gavin Hogg, and Willie Faloon in the Ulster academy saw enough in him to give him a deal. Boal had two seasons with Ulster and loved being part of the environment. He got close to a senior appearance a couple of times when he was 24th man, including for the clash with Leinster back in April. Warwick hurt his neck in the warm-up and head coach Murphy asked Boal to get ready because he might be on the bench. He told the young prop that the Ulster coaches believed in him and to give it a crack. In the end, Warwick played but was forced off with his injury just before half time. Ultimately, the Ulster set-up decided not to keep Boal on board beyond the end of the season. 'That's the way it is in pro sports sometimes,' said Boal. 'Richie's got a certain view of what he wants to do and it's a rebuild in Ulster at the minute, so that's fine. 'It's pro sports and you have to respect the decision, really.' He certainly didn't expect to end up in Australia so soon after exiting Ulster but it has been hugely enjoyable on and off the pitch. Boal in Queen's University colours. Tom Maher / INPHO Tom Maher / INPHO / INPHO Just before he was due to leave Ireland, Boal got a call from the University of Queensland club to let him know his flight through Doha had been cancelled because of the trouble in Qatar. He was redirected through Canada, with a 14-hour stopover in Vancouver, but got to Australia in one piece. All has been smooth since. The rugby has been high-paced and high-quality with the 'Red Heavies,' as the University of Queensland are known. Michael Lynagh came through the club, as did the likes of Drew Mitchell, James Horwill, Stephen Moore, Tate McDermott, and a host of other Wallabies. The Lions tour coming to Brisbane twice in the last few weeks has been welcome, meaning this has been a happy move for Boal. He is open-minded about what comes next for him in rugby, but the young Ulsterman is determined to show people what he's all about. 'I'm keen to, you know, prove people wrong because I feel like I can definitely do a job,' said Boal. 'I think I've done quite well in proving people wrong in my build-up to now. 'So, I'll continue that way and try to keep pushing on with my career.'
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
'Stronger going forward' - Donegal team welcomed home
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has described the hurt his side are experiencing after yesterday's All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry as a feeling they will use to "make themselves stronger going forward". Thousands of supporters packed the Pier Carpark in Donegal Town and braved torrential rainfall this evening to welcome home their heroes. Taking to the stage in front of his players, McGuinness said he wanted to recognise the efforts of the panel and his management team. He said: "There's a lot of hurt behind me. There's a lot of pain behind me. There's is no doubt about it that these fellas wanted to be standing up here today, and they wanted to have the Sam Maguire, and that's not here. There's nobody more disappointed than this group of players. "I really hope that this could be a moment that they can latch on to that will make them stronger, more resilient, and bring them to a point where they are in a better position than they were yesterday afternoon in terms of going into a big game and taking on a big team." The Donegal manager thanked his players for their "efforts, commitment and sacrifice" over the past 24 months since he began his second spell in the job. He also said that the future of Donegal football is "looking bright". "We're very disappointed more than anything for you people, particularly all these young children across the front here that are the future of Donegal football on the male and the female sides. "But there will be brighter days, the rain will stop and the sun will shine, and I know for a fact that Donegal will be back here someday with the Sam Maguire Cup," he said, addressing the crowd. He added: "I hope in my heart of hearts, that day is not too long away, and I hope that everybody on this stage will be part of that and enjoy that moment. "We have had a fantastic journey over the last two years, back-to-back Ulster Champions and they were really special to us when we got into Pettigo and Donegal Town. "And as I say, please God, we will be back here again to celebrate a big, big night together." Meanwhile, Donegal captain Patrick McBrearty thanked the supporters who turned out in their droves to welcome the team home despite the inclement weather. He said: "There was a massive crowd in Pettigo and obviously, there is a massive crowd here and this has given us a big, big boost so thanks very much. "On behalf of myself, from the player point-of-view, I want to thank the county board. I want to thank Jim and the backroom team for everything they have done. Everything we have demanded off them as players, we have got it. There was no stone left unturned. He also praised the efforts of his fellow players. "I just want to thank the lads behind me. They are an incredible group. They deserved an All-Ireland. To be honest, some of us are lucky to have one, but I have no doubt that there is a lot of lads on the stage here that will end up with an All-Ireland. "They need to get back on the horse now. They are a great group. They are role models. If you want to be like someone, be like these lads," McBrearty added, which was met with a massive cheer. The Chairperson of the Donegal County Board, Mary Coughlan also addressed the crowd and thanked McGuinness, his players and backroom team for the year they have given the county. She also thanked the work of her fellow county board members throughout the year. Those who braved the elements were also treated to an evening of entertainment by a number of local acts, including Darren Booth and folk group Onóir, while Daniel O'Donnell performed his song 'Home to Donegal'.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Michael Murphy hailed as 'incredible legend' after All-Ireland final defeat
Sunday's All-Ireland final had been primed to be the greatest day of Michael Murphy's legendary career. After a number of seasons away from the intercounty scene, Murphy returned at the beginning of the season to help Jim McGuinness try and win a second Celtic Cross. Murphy has been immense all year and was excellent again on Sunday, contributing four points in a losing cause as Kerry ran out comfortable winners at Croke Park. After the final whistle blew, a disconsolate Murphy slumped to the turf. Gavin White walked the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Sam Maguire Cup, and judging by the look on 35-year-old Murphy's face, it was as if he feared his last chance at winning Sam for a second time had slipped away. There was perhaps one moment of slight solace for Murphy on Sunday however and that was when the 82,000 fans at Croke Park paid a special tribute to the legendary full-forward. Before handing over the Sam Maguire Cup to Kerry skipper White, GAA President Jarlath Burns reserved special words for Murphy, whom he worked with as part of the Football Rules Committee. "To Donegal, I know you will be disappointed, you have won two Ulster titles in a row," began Burns. "And I think it would be remiss of me if I didn't mention a man who played his 89th Championship match today. And that is Michael Murphy. "He owes his county nothing. He is the best player ever to come from your county and we should all be proud to have watched that man play. "What an incredible legend he has been for Donegal." Murphy made his debut for Donegal in 2007 and retired 15 years later in 2022. During that time, he won multiple Ulster titles and the 2012 All-Ireland, scoring a wondergoal against Mayo in the final. He returned for the 2025 season and won another Ulster title in the green and yellow of Donegal.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Jason Foley: 'Extra sweet' beating a couple of Ulster teams
For many years it was considered an itch that Kerry could not scratch. Getting past Ulster opposition in the All-Ireland series. It all started with that infamous Tyrone 'swarm' in the 2003 All-Ireland semi-final and was followed by defeats to the Red Hand and Armagh on days when Sam Maguire was handed out. In more recent times the aforementioned Ulster duo got the better of the Kingdom at the penultimate stage That said, there were days when Kerry exacted revenge. And on their way to winning their 39th All-Ireland title, Jack O'Connor's side accounted for four Ulster sides, with old nemesis Armagh and Tyrone dismissed in between wins over Cavan and Donegal. It's the morning after Kerry's latest triumph, time to reflect on a job well done against Jim McGuinness's side in Sunday's decider. "It was very special, the manner in which we won it, it was a complete performance bar a couple of plays," was how full-back Jason Foley summed it up, when speaking to RTÉ Sport's Marty Morrissey. The Ulster question was then put to the Ballydonoghue clubman. "I suppose it's extra sweet when you beat a couple of them in a row and having performed so well in the last three games," he said. "There were a lot of critics out there saying we hadn't won an All-Ireland before beating a lot of Ulster teams." But when all is said and done, reclaiming Sam was paramount, with the All-Star defender adding: " At the same time it doesn't really matter as long as you win at the end of the day, once you bring Sam Maguire home. That was the main thing for us." Kerry's fast start against Donegal set the tone for what was to follow, with the Ulster champions immediately on the back foot. "It felt on the field like a fierce collective performance for that ten to 15-minute spell," was how goalkeeper Shane Ryan viewed his side's early intent. "I know we probably went off script for the next ten minutes. Getting a good start really settles you on the field as well; it encourages to express yourself, back yourself, and back each other. When you get that performance early on in an All-Ireland final, it is very satisfying. "Donegal had spells on the ball which they got scores off. We had to win our own kickout. We had fellas coming up with plays, coming up with scores that would not be renowned with coming up with scores all year." Kerry's only defeat in Championship 2025 came against Meath in their final group game. Observers, including many from within the county, questioned whether Jack O'Connor's side could turn things around thereafter. It was a defining game in Kerry's season, with Ryan, on reflection, commenting: "If it didn't happen we might not be here". 🏐 It's been an unforgettable season in the midst of a new era for football. @MickFoley76 charts the year that was 📺 Watch the #SundayGame live: — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 27, 2025 Cool heads were required. "We won the League and we won the Munster Championship, so we played a lot of good football coming up to Meath and played a lot of good football since. I suppose coming home from Meath it was a case of not throwing the toys out of the pram and not going completely off script. "We knew we had footballers in the dressing room. We also got tighter as a unit afterwards and shut the doors of the dressing room a small bit, galvanise ourselves and use each other for energy. "It really united the coaching group as well and that is something powerful when you have 50 people in a dressing room, four or five nights a week striving towards the one thing. That was the biggest thing that drove us on over the last six or seven weeks."
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Why Jim McGuinness' Donegal didn't man mark Paudie Clifford in All-Ireland Final
'A big, big moment' was how Jack O'Connor described David Clifford's two pointer on the stroke of half-time of yesterday's All-Ireland football final at Croke Park. According to O'Connor it gave Kerry an 'extra pep in our step' going in at half-time. There was nothing unusual about Kerry playing keep ball and killing the last minute of the half as they waited for the hooter to sound. But the way the snippet of action unfolded summed up the game. Donegal stood off Kerry and just as the hooter went David Clifford came out deep enough - 55 metres or so out - to create the space to accelerate into. Quick as a flash, Clifford blindsided his shadow for the afternoon, Brendan McCole with a scintillating burst - proof of what happends when you get too tight against the best players with space behind you - and shot a two pointer that sent his side in seven points up at the break instead of five. The fact it only took a matter of seconds was indicative of a surprisingly passive Donegal side. They might even have fouled outside Sean O'Shea/Shane Ryan's two point ranger earlier in the move to force a free, a chance to get tight, turn the ball over and maybe get a score themselves. When Jim McGuinness' looks back at this clip he won't be happy. Donegal's extra defender is in the wrong position and doesn't react to Clifford's move or get anywhere near him. It was typical of how easily Kerry picked apart the Donegal defence and demonstrated just how ruthless they were all day. The first indicator that Kerry were here to attack the game came straight from the throw-in when Gavin White left Ciaran Thompson trailing in his wake to win the break and set up Dylan Geaney for a breakneck pace opening point. White did the exact same from the throw-in at the start of the second half to a different marker, winning the break and powering forward with Kerry scoring again. Two points for the winners that Donegal might have got themselves and a potential four points swing. One team on the front foot. The other on the back foot. The same all day. Inside the opening five minutes White had scored two points and set up one in a whirlwind opening from the Dr. Crokes man that no Donegal man could match or come close to. The real winning of the game though was Kerry's absolute determination not to give Donegal the oxygen of dropping shots short or being turned over inside the Donegal 45. The fast counter off this type of play is the Ulster champions' greatest strength and where the likes of Peadar Mogan, Ciaran Moore and Finbarr Roarty spring into life. But, this trio were pinned back throughout the game and rarely seen on the counterattack as Kerry avoided turnovers - and although they did drop three first half shots short, they got set again quickly. One incident summed this up. In the 18th minute Kerry were already 0-12 to 0-4 clear when they gave Donegal a sniff of a counterattack for the first time with Sean O'Shea dropping a two point shot short. It was pretty clear the message was to stop the lightning counter and Graham O'Sullivan did just that, taking Peadar Mogan out off the ball. The incident was missed by the match officials - or else they felt there was nothing in it. It looked like a black card, although Mogan did veer slightly towards O'Sullivan, but the Kerry man was fortunate to avoid a 10 minutes sin bin. The extra man for Donegal could have been crucial at a time when Shaun Patton was struggling to get his kickouts away. To add insult to injury, O'Sullivan placed David Clifford for a single, and a nine point lead. It showed Kerry's absolute determination not to give Donegal the oxygen they thrive on - counterattacks from deep that test your every sinew. Michael Murphy was held off the ball on Donegal kickouts on a number of occassions in the first half. It should have been an easy spot for Brendan Cawley and his officials, but it didn't seem to be. This showed Kerry's ruthlessness again and was another example of that Kingdom cliche, 'hammer the hammer.' Donegal will rue a couple of other facets of their game that went wrong. Losing seven out of 16 first half kickouts was a big factor, but then Shane Ryan and Kerry lost six kicking into the breeze in the second half. Kerry, on the other hand, won eight out of 11 of their own kickouts in the first half as they targeted Michael Murphy early on with shorts restarts, sensing a weakness there in the 35 year old, who didn't look 100 percent fit after taking a bang against Meath. With Kerry dominating the ball, Donegal had to be perfect in their shooting. They hit 10 single points in the first half but had misses from Roarty - blocked by Sean O'Brien - Michael Murphy, a 30 metre free from in front of the posts drawing gasps from the crowd and a Conor O'Donnell wide off his left foot. Crucially though, it was Kerry who dominated the ball in the first half, and built up a big lead, so Donegal were chasing. Chasing against other sides is a lot easier than Kerry, who can pick you off with the quality and pace they have, and their foot passing game. Donegal's manoeuvrings - or lack of them - around two point shots with the breeze in the second half and their defensive press in the first half both cost them. Kerry kicked 0-17 in the opening half with Donegal clearly not wanting to foul around the arc and give away two point frees, but not getting tight enough to the ball carrier either. When Peadar Mogan did get tight to Paudie Clifford in the 58th minute, Kerry won the free, which Sean O'Shea converted for two points. This is exactly what Donegal were trying to avoid, but in doing so they were too passive, although Kerry were extremely slick in their handling and movement. No doubt Jim McGuinness would love another shot at it defensively. The jury is still certainly out on whether you can set up a defensive system and man mark two players. The big cry afterwards - and during the game in some quarters - was why didn't Donegal man mark Paudie Clifford. His 'X' handle, 'Can't guard Paud' might give a clue to that. Would Paudie Clifford just have done what David did and brought his man out of the play, thus leaving huge spaces for the other Kerry players to make hay in, or skipped past his man to create overlaps, as David did for the two pointer on the stroke of half-time. They brothers are so smart the answer is probably yes. Donegal might have adapted in game though to either try it, or get tighter on Paudie Clifford. But with good club players making hay when there aren't 12 behind the ball and in position, imagine what the Cliffords would do to you? (Fossa are going to be have some joy under the new rules with the two best players in the game on their side). And if there's one county with the spread of footballers to exploit any gaps in a defensive shield, that's Kerry. Look at the incisions Gavin White, for example, made throughout the game. Kerry also had set plays, with both midfielders, Sean O'Brien and Mark O'Shea, inside together on several occasions to clear space out the field for conductors like the Clifford brothers and Sean O'Shea to do their stuff. When Donegal needed to get their two point shooters in position in the second half with the breeze they couldn't do it. Ciaran Thompson was off injured and they didn't get Michael Langan or Michael Murphy onto a two point shot. Kerry will have talked about that one. The two point shots came from Caolan McGonagle, Daire O'Baoill and Patrick McBrearty, the latter being one you'd expect the skipper to get that tailed wide after being well worked. Ryan McHugh, who can nail them too, was also off injured for the final half hour, departing on 40 minutes. Injuries certainly took a toll on Donegal too when they were trying to play catch-up. Two or three times they had shots from just inside the arc as they chased the game in the second half, when they had to be from just outside. This type of stuff has happened to teams all year around the arc when they've found themselves chasing the game. Bar Conor O'Donnell and Shane O'Donnell, very few of the Donegal starters performed with Kerry's gameplan, ability to force Patton long and excellence on break ball a big part of this. It also emerged that Kerry's defensive intensity in terms of forcing turnovers - totally underrated - was better than Donegal's, with few saying this going into the game. Joe O'Connor and Gavin White in particular were able to match and better any intensity Donegal brought. Kerry had two many skilful players on the ball and it showed at stages that there was a skill deficit between the sides. All the mistakes in possession came from Donegal. Two balls given away in the first half coming out of defence for Kerry points. Two first half kick outs won and dropped. A ball toe poked up the line to no-one. Kerry didn't make these errors. Donegal couldn't afford them, particulary with their lack of ball in the first half. It was death by a thousand cuts as Donegal never carved out a single goal chance, or nailed a two pointer - that could have lifted their fans and the stadium. Kerry hit five two pointers from nine attempts to Donegal's zero from three and in the end were utterly convincing winners with their opponents never really sparking at any stage.
