Paddy Tierney
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Sports journalist/GAA writer with @BelfastLive & @MirrorSportIE. All opinions are my own – especially my horse racing tips!
📩 paddy.tierney@reachplc.com
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Articles by Paddy Tierney
Rory McIlroy four shots off pace after rain-delayed DP World India Championship opener
Rory McIlroy found himself four strokes behind the leader after completing his opening round on a rain-disrupted first day at the DP World India Championship. The world number two, aiming to equal a record with an eighth Race to Dubai title, carded a two-under-par 70 following a five-hour suspension due to heavy rainfall in New Delhi.
I think Davy got a lot wrong - former Antrim captain delivers scathing assessment of Davy Fitzgerald's tenure with the Saffrons
Eoghan Campbell feels the Antrim county board shouldn't have given Davy Fitzgerald a second year in charge of the senior hurlers this season and has delivered a damning assessment of the Clare legend's two-year tenure with the Saffrons. Speaking at a media event ahead of the Antrim club finals at Dunsilly on Monday evening, the Cushendall skipper, who stepped away from the county set-up ahead of the 2026 season, said he'd be open to a return under new manager Mickey McShane.
Cathal Murray calls on St Brigid's to replicate Clonduff intensity as they chase maiden senior crown
Cathal Murray was a proud Hilltown man as he watched his native Clonduff defeat Burren in last Sunday's Down SFC final. This Sunday, he'll be sideline bidding to steer St Brigid's to Antrim SFC glory at the first attempt as the south Belfast side take on Rossa in an all-city decider at Corrigan Park. Rossa were last in a senior decider back in 1991 when they won the Padraig McNamee Cup for the 16th time, putting them third on the roll of honour behind St John's (24) and St Gall's (19).
Rory McIlroy says LIV Golf was 'half a good idea' and welcomes players back
Rory McIlroy has described LIV Golf as "half a good idea, executed poorly" and believes the breakaway league no longer poses a threat to the traditional game as it attempts to relaunch following bankruptcy proceedings. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund invested 5billion US dollars (£3.7bn) over four years, attracting major names such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA Tour, before pulling its backing this year.
DP World Tour bans LIV Golf players from 2027 season amid Ryder Cup threat
Players will be prohibited from competing on the DP World Tour next season if they opt to join LIV Golf in 2027. Several of the game's leading stars were granted conditional releases by the European tour in past seasons, enabling them to feature on both circuits. However, DP World Tour chief executive officer Guy Kinnings has stated that players must now "make a choice". To qualify for Europe's Ryder Cup team, players are required to hold membership of the DP World Tour.
Martin O'Neill delighted with Celtic's response to criticism in win over Motherwell
Martin O'Neill expressed his satisfaction with Celtic's response to their recent difficulties as they secured a vital 2-0 win at Motherwell, reclaiming top spot in the William Hill Premiership. The Hoops had endured a turbulent international break with players, coaching staff and directors facing fierce criticism from angry fans after suffering three consecutive defeats in seven days , including a double loss to city rivals Rangers.
John McEntee set to be named as new Monaghan senior football manager
Monaghan's search to find a new senior football manager appears to be at an end with reports that John McEntee will be ratified on Monday night. The Crossmaglen native is understood to be one of three main candidates for the position vacated following Gabriel Bannigan's abrupt departure in August. Former Meath and Antrim boss Andy McEntee, who worked with Bannigan this season, and former Monaghan boss Seamus McEnaney were also believed to be in the running.
Down star determined to savour club success after double ACL injury nightmare
There were dark times when Barry O'Hagan wondered if he'd ever get back playing, let alone witness days like these. As his Clonduff colleagues and their supporters lapped up the joy of edging out Carryduff to book their place in the Down SFC final for the first time in a decade, O'Hagan recalled his own injury hell which began on the very turf he was standing on. Back in February 2023, O'Hagan suffered the first of his ACL injuries while playing for Down against Antrim in a League game in Newry.
Gearóid Adams expects Clonduff to go nuts ahead of Down SFC final appearance
First it was Kieran McGeeney. Then it was Andy Moran. Two recent All-Ireland winning managers scoffed at the notion that the excitement ahead of a big final can be a distraction to the players involved. It is a sentiment shared by Gearóid Adams.
We had to bring everything - Collie Holmes hails Burren after brilliant Kilcoo victory
If it is the very definition of insanity to try the same thing again and again and expect different results, Burren would drive themselves insane if they didn't try something new against Kilcoo this time. The perennial Down champions fell on their sword after a helter-skelter semi-final battle in Newry that was only settled in stoppage time when Burren plundered their fourth goal.
Irish racing trainer tackled by security staff amid son's AFL Premiership celebrations
Saturday will be a day Conor McKenna remembers for the rest of his life as he made history in the world-famous MCG. His father Pat might not forget it for a day or two either. McKenna became the first Irishman to win two Premiership titles after scoring another brilliant goal as the Brisbane Lions defeated Fremantle Dockers 96-89 to claim a third successive AFL Grand Final victory in front of over 100,000 spectators.
Premier League of Darts to return to Belfast in 2027 and here's how to get tickets
The 2027 BetMGM Premier League scheduled has been confirmed with Belfast retaining its spot as one of 17 host cities. This year's finalists Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will headline next year's roadshow, which will begin at Glasgow's OVO Hydro on Thursday February 4. Sport's biggest party will then visit Berlin, Newcastle, Belfast and Cardiff during February and early March, before heading to Nottingham and Dublin.
Antrim hand down bans to Loughgiel and St John's as investigation into brawl continues
The Antrim CCC have handed down several bans to both Loughgiel and St John's following the violent scenes which marred their Hurling Championship clash earlier this month. Loughgiel won the round three tie at Fr Healy Park 0-30 to 3-14 to book their place in the last four of the Antrim SHC with the defending champions set to contest a quarter-final meeting with Glenariffe this weekend.
Enda McGinley hails Errigal Ciaran's young blood but warns more is needed to topple holders Loughmacrory
If their rivals assumed that nullifying the scoring threat of the Canavan brothers, Darragh and Ruairi, would be enough to halt Errigal Ciaran, Monday night's impressive defeat of Trillick will make them think otherwise. The Canavan siblings are making their way back to full fitness after an injury-plaughed season, although Ruairi was only fit to feature in the final quarter in O'Neills Healy Park having missed the first round win over League champions Killyclogher.
Crossmaglen boss Shane Lennon hails "incredible" Oisin O'Neill heroics after 2-10 haul in Armagh SFC victory
The coaching idiom that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard simply doesn't apply to Oisin O'Neill. The Crossmaglen and Armagh ace has both traits in abundance. On Sunday evening he gave a timely reminder of his undeniable skill in front of a huge crowd at the Box-It Athletic Grounds as Cross finished with 0-8 without reply to finally sink neighbours Culloville in a keenly-contested quarter-final tussle.
“I'm obsessed with football” - Antrim boss Mark Doran opens up on taking up Clann Éireann job
The prospect of being idle after the county season ended didn't sit well with Mark Doran and he is loving being involved in the club scene as Clann Éireann manager. The Lurgan men ended Madden's reign as Armagh champions with an impressive five-point win at the Box-It Athletic Grounds on Saturday night. Their reward is a semi-final showdown with Crossmaglen in a fortnight after the Rangers claimed a nine-point win over Culloville on Sunday evening.
Martin O'Neill's future at Celtic in doubt after Rangers defeat as he issues statement
Martin O'Neill has indicated he will consider his position as Celtic manager following mounting pressure after a 1-0 home defeat to Rangers at Parkhead. The Gers comfortably secured a 3-0 victory over Celtic in last Sunday's Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox, and in the William Hill Premiership rematch, Ryan Naderi's first-half goal lifted Derek McInnes' squad to just two points behind the Hoops at the summit heading into the international break.
Rory McIlroy eagle at Wentworth salvages 'frustrating day' at BMW PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy sits just two shots behind the leaders heading into the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, after an eagle on the 18th hole during Saturday's play. The reigning two-time Masters champion carded a three-under 69 in his third round, placing him in a share of sixth position alongside four other players on 11-under par.
Rory McIlroy rues "tricky" finishing stretch as Aaron Rai leads at Wentworth
Rory McIlroy made a blistering start to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, but his round faltered, allowing fellow major winner Aaron Rai to emerge as the early clubhouse leader. The Northern Irishman surged to five under through 10 holes, claiming the outright lead before errant drives proved detrimental on the back nine, resulting in three bogeys across his final six holes.
GAA must do more to clamp down on violence on and off the pitch
There are few better places to watch a game of hurling in Ireland than in north Antrim. There are few more competitive hurling Championships in the country than the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship. The meeting between last year's finalists Loughgiel and county champions St John's on Saturday evening wasn't a knockout game, but there was still plenty on the line.
Kilcoo boss Martin Corey sweating on injured duo ahead of Down SFC semi-final
Kilcoo are back. Were they ever really gone? Rumour of their demise and all that. Kilcoo might have ventured down an unfamiliar route to get to the semi-finals, but they seem as determined as ever to maintain their grip on the Frank O'Hare Cup following an impressive 22-point rout of Loughinisland on Sunday afternoon in Newry.
GAA championship fixture overshadowed by violent clashes on and off the pitch
The Antrim County Board are set to launch an investigation following the ugly scenes which marred the end of a senior hurling Championship fixture on Saturday evening. Loughgiel Shamrocks defeated holders St John's in the final group game at Fr Healy Park to book their place in the last four of the Championship with the west Belfast men set to contest a quarter-final clash with Glenariffe, who defeated St Enda's on Sunday.
Errigal Ciaran vs Trillick: Tyrone SFC quarter-final details confirmed as Galbally lose appeal
The Tyrone SFC quarter-finals will proceed as scheduled after Galbally lost their appeal over the outcome of their first round defeat to Trillick. A hearing took place at Garvaghey on Saturday after the Pearse's lodged an appeal to have the result overturned.
Old Firm derbies losing passion without away fans, warns ex-Celtic skipper
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown has expressed concerns that Old Firm derbies are losing their intensity due to the absence of away supporters. The rivals will face each other at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals at midday on Sunday, followed by a league encounter at Parkhead a week later.
Marty Boyle provides injury update on Loughmacrory star after 'player-led' replay win over Dungannon
Loughmacrory made light work of Dungannon in their first round replay on Thursday night , easing to a nine-point victory in O'Neills Healy Park. Two of the Donaghy clan, Cathal and Gareth, scored four points from play each while Ruairi McCullagh chipped in with 0-5, including a two-point free. The Clarke's, in stark contrast, failed to score a point from play in the first half with their opening score arriving after 10 minutes via a Leo Hughes goal.
Jon Rahm says he can handle LIV Golf 'turbulence' ahead of Irish Open at Doonbeg
Jon Rahm has admitted he is still navigating "turbulence" amid mounting uncertainty over the future of LIV Golf, as he targets a third Irish Open title this week. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has pulled its financial backing from the breakaway tour, as organisers scramble to secure fresh investment.
Jim McGuinness agrees to remain as Donegal manager for another season
Jim McGuinness will continue as Donegal manager for 2027 after being ratified again on Monday night. After a fortnight of managerial upheaval following the departures of Gabriel Bannigan and Pádraic Joyce from Monaghan and Galway respectively, Donegal have sought to remove any doubt about their plans for next season with McGuinness, as expected, remaining in his role having been appointed for his second stint in 2023 on a three-year term with the option of a fourth.
Celtic's Yang Hyun-jun to miss key fixtures as he departs for Asian Games
Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady reckons the Hoops will be without their most effective wide player when Yang Hyun-jun leaves for the Asian Games. The South Korean star will be absent for Wednesday's away fixture at St Johnstone and the Europa League curtain-raiser against Ferencvaros, bookending Celtic's crucial double-header with Rangers. The 24 year old departed in fine form, finding the net in back-to-back matches against Aberdeen and St Mirren.
'He's a really class player' - Martin O'Neill hails Camilo Duran after Celtic's 3-0 win over Aberdeen
Celtic boss Martin O'Neill praised Camilo Duran's exceptional talent following the Colombian's contribution to the Hoops' commanding 3-0 victory against Aberdeen. The striker broke the deadlock unexpectedly in the 14th minute with yet another stunning goal since his arrival from Qarabag. Duran appeared to have few options when he received Benjamin Nygren's pass, yet he unleashed a thunderous 20-yard effort that crashed in off the crossbar with minimal backlift.
Rangers matchwinner Lawrence Shankland earns high praise from Derek McInnes
Derek McInnes reckons Lawrence Shankland delivered a "proper captain's performance" after netting twice in Rangers' 2-1 victory away to Falkirk. The Scotland international has endured a challenging period at his childhood club following his summer switch from Hearts. Yet, having converted from 12 yards in Sunday's 1-0 triumph against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, he put the Light Blues in front with an excellent seventh-minute effort.
Antrim SFC permutations as teams chase quarter-final berths this weekend
The group stages of the Antrim SFC conclude this weekend with six of the eight quarter-final places still up for grabs. Only holders Dunloy and St John's have guaranteed themselves a place in the knockout stages, although former county kingpins Cargin are extremely likely to join them in the last eight. The Toome men are without the injured Tomás McCann, but sibling Mick has had his two-game ban overturned on appeal.
Oisin McConville confirms Wicklow managerial future after historic Tailteann Cup success
Oisin McConville will continue in his role as Wicklow senior football manager into 2027, it has been confirmed. The former Armagh star guided the Garden County to a famous Tailteann Cup victory over Down earlier this summer. The Leinster side were 13 points in arrears against the Mournemen earlier in the second half, but produced one of the biggest comebacks of the season to claim the title in Croke Park. That win guarantees Wicklow's status as a Sam Maguire Cup team for 2027.
Carryduff boss Hugh McGrath hails attitude of James Guinness after ACL injury nightmare
They won the battle, but the champions are down, and crucially, not out. Carryduff's thrilling helter-skelter win over holders Kilcoo on Sunday evening has put them through to the last eight of the Down SFC. The Magpies must navigate a round three tussle with Downpatrick this weekend to progress to the same stage. Hugh McGrath knows their two-point victory only counts for so much. Kilcoo remain a potent threat to all as their last-gasp comeback proved.
Rory McIlroy prize money as Scottie Scheffler wins second FedEx Cup and surpasses Tiger Woods in PGA Tour earnings
Scottie Scheffler put any debate about the season's standout performer to rest on Sunday, overcoming a three-shot deficit with a 4-under 66 to clinch the Tour Championship, secure a second FedEx Cup title and surpass Tiger Woods as the highest career earner in PGA Tour history. Scheffler announced his charge with a 5-iron to within 2 inches of the cup on the 211-yard second hole.
Martin O'Neill issues warning to Celtic players after Champions League collapse
Martin O'Neill reckons Celtic must demonstrate the traditional Hoops "character" when they face Falkirk this weekend, following their disastrous Champions League play-off exit to LASK on Tuesday evening. The Scottish champions had built a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Glasgow, and captain Callum McGregor's deflected effort after 21 minutes in Austria appeared to put the tie beyond doubt.
Justin Rose surges into contention at Tour Championship as Rory McIlroy flounders
Justin Rose has positioned himself as a contender for the Tour Championship following a brilliant 65 in Friday's second round in Atlanta. The Englishman registered five birdies in a flawless round to reach seven under, putting himself in with a shout of claiming the 10 million dollar (£7.3 million) FedExCup play-off series finale at the midway stage.
Top Ulster GAA stadium forced to closed following ‘major incident' overnight
Kingspan Breffni has been forced to close its doors following a ‘major incident' at the Cavan venue late last night. It has been reported that a fire brigade attended the stadium after midnight to extinguish a blaze in one of the kitchens at the premises. No one was present and there are no reported injuries from the incident. The venue hosted a third round tie in the Cavan SFC as Crosserlough eased to a 5-22 to 1-6 win over Laragh United.
Derek McInnes 'mortified' as Rangers suffer Conference League exit to Jablonec
Derek McInnes admitted he was left feeling "mortified" after Rangers crashed out of the UEFA Conference League play-offs following a 4-3 penalty shoot-out loss to Jablonec at the Stadion Strelnice. Holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Ibrox the previous week, the disjointed Light Blues were pegged back when Jablonec's Vakhtang Tchanturishvili struck a powerful effort in the 73rd minute to level the tie on aggregate, forcing extra time.
Celtic and Rangers Scottish Cup ties behind closed doors after Ibrox pitch invasion
Celtic and Rangers have both been instructed to stage their upcoming home Scottish Cup fixtures without spectators present. The sanction follows a Scottish Football Association disciplinary tribunal examining the disorder that overshadowed Celtic's quarter-final victory at Ibrox in March.
Rory McIlroy six shots off pace at Tour Championship as Min Woo Lee leads
Min Woo Lee fired an eight-under-par 62 to establish a two-shot advantage after the opening round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta. The Australian posted eight birdies in a flawless start at East Lake to seize early command of the 10 million dollar (£7.3 million) FedExCup play-off series finale. In a day of low scoring amongst the 30-man field, Norway's Viktor Hovland shared second place with Americans Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup, all returning rounds of 64.
Gabriel Bannigan steps down as Monaghan senior football manager after two years in charge
Monaghan are on the lookout for a new senior football manager following the shock resignation of Gabriel Bannigan after two years in charge. The Aughamullen native was part of Vinny Corey's backroom team for two seasons before replacing him in September of 2024. His own backroom team last season included Andy Moran, who would lead Mayo to All-Ireland glory this year.
Galopin Des Champs hailed as 'one of a kind' as Gold Cup hero retires
Owner Audrey Turley has delivered an emotional tribute following the announcement of Galopin Des Champs' retirement on Thursday. The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old has cemented his legacy as one of the most beloved National Hunt horses in recent memory, amassing an impressive collection of 12 Grade One triumphs. These included consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup victories in 2023 and 2024, alongside three successive Irish Gold Cup titles spanning 2023 to 2025.
Armagh SFC permutations: Culloville are safely through but 12 other teams can advance to the knockout stages
The final round of group fixtures in the Armagh SFC takes place this weekend with the vast majority of teams still in with a shout of making the knockout stage. The format in the Orchard County mirrors that of the old All-Ireland SFC structure with three teams progressing from each group with only the bottom-placed team going out at this stage of the competition.
Mark Allen extends absence from professional snooker circuit due to personal reasons
The World Snooker Tour has confirmed that Mark Allen has withdrawn from both the British Open and English Open for personal reasons. Allen came agonisingly close to reaching the World Championship final last season, suffering a heartbreaking 17-16 defeat to Wu Yize in the semi-finals at the Crucible.
Burren boss Collie Holmes issues Danny Magill injury update ahead of Clonduff clash
Burren manager Collie Holmes has said Danny Magill isn't in his plans at present, adding the Down star has yet to return to full training with the team. It is a full year since Magill suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the first round of the Down SFC against Castlewellan On Monday night, St Mary's secured their passage to round 2A with a one-sided rout of Ballyholland, claiming a 3-18 to 0-7 victory in Newry to set up a meeting with Clonduff at Páirc Esler this coming Monday.
Rory McIlroy rival addresses cheating allegations following $3.6 million BMW Championship victory
Wyndham Clark has firmly defended himself following a series of cheating accusations levelled against him. The US Open champion found himself in the spotlight during his triumph at the BMW Championship on Sunday Clark fended off a challenge from Rory McIlroy and eventually prevailed over Patrick Cantlay by three strokes to secure the $3.6million prize at the second play-off event.
Eglish suffer double blow on the eve of Tyrone SFC showdown with Donaghmore
Eglish's hopes of progressing past the first round of the Tyrone SFC have been dealt a double blow with the news that two of their key attackers have been ruled out through injury. Tyrone star Ethan Jordan, who enjoyed a fine breakout season with Malachy O'Rourke's side in 2026, will play no part in next week's showdown with Donaghmore due to a heel injury.
Rory McIlroy backs PGA Tour's cool new match play format for Tour Championship
Rory McIlroy has backed the PGA Tour's decision to introduce match play to the Tour Championship, suggesting the changes could deliver a more thrilling conclusion to the season. The revamped format will launch in 2028 and will see the campaign culminate with a fortnight-long match play competition held across different locations. PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp unveiled the proposals on Tuesday ahead of this week's Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta.
Cathal Murray urges St Brigid's to embrace front-foot football after impressive win over St Gall's
St Brigid's have put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages of the Antrim SFC and manager Cathal Murray says he wants his players to embrace a more attacking style of football. The south Belfast side suffered a 2-15 to 0-18 defeat at Cargin in round one, but bounced back in style with a facile 11-point victory over St Gall's at Musgrave Park on Sunday.
Rory McIlroy BMW Championship prize money as fightback falls short with Wyndham Clark holding on
Rory McIlroy's challenge for the BMW Championship crown in St Louis came up short as Wyndham Clark held his nerve to claim victory. The back-to-back Masters champion began the final day five strokes adrift of overnight pacesetter Clark but had drawn level after 15 holes. However, while McIlroy dropped a shot at the 17th, Clark showed tremendous composure to birdie the 16th, 17th and 18th holes, regaining control to complete the tournament at 17 under par.
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