Not sure what was going on at BBC NI Sport at the time (haven’t they heard there’s a crisis?), but the Irish Independent has an interview with Ulster’s Neil Best who won BBC’s Man of Match Award after the Italy game at Ravenhill, who reckons the award was “fixed for him” by his agent: So, being named ‘Man of the Match’ didn’t exactly count for much? “No it didn’t.” admits Best. “The award didn’t make me feel any better, because …
In the US, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty last week to federal charges relating to the operation of a dogfighting ring over a month after being indicted. – he faces a possible 6 year sentence. Here the BBC claim to have evidence, to be broadcast tonight, that Tyrone GAA player, and all-Ireland medal winner, Gerard Cavlan, “is a senior figure in a dog fighting operation known as The Bulldog Sanctuary Kennels.” When previously charged with possession of a …
Ireland rugby coach Eddie O’Sullivan has named his 30 man squad for next month’s Rugby World Cup. Former GB Rugby League international, Brian Carney, gets the nod but no real surprises in the selection. An Ireland team of mainly 2nd XV players didn’t impress during yesterday’s 31-21 defeat in a warm-up game against Scotland. Ireland’s world cup preparation continues with next Friday’s warm-up game against Italy in Belfast, the first Ireland international at Ravenhill for over 50 years. Michael Robinson
An Irish Times report notes Darren Graham’s response to the statement from the Fermanagh GAA County Board, “If I’m selected I will turn out. But I will also be wanting to see what progress they make on the whole judgement around it, and if they are taking a stand.” County Board Chairman, Peter Carty, also said on the BBC’s Newsline that no individuals or clubs had been identified by Mr Graham in the meeting this week and that “There was …
The Chairman of the Fermanagh County Board of the GAA, Peter Carty, has issued a statement on behalf of the Board in relation to the sectarian abuse reported by Darren Graham recently. One paragraph, in particular, caught my eye Darren Graham has been and continues to be a skilful exponent of football and hurling; he has made incredible efforts to be part of our games and has taken deep pride in representing Lisnaskea Emmetts. We are deeply upset that Darren …
The Gaelic Players Association have praised the “courage and fortitude” of former Fermanagh county hurler Darren Graham in “very difficult circumstances” and have condemned the sectarian abuse. The reaction, so far, from GAA officials is worth noting. The Belfast Telegraph editorial points to GAA President Nickey Brennan’s recent comments, in an interview in the Church of Ireland Gazette, that the organisation should reach out more to Protestants, and he has invited Darren Graham to attend a major championship match at …
The Irish Independent has more detail on the specific abuse that Darren Graham took in the course, primarily, of his senior playing career as the only Protestant playing GAA in Fermanagh. Darren, who works as a joiner with local firm the Clarke Group, stressed he got on well with those within his own club and with people in his local community. “It just came to a head. Something bad (was said) on the field: ‘You’re a black c***.’ Then another …
Martyn Turner, the Irish Times cartoonist relates some fond memories of the only Irishman before Padraig Harrington to win the British Open in today’s Irishman’s Diary. Here’s a snippet: …even in his late sixties, he could work magic on the ball. I saw him bend a medium iron right to left around a tree and land the ball 10 feet from the hole. When I said it was a wonderful shot, he said he had not been quite sure which …
According to the BBC, IFA chief executive Howard Wells has denied having a personal preference for the Maze site for a national stadium – although the quotes offered only refer to the IFA – and, according to the TalkBack news bulletin at 1pm, the GAA has denied ruling out any of the Belfast options.. [Adds As the Irish News reports subs req] That’s despite the claims of the Sports Minister Edwin Poots.. to the Assembly Committee yesterday.. ANYhoo, while that …
Ireland’s cricket team possibly welcomed the rain that stopped play against the West Indies and produced a ‘no result’ at Clontarf but they’ll be praying the clear skies at Stormont hold against Scotland this evening in their latest match in the Quadrangular Series. The Irish team won the toss and batted first racking up a reasonable total of 222 for 4 from their 50 overs. In reply Scotland are currently 183 for 7 but they have less than 3 overs …
The Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, the DUP’s Edwin Poots, has denied being “got at” by party colleagues [After legal advice on the prospects for a judicial review? – Ed] over the proposals for a multi-sports stadium at the Maze site, as previously noted here.. although several of his party colleagues have made public statements. But has the Minister altered his previously stated criteria for any decision on a stadium?From the statement to the BBC by Mr Poots He …
The Ireland cricket team were back at Stormont today, at the Civil Service Club ground, in their first match in a Quadrangular Series which also involves the West Indies and Scotland. They were playing the fourth team involved though and, despite a less than imposing batting performance, the bowling produced enough final overs jitters to secure a one run win over the Netherlands side. Ireland’s first one-day-international win since the World Cup.. and the first for new coach Phil Simmons. …
I remember listening to some local radio programme whilst travelling on the A52 from Nottingham to Derby, when a postman called Kevin Hector called in to the show. I was gobsmacked. In the seventies he was a household name. Less talented but nonetheless a seemingly permanent fixture was Derek Dougan who has died. Dougan was as synonymous with his club Wolves as Hector was with Brian Clough’s highly successful Derby County team. And as United Irishman notes, he scored more …
After yesterday’s delayed defeat by India, the Ireland cricket team face South Africa in the second one day international in a series of five. And after a rain delay, Ireland won the toss and put South Africa into bat.. where they made 173 for 4 off 31 overs. It’s a tough ask, but the opening partnership of Porterfield and Carroll have made a good start, with 43 runs off the first 8 overs. Meanwhile Ireland’s captain Trent Johnson is calling …
Stormont will be put to good use today.. provided the rain holds off. The Ireland cricket team take on India in a one-day international. Live coverage via the usual suspects. India won the toss and put Ireland in to bat. Ireland made 193 all out from the full 50 overs. Rain delay. Adds Some photos Update Duckworth-Lewis applied. India require 171 from 39 overs. India win 172 for 1 from 35 overs. But why wasn’t the weekend club cricket schedule …
Yep, despite the near mass hysteria that grips some of our commenters this time of year it seems two of the strongest markers for cultural identity on the island are going to be sharing the same US stage: the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: …
Whatever your views on any proposed alternatives to the Maze site for the new multi-sports Stadium, with the incentive of Olympic qualifying soccer matches carrot-like on the horizon, you’d be forgiven for imaging that the Sports Minister, the DUPs Edwin Poots, would have the responsibility to decide from any proposals after his recently imposed deadline of 30th June.. except that the First Minister, DUP leader Ian Paisley seems to have already ruled one of the potential proposals out.. and it …
Fascinating account of how the profile of the average GAA player is changing in Boston. How the drop in immigration numbers from Ireland means that the future of some codes like Hurling and Camogie are under threat there. Mick FealtyMick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
Frank McNally in yesterday’s Irish Times (subs needed), reckons the GAA’s English inspired county system is doing his native Monaghan no good. Indeed, he ‘argues’, a bit of flexibility might just open up whole swathes of Gaelic Games to stiffer competition: …consider my own county of Monaghan, formerly part of the ancient territory of Oriel, which also comprised much of current-day Armagh and Louth. It has been noted that, in its shape on the map, Monaghan bears an uncanny resemblance …
Ireland’s cricket team have retained the ICC Intercontinental Cup by beating Canada by an innings and 115 runs on only the second day of the final. Canada had made 92 in their first innings and Ireland replied with 352 before bowling Canada all out for 145. Pete Baker
