Northern Ireland 1-0 Russia

 Northern Ireland produced a fantastic performance to defeat Russia in a 2014 World Cup Qualifier on another memorable night at Windsor Park. The victory was Northern Ireland’s first in two years and also manager Michael O’Neil’s first since taking up the role.

 Northern Ireland were quickly out of the blocks with Niall McGinn attempting an ambitious volley which flew wide while Martin Paterson tested Igor Akinfeev in the Russian goal. However Russia also pressed forward and after Alan Dzagoev worked an opening in the box it required a brilliant sliding tackle from Gareth McAuley to deny him.

 As half time approached Northern Ireland had what seemed to be the best chance of the first half. Quick thinking Daniel Lafferty took a quick free kick just inside the Russian half. He passed to Jamie Ward who powered towards the Russian goal and unleashed a shot which rattled the post before Paterson was unable to bundle the rebound in.

 The Green and White Army where in full voice, buoyed by their teams impressive first half display, and moments after Ward’s chance they were celebrating their side taking the lead.  McGinn showed his pace to reach a long ball down the right before whipping a cross into the box. Paterson climbed highest in the box and headed the ball into the Russian goal to send Windsor Park wild.

 In the 58^th minute Paterson thought he had added a second after he headed in following Craig Cathcart’s header back across goal however it was disallowed for offside. Russia looked to make the most of their reprieve but they were unable to break through Northern Ireland’s resilient defence which meant that at the full time whistle it was Northern Ireland who could celebrate another famous victory.  

Released Players to Miss Russia Match

 Michael O’Neil chose to omit Chris Baird, David Healy and Pat McCourt from his Northern Ireland squad for the rearranged World Cup qualifier against Russia on August 14^th. All three players were released by the former clubs at the end of last season and are currently without a club. Baird was released by Fulham and speculation had seen him linked with Queens Park Rangers however so far the move has not developed. Meanwhile McCourt has been training with Hibernian following his release by Celtic while Healy has been without a club since Bury released him.

 Despite their omissions from the squad O’Neil has refused to suggest this is the end of their international careers and stated that they would be in contention for a recall when their club career had been sorted out. He said “I think it is very difficult for any of our players who are unattached at the minute, and having spoken to the players themselves, they are in full agreement with that”. He also added “It would be difficult to bring in players who haven’t had a proper pre-season” and “it would be unrealistic to ask those players to have any sort of impact or influence on an international fixture”.

 Midfielder Chris Brunt is another notable absentee. The midfielder misses out through suspension as a result of the late booking he picked up in the last qualifier against Israel. Another midfielder, Sammy Clingan, also misses out through injury. However striker Kyle Lafferty returns to the squad having missed the last qualifier against Israel due to suspension.

Full squad: Carroll (Olympiacos), Mannus (St. Johnstone), Hughes (Fulham), McGivern (Hibernian), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (West Brom), D Lafferty (Burnley), J Evans (Manchester United), Bruce (Hull), Davis (Southampton), Norwood (Huddersfield), McGinn (Aberdeen), Ferguson (Newcastle), C Evans (Blackburn), McCann (Peterborough), Ward (Derby), Grigg (Brentford), McKay (Inverness), Paterson (Huddersfield), K Lafferty (Palermo)

Taylor Takes Up Northern Ireland Coaching Role

 Maik Taylor has taken up the role as Northern Ireland’s goalkeeping coach for the remainder of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.  The 41 year old, who is Northern Ireland’s second most capped goalkeeper, takes over the role from Tommy Wright, who stepped down from the role in June after being appointed St Johnstone manager.

 Taylor, who has played 88 times for Northern Ireland, recently completed his UEFA B Licence and UEFA A Licence in Belfast. He was delighted to take up his new role and said “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to become involved with the squad. I always enjoyed playing for Northern Ireland and to now have the chance to come in and work with the goalkeepers for the remaining five games in the World Cup qualifying campaign is just fantastic”. However despite gaining his first coaching role Taylor has no intentions on giving up playing just yet. He added “I am actively looking to play for another season, however nothing has come about at the moment and getting the opportunity to become involved with the Northern Ireland squad is one I didn’t want to miss out on”.

 Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neil was also pleased with the appointment of Taylor. O’Neil told reporters “I am delighted that Maik has agreed to take on the role of goalkeeping coach for the senior squad for the remained of the World Cup qualifying campaign. He is a truly excellent professional and his experience will be invaluable in ensuring that our goalkeepers are well prepared and in the right frame of mind. Maik has been a great servant for Northern Ireland and I know he has the drive and initiative to really make a big contribution to the squad”.

Ireland in Pool B for 2015 Cricket World Cup

 The pool stage draw for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia and New Zealand, saw Ireland placed in Pool B. They will be joined in Pool B by defending champions India, who triumphed over Sri Lanka in the 2011 final, and India’s fierce rivals Pakistan, who won the 1992 World Cup, the last time the competition was hosted in Australia and New Zealand. Also confirmed in the group are South Africa, the West Indies and Zimbabwe. The final spot in the seven team group will be filled by a qualifier.

 Meanwhile Pool A features Ashes rivals England and Australia. They are joined by Australia’s co-hosts New Zealand, as well as Sri Lanka, who lost the 2011 final. There will also be two qualifiers in the group.

 Ireland will begin their campaign against the West Indies on 16^th February at the Saxton Oval in Nelson. Ireland will then travel across the Tasman Sea for a match against the qualifier at the Gabba on 25^th February, before heading to the Canberra for a match against South Africa on 3^rd March. After the match against the Proteas they will return to New Zealand for a match in Hobart against Zimbabwe on 7^th March. Three days later Ireland will face defending champions India in Hamilton. They will then conclude their pool stage with a match against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval on 15^th March. The top four teams in each pool will advance to the quarter finals which take place between 18^th and 21^st March before the quarter final winners play the semi-finals on 24^th and 26^th March. The two teams who emerge victorious from the semi-finals will travel to Melbourne Cricket Ground for the final where the 2015 Cricket World Cup champions will be crowned.

Ireland’s Pool B Fixtures

Ireland v West Indies – 16^th February 2015 – Saxton Oval, Nelson, New Zealand

Ireland v Qualifier – 25^th February 2015 – The Gabba, Melbourne, Australia

Ireland v South Africa – 3^rd March 2015 – Manuka Oval, Canberra, Australia

Ireland v Zimbabwe – 7^th March 2015 – Bellerive Oval, Hobart, New Zealand

Ireland v India – 10^th March 2015 – Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand

Ireland v Pakistan – 15^th March 2015 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia

Hoey Holds On For Glory

 Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey secured victory at the Russian Open following a two under par final round. The golfer from Belfast finished four shots clear of France’s Alexandre Kaleka and England’s Matthew Nixon to secure his fifth European Tour title.

  Hoey went into the final round with a five shot lead after shooting a seven under par 65 during the penultimate round at the Tseleevo Golf and Polo Club. However despite taking a large lead into the final round it was not all plain sailing for the Ulsterman who saw his lead cut to only two shots at one point during his final round. However Hoey held his nerve, achieving a birdie at the 17^th to effectively secure his first win on the European Tour since claiming the Hassan Trophy over a year ago.

Hoey was delighted with his victory and stated “I have absolutely loved the golf course this week.  It's pretty amazing to think that I have won five European Tour titles. It is a great feeling to win and every time you do it you just want more and more. It has given me a great boost. I am not the most consistent player in the world but when I get into these positions I usually do okay”. He also credited the importance of his putting, saying "the putting was the key for me. I have been working hard on that a lot recently and the improvement is really showing because I made a lot of birdies. That is the main difference at this level. You have to be able to make a lot of putts because the standard is so high these days that it usually comes down to who makes the most putts”. 

Tigers First Up For Ulster

 Ulster will start their 2013-14 Heineken Cup campaign with a home game against Leicester Tigers on Friday 11^th October. The match against the Aviva Premiership champions promises to be a tough start to a difficult group for Ulster, however they will be hoping for a similar result to the 41-7 thumping they gave their English opponents when the sides last met in Europe’s premier competition back during the 2011-12 competition. Eight days after playing the Tigers Ulster will travel to France to face last season’s quarter finalists Montpellier. The match at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir will be the first time the two sides have met in the Heineken Cup.

 Rounds three and four see Ulster face Italian and fellow Rabo-Direct Pro 12 side Treviso in back to back matches. The first of these will be on Saturday 7^th December at Ravenhill before the Ulstermen travel to Italy for the reverse fixture a week later.  

 The final two rounds of fixtures will see Ulster welcome Montpellier to Belfast on the weekend of 10/11/12 January, a match which will see former Ulster wing Timoci Nagusa return to Ravenhill. Ulster will then conclude their pool stage with a visit to Welford Road to face Leicester Tigers, a match which could potentially prove crucially to the outcome of the pool.

Fixtures

Friday 11th October 20:00 – Ulster Rugby v Leicester Tigers

Saturday 19th October 16:40 – Montpellier Herault Rugby v Ulster Rugby

Saturday 7th December 18:00 – Ulster Rugby v Benetton Treviso

Saturday 14th December 14:35 – Benetton Treviso v Ulster Rugby

10/11/12 January 2014 – Ulster Rugby v Montpellier Herault Rugby

17/18/19 January 2014 – Leicester Tigers v Ulster Rugby

Lafferty's Italian Job

 Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty has moved to Italy after joining Serie B side Palermo. Lafferty, who has scored 9 international goals, leaves Swiss side FC Sion to head to Sicily. The Enniskillen born forward will team up with new Palermo manager Gennaro Gattuso, who he worked with previously in Switzerland.

 Lafferty only moved to Switzerland a year ago after he left Rangers following the financial turmoil at Ibrox. During his season in Switzerland he scored 8 goals, helping the club to 6^th place in the league and a cup semi-final.  Previously Lafferty had scored 31 goals during his four year spell in Scotland.

 Lafferty told the press that he was pleased to move to Italy and had been close to joining Palermo during the January transfer window. He said “I'm delighted to be here. Palermo tried to sign me in January but unfortunately we couldn't close the deal. Now I can't wait to get started. When I was younger I watched a lot of Italian football and I know there's a very passionate fan base here at Palermo”. He also credited his new manager saying "Obviously it was Gattuso who played a big part in persuading me to move to Palermo, he spoke to me about a few things where they want to be and hopefully I can go over there and score a few goals and help them win the league and put them back into Serie A. He has been brilliant for myself, he was one of the best players in the world and just his attitude in training and off the pitch he always wants to win. When he wanted me sign it was definitely a yes from me and I can't wait to get started and work under him".

McDowell Triumphs at Open de France

 Graeme McDowell won the Open de France by four shots ahead of South African Richard Sterne. The Portrush born golfer shot at final round of 67 to claim the title at Le Golf National, the host venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup.

 McDowell went into the final round as joint overnight leader having been tied with Sterne on 5 under par. Much of the round was a direct battle between the two but McDowell secured the victory after he pulled from the South African who struggled on the closing holes.  

 McDowell was pleased with the win, particularly due to his previous form which has seen him miss his last three cuts, including the US Open. "It's very special after the last couple of months. It's been a bit of a battle. It's been a funny year. My game has not felt far away most weeks but I have missed a lot more cuts than normal and missing cuts hurts. It certainly motivated me a lot the last few weeks. The US Open was a tough one to take and missing the cut in Ireland last week, it made me more hungry to want to be in positions like I was this afternoon”.

Lions Make History

 The Lions made history in Sydney after securing their first series win in 16 years. For the first time since the 1997 tour of South Africa the Lions achieved test series victory after an emphatic 41-16 win over Australia.

 Ulster wing Tommy Bowe started for the Lions, who got off to the perfect start with prop Alex Corbisiero scoring a try in the second minute. The Lions continued their early dominance with the scrum putting Australia under severe pressure and Leigh Halfpenny converting the penalties to give the Lions a 19-3 lead. However Australia responded with James O’Connor touching down on the stroke of half time. The conversion from Christian Lealiifano meant at half time the score was 19-10 to the Lions.

 The Lions were unable to repeat their fast start as it was Australia who started the better after the interval. Six points in the first six minutes of the second half brought Australia to within three points of the Lions however tries from Jonathon Sexton and George North put the tourists back in control and on the verge of their first series victory this century. Then Jamie Roberts crashed over to seal the victory for the Lions. This meant that when the final whistle went it was the men in red who celebrated their first series victory in 16 years.

Bowe Keeps Place For Lions Decider

 

 Ulster winger Tommy Bowe has kept his place on the wing for the Lions final test match despite Warren Gatland making a number of changes as the Lions bid to win their first test series since 1997. Bowe, who recovered from injury to play in the second test defeat, will make his fifth Lions appearance in Sydney.

 Gatland made a number of changes after defeat in the second test, the most notable of which saw Brian O’Driscoll dropped from the squad. The legendary centre was denied was denied the chance to end his Lions career in the perfect way. He was replaced by Jamie Roberts, who recovered from injury, to join his Welsh centre partner Jonathon Davies, who shifts to outside centre. O’Driscoll was expected to captain the side in the absence of tour captain Sam Warburton but his omission sees Welsh second row Alun Wyn Jones take the role. Alex Corbisiero also recovered from injury to take his spot in the front row, replacing Mako Vunipola. Alongside Corbisiero at hooker Richard Hibbard comes in for Tom Youngs, who can count himself as unlucky after performing well in the first two tests. The back row also experiences a number of changes with Sean O’Brien replacing the injured captain Sam Warburton on the openside while Toby Faletau replaces Jamie Heaslip at Number 8. Meanwhile behind the scrum Mike Phillips returns after missing the second test replacing Ben Youngs.

Full Team: 15 Leigh Halfpenny. 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Mike Phillips, 1 Alex Corbisiero, 2 Richard Hibbard, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones (capt), 5 Geoff Parling, 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sean O'Brien, 8 Toby Faletau
Replacements: 16 Mako Vunipola, 17 Tom Youngs, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Richie Gray, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Manu Tuilagi

Paterson Heads to Huddersfield

 

 Northern Ireland striker Martin Paterson has moved to Huddersfield following the expiration of his contract at Burnley. The 26 year old had been offered a new contract at Turf Moor in May however he rejected the deal, instead opting to sign a two year deal with the Terriers.

 Since arriving at Burnley in 2008 Paterson has performed well but struggled with injuries. In his first season at Turf Moor the striker scored 19 goals in all competitions helping fire the Clarets to the Premier League through the play offs. However the following season he struggled with injuries as Burnley were relegated back to the Championship. Since then Paterson has continued to suffer injuries however he has still remained an important player for Burnley. A number of Championship clubs were rumoured to be after Paterson but it was Huddersfield who moved quickest to complete the deal.

 Paterson was pleased to have agreed a deal with Huddersfield and said “First and foremost, Huddersfield is a very good, respected and well run club and when an approach comes, you listen. The manager spoke to me and laid out his plans and importantly he talked about playing me in my position as a centre forward, so the decision became a no-brainer. That was a big factor in my decision to come here. I spent five years at Burnley and it was a good time, but now it is time to knuckle down and put myself back in the position of being one of the most dangerous strikers in the league. To do that, I need to play up front.  I have turned down opportunities at some other very good clubs to come here because I believe in what the manager is saying and I believe in the club.”

Bowe Returns From Injury to Start Second Test

 Ulster’s Tommy Bowe has completed a remarkable return from injury and will start the second test for the Lions against Australia after replacing Wales wing Alex Cuthbert. Bowe suffered a broken hand against the Queensland Reds and was expected to miss the rest of the tour. However he has made a remarkable recovery and will start on the wing as the Lions bid to make history by winning their first series since 1997.

 Bowe, who played in all three tests during the 2009 tour to South Africa, spoke of the emotional rollercoaster he has experienced during the tour. He said "It has been a real roller-coaster few weeks and I've done everything and anything to try to get it fixed. I've been taking protein shakes, calcium tablets, omega tablets and vitamins as well as having constant icing and physio two, three or four times a day. To go from seeing the fracture put up on the board, the X-Ray, to be shown the fracture spiral right through the bone and be told that that's pretty much my tour over to being told by the surgeon that he's had guys come back within three weeks was emotional. But that enabled me to get back for selection for the second Test. Then I had to go through all the physio and everything else to try and get myself back and available. It has been a bit of a roller coaster”.

 However Bowe was delighted that his hard work had paid off and that he would have the chance to pull on the Lions jersey in a test once again, with the chance of making history. He said "These are the sort of games that you want to be involved in. You play your career in rugby to play in big games. Getting injured is the hardest part of professional sport. Whenever you get picked to play in a match like this it makes it all worth it - as long as you win. That's the big thing and that's the motivation for us this weekend. The boys did all the hard work last weekend, it's the second half now and we need to come out with a good performance".

 Bowe was one of five changes to the team which won the first test in Brisbane. In the front and second row there were enforced changes with Mako Vunipola replacing the injured Alex Corbisiero at prop and Geoff Parling replacing another casualty in Paul O’Connell. Meanwhile in the back row Dan Lydiate comes in replacing Tom Croft, who moves to the bench to cover both the second row and the back row. The final change to the team came at scrum half with Ben Youngs replacing Mike Phillips after the Welshman’s poor showing in the first test.

Full Team: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 George North, 10 Jonny Sexton, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Tom Youngs, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Alun Wyn Jones, 5 Geoff Parling, 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sam Warburton, 8 Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Ryan Grant, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Sean O'Brien, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Alex Cuthbert

Ferris Agrees New Ulster Contract

 Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris has agreed a new contract to stay at Ravenhill. Ferris, who has not played since suffering an ankle injury against Edinburgh in November of last year, signed a sixth month contract. This will allow him to continue working with Ulster’s medical team and the strength and conditioning team, with the aim of making a return to playing for Ulster and signing a longer deal to remain in Belfast.

 Ferris has played 102 times for Ulster since making his debut in 2005. He quickly developed into a crucial member of the Ulster team and was vital in the run to the 2012 Heineken Cup final, putting in a heroic man of the match effort in the famous quarter final win against Munster at Thomond Park. However a spell of injuries led to Ulster management and fans alike becoming resigned to the prospect of losing the back rower. A lucrative move to Japan was on the cards so the news comes as a massive boost to the province.

 Ferris spoke of his delight following the signing of his new contract. He said “I am delighted that I can continue my recovery and rehab from injury within the Ulster Rugby set-up. I believe that working with the medical team at Ulster, along with the excellent strength and conditioning coaches, offers me the best chance of regaining full fitness and of representing Ulster and Ireland again.”

 Ulster’s Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, was also pleased with the news about Ferris. He said “Stephen has had a difficult year with the injuries that he has suffered, but when he is fit, there is no doubt that he is one of the best back-row forwards in the game. Stephen is passionate about playing for Ulster and Ireland and our aim in giving him this contract extension is to provide him with the best possible care to enable him to get back playing”.

Rankin Makes England Debut

 Northern Irish cricketer Boyd Rankin made his England debut during the T20 match against New Zealand at the Oval yesterday. The Londonderry born bowler has played 52 times for Ireland but decided to switch allegiances with the hope of representing England at test cricket.

 In his first over Rankin claimed the wicket of New Zealand opener James Franklin, with Jos Buttler claiming the catch. In the end he finished with figures of 1-24 off his four overs. Rankin’s performance however was not enough to help England to victory as they fell five runs short of New Zealand’s total of 201-4.

Maybin Secures Muirfield Spot

 

 Northern Ireland’s Gareth Maybin secured his spot at the 2013 Open Championship after finishing in a tie for third place at the qualification event at Sunningdale.  The Belfast born golfer shot rounds of 67 and 69 at the course in Berkshire to claim one of the 9 places available.

 The 32 year old was pleased to have the chance to play at his third open and said "My season has not been as good as I'd have liked so far so it's a good boost to qualify for a big money event like the Open. To play in majors is the pinnacle of golf and you want to test yourself at the highest level against the top players".

Lions Call Up Court

 Ulster prop Tom Court has been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad as cover for Alex Corbisiero. Predominately a loosehead, Court goes onto the replacements bench for Tuesday’s match against the Melbourne Rebels, replacing Mako Vunipola who is withdrawn.

 Court could potentially face the country of his birth if he is involved in either of the remaining two test matches. He was born in Brisbane, the venue of the first test, but qualifies to play for Ireland due to his grandparents. Court made his debut in 2009 and has since gone on to represent Ireland 32 times. He has also played 104 times for Ulster, including in the 2012 Heineken Cup Final.

 Court becomes the third Ulstermen to represent the Lions on this tour. He will join fellow front rower Rory Best on the bench for the match against the Melbourne Rebels. Meanwhile wing Tommy Bowe is set to complete a remarkable return from a hand injury he suffered against the Queensland Reds after Warren Gatland confirmed he would be fit for the second test.  

Magilton's New Role

 Former Northern Ireland midfielder Jim Magilton has taken up a new role with the Irish Football Association after being appointed Elite Performance Director. Magilton, who has been capped 52 times for Northern Ireland, will be responsible for the elite player development of boys and girls which involves the identification and development of talented young players, while he will also oversee the IFA’s coach education programme. Magilton will start the role on 1^st July and has agreed a four year contract.

 Magilton spoke about his appointment and said “I am very pleased and indeed honoured to have been offered this opportunity to join the Irish Football Association as Elite Performance Director. Player identification and development is a key part of the modern game and I am looking forward to getting started in my new role and to working with all the young players in Northern Ireland.  We must work collectively and strategically to ensure we cultivate the most talented players, both boys and girls, at all age groups in Northern Ireland and I believe that by doing this we can create a talent pipeline which will help to build successful and sustainable international squads of the future.”

 Magilton’s new role will see him work closely with Northern Ireland’s manager Michael O’Neil. The pair previously played international football together and Magilton worked as O’Neil’s assistant when he was manager at Shamrock Rovers. O’Neil told reporters “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Jim on board. I have known Jim for over 20 years and I know that he will be a huge asset to the Irish Football Association.  His experience as a player and a coach along with his knowledge and his ability to manage and implement coaching structures, will ensure that all our elite young players are identified and developed and in turn will bring through generations of international players for all our national teams”.