Ridden by Jack Kennedy, the Denis Reddin-owned six-year-old gelding ran out a two and a half length winner over Fascile Mode (33/1), who was prominent throughout under Jake Coen.

Chart Topper (8/1) and Brian Hayes were third, a half-length behind the runner-up.

The @gelliott_racing-trained Winning Smut lands the @BoyleSports Handicap Hurdle pic.twitter.com/TXNW94Wgl5

— Galway Races (@Galway_Races) August 2, 2025

Ebony is King in Maiden Hurdle

The Andrew Slattery-trained Ebony King took the opening BoyleSports Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden Hurdle.

Ridden by Cian Quirke, the four-year-old was a Tipperary bumper winner on debut early last month.

The 9/1 chance came home with two and a half length to spare over Tatateo (9/1) and Daniel King. Pistocchi was third (18/1), a further 17 lengths back.

The Lads Come On Late in Galway Tribes

Come On The Lads (22/1) came late on the stands’ side to deny Toll Stone (7/2 favourite) and Donagh Meyler by a head in the €80,000 BoyleSports Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle over two miles and 175 yards.

Placed three times over hurdles this season, the winner was ridden by seven-pound claimer Eoin Staples for The Lads Partnership.

Messersschmitt (7/1) finished in third place, a further half-length behind, under Jack Kennedy.

Come On The Lads wins a thrilling renewal of the @BoyleSports Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle pic.twitter.com/eSIwvbxBUa

— Galway Races (@Galway_Races) August 2, 2025

Some Pretender was a popular winner in the Salthill Hotel Irish EBF Mares Flat Race for Patrick and Willie Mullins.

Carrying the colours of Syndicates Racing, the bay filly was welcomed back to the winners’ enclosure by many syndicate members. The five-year-old gave the successful handler a fifth victory in the last six renewals of the race.

Action is odd-on maiden winner

Action (4/9 favourite), third to stable companions New Zealand and Isaac Newton [a winner today at Goodwood] on debut at The Curragh recently, broke his maiden in the Whiriskey Refrigeration Irish EBF Maiden over one mile and 73 yards.

In the hands of Betfred Derby-winning rider Wayne Lordan, the juvenile son of Frankel had a length and quarter over Perisher (13/2) and Dylan Browne McMonagle at the winning post.

The other Aidan O’Brien-handled horse, Christmas Day, was third at 11/2 for five-pound claimer Jack Cleary.

Another boost for the New Zealand form

Action, third on debut, goes in @Galway_Races, completing a quickfire across-the-card double for Aidan O’Brien.

New Zealand’s Curragh win looking like strong form now… pic.twitter.com/kWUqLf5T8R

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 2, 2025

Blue Moon Boy (22/1) got the better of a close finish, by a nose, as the Luke McAteer-steered three-year-old beat Smithfield (3/1 joint-favourite) in the Bathshack Maiden over a mile and 73 yards.

The winner, trained by Andrew Kinirons in Kildare, was fifth last time at Killarney, having brought up the tail-end of the field prior to that on debut at Fairyhouse.

The post Another Galway Races feature for Gordon Elliott appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This convergence has led to the rise of online platforms offering integrated services, allowing users to place bets on their favorite sports while also enjoying traditional casino games like slots, blackjack, and poker. These hybrid platforms, combining both online casinos and sportsbooks, provide a comprehensive gambling experience for players, making it easier than ever to access all forms of entertainment from a single website.

In Ireland, the demand for online casinos with sportsbooks has been growing steadily, driven by the increasing popularity of sports betting alongside traditional casino gaming. Whether it’s betting on major football leagues, horse racing, or even niche sports like darts and snooker, players are looking for a platform that allows them to enjoy all their betting activities in one place. This article explores the advantages of online casinos with sportsbooks in Ireland, how they work, and the features that players should look for when choosing the best platform.

1. The Convenience of Combined Platforms

One of the most significant advantages of online casinos with sportsbooks is the convenience they offer. Traditional brick-and-mortar casinos and sportsbooks often operate independently, forcing players to switch between different platforms if they want to engage in both activities. However, online platforms, including Irish online casinos, have eliminated this hassle by combining both elements into a single interface. This means that players can seamlessly transition from spinning the reels on a slot machine to placing a bet on a live football match, all without needing to log into separate accounts or navigate different websites.

Moreover, these platforms are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces that make it easy for players to switch between casino games and sports betting options. Whether you are an experienced gambler or a beginner, the transition from one type of betting to another is smooth, and the overall experience is streamlined for maximum enjoyment.

2. Access to a Wide Range of Sports

One of the key attractions of online casinos with sportsbooks in Ireland is the variety of sports available for betting. Ireland has a rich sporting culture, with a deep passion for football, rugby, Gaelic games, horse racing, and more. Online casinos with integrated sportsbooks typically offer a wide range of sports options for players to bet on, ensuring that everyone can find something that suits their interests.

Football is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports for betting in Ireland, with a vast selection of domestic and international leagues, tournaments, and competitions. Irish players can place bets on top football leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga, as well as major tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup. Rugby fans also enjoy a variety of betting options, including Six Nations matches, the Rugby World Cup, and domestic leagues like the Pro14.

Horse racing is another key component of Irish sports betting, with a long-standing tradition of betting on both flat and National Hunt racing events. Online casinos with sportsbooks typically feature a wide range of racing events, including prestigious races like the Irish Grand National and the Cheltenham Festival.

For those interested in niche sports, online platforms also offer betting markets for sports such as tennis, cricket, boxing, darts, and esports. This extensive range of options ensures that players can always find something that piques their interest, no matter their sporting preferences.

3. Live Betting and Streaming

The rise of live betting has revolutionized the sports betting experience. Unlike traditional pre-match betting, live betting allows players to place bets during a match or event, with odds that change in real-time based on the game’s progress. This adds an exciting, dynamic element to sports betting, as players can react to the action as it unfolds.

Many online casinos with sportsbooks in Ireland offer live betting options across a wide range of sports. Whether it’s betting on the next goal scorer in a football match or the outcome of the next game set in tennis, live betting enables players to stay engaged with the event and make more informed betting decisions. The real-time nature of live betting means that players can feel more connected to the action, enhancing their overall betting experience.

In addition to live betting, some platforms also offer live streaming of sports events. This allows players to watch the games they are betting on directly through the casino or sportsbook website. Whether it’s a football match, horse race, or tennis tournament, the ability to watch the action live while placing bets enhances the immersive experience for players. This feature is especially popular for major events like the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments.

4. Promotions and Bonuses

Online casinos with sportsbooks in Ireland often offer a variety of promotions and bonuses to attract new players and keep existing ones engaged. These promotions are an essential part of the overall gambling experience, as they give players more opportunities to win and extend their gameplay.

Common bonuses in online casinos with sportsbooks include welcome bonuses, free bets, cashback offers, and loyalty programs. Welcome bonuses are typically awarded to new players when they sign up for an account, often including a deposit match or free spins on casino games. Some platforms also offer no-wagering free bet promotions, allowing players to place bets without any requirements attached.

For existing players, loyalty programs and regular promotions are common. These programs reward players for their continued participation by offering points or rewards that can be redeemed for bonuses, free bets, or other perks. Some platforms also run special promotions for major sporting events, such as offering enhanced odds or betting boosts for specific matches or tournaments.

The availability of these promotions enhances the overall value of using an online casino with a sportsbook. Players can increase their potential returns by taking advantage of bonuses and promotions, making it even more appealing to use a single platform for both casino games and sports betting.

5. Mobile Accessibility

As mobile technology continues to advance, the ability to access online casinos and sportsbooks on smartphones and tablets has become a major factor in player preferences. Many online casinos with sportsbooks in Ireland offer fully optimized mobile apps or responsive websites, allowing players to enjoy the same high-quality gaming and betting experience on the go.

Mobile apps provide users with the convenience of placing bets, accessing casino games, and managing their accounts from anywhere, at any time. Whether players are traveling, relaxing at home, or enjoying a break at work, they can still participate in their favorite activities without being tied to a desktop computer.

Mobile accessibility also extends to live betting and streaming, meaning that players can place bets in real-time while watching games on their mobile devices. This added convenience makes mobile access a crucial feature for many players looking for a seamless and flexible gambling experience.

6. Payment Methods and Security

When it comes to online gambling, security and ease of payment are crucial concerns for players. Online casinos with sportsbooks in Ireland prioritize offering a wide range of payment methods to suit their diverse customer base. Players can typically deposit and withdraw using traditional methods like credit and debit cards, as well as more modern options like e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller), prepaid cards, and even cryptocurrencies.

These platforms also ensure that all transactions are secure, using the latest encryption technology to protect players’ sensitive data and financial information. Additionally, reputable online casinos and sportsbooks are licensed by gaming authorities, which ensures that they adhere to strict regulations regarding fair play, customer protection, and responsible gambling.

7. Customer Support

Top-tier customer service is an essential aspect of any online gambling platform. Players should have access to responsive, helpful support whenever they need it. Online casinos with sportsbooks typically offer customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone. Many platforms provide 24/7 support, ensuring that players can get assistance whenever they encounter issues with betting, account management, or technical problems.

Effective customer support is vital for building trust and ensuring that players feel comfortable using the platform for both casino games and sports betting. High-quality support teams can resolve issues quickly, enhancing the overall user experience and encouraging player loyalty.

The post Online Casinos with Sportsbook in Ireland appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

It was a second success in the Grade 3 handicap chase for Gilligan, who previously won the race two years ago with Ash Tree Meadow.

The successful trainer Gordon Elliott was also winning the race for the second time in three years, and it is his fourth success in the Galway Races feature race since his initial victory with Lord Scoundrel in 2016.

Western Fold, winner of the Mayo National at Ballinrobe in May, battled with Jessie Evans (9/1) up the Galway hill before eventually claiming a four and a half length success over the Noel Meade inmate.

WESTERN FOLD wins the Galway Plate! @gelliott_racing Danny Gilligan@ToteRacing | @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/n2rfDKNo22

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 30, 2025

Shecouldbeanything (33/1) took third for Gordon Elliott, the eight-year-old mare ridden by Jordan Gainford. The daughter of Malinas was a further five and half lengths behind the runner-up.

Amirite (33/1), prominent throughout the two miles six furlongs 111 yards contest, stayed on bravely for fourth place under Darragh O’Keeffe.

Lovely scenes after the @ToteRacing Galway Plate

WESTERN FOLD @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/euwPRiFMQt

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 30, 2025

The opening Tote €50,000 Guaranteed Placepot Tote Maiden Hurdle went to Paul Townend aboard the Willie Mullins-trainer favourite Hipop De Loire (4/9 favourite). Fourth in a listed race on the flat at Roscommon on his most recent racetrack appearance, the French-bred was narrowly denied over hurdles at Galway last season.

Hipop De Loire claims the @ToteRacing opener on Galway Plate Day! @Galway_Races @WillieMullinsNH | @PTownend pic.twitter.com/w7b3tinlL8

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 30, 2025

Bal Kauto (7/1), the reserve who got a place in the Tote Money-back Every Race Today Handicap Hurdle, was an impressive five-length winner for trainer and jockey Declan Queally.

Tough

Bal Kauto stays on best of all to win the @ToteRacing Handicap Hurdle for Declan Queally @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/IWkVZAapna

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 30, 2025

Cleopatra’s Needle, a 22/1 shot, took the Tote €5,000 Guaranteed Jackpot Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle over two miles and 110 yards. Trained by Harry Rogers in Co Louth, the seven-year-old chestnut filly won in the hands of five-pound claimer Patrick O’Brien.

Cleopatra's Needle

The seven-year-old mare wins nicely at 22/1 under Paddy O'Brien for Harry Rogers in the @ToteRacing handicap @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/UuigyU5LX2

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 30, 2025

The post Western Fold gives Danny Gilligan a second Tote Galway Plate appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Winner of the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy Stakes at Newmarket last month, Scandinavia needed every yard of two miles under Cork jockey Wayne Lordan, as he overtook the front-runner Illinois (7/4 favourite) close home after a sustained battle.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained duo were two and a half lengths clear of Sweet William (4/1). Sadly, the race was overshadowed by a fatal injury to 2021 winner Trueshan, who was pulled up sharply by Hollie Doyle mid-contest.

Scandinavia, a son of Justify, is the first three-year-old to take the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup since Stradivarius in 2017.

“He stays forever”

The successful handler, Aidan O’Brien, said of the winner:

“I am delighted. Wayne gave Scandinavia a brilliant ride. He ran a lovely race at Ascot when Wayne rode him, as he got trapped six wide all the way but he kept coming and coming, and then Ryan rode him at Newmarket and said he was a very good horse. He said he stays forever and is very classy.”

Discussing possible future race plans, the Ballydoyle trainer stated:

“The lads will make those decisions [about the St Leger and so on], but obviously Lambourn didn’t go to the King George because Jan Brueghel was going there, so he has his eye on the Voltigeur, and then he could go anywhere after that – to an Arc or a St Leger. All of those things are open, but I’d say this horse looks ready made for the St Leger as he stays forever, handled an ease in the ground here today, and is very straightforward.”

Another big win for Lordan

This year’s Betfred Derby-winning rider Wayne Lordan said of his most recent major victory:

“Credit to Scandinavia, he has improved all year. He was stepping up to two miles today against the older horses; it was a tough task, but I thought he stepped forward quite well.

“Illinois is a very genuine horse, a Group One horse, and this horse was stepping into his company today. He had never run in that company before, so today was going to find out how smart he is. Obviously, he is a very smart stayer.

The post Ballydoyle 1-2 in Group 1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This year’s Summer Festival will see the running of 53 races, over 7 days with an increased total prize fund of €2,171,000. There is a minimum value of €17,000 for all races and the  feature race each day will be worth at least €110,000. This year’s Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle will both be valued at €270,000.

Changes for 2025 Festival

Galway Races recently announced a number of changes to the 2025 Summer Festival race schedule. The headline change sees the Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle, over 2 miles, traditionally ran on Friday, move to Saturday, 2nd August. This change is aimed at
enhancing opportunities for participation, as declarations for this race will now take place on Thursday morning, after the final field for Thursday’s Galway Hurdle has been confirmed.

“Bringing everyone together is what it’s all about.”@Galway_Races CEO Michael Moloney sets the scene on the eve of the Festival @nickluck | #LuckOnSunday | @WorldPool pic.twitter.com/L1BLo1WUVZ

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 27, 2025

As a result of this change, the Beginners Steeplechase, for five-year-olds and up, over 2 miles and 6 furlongs, will move from Thursday to Friday, 1st August and the Nursery Handicap, over 7 furlongs previously run on Saturday, will now take place on Thursday, 31st July.

Connacht Hotel renews sponsorship

The Connacht Hotel signed a new three year agreement to continue its sponsorship of the Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap, the feature race on the opening day of Race Week.
This year marks 16 consecutive years of support from The Connacht Hotel, making them one of the event’s long standing partners.

Chanelle Pharma is the Official Sponsors of the Best Turned Out Series. This enhanced partnership marks Chanelle Pharma’s 40th year of support for the Galway Races, building on its longstanding sponsorship of the Leading Trainer Award.

First race at 5.10pm this evening

Racing gets underway this evening at 5.10pm with the Galway Bay Hotel & Galmont Hotel Novice Hurdle for four-year-olds.

The night’s feature, the €110,000 Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap is off at 6.40pm, while the final event of the 7-race card, the Monami Construction Flat Race goes to post at 8.20pm.

The post Galway Races Summer Festival underway at 5.10pm today appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Irishman, who secured his second U.S. Senior Open title last month, finished three strokes ahead of fellow former Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn and 1997 Champion Golfer of the Year Justin Leonard to claim his third Senior Major victory.

What a moment for @Padraig_H.

The Irishman captures his second senior major title of 2025 pic.twitter.com/ljxGkMqR6G

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) July 27, 2025

Harrington, who won the Senior US Open in June, completed his four rounds at Sunningdale in -16, and becomes the third Irish player to win the Senior Open, following Christy O’Connor Jnr and Darren Clarke.

Post round interview! As always if he speaks, you listen pic.twitter.com/Ui3HuxcB0s

— PADRAIG HARRINGTON TRACKER (@PadraigHTracker) July 27, 2025

Harrington, who won The Open in 2007 and defended the Championship in 2008, joins Bob Charles, Darren Clarke, Gary Player and Tom Watson as the only men in history to have won both the Claret Jug and Senior Open Trophy.

The 53-year-old started the day with a two-stroke lead over Leonard, which he immediately increased to three after an eagle at the first on the Old Course at Sunningdale. Further gains at the sixth and ninth holes saw his lead extend to four strokes after the turn, but Bjørn moved to within two after a run of four birdies in six holes from the ninth.

The Dane’s momentum was halted by a bogey at the 16th and, despite dropping a shot of his own on the 17th, Harrington held a three-stroke lead on the 18th tee.

Playing partner Leonard also tried to apply pressure but ultimately signed for a two under par round of 68 and a 13 under par total. Harrington hit his approach safely on the 18th green and had two putts for par for a three under par 67, a 16 under par total and his 11th victory since joining the over-50s ranks.

“I’m just thrilled”

A delighted Pádraig Harrington said of his third Senior major success:

“Right now I’m just thrilled to have won the tournament and gone out there and played well. I think, yeah, that will seep in. I know you were talking about how I won The Open, to win the Senior Open, there’s only five players, so you want to be in that category. I think they are the sort of things that you realise over the next couple of days, the significance of it. I’m thrilled, euphoric, that I’ve gotten it done.

“As you get older, you realise a lot of things is legacy and what you’ve done and you want to win on a great golf course like Sunningdale. You want to do things that stand out, and having won a real Open, coming out, winning the Senior Open, it does give some — it adds a validation. It’s certainly satisfying to do it, to extent your career that way.”

The Dubliner continued:

“There are some great names on the trophy. I was watching it coming out last night. I was looking up inside at the board that has all the winners. It’s a deep sense of satisfaction. I’m kind of on a high of winning, but then there will be that deep sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve done both.

“And especially you come to this stage, there’s only a certain window. You know, you can win later on as a senior but the window, they say, sort of up to about 55, 56, so you want to get it done. And having had a couple of second places, I didn’t want to leave it too long. It would start becoming a problem if you don’t win it too soon, and I’m glad I got mine.”

Australian Scott Hend finished the week in fourth place on 12 under par, while Ernie Els and Cameron Percy shared fifth on 11 under.

Select scores after Round Four:

264 P HARRINGTON (IRL) 67 65 65 67,
267 T BJORN (DEN) 70 63 67 67, J LEONARD (USA) 69 65 65 68,
268 S HEND (AUS) 68 71 64 65,
269 C PERCY (AUS) 69 65 70 65, E ELS (RSA) 67 67 69 66,
270 S ALKER (NZL) 63 73 66 68,
271 S ALLAN (AUS) 68 67 70 66, K SUTHERLAND (USA) 69 67 66 69, G CHALMERS (AUS) 70 66 66 69,
272 Y YANG (KOR) 70 66 71 65,
273 R GREEN (AUS) 68 69 70 66, S GALLACHER (SCO) 68 68 70 67,
274 P LAWRIE (SCO) 69 67 71 67, A CEJKA (GER) 72 65 70 67, K HORNE (RSA) 70 69 65 70,
275 S GRIFFITHS (ENG) 70 68 71 66, B VAN PELT (USA) 73 67 69 66, J KELLY (USA) 69 69 68 69, M WRIGHT (AUS) 72 65 68 70, D FICHARDT (RSA) 68 70 66 71,
276 S WEBSTER (ENG) 70 69 69 68, C DENNIS (USA) 70 68 64 74,
277 B DREDGE (WAL) 73 68 69 67, K CHOI (KOR) 66 67 75 69, A ATWAL (IND) 67 72 69 69, M JIM?NEZ (ESP) 67 70 70 70, R GONZALEZ (ARG) 67 67 72 71, B LANGER (GER) 72 68 66 71, M HENSBY (AUS) 64 72 69 72,
278 S AMES (CAN) 69 72 70 67, T PETROVIC (USA) 70 71 70 67, T O’NEAL (USA) 67 74 69 68, A CABRERA (ARG) 69 69 71 69, C MONTGOMERIE (SCO) 69 71 69 69, J HENRY (USA) 70 70 69 69, S BERTSCH (USA) 70 67 71 70, R GOOSEN (RSA) 67 70 70 71, J ROLLINS (USA) 69 70 68 71,
279 T RIDINGS (USA) 67 73 72 67, B ESTES (USA) 70 68 73 68, J CARON (USA) 71 69 71 68, C PAVIN (USA) 68 68 74 69, M GOGEL (USA) 71 68 69 71, C WI (KOR) 67 71 68 73, P GOYDOS (USA) 71 68 67 73.

The post Harrington wins ISPS Handa Senior Open by three shots appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Dublin golfer is aiming to become the fifth player in history to win both The Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open.

The Irishman, who won the Claret Jug in 2007 at Carnoustie and defended it at Royal Birkdale in 2008, carded a second consecutive round of 65 to reach 13 under par after three rounds.

Harrington made the turn two under par after birdies on the fourth and ninth holes. He then made his third gain of the day at the 11th hole. He recovered from a dropped shot on the 12th with back-to-back birdies on the 13th and 14th holes and then rolled in a short putt on the 18th hole after hitting his approach to three feet.

Incredible touch from @Padraig_H

Watch the ISPS Handa Senior Open live now on Golf Channel.pic.twitter.com/T10rK51ug9

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) July 26, 2025

A birdie putt at the last saw him move two strokes clear of Justin Leonard, who also carded a second consecutive round of 65. The American, who won The Open in 1997 at Royal Troon, is also bidding to etch his name in history.

Commenting on his third round, Pádraig Harrington admitted:

“I still wasn’t comfortable. Like I thought I was getting better but yeah, I don’t think I rode my luck as much today. I wasn’t out of position but I certainly didn’t play much better than yesterday. Maybe a little bit more cautious today.

“It’s always nice to come back with a bounceback and a birdie. Believe it or not, I’d prefer to make a bogey and a birdie than two pars. I think when you can get caught in that sort of, I-haven’t-made-a-bogey-for-a-while type thing, that can get in your head. So getting rid of that is not a bad thing.”

Just four players have won both The Open and Senior Open, with Darren Clarke becoming the latest to do so after triumphing in 2022. The Irishman defeated Harrington by one stroke at Gleneagles to join Bob Charles, Gary Player and Tom Watson as the only men to achieve that feat.

"I'll wait until tomorrow to try and digest that."@Padraig_H was honest when asked about his opportunities at Sunningdale pic.twitter.com/qVWOWPGPJw

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) July 26, 2025

Thomas Bjørn, Europe’s victorious 2018 Ryder Cup Captain and 15-time winner on the DP World Tour, carded a three under par 67 to sit in solo third on ten under.

In a share of fourth on eight under par are 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion Steven Alker, former PGA Tour winner Greg Chalmers, 2017 Legends Tour Order of Merit winner Clark Dennis and 2002 WGC Match Play winner Kevin Sutherland.

The post Harrington has 2-shot advantage in ISPS HANDA Senior Open appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Dubliner, who won and then successfully defended the Claret Jug in 2007 and 2008, carded a five under round of 65 on the Old Course at Sunningdale as he reached eight under par after the first two days.

Already a Senior Major winner this year after his U.S. Senior Open success at The Broadmoor in Colorado last month, Harrington leads by one stroke over defending champion K.J. Choi of South Korea, who hopes to become the first player to successfully defend a Senior Open title since Christy O’Connor Jnr in 2000.

Speaking after his second round on Friday, Harrington admitted:

“I rode my luck a lot today. Got my head in the game. Did a lot of good stuff mentally. Short game was sharp. But I did a good job, where I should make a score I scored, and then I got in trouble on plenty of other holes. Hit some recovery shots and managed my game, but I never showed much confidence out there at all in my swing at all.

“I obviously like these 72-hole ones and the bigger golf courses suit me. I’m glad to see there is a little bit of moisture on this course. It is starting to firm up a bit. As it’s gets a little shorter that advantage will be taken away from me. I seem to be scoring okay, so maybe I’ll do it a different way this time.”

Choi carded six birdies in his round of 67 and the 55-year-old did hold the lead at one point on nine under par after a birdie at the 14th, but two dropped shots on 16 and 17 saw him slip back into a share of second alongside 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn.

Bjørn stormed into contention as he carded a seven under par round of 63 after starting the day level par following his opening round. The 15-time DP World Tour winner carded seven birdies and an eagle to move 41 places up the leaderboard.

Major Champions Ernie Els and Justin Leonard, also aiming to write their names in the history books as winners of both The Open and Senior Open, sit in a share of fourth place on six under par alongside Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina and Australia’s Cameron Percy.

Stephen Allan, also of Australia, and Englishman Greg Owen share eighth on five under, while Major winners Paul Lawrie, Corey Pavin and Y.E. Yang are among a clutch of golfers in a tie for tenth on four under.

The post Pádraig Harrington leads ISPS HANDA Senior Open appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Athletes Ellis McHugh and Joe Burke both claimed bronze medals before gymnast Chester Enriquez won Ireland’s third medal of the day in the Boys’ Floor exercise.

Competing in the Girls’ 400m hurdles, Eilis McHugh came home in third place in this morning’s final, with a time of 59.25. Half an hour later, Joe Burke set a personal best time of 21.22, a new Irish record, to win bronze in the Boys’ 200m.

A bonus making the final

Reacting to her medal, McHugh described her race, saying:

“I actually think I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be initially coming out. I was thinking of everybody that ran before. I’m glad I even got here. It’s a bonus to be in the final, so I thought just don’t be nervous. Go out, do what I can. And I did that. I tried to do that anyway.

“I went out in my heat and I had a different kind of stride patterning, I’m assuming because of the adrenaline and the heat. It worked, but it worked out fine. So I was happy enough. So I kind of just hoped I could execute that again today, which I did. So it was fine. But it is completely about finding stride patterns in between the hurdles. It’s not like sprinting whatever works. It’s like getting the right hurdle, knowing when you’re going to hit it. But yeah, thankfully worked out.”

Bronze for Burke

Tipperary sprinter Joe Burke is no stranger to the podium, having won a bronze medal at last year’s European U18 Championships in this event, in a similar race. Reacting to his medal winning race, he said:

“Yeah, I don’t know what to say Joe. It’s the same situation as last year. Blanket finish across the line. Waiting I waiting. And then just hearing your name for third is just surreal. It’s a feeling you can’t explain or describe to anyone. It means so much to you as a person that you just can’t express.”

First Irish gymnastics medal at EYOF

Chester Enriquez won the third Irish medal of the day, with a phenomenal bronze medal in the Boys’ Floor exercise.

Going into the competition, the Origin Gymnastics athlete was ranked 7th, and his clean routine saw him score 13.566, pushing him into the bronze medal position. 

The gymnastics events are taking place in Osijek in Croatia, and speaking after receiving his medal, the 17-year-old reacted to winning Ireland’s first ever gymnastics medal at the EYOF:

“Today was an amazing experience, to say the least. Going out and doing what I’ve done is history in the making. It was just an amazing experience in general. The atmosphere was amazing.”

The post McHugh, Burke & Enriquez win bronze medals at EYOF appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Fixtures

Ireland vs. Andorra – Tallaght Stadium, Dublin

This match on Tuesday, September 9, is more than just a game—it’s a homecoming. After 11 long months, Ireland’s rising stars return to Tallaght to face Andorra. Expect intensity, crowd roars, and maybe even a few fireworks.

Ireland vs. Slovakia – Turner’s Cross, Cork

On Friday, October 10, the battleground shifts to the Rebel County. Turner’s Cross, a fortress of Irish football, will host a key clash with Slovakia. If you know Cork, you know the fans will turn this into a night to remember.

Group D: A Gauntlet of Greatness

The Opponents

Ireland’s road to qualification is anything but easy:

• England – two-time defending champions and favorites to top the group
• Slovakia – a disciplined, well-drilled outfit
• Moldova – scrappy and unpredictable
• Kazakhstan – physically and fast-improving
• Andorra – small but not to be underestimated

England – The Mountain to Climb

Facing England is like climbing Everest. Packed with Premier League talent and winning pedigree, they’re the benchmark. But Irish teams thrive as underdogs, and a surprise is always around the corner.

Ireland’s Under-21s – A Team in Evolution

From Academy Talents to International Stars

Just look at Festy Ebosele, Sinclair Armstrong, and Andrew Moran—they wore the U21 jersey not long ago and now shine for the senior team. The path from hopeful to hero starts here.

Ones to Watch in 2025

Keep your eye on League of Ireland standouts. These players bring grit, flair, and an unmistakable hunger to represent their country on the biggest youth stage in Europe.

Why Home Turf Matters

Tallaght Stadium – Where Dreams Begin

From dramatic last-minute winners to standing ovations, Tallaght has been a launchpad for greatness. Expect nothing less this September.

Turner’s Cross – A Cork Fortress

Packed crowds. Deafening chants. Raw passion. Cork’s football culture will be on full blast when Slovakia comes to town—and that could be the edge Ireland needs.

Supporters – The 12th Man

In recent years, over 5,000 fans packed stadiums to back the U21s. That’s not just good—it’s elite. Ireland ranks among the top-supported youth national teams in Europe.

It’s more than a football match—it’s a celebration. Families, kids, and entire communities turn up. It’s grassroots spirit meeting elite performance.

Jim Crawford’s Rallying Cry

“Be the Difference”

Coach Jim Crawford is calling on fans to repeat history. “The stats show we’re one of the best-supported Under-21 teams in Europe,” he said. That support has helped turn tough matches into magical nights—and he knows the crowd can do it again.

Tickets: Your Pass to History

Release Date and Details

Mark it down: tickets go on sale Monday, August 4. Head to the FAI’s official website to snag your seat.

Why You Should Be There

Where else can you watch international-level football, support future superstars, and feel the roar of a united crowd, for the price of a couple of coffees?

Ireland’s Football Future Starts Here

The League of Ireland is no longer just a stepping stone—it’s a pipeline. Week in, week out, it churns out players ready for the big stage. The Under-21s are proof.

These games are about more than points. They’re about progress, pride, and possibility. For fans, they’re a chance to say, “I was there when it all began.”

Conclusion

As Dublin and Cork gear up to welcome the Ireland Under-21 team, the energy is undeniable. These aren’t just football games—they’re electric nights full of dreams, passion, and purpose. The Boys in Green are ready to rise, and with your support in the stands, their journey could ignite a new chapter in Irish football history. Don’t just hear about it—be part of it.

The Ultimate Showdown in Tongits!

Introduced last June, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) is the premier Tongits tournament in the Philippines. It brought together the nation’s top 93 elite players, who earned their spots through fierce online qualifiers. These Tongits titans then battled it out offline for a jaw-dropping ₱10 million prize pool. GTCC has redefined competitive card gaming in the country, putting Tongits on the esports map.

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