Derry have everything to go to the next level - Corry
Paul Corry believes Derry City have the resources, players and manager to "go to the next level" and massively challenge Shamrock Rovers over the next few seasons.
Ireland Sport News
Stuart Lancaster: Nothing compares to interprovincial derbies
Stuart Lancaster can look forward to big away days against the likes of Toulouse and Toulon next season but the Leinster coach says nothing compares to interprovincial derbies.
Confident Jack Crowley could challenge Joey Carbery for 10 shirt
Munster got their season back on track in Thomond Park on Saturday evening. A win against the usually physically dominant Bulls pack would have been accepted, but to do so with a bonus point and a solid performance will please fans and coaches alike. The Bulls weren't at their best in a wet and windy Thomond Park, however we can’t pick holes in Munster’s start to the season and then not praise them when they get things right. Not everything stuck, but a lot of things came together on the night. The return of Emerging Ireland players, such as Shane Daly and Calvin Nash helped. Joey Carbery putting in a man-of-the-match performance was one of the most important aspects for their immediate future, as were the performances of new stars such as the colossal Edwin Edogbo. Jack Crowley is one of the most interesting current case studies in Munster. The pressure was on Carbery last night because Crowley’s pre-season performances and his Emerging Ireland tour have put him in the limelight. Who knows where his ceiling is, he is really only getting going. Crowley would have been frustrated going into the first few games of the season. Munster stuck to their pecking order and gave Ben Healy the benefit of the doubt. However, If you watched the pre-season friendlies, whatever they stand for, and if you have an idea of how Munster are setting up their attacking structures, Crowley is the second in command at Munster and Carbery is within his sights. Crowley plays the game with a boyish excitement, yet his game management is taking huge strides forward. Managing the Emerging Ireland gameplan will have done wonders for his self-belief.
Mark Williams posts tournament-high break in win over Alexander Ursenbacher at Northern Ireland Open
Mark Williams produced a mixed performance but had enough in the tank to secure a 4-2 victory over Alexander Ursenbacher in the second round of the Northern Ireland Open. The three-time world champion weathered an early storm from his Swiss opponent, before getting himself in the contest at the Waterfront Hall. Ad Williams is seeking a second Northern Ireland Open title, and kept Ursenbacher in his seat with a tournament-high break before closing out the win to set up a meeting with Jimmy Robertson.
South African sojourn a blessing in disguise for emerging Munster stars
Munster fans could have been forgiven for groaning when their brightest prospects were plucked from the province's ranks to head to Bloemfontein for the Emerging Ireland tour, but RTÉ analyst Donal Lenihan believes the trip will end up yielding rich dividends.
Home favourite Mark Allen safely through
Defending champion and home favourite Mark Allen coasted past Chen Zifan into the third round of the Northern Ireland Open.
'Reminds me of Phil Mickelson' - Ronnie O'Sullivan feels 'amazing' Mark Williams can win another world title
Mark Williams is one of the great left-handed players in sport, and Ronnie O’Sullivan has compared him to another brilliant leftie in golfing superstar Phil Mickelson. Williams is still going strong at the age of 47, having won his third world title in 2018 and continuing to produce results. Ad He won the British Open last season, reached the final of the Shoot Out and progressed to the last-four at the Masters and the World Championship.
Mark Allen races to impressive victory over Chen Zifan in second round of Northern Ireland Open
Mark Allen raced to victory as he whitewashed Chen Zifan 4-0 in the second round of the Northern Ireland Open to continue the defence of his title Immediately, Allen knocked in a superb long red on his way to making a century, before he doubled his lead with a break of 85, after Chen failed to capitalise on a missed red from his opponent. Ad Chen potted a long red of his own in the third, but was forced to play another red from distance which he missed, leaving Allen to make another big break of 92. Northern Ireland Open‘Look at that for a shot!’ – Allen downs ‘fantastic’ potAN HOUR AGO In the next frame, Chen was in first again, but left himself low on the black.