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Irish Examiner
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Orange warning: Which counties aren't kicking enough two-pointers?
We look forward to their data on hurling but the GAA's new, much-welcome games intelligence unit told us last month that goals in Gaelic football are down under the new rules from two per game to 1.8. That is hardly breaking news when there is a third tier of scoring worth slightly less available from open quarters further out the field. Nor might it surprise people that of the four counties who qualified automatically for the All-Ireland quarter-finals, two of them are the highest two-point accumulators this year – Monaghan (53) and Meath (48). Monaghan's two-pointer figure exceeds Dublin and Kerry's combined total of orange flags. At the same time, Kerry's 28 goals in 2025 are more than what Cavan, Cork and Donegal have produced between them. Does the breakdown of where the scores have come among the 12 remaining counties give us some insight into how the next couple of weekends are going to go? Possibly but for sure some counties are too dependent on one part of the Gaelic football's scoring tricolour and there are those not getting enough from another: Over 25% of Kerry's total points have come from goals. File picture: Tom Beary/Sportsfile Too green: Having played 13 games, Kerry have amassed a combined 327 points. While, 52 points (less than 16%) have come by way of orange flags, 84 have been provided by goals (over 25%). Last Saturday's loss to Meath in Tullamore was the first time they didn't find the net this year. Notwithstanding the fact they have yet to face a Division 1 team in the championship, they have the meanest defence goals-wise for the season too with just seven conceded. Not enough green: Anybody who has watched Cork this year knows they create goal openings but their conversion rate has been dreadful. Five goals in 12 league and championship fixtures (one in their five SFC fixtures) is five times less than Kerry and half what Donegal have scored and the Ulster winners have the third worst goal return among the remaining 12 counties. Too white: Donegal have 34 two-pointers and 10 goals to their name in 14 matches. Nearly 70% of their amalgamated scores have come from the single-point scores. Cavan's statistics may also give Kerry some insight ahead of Saturday's game in Killarney. Of their 227 total points in 11 games, almost 62% have come from single-point scores. Not enough white: Down and only because like Cavan and Cork they are among the lowest scorers remaining in the championship with their overall 269 points total from 12 outings. They are among the best for long-range points. Monaghan have become masters of the two-pointer. File picture: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile Too orange: Step forward Monaghan, whose average total of points per game is hitting 28 points. A rash of two-pointers, 13 in total across their last three matches, have brought their total season figure to 106, which equates to 32% of their 330 aggregate. Nearly 16% of their total has come from goals. Not enough orange: Like Kerry, Dublin are averaging two 'arcs' a game, which represents less than 20% of their total scoring, while their goal rate of one a match is just above mid-table and constitutes less than 10%. Read More The problems and plusses on Cork football's balance sheet Just right: They have been flying by the seat of their pants in recent times but on several occasions thus year Galway have been shown a deep understanding of the rules. That is reflected in their even spread of scoring. They have gathered an aggregate of 301 points in 13 outings this year. Of that, 90 points (30%) have come from two-pointers and 60 from goals (20%). Louth are close to the top in both the green and orange flag counts, which comprise 18% and 28% of their aggregate scores for the year. Or is that the reigning champions Armagh have it all figured out? Nearly 70% of their scores are one-pointers, a little over 10% goals and close to 22% two-pointers. Are theirs the healthier proportions? The next 10 days might tell. Read More The problems and plusses on Cork football's balance sheet
RTÉ News
20 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Teams: O'Shea and Clifford return for Kerry squad for Cavan game
Sean O'Shea returns to the starting team and Paudie Clifford is named in the squad as Kerry make five changes to the side which suffered a shock defeat to Meath in Tullamore. The defeat to the Leinster finalists has seen Kerry unexpectedly sent to the preliminary quarter-finals, with Cavan the visitors to Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday. Jack O'Connor has named a much changed side, with Sean O'Shea and Diarmuid O'Connor included in the half-forward line, replacing Micheál Burns and Tony Brosnan, the latter dropping out of the matchday 26. Brian Ó Beaglaoich replaces Tadhg Morley in the half-back line, with Sean O'Brien slotting into midfield in place of Mark O'Shea. Conor Geaney takes the full-forward berth, with Killian Spillane dropping to the bench. Paudie Clifford hasn't been included in the starting XV but is back on the match-day panel, having picked up a muscle strain in the group stage win over Cork. However, Paul Geaney, also injured in the win over Cork, hasn't recovered in time and will sit out his second game in succession. The two sides last met in the championship in the 2013 All-Ireland quarter-final, Kerry winning by six points. Cavan have not beaten Kerry in the championship since the 1947 All-Ireland final, played in the Polo Grounds in New York. Kerry: Shane Ryan; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Tom O'Sullivan; Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Mike Breen, Gavin White; Joe O'Connor, Seán O'Brien; Diarmuid O'Connor, Seán O'Shea, Graham O'Sullivan; David Clifford, Conor Geaney, Dylan Geaney.
Irish Examiner
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
No Geaney and Brosnan as Paudie Clifford returns to Kerry bench
Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Diarmuid O'Connor and Seán O'Shea return to the Kerry team for Saturday's All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-final against Cavan in Killarney. Paudie Clifford is named among the substitutes but Paul Geaney is not in the match-day 26. In all, Jack O'Connor makes five personnel changes from the team that started last Saturday's final round game defeat to Meath. Conor Geaney also included along with Seán O'Brien. Tadhg Morley, Mark O'Shea, Micheál Burns and Killian Spillane move to the bench but Tony Brosnan is absent from the squad. Diarmuid O'Connor has missed the last two games having returned from a shoulder injury to face Roscommon in Fitzgerald Stadium. He had been unavailable for two months prior to that comeback following a stunning run of form in the league. Ó Beaglaoich and O'Shea were excluded from the panel that faced Meath for precautionary reasons. Paudie Clifford served a one-match suspension in the Munster final but did not feature until the second round All-Ireland SFC win over Cork when he was replaced prior to half-time with a muscle strain. KERRY (SFC v Cavan): S. Ryan; P. Murphy, J. Foley, T. O'Sullivan; B. Ó Beaglaoich, M. Breen, G. White (c); J. O'Connor, S. O'Brien; D. O'Connor, S. O'Shea, G. O'Sullivan; D. Clifford, C. Geaney, D. Geaney. Subs: S. Murphy, D. Casey, K. Spillane, T. Morley, A. Heinrich, M. Burns, E. Looney, T.L. O'Sullivan, M. O'Shea, P. Clifford, D. Moynihan.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
First Look: A new private luxury retreat an hour from Dublin
Bettystown House , a 17th-century estate in the Meath countryside close to Dublin, has opened its doors to the public for the first time in its long and storied history. Following an extensive and sympathetic restoration by the local Ryan family, the nine-bedroom property close to the sea is now available for exclusive hire for guests. Built around 1630 by the Betagh family, Bettystown House, formerly known as Betaghstown House, was a private residence for generations. It was home to a branch of the Allen family (of Ballymaloe fame) for seven decades before being bought in 2022 by the Ryans. Its development marks not only a new chapter for the house itself, but also a significant development for tourism and hospitality in the wider Meath region. Set across 5.2 hectares (13 acres), the estate is framed by forest walks, a private lake and manicured gardens, all meticulously maintained under the watchful eye of family patriarch Aidan Ryan snr, who, conveniently owns a landscaping business. The new era of Bettystown House is very much a family affair. Aidan snr. and his wife Shirley Ryan are majority shareholders, while their four adult children, who also hold shares, manage the day-to-day operations. [ Moving from Dublin to rural Ireland: 'Every time we went away we loved all the green around us. Then we thought, let's just go do it' Opens in new window ] The front door of Bettystown House. Photograph: Alan Betson The interiors have been carefully renovated. Photograph: Alan Betson Bedroom. Photograph: Alan Betson Diningroom. Photograph: Alan Betson Bedroom. Photograph: Alan Betson Bedroom. Photograph: Alan Betson Sittingroom. Photograph: Alan Betson Dingroom. Photograph: Alan Betson Bedroom. Photograph: Alan Betson As it happens, Aidan snr is also a conservation contractor, so taking on the restoration of a protected structure of this scale wasn't quite as daunting as it might have been for others. Sons Glenn and Aidan jnr are trained chefs, while daughters Emily Lane and Donna Ryan Burke manage various elements of the house, including interior design, marketing, and guest services. READ MORE The family is already well-known in the region for their popular TRIBE Restaurant in Duleek and the TRIBE food trucks. At one point, says Aidan snr, there were up to 100 tradespeople on site working to bring Bettystown House back to life. 'This is more than a business venture for us,' says group managing director Glenn Ryan. 'It's about giving new life to a home with history and sharing its magic with others for the first time.' So far, the estate has created ten full-time jobs, with more to follow as the Ryans embark on a multiphase expansion. For now, guests can expect a private, self-contained experience with the option to add catered meals, private chef services, and tailored experiences. The main kitchen, designed by McAuley Kitchens of Drogheda, Co Louth, is impressive. At its centre is a custom island topped with a 750kg granite slab, providing ample space for guests to cook or host events. Emily Lane, Aidan Ryan jnr, Donna Ryan Burke, Aidan Ryan snr and Glenn Ryan at Bettystown House. Photograph: Alan Betson Main kitchen. Photograph: Alan Betson Renting the full nine-bed house will set you back €2,500 per night, with this including a two-bed self-contained apartment. Renting the apartment on its own will cost €650 per night, while the price for the seven-bed house alone will be €1,800. Prices may be lower if renting earlier in the week. Food is a central part of the experience at Bettystown. TRIBE's food trucks, located in a renovated barn on the estate, serve wood-fired sourdough pizzas, gourmet burgers, crepes, folded flatbreads, cakes, and cookies, all made in-house. The menu is designed to appeal to a wide audience, from families and walkers to day-trippers and guests staying on-site. Afternoon tea is available once a month in the formal diningroom, and this summer, Ballymaloe-trained chef Aidan Ryan jnr, will curate a series of special dining events. His menus focus on sustainability and seasonality, with ingredients sourced locally where possible. Aidan, who harvests salt from nearby Bettystown Beach and churns his own butter, will host the evenings, with handmade breads supplied by his brother Glenn. Food at Bettystown House. Photograph: Alan Betson Glenn Ryan at work. Photograph: Alan Betson Food offerings in the renovated barn, which is open to the public seven days a week. Photograph: Alan Betson Over the next three to five years (or perhaps two to three, depending on which Aidan you ask), the family plans a major expansion that will transform Bettystown House into a comprehensive hospitality and lifestyle destination. The proposed development includes a bakery, luxury wellness facilities, holiday cabins set throughout the grounds, a cookery school, a state-of-the-art production kitchen, and a retail village. These will feature an artisan bakery, food hall, cheese shop, garden store, wine and charcuterie bar, and a barbecue deli. And if Aidan snr has his way, there may be a 60-seater Orangerie in the estate's future too. – he might even build it himself.
The 42
a day ago
- Sport
- The 42
'You are used to being on the road' - Shane O'Donnell makes light of Donegal controversy
BY THE TIME Shaun Patton stood over his final kickout last Sunday, there were mere seconds left on the clock and Mayo had just drawn level with Donegal through Fergal Boland's point. There's been a huge amount of talk since that all he had to do was boot the ball out and both teams would have made it through at the expense of Cavan. That discounts the possibility that the players may not have been aware of events in Brewster Park Enniskillen, where Tyrone were dishing out a beating to Cavan. Or even the suspicion that players were deliberately shielded from events elsewhere. Patton's kick was wide to his left. It went over the head of the intended target. It bounced kindly to Ciaran Moore and it's difficult to think of another Donegal player who would have had the conditioning to achieve what he did, which was to outpace Sean Morahan and step inside Jack Carney to kick the point that put Mayo out. Better to have to face Cavan down the line than Mayo, the logic would follow. On the sideline, Shane O'Donnell had been taken off. He, and others, were screaming to put the ball out of bounds 'There were a few boys shouting at him to kick it out. And there were probably a few boys shouting at Shaun then as well to drain the clock and wait for the hooter to go,' he admits at the Croke Park launch of the All-Ireland football series. 'It was just so hard to get messages on board even when I was on the pitch. You were unable to hear things from the sideline just because of the way the stand was. And the stand was on top of the bench.' A dramatic day in the Hyde. And the drama didn't end then either, as Donegal manager Jim McGuinness railed about the perceived unfairness of having to travel to Roscommon to play the game in a neutral venue. McGuinness' point that Donegal were somewhat discriminated against was a moot one, given how Kerry travelled to Tullamore to take on Meath and unavailability of other, more equidistant stadiums. The complaint about not getting a hotel within the county is also frivolous, given that Donegal routinely book into the Slieve Russell hotel in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan for their games in Clones, Co Monaghan. Advertisement Asked if the situation around Dr Hyde Park came as an annoyance to the players, O'Donnell answered, 'Not really, there wouldn't be really much chat about it. 'I suppose with big games you are used to being on the road at this stage and you get your preparation and all done the night before with travelling down to hotels et cetera. We don't get too caught up in it, it's probably more of the logistics team or whatever that are dreading the thought of it. Shane O'Donnell pictured at the All Ireland football launch. Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE 'We are just happy to be playing in the big games and being at this stage of the All-Ireland series.' Donegal, along with Meath, have now played seven games each across this championship. With the season squeezed into a tighter window, it has never been as game-heavy. Donegal now have their eighth game in a period of 12 weeks this Sunday when Louth come to Ballybofey in the preliminary quarter-final. Research conducted by the Gaelic Player's Association holds that players want more games and less periods of heavy training. So what's that like when you're right in the middle of it? 'It's definitely more enjoyable,' says the 24-year-old St Eunan's clubman. 'At the end of the day when you are training in December or January or whatever it is, you are just looking forward to playing games. 'When the league starts to end, that is the beginning of the end with games on games nearly. It is definitely enjoyable, but it is definitely taxing on the body too. Especially going through Ulster, it can be very taxing with every game being just as tough as the next. 'I suppose we got the short straw going into the preliminary round as well against Derry. That was probably an extra game that we didn't really want, but thankfully we came over the line with an Ulster Championship.' O'Donnell's own form has arrived this season with a steady run of games. Having played first in the side that reached the 2022 Ulster final, he sat out the 2023 season. He returned last year when McGuinness came back as manager, and he puts a great deal of his improved performances down to personal circumstances now that he is living at home and working as a PE and Maths teacher in Deele College in Raphoe. Just twenty minutes drive from his home in Letterkenny, Raphoe is also just three miles from the Donegal training base in Convoy. 'I suppose the big thing for me there was getting home. I was in Dublin there for four years so it was very taxing on the body, Which kind of led to me taking the break as well there in between. It is definitely a lot easier now being at home, it takes away the travelling,' he explains. 'Last year, I was nearly living out of the car at one stage. It is nice to be home. It is nice to be able to recover and rest, especially with the quick turnaround for games. 'I feel good at the minute and I am looking after the body really well which is the main thing.' One huge benefit to Donegal GAA has been the growth of the Atlantic Technological University in Letterkenny, with Michael Murphy attached to the institution. However, some do need to go further for their education and O'Donnell is not afraid to admit the commuting to and from Dublin has had a toll. 'It is very tough. I suppose after my first year in I thought maybe that I wasn't performing as much as I would have liked to be performing. I was maybe putting that down to fatigue and tiredness and what not. Driving can be hard on the body as well with hamstrings. 'When I went back in last year with Jim and all coming back it was kind of hard to turn it down last year. Now it worked out well with how my timetable was in terms of placement and in terms of DCU as well. 'But it was a busy season last year with Sigerson as well. You were having two games a week nearly during the league season. That was tough as well. It was nice now to get on the other side of that and put all my focus into one thing. 'I suppose in terms of comparing to other years I feel a lot fresher and a lot healthier now this year.' James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO And speaking of Murphy, O'Donnell was able to play alongside him in his first year. He will admit that for some of the younger crew like Finbarr Roarty and Ciaran Moore, there is an element of playing alongside a cast-iron icon this season. O'Donnell insists that when Murphy was taking his first steps back in with the panel, he wasn't aware of it – instead being involved in the Ulster club campaign with St Eunan's. Related Reads 'You couldn't be happy with Saturday' - Paul Geaney gets ready for charge at Sam Maguire Game-by-game guide after today's All-Ireland senior football draw GAA confirm next weekend's All-Ireland senior football and hurling fixtures 'There were rumours going about,' he explains. 'It was a closed camp and I didn't actually believe it until I'd seen it with my own eyes when I got back there. So it's good to have him back. He's a great man and he's a great ambassador for Donegal.' And there's no surprise that his form has been so critical to Donegal this year. 'I suppose when you're in the club championship and he was playing Glenswilly, they were flying with him there as well and he was performing well in all those games,' states O'Donnell. 'I kind of had a fair idea that he would have settled in well whenever he came back, probably not as well as what he's doing at the minute. 'He's performing in all the big games for us at the minute and he's coming away with individual awards as well there. He's doing very well and I'm very happy for him because there's no better man to be getting that recognition because he deserves it.' * Check out the latest episode of The42′s GAA Weekly podcast here
