10-man Everton beat Man United despite bizarre sending off

Ten-man Everton held on for a rare and quite amazing Old Trafford victory after Idrissa Gueye was sent off for striking team-mate Michael Keane after just 13 minutes against Manchester United. Staggeringly, against a United side who knew victory would take them fifth in the table and on a ground where they have won once since August 1992, Everton then went in front when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall surged to the edge of the area, then sent a curling effort past goalkeeper Senne Lammens into the top corner.

Read more

Indisciplined Ireland pay the price against powerful Springboks

South Africa’s 13-year wait for a win in Dublin is over, with the world champions proving their credentials with a 24-13 win against Ireland after a remarkable game at Aviva Stadium. In truth, this was a game the Springboks could and should have won by 30, and as humbling as the defeat will be for Andy Farrell’s side, they showed remarkable resilience to bring this game the distance.

Read more

Ireland to face Czech Republic in World Cup Play-offs

Ireland face a trip away to the Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-finals following the draw today in Zurich. Should Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side overcome that challenge they will enjoy home advantage against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The Danes defeated Ireland 5-1 in 2017 to book a place at the 2018 World Cup. Elsewhere Northern Ireland will face Italy in their semi-final clash with the winner set to face Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Read more

Dramatic Parrott hat-trick sickens Hungary as Ireland earn play-off spot

Troy Parrott completed a hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Hungary and reach the World Cup play-offs. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side needed a win in Budapest to secure a spot in the play-offs. Daniel Lukacs’ fourth-minute header gave Hungary the ideal start, and while Troy Parrott’s penalty brought the Irish level, Barnabas Varga’s stunning strike restored the home side’s lead before the break. In a nail-biting second half, Parrott’s deft finish 10 minutes from time setup a grand stand finale and the Dubliner popped up at the death to poke home a memorable winner.

Read more

Hansen grabs hat-trick as Ireland hammer Australia

Mack Hansen scored a superb first-half hat-trick to help lift Ireland to a comprehensive win over Australia in an entertaining Test at Aviva Stadium. Starting an Ireland game at full-back for the first time, Canberra-born Hansen starred in a slick Irish attack on his return from a foot injury with three tries inside the opening 30 minutes. The Wallabies – coached by former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt – stayed in touch at half-time thanks to Len Ikitau and Fraser McReight tries.

Read more