ADSL Diary Day 2

Antony Sherlock


Athlone 2 Waterford 1

After a good nights rest for the players ( I couldn't sleep a wink) we had a light set piece session at the pitch. Nothing too hectic , basically just a walk through. After some food we had some downtime where the players took great delight in seeing how poor I was at Black Ops on the console. In all truth, I was poison. We had our pre match meal and meeting then headed down for our first game against 3rd seeds Waterford. I know I have the scoreline down at the top of the topic but I'm going to put it up again!!

Athlone 2 Waterford 1

Oh sweet Jesus (can I say that? ah yeah I can) what a performance and victory. Tommy, Gudgie, Kevin and I have been working with these players since they were in nappies; well not quite but you get the idea, and I can truthfully say that I have never witnessed the steely focus and determination shown by the group before. 

We had the ideal start. After thirty seconds Harry played a pass to Luke on the right wing. Luke cut inside his marker and fired in an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner. Unbelievable! My normal reaction to an early goal would be , "Oh no". The simple reason being that the normal soccer mentality is to be conservative. Its natural. Was this the case? Not a notion of it. We totally dominated possession with a high tempo passing game. 

Waterford registered their first attempt on target after nineteen minutes. We battered them. On thirty one minutes a Conor Layng pile driver was well saved by the Waterford custodian resulting in a corner kick. Conor Farrell drilled in a perfect cross ( we have a lot of Conors , 4 in fact) but the Waterford defender did well to clear to Conor Layng who just put it back in first time and Conor Lynam headed into the bottom corner of the net. I told you we had a load of Conors. 2.0 up against the third seeds. Jesus where is Jeremy Beadle? We are ranked twenty six (yes 26). 

Now my head is racing. The usual scenarios played out in the head. Will we crumble? When will they get their fifteen minutes of sustained pressure? F£$%in hell ref blow for half time. Eventually he blew the whistle after 35 minutes. Oxygen for me , quickly. Keep believing lads , keep believing. 

The second half started pretty much in the same vein as the first. High tempo passing game from us. We cant keep this up can we? We piled the pressure on. Corner after corner and we just couldnt get the third goal which would have killed the game off. 

We emptied the bench for fresh legs. Down at this tournament every team is entitled to use six out of nine substitutes. Dont get me wrong , we have a SQUAD and not just eleven definates and nine token players. They can all play. ALL of them. Here it is , the Waterford backlash. Their main threat coming from their left winger who is rumoured to be on the international scouts radar. A very good player. A long diagonal caught us a bit square and he outpace our defence and our goalkeeper Jordan (who has been exeptional) just miss timed his tackle and down he winger goes like the proverbial sack of...... Penalty. Oh jaysus. They duly convert. 2.1 

Now what will happen? The head goes into overdrive again. Will they get an equaliser? Or even a winner? With this group of players the answer was a resounding "no". Crunching tackles , vital interceptions , brave running were all in abundance. Come on ref will you blow it up? Will you please blow it up? 

After what seemed like an eternity there it is;the three long shrills that signal the end of the game. The relief. The excitement. The emotion. The tears. Now will they take notice of us? Poor little ADSL with approx 130 players to choose from. Will they? Too bloody right they will!

Come back later this evening for Antony's entry on their other exploits as ADSL booked their place in the 1/4 finals with a 2-2 draw wth NEC and a 2-1 win over Inishowen. ADSL topped their group with 7 points and play Cork at 3.p.m today (Wednesday)

Meanwhile, the Midlands representative side unfortunately suffered defeats at the hands of Limerick and Galway either side of a 1-1 draw with Mayo. Midlands now enter the Shield section of the competition where they will play Carlow at 3.p.m. on Wednesday. 

ADSL Kennedy Cup Diary- Day One

Antony Sherlock (Coach)

Day 1

And so it begins! Our final bus journey to the focus of our preparation for the past four years. The Kennedy Cup. Previous journeys have brought us to such destinations as Carlow, Cardiff, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Longford, Limerick, Tipperary and Valetta to name just a few. The mood was very good on the bus with a few of the players trying to say "Irish Wrist Watch" as quickly as they could. Try it with someone- it’s hilarious! There was also another phrase that one player who shall remain nameless and "Gudgie" was caught out with it; but that’s a story for another time. The journey was fine and those who have travelled with me in the past are aware that I NEVER moan about bus drivers or air conditioning on buses....! We stopped at Ferbane and Borrisokane where yours truly won €8 on a lottery ticket. A good omen perhaps?

Soccer players, as we all know, are highly intelligent creatures (pfft) and the topic of conversation turned to an intriguing question posed by Luke Kelly. If conjoined Siamese twins had a baby would he/she have 2 mothers? A well balanced debate ensued which was highly entertaining. Hopefully they talk better on the pitch. We arrived at our accommodation just after 7.30 pm and checked in. Bags deposited it was off to the kitchen where our own miracle worker Norman had prepared beef stroganoff and some sandwiches. Top man is our Norman. A leisurely stroll of the pitches was the next order of business where the lads will be showcasing their talent in the next few days.

At 9p.m. we had a talk delivered by a motivational speaker, Mr Liam Ryan. Many Athlone Town supporters would know Liam as a lifelong supporter. He had suffered one of the worst cases of brain cancer ever diagnosed- Stage 4- the worst grade of cancer. Liam stated: "I probably had stage 44 it was that bad!" He was given a 0.5% chance of beating it. He did. The hairs stood on the back of my neck as he spoke about the countless operations and radiotherapy sessions he endured. His message was simple. "There is always a chance, however small, and never give up". Liam delivers motivational speeches to a vast array of groups. Business people, cancer sufferers, atheletes and is one truly amazing human being.

The players had some downtime then with the majority playing FIFA on the PlayStation. Competition was very high in our apartment and I didn’t even play yet! Monday sees our first game against Waterford at 7 p.m. I cannot wait. As Conor Layng would say: "Hon the town"

 Kennedy Cup

The Kennedy Cup is an u14 competition played between Leagues in Limerick University each June when teams representing all 32 Leagues compete over an entire week with additional competitions for those teams which do not advance in the Kennedy Cup itself. The best young footballing talent in the country will be on show with attendances swelled with scouts from across Ireland and the UK.

The ADSL have been drawn in Group 7 along with Waterford, NEC and Inishowen. Following this evening’s game, they play NEC and Inishowen at 10.30 and 17.00 tomorrow respectively.

The 2013 ADSL Kennedy Cup Squad: 

Oisin O'Meara (St. Francis), Cormac Gavin (Ballinahown), Jonothan Moloney (Ballinasloe Town), Niall Murray (Hodson Bay Celtic), Daniel Heavin (Ballinahown), Conor Lynam (Ballinahown), Luke Kelly (AC Celtic), Harry Cornally (Temple Villa), Conor Layng (Ballinasloe), Brian Derwin (Hodson Bay), Eoin Egan (Hodson Bay), Conor Farrell (St. Joseph's), Nathan Poland (Ballinahown), Ben Cox (Temple Villa), Kevin Loonam (Ballinahown), Cialan Dollard (Temple Villa), Conor Costello (St. Joseph's), Kieran Colclough (AC Celtic), Callum O'Brien (St. Joseph's) and Jordan Nugent (Ballinahown).

Meanwhile, the Midlands Kennedy Cup squad have been drawn in Group 6 alongside Limerick County, Galway and Mayo. They kick off this evening at 19.00 against Limerick County, before playing Mayo and Galway tomorrow at 12.00 and 19.00.

MSL Kennedy Cup Squad 2013

Back Row L to R: Ger O’Sullivan (Manager), Oran Murphy, Aidan Keena, Adam Dodd,

Kevin Fitzgerald, Jason O’Dwyer, Conor Lacken, Oisin O’Sullivan, Cian Johnson,

Dave Maher & Cormac Barry (Coaches)

Front Row L to R: Niall Doran, Lyndon Quinn, Tristan Finnane, Oisin O’Donohoe,

Matthew Rowden, Sean McCormack, Oisin Proudfoot, Ruairi Lewis, Kaelyn Thompson,

Jamie Ballesty.

Missing from photo: James Keyes & Anthony Kavanagh

Ticket details for Croke Park on June 1st

LEINSTER S.F.C. QUARTER-FINALS - 1ST JUNE 2013- CROKE PARK
S.F.C. – WESTMEATH V DUBLIN @ 7.00PM
S.F.C. – OFFALY V KILDARE @ 5.00PM

GENERAL
Stand Tickets
Hogan Stand (No Concession) - €25
Cusack Stand - €25
Davin Stand - €25
Hill 16 (No Concessions) - €15

FAMILY TICKETS:- 
1 Adult and 2 Juveniles etc.
Family Tickets are only available for Cusack and Davin Stands
Adults - €25 Juveniles - €5
You are permitted to purchase 2 Juveniles ticket with every 1 Adult Ticket purchased

Students & Senior Citziens (Cusack & Davin Stand Only):- 
Purchase full price tickets and on the day of the match they can claim a rebate of €10 when they produce appropriate I.D. at Block D, Stiles 1 to 5 in the Cusack Stand (Rebate can only be claimed on entry into the stadium via Block BLOCK D prior to ENTERING THE STADIUM)

Wheelchair Tickets:- 
The Wheelchair Ticket are free of charge and the Assistant's ticket is €25

GROUP PASSES:- GROUP PASSES (Under 16's) - DAVIN STAND ONLY
Groups Passes are provided for groups of Juveniles U-16 €3 per Juvenile and you are permitted to bring 1 adult free with every ten Juveniles, any additional adults pay full price for their tickets. (SUBJECT TO AVAILABLILITY)

ADULT CLUB GROUP TICKETS - DAVIN STAND & HOGAN STAND (DESIGNATED SECTIONS ONLY) 
Adult Club Groups Tickets are available for Club minimum of 15 maximum of 50 for the price of €15 each.(SUBJECT TO AVAILABLILITY) 

Trap Paints Promising Picture for Campaign Climax

Scott Gaynor

Artist Patrick Loughran Presented Trapattoni with his work at Squad Announcement

                       

Ireland Manager Giovanni Trapattoni has announced his provisional squad for the upcoming fixtures with England, Georgia, the Faroe Islands, and Spain. There were no places for the injured trio of Kevin Doyle, Ciaran Clark and Richard Dunne, although the latter has been linked with an early return to make a final cut. Robbie Keane has been included as he is expected to overcome his ankle troubles and upon announcing his list, Trapattoni rejected FAI Chief Executive John Delaney’s claims that the side need to win 4 of the remaining 5 games if they are to finish second.

"Four wins is completely 100pc second, but there are other games. And we have games against Austria and Sweden also. I put no limit on performances and possibilities." said an optimistic Trapattoni.

On the upcoming friendlies Trap said that: “These matches will provide me with the opportunity to experiment with different players and tactics. I am looking forward to assembling the squad in London on May 26th.”

At the conference, artist Patrick Loughran presented the manager with a painted portrait, although some fans could argue that one Trap is bad enough, without having two! Trapattoni was rightfully impressed by Loughran’s work and declared his piece, “superperb-a & tremendouze” in his finest Italian twang. Here’s to hoping we can describe Ireland’s second half to the qualifying campaign with similar zest.

(L-R) Jackie Maguire (Leitrim County Council), Patrick Loughran, Giovanni Trapattoni, Enda Stenson, (Leitrim County Council)

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Forde (Millwall), Westwood (Sunderland), Randolph (Motherwell).

Defenders: O’Shea (Sunderland), St Ledger (Leicester City), Delaney (Crystal Palace), R Keogh (Derby County), Wilson (Stoke City), Coleman (Everton), Kelly (Reading), O’Dea (Toronto), McShane (Hull City).

Midfielders: Whelan (Stoke City), McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Green (Leeds United), Hendrick (Derby County), McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Pilkington (Norwich City), McClean (Sunderland), Brady (Hull City), Meyler (Hull City), Keogh (Millwall).

Forwards: Keane (LA Galaxy), Long (West Brom), Sammon (Derby County), Walters (Stoke City), Cox (Nottingham Forest), Hoolahan (Norwich City).

Falcao Tempted by Monaco’s Millions?

Scott Gaynor

Radamel answering my question of how big the cheque they’re offering is. 

If Radamel Falcao signs for AS Monaco this summer, the integrity of the game, rather than Atlético Madrid, will be the real loser. Spanish station ‘La Sexta’ ran with a piece this week detailing that Claudio Ranieri’s men had made a move for the Columbian international, and the French paper L’Equipe are also now running the story. Yes, we live in a world where money talks, but this move would surely top the lot.

I was fortunate enough to be at the Aviva Stadium for the Europa League final between F.C. Porto and S.C. Braga and Falcao himself scored the winner in a 1-0 victory for Porto. Porto had an incredible front two with Falcao and Hulk leading the line and if this transfer comes off it looks like they’ve more in common than the fact both played under André Villas Boas in Portugal.

Hulk has since left Portugal and teamed up with Zenit St. Petersburg for a fee of £32 million. Similarly to Falcao’s situation now, Hulk could have potentially joined the bulk of the traditional big European clubs, challenging for trophies in the biggest leagues. But instead he went off to Russsia for a big pay day. Maybe that’s a bit harsh. Maybe it was his childhood dream when he played on the sandy beaches of Brazil to put the Russian league on the map instead of challenging for top European and International honours. Yeah, I didn’t think so either. 

Falcao and Hulk appear to have similar ambitions in the game.

Falcao has been linked to some of the European big guns, as constant speculation connects him with a move to Chelsea with Fernando Torres’ long-term future in doubt. If José Mourinho takes charge at Stamford Bridge, as is expected, he certainly fits the profile of someone that the Special One would look to bring in to shake up the squad. 

So why would he want to join a soon-to-be newly promoted French side? Well they do have ambitions plans and are being backed by a Russian owner Dmitry Rybolovlev. He wants to put Monaco on the map as a top football club alongside PSG in France and on the European stage and there is talk that former Chelsea boss Ranieri has over €200 million to form a team with lofty ambitions. Falcao has a release clause of €60 million and Monaco are believed to be willing to trigger it.

But Monaco haven’t won the top league in over 13 years and were relegated in 2011. Carlo Ancelotti and PSG already have a big head start on them in terms of putting a squad together to go and challenge the European elite. I do see the attraction of the surroundings, but can’t he go there on a well-earned holiday after a tough campaign at a club in the upper echelons of European football. Yes Monaco will pay big, but does it really matter if you’re on £300,000 a week instead £200,000? He’s going to be paid top dollar wherever he goes so I can’t see why he doesn’t have ambitions to play for a bigger club.

Learn from Hulk’s mistake Radamel. Don’t Mona-go. (I couldn’t resist) 

Why Moyes' Move Could Be Good For Ireland

Moyes Must Show Character with Legend's Shadow Looming Large

Technology and Transparency Hold the Key to Refs Earning Respect

Junior Rugby News

Portarlington's Ross Doyle and Tullamore's Adrian Hanley will start for Leinster's Junior team against Munster in the Inter Pros tomorrow afternoon

Doyle is on the left wing while Hanley has been selected to start at number 8

Leinster League winners Tullamore also have Ivor Deverell and Ger Molloy among the replacements

Tomorrow's game kicks off at the St Mary's Club in Limerick at 2.30pm


This evening Mullingar's Conor Gilsenan captains Leinster A against Munster A in the British and Irish Cup Semi Finals at Dooradoyle

Mark Flanagan, also from Mullingar, starts in the back row


Tullamore take on Tullow at Newbridge at 8pm tonight in the Anderson Cup Final

While on Sunday it's Edenderry against Newbridge in the Second's Cup Final at Portlaoise at 3pm

Punchestown Commentaries on Friday and Saturday

Live commentaries from Punchestown on Midlands 103 over the next couple of days

Today - 5.30pm - Grade One Rabobank Champion Hurdle

Saturday - 3.45 - Grade One Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Fillies Scheme European Breeders Fund Mares Hurdle

4.25 - Grade One AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle

Offaly team to play Limerick

The Offaly team to face Limerick in Saturday’s final (Live on Midlands 103 from 5pm)

1 Alan Mulhall (Walsh Island)

2 Paul McConway (Tullamore)
3 Shane Sullivan (Rhode)
4 Brian Darby (Rhode)
5 Eoin Carroll (Cappincur)

6 Sean Pender (Edenderry)

7 Michael Brazil (Tullamore)

8 Alan McNamee (Rhode)

9 Richie Dalton (Edenderry)

10 Graham Guilfoyle (Clara)

11 Brian Connor (Walsh Island)

12 Anton Sullivan (Rhode)

13 Niall Darby (Rhode)

14 Niall McNamee (captain) (Rhode)

15 Ken Casey (St Brigid’s)

16 Gavin Sheil (Killeigh)
17 Ross Brady (Clara)
18 Ruairi Allen (Gracefield)
19 Joe Maher (Ferbane)
20 Johnny Moloney (Tullamore)
21 Paul McPadden (Rhode)
22 Daithi Brady (Ballyfore)
23 Willie Mulhall (Walsh Island)
24 Peter Cunningham (Bracknagh)
25 Eoin Rigney (Rhode)
26 David Hanlon (Edenderry)

Blog - Scott Gaynor on Brendan Rodgers' work at Liverpool

Laois minor hurling team V Kilkenny

Laois minor hurling manager Pat Critchley has named his team to play Kilkenny in the Leinster Championship tomorrow


1. Enda Rowland (Abbeyleix Ballypickas)
2. Ryan Mullaney (Castletown Slieve Bloom)
3. Ciaran McEvoy (Portlaoise)
4. Ronan Broderick (Clough Ballacolla)
5. Dwyane Palmer (Camross Gaels)
6. Leigh Bergin (St Fintan's Gaels)
7. Gavin Dunne (The Harps Gaels)
8. Ciaran Collier (Camross Gaels)
9. Liam O'Connell (Rathdowney Errill)
10. Colm Stapleton (Borris-in-Ossory-Kilcotton Gaels)
11. Joe Campion (Borris-in-Ossory-Kilcotton Gaels)
12. Aidan Corby (Clough Ballacolla)
13. Mark Kavanagh (Rathdowney Errill)
14. Conor Ryan (Portlaoise)
15. John Lennon (Rosenallis)

Tomorrow's game throws in at 3pm at Nowlan Park and we'll have updates on Midlands 103

66 for Shane Lowry in Spain

A superb second round 66 has brought Shane Lowry to level par at the half way mark of the Spanish Open.

The Clara man sank seven birdies and had one bogey in Valencia today

It's the best round of the tournament by any player so far

Morten Madsen leads at 5 under, David Higgins is best of the Irish at 3 under

Offaly minor hurling and football teams named

Offaly team to play Carlow in MHC (5pm in Birr tomorrow)

1 Eoghan Cahill (Birr)
2 Rian Kelly (St Rynagh’s)
3 Cillian Kiely (Kilcormac/Killoughey)
4 Craig Taylor (Birr)
5 Daniel Doughan (Shinrone)
6 Conor Doughan (Shinrone)
7 Ben Conneely (St Rynagh’s)
8 Emmet Nolan (Birr) (captain)
9 Donal Mahon (Lusmagh)
10 Alan Spain (Kilcormac/Killoughey)
11 Dylan Murray (Kilcormac/Killoughey)
12 David Kelly (Belmont)
13 James Kilmartin (Kilcormac/Killoughey)
14 Colm Daly (St Rynagh’s)
15 Jordan Fogarty (Shinrone)


Offaly team to play Meath in Leinster MFC (3pm at Navan tomorrow)


1 Jason Dunne (Killurin)
2 Ken Hogan (Tullamore) (captain)
3 James Lawlor (Raheen)
4 Michael Keogh (Raheen)
5 James Hendy (Bracknagh)
6 Oisin Cusack (Durrow)
7 Alan Heffernan (Shamrocks)
8 Patrick Dunican (Shamrocks)
9 Declan Byrne (Raheen)
10 Dean McDonagh (Tullamore)
11 Adam Mangan (Kilclonfert)
12 James Evans (Gracefield)
13 Alan Geoghegan (Ballinamere)
14 Adam Shelly (Tullamore)
15 Rory McNamee (Rhode)

Moyes to Move?

Blog: Running Out of Patience

Brian Moss 

Running Out of Patience:

Sometimes running can feel like a chore but when you’re injured you really miss it.

It gets more and more difficult to drive through any major Irish town and not encounter a group of runners pounding the paths and the nation’s roadways. There have been so many negative aspects of the recession but one positive is the explosion of people who are swapping the steel toe for the gel cushion and getting out there and its time to out myself, I’m one of them. Yes were all getting in touch with our inner Forest Gump’s who famously ‘Just felt like running’ and once started didn’t really want to stop. Whether it’s better education on the importance of exercise, influences of programmes such as Operation Transformation or sheer boredom running is very much in vogue. Fun Runs have replaced hangover recovery for many as the Sunday morning ambition and this can certainly only be a good thing. I’m writing about running instead of been out there myself at present as I’m laid up with a back injury, and it’s only when you can’t run that you realise how much you miss it.

I would like to  be able to say I sustained my back injury in some heroic way, perhaps saving a family from a burning building or doling out food parcels in some far flung third world country, but unfortunately  it’s a tad bit more embarrassing, I did my back in whilst been thrown into a boot of a car.

No, no need not raise the alarm, this wasn’t a tiger kidnapping gone wrong, no this was yet more evidence that myself and my fellow 30 year old mates will never grow up. Horseplay would be the prognoses if my mother had seen it. Looking into my friends open boot in a car park a couple of weeks ago I happened to comment that his car had a really big boot, he took this to mean that I wanted to get in. A quick physics lesson for you now kids, when a 6’3 ginger bear wants to put a 5’8 cub into a boot there’s only going to be one winner, and despite my protests in I went, in the process pulling several muscles and a couple of ligaments in my back along the way - I’ve had better mornings.

A visit to the physio later here I am two weeks on from boot gate unable to run until my back recovers and starting to really miss putting on my Asics of an evening and heading off for a jog. Considering we had a pretty horrendous winter and  with the clock going back a couple of weeks ago  heralding the start of the most elusive Irish phenomenon’s – bright evenings I was really looking forward to actually being able to see where I was running, but alas its not to be. One of the more frustrating aspects of not been able to get out there and run is the feeling of wasting precious good weather days which we’ve had a few of lately. Anyone who’s lived in Ireland for at least one month will know how rare they can be. 

Running for many of us who were involved with GAA and Soccer clubs over the years was seen as some kind of punishment. The lap’s part of training was the prelude to actually having some fun and so initially it took me time to get to appreciate the simple act of running without a ball in sight. Initially I didn’t see the point but over the last couple of years I have certainly got the bug.  Runners should be honest though,  the actual process of putting one foot in front  of the other at a half decent pace isn’t the most enjoyable aspect of the whole thing, it’s the feeling when you finish that’s worth chasing. No doubt whether it’s a mile or a marathon you managed to complete, the sense of achievement really is all it’s cracked up to be. I’m sure I’m not revealing any state secrets here for those who already participate but if you are someone who is considering giving it a go take my advice you won’t regret it.

And so as I wait it out until I can get back on the right road literally my waist line unlike our economy  is already showing signs of growth and as I become generally more irritable to be around I’ve come to realise that I’m now a fully-fledged runner. So no more will you hear me complain as I often have in the past when travelling throughout the country about road runners not adhering to the two abreast unwritten rule, or being forced to take a lengthy detour because of yet another fun run, in fact now jealously  of those who can run  is my new complaint.

God I could do with a run!

Offaly referees get League Semi Finals plus Minor Fixtures

Two Offaly referees have been appointed to the National Hurling League Semi Finals this Sunday

Clara's Brian Gavin will take charge of the 2 O'Clock opening game at Semple Stadium between Tipperary and Division One B winners Dublin

The second match is between All-Ireland champions Kilkenny and Galway at 3.45 where Ballyskenagh native Diarmuid Kiwan will be in charge


Laois' minor footballers will take on Longford in the Leinster Championship at O'Moore Park at 7.30 this Wednesday evening

In the Leinster Minor Hurling on Saturday it's a 3 O'Clock throw in for Kilkenny and Laois and Nowlan Park while Offaly versus Carlow is at O'Connor Park at 7pm

Offaly's minor footballers are also in action on Saturday where they play Meath at Navan at 3pm

Ladies Football Semi Finals Details

This Sunday's Ladies National Football League Division Four Semi Final between Offaly and Antrim will be played at 2pm in the Monaghan village of Inniskeen

Sean Tracy Park in Tipperary will host the National Ladies Football League Division  One and Two Semi Finals involving Laois and Westmeath on Sunday the 28th of April

Westmeath's Division Two Semi with Kerry will throw in at 1.30pm while Laois' Division One last four clash with Cork is at 3.30pm

Monday morning headlines

GOLF

Nine months after blowing a four-shot lead in the Open, Adam Scott last night gained sweet redemption with a dramatic Masters triumph at a rain-soaked Augusta.

Scott became the first Australian man to wear the famous green jacket when he defeated Angel Cabrera on the second playoff hole.

Australian Jason Day had led by two with three to play but bogeyed the 16th and 17th to finish seven under, with Tiger Woods, penalised two shots for an incorrect drop in Friday's second round, two further back after a closing 70 alongside another Australian, Marc Leishman.

Scott's win means all four majors have now been won by players using anchored putters, which the game's governing bodies propose to ban from 2016.

GAELIC GAMES

Laois have bounced straight back to Division One B of the National Hurling League

John Brophy's brace of first half goals and Tommy Fitzgerald's goal in the second half helped the O'Moores to a 3-14 to 1-9 win over Westmeath at O'Connor Park

Brendan Murtagh scored the Lake County's goal as they lost their second successive Division Two A Hurling Final

Laois and Offaly will be joined in Division One B next year by Cork, who lost to Clare in the 1A relegation game

Antrim retained their 1B status at the expense of Carlow

Dublin will play Tyrone in the Allianz Football League Division One Final on April 28th.

The Dubs beat All-Ireland finalists Mayo 2-16 to 16 points at Croke Park.

Tyrone got the better of Kildare by 2-15 to 2-11 in the curtain raiser

Ciaran Shanley's last gasp goal has sent Westmeath's minor footballers into the quarter finals of the Leinster Championship

The Lake County defeated Wexford by 1-10 to 0-10 at Cusack Park

Laois play Longford on Wednesday night while Offaly face Meath at the weekend

Shinrone and St Rynaghs will contest the Offaly Under 21 Hurling Final.

Shinrone were 3-13 to 2-11 winners over Kilcormac Killoughey while Rynaghs came from one point down at half time to beat Seir Kieran by nine points in the other semi final

CAMOGIE

Grainne Egan scored 2-7 as Offaly set up an All-Ireland Minor B Camogie Final with Wexford in a fortnight

The Faithful beat Antrim by 3-7 to 0-7

Westmeath's Under 16 Camogie team got the better of Kildare to reach the Leinster Final

Laois are set to play Roscommon in the Division Three League Semi Finals, the Rossies defeated Armagh in yesterday’s semi final

LADIES FOOTBALL

Dublin advanced to the Leinster Ladies Minor Football Final with a 5-11 to 1-7 win over Laois

Orla Fitzpatrick scored Laois' goal

RUGBY UNION

All-Ireland League rugby is coming to Tullamore.

The Leinster League champions beat Monivea by 26 points to 19 on Saturday

Tullamore will operate in Division Two B next year

Buccaneers will remain in Division One B following Saturday's results

Buccs won 9-6 Saturday night against Ballymena, Jack Carty kicked three penalties for the Pirates

In the Seconds Cup there were wins for Edenderry and Birr yesterday, Edenderry were 18-10 winners over County Carlow while Birr saw off Tullamore 22-20after extra time

In the Plate the Midland Warriors won 15-10 against Portlaoise

Athlone youngster Robbie Henshaw scored his first try for Connacht on Friday night as the in form westerners won away to Edinburgh in the Rabo Direct Pro 12

Brian O'Driscoll scored the match winning try as Leinster defeated Munster by 22 points to 16 at Thomond Park in the Rabo Direct Pro 12

Leinster had led at half time by 12 points to 10, with all their points coming from the boot of Ian Madigan

Munster's tries were scored by Ian Keatley and Felix Jones, Keatley added two more penalties in the second half

Munster fans will have been concerned by Donnacha O'Callaghan coming off with a knee injury in the second half

Leinster are now second, behind Ulster who won against the Dragons on Friday

Munster’s Paul O’Connell could be cited for a kick on Dave Kearney which left the Leinster man with a concussion

SOCCER

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero could face a retrospective ban, following a two footed tackle during yesterday's FA Cup semi-final 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

He scored the game's winning goal at Wembley, but also lunged at David Luiz in the second half.

The incident went unpunished by referee Chris Foy.

Garbhan Coughlan's second half goal gave Athlone Town a 1-0 win over Finn Harps on Friday night

It was Town's first home win and Finn Harps' first defeat of the season

Athlone travel to Longford for the derby this weekend

Tullamore Town remain third from bottom in the Leinster Senior League's Sunday Major Division following yesterday's 2-1 loss to Swords

Portlaoise side Dynamo Town were crowned CCFL Division Two champions yesterday

Their 3-1 win away to Coolraine saw them edge out Killeigh in the title race

In the Cotter Cup Semi Finals Arlington defeated Mullingar Athletic 3-2 while Willow Park set up a Counties Cup Semi Final with CK following their 5-0 victory against Rosenallis

Tonight in the Airtricty League Premier Division St Pats host Shelbourne at Richmond Park.

Shels are still looking for their first win of the league while the Saints go for three wins  in-a-row, kick off off is at 7.45.

HANDBALL

Billy Mullins and Jim Guilfoyle were crowned All-Ireland Doubles 40 by 20 Diamond Masters champions on Saturday

The Offaly duo got the better of Cork's Paddy Buckley and Chris Hurley at Nenagh

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

The Mullingar Minotaurs began life in Division One A of the Irish American Football League with a 20-6 loss away to Drogheda

The Minotaurs had kept the game scoreless until the third quarter before shipping 20 points, running back Dermot Corroon went over for a consolation touchline for Mullingar

BOXING

Mullingar's David Oliver Joyce took gold and won the boxer of the tournament award at the Gee Bee Multi-Nations in Finland yesterday

It was a dramatic win for the Athy clubman in the lightweight final as he defeated Italy's Fabio Introvaia on a countback

Dean Gardiner won a silver medal at the tournament while Darren O’Neill and Hugh Myres were both bronze medalists

Meanwhile the Irish elite team, including Moate's Joe Ward and Mullingar's John Joe Nevin, have returned home from their training camp in Kazahstan 

ATHLETICS

Kenenisa Bekele successfully defended his Irish Great Run title at the Phoenix Park yesterday

The Ethiopian clocked a time of 28 minutes 51 seconds in strong winds,  Stephen Scullion was the top Irish finisher in seventh overall 

It was an all British top three in the Women's race with Lauren Howarth first home, Linda Byrne was best of the Irish

The boy's 12-15 winner was Tullamore Harriers' Chilnnie Izuchukwi

While there was an Mullingar Harriers podium in the 9 to 11 age group.

Eoin Quinn was first with Andrew Shaw second and Andrew Daly third

Beatrice Drummond, also of Mullingar, won the girls 9-11

RACING

Rawaaq landed the 1000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown yesterday under Rhode jockey Pat Smullen

Trainer Dermot Weld says the fillie could now target the Irish 1000 Guineas

Epsom derby hopeful Battle Of Marengo won the Ballysax Stakes for the O'Briens

There were celebrations in Ballylinan on Saturday night as All Honours, owned by Christopher Morrissey, landed the two-mile five-furlong handicap hurdle at Tramore

Trained in Wicklow by Phillip Rothwell, All Honours was sent of at odds of 14-1 but ran much better than the betting suggested he would and powered to a four and a quarter length triumph from Robbie Kaydee.

He was ridden to victory by Brian O'Connell.

CCFL Results and Round Up

O’Neill’s LFA Under 19 Cup Semi Final

St Patricks Ath 3, Tullamore Town 1

Ita Farrell Under 17 Cup Semi Finals

Portlaoise 2, Willow Park 8; Rosenallis 3, Longford Town 1 aet;

Combined Counties Youths Cup Quarter Final

Mullingar Ath 0, Edenderry Town 2;

C.C.F.L Under 19 Cup Quarter Final

Clongowes Wood 1 (11), Mullingar Ath 1 (12) aet;

Under 19 Division

Tullamore Town 3, Clongowes Wood 1;

Combined Counties Cup Quarter Final

Rosenallis 0, Willow Park 5;

Paddy Cotter Cup Semi Final

Arlington 3, Mullingar Ath 2;

Division 1 Cup Semi Final

Tullamore Town 1, Camlin Utd 0;

Division 1 Cup Quarter Final

Moate Celtic 3, Grange Utd 2;

Division 2 Cup Semi Final 1^st Leg

Noreside Celtic 3, Raharney 2;

Division 3 Cup Semi Finals

Colmcille Celtic 2, Clonown Rovers 1; Clara Town 2 (4), Melville Celtic 2 (3);

C.C.F.L Womens Shield Semi Final

Gallen Utd 0, Birr Town 4;

Senior Division

Melville United 1, Clara Town 1;

Premier Division

Stradbally Town 0, Mullingar Town 2; Mullingar Ath 3, Derry Rovers 1;

Division 1

Shinrone 4, Temple Villa 1; Clonbonny 3, Highfield Utd 2;

Division 1 Sat

Inny FC 3, Mostrim Utd 0;

Division 2

Coolraine 1, Dynamoe Town 3;

Division 3A

Portlaoise 5, Emo Celtic 2;

Division 3B

Horseleap Utd 5, Lawrencetown 0;

Division 3 Sat

Newtown FC 6, Rathowen FC 0; Longford Wanderers 4, Ballymahon 0

Division 4A

Mountmellick Utd 2, St Aengus 4;

Division 4B

Killoe FC 1, Monksland Utd 1; Derry Rovers 2, St James 0; Kilcormac Utd 3, St Carthages Ath 3; 

It was another big weekend in the C.C.F.L as the season rapidly moves towards an exciting climax with trophies now been handed out every week.

Dynamoe Town were the big winners this weekend when they clinched the Division 2 League title following a 3-1 win away to Coolraine a result which sees them leapfrog Killeigh to win it with a single point to spare at the top of the table.

 

In Cup action, it was mostly semi final action with several final line-ups decided. There was one outstanding Combined Counties Cup quarter final played where as expected Willow Park qualified for a semi final match up with C.K United following a clearcut 5-0 win away to Rosenallis.

There was a bit of a surprise in the first semi final of the Paddy Cotter Cup where Arlington repeated their League success over Mullingar Athletic in windy Edenderry on Sunday afternoon. The Portarlington men raced into a three goal first half lead thanks to a penalty from Dave Thorpe and a brace of goals from Barry Kenny. Mullingar, with the elements in their favour fought back strongly in the second half  to make it 3-2, but a determined rearguard action by Arlington secured their second successive final in this competition.

The Division 3 Cup final will see Division 3 Saturday outfit Colmcille Celtic take on Clara Town B from Division 3B after the Longford men edged out Clonown Rovers by the odd goal in three, but Clara had to rely on penalties to progress following a two all draw with Melville Celtic in the other semi final.

The final of the Under 17 Cup will be between Willow Park who convincingly defeated Portlaoise and Rosenallis who with C.C.F.L interleague player Cillian Calally in inspirational form came from behind to knock out Longford Town by three goals to one after extra time.

Mullingar Athletic completed the semi final lineup in the Under 19 Cup by knocking out Clongowes Wood in an extraordinary game. It finished one all after extra time with Mullingar prevailing by 12 penalties to 11 as every player on the pitch took at least one spot kick.

  

In other League action, Derry Rovers edged ever closer to the Division 4B title after they beat St James 2-0 and Longford Wanderers have the finishing line in their sights in Division 3 Saturday following a 4-0 win over Ballymahon.

Division 1 however is still very much up in the air with five teams still in with a mathematical chance of claiming the honours. On Sunday Shinrone had a very good victory over fellow hopefuls Temple Villa, while Clonbonny kept their slim hopes of a playoff alive with a 3-2 win over Highfield. Tullamore are in the strongest position however as a win over Temple Villa in their last game next Sunday will guarantee them the title. Any other result in this game though could open up a variety of possibilities where Clonaslee or Shinrone could snatch it, or there could also be several different playoff permutations.