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Ulster GAA’s proposed designs for Casement Park.

Source: Presseye/Kelvin Boyes/INPHO

• Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has signed a new deal that will see him keep the reins until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
• Pádraig Harrington has surged up 62 spots in the world rankings, moving to 97th, on the back of his win at the Portugal Masters.
• Cork All-Ireland football winner Daniel Goulding has announced his retirement from the inter-county game at the age of 30.
• Ulster GAA has revealed new plans for the €86m redevelopment of Casement Park which would see the ground’s capacity increase to 34,500.
• Katie Taylor has dismissed reports that she has returned to train in Bray Boxing Club under the stewardship of her father Pete.

Away

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy.

Source: Nigel French

• Leicester City duo Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are among the 30 players named on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or.
• Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko has been charged by England’s Football Association for his elbow on Bournemouth’s Harry Arter on Saturday.
• Former Ireland defence coach Mike Ford has been named as Toulon’s new head coach following the club’s decision to sack Diego Dominguez.
• Portuguese sensation Renato Sanches has beaten England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford to the European Golden Boy award.

The Best Thing We Shared

The Republic of Telly takes a closer look at the Irish football fans who have struggled to re-adapt to society since the Euros.

Source: RTÉ Republic of Comedy/YouTube

On The Record

That was his biggest frustration: that he believed so much in the players and he knew what they can do and what they’re capable of, but sometimes they were not believing in themselves.

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus explains that the late Anthony Foley would have been immensely proud of the way the province played against Glasgow on Saturday.

Where we were today

Fintan O’Toole was at a press conference at Parnell Park today ahead of Saturday’s Dublin SHC final between reigning champions Cuala and Kilmacud Crokes.

Ryan O’Dwyer (left) of Kilmacud Crokes and Cuala’s Mark Schutte.

Source: Piaras Ó Mídheach/SPORTSFILE

The Fixture List

• There are five games in the fourth round of the EFL Cup tomorrow night: Arsenal v Reading, Bristol City v Hull, Leeds v Norwich, Liverpool v Tottenham (live SS1) and Newcastle v Preston. All of those games kick off at 7.45pm.
• Closer to home, recently-crowned SSE Airtricity Premier Division champions Dundalk travel to St Pat’s (7.45pm).
• In the NFL, the Denver Broncos are at the Houston Texans from 1.15am.

Showbiz, Baby!

Templeogue BC’s Lorcan Murphy showed some serious skills in executing this tasty reverse dunk in the Hula Hoops National Basketball Cup against UCC Demons last weekend.

Source: Templeogue Basketball Club/YouTube

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Daniel Goulding in action for Cork in Croke Park.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

CORK 2010 ALL-Ireland winner Daniel Goulding has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

Goulding has called time after 11 seasons with the Cork senior squad, making his debut in a league game against Offaly in 2006 while his last appearance came in the All-Ireland qualifier against Longford last July.

The Éire Óg club man believes the time is right to depart.

“It is the right decision for me at this point in time,” Goulding told The42.

“The demands of the inter-county game are massive and I’m not getting as much enjoyment out of it now as I did before.

“Over the last few years, the role of a forward has changed a lot. I was best suited to a corner-forward position and that role got more difficult to play in over the years. That was frustrating at times.

“If you’re not enjoying it and if you’re not 100% up for the challenge of putting it in for the full season, you’re better off not being there.”

Goulding’s standout moment on the pitch was the 2010 All-Ireland senior final when he scored 0-9 in Cork’s win over Down and claimed the man-of-the-match award.

But for the 30 year-old, there were other highlights during his career.

“The 2010 All-Ireland final was an unbelievable experience. Cork hadn’t won it in 20 years and to be part of that of victory with a bunch of great men was a dream come through. It was a special feeling to win the biggest game in your sport.

Cork players celebrate their 2010 All-Ireland final win against Down

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

“But the friendships made over the years were also a huge highlight. I’ve made some great friends through being involved with Cork and it’s probably the thing that I’ll miss most, the craic in the dressing-room and the great people I shared company with.

“Being involved in a Cork senior panel was fantastic. You’re part of an elite sporting environment which demands that you perform to the best of your ability, both on the pitch and as a person.

“There were plenty great games but one that always stands out for me is the 2009 All-Ireland semi-final against Tyrone. It was a savage match and brilliant one to win with 14 men for over half the game against a team that were the All-Ireland champions at the time.”

Goulding retires with All-Ireland medals to his credit at senior (2010), U21 (2007) and junior (2005). He won four National League medals and four Munster senior football medals.

Goulding celebrates scoring a goal in the 2007 All-Ireland U21 final

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

“There are too many people to acknowledge who have helped me greatly throughout the years,” states Goulding.

“I’d firstly like to thank my fiancee Muireann, my parents, family and friends for their unconditional support.

“My club Éire Óg have always been great to me and I am looking forward to playing with my friends from home for the rest of my career.

“Finally, I’d like to thank all my team mates and management teams which I have had the joy of playing with over the last 10 years.

“I’d like to wish the current panel and management all the best for 2017 and look forward to supporting the Cork football team going forward.”

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FORMER WATERFORD INTER-COUNTY star Eoin Kelly was involved in an incident with current Déise full-back Barry Coughlan in yesterday’s Waterford SHC final.

The Passage full-forward, 34, who retired from inter-county duty in 2012 to end a career that included two All-Stars and four Munster titles, scored two points (one free) in yesterday’s final as his side were comfortably dispatched by Ballygunner, 4-20 to 1-12.

It was a third Waterford crown in a row for the men in red and black but the first-half clash between Kelly and Coughlan, particularly the Passage man’s input, has been the focus of the post-match reaction.

Both Kelly and Coughlan are shown yellow cards by Portlaw referee Michael O’Brien afterwards.

Source: Paddy O’Paddy/YouTube

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ALMOST TWO YEARS after the original plans were quashed by a High Court judge, Ulster GAA has today revealed its proposed designs for the redevelopment of Casement Park.

Source: Presseye/Kelvin Boyes/INPHO

The Belfast venue, once one of the iconic grounds on the GAA circuit, has been lying idle for three years after plans for the €86 million (£77 million) redevelopment were scrapped following an objection from a resident’s group.

The Ulster board are hopeful the new designs, which have been unveiled following an extensive community consultation process, will allow the project to proceed.

The height, scale and capacity have all been reduced from the previous design while a ‘bowl’ shape ensures that supporters in terracing will have the same level of protection from the weather as other spectators.

The proposed capacity of 34,500 includes a standing terrace of 8,500.

“Today’s design unveiling demonstrates Ulster GAA’s willingness to engage, listen and evolve our plans for a new Casement Park stadium,” Tom Daly, Chairman of the Casement Park Project Board, said.

“In the new scheme we have reduced the scale, mass, size and capacity of the stadium whilst at the same time creating a first class atmosphere for GAA supporters through the bowl design and up-close spectator experience.

Source: Presseye/Kelvin Boyes/INPHO

“We are also committed to delivering a travel culture change within the GAA with a sustainable transport strategy inclusive of coach travel, park and ride and integrated travel choices with ticket sales.

“This strategy is good for ease of access to and from the stadium, is cognisant of the needs and views of the local community and is good for the wider environment.”

A redeveloped Casement Park will include conference and banqueting facilities, handball courts and community space.

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CARNACON AND CORA Staunton truly are in a league of their own out west.

The Mayo champions ran riot in Charlestown this afternoon as they beat Kiltubrid of Leitrim by 8-20 to 1-9 in the Connacht Ladies Senior Club Final —  a whopping 32 points.

Staunton, who was winning her 15th provincial title at club level, scored 2-11.

Up next is the All-Ireland series where Carnacon will be bidding to win the Dolores Tyrrell Cup for the first time since 2013.

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WEXFORD STALWART ANTHONY Masterson has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

The experienced net minder made the announcement on Twitter on Sunday afternoon, bringing to an end a long career between the Wexford sticks.

Masterson kept goal for Wexford in their Leinster final defeats in 2008 and 2011, and was also nominated for an All-Star in 2008.

The 33-year-old Castletown clubman has been forced to hang up his boots due to a long-standing injury.

New Wexford boss Seamus McEnaney will be forced to look elsewhere for his number 1 in 2017.

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Goalkeeper Brian Murray celebrates Patrickswell’s Limerick senior hurling final win.

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

Patrickswell 1-26
Ballybrown 1-7

THEY ARE ONE of the aristocrats of Limerick club hurling but Patrickswell have had to endure a barren spell in recent years.

Since winning the county final in 2003 they endured frustration in trying to claim silverware, not least when losing out by a point in the 2015 decider to the eventual All-Ireland champions Na Piarsaigh.

But the ‘Well are back on top of Limerick hurling after demolishing Ballybrown by 19-points to take the honours in today’s decider at the Gaelic Grounds.

Captain Thomas O’Brien lifts the trophy

The Gary Kirby-managed side unleashed a terrific display to capture the title with ten different players contributing on the scoreboard.

Aaron Gillane top scored with 0-7 with Limerick seniors Diarmuid Byrnes (0-6) and Cian Lynch (0-3) also doing their bit. Full-forward Kevin O’Brien notched their only goal while veteran Barry Foley also chipped in with a point.

Patrickswell substitutes celebrate their victory

From the off Patrickswell were in control with O’Brien’s goal in the 13th minute helping them go in front 1-6 to 0-2 after the opening quarter and they possessed a 1-10 to 0-5 advantage at the break.

There was no respite in the second-half as Patrickswell accelerated further clear to be ahead 1-19 to 0-6 entering the final quarter.

Kevin O’Brien hit the net for Patrickswell

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

A goal from Stephen Foster was a late consolation for Ballybrown, who also had a 0-4 return from forward Alan O’Connor.

But there was no stopping Patrickswell who advance to a Munster club semi-final tie against Glen Rovers.

Scorers from Patrickswell: A Gillane 0-7 (0-5f), D Byrnes 0-6 (0-5f), C Lynch 0-3, S O’Brien, J Kelleher, L Considine, T O’Brien 0-2 each, M Carmody, B Foley 0-1 each.

Scorers for Ballybrown: A O’Connor 0-4 (0-3f), S Foster 1-1, K Loftus, L Doolan 0-1 each.

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Ballygunner 4-20
Passage 1-12

Tomás McCarthy reports from Walsh Park

BALLYGUNNER LIFTED THE Waterford senior hurling crown for the third year in succession after a comprehensive win over neighbours Passage at a blustery Walsh Park today.

Top scorer Pauric Mahony delivered 1-11 as Denis Walsh’s side routed their opponents in the second half.

Two goals in three first half minutes from Tim O’Sullivan and Billy O’Keeffe flipped the match on its head after Passage made a bright start with the elements.

The Gunners drove on with further green flags through Stephen Power and Mahony to avenge the 2013 final defeat to the same opponents and complete a treble for the third time in their history.

Mahony missed last year’s final through injury but marked his return to the county showpiece with a man of the match display. The 24 year old posted 1-7 in the second period while goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe made an incredible stop to keep out Conor Carey’s shot.

Pauric Mahony celebrates Ballygunner’s victory.

Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO

Captain Brian O’Sullivan supplied four points from play assisted by lively inside pair Tim O’Sullivan and Peter Hogan. David O’Sullivan barged forward at every opportunity from midfield.

9/2 underdogs Passage started with the strong breeze, before an attendance of 3,811, and full back Noel Connors opened the scoring from seventy metres.

Eoin Kelly and Barry Coughlan both received yellows for an off the ball incident. Peter Queally’s men raced five points clear after ten minutes as Adam Roche, Owen Connors, Thomas Connors and Jason Roche all split the uprights.

Ballygunner’s Barry Coughlan in action against Passage’s Eoin Kelly

Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO

The reigning champions settled with points by Pauric Mahony (free) and Peter Hogan. Passage dead ball specialist Killian Fitzgerald lashed over from his own 45 before Conor Carey intercepted a short puck out and set up Eoin Kelly (0-7 to 0-2).

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Two quick strikes changed the complexion of this final. Passage failed to clear Brian O’Sullivan’s delivery and Tim O’Sullivan pounced to finish past Eddie Lynch. On 21 minutes, Billy O’Keeffe buried a shot to the far corner following a Hogan solo run.

Passage accumulated five costly wides during the second quarter. A Mahony brace helped the favourites into a three point advantage. Fitzgerald and Owen Connors replied with two late frees to make it 2-5 to 0-10 at halfway.

Eoin Kelly levelled matters for the very first time on the restart. Ballygunner moved four points away through Brian O’Sullivan and Pauric Mahony.

Stephen O’Keeffe produced a spectacular close range save from Conor Carey on 43 minutes. O’Sullivan, Mahony and Hogan eased Walsh’s charges out of sight. Killian Fitzgerald ended a seventeen-minute wait for a Passage score.

The Gunners clinched victory with another rapid double blast. Stephen Power billowed the roof of the net before Hogan supplied Mahony for their fourth green flag. Thomas Connors netted a consolation six minutes from time.

Ballygunner captain Brian O’Sullivan lifts the trophy

Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO

Scorers for Ballygunner: Pauric Mahony 1-11 (0-7f), Stephen Power 1-1, Brian O’Sullivan 0-4, Tim O’Sullivan, Billy O’Keeffe 1-0 each, Peter Hogan 0-3, David O’Sullivan 0-1.

Scorers for Passage: Thomas Connors 1-1, Killian Fitzgerald 0-4 (0-3f), Owen Connors, Eoin Kelly 0-2 (0-1f) each, Adam Roche, Noel Connors, Jason Roche 0-1 each.

Ballygunner

1. Stephen O’Keeffe

2. Eddie Hayden
3. Barry Coughlan
4. Ian Kenny

8. Harley Barnes
6. Philip Mahony
7. Shane Walsh

10. David O’Sullivan
11. Billy O’Keeffe

9. Shane O’Sullivan
12. Pauric Mahony
13. Conor Power

15. Tim O’Sullivan
14. Brian O’Sullivan
19. Peter Hogan

Subs

5. Wayne Hutchinson for Billy O’Keeffe (43)
20. Stephen Power for Barnes (48)
21. Michael Mahony for Conor Power (52)
17. JJ Hutchinson for Tim O’Sullivan (54)
18. Johnny McCarthy for Hogan (55)

Passage

1. Eddie Lynch

2. Darragh Lynch
6. Noel Connors
3. Jason Flood

4. Adam Roche
7. Jason Roche
5. Stephen Mason

8. Pa Walsh
18. Gary Cullinane

10. Owen Connors
13. Conor Carey
9. Sean Hogan

11. Thomas Connors
14. Eoin Kelly
12. Killian Fitzgerald

Subs

28. John Whitty for Cullinane (H-T)
15. Richard Hurley for Carey (54)
19. Callum O’Neill for Mason (60)
21. Paul Donnellan for Adam Roche (60)

Referee: Michael O’Brien (Portlaw)

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Noel McGrath and Alan Campbell will be in opposition in the Tipperary decider.

Source: INPHO

THERE’LL BE NEW Munster senior club football champions this year after Clonmel Commercials were knocked out of the Tipperary senior football championship by Loughmore-Castleiney at the semi-final stage.

A 0-9 to 0-8 victory in the last four clash saw Loughmore-Castleiney advance in Boherlahan to a final where they will face Moyle Rovers, who thumped Kilsheelan-Kilcash by 4-14 to 0-6 in their semi-final in Cahir.

The final will take place next Sunday with Loughmore-Castleiney having claimed titles in 2013 and 2014 while Moyle Rovers lost by a point in last year’s decider to Clonmel Commercials.

In a low scoring contest Loughmore-Castleiney prevailed after being ahead 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time. Michael Quinlivan, who hit 0-5 overall, landed a brace early in the second-half to put Clonmel ahead but Loughmore countered with their defence impressive.

John McGrath was outstanding for Loughmore while Liam McGrath hit 0-5 and Cian Hennessy notched 0-2. The loss of Kevin Harney to a black card was a major setback for a Clonmel team who had lost out to eventual All-Ireland champions Ballyboden St-Enda’s at the All-Ireland semi-final stage last February.

Moyle Rovers were far too strong in the other semi-final tie as they had 20 points to spare over Kilsheelan-Kilcash. Diarmuid Foley, who scored 2-4 overall, struck the net twice in the opening half as Moyle Rovers were ahead 2-8 to 0-3 at the interval.

Liam Boland and Stephen Quirke added second half goals while Thomas Hill and Danny Owens also hit key points for the winners.

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Kilmurry Ibrickane 2-13
Cratloe 0-6

Eoin Brennan reports from Cusack Park, Ennis

KILMURRY-IBRICKANE AFFIRMED their position as the team of the decade in Clare this afternoon after a powerful second half display saw them secure their first senior football crown in four years in Cusack Park, Ennis.

Leading by two at the break in this rematch, the 2011 and ’12 champions outscored Cratloe by 2-7 to 0-2 in a dominant second period, bookended by goals for county seniors Martin McMahon and Keelan Sexton.

Anyone expecting the rematch to be more open would have been disappointed in the opening half at least as the sides went even more defensive. At times, Kilmurry Ibrickane had only two forwards in the opposing half as they kicked high out-ball to target man Peter O’Dwyer, with Keelan Sexton feeding off him for scores.

County senior Sexton would kick two of their first three points to hold a 0-3 to 0-1 advantage by the end of the opening quarter, a margin that they would hold until the break after O’Dwyer, Shane Hickey and goalkeeper Ian McInerney matched points from Martin Oige Murphy, Sean Collins and Cathal McInerney at 0-6 to 0-4.

The game opened up on the restart when Michael Hogan played an inch-perfect pass over the top for Michael O’Dwyer to turn his man only for goalkeeper Pierce DeLoughrey to pull off an excellent point blank block to deny Kilmurry-Ibrickane.

It would be a warning sign that the 2014 champions failed to heed as only six minutes later, centre-back Martin McMahon would solo through to find the net, inspiring an unanswered rally of 1-3 to extend their advantage to eight by the turn of the final quarter.

Cathal McInerney did convert Cratloe’s first point of the second period in the 49th minute. However, it was very much against the grain as led by Sexton and Enda Coughlan, a momentum fuelled Kilmurry Ibrickane would continue to tack on scores culminating in an injury-time penalty for Sexton.

Kilmurry Ibrickane now host Kerry champions Dr. Crokes in Quilty next weekend in the Munster senior club quarter-final.

Scorers for Kilmurry-Ibrickane: Keelan Sexton 1-4 (1-0 pen, 0-1f), Martin McMahon 1-0, Shane Hickey, Ian McInerney (0-2f), Mark McCarthy 0-2 each; Michael Hogan, Peter O’Dwyer, Michael O’Dwyer 0-1 each

Scorers for Cratloe: Cathal McInerney 0-4 (0-3f), Martin Oige Murphy, Sean Collins (0-1f) 0-1 each.

Kilmurry-Ibrickane

1. Ian McInerney

4. Ciaran Morrissey
3. Darren Hickey
2. Mark Killeen

7. Darragh Sexton
6. Martin McMahon
21. Declan Callinan

8. Mark McCarthy
9. Keith King

11. Michael O’Dwyer
5. Shane Hickey
12. Michael Hogan

15. Keelan Sexton
24. Peter O’Dwyer
14. Enda Coughlan

Subs

17. Noel Downes for Callinan (41)
10. Niall Hickey for Downes (48, inj)
22. Evan Talty for Morrissey (56)
20. Thomas O’Connor for McCarthy (58)
23. Johnny Daly for M. O’Dwyer (62)

Cratloe

1. Pierce DeLoughrey (Captain)

2. Sean Chaplin
3. Barry Duggan
7. Liam Markham

5. Martin Oige Murphy
4. Michael Hawes
17. Enda Boyce

8. Conor Ryan
9. John Galvin

18. Shane Gleeson
11. Sean Collins
6. Antoin McFadden

13. Cathal McInerney
10. Podge Collins
15. David Collins

Subs

12. Conor Cooney for McFadden (13, inj)
14. Stevie McHugh for Gleeson (41)

Referee: Pat Cosgrove (Corofin)

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