Hawkeye Sidekick

26/07/2024

An incredible opening ceremony and what a way to close the event. Celine Dion was different class. Roll on tomorrow!

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25/07/2024

On this final episode of the intercounty hurling podcast series for this year, I am joined by Kieran Collins, Ruairi Walsh and special guest Des Mythen as we dissect the epic All Ireland SHC final and reflect on the senior intercounty year.

Edit Note
Thanks for all the support throughout the year. We hope to be back before year end to discuss the club championship.

On this final episode of the intercounty hurling podcast series for this year, I am joined by Kieran Collins, Ruairi Walsh and special guest Des Mythen as we dissect the epic All Ireland SHC final and reflect on the senior intercounty year

25/07/2024

The sad news of Istrabraq's passing at thirty-two brings back so many personal memories from Limerick in the late 90s. The races won provoking big celebrations around the county. An iconic horse. Champions Hurdle standard bearer.

Istabraq is one of racing's greatest ever talents and among his achievements were three Champion Hurdle wins at the Cheltenham Festival. We've looked back at...

24/07/2024

Thanks Irish Abroad for having me on last week to discuss all things Republic of Ireland. The debate between the two Phil's is excellent and well worth listening. Super content as always for anyone who follows the Republic of Ireland team.

Reviewing the Republic of Ireland's recent qualifiers against France and England, and discussing the new manager of the Men's National Team

23/07/2024

Our final intercounty podcast episode of the season will be recorded tomorrow night. Kieran, Ruairi and I are delighted to have Des Mythen join us. The episode will go live on Thursday morning.

We will reflect on an epic All Ireland SHC final, select our team of the year, individual gongs and chart our monster highs and lows from the season. Any questions for the lads? Drop us a note below.

Edit Note:
It would be great to hear what your highs and lows from the year were along with end of year team and player selections.

Thanks for the support throughout the year,
Kieran, Ruairi and yours truly.

21/07/2024

Clare 3-29 1-34 Cork
Clare secured their fifth All Ireland SHC with an epic extra final win over Cork at Croke Park to secure a Allianz NHL and championship double this term.

For Cork after the standout performances against Limerick in this year's championship, this final loss will hurt as they lose another All Ireland final and this one will be a traumatic one to get over.

Cork in full flow in the first fifteen minutes. Robert Downey with a goal for the ages as Cork secured a seven point lead in the first quarter. No wide until minute fifteen. Clare on the back foot.

Champions though need to absorb the punches when required and then strike back. Clare's response was emphatic.

Their movement in the middle third causing Cork massive issues. A superb goal response from Aidan McCarthy who contributed in open play.

Clare being seven points behind were suddenly a point up as Clare's middle third asserted dominance. Cork's half forward line unit ground to a halt as Dalton in particular struggled for ball or prominence.

1-12 each at the break and it was tit for tat early on as both sides continued to deliver high level scores. It needed something sensational to break the cycle of point for point. Step forward Mark Rodgers.

Rodgers with a superb run and shot which Cork keeper Patrick Collins did not see. Three point margin established but Cork continued to eat into the lead and with more composure could have gone ahead.

Seamus Harnedy with a gilt edged opportunity to setup either Hayes or Connolly but he went for glory. A '65 was the call but a wide was a damning call for a standout chance.

Clare off the hook as Cleary and Hogan with early yellow cards hurled with abandon. Leen impressed throughout.

The third Clare goal was akin to the Robert Downey opener for goal. David Fitzgerald pass to Tony Kelly who slalomed his way through the Cork rearguard. A magnificent finish past Collins. This Cork side again giving goal chances away. This time Clare were clinical.

Clare ahead as we entered into the fifth minute of injury time. The Clare management calls backfired. Shanagher with a poor jersey pull at the death to give Horgan a regulation free to slot over. Players dropping like flies as cramp and exhaustion kicked in.

The Banner now having to contend with the absence of full back Conor Cleary. Daragh Lohan took one for the team and went back into the full back line to allow John Conlon to become the focal figure in the half-back line.

Cork will point to a potential black card late on in normal time but the extra time will be remembered for several poor shot selections.

Five wides collectively from Twomey, Horgan and O'Flynn crucial as Tony Kelly inspired Clare scoring points along with Aidan McCarthy.

Fine margins and Clare were more clinical down the stretch. Meehan and Ian Galvin prominent in their work rate and scores. Cork's bench impact late on failed to hit the mark.

Clare though having to survive a late free. Robbie O'Flynn with a late wide, a jersey pull but the player needs to nail that point. Fine margins indeed as Cork are left to rue what may have been.

Tony Kelly's speech spoke volumes of this Clare's tenacity and ability to get up off the floor for the last four years. That determination to believe in the Lohan way has created this moment.

A league and championship double is a marvelous return for this Clare side. Shane O'Donnell a leading contender for HOTY after Darragh Fitzgibbon's influence was impacted by a wonderful performance from Cathal Malone.

The real winner was hurling. A wonderful final where both teams delivered a spectacle. The drama throughout was breathtaking. One for the annals! Well done Clare! Commiserations to Cork!

21/07/2024

Opinion: All Ireland SHC final too close to call will come down to the sideline.

An intriguing showpiece event beckons at Croke Park this afternoon with both Clare and Cork set to decide who brings Liam McCarthy home.

Both sides have valid arguments to secure the crown.

Cork's fast tempo, direct bal insidel and middle third running approach setup is impressive. Limerick were unable to solve the conundrum last day out.

The three man full forward line of Cork complement each other so well. Connolly is a goal machine. Hayes power on the deck and in the air immense. Horgan is a hurling god.

Cork's Downey brothers have brought familiarity and stability down the spine of the defense. Fitzgibbon in midfield is HOTY candidate.

Clare have had two weeks to solve the Limerick problem. Their side exhibits pace and power in the middle third.

Conlon and Cleary key in the central defensive roles need to keep their shape. Let those around them track and work back.

The Clare forward line movement poses an issue for Cork. Cork do concede goal chances. Limerick had three standout chances spurned. Clare with O'Donnell and Rodgers inside won't.

For Clare to win, Tony Kelly must be prominent from minute one. If he roves and creates space, Cork have an issue. Who then tracks the Ballyea man? Swings and roundabouts.

Both sides played a classic in 2013 and their most recent contests have seen nothing in the final scoreline. How the players handle this final is a factor? Players fail to perform in this cauldron.

The same can be said for management. The management teams setup essential but also their ability to pivot during the game. Cork management have made the right switches and have the edge.

Lohan and management were better in the All Ireland SHC semi-final with their late cameos. There is a niggling doubt though on their sideline call ability in-game.

Bench impact has seen a loss in team shape for Clare. Limerick losses exposed the point to the maximum. Cohesion lost and the games ebbed away.

Clare management have big pressure to deliver today as their current crop crave another Liam McCarthy. I would be worried for Clare on that point.

Cork management team will hope that the players perform like against Limerick proportions but it is difficult to emulate that level of energy and drive.

There will be a performance dip and the Cork bench will be required to bring this home down the stretch. Cork cannot stop scoring with ten minutes left which has been a hallmark of recent fixtures.

What happens if Clare fly out of the blocks? 2021 in the heads. Cork composure on the pitch if behind will be tested. Clare will look to score goals early.

Who though is going to be the hero? Collins and Quilligan keen to gain confidence early in potentially tricky conditions. May the best team win!

Prediction
Cork win by 2 points. Sideline calls will be pivotal.

18/07/2024

On this episode, I am joined by Kieran Collins, Ruairi Walsh, Simon Stokes and very special guest Cork hurling maestro Kieran 'Fraggie' Murphy as we preview the All Ireland SHC final between Clare and Cork. Likes and shares appreciated!

On this episode, I am joined by Kieran Collins, Ruairi Walsh, Simon Stokes and special guest Cork hurling maestro Kieran Fraggy Murphy as we preview the All Ireland SHC final between Clare and Cork.

18/07/2024

Ruairi, Kieran and I will record our All Ireland SHC final preview podcast episode this evening. We may have a special guest or two join us. Any questions for the lads tonight? Episode should drop tomorrow morning first thing. We are looking forward to this Clare vs. Cork clash.

Best wishes,
Ruairi, Kieran and Hawkeye Sidekick.

16/07/2024

Republic of Ireland 3-1 France
Pairc Ui Chaoimh looked splendid and Eileen Gleeson's side delivered an excellent performance to sign-off on this group campaign.

France already qualified did make a raft of changes but this was a thoroughly deserved win for the Republic of Ireland Women's senior team.

Four changes from the side that narrowly lost to England at Carrow Road. Freshness aplenty as Quinn, Russell, McKiernan and McCabe all prominent performers.

With a buoyant local support, Republic of Ireland grew in confidence. The opener was an excellent well worked effort. Russell linkup play with Cork native Denise O'Sullivan whose scores with a super long range effort.

France looking to respond but got sucker punched for a second goal. Ball over the top. Russell with a swift turn and strike nestling into the top corner.

An excellent strike but France with an immediate response. Becho on hand to score from close range and a long range from Diani flashed wide of Brosnan's post.

The hosts needed a third goal and it came late on. Megan Connolly with a corner which asked a question. Patten header to the net. Nine minutes of injury time closed out with minimal fuss.

Republic of Ireland with a morale boosting win here. A two legged playoff to determine whether the side travels to Switzerland next summer.

This group has battle hardened the side so optimism should be high entering the playoffs given the opponents they could face.

France, England and Sweden are world elite sides. The Republic of Ireland acquitted themselves as well as they could with the last two fixtures seeing promise.

FAI should hold more WNT fixtures outside of Dublin. Cork held a wonderful event. Let's hope this is not the last fixture to be played outside Dublin.

16/07/2024

Opinion: Gareth Southgate departs England
The England post mortem did not take long. Gareth Southgate has promptly resigned as England manager and with an end of an era which was so close yet so far for the national side.

This international management role is brutal. The sheer expectations levels from national media and supporters is incredible. The deplorable abuse requiring multi layers of thick thin.

This tournament saw some incredible low blows to Southgate to his character. Southgate was always quick to say that he accepted footballing critique but the personal attacks were horrendous.

There were lost opportunities. The European Championship final loss to Italy stung at Wembley. A game where England with more adventure could have secured the spoils. The conversative approach inking fans.

This campaign saw misfiring performances on the pitch. The central midfield and Harry Kane situation never tackled. The bench impact making the team more structured and threatening. Spain were worthy winners in the final.

The tenure was one of stability for the FA. Southgate seen as a safe pair of hands but minimal success seen. Nations League relegation had Southgate on his last orders.

Southgate has identified young talent and integrated them into the current squad. Saka, Palmer, Foden, Mainoo come to mind. More fresh blood required from the incumbent.

This job has an obvious lure but this past campaign should be a warning for the England successor on the negativity that comes with the role.

Southgate is a good man, deflected criticism when required. The playing group will be saddened by the news but it was time for change. A new era is required for England. Howe, Potter and Carsley would appear to be the main protagonists.

15/07/2024

Some closing thoughts on the Euros. Thanks for the likes and comments while covering the competition on this glorious platform!

The dust has settled on another UEFA European Championships. Spain securing a record fourth triumph with a thoroughly deserved 2-1 win over England in Berlin. A competition which had several story …

15/07/2024

Spain 0-0 Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland Women's U19 side opened their European Championship campaign with an admirable draw against reigning champions Spain.

This Group B pot is loaded with talent. Dave Connell's side have Spain, Germany and the Netherlands for company. This is as tough as you could get for the Republic of Ireland.

The game today was played in hot and sunny conditions in Lithuania. Spain controlled possession for long periods but they found a determined Republic of Ireland whose defensive shape was impressive throughout.

Republic of Ireland with zero shots during the contest captured the essence of this fixture. Ireland having to absorb Spain attacking threats throughout. Twenty-nine shots for Spain but Ireland defensively firm.

Katie Keane in goal dominant when Spain did get around the Ireland defensive unit. Some superb cross taking late on to reduce the pressure on a defensive unit who had several key cameos.

Mary Philips. Remember the name because this player delivered a class cameo in defense. Her game reading and partnership with the excellent Eve Dossen caught the eye.

Kate Thompson who admirably switched from defense to midfield during the fixture provided key leadership. All outfield players delivered a huge shift to secure the point.

Dave Connell will be delighted with the defensive performance to secure a point but will be concerned with lack of control with the ball in midfield.

Germany and Netherlands mean that there is let up in the quality of opposition later in the week.

Republic of Ireland face one of the tournament favorites Germany on Thursday lunchtime. If you have time, switch on RTE News channel to watch the action. Well done to all involved!

14/07/2024

Spain 2-1 England
Spain secured a record fourth UEFA European Championship crown as they defeated England late in Berlin.

This was a deserved final victory for Spain who dominated possession, superior with the ball and created chances often particularly in the second half.

England worked hard but the opening period saw Spain in complete control in midfield. Mainoo and Rice struggling to gain a foothold in proceedings. Saka and Walker axis on the flank the only significant attacking threat as Stones, Guéhi stood out.

0-0 at half-time. Rodrigo injured and replaced by Zubimendi who did not miss a beat. Spain started with gusto and a superb opener was scored within two minutes of the restart.

Plenty of analysis on the Yamal pass to Williams for the emphatic goal but Carvalaj's first time pass to Williams was sensational. It exposed Shaw all ends up and the player overlap created.

England on the ropes for the next ten minutes and should have been further behind. Olmo with a superb chance minutes later flashed wide. Yamal and Williams with chances.

Southgate though had seen enough. Kane ineffectual replaced by Watkins. Mainoo replaced by Palmer who looked sharp. Spain looking to contain and it back fired. England levelled with a superb Palmer strike, great setup from Bellingham.

Spain now asked the question and their answer was emphatic. Fabian with a good chance. Pickford more prominent heading into the closing stages but could nothing about the game winner. It exposed more defensive lapses in the England flanks.

Saka's work rate to get back under the microscope. Walker fails to react to the Cucurella threat until it is too late. The early cross exposing Stones and Guéhi as Real Sociedad's Oyarzabal to dispatch the ball past a beleaguered Pickford.

Eight minutes for England to save their final ambitions. Watkins had an opportunity but his first touch not good enough. Spain battened down the hatches and defended with gusto. Laporte imperious at the back. Olmo defensive header on the line. England could do no more given their plight.

England fans will point to Southgate's team selection but it would not have mattered. Spain were the superior side of the final, the superior side of the tournament and have uncovered Yamal and Williams as genuine world superstars! Vamos Espana!

14/07/2024

This was a fixture where the team who have developed in recent years came out on tops. Donegal will learn and improve next season. Galway footballers defensively excellent. Maher a man mountain in the middle third with the half-back line sensational throughout. A few weeks for key personnel within the Galway camp to be fully fit. This final looks too close to call. Well done Galway and Armagh on their weekend semi-final wins!

14/07/2024

Opinion: The changing of the singles men's tennis guard
This Wimbledon men's singles final is always an incredible occasion in the sporting calendar but I feel today, it marked the changing of the guard.

Carlos Alcaraz delivered a performance of sheer class. His movement and ability to beat perennial champions Novak Djokovic from either the baseline or at the net different level.

This 6-2 6-2 7-6 straight sets win for the twenty-one year old Spaniard was thoroughly merited. It started with the epic opening game of the match which took fifteen minutes. Alcaraz broke and never looked back for the first hour of this final.

Novak Djokovic tried everything to get back into this final. He looked to end point early with tramp line winners, coming to the net which had been successful in this campaign (not today) or just looking to gain dominance at the baseline with lengthy rallies.

Alcaraz winning the key points in the first two sets and strode out into a dominant two set advantage but Djokovic in the third set looked more competitive and saved three championship points when 4-5 down.

The tie break was a summary of the overall contest. Alcaraz ground strokes and booming serve the prevailing themes. Djokovic could not do more with his heavy strapped knee. Alcaraz retains his Wimbledon crown.

It was a dominant performance from the Spaniard and this is the man to take tennis to new heights. Djokovic will look at this run with immense pride given his recent knee surgery. The Serbian is still elite but Alcaraz was different class today.

13/07/2024

Ireland with a dramatic last gasp win over South Africa in Port Elizabeth.

Ciaran Frawley with clutch kicks down the stretch. Some drop goal to win it. Savage series.

This is a series that will stand to this Ireland squad long term.

11/07/2024

On this week's podcast episode, I am joined by James Mulcare and Ruairi Walsh as we reflect on Clare and Cork's excellent All Ireland SHC semi-final wins which recreates the 2013 All Ireland SHC final pairing. Limerick's historic drive for five is halted while Kilkenny ponder potential key player retirements in the off-season. Likes and shares appreciated!

On this latest episode, I am joined by Ruairi Walsh and James Mulcare as we reflect on Clare and Cork's excellent All Ireland SHC semi-final wins.

10/07/2024

England 2-1 Netherlands
A late Ollie Watkins goal broke Netherlands hearts as England advance to the final of the UEFA European Championships against Spain.

This was a vastly improved England performance from the moment that Simons put Netherlands ahead after only seven minutes.

Declan Rice robbed of possession. Xavi Simons with a stunning run and strike giving Jordan Pickford no chance.

Netherlands fans were in party mode but England put their best foot forward. Mainoo and Foden prominent and Netherlands were under pressure. Kane with a missed chance but a VAR check awarded a penalty. The penalty never in doubt.

England in the ascendency. Foden with a stunning strike hitting the woodwork. Foden with an effort cleared off the line by Dumfries. Ake unsure what to do with Saka but Dumfries was so close to a set piece goal. Fine margins.

Koeman had to make changes earlier than anticipated. Memphis Depay injured and subbed after thirty minutes. Weghorst introduced earlier looking for a decisive winner. The Dutch vastly improved and Pickford having to be alert to keep the scores level.

Saka with a goal chalked off for offside but England and Netherlands sensed a game winner. Southgate with progressive replacements. Watkins and Palmer introduced and the two combined for the game winner.

Palmer looking for Watkins hitting the last man. Watkins has plenty to do but what a turn and shot to win the game. Netherlands with no time to recover the situation. England closing out the game with minimal fuss. Bellingham running out with the ball to finish the contest.

Spain and England in Berlin on Sunday. Styles make games. Spain's slick passing and movement vs. England's resolve and individual attacking brilliance. Let's hope for an exciting final.

10/07/2024

Opinion: FAI appoint Hallgrimsson as new Republic of Ireland senior men's boss.

On the week of the damning RTE Investigates episode and leading into the crucial Republic of Ireland senior women's team fixture against England comes this leftfield senior men's managerial appointment.

The timing feels off personally given those circumstances. Why not delay the announcement to next week given the events that have unfolded this week? Ample time for the press release and managerial press conference.

You have to give Heimir Hallgrimsson the benefit of the doubt. He has international managerial experience (albeit minimal success) with his native Iceland and recently Jamaica.

Jamaica have had a wretched World Cup qualification campaign and Hallgrimsson resigned before he was pushed.

Leon Bailey was quick to criticize the association in recent times for their lack of preparation. That would also apply to the management setup which is a watch item.

Hallgrimsson comes into the job as an outsider which may not be a bad thing. He will have an open mindset on the squad and will need to gather his thoughts quickly as England come to town in early September.

What is this manager's playing ethos? Is this a more pragmatic approach like what we saw with Iceland in 2016 Euros. Iceland were physical, well organized and played in the right areas at that time.

I suspect the Stephen Kenny pure football approach from the back will be dispensed with for early results to restore confidence within the playing group.

This FAI press conference tomorrow will be interesting. John O'Shea dispensed with by the association. O'Shea is probably best rid of this role.

Who was genuinely interested in this job should be the question to Marc Canham tomorrow? Why now? If they really wanted their man, why not pay the compensation to allow Hallgrimsson to join the setup last month.

As mentioned, this timing appears forced from a beleaguered organization who want to close a wretched managerial search as soon as possible.

It will remain to be seen how the dentist can fill the Republic of Ireland gaping cavity of quality and results.

The jury is out on the association and unfortunately for the new manager installed. The man is brave to take this role on so I am prepared to give him time to deliver.

The 231-day search for a new Ireland boss is finally over with Iceland’s Heimir Hallgrímsson appointed head coach of the men’s national team.

09/07/2024

Spain 2-1 France
A compelling semifinal from start to finish. A victory for Spain based on cohesion with or without the ball. A fixture where Lamine Yamal arrived to the global stage.

Munich was a fitting venue for this last four fixture. Two major protagonists going head to head and France started the better and went ahead after only nine minutes.

Dembele with time in midfield passing to Mbappe and his cross was met by a powerful header from Kolo Muani. Unai Simon with no chance. Spain with a major question raised. Could they respond?

In the heat and humidity of Munich, Lamine Yamal with a sensational strike. The pregame comments from Rabiot questioning the player given what they deserved. Rabiot hauled off early.

Spain now with the momentum. Olmo with a gorgeous strike to edge Spain ahead. The first two touches eliminate French players out of the equation. Kounde unable to prevent the goal.

Spain could have had more goals in thar opening half. Ruiz with a superb chance, free header over the bar. France struggling to contend the passing and movement of this Spanish team.

France improved after the break but genuine final third quality was in short supply. Hernandez with a big chance skied over. Mbappe unconvincing effort never looked like troubling Simon.

The Spanish possession game closed out the fixture. A side without Carvajal. The defensive readjustment made with minimal issues. Rodrigo immense. Williams and Yamal with genuine attacking width.

France beaten and questions aplenty. Didier Deschamps' future as head coach. Several players with decisions to consider after this elimination. Spain better and more cohesive something France unfortunately did not have in this campaign.

08/07/2024

This was an incredible investigative journalism piece last night from the Sunday Independent and RTE Investigates on the abuse received by former female players.

FAI yet again in the dock. You have to ask the question when enough is enough. The FAI brand is finished. IIt will be an interesting watch to see how sponsors (existing and prospective) react to this latest development.

I have critiqued on the lack of managerial progress with the national senior men's side but that is so minor when you consider the enormous credibility, transparency and ethos issues in this organization for decades.

How do we expect an organization to evolve in a positive progressive manner when this type of scandal was swept under the carpet? What else is left to be exposed?

Kudos to the former players for speaking out. Kudos to the journalist collaboration to expose this scandal and bring it to the general public

The Football Association of Ireland has apologised to female former players who claim they “experienced serious historical abuse and manipulative behaviour”; former international players, along with trainees, said the abuse had damaged careers and shattered lives

07/07/2024

Cork 1-28 0-29 Limerick
There will be no five in a row for Limerick as a hungry Cork secured their All Ireland final berth with a two point win at Croke Park.

A decisive third quarter performance where Cork took a two point deficit into a seven point lead. Limerick's much vaunted half back and midfield units run ragged.

Limerick as champions tried to fight back and young guns O'Connor and O'Brien had point chances late on but it was not to be. Cork worthy winners.

Cork management got their matchups setup perfectly. They exposed Limerick on the defensive flanks and with aerial dominance from Hayes, Limerick were behind the eight ball.

Cork starting well. Hayes with a wonderful goal which exposed Limerick defensive pace. Limerick responded and had a two point advantage at the break but there was an edginess in their display.

Limerick failed to establish the run game in the middle third. Goal chances thwarted and some poor wides early. When Limerick missed, Cork punished the error with standout scores. Dalton immense.

Limerick management team tried to energise the middle third but no half back replacements was baffling. Depth chart and Nash injury crucial but Cork young guns were relentless.

Cork vs. Clare final. An intriguing finale. Cork worthy winners. Pat Ryan and management have taken early season flak but now on an upward trajectory.

Limerick exit the championship. Drive for five halted but the team and management owe this county nothing. Five glorious All Ireland wins in six amazing years. An amazing side.

Well done Cork. Another classic in the books between these two close neighbours. Cork now need to drive on and win this final. A huge final for both Clare and Cork, super buildup beckons!

07/07/2024

Sad news to hear. A manager par excellence who gave superb days for Galway and Leitrim on a football pitch. Rip John O'Mahony.

Former Mayo, Leitrim and Galway manager, John O'Mahony, has died.