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Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Michael Noonan's brilliant double helps leaders Shamrock Rovers to comfortable win over bottom side Cork City
That gap now stands at 11 points following an utterly dominant display against the rock bottom Leesiders, who proved no match for a Rovers side who are in frightening form having made it eight wins from their last nine here. Rovers were ruthless, racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening half hour with 16-year-old Michael Noonan bagging a brace in between Roberto Lopes' bullet header, as Rory Gaffney added the fourth shortly after the restart to copper-fasten the three points. A consolation from Cork's Alex Nolan proved too little too late for Ger Nash's visitors, who suffered the same scoreline as their last trip to Tallaght in April. Presumably with one eye on Monday's trip to Dalymount Park, Bradley opted for six changes as Cork native Josh Honohan, Aaron Greene and Graham Burke dropped to the bench while trio Darragh Nugent, Matt Healy and Lee Grace were rested entirely. The Hoops boss was in turn able to bring in Noonan, Gaffney, Dan Cleary, Danny Mandroiu, Danny Grant and John O'Sullivan, such depth in a squad that it's almost scary. It took only six minutes for the hosts to take the lead in front of the 4,355-strong crowd. A fine through ball from ex-Ireland U-21 cap Mandroiu put Noonan through inside the box. The teenager still had a lot of work to do through with Cork pair Darragh Crowley and Freddie Anderson hot on his heels, but the Dubliner cleverly skipped past both of them, cut back inside and snuck his shot underneath Tein Troost. The Cork 'keeper may feel he should have done better to keep the tame effort out, but the hosts didn't care Noonan's sixth goal of the year put Rovers in the driving seat early on. Nash's charges came back soon after as some nice link up play between Malik Dijksteel and Djenairo Daniels saw the latter force a good save out of Hoops number one Ed McGinty, but that was as good as it got for the visitors in a opening half to forget. It wasn't long before Bradley's men stepped it up another gear and on 26 minutes, they had their second. Dylan Watts stepped up to take a free-kick from the left-hand side and put it on a plate for Lopes, as the captain's bullet header gave Troost no chance. It was the Cape Verde defender's second goal of the season, and first since the sides last met in Tallaght, another 4-1 triumph for the Hoops. But barely 180 seconds later, it went from bad to worse for the visitors and their travelling fans. Full-back Trevor Clarke, on just his second start of the season, slotted Noonan through on goal on the left flank, after the forward made a superb run from deep. The Ireland U-19 striker kept his cool and dinked it past Troost for his fifth goal in his last six appearances. On the stroke of half-time, Milan Mbeng's cross almost saw Daniels convert at the back post but the former Dutch underage cap was too late to convert at the back post. If the first half was one to forget for Cork City, then the second began in the same fashion as just four minutes after the restart, the hosts had their fourth. It was all of Cork's own making, as a loose pass allowed Mandroiu to pick up the ball and release Gaffney with a textbook through ball. The Galway man charged forward and picked his spot, slotting it low to Troost's left for his fifth of the season. Rovers were cruising. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Recent Ireland U-21 debutant Cathal O'Sullivan, who is being closely tracked by Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest and is expected to depart Turner's Cross this summer, saw a good effort saved by McGinty, who had been a bystander for the majority up to the hour mark. Cleary saw his header sail inches wide moments later, before substitute Nolan pulled back a consolation back on 69 minutes after a fine through ball from Greg Bolger. Having been reduced to silence for much of the night, at least the travelling support had something to shout about, but it was far too little, too late. The contest had been settled long before. All eyes turn towards Monday to see if Bradley's men can extend that lead out to 14 points with a win at Bohs. Andy Farrell's Lions may have kicked off their 2025 campaign in Dublin 4, but in Dublin 24, this 2025 title race took its latest step towards an increasingly likely ending. Shamrock Rovers: McGinty; Cleary, Lopes (Honohan 46), C O'Sullivan; Clarke (Kovalevskis 46), Watts (O'Neill 53), J O'Sullivan, Grant (McEneff 73); Mandroiu (Barrett 53); Noonan, Gaffney. Cork City: Troost; Mbeng (Nevin 61), Anderson, Nelson (Lyons 46), Crowley; O'Sullivan (Nolan 65), Bolger, McLaughlin, Fitzpatrick; Dijksteel (Murray 46), Daniels (Maguire 61).
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I learnt to deal with abuse watching dad handle hate as Ireland boss – I want to follow his footsteps & be a role model
THE daughter of ex-Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has told how he helped her deal with tackling online abuse as she chased her dream of becoming the next Miss Ireland. 6 Stephen Kenny and his daughter Caoimhe Kenny celebrated the Miss Ireland win Credit: Brian McEvoy 6 Caoimhe said there were tears backstage Credit: Instagram @caoimhekenny1 The newly crowned beauty queen, who will be representing The Caoimhe told 'You just need to remind yourself that you're brave to put yourself out there. 'Negative things that people may have to say, they might just not be brave enough to put themselves out there like you are. You just need to own it and embrace the positive. 'Because for every few bad comments, there's hundreds of positive ones and those are the ones that you need to focus on.' She added: 'I think anyone who's in the public eye is going to be subject to scrutiny. Sometimes it's not fair but it's just the way that the world is.' Finalists from across the country put their best foot forward in a bid to grab the crown at the Knightsbrook Hotel on Saturday night. The star-studded audience also included former Miss Irelands Rebecca Maguire, Lauren McDonagh, Aoife Walsh and Anne Marie Gannon. Current Miss Universe Ireland Sofia Labus, Caoimhe told how her dad was 'absolutely' an inspirational role model growing up. Love Island legend Sharon Gaffka stuns in see-through dress at Miss Universe pageant She said: 'He's always taught me to be myself and chase after my dreams. 'That's exactly what he did, and he succeeded at it. I'm very proud to call him a dad. 'In my eyes, and I'm sure so many other people's, he did his country incredibly proud and dedicated his life to football in Ireland. 'So that's what I hope to do now, is to make Ireland proud at Miss World and follow in his footsteps.' EMOTIONAL NIGHT After scooping the title, Caoimhe told how some tears flowed backstage, and that her dad was over-the-moon with her win. She continued: 'He's absolutely delighted. He couldn't have been prouder. 'My family was all there on the night. That moment when I won, I looked down the room and I seen them all from the corner of my eye. 'They were standing up and cheering and it just reminded me why I was there and that support behind me. 'Everybody was chuffed for me. They could see how much it meant to me and the work that I've been putting in. I think they were just delighted for me.' CHILDHOOD CHALLENGES The 24-year-old, who volunteers at Save Our Homeless Dundalk and Hygiene Hub Louth, discussed how everyone faces their own challenges. Caoimhe discussed how she moved 'around a lot as a child' when her dad was working with different teams. She said: 'I went to several different schools. It was just trying to embrace that change. 'But I didn't look at it as a challenge and rather looked at it as an opportunity to meet new people and experience a new place.' PAGEANT GOALS While the beauty queen played football and The talented mover wowed judges with a stunning lyrical dance performance at the final. Caoimhe told how she had started working towards bagging the Miss Ireland title last year. 'In my eyes, and I'm sure so many other people's, he did his country incredibly proud and dedicated his life to football in Ireland." Caoimhe Kenny And after nabbing first runner up in Miss Universe Ireland, Caoimhe set herself a new goal. She said: 'I think that really fuelled something inside me and it made me realise that through this platform and 'I couldn't think of a dream I'd had that was bigger than representing Ireland in Miss World.' 'GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT' Caoimhe gushed that winning Miss Ireland is the 'greatest achievement' of her life. She said: 'Representing Ireland at Miss World is a once-in a lifetime opportunity, and I'm determined to make it count. 'I will use this platform to be a voice for change and a role model for young girls like me, girls who dream to make a difference, showing them that kindness, courage, and purpose can lead to real impact.' The Miss Ireland contest, dating back to 1947, has helped accelerate former queens careers, including Caoimhe added: 'I grew up in a small town in Buncranan, Co 'If you were to say one day I'm going to be Miss Ireland, you might have not believed it. 'But it just goes to show that ordinary girls can become extraordinary women.' 6 Caoimhe said it's a dream to represent Ireland like her dad did 6 Former Miss Ireland Rebeccca Maguire crowned Caoimhe Kenny on Saturday night Credit: Brian McEvoy 6 Rosanna Davison was crowned Miss World 2003 Credit: REUTERS / HO / Miss World Organisation 6 Miss Ireland dates back to 1947 Credit: Brian McEvoy
Irish Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
'He punched me' – Roy Keane admits manager he 'loved' took a swing for him
Brian Clough may have punched Roy Keane in the chest after the ex-Ireland captain made a mistake that resulted in an FA Cup clash being replayed, but Keane still "loved" the iconic manager. Keane, 53, is best known for his fiery performances at Manchester United, but many say Clough was the one who moulded him into the player he became. The legendary Nottingham Forest manager was known for his unpredictable behaviour and temper, particularly in the dressing room. Keane joined Forest in 1990 from Cobh Ramblers and went on to become one of the most sought-after young midfielders. Much of his development was down to many hard lessons he learned under Clough. One of those ended with the legendary manager punching him, after a mistake from Keane led to Forest drawing to Crystal Palace at the City Ground in an FA Cup third-round replay in 1991. Offering an insight into Clough's man-management during a recent appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: "He (Clough) played mind games sometimes. "If you got beaten, you'd think he's going to go after you and then he'd go the other way and go, 'Have a few days off.' If you'd won a few, you'd be going, 'Listen, (I think we'll be getting) a couple of days off' and he'd be like, 'No, you're all in tomorrow.' He'd definitely be playing mind games.' Keane then turned to ex-Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley, who was widely known as 'Big Norm' at the time, and said: "We (had) the incident with me, you and the Crystal Palace goal where he punched me after the game. He'd give me days off and he'd be brilliant.' Disaster struck for Keane when his short back-pass to Crossley led to the keeper scuffing the ball to Palace ace John Salako, who looked up and lobbed Crossley in the final moment of the game. The game finished 2-2 after extra-time and Clough was furious, as Forest had already drawn 0-0 with Palace in their first FA Cup meeting. As there were no penalty shootouts in the FA Cup at the time, a second replay had to be scheduled, leaving Clough furious. While Crossley admitted he should have done better with his clearance, Clough did not see it that way. The Corkonian midfielder said: "I'm looking and it was honestly like slow motion. You know about not upsetting the manager because we all loved Brian Clough. He gave us a chance like Norm did for me. "I remember John Salako got it and I'm looking at Norm running back. John Salako, what would he have been? Forty-five yards out? (I thought) 'Norm get back. He's f***ing not getting there'. I swear, as soon as I heard it hit the net... "He (Clough) blamed me for the back pass and it was the cup game. So then we went to a replay and he wanted the game done and dusted there. I think it ended up going to, three replays or something. "So he had the thought of having a free weekend and was going, 'Now I've got to go to London, all the way to London to play Palace in the cup game that we hadn't won.' So he blamed me after the match.' Turning to Crossley, Keane said: "I don't think you said much after the game. You just let me take the wrap for it. He (Clough) just punched me in the chest.' Keane made 148 appearances for Forest between 1990 and 1993. He would eventually leave the City Ground to move to United, in a deal worth €4.45million, which was a British record at the time.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Ireland v Senegal: Kasey McAteer and Jack Taylor make first Irish starts
Live | Ireland take on the might of Senegal in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium this evening (kick-off 7.45pm). Heimir Hallgrimsson's side face an African nation unbeaten in their last 20 games – a tough challenge in preparation for the big World Cup qualifications to come later this year. Catch all the action as it happens here. 5 minutes ago The Indo Sport Podcast is worth the listen this week – ex-Ireland international Meabh De Burca and Dan McDonnell delve into both Ireland's men's and women's national teams, Stephen Bradley's comments and reaction to Caoimhin Kelleher's transfer: Indo Sport podcast: The Football Show | Heimir's last test drive until World Cup run | Ireland are stagnant - can Carla Ward adapt? Former Ireland international Meabh De Burca joins Joe to react to an international window where Carla Ward stuck to her guns and style of play - but how much is it working so far? 9 minutes ago Robbie Brady sat down with RTE this week for an insightful interview into the Dubliner's life in green: 15 minutes ago Good evening and welcome to another live blog as Ireland take on Senegal in the first of two summer international friendlies. My name is Ultán Corcoran and I will be keeping you updated as the action unfolds on the pitch. The Aviva Stadium is the venue for this evening's game with a strong home crowd expected to cheer on Heimir Hallgrimsson's Boys in Green. The game is being televised over on RTE 2 and the RTE Player online with coverage starting from 7pm. Kick-off is a fraction later at 7.45pm. 20 minutes ago Kasey McAteer and Jack Taylor will make their first Irish starts in tonight's friendly against Senegal, while Adam Idah will lead the line with Troy Parrott and Evan Ferguson benched. Leicester winger McAteer and Ipswich engine room operator Taylor get a chance to impress in the midfield department - an area where Heimir Hallgrimsson is missing several established Championship squad members. Will Smallbone also comes into the side, with Hallgrimsson suggesting yesterday that he saw the Southampton player as an attacking midfielder and not a defensive one. That suggests he could slot into the position vacated by the absent Finn Azaz. Celtic striker Idah gets the nod up top with Parrott - who has been struggling with sickness - dropping to the bench. There is also no start for Evan Ferguson, who arrived into camp short of gametime after a very disappointing loan at West Ham. As expected, Hallgrimsson has gone with a back four of Matt Doherty, Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea and Robbie Brady
The Irish Sun
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Shelbourne's title defence continues to stutter as Ali Coote saves draw against Cork City in Premier Division clash
SHELBOURNE'S title defence continues to flounder despite an Ali Coote moment of magic that grabbed a point against Cork City. The relegation-threatened Leesiders were dominant for long spells until Seáni Maguire found the net before the hour mark. 2 Seani Maguire put Cork City in frotn against Shelbourne Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile 2 Damien Duff's team were saved by Ali Coote Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile But City have not beaten Shels since 2013 and have not kept a clean sheet all season — and those records remain after Coote's sublime finish in front of 2,821 fans at Turner's Cross. Shels move up a spot to fifth for the mid-season break. Ninth-placed City edge a point above bottom side Sligo Rovers after ending a run of four straight defeats. Ger Nash's programme notes declared the City hotseat as 'the biggest job in the League of Ireland' ahead of his first home game in charge. The 38-year-old welcomed back Maguire for his first start in almost three months, while despite experienced pair Seán Gannon and Paddy Barrett becoming available, Read More on League of Ireland Nash was up and down the steps of the Derrynane Road Stand as he watched his team control the opening half. Cathal O'Sullivan and Milan Mbeng showed their trickery by nutmegging defenders, while Evan McLaughlin ran the show in midfield alongside Seán Murray. Maguire had an early penalty appeal fall on deaf ears and Freddie Anderson headed a couple of corners towards goal. But his best attempt saw Josh Fitzpatrick get in the way of the ball. In the 27th minute, Fitzpatrick battled to tee up McLaughlin for a dipping long-range strike that clipped the crossbar on its way over. Most read in Football Then, a rehearsed free-kick routine from McLaughlin saw Charlie Lyons denied at the front post by stand-in keeper Lorcan Healy. Maguire had one shot blocked by Kameron Ledwidge before stabbing at another effort. Cork City fans watch League of Ireland clash against Dundalk in cinema Play was delayed due to a drone hovering over Turner's Cross before Shels' only chance of the half arrived. John Martin's hard work set up John O'Sullivan but Lyons headed his shot away to safety . It was Shels' sole shot against City's 11 in the first half. Duff showed his displeasure with three half-time substitutions. Barrett and James Norris were called upon to bolster their defence. Mipo Odubeko came on to partner Martin up front. Odubeko soon got off a couple of scruffy shots. But City had their deserved goal in the 57th minute. Fitzpatrick won the ball from a loose Odubeko touch. Mbeng then went on a charge down the right and stood up a brilliant cross for Maguire to rise above Mark Coyle to head home. A third goal of the season for the ex-Ireland international. Odubeko could not find the target with a free header but Shels were level by the 71st minute. Coyle and Odubeko were involved but the goal was all about Coote. The substitute turned into space on the edge of the box before drilling a perfect low finish into the net via the far post. And Coote could have doubled his account within a minute but for a brave Lyons block. But the hosts had a big opportunity to win it on 90 minutes when Rio Shipston's fierce shot was palmed away by Healy. SUN STAR MAN Evan McLaughlin (Cork). CORK CITY : Troost 6; Mbeng 8, Anderson 6, Lyons 7, Crowley 6; O'Sullivan 7 (Nolan 89, 6), S Murray 7 (Shipston 73, 6), McLaughlin 8, Fitzpatrick 7 (Dijksteel 73, 6); Maguire 7 (Bolger 66, 6), Daniels 7. SHELBOURNE : Healy 7; Coyle 6, Ledwidge 7, Wilson 6 (Barrett 46, 6); O'Sullivan 6 (Norris 46, 6), Lunney 6, McInroy 7, Caffrey 6; Chapman 6 (Coote 65, 7), Wood 5 (Odubeko 46, 6); Martin 6 (Kelly 82, 6). REFEREE : M Lynch (Galway) 6.
