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  • Shelbourne set to kick-off European journey

    Shelbourne set to kick-off European journey

    Shelbourne celebrate European qualification after victory over Northern Irish side Linfield. Photo:Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

    By Adam Pigott

    Shelbourne are set to kick off their UEFA Conference League campaign as they host Swedish side BK Häcken on Oct. 2.

    The team from Drumcondra will play in the group stage of a European competition for the first time in the club’s history.

    “We are so excited for it…we really want to kick off the campaign to with a good start”, said Shelbourne manager Joey O’Brien.

    O’Brien, who brilliantly led Shelbourne to qualification after taking charge and assuming the responsibility of first team manager after the shock resignation of former manager Damien Duff.

    Joey O’Brien, Shelbourne manager. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

    “I think we need to relish the opportunity.. we have come so far to get to this stage so we need to show we belong among Europe’s elite,” added O’Brien.

    However, Shelbourne will play the game not in their home ground Tolka Park, but will play in their cross-city rival Shamrock Rovers’ stadium Tallaght Stadium.

    Tolka Park does not meet UEFA stadium standards and therefore all of the team’s home games will have to be played at a neutral venue.

    According to UEFA, stadiums from the group stage up until the final, should be a Category 3-4 stadium, unfortunately Shelbourne’s home ground falls under Category 1-2.

    Tolka Park, Photo:Shelsfc Instagram

    The reigning League of Ireland champions have not made the best of starts to defending their crown and some fans believe this game in Europe comes at a good time and will help them to shy away from their up and down form to date.

    “I think we need to put all our attention towards this European campaign now because it looks like we are not going to defend the league title, which is a real shame”, said Mya Breen, a Shelbourne season ticket holder.

    Shelbourne sit in sixth place in the League of Ireland and after having been knocked out of the FAI Cup, European football looks like that is all there is left to play for, in what has been a rollercoaster season for the North Dublin side.

    Shels host Waterford on Friday the 26th of September in the league as the reds look to build steam ahead of their clash with the Swedish side.

    As for the opposition, BK Häcken, it is safe to say they are not having the best of seasons either. The Swedish side sit mid-table in Sweden’s Allsvenskan Premier Division, losing 4 of their last 5 games in the league and sit only 4 points above the relegation places.

    However, the team did follow the same route as Shels towards qualification, having failed to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. They, like Shelbourne, ended up in a European Conference League play-off match, where they faced Romanian side CFR 1907 Cluj.

    Häcken won the tie comfortably, defeating the Romanian side 8-3 on aggregate over the two games. It is safe to say that the Swedish side can score goals for fun, which is a worry for a Shelbourne side that have been leaking goals lately.

    Tunisian forward, Amor Layouni, is the player to look out for on the opposition side. Layouni has 16 goal contributions in 25 matches in all competitions this season.

    Amor Layouni Photo: bkhackenofcl Instagram

    The forward broke a record when he became the first player ever in a European Competition to register 5 assists in just one match during Häcken’s 7-2 play off victory against CFR 1907 Cluj.

    The match is set to be an enthralling clash in which Shelbourne will be looking to kick off their European campaign with a victory.

    Kick-off is at 8 p.m, and the match will be shown live on TNT Sports. Controversially, no Irish broadcaster has confirmed whether or not they will televise the game.

  • Richmond Park: The Home of Saint Patrick’s Athletic 

    Richmond Park: The Home of Saint Patrick’s Athletic 

    By Derek Price

    Richmond Park is the well-known venue, pitch, and home, of St Patrick’s Athletic football team in Dublin, in the heart of Inchicore in Dublin.  

    Photo: Derek Price

    According to the team’s website, the ground was originally used as a recreational area by the British Army, from Richmond Barracks. This barracks has since been demolished many years ago. 

    The pitch was then unused for 3 years.  

    Brideville Football Club, originally based in The Liberties, Dublin. then began using the ground in 1925. 

    Although St Pats were founded in May 1929, back then they played their home matches in the Phoenix Park. 

    In 1930 Brideville F.C. moved from the Richmond Park football pitch to the Harold’s Cross Greyhound Stadium, as St Patrick’s Athletic then took it over and moved in. St. Pats used the ground until 1951, and then entered the League of Ireland, but the league declared the pitch inadequate, and for the best part of 9 years, St. Pats had to play on different pitches in Dublin, while they redeveloped Richmond Park. 

    In 1960, the team returned to the Inchicore pitch. The ground then closed for a upscaling in May 1989. Due to St Pats suffering financial difficulties, the team did not return to the site until 5 December 1993. 

    The ground is situated behind a row of terraced houses in a natural valley off Emmet Road, and is regularly used for the Republic of Ireland youth teams, and women’s soccer matches.  

    Richmond Park also is usually the venue for the non-league clubs in surrounding areas if they qualify for the FAI Cup. 

    Some music acts such as the 1970s and 80s rock band Thin Lizzy, have also used the venue to stage their concerts in the past. 

    In 2020, St Patrick’s Athletic used Richmond Park as a hub for donated items, and a food bank to provide aid to the needy during the COVID 19 pandemic, which was reported on the St Pats website, and in The Irish Times. 

    There are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs in the area, which one could imagine, must enjoy the influx of football supporters and their families, buying lots of food and items, and increasing their business and livelihood.  

    There is also a high level of security provided by An Garda Síochána, at every match, to ensure that law and order is maintained, with several Garda squad cars, vans, and motorcycles present, to keep the fans and patrons on the straight and narrow. 

    The St Patrick’s Athletics’ fans have been very enthusiastic about their team staying in Inchicore village, but how do the locals feel about the soccer fans etc., being around the surrounding area? 

    “I’m not a Pats supporter myself, but I drink in the pubs around the area, and I’m usually there on the weekends. The atmosphere is great because of the matches, and I for one am in favour of it. It wouldn’t be the same without it,” said Johnny Byrne (48) from Inchicore. 

    Susan O’Donnell from Bluebell is a fan of soccer. 

    “I drop down to some of the home games in Richmond Park. I’ve not seen much of any serious trouble at the matches, I have to say. A bit of monkeying around at times, with some young fellas messing, shouting at, and slagging the other team’s fans, but nothing that would stop me from turning up at the matches. They’re a good bunch of lads overall, as far as I’m concerned.” Susan said. 

    Patrick Evans (55) said: “I don’t live around here these days, but my parents do. I’m not a football fan myself, but I do watch the odd match when it’s on TV. I come up on the weekends when most of the matches are on. The buzz here on match nights is great and livens up the area. The supporters seem so loyal and mad into it. I’d recommend any football fans to drop up and take in the experience, and see it for themselves, whether they’re from Dublin, Ireland, or abroad,” he said. 

    Several shop workers from the Inchicore area where also asked for comment regarding this article, but unfortunately all declined to voice their opinions, and participate on the day. 

  • Ireland U21’s European Dream Ends, but Strong Foundations Are Set for the Future 

    Ireland U21’s European Dream Ends, but Strong Foundations Are Set for the Future 

    By Sandra Dudkiewicz

    Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the UEFA U21 European Championship were dashed after a 1-1 draw against Italy in Trieste.  

    Ireland previously drew 1-1 with Norway on October 11, with Sean Roughan scoring for Ireland, only to see their lead vanish with a last-minute equaliser by Andreas Schjelderup. This result added more pressure as the Irish needed a strong finish against Italy.   

    Ireland’s Andrew Moran scored the crucial equaliser in the 66th minute, after Italy had taken an early lead through Cesare Casadei. Despite the draw, Italy booked their place in the 2025 European Championship that will take place in Slovakia. 

    Italy’s missed penalty in the first half by Gnonto, along with other squandered opportunities, gave Ireland hope, but they were unable to find that crucial second goal. 

    Ireland’s U21 team may have missed out on qualification for the 2025 UEFA European Championship, but their journey was filled with standout performances. 

    The boys in green opened the qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over San Marino in September 2023, with Sean Roughan and Sinclair Armstrong contributing key goals and a 3-2 win over Turkey in June. 

    Scoreboard: RTE

    The Republic of Ireland U21 team concluded their UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign in third place, level with Norway on 19 points, but missing out on the playoffs due to goal difference. 

    They recorded 5 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss across 10 matches, scoring 24 goals and conceding 12, for a goal difference of +12. 

    Bristol City player and Republic of Ireland international, Sinclair Armstrong said: “The unity and mentality within the group was incredibly strong, largely due to the belief that Jim Crawford instilled in us which is that we could win every game.” 

    “We went toe-to-toe with big nations, and we didn’t shy away from any challenge, from any fight and we gave it 100 percent. For the experience to end so early is very disappointing but it has been unbelievable, we got to travel to so many different countries and experience different cultures in the process and it’s something I will never forget,” he continued. 

    Sinclair Armstrong (9)  Photo Via Instagram

    Armstrong received his first call-up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad on September 8, 2023, for their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands and made his senior debut on September 10, 2023. 

    While the Republic of Ireland team fell short of qualification for the UEFA U21 European Championship, their solid third-place finish and impressive performances throughout the qualifiers sets a promising foundation for the future. 

  • Cuala triumph in first Dublin final since 1988 

    Cuala triumph in first Dublin final since 1988 

    By Oscar Lawlor Plazas 

    A nail-biting end to a dramatic game on a windy day in Parnell Park saw Cuala overcome local rivals Kilmacud Crokes with a last gasp hand passed point by Eoin Kennedy, after Luke Keating’s freekick fell short with seconds to go on Sunday afternoon. 

    This put a stop to Kilmacud’s hopes of winning 4-in-a-row for the first time since the 1960s and gave Cuala their first ever Dublin Senior Football Championship win, in their first finals appearance since 1988. 

    Players appeared to struggle to determine which way the wind was blowing. In the first half, it appeared to benefit Crokes, but that didn’t last long. It was evidently blowing in the main from the church- end and behind Cuala’s backs but was equally indiscriminatory and unpredictable throughout the afternoon. 

    Crokes tried to smother Cuala’s strong first half and contain the damage until they could make use of the wind in their favour, but they were guilty of a few hurried attempts at goal and, predictably, bad choices considering the difficult conditions. 

    With their ace attackers Paul Mannion and Shane Walsh each scoring one point in the first half, Crokes missed six opportunities, blowing attempts at the uprights wide or short into goalkeeper Skollard’s hands. 

    During this period, Cuala’s offensive style was much more direct and focused. They made fewer poor attempts and had some well worked teamplay as they repeatedly drove up the pitch in packs to take a healthy lead going into halftime.  

    Dublin defender Michael Fitzsimons contributed to their onslaught, by fist passing a smart point and following it up by hitting another creative score after flicking the ball over Walsh’s head and collecting it on the other side.  

    Cuala’s five-point advantage at the half was only cheapened by the fact that two goal scoring opportunities had escaped them in the first six minutes of the second half. 

    Con O’Callaghan had the first but was denied by brave defending. This was followed up by Niall O’Callaghan’s excellent strike at the top corner being elegantly tipped over the bar for a point by Devon Burns. 

    Within a frenzied few minutes though, everything looked as though it might change.  

    Cuala fans rush onto pitch after final whistle 

    The Dalkey men kept Crokes at bay with the odd score and some outstanding defending but couldn’t stop a more experienced Crokes side from cutting the margin to three points between the forty- and fifty-minute marks. This was then made worse for Cuala when after just a few minutes in play as a blood substitute, Kilmacud’s Luke Ward scored the game’s first goal to tie the score for the first time since the fourth minute, when Mannion found him with a sweeping pass across Cuala’s last line of defenders. 

    Then, during the break in play, there was drama at the opposite end of the ground when Con O’Callaghan was shown a straight red card by referee Sean McCarthey at Stillorgan sides goalmouth, for an elbow on Crokes goalkeeper Devon Burns. This made for a tense end to the finals for both sets of supporters, but the purple and gold of Kilmacud Crokes didn’t have enough in the end to halt a history making day for the red and white of Cuala. 

    The team’s victory was well-earned, handling the match and Storm Ashley with skill and caution. They now progress to the quarterfinals of the Leinster Senior Football Championship and will take on whoever comes out on top between the Wicklow and Longford Championships respectively. 

    Scorers for Cuala: L Keating (0-3, 0-2 frees); C Doran (0-3); M Fitzsimons (0-2); E Kennedy, C McMorrow, P Ó Cofaigh Byrne, P Duffy N O’Callaghan and C O’Callaghan (all 0-1). 

    Scorers for Kilmacud Crokes: P Mannion (0-4, 0-1 free and 0-1 mark); S Walsh (0-3, 0-1 free); L Ward (1-0); H Kenny, C Dias, D Mullin (all 0-1). 

    CUALA: R Scollard; D Conroy, M Fitzsimons, E O’Callaghan; E Kennedy, C McMorrow, D O’Dowd; P Ó Cofaigh Byrne, P Duffy; C Dunne, C Ó Giolláin, C Doran; L Keating, N O’Callaghan, C O’Callaghan. 

    Subs: C Groarke for Ó Giolláin (43); C Mulally for Dunne (48); L Ward for O’Brien (blood, 54) and for Murphy (56). 

    KILMACUD CROKES: D Burns; M Mullin, T Clancy, D O’Brien; M O’Leary, A McGowan, J Murphy; B Shovlin, R O’Carroll; H Kenny, C Dias, D Mullin; P Mannion, P O’Connor, S Walsh. 

    Subs: C O’Connor for O’Leary (43); T Fox for Kenny (45); M Conroy for D Conroy (56); S Cunningham for O’Connor (71). 

    Referee: Sean McCarthy (St Vincent’s). 

  • Surge in Off-the-Ball Incidents in GAA Sparks Concern at Underage Level 

    Surge in Off-the-Ball Incidents in GAA Sparks Concern at Underage Level 

    By Jason Quigley

    In recent months, GAA matches across the country, particularly at juvenile level, have seen a worrying increase in off-the-ball incidents.  

    These occurrences, ranging from pushing and shoving, to more aggressive acts – have marred what should be a showcase of youthful talent and the spirit of fair play.  

    As tensions rise, so too has the involvement of parents and spectators, often leading to chaotic scenes on the sideline. 

    One individual who has witnessed this growing issue firsthand is John O’ Shea, former Public Relations Officer (PRO) for West Tipperary GAA. 

    John, a well-respected figure within the GAA community, believes that this current trend is deeply concerning and calls for immediate action, both from the GAA and the coaches overseeing these young teams. John expressed his frustration over the lack of concrete measures to curb these incidents. 

    “What we’re seeing now is not just the odd scuffle or disagreement. It’s consistent, particularly in juvenile games. I’ve seen parents running onto the pitch, furious over a referee’s decision, and that only escalates the situation. The referees are doing their best, but they are often left vulnerable.” 

    He recounted several matches where tempers flared beyond control, not just between the players but also among the supporters.

    Under 14 Hurling match fight. Mitchelstown v St Vincents. Pictures: @CraicOfTheAsh on twitter 

    “I was at a minor match a few weeks ago,” John said, “and after one controversial call by the referee, a parent stormed onto the field. It led to complete chaos—players were getting distracted, coaches were shouting, and the focus shifted from the game to the argument. This shouldn’t be happening, especially with kids on the field.” 

    John believes that a lack of discipline and respect for match officials is a core reason behind the rise in such incidents. However, he also feels that the GAA itself needs to take a firmer stance. 

    “The GAA has been slow to address this. We need more accountability from the top down. Stronger penalties for violent conduct and off-the-ball incidents need to be enforced consistently across all levels of the game. It’s not enough to just talk about it anymore. We need action.” 

    However, John is quick to point out that responsibility also lies with the coaching staff. He believes that some of the pressure to win, particularly in competitive juvenile games, is being projected onto young players in a negative way. 

    “Coaches need to remember that their role is to develop these players—not just in terms of skill but also in terms of attitude and sportsmanship. When coaches are constantly shouting and criticising officials, that behaviour gets transferred to the players, and they start seeing it as acceptable. It’s a vicious cycle, and it’s happening far too often,” John said. 

    Patrick Ryan,  who has been refereeing GAA games for over 30 years, says he’s very concerned about the rise of violence at matches. 

    Referee Patrick Ryan (middle) at a semifinal county minor game. Picture: West Tipperary GAA 

    “There’s a shortage of referees at the moment, and this kind of behaviour only discourages them further. If we lose more referees, we lose games. It’s that simple,” he says 

    While the GAA continues to promote respect, discipline, and a love of the game through its “Give Respect, Get Respect” campaign, Patrick insists that more needs to be done at the grassroots level. In particular, he suggests that educational programs for both coaches and parents should be implemented, alongside increased security measures at games to ensure safety for all involved. 

    “As the GAA community reflects on the escalating issues, the message is clear: the future of the sport at minor and juvenile levels is at stake, and immediate action is required to preserve the core values of the game.” 

  • Dundalk Saved by Consortium with John Temple at the Forefront  

    Dundalk Saved by Consortium with John Temple at the Forefront  

    Via Dundalk Instagram  

    One of Ireland’s most successful clubs found themselves a couple of hours away from potential liquidation. 

    The club has struggled this season on the pitch as manager, Jon Daly’s side find themselves at the bottom of the league, as relegation to the first division looms over the club for next season. With six games remaining having suffered a 2-1 loss on the weekend to Sligo Rovers the club needs a big turnaround to try and stay up for another season in the premier division.  

    The last few years finances at Dundalk,show that out of the last six years at the club there has been only one season (2020) in which the club made a marginable profit of just €108,386. Over the course of these years, the club has lost a total of €4.9 million.  

    Statistics via James Rogers on X 

    In terms of player wages there has been a significant increase after losing some key players like Patrick Hoban who is the club’s all time top goal scorer in history, along with some key players who contributed to the success of the club such as Daniel Kelly, John Martin and Greg Sloggett. Even with these players departing, the wage bill still went up a staggering €100,000 between 2022 to 2023.  

    The club confirmed over the past week that they had been taken over by a consortium led by Dundalk native John Temple, after he bought an 80% purchase of the club from Brian Ainscough who only acquired the club in December of 2023. 

    A statement from the club after the takeover was announced read that they have agreed to underwrite the players current wages until the end of the season and will examine the viability of the club and its facilities going forward. (“TAKEOVER AGREED WITH JOHN TEMPLE – Dundalk Football Club) 

    Dundalk aren’t the first club to struggle financially in Ireland as in recent years, every club has struggled, including Shamrock Rovers, St. Patricks Athletic, and Bohemians.  

    Local league of Ireland fan, Shannon Lester, said; “I personally don’t think the league gets enough from the likes of the government. Other sports in the country even get more air time, which I don’t think is right. 

    “I don’t think there is enough backing from the FAI, I think they’re a shambles and to be honest I feel like they only get involved when things are already too far gone,” Lester said.  


    “It was sad to see with what had gone on with Dundalk, but I do think that something should be done as if it was the likes of Rovers or Bohs and there would be more fuss over the situation,” she said. 

    She continued, “I think the last few years the clubs have gotten way more fans through the gates, and you can see it every week in the stadiums. I just feel that without the support of the FAI or even the media coverage, you will see these teams like UCD or Drogheda who don’t have a massive stadium so they wouldn’t get as many home fans as the bigger clubs in this country and won’t take in as much money due to this.” 

  • FIFA launch a Social Media Protection Service for the 2022 Qatar World Cup

    FIFA launch a Social Media Protection Service for the 2022 Qatar World Cup

    FIFA, along with the International Football Players Association (FIFRO), launched a service that filters out hate expressions online and social media for players during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

    International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) uploaded a media release on 16 November: “To tackle discrimination and to protect the mental health and well-being of players, FIFA and FIFPRO- The worldwide representative organisation for professional footballers- are launching a social media protection service (SMPS) in advance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.” 

    The social media accounts of all participating players in the World Cup are monitored through SMPS. FIFA explained that it will check public-facing abusive, discriminatory and threatening comments and inform SNS platform providers and law authorities for taking legal action against those who break rules.

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino said “we are happy to launch a service that will help to protect players from damaging effects that social media posts can cause to their mental health and well-being.” FiFPRO President David Aganzo highlighted that “It is football’s responsibility to protect the players and other affected groups against the abuse they increasingly face in and around their workplace”.  

    Former Brazil forward Willian gave full support to SMPS. He has experienced online abuse with himself and his family threatened on social media.“I was suffering a lot, and my family were suffering a lot because people started attacking us on social media, attacking my family, my daughters, and that’s why I’m standing now with FIFA to see if you can stop these kinds of things,” Willian said

    Mistake in a football match, condemnation on social media? 

    When South Korea’s national soccer team captain Son Heung-min, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League (EPL), was on the operating table due to a facial fracture, some soccer fans poured malicious comments on Chancel Mbemba’s social media posts, who collided with Son Heung-min.

    Earlier, Son Heung-min fell down after hitting Mbemba’s right shoulder in the 25th minute of the first half in an away match against Olympique de Marseille in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage at Stade Velodrome on the 2nd of November.

    Son Heung-min covered his face and complained of severe pain, and eventually left the ground after being replaced in the 29th minute of the first half. He was supported by the medical staff because he could not walk on his own even though he was replaced.

    Source by Tottenham Hotspur’s official Twitter account.

    Afterwards, Tottenham said on its SNS on the 2nd of November, “We can confirm that Heung-Min Son will undergo surgery to stabilize a fracture around his left eye.” 

    About three weeks before the first group qualifying match for the Qatar World Cup for the Korean national team, Son Heung-min was on the operating table and was on the verge of failing to participate in the World Cup. The Korean national team was also on high alert as there was a possibility that Son Heung-min, a representative player of Korean football, could be absent.

    Graphical user interface, application, Teams Description automatically generated
    On Mbemba’s official Instagram post, many football fans condemned him due to the injury of Heung-min Son

    In response, some soccer fans poured out indiscriminate malicious comments toward Mbemba. On Mbemba’s Instagram post, fans left criticism and malicious comments such as “Football is not UFC”. 

    Mbemba’s case illustrates a need for FIFA to operate the Social Media Protection Service for World Cup players. In addition to the legal actions taken by official organisations, fans should also be aware that their comments behind anonymity on social media can leave an indelible mark on one individual and one player

  • Twitter reacts to England’s 2022 World Cup squad

    Twitter reacts to England’s 2022 World Cup squad

    By Johnathon Pearl

    There was a frenzy of social media activity as Gareth Southgate announced England’s World Cup squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. 

    Southgate largely stayed loyal to the squad that reached the Euro 2020 final, with only 7 new members included in this squad compared to the Euro’s squad.

    While there was a small element of happiness with the inclusion of players such as James Maddison and Callum Wilson, the overall emotion was anger towards Southgate over his selection of the squad. 

    Supporters from both Ireland and England took to Twitter with Southgate springing a few surprises. 

    Ex English international Gary Lineker congratulated the players that were picked to represent England in Qatar.

    Some of the surprise omissions included Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who has been prolific in the Premier League for the past two seasons, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and winner of the Italian league (Serie A) last season Fikayo Tomori.

    Toney – who had scored two goals against Manchester City the previous weekend – was a huge omission from Southgate, with a large number of people backing him to get into the 26-man squad.

    Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips received a lot of criticism online. Previously, Southgate had stated that he would only be picking players based on their club form.

    Kalvin Phillips has played one game all season for Manchester City, while Maguire has been dropped by new Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag and has only started two games all season.

    Ireland supporters won’t have been surprised that previous underage players Jack Grealish and Declan Rice had been chosen to go on the plane, a regular occurrence in Southgate’s squads.

    Even if Ireland fans haven’t forgotten Grealish and Rice’s betrayal, it is thought that both will have a significant influence on whether or not England will win the World Cup.

    However, one player that the majority of England were delighted to see in the England squad was Leicester midfielder James Maddison. 

    Maddison – who hasn’t been picked in an England squad since 2019 – has had the second most goal involvements of any England player in the Premier League since the start of last season. 

    England captain Harry Kane will likely break the all-time record for England goals during the tournament, needing two goals to surpass Wayne Rooney.

    Kane is also currently 10 goals shy of being the World Cup’s all-time leading goal scorer. Former Germany striker Mirsolav Klose remains top of the table with 16 goals.

    A closer look at the squad

    The average age of England’s squad is extremely young with the new generation branded as the ‘golden generation’. Jude Bellingham (19), Bukayo Saka (21), Phil Foden (22) and Mason Mount (23) are all likely to be starting in Southgate’s team, reflecting the inexperience within the squad.

    England boast the ninth youngest squad in the 32-team tournament, with an average age of 26.4 years old. 

    PlayerPositionClub▲ Age
    Jude BellinghamMidfielderBorussia Dortmund19
    Bukayo SakaForwardArsenal21
    Conor GallagherMidfielderChelsea22
    Phil FodenForwardMan City22
    Declan RiceMidfielderWest Ham23
    Mason MountMidfielderChelsea23
    Aaron RamsdaleGoalkeeperArsenal24
    T. Alexander-ArnoldDefenderLiverpool24
    Ben WhiteDefenderArsenal25
    James MaddisonForwardLeicester25

    There has been a general trend towards having younger squads in recent years. This squad is one of the youngest squads ever picked by an England manager. Even though the age of the squad is young, it is in fact the second most capped (820) English squad in World Cup history.

    Club Composition

    Club composition is always a fascinating angle of the England squad. Historically, Manchester United have produced the most English players of all time (43). The squad that Southgate has chosen has a varied number of players from a lot of different clubs as shown on the graph below:

    Aaron RamsdaleGoalkeeperArsenal
    Ben WhiteDefenderArsenal
    Bukayo SakaForwardArsenal
    Jude BellinghamMidfielderBorussia Dortmund
    Conor GallagherMidfielderChelsea
    Mason MountMidfielderChelsea
    Raheem SterlingForwardChelsea
    Jordan PickfordGoalkeeperEverton
    Conor CoadyDefenderEverton
    James MaddisonForwardLeicester
    T. Alexander-ArnoldDefenderLiverpool
    Jordan HendersonMidfielderLiverpool
    John StonesDefenderMan City
    Kyle WalkerDefenderMan City
    Kalvin PhillipsMidfielderMan City
    Phil FodenForwardMan City
    Jack GrealishForwardMan City
    Harry MaguireDefenderMan Utd
    Luke ShawDefenderMan Utd
    Marcus RashfordForwardMan Utd
    Nick PopeGoalkeeperNewcastle
    Kieran TrippierDefenderNewcastle
    Callum WilsonForwardNewcastle
    Eric DierDefenderTottenham
    Harry KaneForwardTottenham
    Declan RiceMidfielderWest Ham

    Manchester City are the most dominant club, with five players representing Pep Guardiola’s team. Surprisingly Liverpool only have two players that have been picked with both Joe Gomez and Harvey Elliot missing out. Other English heavyweights such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United all have three players in the squad

    Southgate’s position as England manager

    Gareth Southgate’s position as England manager has become increasingly unstable, particularly after the Nations League defeats to Hungary and Italy. Various shouts of getting rid of the manager before the World Cup were rejected, but failure to progress deep into the latter stages of this tournament could spark the end of his reign in charge.

    The negativity coming into this tournament for Southgate is quite unusual, in the previous two major tournaments he led England to the World Cup Semi-final in 2018 and in 2021 he reached the European Championship final, losing to Italy on penalties.

    When asked about his future surrounding recent negativity in the build up to the Qatar World Cup, Southgate responded with a sense of realism.

    ‘’I’m not foolish. I am realistic about that (the negativity). I’ll be judged on what’s delivered in Qatar and I am perfectly happy in that way,” Southgate said.

  • Ronnie FC Playing their part in Movember

    Ronnie FC Playing their part in Movember

    Movember has become a tradition in recent times, where men across the world grow sometimes questionable facial hair to raise funds for worthy causes such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer and men’s mental health. In the current world and circumstances we find ourselves in, there’s been much emphasis on the importance of mental health. Ciaron Noble catches up with Ronnie FC, a group of young men in Wicklow who raised money for the cause.

    Copyright free photo sourced from Pixabay.

    Countless groups of lads took part in the fundraising throughout the month and Ronnie FC, a group of 12 lads from Wicklow Town played their part. The Wicklow group spent the summer playing 5 a-side football, it was from there they decided to team up and raise funds for these worthy causes, as many of them felt they could relate from personal experience with some of these issues and they wanted to raise awareness of these issues within their local society.

    In late October, pre their Movember challenge, they set up an Instagram page named Ronnie FC. Through the page they grew quite a following achieving over 400 followers. “Due to lockdown social media was more important than any other means of communication,” said Cathal Keegan, a member of the group. 

    They kept their followers updated and entertained throughout the month. They introduced each member by doing profile posts, letting their followers get an opportunity to learn a little bit of information about each participant. “We thought this would help viewers put a face to the members and also to see our own personal reason for doing Movember,” Keegan told The City.

    They ran challenges throughout the month, if they reached a certain goal in fundraising they would partake in forfeits, a few of the lads dyed their hair, shaved their head, ate hot sauce and even tried to break the world-record for the fastest eaten jar of mayonnaise. 

    Movember has recently finished and they collectively raised €4500, a great amount that will help all the charities, and more than doubling their original €2000 target. “It felt great to make a positive contribution during such uncertain times, all of the lads are so thankful to all the support that was shown to the group,” said Keegan. 

  • ACL injuries on the rise in football

    ACL injuries on the rise in football

    By Evin Grant

    The most common injuries in football are pulled hamstrings, sprained ankles and dead legs. However, a far more serious injury is starting to become more prominent across the sport in recent years.

    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears have been on the rise in recent years and offer far more serious consequences for footballers, often ruling them out for over eight months.

    Photo Credit: Pixabay

    Dr. Riley Williams of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), recently explained some reasons for the ACL tear being closely associated with sports people, footballers in particular.

    “High-velocity, change in direction, pivots and rotation of lower extremities can affect the function and stability of an ACL,” said Dr Williams. “ACL injuries can occur when contact is made with another player but can also arise from non-contact situations such as landing awkwardly when passing a ball.”

    “Recovery time for an ACL tear can be anywhere between six months to a year”

    Recovery time for an ACL tear can be anywhere between six months to a year, depending on the circumstances and professional clubs will often enlist specialist treatment and around-the-clock rehabilitation services to aide their players recovery. Notably, Florian Lejeune, of Newcastle United, who amazingly returned from an ACL tear after just six months last season.

    However, for football clubs in Ireland who do not have such luxuries, an ACL tear to one of their players can be highly damaging and often lead to a prolonged length of absence. Hugh Douglas  of Bray Wanderers, Darren Cole of Derry City and Gary Boylan of Sligo Rovers are all SSE Airtricity League players who have suffered an ACL injury recently.

    One player who knows both the physical and mental anguish of injury is 20-year-old Bohemians striker, Cristian Magerusan. The highly rated, Romanian-born forward has suffered several metatarsal injuries and one ACL tear in the last two years alone.

    “The recovery was basically like starting from the beginning”

    “It was the worst pain ever when I did it,” said Magerusan about tearing his ACL. “The recovery was basically like starting from the beginning, so like small movements of the knee and trying to walk on it and all.

    “It’s been a long road and mentally very tough but I feel much stronger now coming back.”  

    Magerusan is now nearing return following a gruelling nine months on the side-lines. He underwent ACL reconstruction surgery and was back walking without crutches just three days later.

    From that point on, it has been a difficult journey for him both mentally and physically, but with a return to the pitch just around the corner, Magerusan and others show that the dreaded ACL tear can be conquered.