In a devastating turn of events, Brazil’s Neymar was forced to leave the field in tears during the 2-0 loss to Uruguay, signaling a potential serious knee injury.

The Challenging Moment:

Landing awkwardly while contesting the ball with Nicolas de la Cruz, the 31-year-old forward, now with Al-Hilal, cast a shadow over Brazil’s performance in Montevideo.

Concerns Among Teammates:

Expressing concern, Brazil captain Casemiro spoke to Globo television, stating, “He’s an important player for us; we’re very fond of him. He’s been suffering a lot from injuries, and when he starts to pick up the pace, he gets injured again.”

Uruguay’s Victory and Nunez’s Impact:
Uruguay, led by former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, secured a historic win against Brazil with Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez scoring the opener with a header and assisting De la Cruz for their second goal.

The post Neymar Suffers Heartbreaking Injury in Brazil’s 2-0 Defeat to Uruguay appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Forrester scored the Super Saint’s only goal of the game in extra time – a spectacular solo goal towards the end of the first half of the extra 30 minutes.

The goalscorer also slotted his penalty past Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot as his side won on penalties following Bohs’ equaliser on the other side of the break in extra time.

Chris Forrester said after signing his deal: “I am delighted to be back at the club and thankful for another opportunity to play for a club that means so much to me. I can’t wait to get going again next season”

Forrester is currently in his second spell with the Athletic, returning to the side in 2019 after spending time abroad with Peterborough United and Aberdeen.

The 28-year-old had initially joined the Inchicore side from Bohs after working his way up the ranks at Dalymount Park.

He now commits his future to the Saints, whom he has come to be revered by for his performances.

Club Chairman Garrett Kelleher said: “Chris has had a great season with the club and is thoroughly deserving of his nomination for PFAI Player of the Season, he will continue to be an integral part of the club over the next few years.

“On behalf of the board and myself we are excited about what the future holds for the club with personalities like Chris here.”

The post Chris Forrester signs long-term deal with St Pats after Cup win appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

30 men’s players have been shortlisted for the men’s award, along with 20 nominees in the women’s category.

But the question remains on everyone’s minds as the reveal of this year’s recipients approaches – who will be this year’s winners?

Barcelona legend and PSG star Lionel Messi is seen as the favourite to pick up the award in the men’s category this year – a win would see him earn his seventh Ballon d’Or.

The Favourite – Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi led his country, Argentina to continental glory when they won the Copa America this summer, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final.

Although Messi had his worst game of the tournament in the final match, the Argentine forward was the star from day one, to no one’s surprise.

On top of this, he won the Copa Del Rey with Barcelona in May as the Catalan side continued to rely on him to get the club the results it needed.

However, his recent move to PSG has not gone to plan so far – Messi has only shown flashes of the brilliance he showcased week in, week out for Barcelona (albeit the flash of brilliance at the weekend was a hat-trick of assists against St Etienne).

Odds: 1/2

The Unofficial Holder – Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski does not own a Ballon d’Or, at least not yet. However, if it weren’t for last year’s cancellation, many believe he would be the current holder.

The Polish forward has carried his insane goalscoring form from 2020 over to 2021, effectively making a two-year bid for a crown that may be rightfully his.

Lewandowski has bagged 73 goals in 60 games for his team, German champions Bayern Munich, since the start of last season and picked up FIFA and UEFA men’s player of the year awards for last year.

The number nine is not one to be overlooked and is expected to be very close to the top of the list, if not at the summit.

Odds: 5/1

The Egyptian King – Mo Salah

Liverpool were terrible at the beginning of 2021. Six consecutive losses at home, no imagination, no vision – they seemed a lost cause.

However, their star persevered. Mo Salah carried their flaccid attack to the finish line, with his his nine goals and two assists playing a big part in getting the side into the Champions League spots at the end of the season.

Fast-forward to now and he is (still) on fire – arguably the best player on the planet based on form.

His sensational haul of 17 goals and nine assists in just 18 games so far this season underlines his already legendary status on Merseyside – where many believe the form has made him worthy of the Ballon d’Or.

Odds: 8/1

The Italian Job – Jorginho

Jorginho’s work in the Chelsea midfield last season (and years before) was extremely underrated as the club won the UEFA Champions League for the second time.

His ability to set the tempo of their play and dictate games is something that is now being deservedly lauded – because he played a starring role n Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.

Jorginho was one of three in the Italian midfield and the extra man in Mancini’s team allowed him to flourish at another level (although it is believed that his Chelsea midfield partner N’Golo Kanté counts as two men).

His work as the sole six in the eleven helped Italy to dominate possession all the way to the European crown.

The Italian has continued his stellar form this season, with a UEFA Super Cup to his name already, and is part of a Chelsea side that looks as if it will be tough to dislodge from the top of the Premier League table.

Odds: 12/1

The award will end up in someone’s hands tonight – chances are it will be one of these four. Will Messi reach seventh heaven? Will Lewandowski get what he deserves? Will Salah become the first African since George Weah to win it? Will Jorginho add another accolade to his name? Or will it be someone else? Let us know your thoughts below.

The post Messi, Lewandowski, Salah: Who will win the 2021 Ballon d’Or? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

On Saturday evening at 6 pm, Cavan champions Ramor United will host the reigning Ulster champions Kilcoo, who won the last instalment of the competition in 2019 and are aiming to defend their title – the match will be shown live on RTÉ.

On Sunday afternoon at 3:15 pm, preliminary round victors Glen will welcome 2018 finalists Scotstown to Derry in their second-ever Ulster championship game – this match will be broadcast on TG4.

The two matches share their spotlight with the Leinster senior showdown between Kilmacud Crokes and Wolfe Tones, which will take place before Malachy O’Rourke’s Derry champions welcome a Monaghan side to Watty Graham Park.

Cavan champions Ramor United earned their spot in the Ulster quarter-finals after beating rivals Gowna in a replay.

Their opponents almost stole the Oliver Plunkett Cup from them at the death in the first fixture but Ramor made no mistake in the replay to get their hands on the trophy for the first time in five years.

Kilcoo came out on top in Down for the third year in a row to earn the match-up against Ramor.

The Magpies held off a late comeback charge from Burren to take the crown for the fifth time in six years.

Glen beat Donegal’s victors, St Eunan’s to get to the quarter-final after a first-ever Derry senior football triumph.

Led by former Monaghan inter-county boss Malachy O’Rourke, the team are flying in the club championship this year and could upset the natural order.

Scotstown won their 21st Mick Duffy Cup when they defeated Truagh in the Monaghan county final – a feat they achieved in their ninth county final in a row (record: 7W 2L).

They retained the cup after their 2020 victory and will aim for the Ulster title now, with O’Rourke and co. standing in their way at the first hurdle.

Two other Ulster senior football matches will take place this weekend – Tyrone champions Dromore face Derrygonnelly Harps of Fermanagh while Kickhams of Creggan, Antrim will battle it out with Armagh outfit Clann Éireann.

The post Two Ulster SFC quarter-finals to be broadcast live on TV this weekend appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

O’Brien took charge of the club in 2016 after previously working under Stephen Rochford as a selector and became one of the most decorated club managers in the sport.

The esteemed club manager then took the reins and built on Rochford’s three Galway titles in a row, extending the streak to seven in his time, and led them to an unprecedented three All-Ireland titles in three seasons.

The club also won four Connacht Senior Football Championships in his time with them.

“It’s been a phenomenal journey and a great period of success for the club,” O’Brien told Galway Bay FM yesterday.

Rival club Mountbellew-Moylough proved to be their kryptonite and the last two years have yielded no titles as a result, with the team’s two losses in the Galway Senior Football Championship since O’Brien took charge coming at the hands of the current county champions.

Mountbellew-Moylough also drew with Corofin in the 2018 county final but lost the replay in what was to be the first of three All-Ireland triumphs for O’Brien’s team.

However, Corofin’s almost-spotless record under O’Brien remains a fantastic feat – the side won 51 of their 56 Championship games with their former selector holding the reins.

“I think you have to be very grateful. There were days on the sideline where games were gone from us, and we got the luck that day. Teams evolve as well, and last Sunday was the pinnacle of that with Mountbellew’s success – and fair play to them.

“I’ve been very proud, in winning three All-Irelands, everybody in that dressing-room was from Corofin and that really, really shows the success we have within the club and the calibre of people.

“I’ve no doubt the position will be filled, and I certainly will be there to support them in whatever way I can.”

The post Kevin O’Brien leaves Corofin after decorated reign appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Fifty years on, the story of the All-Stars – Ireland’s longest-running sports award scheme – has been penned by Moira and Eileen Dunne, daughters of Mick Dunne, who along with his fellow journalists, Paddy Downey, John D Hickey and Pádraig Puirséal, got the scheme up and running in 1971.

Using their father’s records as a starting point, the sisters met over 100 All-Stars and other stakeholders, who shared their memories of All-Star banquets and trips along with reflections on what the accolade means to the players, families and communities.

The book includes a listing of each Football and Hurling All-Star team from 1971 to 2020, and for the first time ever, a complete list of all players nominated over the past 50 years.

Labhrás Mac Cárthaigh, Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael greeted the launch of All-Star Gazing: “The GAA All-Stars is the most prestigious sporting awards scheme in Irish society and has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 1971. 

“While the GAA and various sponsors – current partners PwC among them – have played a central role in running the scheme, one of the most important pillars of the All-Stars has been its independence and integrity, provided by the role of GAA journalists making the all-important selections of both nominees and overall winners.

“To that end, it is fitting that the Dunne sisters, Eileen and Moira, should be the driving force behind this excellent publication to mark the 50th anniversary.”

Feargal O’Rourke, Managing Partner, PwC, said: “We would like to congratulate Moira and Eileen Dunne on the launch of their fantastic book celebrating the 50-year history of the All-Stars.

“The book showcases a superb collection of All-Star players down through the decades, whose talent, teamwork and sheer determination have awed us all.

“As proud sponsors of the PwC All-Stars we are delighted to celebrate the 50th anniversary and to show our support for the book. No doubt it will be in high demand with all GAA fans.”

Some of Gaelic games’ top footballers and hurlers talked about the significance of winning an All-Star award:

Brian Fenton, Dublin Footballer, 5-time All-Star

“Winning an All-Ireland is amazing but to win an All-Star at the end of the year is unreal. It is the perfect year”.

Henry Shefflin, Kilkenny Hurler, 11-time All-Star

“Winning the All-Star meant I was joining the other great players who had won it. I was up there with Anthony Daly, Johnny Dooley thinking, I have arrived

Mickey Quinn, Leitrim Footballer, the county’s first ever All-Star

“An All-Star is something every player wants to win. I was privileged to be the first person in Leitrim to win one.”

Joe Canning, Galway Hurler, 5-Time All-Star

“It was really special to receive an All-Star with Ollie in 2009 and a great night for Mam and Dad.”

The post All-Star book will include detailed history of long-standing GAA awards appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dromore and Trillick will go head-to-head in the first of two Tyrone senior semi-finals when they meet at O’Neills Healy Park in Omagh on Saturday, October 30 at 7:15 pm.

Errigal Ciaran and Coalisland Na Fianna will battle it out to determine who gets the right to face the winner of Saturday’s semi-final in Pomeroy on Sunday, October 31 at 2:45 pm.

Both games are part of double-headers with the two Tyrone intermediate football semi-finals.

Owen Roe O’Neills will take on Gortin St Patrick’s in the first intermediate semi-final which will take place prior to the match between Dromore and Trillick in Omagh at 4:45 pm.

Rock St Patrick’s and Moortown St Malachy’s will play the second intermediate match-up of the weekend previous to the showdown between Errgial Ciaran and Coalisland Na Fianna in Pomeroy at 12:30 pm.

Dromore v Trillick

Trillick are aiming for a third final appearance in a row and a second Tyrone SFC title in three years but Dromore, who are searching for their first O’Neill Cup triumph in a decade, stand in their way.

The two sides come into this year’s semi-final after winning their two previous games each.

Dromore beat holders Dungannon Thomas Clarke’s by four points to set up a date with Eglish St Patrick’s.

The three-time Tyrone senior football champions squeezed into the semi-final after beating Eglish by two points.

Trillick, on the other hand, have won both their games with no absence of attacking intent, scoring three goals in each.

They defeated Galbally Pearses by five points, courtesy of two second-half goals that sunk their opponents.

The club then decimated Killyclogher in a resounding quarter-final victory to move into the final four.

A 14-point win with three more goals sent a statement of intent to the other three sides still in the competition.

Errigal Ciaran v Coalisland Na Fianna

Errigal Ciaran, who beat Dromore in the 2012 final, are on the hunt for their first county championship victory since then, and face 2018 winners Coalisland Na Fianna in the process.

2019 finalists Errigal Ciaran have posted two impressive victories in this year’s instalment of the tournament.

A 14-point win over Clonoe O’Rahilly’s and an eight-point quarter-final triumph against Loughmacrory St Teresa’s has underlined the strength of their side this year, complemented by three goals in two games.

Coalisland Na Fianna took down Edendork in the first round in a seven-goal thriller and earned their semi-final spot in a nail-biter against Carrickmore.

The side have not had wins as convincing as those of their opponents and have conceded 11 more points than them.

Where To Watch

The match between Dromore and Trillick will be shown live on RTÉ 2 with coverage starting at 7 pm on Saturday.

The second semi-final between Errgial Ciaran and Coalisland will be available to watch via live stream.

The post Tyrone SFC semi-finals – Previews, Where To Watch appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Slaughtneil will face fellow Group C graduates Lavey in the first scheduled semi-final on Saturday, October 30 at 6:45 pm.

The Loup and Glen, winners of Group A and D respectively, will battle it out for the second spot in the final on Halloween – Sunday, October 31 at 2:45 pm.

Both matches will be held at Owenbeg.

Slaughtneil v Lavey

Defending champions Slaughtneil are attempting to win their second John McLaughlin Cup in a row and achieve such a feat for the second time since 2017.

Standing in their way of a second successive appearance in the final is Lavey, who topped their group previous to the start of the knockout phase and put two goals past The Robbies in a three-point win back in September.

Cailean O’Boyle and the Downeys, Enda, Shea, Matthew and Callum, have been effective in attack for the challengers as the young side bring the most momentum into the tie.

Slaughtneil, however, bring the champions mentality into the game and, with the nature of the match taken into account, it can be expected that they will aim to right the wrongs of September and take down possibly their biggest threat to a seventh Derry SFC title.

Shane McGuigan has led the side in attack with his free-taking but their defence has allowed a goal in every game since their loss to Lavey.

Lavey, on the other hand, have only conceded two goals in the championship thus far but both sides have conceded less than 45 points – Lavey have conceded 41 while the champions have allowed 42.

The Loup v Glen

The only survivors of Group A and D have made it to the semi-final stage and will face each other for a spot in the county final.

The winners of Group A, The Loup, have been firing on all cylinders in attack but leaking scores at the back.

The work of the likes of Anthony O’Neill, as well as Ciaran and Cormac Devlin has countered the defence that has allowed five goals in five games, leading to high-scoring matches throughout the Derry Championship.

Glen have a much more impressive defence that has kept opposition scores below ten in all games they have played bar one – Kilrea put 3-8 past the Glen defence but lost in a group game in September.

The side have conceded only 44 points after five games, with 17 of those coming from one game.

Impeccable attacking performances from the likes of Paul Gunning and Danny Tallon have given the side a potent attack that has scored 107 points in just five games – the strongest in Derry.

However, The Loup are only a point behind in their overall attacking output, making this an exciting matchup of the two best attacking sides in the Oak-Leaf County.

Where To Watch

The two semi-finals will be available to watch on live streams, which can be accessed through 247.tv for a fee.

The post Derry SFC semi-finals – Previews, Where To Watch appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The teams are locked in after St Eunan’s and Naomh Conaill both won their semi-finals at the weekend.

Eunan’s pulled away from Naomh Micheál in the second half to earn their place in the Donegal senior football final.

The club’s footballers join the hurlers as county finalists, with the latter set to play for the county hurling title this weekend.

Naomh Conaill edged out a grudge match against Kilcar in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny in a game that was also shown live on TG4 after Paddy McBrearty’s late equalising goal was ruled out.

It was the first game between the two sides since the controversial 2020 county final, which was won by Naomh Conaill on penalties – the first county final to be decided by spot kicks.

The Donegal inter-county footballer’s goal did not stand as the referee called a square ball, which replays showed to be right as McBrearty had entered the square before the free-kick from which he got the ball was taken.

The rematch between the 2020 finalists went the way of Naomh Conaill once again and Martin Regan’s team will now have a chance to win a third county championship in a row.

To do so, they must beat the last side who achieved that feat – St Eunan’s, led by John Haran and Donegal legend Brendan Devenney, won the county championship in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

However, the team have only won the Dr Maguire Cup once more since becoming the third-ever to win three years uninterrupted.

St Eunan’s were victorious in 2014 after five years without reaching the final and came second in their defending campaign but a six-year gap exists between their most recent final appearance and their upcoming match.

Naomh Conaill will face St. Eunan’s in the final at 3.15 pm on Sunday 7th November live on TG4.

The post Donegal SFC final to be televised on TG4 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

There is an impressive spread of 11 different counties listed in the nominations, but it’s the  Red Hand’s grip on football that remains the talking point. Goalkeeper Niall Morgan and midfielders Conn Kilpatrick and Brian Kennedy are joined by seven contenders in defence and five men named in contention in the attack. 

The O’Neill County will also have a strong interest in the overall awards. A vote from among the ranks of inter-county players will choose between Tyrone All-Ireland winning heroes  Conor Meyler and Kieran McGeary as well as Mayo powerhouse Lee Keegan for the PwC  GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year award. 

Last year Oisín Mullin was the PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year. The Mayo defender is again shortlisted in 2021, where he is joined by Galway star Matthew Tierney and Tyrone ace Darragh Canavan on the shortlist. 

Defeated All-Ireland finalists Mayo have eight nominations vying for a place on every line of the final 15.

Munster champions Kerry have seven All-Star nominations, including brothers David and Paudie  Clifford. 

After their historic run of six All-Ireland titles in a row ended last summer, Leinster champions Dublin have five nominations. There are three contenders from Monaghan and  Orchard County brothers Oisín and Rían O’Neill represent Armagh. 

Cork’s Seán Meehan, Kildare’s Daniel Flynn, Donegal’s Michael Langan, Eoin Cleary from  Clare and Galway’s Shane Walsh complete the list of 45 nominations for an All-Star. 

Congratulating the nominees, Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said: “I want to salute all of those players who have been selected on the shortlist for the PwC All-Stars and also the players nominated for the PwC Footballer and Young Footballer of the Year awards.

“The competition to make it to the final list of 45 nominees was considerable after an exceptional football championship.

“This is a great honour and one that will be celebrated by the players; their families and clubs.

“The ongoing support of PwC for this illustrious awards scheme is greatly appreciated and I look forward to the deliberations around the final 15 to add to the rich All-Star history stretching back to 1971.” 

Feargal O’Rourke, Managing Partner, PwC, said: “2021 marks the 50th anniversary year of the All-Star Awards, which for five decades have recognised excellence and commitment both on and off the field.

“Congratulations to the 45 footballers who have been nominated for the 2021 PwC All-Stars from everyone at PwC.

“Their stellar performances have allowed us to enjoy a superb championship, despite the challenging year.

“These well-deserved  nominations are a testament to their abilities, both individually and as part of a team.” 

Tom Parsons, GPA CEO congratulated all of the nominees saying: “These 45 nominees represent the thousands of inter-county players across the country, male and female, who again gave us some light in an otherwise dark year because of the ongoing pandemic.

“I  want to salute every one of those players for their efforts and thank them for their commitment and for the entertainment that they provided for us all. To the nominees,  congratulations.

“To be recognised for your individual performances within a team environment is special. And to those players in the running to become the PwC Footballer and Young Footballer of the Year, the very best of luck.

“Thank you too, to the selection  committee for your work in whittling down so many outstanding players to this shortlist.”  

The nominations were chosen by a panel of Gaelic Games correspondents from across,  print, radio, TV and digital media, chaired by Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy. 

The PwC All-Stars for Football 2021 will be announced live on the night of the awards which will be held on December 10.

The presentation will take place in a televised ceremony that will be in line with Covid-19 restrictions and will be confirmed in due course.

PwC All-Stars Football nominations 2021 

Goalkeepers 

Rob Hennelly (Mayo) 

Rory Beggan (Monaghan) 

Niall Morgan (Tyrone) 

Defenders 

Padraig Hampsey, Peter Harte, Michael McKernan, Ronan McNamee, Kieran McGeary, Conor Meyler Frank Burns (all Tyrone) 

Stephen Coen, Patrick Durcan, Lee Keegan, Padraig Ó Hóra (all Mayo) 

Tom O’Sullivan, Gavin White, Brian Ó Beaglaoich (all Kerry) 

Michael Fitzsimons, Brian Howard (all Dublin) 

Seán Meehan (Cork) 

Ryan McAnespie (Monaghan) 

Midfielders 

Brian Kennedy, Con Kilpatrick (all Tyrone) 

Matthew Ruane (Mayo) 

David Moran (Kerry) 

Oisín O’Neill (Armagh) 

Brian Fenton (Dublin) 

Forwards 

Mattie Donnelly, Conor McKenna, Niall Sludden, Darren McCurry, Cathal McShane (all Tyrone) David Clifford, Paudie Clifford, Sean O’Shea (all Kerry) 

Tommy Conroy, Ryan O’Donoghue (all Mayo) 

Cormac Costello, Ciaran Kilkenny (all Dublin)

Jack McCarron (Monaghan) 

Daniel Flynn (Kildare) 

Michael Langan (Donegal) 

Rian O’Neill (Armagh) 

Eoin Cleary (Clare) 

Shane Walsh (Galway)  

PwC GAA/GPA Footballer of the Year 

Lee Keegan (Mayo), Conor Meyler (Tyrone), Kieran McGeary (Tyrone) 

PwC GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year nominees 

Matthew Tierney (Galway) 

Oisin Mullin (Mayo) 

Darragh Canavan (Tyrone) 

The post Tyrone dominate PwC All-Star nominations with 15 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.