Latest news with #GAA
Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Is Tipperary-Galway the most undervalued rivalry in the GAA?
The Tipperary-Galway rivalry may have reached its zenith in the late '80s, but it's arguably never been as wholesome as it is now. Granted, the hostility that existed between the rival managements, players and supporters in that 1987-91 period, all of which drained away in time, added a kick which sweetened the dish, but what has broken out since has made for one of the most balanced, and arguably most undervalued, rivalry in the GAA. Tipperary finished Galway's greatest team with a runaway victory in the 1991 All-Ireland semi-final, but in the 12 Championship games that they have played since, they have been separated by three points or less on 11 occasions. The exception was a qualifier tie in 2014 in which Tipp outscored Galway by 2-10 to 0-1 in the last 20 minutes to win by nine in the end, but they were still in deep trouble early in the second half. The result saved Eamon O'Shea from a swift exit as Tipperary manager. Micheál Donoghue was part of his coaching set up at the time. Now it's the opposite, with Donoghue in his second spell managing Galway and O'Shea having been retained from Henry Shefflin's outgoing regime last year, with his son Donal also on the panel. Such cross-pollination between the two counties would have been unthinkable 35 years ago. After the 1993 All-Ireland semi-final, won by Galway more comfortably than the two-point margin suggested, there was a seven-year gap to their next Championship meeting and the links to the '80s had been all but severed. Back doors and changing systems have allowed them to meet more often and earlier in the Championship, with Saturday's All-Ireland quarter-final their 12th meeting in all since 2000. Of the previous 11, Galway have won six and Tipperary five. Five of them have been decided by just a single point. Three of those were in successive classic All-Ireland semi-finals from 2015-17. Tipperary have won four All-Irelands in this century compared to just one for Galway, who have so often flattered to deceive, but they always seem to turn up against the only one of the three traditional powers with which they share a county boundary. Tipp won 14 of their first 15 Championship meetings between 1888 and 1971, but this fixture will never see dominance like that again. Perhaps neither are frontline All-Ireland contenders right now, but it's one of the few GAA rivalries that as good as guarantees a closely-fought contest every time. And Saturday evening should be no different.
The 42
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
A New York All-Ireland final and Croke Park championship meetings - Kerry and Cavan's history
WHEN CAVAN ARRIVE in Killarney this Saturday, it will mark the first championship fixtures between the sides since 2013. They don't share a storied rivalry. There's not that much in the archives. Prior to that six-point win for Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final, they collided in the 1997 All-Ireland semi-final where the Kingdom also triumphed. And then there's the 1947 All-Ireland final which has become a major part of GAA lore on account of the fact it was held at a baseball field in New York. It was certainly an unusual choice of setting, and it would not be the last time the Big Apple would host a Kerry-Cavan clash. The meetings may have been infrequent, but the ones that have occurred amount to a rich and fascinating history between the counties. **** 1947 All-Ireland Final, Polo Grounds, New York: Cavan 2-11 Kerry 2-7 We begin with the most documented tie of the lot. The motivation for bringing the All-Ireland final to New York was to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Great Famine and honour the Irish diaspora who fled to America as a result. A famous encounter followed, immortalised by the words 'just five minutes more' from legendary broadcaster Micheál O'Heir. There had been technical difficulties involved in organising the radio coverage at the Polo Grounds for people back home in Ireland, and O'Heir made the plea to prevent anyone on the airwaves who might disconnect the line. 📸 Members of the Cavan & Kerry squads raise a toast aboard the RMS Queen Mary as they sail home from NYC after the All-Ireland Football Final of 1947 🚢 🗽 🤝 #GAA #Sportsmanship #Legends 💙🤍 💛💚 — John Joe O'Reilly Memorial Monument (@johnjoememorial) October 1, 2022 Footage of that game has been well preserved. Images have been refined and enhanced. One particular shot captures some of the Kerry and Cavan contingent enjoying a drink together on board the Queen Mary while travelling back to Ireland. A book by Mick Dunne called 'The Star Spangled Final' is one such resource that captures the game and the events around it. Another is 'The Fairytale In New York' by Anglo Celt editor, Paul Fitzpatrick. He explains how Cavan played against Kerry at a tournament in London earlier that year, around the same time that Congress passed a vote to play the All-Ireland final in New York. 'As they were coming off the field, the Cavan and Kerry lads were saying, 'Look we'll see ye in New York in September.' 'Simon Deignan was playing at wing-back for Cavan, and went on to win three All-Irelands. He was also a referee. He refereed the Munster final between Kerry and Cork. Then a couple of months later, he was playing against Kerry in the final,' Fitzpatrick says. Air travel was in its infancy in those days but the teams travelled by plane. It took 29 hours to reach the States, according to Fitzpatrick, and the flight was 'unbelievably hairy.' Members of that Cavan team won two more All-Irelands in 1948 and 1952, but have remarked to Fitzpatrick that the '47 outshone them both. The experience exposed them to another world of living. 'The New York thing was just insane, really. You still had rationing in Ireland as well. The Cavan players all said that they couldn't believe that everywhere was lit up, everywhere had full electricity, the shops were full of food.' Advertisement The baseball grounds were not well received by the players as there was very little grass, making the surface difficult to play on. Another inconvenience was the mound of earth in the field where pitchers throw the ball during baseball games. But Cavan still prevailed by four points to become All-Ireland champions having lost the 1943 and 1945 finals. The team was packed with interesting characters, including Willie Doonan who served for the British Army during the war. 'They came from all walks of life,' Fitzpatrick continues. 'John Joe Reilly at centre-back was a commandant in the Irish Army and was nailed on certain future Chief of Staff in the Army before he died. And then you had John Wilson, who went on to become Táinaiste. 'Mick Higgins was born in New York the day that Michael Collins was shot.' The Fairytale of New York by Paul Fitzpatrick. In 1997, 50 years after the 1947 encounter, Kerry and Cavan returned to New York to play out a National League game in Randall's Island. Kerry won 1-12 to 0-8 with Maurice Fitzgerald accounting for 1-10 of the Kerry tally. A tribute match to mark the anniversary of another tribute match. A huge Cavan crowd travelled to honour a team that had just given them a summer to remember. 1997 All-Ireland semi-final: Kerry 1-17 Cavan 1-10 In 1997, Cavan ended a 28-year famine for an Ulster senior title. Their U21s had won a provincial crown the previous year before going on to contest the All-Ireland final. Interestingly, Kerry were their opponents as Cavan lost out by four points. Martin McHugh, an All-Ireland winner with Donegal in 1992, had just come on board as the new Cavan manager. And after losing the 1995 Ulster final, he helped them conquer the province with a one-point win over a Derry team that had won the 1993 All-Ireland. 'Cavan had lost the first round in Ulster seven years in a row, and then McHugh came in,' Fitzpatrick explains. 'The buzz in the county was insane. 'It probably inspired a full generation. In 2020 [when Cavan won the Ulster final], they didn't get that, because obviously it was the height of Covid so kids didn't get to go to the games. They didn't have a proper homecoming or anything.' Kerry were experiencing a drought of their own in those times. They were into their 11th year without a visit from Sam Maguire. That's a lifetime in their world. And when Fintan Cahill crashed home a goal just before half-time, Cavan were 1-7 to 0-9 in front. They could have been even further in front had Peter Reilly's shot not been saved by Declan O'Keeffe. However, Kerry survived the scare and a Mike Frank Russell goal shortly after his introduction from the bench propelled the Kingdom to a 1-17 to 1-10 victory. 'Cavan lost by seven points, but really that flattered Kerry,' says Fitzpatrick. 'They added on a few scores at the very end of the game. It was Maurice Fitzgerald who beat Cavan that day. A couple mark their wedding day by attending the 1997 All-Ireland semi-final between Kerry and Cavan. 'It was seen as a disappointment, because I think even at the time, people knew it was an unbelievable opportunity. Kerry were nervy enough, hadn't won in 11 years. At that stage, Cavan still had an insane support. Related Reads 'You couldn't be happy with Saturday' - Paul Geaney gets ready for charge at Sam Maguire New kickout mark penalty to apply in this weekend's inter-county senior games How will eliminated teams reflect on 2025 Sam Maguire exit? 'There was a couple who got married that day, and they got Seán Quinn's helicopter up to Croke Park and went to the game in their wedding clothes. It's unbelievable. The place went bonkers that time.' 2013 All-Ireland Quarter-Final: Kerry 0-15 Cavan 0-9 In the aftermath of 1997, Fitzpatrick felt that the prevailing sense in the county was that Cavan had arrived. Or, to put it another way, they had returned. Cavan were a dominant force in Ulster during the early 20th century, and 1997 inspired belief that more success would follow. But aside from contesting the 2001 Ulster final, Cavan drifted. Fitzpatrick points to the years between 2009 and 2012 as being particularly grim. 'A bad culture' developed as the county became Division 3 strugglers. But then a shift occurred in 2011. A first Ulster minor title in 37 years was followed by an Ulster U21 four-in-a-row between 2011 and 2014. Some of those emerging stars lined out for Cavan when they arrived in Croke Park to take on Kerry. Among them was Killian Clarke who was named at corner-back while Dara McVeety was added as a late change. Many predicted the breakthrough would be further down the line, but Fitzpatrick disagreed. '2013 was probably as good a chance as any because Monaghan beat them by a point in the Ulster semi-final and [Monaghan] beat Donegal in the final. We're all looking ahead to the years to come and, in actual fact, that was a big opportunity.' After being diverted down the old qualifier route that season, Cavan picked up wins against Fermanagh, Derry (after extra-time) and London. They also defeated Armagh in the Ulster championship earlier in the summer. But by half-time against Kerry, they were 0-11 0-2 down. Cavan's Killian Clarke tackling Kerry forward Darran O'Sullivan in the 2013 All-Ireland quarter-final. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO They added seven points in the second half with a more spirited display but were wasteful in front of the posts. Kerry always had them at arm's length. Terry Hyland was the Cavan manager at the time, and his defensive style of football didn't suit some of the Cavan purists. 'It made sense because a bit like the current team, they were leaking so many scores,' says Fitzpatrick. 'The problem Terry had was trying to improve that style as the years went on. He went too far the other way. The supporters were getting a bit pissed off in 2013. 'A friend of mine was in the front row of the Hogan stand [for the Kerry game]. Ronan Flanagan went to take a sideline ball and he kicked it back to [Alan] O'Mara in goals, which obviously would be common enough. This ould fella in front of him, leaned across the barrier and threw his program at Flanagan. This was like a Cavan old timer who was still in the catch and kick mode.' Despite the optimism around their successful youths, the titles didn't pour in. They would have to wait until that famous Covid Ulster final in 2020. Players like Pádraig Falkner, Gerard Smith and Ciarán Brady featured along with Clarke and McVeety. A reward at last. There is some disappointment around what those players didn't win, but there is plenty of gratitude for what they did deliver for the county. 'There's huge respect for those fellas at the same time. They brought us from the bottom to Division 1. We're still reliant on probably eight lads that have 100 caps on the senior team at the minute.' Another meeting with Kerry awaits this weekend. Another instalment in the archives.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tributes paid to 'funny, intelligent' young Irish man who died in the UK
Tributes have been paid to a 'funny, intelligent and caring' young Irishman who tragically passed away in the UK earlier this month. Hugh 'Hughie' Mulryan, from Co Galway, passed away unexpectedly last week, leaving his friends and family back home in Ireland devastated. The young's man's sudden passing was announced by his family in a death notice shared on on Wednesday. "The untimely death has occurred of Hughie, cherished youngest son of Christina and Liam," they said. "Beloved brother of Eva, Michael, Jennifer and Eric. Much loved uncle to his nephew and nieces and brother-in-law to Conor and Joey. Hughie will be deeply missed by his family, uncle, aunts, cousins, extended family and a large circle of friends." Heartbreaking tributes are being paid to the popular young man, who was a talented GAA player who played underage football for Oranmore Maree GAA club in Galway In a message shared on social media, the GAA club wrote: "Oranmore Maree GAA club are saddened to hear about the untimely passing of former underage club footballer, Hugh Mulryan. "We send our sympathies to Hugh's family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace." Hugh had a keen interest in horse racing and spent a number of years working at Baroda Stud farm in Co Kildare. The renowned stud farm paid an emotional tribute to the young man in a message shared online which read: "Incredibly sad news came on Monday that Hugh Mulryan died in the UK. Hugh worked with us on the farm and at the Consignment a few times over the last number of years. "Such a great chap, very smart, studied Law, loved horses and had a great interest in all aspects of the industry. "David, Tamso, Brian and all the team in Baroda were so sad to hear the news, we only saw him last week. Our deepest sympathy to his father Liam, his mother Christina and all his family and many friends." The post was flooded with message from Hugh's friends and former co-workers who remembered the young sportsman as an "absolute gent". "Rest in peace Hugh, I was so lucky to have had great times working alongside of you in Baroda & also a lot of time outside of Baroda," one person wrote. "You were a very funny, intelligent, fair but also a very caring friend to us all, rest easy Pal." Another person added: "Ah No, only had drinks with him in York a few weeks ago. So sad, lovely guy. R.I.P." While a third person said: "RIP Pal, absolute gent. Condolences to all your Family & Friends." Hugh's family have said that funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Roy Keane forms unlikely bond with rockstar over shared love of Cork on Stick to Football podcast
MAN UTD icon Roy Keane has formed an unlikely bond with a well know rockstar from a British band. The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr joined the Stick to Football podcast this week and struck an unlikely chord with the Ireland legend. Advertisement 2 Roy Keane on The Overlap was joined on the Overlap by Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr 2 Smiths guitarist Marr admitted the pair have a great relationship as they fondly spoke of county Cork The pair gushed over their shared affection for Cork on the latest Rebel county native Keano has never shy about his roots, and has spoke passionately about Cork over the years, especially when it comes to GAA. But it turns out the city also left a lasting impression on Marr, whose Irish heritage runs deep through his Kildare-born parents. The conversation on the show — hosted by Keane, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Jill Scott — naturally drifted toward music, with Marr asked by Neville to compare band dynamics to a football team. Advertisement read more on football Using The Beatles as an example, Marr described Paul McCartney as 'the 12th man" as he praised the legendary scouser. Marr also gave a nod to one of Cork's greatest cultural exports, Rory Gallagher. He said: 'There was an Irish guy, Rory Gallagher, who I used to follow around and go to all his shows, and who I got to know before he passed away. 'He was a beautiful guy, Rory.' Advertisement Most read in Football He also spoke about his close friendship with Keane, who are nearby neighbours in Manchester. The Smiths icon revealed he often bumps into the former Utd skipper while out walking his dog. Roy Keane slams 'LAZY' Kyle Walker for role in Senegal goal vs England as ITV star says 'can't make mistakes like that' He added: 'Sometimes Roy's walking the dogs but often I'm running, because we live near each other. It's a good excuse to stop [running]!' Marr joked. Keane replied, laughing: 'Is that the only reason you stop?!' Advertisement Before Marr continued: 'He'll always go, 'Ah, I don't want to stop you, you're running!' I always say, 'No, no…' We'll have a bit of a chat about football. I was always interested in the dressing room, the dynamic and the chemistry,' 'We'll chat about Ireland, because I'm from an Irish family. We'll talk about Cork and stuff like that — and tea! We're really rock and roll.' The pair's mutual respect was evident throughout, even with Marr's Man City allegiance.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Young voices, big stories: Primary school podcast spotlights Jarlath Burns
Gareth Burns, President of the GAA, speaking with pupils at St. Ninnidh's PS, Derrylin. (Image: John McVitty) While major media outlets across Northern Ireland were eager to secure an interview with GAA President Jarlath Burns about the £50million redevelopment of Casement Park, he chose instead to give a very important interview to an up-and-coming podcast based in Derrylin. The St. Ninnidh's PS P7 class, assisted by their teacher, Cassie Cadden, has set up a podcast known as 'Derrylin Diaries' on Facebook and TikTok, which has amassed thousands of views online. Advertisement Miss Cadden spoke to The Impartial Reporter about how the podcast was created and the exciting opportunity it presented for the students of St. Ninnidh's PS to interview Mr. Burns on Wednesday, June 11. 'I don't think we ever anticipated it [the podcast] getting this big, but it is the power of persuasive writing and letters," Miss Cadden explained. She encourages project-based learning in her P7 classes, providing pupils with essential life skills and engaging opportunities to apply what they've learned, all while following the annual curriculum and balancing preparation for the secondary school transfer test. 'I try to do fun, project-based activities with the children, and I wanted to do something that is relevant to right now," she explained. Advertisement In previous years, Miss Cadden introduced a Junior Entrepreneur Programme, where pupils created a business and developed a product to go along with it. 'We started the Podcast Club [Derrylin Diaries], so children who were interested in podcasting or interviewing could come to it; generally, all my Primary Seven class came." Through deliberation and voting, the pupils decided on 17 guests they wanted to interview on their podcast, and then wrote letters to each of their selected guests. 'The best thing about the podcast is the opportunities they [the pupils] are getting for their literacy, because they are writing, editing, redrafting and chatting among each other about their writing. Advertisement 'The most important thing is they are growing their confidence," Miss Cadden added. 'We taught them persuasive techniques to try and encourage these people to come to our podcast. "We didn't think we would get any replies," she said, but added that she and the pupils were delighted by the positive response they received. Over the past few weeks, the pupils have received letters from many of their chosen recipients. Miss Cadden said: 'We got a reply from the First Minister, who said she would do it." Unfortunately, First Minister Michelle O'Neill was unable to attend the podcast due to several scheduling conflicts; however, she has been booked for September. Advertisement The first guest the pupils interviewed was Malachy O'Rourke, the current Senior football manager for Tyrone GAA, and a former pupil of St. Ninnidh's PS. Their second guest was Jarlath Burns, whose involvement Miss Cadden described as "unbelievable", adding: "It was like a rockstar arriving at school!" The podcast has been very well received. Miss Cadden revealed: "It's been going viral on Facebook and TikTok. "We have thousands of views, and people are tuning in and asking us when our next podcast episode is out. 'We are hoping to make it a regular thing. It's brewing excitement throughout the whole school," she added. Advertisement The next featured guests on the Derrylin Diaries podcast will be Roisin Gleeson, a Fermanagh ladies' player, and Gareth Maguire, of 'The Tumbling Paddies'. If you are interested in watching the next episode, see the St. Ninnidh's PS Facebook page at
