GAELIC GAMES
This weekend sees a number of high-profile local and provincial hurling and football fixtures in Kilkenny and Carlow, coinciding with the GAA’s Respect the Referee Day, running this Saturday and Sunday.
The initiative aims to increase awareness among the players and clubs about the level of respect the GAA expect when it comes to supporting match officials.
It’s a topic that has raised its head repeatedly on Scoreline and our sports podcasts in recent weeks particularly around verbal and physical abuse being directed from the sidelines.
Speaking on KCLR Live this week, analyst Michael Walsh is pointing the finger at the “win at all costs” culture.
“People do get excited, but when it comes to psychically getting involved with people, that is where the line has to be drawn. You will always have your arguments, and things with referees, and they go back at you bt respect has to come into place.”
“I totally blame everything on this win-at-all-cost attitude.”
“I know there is things in place, and the GAA do great work but I actually think it (referee abuse) is there more than ever.”
Carlow LGFA
Old Leighlin continued their winning ways, this time by defeating Bennekerry Tinryland in the Minor A final last night.
This comes after the weekend where Old Leighlin enjoyed a single-point win over Kilucan Ladies, they can now look forward to a quarter-final next week against Longford Slashers.
Congratulations to @oldleighlinlad1 who won the minor A final tonight defeating @BenneTinry on a scoreline of 3.05 to 1.03. Commiserations to Bennekerry/Tinryland who battled to the end. @LeinsterLGFA @scorelinesport @Natsport pic.twitter.com/u8pk5t06Sy
— Carlow Ladies Football (@CarlowLGFA) October 18, 2022
Schools
On the local front, St. Kieran’s College continued its winning ways in the Leinster Junior hurling championship yesterday with a 1-21 to 1-08 win over St. Mary’s CBS Enniscorthy.
Today sees CBS Kilkenny take on county rivals Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown from half past one at Dicksboro while in the Leinster senior hurling league, Castlecomer Community School is in action against Good Counsel College from a quarter past eleven
Carlow call-up
Carlow’s Aoife Kelly has been included in the Republic of Ireland Women’s Under 17 squad for their upcoming European championship qualifiers.
The former St. Pat’s Boys midfielder linked up with Shelbourne earlier this year and has been a regular at under 16 and under 17 at the international level.
Ireland will travel to the North for three groups of 3 games against Northern Ireland, Austria, and Finland beginning this Friday.
Premier League
Embed from Getty ImagesCrystal Palace cracked the top half of the Premier League table last night, coming from behind to win 2-1 at home to Wolves.
Roberto de Zerbi remains without a win as Brighton’s manager following last night’s scoreless draw with Nottingham Forest.
The point sees Forest move above Leicester City at the foot of the table.
Tottenham can close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to a single point tonight.
Antonio Conte’s side is away to Manchester United, with that match underway at Old Trafford at 8.15.
There are four games which kick off at 7.30.
Fourth-placed Chelsea are away to West London rivals, Brentford.
Liverpool will look to build on Sunday’s win over Manchester City with the visit of West Ham United to Anfield.
Newcastle’s five-game unbeaten run is on the line with Everton visiting St. James’ Park.
And there’s a south coast derby with Bournemouth hosting Southampton.
BOXING
Embed from Getty ImagesFour more Irish boxers have the chance to secure at least bronze medals at the European Elite Championships in Montenegro today.
Among those looking to add to Ireland’s haul are Olympic lightweight champion, Kellie Harrington.
2019 European gold medalist Aoife O’Rourke faces Turkey’s Busra Isildar in her middleweight quarter-final.
Light-flyweight Caitlin Fryers and welterweight Kaci Rock are also in the last eight action in Budva.
RUGBY
Embed from Getty ImagesIreland head coach Andy Farrell names his squad for the autumn internationals today.
He has concerns over a number of injured players, with just over two weeks to the visit of the Springboks.
Leinster trio James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, and Jamison Gibson-Park are yet to play for the province this season, while Jordan Larmour and Will Connors are definitely out.
And Munster’s Tadhg Beirne has emerged as a doubt due to a groin complaint.
Keep an eye out throughout the day for these stories and more on Scoreline.ie