In a significant move for both the club and player, Mark Travers has officially joined Everton from Bournemouth on a four-year contract. The 26-year-old goalkeeper completed the transfer for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £4 million (€4.6 million), with potential add-ons, committing his future to the Merseyside club until the summer of 2029.

Travers Expresses Pride in Joining Everton

Upon signing, Travers expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m extremely proud and excited to be an Everton player. Coming in, you can feel how big this club is and the history that comes with it.” He highlighted the significance of the club’s fanbase and the new stadium, noting that it is an exciting time to become part of such a storied organization.

Having made 82 appearances for the Cherries during his nine years at the club, which included loan spells at Swindon, Stoke, and Middlesbrough, Travers is poised to provide strong competition for current Everton first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. He remarked on this challenge, saying, “Jordan is an outstanding goalkeeper for club and country. I’m looking forward to competing with everyone here and being a Premier League player.”

New Chapter in Travers’ Career

Travers views this transfer as a fresh start, eager to embrace a new chapter in his professional journey. He emphasized the importance of a supportive environment, stating, “Being in this environment is huge. We’re going to push each other every day in training and whatever happens on the weekend, we’re going to be there for each other and make the most of every opportunity that comes.”

In addition to competing with Pickford, Travers aims to contribute positively to the team dynamic, particularly in mentoring younger players. He noted, “It’s always really exciting to work with a new group and being able to help the younger lads as well. I’ll give it everything. I’ll take pride in doing the right things on and off the pitch and representing this club with a lot of pride.”

The signing comes as Everton manager David Moyes sought to reinforce his squad following the departures of Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia, both of whom left the club at the end of their contracts. Travers’ arrival underscores the club’s commitment to strengthening its ranks as it prepares for the upcoming season.

With this move, Everton fans will be keenly watching how Travers adapts to his new surroundings and the impact he will have on the team as they aim for a successful campaign in the Premier League.

Shane Lowry is preparing for the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, aiming to reclaim the title he won in 2019. At a press conference on July 3, 2025, he expressed his determination to focus on golf rather than the celebratory image that often overshadows his sporting achievements. Lowry’s frustration was palpable when questioned about his past revelries. “Here to talk about golf and all anyone wants to talk about is drinking,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to the sport.

The Irish golfer’s work ethic is respected within the golfing community, and he admires the dedication of his friend and fellow competitor, Rory McIlroy. Lowry acknowledged McIlroy’s impressive track record, stating, “His constant drive is admirable.” While Lowry may not possess the same number of trophies, he has been putting in significant effort in preparation for the tournament. Having spent the last three weeks in Ireland, he feels rejuvenated and ready to compete.

Homecoming Brings Fresh Energy

Lowry’s love for his home country and its sports culture is well-documented. His recent visit to Croke Park brought a smile to his face, showcasing the joy he finds in returning to his roots. After a six-month stint in Florida, where he played extensively, Lowry opted to skip the Genesis Scottish Open, preferring to focus on his home courses. “I went and parked myself down in Waterville last week,” he shared, highlighting his commitment to practice. The favorable weather conditions allowed him to play golf daily, contributing to his sense of readiness.

Reflecting on his time back in Ireland, Lowry said, “I’ve had a nice time being back home, and I kind of feel like a little bit rejuvenated and ready to go again.” As he prepares for the competition ahead, he acknowledges that the upcoming months will be busy. His recent experiences on the golf course have left him feeling invigorated.

Chasing Memories and New Challenges

Revisiting Royal Portrush stirred memories of his previous victory, bringing back emotions from that significant moment in his career. Lowry is keen to emphasize that while he feels better prepared now than in 2019, he recognizes that success is not guaranteed. He stated, “I have no ‘God-given right’ to replicate that performance.”

He recalls the thrill of leading by six strokes as he walked down the 18th hole six years ago, a moment he believes will be hard to replicate. “What I did was very special,” he noted, adding that he is focused on playing the tournament to the best of his ability rather than trying to recreate past successes.

With the tournament set to begin, Lowry is determined to stay focused and embrace the challenge. “I’ve prepared as well as I can for this tournament. It’s just up to me to stay out of my own way on Thursday morning and go and get after it,” he concluded.

As the countdown to the Open continues, Shane Lowry stands poised to make his mark once again, driven by renewed energy and a commitment to his craft.

In a candid reflection on his coaching journey, Liam Cahill, manager of the Tipperary hurling team, addressed the challenges and criticisms he has faced throughout the recent seasons. Following a winless start in the 2024 round-robin campaign, Cahill’s leadership has come under scrutiny. However, he remains focused on guiding his team toward success in the upcoming league and championship fixtures.

In 2018, Tipperary experienced a disheartening season, failing to secure a single victory. The following year, they rebounded spectacularly, clinching the All-Ireland title. Now, as they head into 2025 after another challenging start, Cahill emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination. “It does hurt when your good name is questioned,” he stated, acknowledging the emotional weight of public perception.

Cahill expressed his frustration regarding comments about his coaching methods, particularly criticisms suggesting that he overworks his players. He remarked, “People commenting on stuff like that, not knowing what exactly is going on behind the scenes, is lazy and ill-informed.” He pointed out that perceptions of his tactical approach, including claims that he employs a sweeper system, are often misguided. “If it materializes, it is because of the opposition forcing it,” he clarified.

As Tipperary prepares for a pivotal league opener against Galway, there are concerns about the team’s ability to perform effectively. Cahill believes that the focus on injury prevention during the previous season may have left the players underprepared for the demands of competitive play. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the infusion of youth in his squad. “We had to go after the league for little gains to build up that confidence,” he explained.

The upcoming match against Galway is viewed by some as a potential relegation play-off, increasing the stakes for Tipperary. Cahill aims to shift the narrative surrounding his team, urging them to attack the league with vigor. “When you start doing that and the players see it coming through, suddenly you are going away to difficult assignments and getting results,” he said.

This strategy has already yielded positive outcomes, as demonstrated by Tipperary’s performance in the league final. “To come through that game with something out of it, a draw, gave us a platform to put aside what people may think and say about us,” Cahill remarked. He believes that overcoming the challenges posed by public scrutiny has become a significant motivating factor for both him and his players.

Cahill’s previous experience with Waterford during the Covid-19 season has also contributed to his growth as a manager. He noted that the fast turnaround to finals presents logistical challenges but also offers opportunities to maintain momentum. “It helps, too, that my newcomers have experienced a Croke Park run-out,” he added, highlighting the importance of familiarizing players with high-pressure environments.

Challenging the Tipperary fanbase to “be brave” and support the team, Cahill has taken calculated risks to reinforce belief in his squad. “I knew when they started to portray the traits that Tipperary people want to see, and once the performances started to come, they’d come back,” he stated. He recognizes the significance of earning the respect of the supporters and emphasizes the need for consistent performance to regain their trust.

As Tipperary gears up for the 2025 season, Cahill’s focus is on building confidence, addressing past shortcomings, and proving doubters wrong. The upcoming matches will be critical for reaffirming the team’s identity and ambitions, as Cahill aims to solidify his place as a respected leader in the sport.

The countdown to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (SHC) final is on, with just five days remaining until Tipperary faces Cork at Croke Park on July 7, 2024. Tipperary’s manager, Liam Cahill, is set to lead his second county to the final, a feat achieved only by a select few in the past three decades.

Cahill previously guided Waterford to the final in 2020, joining the ranks of other notable managers like Davy Fitzgerald, who led Waterford in 2008 and won with Clare in 2013. This upcoming match presents an opportunity for Cahill to cement his legacy in the sport.

Cork enters the final with a recent advantage, having shown remarkable resilience and skill throughout the championship. The team is eager to reclaim their status, making this showdown particularly significant for both sides. Observers note that Tipperary will rely heavily on goalkeeper Rhys Shelly to perform exceptionally well against a determined Cork offense.

As the teams prepare for the final, discussions around the event’s atmosphere and logistics are ramping up. The GAA is also faced with the challenge of managing the upcoming honour for hurling legend DJ Carey, who is set to receive accolades during the final despite facing controversy over a deception case.

Cahill has expressed a strong desire to silence critics who doubt Tipperary’s chances. He stated, “Proving people wrong is a key driver for me,” reflecting his motivation to achieve success for his team. With both teams boasting rich histories and passionate followings, the final promises to be a thrilling encounter for fans across the nation.

In the lead-up to the match, analysts are closely examining each team’s strategies. Former players, such as Eddie Brennan, suggest that Tipperary must put forth their best effort, particularly in goalkeeping, to withstand Cork’s relentless attacks.

As excitement builds for the All-Ireland final, fans and pundits alike are anticipating a match that will showcase the very best of hurling talent. With the stakes high, both teams will be out to make their mark in the championship history.