Celtic Warriors- Top 5 Irish Boxers of All Time

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1) John L Sullivan (1858-1918)

Born in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Irish immigrant parents, Sullivan or the ‘Boston Strong Boy’ became the first American sports idol. He was the link between the old and the new, being the last Bare Knuckle Champion and the first gloved champion. At 5’10 tall and weighing in at 190 pounds, he was a powerful versatile athlete who although proficient with both fists had a powerful right hand which could break a man’s jaw.
Sullivan could take a punch and on numerous occasions he tested this out by walking into bars and telling everyone there that he could lick any of them. A challenge which was readily accepted by many, and readily regretted by most.
Although no formal boxing titles existed during Sullivan’s era due to the legality of the sport, he undoubtedly held the title of world champion in the eyes of most Americans. His defeat of Paddy Ryan in 1882 with an 8th Round Knockout and a gruelling 75th Round win over Jake Kilrain in 1889 cemented his place in boxing folklore.
Sullivan toured America and appeared in France and England for exhibition bouts and reportedly earned 1 Million Dollars over his career.
The end came for Sullivan in 1892 when he faced Jim Corbett in the Carnival of Champions, New Orleans. Years of hard living may have taken its toll but a younger, faster and more technically aware fighter, Jim Corbett, put an end to Sullivan’s career with a 21st Round knockdown. Sullivan retired from boxing after the fight, only appearing in exhibition bouts over the next 12 years against well known fighters such as Tom Sharkey and Jim Jeffries.
Sullivan did much to advance the sport of boxing with his charismatic and bullish style.

2) Gene Tunney (1897-1978)

Born in New York City to two Irish parents, Mary Lydon and John Tunney, Gene Tunney, standing at 6’0, would become World Heavyweight Champion at the age of 29. Tunney was an intelligent fighter moulded along the lines of a previous great Jim Corbett. He studied each opponent in detail and boxed scientifically rather than toe to toe. However what makes Tunney an all time great is that he could adapt his style if needed.
His bobbing and weaving style flummoxed many a fighter in his era, but it is the Harry Greb fights in Tunney’s career that shows he had the willingness and heart to go toe to toe if the occasion arose. Tunney’s fight record is a testament to his boxing skills, in a total of 86 fights he lost only once.
His opportunity to take the greatest prize came in 1926 against Jack Dempsey. An underdog going into the fight, Tunney won the fight on points in the Tenth, a major shock in the boxing world. A rematch was widely anticipated and it occurred 364 days after their first encounter. This match will be forever remembered for the Long Count which caused controversy, after confusion over a new rule which required fighters to go to a neutral corner after a knockdown, led to a time lapse of around 14 seconds before Tunney rose from the canvas. Tunney did rise eventually and went on to win the fight.
Tunney went on to defend his title only once. In 1928 he fought New Zealander Tom Heeney which he won by TK in the 12th. He decided to retire after this fight, some believe as a promise to his wife, but he went out as the undefeated Heavyweight Champion of the World. Tunney may not have been as charismatic a figure as Dempsey during this period who in boxing circles has taken much of the accolade and some commentators stated he had a weak chin and was not a strong puncher. However Tunney’s record speaks for itself he beat Dempsey twice, in over half of his fights won the achieved this by knockout and his only knockdown in his career was the infamous Long Count.
Tunney died on the 7th November 1978 at the age of 81.

3) Jack Dempsey (1895-1983)

Born in Manassa, Colorado to an Irish father and English mother, standing at 6’1 and weighing 187 pounds, ‘the Manassa Mauler’ rose to stardom in a World Title fight in 1919 against Jess Willard. The previous year saw Dempsey accumulate an impressive record to set up this title bout. In 1918 he fought 17 times winning 15 losing 1 with one no decision. At the beginning of 1919 he fought 5 times winning each one by knockout in the first round.
The fight with Willard was billed as a modern day David v Goliath as Willard stood at 6’6 and few gave Dempsey any hope. After the bell sounded for round one it was clear what Dempsey’s intentions were, to finish this fight as early as his previous 5 fights that year. He nearly achieved this, sending Willard to the canvas 7 times in the First. Dempsey had inflicted considerable damage on the Champion in the opening minutes, including a broken jaw, cheek bone and ribs. The fight was stopped by Willard’s corner at the end of the Third.
Dempsey went on to successfully defend his title 6 times in 7 years. His reign would come to an end against another Irish American fighter Gene Tunney in September 1926. Tunney had only lost once in his career but was considered the underdog. Dempsey lost the fight on points in the Tenth, a major shock in the boxing world. Dempsey considered retiring but decided against it defeating future Heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey on his way to a rematch with Tunney.
The rematch was widely anticipated and the Gate receipts exceeded 2 million dollars. The infamous match would be remembered for the notorious long count which occurred in the seventh round. Dempsey was losing the fight on points when he hit Tunney with a left hook to the chin sending the champion to the floor. Confusion over a new rule which required fighters to go to a neutral corner after a knockdown, led to a time lapse of around 14 seconds before Tunney rose from the canvas. Tunney regained his composure and won the fight on points.
Dempsey retired after the fight, only fighting exhibitions and died in 1977, with a legacy of one of the greatest box office draws in boxing history.

4) Tom Sharkey (1873-1953)

Born in Dundalk, Ireland, standing at 5’8, Tom Sharkey would have a colourful career in Boxing. Leaving Ireland and travelling to America at a very young age, Sharkey joined the US Navy. It was here that he learned how to fight. Challenging and accepting fights from all comers, was in his nature, short but powerful and fearful of nothing or no one.
It was while in the Navy that he began his professional boxing career. The earliest recorded fights where fought at his base in Honolulu. Between 1893 and 1896 he fought 19 times and won all 19 fights by way of knockout. In his early 20’s he was already gaining a healthy respect by fighters in the boxing world.
In 1896 Sharkey took on the best around, including a win over Joe Choynski, a draw against Corbett in a four round exhibition, and an exhibition against the old timer John L. Sullivan. It was however a controversial fight which would bring Sharkey to the attention of many Americans. At the end of 1896 he was given the chance to fight Bob Fitzsimmons in a contest billed as the Heavyweight Championship because it was believed that Corbett the reigning champion had relinquished his title. The referee was none other than Wyatt Earp and it was his decision in round 8 to award the fight to Sharkey after a low blow, which caused outrage. Fitzsimmons was dictating the fight and was renowned for inventing the solar plexus punch which knocked Sharkey to the canvas. Many believe Earp rigged the fight in Sharkey’s favour. After the fight, Sharkey was not crowned champion as Corbett stated that he had not relinquished his title and returned to the ring.
In 1896 Sharkey returned to Ireland and was greeted with a heroes’ welcome. He fought relatively few contests in preference of some exhibition bouts. In 1898 Sharkey again fought the best around including wins over Gus Ruhlin and now former champion Jim Corbett. It was also in this year that Sharkey recorded his first loss, after a war of attrition against Jim Jeffries.
It would be Jeffries who he would face again in 1899 for the Heavyweight Championship. A fight which became known as the fight of the century was one of the hardest fought in the ring to this day. Jeffries in my opinion was the greatest of all time and would have held this title by most if he had not of come out of retirement to fight Jack Johnson. A fight, he should never have fought, only to be coaxed out of retirement by the American media, six years after he had hung up his gloves.
The fight with Sharkey was held in Coney Island. Sharkey had the best of the early rounds but Jeffries came back in the latter stages of the fight. Although both suffered severe injuries, most notably Sharkey, who had two broken ribs and a broken nose, the fight, went the distance. Many believed Sharkey won the fight but Jeffries was awarded the victory by decision.
Sharkey never fully recovered from the fight physically or mentally but went on fighting never achieving the status of world heavyweight champion. In his own words Sharkey fought them all and never backed away from anyone. He was among the best in an era which had some of the greatest boxers of all time. Jeffries was undefeated until his ill fated comeback against Johnson, Jim Corbett dubbed as the father of modern boxing and Bob Fitzsimmons, the first three division world champion.
Sharkey became great friends with Jeffries and toured America re-enacting their famous fight in 1899. Both had great respect for each other, Sharkey was among those , including Jack Johnson and Jack Dempsey who stated Jeffries was the greatest of all time, Jeffries stated that Sharkey’s bouts were the hardest of his career crediting Sharkey as been the roughest, toughest and bravest man he ever fought.
Sharkey died, penniless, in 1953 after he lost his final fight with a long suffering illness. Remembered as the greatest heavyweight never to have won the title he was a veritable nightmare to any man he faced.

5) James Braddock (1905-1974)

Born to Irish parents Joseph and Elizabeth in New York City, Braddock’s life would become one of the fairytale stories of the 20th century. Braddock started out as a very promising fighter rising up the ranks and had the opportunity to fight Tommy Loughran in 1929, for the light heavyweight championship, however he lost in a fifteen round decision.
Less than two months later the stock market crashed and Braddock like many others lost everything he had. His boxing career also suffered and he struggled to win fights, losing 16 of his 22 fights, in the process badly injuring his right hand. Jim was forced to give up boxing and filed for government relief. Jim struggled to support his family, occasionally finding work in the Docks unloading cargo ships. Compensating for his injured right hand he had to work twice as hard as others with his weak hand, subsequently strengthening it.
Braddock’s story did not stop there, in 1934 with a touch of long awaited fortune, he was given the opportunity to fight John Griffin after a last minute cancellation. This match was on the undercard of the world championship fight between Primo Carnero and Max Baer. Braddock seen as simply a stepping stone for Griffin, won the fight by knockout in the third round. Braddock had taken his opportunity and two more fights ensued against strong favourites, John Henry Lewis and Art Lasky. Braddock won both fights and captured the hearts of a nation along the way.
The victories cemented Braddock’s position as a serious contender and he was given his opportunity to fight the formidable champion Max Baer on June 13th 1935. Braddock going into the fight was ten to one underdog but after a gruelling fight and a dogged display he won the Heavyweight championship of the world by decision. Braddock would defend and lose his title against Joe Louis two years later but he has remained in the hearts of many people still to this day, for overcoming the odds.
Braddock’s career was the subject of a Hollywood film, starring Russell Crowe. It is worth noting that Braddock paid back his welfare money, further adding to the legend of the proud underdog who fought the odds and won. Braddock retired in 1938 after one last fight with Tommy Far, which he won. He died on the 29th November 1974 at the age of 69.

Springsteen in Ireland

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A remarkable new book describing 25 years of Bruce Springsteen shows in Ireland, packed with fans' stories and hundreds of previously unpublished photographs.

LAND OF HOPE AND DREAMS

Celebrating 25 Years of Bruce Springsteen in Ireland

“I can’t promise you life everlasting…but I can promise you life…right now!”
Bruce Springsteen on stage in Dublin, 1999

Bruce Springsteen shows are unlike any other – combining high energy performances and great song-writing with a charismatic stage presence.
And his gigs in Ireland have been highlights of world tours for 25 years.
Since his first show at Slane Castle in 1985 he has thrilled hundreds of thousands of fans in Dublin and Belfast.
Land of Hope and Dreams takes a completely fresh perspective on Springsteen, chronicling his life and career through those Irish shows.
It tells the story of every tour from Born in the USA to Working On A Dream.
It uncovers in full detail Springsteen’s fascinating Irish family history.
It features hundreds of unpublished photographs and stories from fans from around the world.
Land of Hope and Dreams forms a uniquely Irish picture of the man they call the Boss.

Book Reviews

Eamonn McCann, Derry Journal

"This is a sumptuous, beautifully designed and lavishly illustrated production, summoning up vivid memories of gigs which have lighted the way through our imaginative lives for a quarter of a century and more, offering a distinctively Irish perspective on Springsteen and on Ireland as seen through the prism of his music. It's the best fanzine ever."

Brendan Mulgrew, Belfast

"This book has been anticipated for about a year now among the Springsteen fan community. The authors are committed Bruce followers and their commitment to the subject comes across very clearly. It is part biography, part reviews, part story telling and part photo journal. The sum total is a wonderful souvenir of 25 years worth of great days and nights in Ireland, thanks to the greatest live performer in Rock 'n' Roll history.
Crafted with care, to be enjoyed wholeheartedly to anyone who has The Boss in his second home.

Dan French, founder/editor of 1980s fanzine Point Blank

"It looks fabulous. Great, great photos and a glorious look and feel to the whole thing.
There are a lot of quality Springsteen books to choose from, but this is different, and possibly unique in its approach. The pictures of Bruce and the band with fans really reinforce and complement the personal stories, a constant reminder that this is a fans' book, truly a fresh perspective as it claims.
While ostensibly the title might make some think 'this is for his Irish fans', it's actually a global story to which any member of the worldwide E Street nation can relate. If you're a fan - anywhere - this is for you.
I can't recommend it highly enough."

Out Now in selected Book Stores and available online at http://www.springsteeninireland.com/index.php

Irish Pubs Quiz

Quiz
General Knowledge
What is the most common Element on Earth ?
Which nation gave women the right to vote first ?
Who was known as "old blue eyes" ?
Which US presidents are featured on Mount Rushmore ?
Which Presidents does Forest Gump meet in the film ?
What group were George Harrison , Paul Mcartney , and John Lennon in together as well as the beatles?
What year did the Vietnam war end ?
What year did the Berlin Wall come down ?
What country has not fought in a war since 1815 ?
Which is the only city in the world to lie in 2 continents ?


Answers
Hydrogen
New Zealand
Frank Sinatra
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln
J F Kennedy, Nixon, Lyndon Johnson
The Quarrymen
1975
1989
Switzerland
Istanbul


Sport
On a darts board, what number is directly opposite No. 1 ?
Why do American footballers paint black marks across their cheeks ?
How many red balls are there in snooker ?
Only one of the 16 nations at Euro 2008 had got past the group stages at Euro 2004 and the World Cups of 2002 and 2006. Who?
Which ITV commentator once said "More football in a moment - but first, highlights of the Scottish League Cup Final"?
Which female jockey rode Sprowston Boy to victory at Royal Ascot in 1987?
Which American football team are called "The Bills"?
Who owned the ill-fated Derby winner Shergar?
Which team were the opponents of Manchester United when Eric Cantona launched a kung fu style assault on a spectator?
In the game of golf what is a mulligan?


Answers
No. 19
It helps to protect against the suns glare
15
Sweden
Gary Newbon
Gay Kellaway
Buffalo (Bills)
Aga Khan
Crystal Palace
A free shot


History
Which US President was shot five days after the end of the American Civil War?
Which wife of Henry VIII had already married twice before she became queen, and married for a fourth time after Henry’s death?
Which Axis Power changed sides during WW II, declaring war on Germany in 1943?
Which famous battle is depicted in the 'Bayeux Tapestry'?
Which notorious gang were involved in the famous gunfight against the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday at the O.K Corral?
Guy Fawkes enlisted in the army of which European country in 1593?
What was the name of the amendment that banned alcohol in the USA in the early 20th Century?
Who traditionally wears the Fisherman's Ring?
Born in Belfast on 29th November 1898, C S LEWIS wrote the famous series of children's books "The Chronicles of Narnia", what did the C S stand for?
What year? Idi Amin expels non-Africans from Uganda. Gordon Banks is voted Footballer of the Year and loses an eye. Marlon Brando stars in "The Godfather".


Answers
Abraham Lincoln
Catherine Parr
Italy
Battle of Hastings - 1066.
The Clantons
Spain
Prohibition
The Pope
Clive Staples Lewis.
1972.

Irish Pubs- a brief history

The pub occupies a very special place in the culture and history of Ireland. The Irish are famed for creating the greatest pubs on the planet. In Irish pubs pint glasses are always half full, the craic is always ninety and the night is always young.
Over centuries the Irish have perfected the best nights out and the best celebrations where nights turn into weekends as the beer flows. So it’s no surprise that Irish pubs have sprung up around the world. In ancient cities and on sunny holiday islands there is always an Irish pub.
Pubs short for Public Houses where places that people could enter which did not require private membership, thus while the more affluent in society frequented Private Houses which did require membership, the Irish Pub offered the working classes a place of their own.
Indeed the significance of the Irish pub in Irish Culture dates back to medieval times, ‘According to the medieval historians, a brewer and a hospitaller were among the very first people to set foot on the soil of Ireland following the Great Flood'[1].
This was further acknowledged by the Celts as ‘One of the most honoured ranks in Ancient Celtic society was that of 'briugu', or 'hospitaller', who was only worthy of the status if he had 'a never-dry cauldron, a dwelling on a public road and a welcome to every face.'[2]
In more recent times the Irish Pub developed into a resemblance of what we have today. Although banned in the early 19th Century by British legislation, pubs naturally began to flourish as a form of opposition. Not only did the local pub offer ale it also provided essentials such as food and hardware items. Indeed before the arrival of supermarkets ‘the Irish Licensed trade sold 95 per cent of all foodstuffs and consumable household requisites used in the country. Thus the pub cemented itself as the cornerstone of the local community'[3].
The Irish pub has always been considered as a place to find a warm welcome, a place to listen to irish music, a central point for the local community to gather and exchange stories and indeed gossip. Throughout its history the Irish pub has faced many challenges on all levels, increasingly in the present climate, with the demise of the Celtic Tiger and the smoking ban, but with around 13,000 pubs throughout the island of Ireland and thousands more springing up throughout the world in an attempt to recapture its authenticity, it may be able to withstand the threat, and again flourish.

References
The story of the Irish Pub by Cian Molloy, Liffey Press

GAA Football Championship 2009

Galway- Have won a total of 9 All Ireland Championships; their most recent success came in 2001. They have dominated the Connaught Provincial Championships with a total of 43, most recently in 2008 with a 2-12 to 1-14 win over Mayo. After beating Mayo they went down to the eventual runners up Kerry by a score of 1-21 to 1-16. Sure to be in the mix again this year.

Leitrim- Have never won the All Ireland. They have won a total of 2 Connaught Provincial Championships most recently in 1994. In 2008, they beat New York, before losing to Galway 2-14 to 1-13. Unlikely to figure again this year.

Mayo- Have won a total of 3 All Ireland Championships, most recently in 1951. They have won 41 Connaught Provincial Championships two behind their rivals Galway, their latest in 2006. In 2008 they reached the Final of the Connaught Championships after an easy 13 point victory over Sligo before losing out to Galway 2-12 to 1-14. In the Quarters they were paired with Tyrone, the eventual winners, a game they probably should have killed off before eventually going down to a point. Could have a chance this year as they showed last year they are not far off the top teams.

Roscommon- Have won 2 All Ireland’s, most recently in 1944, and 19 Connaught Senior Championships, their latest in 2001. In 2008 they were demolished in the Connaught Championship Quarters by Galway, beaten by 18 points, and again swept aside by Donegal in the last 32 of the Qualifiers, by 8 points. Unlikely to figure in 2009.

Sligo- Have never won the All Ireland, but has won 3 Connaught Championships, most recently in 2007. In 2008 they beat London before losing to Mayo in the Provincial semis by 13 points. Again unlikely to feature this year.

Carlow- Have never won the All Ireland, and has 1 Leinster Championship to their name, in 1944. In 2008 they were heavily beaten by Meath 1-25 to 0-08. A rank outsider this time around.

Dublin- Have 22 All Ireland’s, most recently in 1995, and 48 Leinster Championships, their last in 2008. In winning the Leinster Championship Dublin disposed of Louth, Westmeath and comfortably Wexford. In the Quarter Finals they were overrun by a magnificent Tyrone team, 3-14 to 1-8. With the large support and high expectations, they will surely be in the running again.

Kildare- Have won 4 All Ireland’s, their latest in 1928, and 13 Leinster Titles the last one coming in 2000. In 2008, they were beaten by Wicklow by 4 points, in the last 32 of the Qualifiers they beat Cavan by a point, overcame Limerick by a goal in the Last 16 of the Qualifiers, and comfortably disposed of Fermanagh by 6 points taking them to the All Ireland Quarters before losing out to Cork by a goal. This year could see another solid performance but unlikely to trouble the big boys.

Kilkenny- Have never won the All Ireland but has won 3 Leinster Championships. Unfortunately they currently do not compete in the Championship. Renowned more for their Hurling skills.

Laois- Have never won the All Ireland but has won 6 Leinster Championships most recently in 2003. In 2008 they beat Wicklow, before losing to Wexford in the Semis of Leinster. The Qualifiers saw them beat Longford before losing to Down 2-14 to 1-15. Unlikely again to make an impact this year.

Longford- Have never won the All Ireland but has won 1 Leinster Championship in 1968. In 2008 they lost to Westmeath and to Laois in the Qualifiers. No chance this time around.

Louth- Have won the All Ireland 3 times, lastly in 1957, and 8 Leinster Championships again the last in 1957. In 2008, lost by 13 points to Dublin and then to Tyrone in the Qualifiers. Unlucky to run into two big guns in their only two matches but little improvement expected this year.

Meath- Have won 7 All Ireland’s, most recently in 1999 and 20 Leinster Championships, their latest in 2001. In 2008, they overcame Carlow before losing to Wexford by a point. In a high scoring came they lost out to Limerick in the Qualifiers. A disappointing Meath team in recent years and again improvement unlikely.

Offaly- Have won 3 All Ireland’s, most recently in 1982 and 10 Leinster Championships, their latest in 1997. In 2008, they were knocked out of Leinster by Westmeath before being trounced by Down in the Qualifiers by 5-19 to 2-10. No hopes this year.

Westmeath- Have never won an All Ireland but has won one Leinster Championship in 2004. In 2008, they defeated Longford and Offaly before losing out to Dublin in the semis of Leinster, by a respectable 2 points. In the Qualifiers they overcame Tipperary before succumbing to Tyrone by 4 points. This team should not be underestimated and further improvement could make them a force in the latter stages of the competition.

Wexford- Have won 5 All Ireland’s, the latest in 1918 and 10 Leinster Championships their last in 1945. In 2008, they defeated Meath and Laois on their way to the Leinster Final before a heavy defeat against Dublin, losing 3-23 to 0-09. In the Qualifiers they easily swept aside Down, and in the Quarters of the Championship they defeated Armagh by 5 points. A remarkable effort by Wexford who only lost to the eventual winners Tyrone in the Semis by 6 points. A repeat performance could see them go close again, but it will be a lot more difficult to sustain those performances this time around.

Wicklow- Have never won an All Ireland or a Leinster Championship. In 2008, they defeated Kildare before being dumped out of the Championship by Laois who only narrowly defeated Wicklow by 2 points. Unfortunately again, one of the forgotten teams who may cause one or two surprises this time around but very unlikely to go far.

Clare- Have never won an All Ireland, but has won 2 Munster Championships, the most recent in 1992. In 2008, they defeated Waterford by 2 points before comprehensively losing to Kerry by 12 points. Another county more accustomed to Hurling so little chance of any impact.

Cork- Have won the All Ireland 6 times and won the Munster Championship 35 times most recently last year in 2008. In 2008 on their way to winning Munster they defeated Limerick and their great rivals Kerry in the Final by 5 points. The Quarters saw them paired with Kildare who they defeated by a goal. In the Semis they came up against Kerry again. The first match ended in a draw and the replay saw Kerry advance by a 4 point margin. Although Cork again will undoubtedly have a say on where Sam ends up, it seems as if they may have had their chance to overcome Kerry last year and their near rivals may just have that edge on them going into this year's competition.

Kerry- Have won the All Ireland 35 times, their latest in 2007 and the Munster Championship 72 times, again in 2007. In 2008, they defeated Clare before being defeated by Cork in the Munster Final. A hard fought victory by a goal over Monaghan in the Qualifiers allowed them to progress to the Quarters. A defeat of Galway and a victory over their rival Cork in a Semi Final replay saw them go into the All Ireland Final as favourites against Tyrone. It did not work out well for the Kerry men as they went down by 4 points to Tyrone. It goes without saying Kerry will once again be there this year fighting for Sam.

Limerick- Have won the All Ireland 2 times, the last in 1896. In 2008, they defeated Tipperary before losing to Cork by 3 points. In the Qualifiers they pushed passed Meath before succumbing to Kildare. A creditable effort last year, but little or no chance this year of making any impact.

Tipperary- Have won 4 All Ireland’s, the last in 1920 and 9 Munster Championships, their latest in 1935. In 2008, they lost to Limerick before being losing out to Westmeath by 9 points in the Qualifiers. Repeat performance expected this year.

Waterford- Have never won an All Ireland but has won the Munster Championship once back in 1898. In 2008, they lost to Clare by 2 points, unlikely to progress any further this year.

Antrim- Have never won the All Ireland. In 2008, they lost their one and only match in the championship to Cavan. No significant improvement can be foreseen this time around.

Armagh- Have won 1 All Ireland, in 2002, and 14 Ulster Championships their last in 2008. On their way to the Ulster Championship title they defeated Cavan, Down and after a Final replay they overcame Fermanagh. The Quarters saw them lose to Wexford by 5 points. May have past their best but surely to give it their all again, possibly not enough this time around.

Cavan- Have won 5 All Ireland’s, their latest in 1952, and 39 Ulster Championships, the last back in 1997. In 2008 they comfortably overcame the minnows of Ulster, Antrim, by 5 points before losing to Armagh. The Qualifiers saw them pitted against Kildare, which they narrowly lost by a point. Again Qualifiers looks likely again this year and it depends on their draw as to how far they can advance.

Derry- Have won 1 All Ireland back in 1993 and 7 Ulster Championships, their latest in 1998. In 2008, they defeated Donegal by 2 points before losing to Fermanagh in the Ulster Semis by the same margin. The Qualifiers saw them lose by a point to Monaghan. A disappointing campaign last year and should not be written off just yet, have the potential to go far.

Donegal- Have won 1 All Ireland back in 1992 and 5 Ulster Championships, the latest again coming in 1992. In 2008, they were knocked out of Ulster by Derry. The Qualifiers saw them easily defeat Roscommon before losing to Monaghan by a point. A few peoples dark horse this year, but would need to improve significantly.

Down- Have won 5 All Ireland’s, latest being 1995, and 12 Ulster Championships again the latest coming in 1995. In 2008, they took a real scalp, as they defeated Tyrone in a replay, before narrowly losing out to Armagh. The Qualifiers saw two great performances as they comfortably swept aside Offaly by 18 points and then beat a much fancied Laois team by 2 points. They were then knocked out by Wexford in the next round. Again a team that should not be underestimated, if they built on a solid year last year then anything could happen.

Fermanagh- Have never won an All Ireland or an Ulster Championship. In 2008, they went all the way to the Ulster Championship Final. On their way they disposed of Monaghan and then Derry, before losing out to Armagh in the final, by 6 points after a replay. A dismal performance in the Qualifiers saw them lose by 6 points to Kildare. Cannot see a repeat performance this year, the fact that they lost the chance to win the Ulster Championship for the first time may have knocked the stuffing out of them, can only wait and see if they can recover this year.

Monaghan- Have never won the All Ireland but have 14 Ulster Championships to their name, most recently in 1988. In 2008, they were knocked out of Ulster by Fermanagh in their first match. The Qualifiers saw a recovery of sorts as they narrowly defeated Derry, dispatched of Donegal, before losing to Kerry by a goal. This year they will be taken more seriously by the big names which could hinder their progress in this campaign.

Tyrone- Have won 3 All Ireland’s, they are current All Ireland holders, and 11 Ulster Championships, their latest in 2007. In 2008, on their way to taking home Sam, they decided to go the long route to Croke Park, as they lost their first match to Down in a replay. The Qualifiers saw them easily defeat Louth by 8 points, Westmeath by 4 points, and Mayo by a point. After finding their feet in the Qualifiers, Tyrone destroyed a Dublin team that went into the game as strong favourites, winning the match by 12 points. Wexford stood in their way of the All Ireland Final but were brushed to the side as Tyrone won the game by 6 points. The Final was a match up between the two dominant forces in the first decade of the 21st century, Tyrone v Kerry. Still considered the underdogs Tyrone overcame Kerry by 4 points. Many will be rueing the fact that they wrote off Tyrone very early on last year. They seem to overcome adversity and silence critics but this year it may well be a step too far. A lot will depend on the draw in the Qualifiers as I could see them crashing out of Ulster early on.

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Irish Soccer

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After a hard fought 1-1 draw against Italy can Ireland really start to dream of World Cup Qualification? Can Trapattoni still adopt his tactics of ten men behind the ball, we were punished for it against the Bulgarians and we saw the masters of the one nil victories, granted they were down to ten men, punished for it in Bari. Can we even criticise Trap as we remain unbeaten and are still in with a great chance of qualification? Will Andy Reid be brought back in from the cold and will we ever see Stephen Ireland pull on the green jersey again? For your say on this and much more go to http://www.findirishpubs.blogspot.com/

Irish Soccer Team 2002

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The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan got off to an auspices start. After a qualification campaign of mainly highs the World Cup before it even started brought a great low. The Irish team had shown great unity, determination and spirit which was characterised in the Dutch match, a training camp in Saipan brought disunity, and tore through the heart of the team literally. A training ground bust up involving Roy Keane and some of the coaching staff was blown out of all proportions. A critical article in an Irish newspaper from Keane and a team meeting which seems to have been a shambolic bit of man management from McCarthy resulted in the man considered to be the best midfielder in the world, Roy Keane being sent home. The world’s media attention was on the Ireland team now but for all the wrong reasons. Everyone had an opinion on this issue and the players, the media and the fans were split into two camps, those who believed McCarthy was right to send Keane home and those who supported Keane in his comments on the Irish set up. Keane had stated that the Irish lacked professionalism in every aspect of their preparation for the World Cup, obviously more heated exchanges occurred behind the scenes which led to Keane’s dismissal. Although politicians were even called in to resolve the issue Keane remained in his Manchester home and Ireland began the World Cup without their best player.
Whatever people may say about what happened in Saipan and many have and will continue to have their say it is evident that both men should have been able to resolve any personal differences they had for each other for the more important matter at hand.
The Irish faced Cameroon in the first match of the group stage. A strong physical team Cameroon imposed themselves on the game from the first whistle. Up front they had Samuel Etoo leading the line and his break down the right hand side of Ireland’s defence led to the opening goal. He skipped passed Staunton leaving him on his backside, entered the penalty area and squared the ball to Mboma who placed the ball into the gaping goal. Ireland managed to reorganise themselves and snatched an equaliser in the second half, a crisply struck shot from Matt Holland (Keane’s replacement) from outside the box nestled into the bottom right hand corner of the net. An opening draw in the campaign and some relief that the team had not capitulated under the undue pressure that had preceded the match.
Next up were the ever resilient Germans. The Germans although lacking the skills of previous teams could never be written off. In the 19th minute they took the lead with a Klose goal. However after they went one nil up Germany sat back and tried to sit on their lead. In a poor game, but another determined performance saw Ireland snatch an equaliser in the 92nd minute. A long ball up to Niall Quinn (reminiscent of the old days), headed into the box and latched on to by Robbie Keane who slots the ball into the corner of the net. Another memorable moment as Ireland now just needed to beat Saudi Arabia to qualify for the next round.
In the third match of the group they did just that. With a few nervous moments at the beginning of the game Ireland went on to win the match 3-0 with goals from Robbie Keane, Gary Breen and Damien Duff. They may not have been at their best against the Saudis but the result saw them progress to the Second Round.
The Second Round was a mouth watering tie with Spain. The Spaniards had started the Finals brightly with three wins from three and most were comfortable, 3-1 on two occasions. So when Fernando Morientes headed in after only eight minutes things looked bleak. However the Spanish began to sit back and the Irish threw everything they had at the Spanish defence. There were signs of the defence creaking under the pressure and it did just that in the 62nd minute, Damien Duff fouled in the area, penalty. Up stepped Ian Harte… Casillas saves. The luck of the Irish seemed to be running out until the unlikeliest of events transpired, in the ninety second minute Robbie Keane was brought down in the box, another penalty. This time up stepped Robbie Keane…GOAL!
The match ended 1-1 and extra time got under way. With further twists Spain ended that game with nine men on the pitch not through ill discipline but injury. Although Ireland looked the more likely they could not press home their two man advantage. This would be a fatal error as the penalty shootout resulted in a win for Spain. Yet again the Irish had given it their all and their supporters admired them for it.
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