AR SPORTS THERAPY NEWSLETTER 14 December 2019
BY Aidan Raftery
CLUB UPDATE
- Liverpool, spurs, Man City make it through to the knock out stages of the Champions League. Liverpool had a 2v0 win over a very good Red Bull Salsburg side and in doing so kept their first clean sheet in a number of matches. In the premiere league, all teams have a busy schedule over the Christmas.
- Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2024 according to liverpoolf.com https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/377870-liverpool-fc-statement-jurgen-klopp-extends-contract-to-2024?fbclid=IwAR0WuOdCsaHIMXUgNLSvo1C-a5rO6Vidbfaze3-q5TG5RRGV1iVDP543TBY
- Former Sligo Rovers player Jack O’Connor has signed for League of Ireland Division 1 side Galway united which was announced on Leagued of Ireland Media
- In GAA at club level, the teams have been decided for the All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship. In Munster, Cork champions Nemo Rangers who have a great tradition in the Munster and All Ireland club Championship have won the Munster Club Championship with Former Roscommon Gaels player James McDermott who now has a Cork Senior Football County medal and has now added a Munster Club Football Championship Medal to his collection this season. Everyone in Roscommon would like to say well done to James and best of luck in the All Ireland series. Can he add an All Ireland Club Medal to the collection? Let’s wait and see. In their way will be Connacht Kingpins Corofin of Galway who beat Roscommon Side Padraig Pearses in the Connacht Final. In Ulster, Down Champions Kilcoo came through the Ulster final to Claim the Ulster title beating Donegal Champions Naomh Chonnaill and in Leinster, Dublin side Ballyboden St. Endas deafeated Eire Og to win the Leinster title
- Well done to Athlone Community College Senior Girls Soccer team on their recent Semi Final win over Lucan Community College: ACC Semi-Final Soccer Win. Congratulations to our senior girls on their semi-final win recently against Lucan Community College. The girls fought back after going 1-0 down early in the game with Robyn Heatherington finding an equalizer after 25 minutes, leaving it 1-1 at the break. They continued to put pressure on the Lucan defence in the second half and after an incredible long range shot from Aimee O’Connor found the top corner to put the girls 2-1 up there was no stopping the girls. Hope Glynn, Grace Hannon and two more goals courtesy of Robyn Heatherington followed leaving the final score at 6-1. Our girls will now progress to the Leinster final aiming to retain the Senior Cup title after the Christmas break. As always, our school and their coach Ms. Edel Menton are very proud of our talented senior team, many of which are also part of our senior Gaelic team who will also contest the Leinster semi-final after the break.
- Athlone Community Colleges U14 boys senior Rugby team defeated St Jarleths of Tuam recently. ACC U14 Rugby Squad Qualify to Semi-Final of Connacht Cup. Athlone Community College have qualified for the semi final of the u14 cup after defeating St Jarlath’s Tuam in Acc on Wednesday last. ACC had three games played to date defeating Colaiste Ciaran, Scoil Cuimisteach Ciaran Carraroe which now sets the squad up for a home semi final in the new year. Topping the group gives the top team home advantage in the semi-final which is a huge bonus. ACC are lucky to have a large squad to pick from with thirty-seven players togging on average for all games this year with every player getting game time on the pitch. The conditions for the game v Tuam were good and the pitch was perfect for playing rugby. ACC’s first u14 rugby game in the new ACC rugby pitch in the school grounds so getting the win was important to the squad. It is fantastic to see rugby and all sports being played on the school grounds. Having our own pitch gives all students a platform to play the sport they enjoy and love playing on home soil. ACC started the game very well and got a number of quick tries in the first ten minutes laying down a marker to the opposition. St Jarlath’s kept the ball for long stages of the first half but the shape and structure ACC created and developed throughout the game provided opportunities in which ACC took. The game was played in a very sporting manner. The experience of getting to the u14 final last year has stood to this group of players and they hope to get back to the sportsground again in the new year to try and take home the title. A semi-final awaits in January. Well done to all involved keep the training efforts up. Your coaches Mr Joe Keane & Mr Kieron Sloyan are proud of the efforts and interest you all show. Athlone Community College 41 v 0 St Jarlath’s Tuam.
COUNTY VIEW
– Former Claire hurling legend Brian Lohan is looking forward to taking over the reigns as Clare Hurling manager according to the Clair Champion
– Finally, the new Dublin Senior Football Manager has finally been announced after a lot of speculation regarding who it would be. Names like Jason Sherlock and Gene Bohan to Declan Darcy as well as other names have been bandied about but finally Dessie Farrell has been announced as the New manager of the Dublin Senior Football Manager. I feel it is a good appointment. Dessie has several years of experience as a player winning an All-Ireland with Dublin in 1995 as well as Managerial experience having managed the Dublin underage teams. Dublin are not in the O’Byrne cup so, unless they have a few friendlies, which I think will be the case, their first game under Dessie Farrells tenure will be a tough one, when they take on Munster Champions Kerry in the 1st round of the National Football league Division 1.
– Roscommon Senior football kick off the season with the FBD League which provides Roscommon Senior Football Manager Anthony Cunningham with the chance to try out players before choosing his final panel for The National Football League and the Championship. Roscommon operate from Division 2 of the League this season. Roscommon had a mixed Season last season. In the Division 1 of the National Football League we got relegated but in most of those games played well but were unlucky our position in the league did not reflect how good this team were and some were worried about how Roscommon would do in the Championship and others, like myself, said give them a chance they have a good panel of players and a good manager and we could go places in the championship. We won our first game in the Connacht Championship which meant a meeting with Mayo in Castlebar in the Connacht Semi Final everyone had Roscommon written off but the Rossies dug deep and came up with a 1 point win against Mayo who were poor on the day and Roscommon sent Mayo into the qualifiers. This meant a Connacht final V Galway who are a good side with very good players. Roscommon, as we know won the Connacht Title to qualify for the super 8s. Unfortunately, like last year, despite some very good performances, we could not make it out of the group but considering the quality of opposition, regardless of which of the 2 groups we were in, it was going to be a tough task to qualify. However, they now have 2020 to look forward to and I am sure, as a Rossie fan, and all Rossie fans, we are looking forward to seeing if there are any new players added to the panel.
– in the Senior Club hurling Championship, in Ulster, Slaughtneil emerged as ulster Champions a quality club side who are on the up as they have been doing well in previous club championships. In Leinster, Kilkenny side Ballyhale Shamrocks overcame St Mullins of Carlow to emerge as Leinster Club Champions. In Munster, Tipperary side Borris Illeagh defeated Waterford Kingpins Ballygunner which proved to be a great game of hurling in Connacht, Galway Champions St Thomas’ qualify automatically for the All Ireland Club Championship. In the Connacht Intermediate championship, Mayo Champions, Tooreen overcame Galway Champions Kinvara to claim the title. It promises to be a very good All Ireland Hurling Club Championship after Christmas.
COACHES VIEW
- As mentioned above Dessie Farrel has been announced as the new Dublin Senior Football Manager it was announced on Dublin GAA Banter Page. UPDATE: Declan Darcy & Dessie Farrell are apparently the two front Runners to replace Jim Gavin as senior manager. And a decision may not be made this Evening as thought. We’ll keep you posted on developments. #uptheDubs
- Arsenal Interim boss, Former Player, Freddie Ljundberg and his arsenal team are through to the knockout stages of the Europa League, but only after getting out of jail after another poor performance. He won’t be allowed to buy players as he is only a caretaker manager, but Sir Alex Ferguson could take over the job at Arsenal but even he would find it tough going with the powers that be in the club not releasing funds, they are going nowhere fast. They need to get rid of the back four and get a new defence. There are no leaders in the squad, no one you could say would be captain to lead the team. Emeri was given some money but instead of investing in the defence which was the main weakness in the team as myself and Martin Dunne have mentioned on numberous Sportsview Shows, he went and bought attacking players. The only decent player that is worth his place on the team at the moment is Aubamayang he is scoring but there is a lot of responsibility and carrying the rest of the players on the team. Regarding the goals that Arsenal conceded, Leno cannot be blamed as the defence has left him very exposed.
- Liverpool have extended Jurgen Klopps contract until 2020 https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/dec/13/jurgen-klopp-signs-liverpool-contract-extension-2024-new-deal according to the Guardian
- In Rugby Union, Scott Wisemantel has been appointed Australia Attacking coach after leaving his role with the England Rugby Team according to the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/dec/12/scott-wisemantel-australia-england-attack-coach
- According to the Guardian Newspaper, Mourinho has banned the players from watching videos of their defeat to Bayern Munich. https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2019/dec/11/i-forbid-any-image-of-it-mourinho-bans-spurs-watching-bayern-defeat-video. Mourinho had a good start when he came to spurs but in recent games he has had mixed fortunes.
ABOUT PLAYERS
– Now that the 2020 GAA Season is upon us, with Jim Gavin Having stepped down, GAA fans are wondering about Dublin Goalkeeping legend Stephen Cluxton. Will he stay on as one of the most experienced players in the Dublin team. If he does step down, I feel speaking as a goalkeeper myself, that the goalkeeper spot is in safe hands with Even Comerford waiting in the wings to take over the job as goalkeeper. He is young but he has made a few appearances in the Dublin jersey and he has done very well. Plus take into consideration that he has learned from the master in Stephen Cluxton. I am a huge fan of Stephen Cluxton and I would love to see him stay on but he owes the Dublin Senior Footballers nothing having put in many years with the Dubs and turning in some amazing performances. But the decision is his and he has to make the decision that is best for him.
– Ole Gunner Solskjear has brought on an amazing new young player in Mason greenwood who announced himself on the soccer word stage after and amazing debut according to Extra.ie https://extra.ie/2019/12/13/sport/soccernews/solskjaer-compares-greenwood-to-united-legend-after-inspirational-europa-league-win?fbclid=IwAR1ISeUgwykw9nK4FqqYT2jule2vvGiBofxWAOf8MNxq4h0006ljYD7Sf6k
– Liverpools James Milner has signed a contract extension. He joined Liverpool in 2015 and it is a big boost to have him on board according to liverpoolfc.com. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/378010-james-milner-signs-liverpool-fc-contract-extension?fbclid=IwAR0s0WEYTiVGjf-PITTVygT9ieH2FECBq9DHplfbWKZYE5b-Hv3Aub1y5_I
– In League of Ireland Football, Former Bohemians player has returned to the club. He is a welcome addition to the squad after the retirement of the team captain at the end of last season. https://bohemianfc.com/?p=15084
EVENT SCENE
- 14 Jan 2019 Stephen Nolan Memorial Boxing Tournament hosted by Frenchpark Boxing Club
https://www.facebook.com/events/694761367699863/
INJURY LIST
- In Cricket Australian Batsman Steve Smith had to be taken off after he was felled by a 92.4 bouncer on Sunday during the 2nd Ashes Test according to the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/aug/18/steve-smiths-test-concussion-reignites-debate-about-safety
SPORTS THERAPY BENCH
if you have any sports injuries or general injuries or would like me to do an article on why not email me on arsportstherapyclinic@outlook.ie
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ORGANISATION NEWS
CPA & GPA
Joint CPA and GPA Statement
The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and the Club Players Association (CPA) have had a series of discussions and agreed a number of areas of common ground to help inform GAA players in forthcoming consultation on fixtures. In the first instance, we urge all players to read in detail the full report from the GAA’s Fixtures Review Taskforce. Key principles agreed by the GPA and CPA are based upon the fundamental understanding that inter-county players are also club players and that this connection is the basis of the GAA. These are: the club is the primary basic unit of the GAA from which everything springs. Therefore, this must be recognised in the status which club games are given the inter-county game is the GAA’s biggest promotional and developmental tool. It is also the GAA’s primary revenue generator. This must be fully recognised in restructuring our national games calendar.
Furthermore, both organisations are in agreement that, following the recent publication of the Fixtures Calendar Review Taskforce report, and prior to the next phase in that process which includes a series of regional seminars in which all key stakeholders will be provided with the opportunity to provide further views and feedback, there are a number of key points centred around time and governance that we mutually support and wish to highlight. These are: The Club Window in April/May should be lengthened to a 6-week period to allow the fairest opportunity for the window to be successfully utilised. The demands placed upon inter-county players in both club and inter-county windows will need to be governed to ensure the games/training load is not detrimental to the players’ welfare. The Club Window post the All-Ireland football final needs to be a minimum of 9 weeks before provincial club championships begin. Club Windows will only work fairly for all, if inter county competitions start their championships on the same dates. There needs to be stronger adherence to provisions regarding the availability of inter-county players to clubs as referenced within GPA Squad Charters. Bar club teams involved in provincial championships; November should be used exclusively as an off season for inter-county players. There needs to be strong governance and guidelines introduced to ensure club fixtures schedules are appropriately set out and adhered to throughout the year. Paul Flynn, CEO of the GPA commented; “One of our core pillars is to protect the welfare of our members. It is therefore vital that fixtures are properly governed to ensure the fundamental link between club and inter-county players is fully recognised and strengthened within the fixtures calendar.” “This year we put a motion before GAA Congress to provide for a GPA representative to sit on the Central Competitions Control Committee to input on fixtures involving inter-county hurling and football competitions only, in a bid to improve the situation for our members.” “We will work towards this with the CPA, while prioritising the welfare of our members, keeping in focus the amount of games they are expected to play and amount of training they are expected to undertake.” Michéal Briody, Chairman of the CPA, said; “The one common ground that the CPA have always shared with the GPA is the recognition that the current fixtures calendar doesn’t work fairly for any set of players.” “The CPA have advocated for a radical structural change to the fixtures calendar since our formation in 2017. It is important now that the options for change put forward from the Task Force are disseminated to clubs immediately so that the debate can begin nationwide on what level of change is acceptable.” “We will work to ensure this communication does happen effectively and it is critical that all clubs become aware of the options that are being presented and then vote for change that will alleviate the current unsatisfactory schedule.” For Further Information
Greg Devlin / [info@gaaclubplayers.com]info@gaaclubplayers.com / 086 2086934
- FAI NEWSLETTER
https://mailchi.mp/fai.ie/welcome-to-the-first-fai-grassroots-newsletter?e=720bef33cd
- SPORT IRELAND
- GAELIC PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
https://www.gaelicplayers.com/
- CLUB PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
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