UPDATE: The highly anticipated rivalry between Kerry and Meath resumes today in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final at O’Connor Park. This marks the fourth consecutive year these two powerhouse teams will face off, promising an electrifying match filled with star talent and fierce competition.

Fans are on the edge of their seats as the Royals, who triumphed in the 2022 final at Croke Park, look to avenge losses in the 2023 and 2024 quarter-finals. Kerry emerged victorious in their last league encounter in March, winning by a narrow margin of two points. Today’s clash is expected to be closely contested once again, with both teams showcasing exceptional skill and determination.

The spotlight is on Kerry’s rising star, Síofra O’Shea, who scored an impressive 3-2 against Kildare in their quarter-final match. Meanwhile, Meath’s dynamic duo, Vikki Wall and Emma Duggan, are set to lead their team’s charge. In a tactical change, Jadyn Lucey replaces Rachel Dwyer in Kerry’s attack, while Meath fields the same squad that defeated Tipperary.

Kerry’s lineup will include:
– ME Bolger
– E Lynch, D Kearney, C Lynch
– A O’Connell, E Costello, A Dillane
– M O’Connell, A Galvin
– N Carmody, N Ní Chonchúir, C Evans
– J Lucey, S O’Shea, D O’Leary

Meath’s team features:
– R Murray
– Á Sheridan, MK Lynch, K Newe
– A Cleary, S Wall, K Kealy
– O Sheehy, M Farrelly
– M Thynne, N Gallogly, C Smyth
– E Duggan, V Wall, K Cole

In the day’s other semi-final, Dublin takes on Galway in a match that marks their first competitive clash since the dramatic 2024 All-Ireland quarter-final. Galway triumphed in that encounter, paving their way to a runner-up finish against Kerry. The stakes are high as both teams boast potent offenses, with Hannah Tyrrell and Kate Sullivan leading the scoring for Dublin, while Olivia Divilly and Kate Slevin are pivotal for Galway.

Dublin’s lineup includes:
– A Shiels
– J Tobin, L Caffrey, N Donlon
– S Goldrick, M Byrne, N Crowley
– É O’Dowd, N Hetherton
– N Owens, C O’Connor, S McIntyre
– H Tyrrell, C Darby, K Sullivan

Galway’s team consists of:
– D Gower
– B Quinn, S Ní Loingsigh, K Geraghty
– H Noone, N Ward, C Trill
– L Ward, S Divilly
– N Divilly, O Divilly, A Davoren
– E Noone, L Coen, K Slevin

As both matches unfold, the matchup between these formidable teams promises not only thrilling gameplay but also potential highlights of sheer determination and team spirit. The outcomes could significantly impact the championship landscape, making it essential viewing for fans.

Stay tuned for live updates and reactions as these exciting semi-finals progress!

The stage is set for an exhilarating clash as Kerry and Meath meet for the fourth consecutive year in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship. This semi-final will take place at O’Connor Park on March 15, 2024, promising a fiercely competitive encounter. The Royals are fresh off their victory in the 2022 final at Croke Park, while Kerry has edged out in the previous quarter-finals held in 2023 and 2024.

Both teams come into this match with strong credentials. Kerry secured a narrow win over Meath in the league earlier this year, triumphing by just two points. This history of closely contested matches suggests that fans can expect a tightly fought battle once again.

Kerry will look to Síofra O’Shea, who showcased her scoring prowess by netting 3-2 in their recent quarter-final against Kildare. Her performance will be crucial as the Kingdom seeks to capitalize on their offensive strengths. Meanwhile, Meath relies on their own talented players, with Vikki Wall and Emma Duggan leading their scoring efforts.

In terms of team selections, Kerry has made a slight adjustment, bringing in Jadyn Lucey to replace Rachel Dwyer in their attack. The rest of the squad remains unchanged from their successful outing against Tipperary. The starting line-ups are as follows:

KERRY: ME Bolger; E Lynch, D Kearney, C Lynch; A O’Connell, E Costello, A Dillane; M O’Connell, A Galvin; N Carmody, N Ní Chonchúir, C Evans; J Lucey, S O’Shea, D O’Leary.

MEATH: R Murray; Á Sheridan, MK Lynch, K Newe; A Cleary, S Wall, K Kealy; O Sheehy, M Farrelly; M Thynne, N Gallogly, C Smyth; E Duggan, V Wall, K Cole.

Dublin and Galway Set for Thrilling Semi-Final Showdown

In the other semi-final, Dublin is set to face Galway in a highly anticipated match. This contest marks their first competitive meeting since the dramatic quarter-final in 2024, where Galway emerged victorious at Parnell Park on their way to becoming runners-up to Kerry.

Dublin, who played in a higher division this year, will be looking to capitalize on their experience. The team features standout players such as Hannah Tyrrell and Kate Sullivan, both of whom have been instrumental in their scoring efforts. Caoimhe O’Connor will replace Hannah McGinnis in the Dublin line-up as they aim for a strong performance against a skilled Galway side.

Galway, on the other hand, will maintain their successful team lineup that has brought them to this stage. Their key players, including Olivia Divilly and Kate Slevin, will be crucial in their offensive strategy.

The expected match-up of talented forwards against solid defences will play a significant role in determining both semi-final outcomes. As both matches unfold, fans from across the region will be eagerly watching to see which teams will advance to the final.

URGENT UPDATE: Irish swimmers are facing an immediate threat from the venomous weever fish, which is lurking in sandy waters along the Irish coastline. Recent warnings have been issued as this fish, often buried in the sand with only its fin visible, can deliver a painful sting that “ruins” a beach day for unsuspecting bathers.

Reports indicate that stings from the weever fish can cause severe pain, swelling, and numbness, with symptoms peaking within the first two hours and potentially lasting over 24 hours. While typically non-life-threatening, severe reactions may lead to anaphylactic shock.

In a shocking incident, Méabh Delaney was stung while enjoying a beach day in Kerry. “I felt a weird sensation in my leg and foot,” she recounted. Thankfully, she was with a lifeguard who immediately recognized the sting and rushed her to safety. “The lifeguard said he has seen grown men cry from the sting,” Delaney added.

According to Roger Sweeney, deputy CEO of Irish Water Safety, weever fish are prevalent around the Irish coast, especially between May and September when water temperatures rise. “They’re very small, but they’re venomous,” Sweeney warned, emphasizing that a sting can lead to intense discomfort.

To prevent these painful encounters, swimmers are advised to stay clear of the beach during the two hours before and after low tide, as weever fish thrive in warm, shallow waters. Sweeney recommends wearing foot protection and shuffling feet while walking on the sand to disturb the fish.

If stung, immediate action is crucial. Bathers should consult a lifeguard and immerse the affected foot in water as hot as can be tolerated, ideally up to 40 degrees Celsius, for a minimum of 90 minutes. This heat helps break down the venom. “The longer you leave it, the worse it gets,” Sweeney cautioned.

Patients experiencing numbness should be aware of the risk of burns from hot water. It’s advised to place both feet in the water to gauge the temperature safely. Cold compresses are not recommended, as they can exacerbate the pain. The National Poisons Information Centre suggests taking paracetamol for pain relief and provides a helpline at 01 8092166 for further assistance.

As the summer heat continues, staying informed and vigilant is essential for all beachgoers. Share this urgent warning to keep friends and family safe from the hidden hazards of summer swimming.

BREAKING: Renowned restaurateur JP McMahon has just opened his highly anticipated ramen and bao bar, Kombu, in the heart of Galway on Druids Lane. This exciting new venue, which launched over the weekend, promises to deliver an authentic Japanese street food experience, featuring a vibrant menu that celebrates rich flavors and cultural traditions.

Kombu’s offerings include steaming bowls of ramen, teriyaki, tempura, and a selection of innovative rice dishes. Guests can also indulge in a creative variety of bao buns and uniquely crafted desserts. This venture has been developed by Chef Patron JP McMahon alongside Chef Gabriel Hoefling Ossani, who has previously collaborated with McMahon at the Michelin-starred Aniar.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is enhanced by colorful graffiti walls created by local artist Tracey O’Callaghan, complemented by subdued lighting and a curated playlist by Matt Orlando from Copenhagen’s Amass restaurant. McMahon expressed his excitement about realizing his long-held dream to introduce a Japanese-inspired restaurant to Galway, stating, “Japanese cuisine has inspired how we cook in Aniar, influencing our approach to fish and vegetables with a strong focus on seaweed and sea herbs.”

Kombu aims to merge Japanese culinary techniques with top-notch Irish produce. The focus on ramen is notable, with options including rich pork belly, chicken udon, and a vegetarian celeriac dish. A standout menu item is the Spicy Chicken Bao, featuring pickled daikon and black garlic mayonnaise, which is already generating buzz among food enthusiasts.

Desserts at Kombu also take a creative turn, offering a savory-sweet bao bun filled with chocolate crèmeux and wasabi sea salt, alongside a seasonal fruit soft serve and a Black Sesame Tart with yuzu curd.

The launch of Kombu not only adds to Galway’s vibrant food scene but also reflects JP McMahon’s commitment to culinary innovation and cultural fusion. The restaurant is now open for business, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience this fresh take on Japanese cuisine.

For those in Galway, this new venue is a must-visit, combining traditional flavors with a modern twist. Stay tuned for more updates on this culinary hotspot as it begins to make waves across the region.