Search Results for 'Tackle'

Following two consecutive defeats to Meath and Donegal, the upcoming game against Laois on March 1 takes on greater significance for the Galway footballers.

It is the stuff of childhood dreams, a small rural parish getting ready to descend on the great cathedral of sport in the nation. When Kiltane run out on to the field on Jones Road on Sunday, there will not be many left back home to keep check on the house, and those who are left behind will have their ears glued to the radio, using their mind to picture the proceedings going on in Croke Park.

AIT and Westmeath GAA have launched an academy to nurture and develop highly skilled young players. Up to 80 players will be selected annually to participate on a development programme which will run for five years.

Corinthians head to Thomond Park on Saturday to take on mid-table Shannon in the Ulster Bank League’s division 1b.

Connacht host their final pool game of this season’s Heineken Cup - and possibly their last if participating countries fail to agree on the competition’s future - but Pat Lam’s squad has huge incentive to achieve another victory on Saturday (3.40pm).

The storm may have passed but the work has only just begun for both Galway city and county councils which now face the daunting task of assessing the full extent of the damage. A report is due to be sent by both local authorities to central Government next week seeking emergency funding which is vital if the necessary repairs are to be carried out.

It is one of rugby's greatest upsets. Connacht’s giantkilling of European aristocrats in their own back yard will rank as one of the most significant in the history of the Heineken Cup.

I have never hidden the fact that dubious refereeing and bad decisions by referees during games are pet hates of mine and make my blood boil. Before I attract the wrath of every ref in the county I must admit it is more so at a national level than within the county itself. There have not been many games I attended this year that I left thinking the man in the middle did a really good job.

As we expected Dr Crokes of Kerry won the Munster club title to set up an All-Ireland semi final with Castlebar Mitchels to be played next February. An old team mate of mine who now plays his club football in Clare told me last week that Cratloe had a fine team and were in no uncertain terms just going to make up the numbers. He advised me to have a bet on Cratloe using the handicap, as I was told there was no chance of them shipping a hiding, he was right and I didn’t listen. Cratloe, who boast seven of the Clare senior hurling team, threw the bookmakers’ odds out the window and went agonisingly close to causing an enormous upset. Any team with a backbone like that will be tough and in physically brilliant shape. I could only imagine the tension and excitement in the Castlebar camp as Cratloe took the lead with four minutes to go. Castlebar should not and will not fear anyone, but they would have loved to see Crokes who were going for a three in a row in Munster beaten. Crokes have an unbelievable team and I am sure they are thinking this is their best chance to win that elusive Andy Merrigan cup. I am sure they took their eye off the ball last Sunday and they got the fright they needed. I was very anxious to hear about Colm Cooper’s red card, to see if he was going to be suspended for the semi final against the Mitchels, thankfully it was just a second yellow. Part of me wanted him suspended (Castlebar would have a much better chance) but the football brain came into action and the most part of me wanted him available to see how he copes against a very good Castlebar defence. If Barry Moran appeals his red card (which he should) I hope it gets overturned as I fully believe his tackle on Karl Mannion merited a yellow card at worst. It would be better for football followers all over the country to see both teams going at it with a full panel to pick from. Dr Crokes players are household names at this stage, more well known than a lot of county players from outside division one. They have three current Kerry players in the Gooch, Kieran O’Leary, and Eoin Brosnan, and two other brilliant forwards in Brian Looney and Daithi Casey. It will be fascinating to see a brilliant forward line going up against a well oiled and organised backline next February, something has to give.

The biggest provider of hostels for the homeless, and assistance to those in need, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, is urging Galwegians to support this year’s annual appeal.