All Blacks punish Ireland to inflict first home defeat since 2021

Ireland suffered a first home defeat in 20 games as New Zealand made little of their underdog status to record a 23-13 win in Dublin. The All Blacks played the conditions and the referee better and out-half Damian McKenzie kicked six penalties before Will Jordan continued his immaculate scoring record against Ireland with a 69th-minute try. Jack Crowley’s two-first half penalties had Ireland in touch but following Josh van der Flier’s converted try Andy Farrell’s side did not score again.

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Rice and Grealish score as England beat Ireland – Nations League

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s reign as Ireland manager started with a defeat as England enjoyed a well-earned 2-0 victory in the UEFA Nations League encounter at Aviva Stadium. A bright start from the home side, but it was the visitors who quickly took control and they made their superiority count in the 11th minute as former Ireland international, Declan Rice, opened the scoring. Jack Grealish added a second in the 26th minute to hand interim England manager Lee Carsley an opening win.

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Parrott strikes late as Ireland beat Hungary

John O’Shea boosted his cause to become Republic of Ireland manager on a permanent basis after a 2-1 win over Euro 2024-bound Hungary. Troy Parrott scored a last-minute winner to earn O’Shea his first win as interim manager in a low-key affair at the Aviva Stadium. Adam Idah headed home the opener in the 36th minute before Adam Lang equalised four minutes later when he converted from close range.

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Lookman shines as Atalanta outclass Leverkusen to win Europa League Final

Ademola Lookman scored a sensational hat-trick as Atalanta ended a 61-year trophy drought while devastating Bayer Leverkusen’s dream of an unbeaten season in the Europa League final at a boisterous Aviva Stadium. Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen had not lost in 51 games this season and were only two matches from perfection. But former Charlton Athletic winger Lookman had other ideas scoring a superb hat-trick for La Dea.

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Shaqiri free kick hands Swiss victory over Ireland

The Republic of Ireland fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat by Euro 2024-bound Switzerland in a low-key friendly in Dublin. Xherdan Shaqiri struck the winner in the 23rd minute when he curled a free-kick into the bottom corner. Granit Xhaka hit the post from 40 yards as he almost capitalised on a poor clearance by Gavin Bazunu.

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