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Entries for the eagerly-anticipated Modern Tyres Ulster Rally have opened, and those working behind the scenes to make the event happen are predicting another star-studded field.
Many of the quickest drivers in the latest R5 and Rally2 machinery from Citroen and Volkswagen, Ford and Hyundai will share the stages as they battle it out for supremacy on the asphalt classic.
Starter numbers are set to be even bigger this year compared to 10 months ago due to the fact the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally is hosting the closing round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. It also heralds the midpoint of the dual surface Motorsport UK British Rally Championship (BRC).
Therefore, over the weekend of Friday August 18 and Saturday August 19, spectators of all ages can look forward to seeing Josh Moffett, Callum Devine and Jonathan Greer aim to preserve local honour on home soil against Adrien Fourmaux, Keith Cronin, Callum Black and James Williams.
In addition, the Ulster Rally has joined this year’s new-look FIA European Rally Trophy as part of a re-jigged 20-event schedule – a move that helps to re-enforce the event’s international status.
Unchanged, however, is the backdrop for the 46th instalment of the Northern Ireland Motor Club showpiece as Modern Tyres’ facility in Carnbane Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Newry will once again be the backdrop for all of the service park activity as well as the podium celebrations.
Returning Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington says preparations are well underway and going to plan for what should be one of the key highlights of the Northern Ireland motorsport calendar.
“It is going to be fantastic to have crews from the two main Championships in the UK and Ireland resume their friendly rivalry in Newry in August to see who will come out on top,” said Turkington.
“We are pleased to announce that entries have now opened and while as a motor club we take every effort to make the Ulster Rally a success, ultimately it is the crews that make it a spectacle. Therefore, I would encourage all competitors to submit their entry as soon as they possibly can.”
He added: “I also want to take this opportunity to thank Modern Tyres for choosing to come on board once again and be title sponsor of the Ulster Rally. Like many large-scale sporting events held here, the Ulster Rally relies on backing to help make it viable and also safeguard its future.”
Supplementary regulations – along with a rally guide for fans planning on making the trip to Newry – will soon be available on the Ulster Rally website and via the Sportity App using code UR2023. Entry registrations, meanwhile, can be made via Rallyscore www.rallyscore.net
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Armagh are back in an All Ireland Quarter final today for the second year in a row. Last years game against Galway was easily the game of the Championship with a spell of extra time not even separating the sides and the game then going to penalty kicks and as they say the rest is history. Galway advanced and Armagh didn't.
Tomorrow they take on Monaghan and with Rian O'Neill back it should be an interesting game. The last time they met was in the Alliance Football League in January this year at Castleblaney with Armagh emerging winners by 1:14 to 1:12. The last Championship meeting was a sweltering hot day in July 2021 at Pairc Esler with Armagh came out the loser in what was a high scoring game with Monaghan winning by 4:17 to 2:21. What way tomorrow turns out is anyones guess but it is sure to be an exciting day out for the thousands of fans taking to trains, buses, cars and any other form of transport they can find.
Armagh Manager Kieran McGeeney has named his starting team with the return of O'Neill most noticable.
Armagh Team v Monaghan
1: Ethan Rafferty
2: Paddy Burns
3: Aaron McKay
4: Aidan Forker
5: Conor O'Neill
6: Greg McCabe
7: Callum Cumiskey
8: Ciaran Mackin
9: Ben Crealey
10: Jason Duffy
11: Rory Grugan
12: Stefan Campbell
13: Conor Turbitt
14: Rian O'Neill
15: Andrew Murnin
The game starts at 6pm following the Kerry v Tyrone clash. Unfortunately it's not on any of the free to air TV channels, just GAAGO for €12
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Valerie Harte has hosted a Civic Reception to mark the outstanding achievements of Cleary Celtic FC in the 2021-22 season. Cllr Harte presented the team with an engraved crystal bowl to mark their successes.
Speaking at the reception Cllr Harte said, “I am truly delighted and honoured to host this Civic Reception to recognise the amazing achievement of this team and its management. It is very important to me that I recognise achievements in sport in our district. I know that during 2022 your team had some outstanding performances and were on a record winning season. You created a new historic chapter in the Carnbane League by becoming the first team to win five trophies in one season.
“I would like to thank Cleary Celtic Management Team – John Hogg, Robby Quinn, Paul McElroy, and also a mention to James McCorry and Jim Fox for the time and effort they put into helping the team give their best. You have helped to guide and drive this team on to become the successful team they are today. I can only imagine the time and effort put in over the weeks and months, in all sorts of weather to ensure that success could be achieved.”
Concluding her address to Cleary Celtic, Cllr Harte said, “What an inspiration you are, not only to your own community but to the people of the wider Newry, Mourne and Down District. Your hard work, discipline, determination and will to win have led you to the strong position you are in today. Being part of a team such as this is much more than a game to be played, it is a lifestyle which promotes discipline; a sense of team spirit and friendship that instils loyalty, purpose and integrity. I am delighted that you have retained the Carnbane League, Mid-Ulster Shield and the Fr Davies Cup this season 22/23.
“Finally in conclusion Cleary Celtic, I want to thank you for all coming this evening. I look forward to celebrating with you all during 23/24 when your club will be 40 years competing in the Carnbane League.”
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Newry Manager Gary Boyle has added to his strike force with the addition of Lee Newell in preparation for the upcoming season.
Speaking about his new team member Boyle commented “Lee comes in to us off the back of a very successful stint at Rathfriland. A goal scorer who provides the team with a slightly different attacking dimension whilst complementing the attacking players we have at the club. Another relatively local talent, who, at 26, is ready to kick on with the next chapter of his career.
"A great character whose personality and attitude are in tune with the core values of our club; he will fit into the group seamlessly. I know he can’t wait to get going!”
Newell spoke of his delight at the move “I am delighted to be signing for Newry City and can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and will be working hard to hit the ground running.
"There is a great atmosphere around the club and I’m excited to be a part of that and help the club push on to achieve the goals set for this season.”
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Down Senior Ladies have a date in the All Ireland Junior Championship Semi Final against Carlow later this month following their win over Limerick at the weekend.
Down travelled to Newcastlewest for Round 3 of the TG4 All Ireland Junior Football Championship on Sunday 9 July, the match deciding who would top the table in Group A and ultimately determine who Down will meet in the All Ireland Junior Semi-Final.
The match was an end-to-end battle from the first whistle. The Mourne Ladies won the throw in and Natasha Ferris pointed the first score from a free in the 1st minute. The Limerick Ladies attack responded to this but put the ball wide. Some good interplay from the Down attack of the Duffy sisters, Orla Swail and Aimee O’Higgins worked the ball up the field and resulted in another point for Down from Laoise Duffy in the 3rd minute. Limerick ladies got their first score in the 4th minute when a score attempt was blocked down and Cathy Mee collected the rebound and popped it over the bar. This was answered with a lovely point from Down’s Niamh Scullion in the 5th minute. Limerick worked the ball back up the field and Amy Ryan put a high ball in which slipped over Amy McGiverns head scoring a goal for Limerick, followed closely by another point to put them in the lead for the first time. The Green and white wall of Limerick worked hard to deny the Mourne Ladies any goal chances. However this did not deter Ferris, who pointed a further two scores to level the sides in the 20th minute. The Limerick ladies were on the attack again, and a long ball into Iris Kennelly was pointed, putting them back in the lead for the second time. The Down Ladies retaliated with a further two points from Ferris and Aimee O’Higgins before the half time whistle, leaving the score Down 0-07 Limerick 1-03.
Down again won the throw in and went immediately on the attack, with Orla Swail getting fouled. Ferris took the free, but it glanced off the post and went wide. Another free for Down was again taken by Ferris, but this time it slipped over the keeper’s hands and into the back of the net. Down were playing high paced football and a further two points were scored by Ferris. Limericks Kennelly pelted it up the field pointing a much needed score for Limerick in the 40th minute, followed by a second Kennelly point in 42nd minute. The Mourne ladies refreshed legs including Eimear Fitzpatrick who pointed a score in the 49th minute followed by another Ferris point. The Mourne defence lead by captain Meghan Doherty and Orla Boyle put the pressure on the Limerick attack preventing any goal chances. However two frees were converted by Limericks Caoimhe McGrath to close the gap. Down’s Ferris put a final point over in the 56th minute to seal the win for the Mourne Ladies and top the table in Group A. Final Score Down 1-13 Limerick 1-8
Next up for Down is the All Ireland Semi-Final against Carlow on 23rd July.
Down Team: A McGivern, A Greene, C Byrne, O Boyle, N McKibbin, Meghan Doherty (C), O Duffy, A Laverty, A Keown, N Scullion (0-1), V McCormack, L Duffy (0-1), A O’Higgins (0-1), N Ferris (1-9, 1-6F), O Swail, K McKay, E Fitzpatrick (0-1), A Cull, N McClory, E Sands, E McArdle, E Martin, K Howlett, N Loudon, O Blaney, N King, B Rogan, P Smyth, C Mulvenna & S Dougherty.
Limerick Team: C Bateman, M Mac Namara, Y Lee, A Quaid, G Lee, L Walshe, L Ryan, R Ambrose, A O’Sullivan, D Murphy, C Mee, I Kennelly, L Coughlan, A Ryan, K O’Leary, S Hennessy, F Bradshaw, C McGrath, R Hyland, E Woulfe, A O’Dea, C O’Meara, A Curtin, R Breedy, S Dillon, L Browne, C Brosnahan, K Kennedy, G McKenna & A O’Sullivan.
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Newry City manager Gary Boyle is continuing to develop his squad in the lead up to the new season. Latest signing is goalkeeper Tom Murphy who is excited at the challenge.
Commenting on his new signing Boyle said “Tom is another fantastic signing. He is young, extremely talented and feels he has a point to prove. He has bought in to how we are trying to progress as a club.
"It is every managers dream to have competition in every area and we now have that in abundance in our GK division. We are very happy to welcome him to the club.”
Murphy is looking forward to getting out in front of the fans. He commented “I’m delighted to sign for the club. From the first minute speaking to Gary, it was something that excited me and when he explained what he wanted to do this season it was something I wanted to be a part of.
"We have a brilliant group of players and the lads have been very welcoming since I came in. We’ve been laying down the foundations in pre-season to be prepared to hit the ground running come the first game of the season.
"I’m looking forward to seeing what this season holds, and getting out playing in front of all the fans at The Showgrounds.”
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Down take on Meath today in the Tailteann Cup Final with the winner getting the added bonus of being guaranteed a place in the round robin stages of next year All Ireland. Down suffered a two point defeat to Meath in the group phase of the competition in June and while manager Conor Laverty will be looking a different result this time. It's extremely unlikely that todays game will go the way of the semi final when they defeated Laois with 22 points to spare but they would be more than happy if they emerge with even a one point win.
The game kicks off at 3pm and special trains from Newry will go some way to ensure that the red and black army is well represented in the stands.
Down have named their starting 15 as follows: 1: Niall Kane; 2: Patrick McCarthy; 3: Pierce Laverty; 4: Anthony Doherty; 5: Miceal Rooney; 6: Ceilum Doherty; 7: Danny Magill; 8: Daniel Guinness; 9: Odhran Murdock; 10: Shealan Johnston; 11: Liam Kerr; 12: Rory Mason; 13: Eugene Branagan; 14: Pat Havern and 15: Ryan Johnston.
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Despite a neck in neck first half against Meath at yesterday's Tailteann Cup Final it just wasn't Down's day, as they lost out to a hungrier Meath side who were able to forge ahead when it mattered.
Down were first to get on the scoreboard with a point from Ceilum Doherty. A point followed quickly from Meath but It took them a little longer to settle with Down leading by three points 15 minutes in. But as fate would have it, a rather lucky goal put them back in the frame and it was all even at half time with Down 0:6 to Meath's 1:3.
Again Down were fastest out in the second half with a two point lead but Meath came back into the game with 4 unanswered points. The game ebbed and flowed but Down could only get to within two points and a second goal deep into injury time cemented Meaths victory and a guaranteed place in the 2024 All Ireland Championship competing for Sam'.
Final score Down 0:14 Meath 2:13
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Armagh were dealt a blow before the start of their TG4 ladies football championship quarter-final tie against Cork when star forward, Aimee Mackin, was unable to start due to a hamstring injury, a huge loss to her side. In the end two frees from Cork's Katie Quirke proved crucial as Cork emerged victorious at the Box-It Athletic Grounds and they now advance to the semi finals.
Doireann O’Sullivan opened the scoring two minutes in from a free before Blaithin Mackin replied for the home side.
A sweeping team move, which started in their own half, saw the visitors back in front when Ciara O’Sullivan scored. But again, their lead didn’t last long as Armagh worked the ball straight down the pitch to see Aoife McCoy equalise.
She added her second to put Armagh in front as they led 0-3 to 0-2 after 12 minutes.
Daire Kiely scored a magnificent point from out near the sideline to see the sides level again, before Mackin had the first goal chance.
She burst past several defenders but her effort went across the goal and wide.
Ciara O’Sullivan put Cork back in front as there was nothing between the sides in the first 15 minutes. Doireann O’Sullivan increased Cork’s lead to put two between the sides for the first time.
Libby Coppinger had a great chance to extend it to three but her close-in effort went narrowly wide.
It took a brilliant save from Anna Carr to stop Cork going further in front when she stopped a shot from Anna Ryan which looked destined for the back of the net.
Kelly Mallon pointed from a free for Armagh to make it 0-4 to 0-5 with 23 minutes played.
Another Mallon free had the sides level and it remained that way to the break and all to play for in the second-half.
Ciara O’Sullivan restored Cork’s lead on the restart and Hannah Looney made it 0-7 to 0-5, with a fisted point with her back to goal.
Armagh regained the lead in the 37th minute when they raised a green flag. A shot from Mackin was blocked by Roisin Phelan but the loose ball fell to Niamh Coleman and he found the back of the net.
Again Cork responded with Doireann O’Sullivan equalising from a free with her sister, Ciara, putting them back in front, 0-9 to 1-5.
Another Doireann O’Sullivan free restored Cork’s two point lead with 43 minutes gone but the lead didn’t last long.
Emily Druse and Shauna Grey combined to play Mackin in and she gave Meabh O’Sullivan no chance of saving as she made it 2-5 to 0-10.
Aoife Healy made her presence felt not long after coming on as a sub as she equalised for Cork.
With 45 minutes gone Cork were down to 14 when Doireann O’Sullivan was sin-binned as the momentum started to swing in Armagh’s favour.
Katie Quirke took over the free taking duties when O’Sullivan off the pitch and she made sure with her first effort to restore Cork’s lead.
She added another free to make it 0-13 to 2-5 with nine minutes remaining.
Armagh had another goal chance with Mackin clean through but this time she couldn’t find a way past Meabh O’Sullivan as Cork managed to keep them scoreless until Doireann returned.
Ciara O’Sullivan put the visitors three up with three minutes remaining before Blathnaid Hendron made it a two point tie.
But Cork held on for the win to see them through to the semi-finals.
Final score: Cork 0-14 Armagh 2-5
Scorers - Cork: D O’Sullivan 0-4 (4f), C O’Sullivan 0-5, K Quirke 0-2 (2f), D Kiely, H Looney A Healy 0-1 each.
Armagh: B Mackin 1-1, N Coleman 1-0, K Mallon (2f), A McCoy 0-2 each.
CORK: M O’Sullivan; M Duggan, E Meaney, R Phelan; A Ryan, S Kelly, L O’Mahony; M O’Callaghan, H Looney; D Kiely, L Coppinger, C O’Sullivan; O Cahalane, D O’Sullivan, E Cleary. Subs: A Healy for A Ryan (40), K Quirke for O Cahalane (44), D Kiniry for L O’Mahony, B O’Sullivan for D Kiely (both 50).
ARMAGH: A Carr; S Grey, C McCambridge, L Kenny: G Ferguson, L McConville, C Towe: N Coleman, E Lavery; B Mackin, C O’Hagan, E Druse; N Reel, K Mallon, A McCoy. Subs: N Marley for L Kenny (40), B Hendron for C O’Hagan (50).
Referee: Margaret Farrelly (Cavan).
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