With the kickoff just around the corner, storylines abound, from potential historical achievements to the emergence of new talents destined to leave their mark on the league. As we approach the new season, it’s the perfect time to delve into some of the most compelling narratives that will unfold on the gridiron.

The Chiefs’ Quest for a Historic Three-Peat

The Kansas City Chiefs, coming off their victory at Super Bowl LVIII, are setting their sights on an unprecedented achievement—winning three consecutive Super Bowls. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, supported by dynamic players like Travis Kelce and a youthful defense, the Chiefs are well-positioned to challenge history. However, achieving this feat will not be without its hurdles, as they face stiff competition from across the league​.

Emerging Quarterback Talents

The NFL is witnessing a surge of young quarterbacks who are rapidly ascending to prominence. CJ Stroud has revitalized the Houston Texans, turning them into playoff contenders, while the league also welcomes Caleb Williams, a top draft pick expected to start for the Chicago Bears. These young talents are set to reshape the dynamics within their divisions and challenge the established order​.

Veteran Comebacks and High Stakes

Several veteran players are making highly anticipated returns, adding another layer of intrigue to the season. Aaron Rodgers and Joe Burrow are back in action, each with something to prove. Rodgers continues to enhance his legendary career, while Burrow is keen on leading the Cincinnati Bengals back to playoff glory after a season marred by injury. Their comebacks are not just personal triumphs but could significantly impact the playoff race and shift the NFL line in their teams’ favor. These veteran comebacks are expected to be key factors in determining how their teams perform against the odds and the competition​.

Coaching Changes and New Strategies

The NFL’s coaching landscape has seen significant shifts, with Jim Harbaugh taking over the Los Angeles Chargers and promising to harness Justin Herbert’s potential fully. Coaching strategies and team dynamics under new leadership will be crucial as these teams aim to overcome their rivals and secure a spot in the postseason.

Contract Talks and Team Chemistry

Off the field, contract negotiations are creating as much buzz as the action on it. High-profile players like Tua Tagovailoa are in talks for massive deals, which could set new standards in the league. How these negotiations play out could affect team morale and financial strategies moving forward.

Conclusion

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the blend of seasoned warriors and budding stars, coupled with strategic shake-ups and the pursuit of historic achievements, promises to make this year one of the most unpredictable and exciting yet. Each game will carry its weight of expectation and potential, setting the stage for a season filled with drama, triumphs, and heartbreaks. Fans have much to look forward to as teams battle it out for supremacy in what could be one of the most memorable seasons in NFL history.

The post NFL 2024 Season Preview: A Confluence of New Challenges and Familiar Contenders appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Sport on TV this week

Thursday
Serbia v Spain, 7:30pm, Virgin 2

Friday
France v Italy, 7:30pm, Virgin 2

Saturday
South Africa v All Blacks, 4pm, Sky Spts
Rep of Ireland v England, 5pm, RTE2
Greece v Finland, 7:30pm, Virgin 2
Argentina v Australia, 8pm, Sky Sports

Sunday
Castkeknock v Raheny, 1:45pm, TG4
Middleton v Erin’s Own, 3:40pm, TG4
La Rochelle v Toulon, 4pm, Prem Sports
Bulgaria v N Ireland, 5pm, Virgin 2
NFL Red Zone, 6pm, Sky Sports Mix
US Open Tennis Final, 7pm, Sky Sports
Portugal v Scotland, 7:30pm, Virgin 2
Cowboys v Browns, 9:30pm, Sky NFL

Paralympics coverage on RTE 2 all week

The post List of Live Sport on TV this week – RTE, Virgin, TG4 and BBC appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Live Game Shows

In the past, we tuned in to see shows like Winning Streak or Who Want to Be a Millionaire? This is a way of enjoying watching other people taking a challenge and trying to win a prize. There’s a lot to like about this format, such as being able to shout out the answers at home with no risk and the pleasure of seeing others get life-changing wins.

However, live interactive game shows we can play online have helped to expand the genre into new areas. An example can be seen with this exclusive live casino game show called Paddy’s Mansion Heist. A human presenter spins a wheel that can lead to a cash prize or one of the four bonus rounds. You place your bet on the screen and wait to see where the wheel stops, with a similar type of gameplay seen in other live game shows such as Crazy Time and Treasure Island.  Other game shows have been inspired in other ways, as is the case with Pachinko Live, which is based on the popular Japanese gaming machine.

Mixing with Other Genres

The classic format for game shows includes the contestants answering questions, with an element of chance often thrown in through the use of a wheel or some other prop. However, from this basic starting point, we can see an increasing number of different themes and genres used to add variety.

Sports and music are a couple of the themes that help to add extra to game shows. If we head to Belfast, we can see that Potato TV has been looking for contestants to take part in a sports-based game show called The Finish Line. In terms of music, The Lyrics Board had a long period of success in Ireland, while the American show Name That Tune has been filmed in Dublin in the recent past.

Source: PxHere

New Games and Classics Appearing Regularly

The top game shows can run for years, such as Winning Streak which went through a series of hosts in its 30-year run on RTÉ One. Others have been less successful, but that hasn’t stopped TV executives from constantly pitching new ideas that they feel could be a hit, leading to new game shows being launched regularly.

The Money List was launched by RTÉ’s last year as their new Sunday night quiz. Presented by Baz Ashmawy, it’s based on the American show called The Rich List. Meanwhile. Graham Norton turned up on the British version of Wheel of Fortune earlier this year, proving that there’s still a lot of life left in classic formats like this.

These examples show us how game shows have successfully appealed to a broader audience by venturing into new and diverse subject areas while maintaining the timeless and beloved characteristics that have contributed to their enduring popularity. We can expect to see the range of games to become even wider as new types of gameplay appear and inspire us to take a chance on winning.

The post How Games Shows Are Becoming a Bigger Part of the Entertainment Industry appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

With 25,000 fans reportedly travelling from the USA, Dublin was awash with the gold and white of Georgia Tech and the garnet and gold of Florida State.

Background

The Florida State University Seminoles, who won 10 games in 2022 and 13 games in 2023, are the only team in the ACC and one of just 12 nationally to reach double-digit wins in 2022 and 2023. Prior to kick-off today, Florida State has won 12 consecutive conference games, the 3rd-longest active conference win streak in the nation.

Georgia Tech returned 16 starters from last year’s team, which went 7-6 overall, 5-3 in ACC play (good for a tie for fourth place in the 14-team conference standings), earned its first bowl berth since 2018 and its first bowl victory since 2016 with a season-ending 30-17 triumph over UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl.

The last meeting of the sides, at Tallahassee, Florida, on November 5^th 2022 saw the Mike Norvell-coached side come out on top, on a score line of 41-16. Florida State who lead Georgia Tech 2-0 in games played at neutral sites

Early lead for Florida State

A 28 yard rushing touchdown from Lawrance Toafili at the end of his side’s first drive of the game, put Florida State, the number 10 ranked US college team, into the lead. A two-point conversion attempt was successful when Brian Courtney successfully crossed to give his side an 8-0 advantage.

The designated home team, Georgia Tech, immediately responded with a 79 yard 6-play drive which saw quarterback Zach Pyron rush over from one yard out, before Aidan Birr had little difficulty in adding the conversion to leave just a point between the sides with 7:26 remaining in the first quarter.

Backup Q̶B̶ Bulldozer

@espn
pic.twitter.com/iJnFez6pRL

— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) August 24, 2024

Shanahan sees early action

Kerry’s David Shanahan came on to punt with just over a minute remaining in the opening quarter. The Georgia Tech kickers punt went 44 yards, to the Florida State 25, where it went out of bounds. A second punt later from the Irishman – in the third quarter – travelled further, this time 49 yards to the Florida State 33 yard line.

Exactly as they had done at the start of the game, Florida State began the second quarter sprightly. A scoring dive of 8 plays, covering 41 yards and taking 5:11 minutes gave Ryan Fitzgerald the opportunity to kick for points. He duly obliged, increasing the Seminoles’ advantage to 11-8 with 11:06 to play to half-time.

Georgia Tech take the lead

The Brent Key-coached Georgia Tech finally took the lead in the game with over three minutes to play to the half-time interval. Wide receiver Jamal Haynes was push over by his team for a rushing touchdown at the end of a 7:53 drive, which covered 75 yards and involved 14 plays. An Aidan Birr kick dissected the posts to put the Bobby Dodd Stadium-based side into a 14-11 lead with 3:13 still on the second-quarter clock.

Just when Georgia Tech looked as those they would head to the half-time locker room with the lead on the scoreboard, Ryan Fitzgerald kicked an incredible 59 yard field goal as they clock was running out, to level the scores. The Fitzgerald kick, his second successful attempt matching his haul in the last clash between the sides, was a fitting end to a 9-play 34 yard drive.

Half-time score: Georgia Tech 14 Florida State 14

The first and only score of the third quarter came early in the period saw an Aidan Birr field goal attempt for Georgia Tech from 51 yards drift right and wide of the posts, leaving the score at 14-14 heading into the deciding 15 minutes of the opening game of the 2024 college football season.

Final Quarter

Georgia Tech, who had ended the previous quarter camped on the Florida State line, ran in for a touchdown through Jamal Haynes on the resumption of play. His two yard run in touchdown was converted by Aidan Birr, to seven points [21-14] between the Yellow Jackets and the Seminoles.

HAYNES HAYNES@GeorgiaTechFB TAKES THE LEAD.

@ESPNCFB x @cfbireland

pic.twitter.com/v1lExEqYFf

— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) August 24, 2024

A one-yard rushing touchdown scored by Roydell Williams was the the final of 15 plays in an 8:18 drive by Florida State. Ryan Fitzgerald stepped up again to deliver a successful conversion, tying the sides with 6:33 minutes remaining in the game.

In the dying second of a tight game, Aidan Birr kicked a 44 yard field goal for Georgia Tech go give them a tight 24-21 win in a game which had a great atmosphere throughout.

Final score:  Georgia Tech 24  Florida State 21

The post Georgia Tech 24 Florida State 21 in thrilling 2024 Aer Lingus Classic appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

How Sports Betting and Slots Work

Sports Betting: Sports betting is a form of gambling whereby one wagers on the outcome of a sporting event. This could be anything from picking the winner of a football game to guessing the total score in a basketball match. Most sports gamblers combine their sporting knowledge, often framed through data analysis with a feel for making smart wagers; on the part of setting odds in a sport, sports betting mainly relies on bookmakers who use data and history to calculate event probabilities.

Slot Machines: Slot machines are based purely on luck; a player puts in a coin or the digital equivalent of a coin, and by pressing the spin button, he/she hopes to get a winning combination by the falling symbols in sequence. Slot machines use Random Number Generators to ensure that the spins displayed to the user are quite independent and random; contrary to sports betting, slots do not require any kind of knowledge or strategy, only luck.

While this may be true, at least theoretically, in the case of sports betting, since knowledge and analysis do matter, both are special cases with different factors at work, which affect your chances of winning.

The Odds in Sports Betting: Skill and Knowledge Matter

The odds in sports betting refer to the likelihood of a certain outcome taking place; for example, the odds would be very low, thereby small in payout, on a football team expected to win; if the underdog team wins, though, the resulting payout from a bet placed on them would be larger.

The good side of sports betting is that odds can be improved, by skilled betters by researching stats, team form, and other factors, one will be better placed at making informed decisions, hence increasing winning chances; however, there is no guarantee of a win, even for the most knowledgeable sports bettor, there is always some uncertainty involved, and luck plays a role.

While sports betting does offer a probability of enjoying better odds through skill, it is a risky bet in its own right. Bookmakers often set the odds in their favor to guarantee they profit from it, that is called “vig” or “juice.”

So even if you come out ahead, winning more than you lose, your actual profit might be really small. Sports betting does give better odds compared to slots, but it requires effort, research, and occasionally taking small profits.

The Odds in Slot Machines: Luck of the Draw

Slot machines are so alluring, with their flashing lights and different sounds telling a person that he or she has won the jackpot, however, it is very important to note that slots are games of chance; every outcome of the spin is determined by a Random Number Generator, thus making every result random.

When it comes to slots, the odds of winning are rather low, as the house is always at an advantage compared to sports betting, the house edge denotes that portion or percentage of every bet that the casino expects to hold in the long run; for slots, it ranges from 5% to 15% or even higher, while in sports betting, it is usually lower and mostly within the range of 4%-10%.

People love slots for a host of reasons, with one prominent factor being the likelihood of getting really large payouts, specifically, the so-called progressive slots allow for extremely large wins, but it is close to impossible to hit one. Most slot players will lose more often than they win, but the excitement of possibly hitting a big win keeps them playing.

Although the chances of winning in slots are lower than those in sports betting, slots offer light entertainment with no skills and strategies involved. The players simply enjoy the game, knowing that their winning chances depend on luck.

Comparing the Odds: Which Offers a Better Chance of Winning?

Still considering sports betting versus slots, two of the major points in any comparison would be the house edge and, with that, the degree of control exerted over the outcome.

Control and Strategy

Sports betting offers the advantage of some control, coupled with the opportunity for strategies to better one’s odds, thus, skilled bettors who know their sport might be able to cut into that house edge and improve their chances of winning; on the other side, however, even the best strategies are associated with risks, and winning cannot be guaranteed.

Pure Chance

Slots are purely a game of chance, in that very little if anything can be done to influence the outcome; the house edge is almost always greater in slots, so the chances of winning are generally lower compared with sports betting, but it’s just this simple gameplay and the possibility of big payouts that make slots a favorite for so many.

Ultimately, the choice between sports betting and slots depends on your taste. If you are one of the ones who get energized by analyzing sporting events and using your strategy to tip the balance of the odds in your favor, sports betting might present better odds in the long term; but if you are looking for a more relaxed type of gambling, entirely relying on luck, slots might do it for you, even when the odds are a little worse.

Risk vs Reward: Making an Informed Decision

It means weighing the risk and reward when one is caught between sports betting and slots; both of them bear a form of risk attached, and quite possibly, at the end of the day, you will lose out, but some understanding of the odds and nature certainly may help in making a much more informed choice.

Sports Betting

This will also require investing some time in researching and analyzing sports, but you may find the odds better and the experience more engaging; while it’s rewarding to have an opportunity where you could influence an outcome through knowledge and strategy, it does call for discipline and the willingness to handle losses.

Slot Machines

If you’re looking for something a bit more cut and dried and based on luck, slots might turn out to be the better option; even though winning chances are usually smaller, the thrill of spinning the reels and prospects of hitting it big are entertaining enough.

Ultimately, while the odds for sports betting are not particularly good compared to slots, it generally brings in better prospects for players with some degree of knowledge and strategy at play. In sharp contrast, slots are based on pure luck, having fixed payouts and a higher house edge. Slots offer simplicity and amusement with the possibility of large payouts, but sports betting will be much more profitable for the investor of time in research and analysis. Ultimately, it will come down to your taste for strategic challenge versus quicker, riskier thrills

The post Sports Betting vs Slots Which Offers Better Odds appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

According to equiratings, Tipperary rider Denis Lynch has jumped five clears from six round in this class since 2012 and has most podium finishes with three during this time.

Sligo’s Richard Howley won the Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes last year with Equine America Consulet de Prelet Z. His winning margin was 2.33 seconds.

Other Irish riders to have tasted success in this class since 2012 include in 2018 Shane Sweetnam with Indra van de Oude Heihoef; 2017 Bertram Allen with Izzy by Picobello; 2015 Paul O’Shea and Skara Glen’s Machu Picchu and 2012 Alexander Butler aboard Will Wimble.

Equiratings rate the following as the top-three contenders for today’s Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes: Kevin Staut [FRA] with Beau de Laubry Z, Conor Swail [IRL] and Count Me In and Ben Maher [GBR] and Point Break

The French combination arrive in Dublin following a five-star Grand Prix success at Dinard, which earned a prize of €125,000. Their career best performance together was their last outing in July.

Conor Swail and Count Me In were the home heroes in the Nations Cup of Ireland two years ago. At 17 years of age, Count Me In is the joint-oldest horse in the field today. His last three rounds at today’s height of 160cm were all clear.

Briton Ben Maher and his original Olympic horse Point Break, have the second highest expected round one clear chance (56%), according to equiratings, behind Conor Swail and Count Me In (57%). The British combination have already jumped 10 five-star 160 clears from just 18 career attempts.

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The main International class on day one, the Sport Ireland Classic, saw a field of 50 combinations take to the Main Arena.

This class brought further success for the home combinations, with Offaly’s Darragh Kenny and Chic Chic leading the victory lap after a clear round in 69.17 seconds.

Mikey Pender and HHS Los Angeles, who really went for Kenny’s time, were slightly slower – coming home clear in 70.20 seconds for the runner-up position.

American McLain Ward, last of the 50 combinations to go, took third on the podium, after a 70.96 clear round with First Lady.

Cian O’Connor and Fermoy, who had lead the class for a while, eventually finished in fourth place – 71.83 seconds.

There will be 15 international classes throughout the five days, including the Underwriting Exchange Nations Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Trophy.

The highly anticipated Defender Puissance will be the main attraction in the Main Arena on Saturday evening, while the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland, part of the Rolex Series, will the the final international event in the Main Arena on Sunday, 18 August, 2024, the final day of the 2024 Dublin Horse Show.

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The runner-up spot went to Niamh McEvoy and Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick – stopping the timers in 53.46 seconds.

Derry’s Daniel Coyle and Lena VDL were also clear in a slightly slower time of  54.53 seconds – good enough for third place.

The Minerva Stakes by LHK Insurance was the second International class in the Main Arena on Wednesday. This class went the way of Belgium through Emilie Conter and Ocean Quality. Their clear round in 56.42 was unbeatable.

Julien Gonin of France, riding Estrella De La Batia, claimed the second spot, with a clear round in 57.91 seconds.

Best of the Irish combinations in this class was Olympian Cian O’Connor, who took the third position with Fox Chapel – they went clear in 58.15 seconds.

There will be 15 international classes throughout the five days, including Friday’s Underwriting Exchange Nations Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Trophy.

The highly anticipated Defender Puissance will be the main attraction in the Main Arena on Saturday evening, while the Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland, part of the Rolex Series, will the the final international event in the Main Arena on Sunday, 18 August, 2024, the final day of the 2024 Dublin Horse Show.

The post Wins for Francis Derwin and Emilie Conter at Dublin Horse Show appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit made an impressive NFL debut for the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in their pre-season matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the Chiefs’ 26-13 loss at EverBank Stadium in Florida, Rees-Zammit’s first appearance on the American football stage was a “great first experience.”

Running back
Receiver out of the backfield
Kicker
Making tackles on punt coverage

Louis Rees-Zammit was in amongst it on his @Chiefs preseason debut! pic.twitter.com/iBN09zcjIu

— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) August 11, 2024

Rees-Zammit, known for his speed on the rugby field, showcased his versatility by taking on multiple roles during the game. The 23-year-old featured as a running back, kicker, kick-returner, and even contributed to punt coverage. His stat line included two carries for one yard, one reception for three yards, and a tackle on special teams. In a surprising twist, he also handled a kick-off in the fourth quarter.

Reflecting on his debut, Rees-Zammit shared his excitement with the Irish NFL Show: “It was a great first experience. I loved getting the snaps I did, especially on special teams. Now, it’s about reviewing my performance and figuring out how I can improve.”

The atmosphere at the stadium left a strong impression on Rees-Zammit, who added, “The atmosphere was electric, with loads of Chiefs fans in the stands. It was a great game, and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Currently, Rees-Zammit is vying for a spot on the Chiefs’ 53-man regular-season roster. However, he was listed as the fifth-choice running back on the team’s initial depth chart, indicating stiff competition ahead.

Another European player making his NFL debut was Charlie Smyth, a former Gaelic football goalkeeper from Ireland. Smyth made headlines by kicking a game-winning field goal in his first appearance for the New Orleans Saints, securing a 16-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The 22-year-old rookie, like Rees-Zammit, entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway Programme earlier this year. His decisive 37-yard field goal with just five seconds left on the clock highlighted a memorable debut.

IT'S GOOD!

Charlie Smyth kicks a 37-yard FG to give the #Saints a 16-14 lead with 5 secs left in the game

: @FOX8NOLA | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/wIlTCadr8h

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 11, 2024

Rees-Zammit’s transition from rugby to the NFL is being closely watched, and his debut has only fueled anticipation for what he can achieve on the gridiron. As he continues to adapt to American football, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how his skills translate in the highly competitive NFL environment.

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Lara Gillespie, making her Olympic debut, delivered an impressive performance in the Women’s Omnium at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, finishing 10th overall. As the final Team Ireland athlete to compete at the Games, Gillespie showcased her talent in the last race at the Saint Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome, concluding her Olympic campaign with a top-ten finish.

The Omnium, a challenging event that consists of four races in just three hours, featured 22 riders vying for Olympic medals. Gillespie’s journey began with the Scratch Race, where she completed the 7.5km course in 15th place, earning 12 points.

Her standout moment came in the Tempo Race, where she secured a crucial lap gain and four sprint victories, propelling her to first place in this event and adding 40 points to her tally.

In the Elimination Race, Gillespie’s strong performance continued as she finished ninth, bringing her total score to 76 points, just 20 points shy of a bronze medal.

"I was hoping for more of course but I gave everything I could. I believe I can get a medal one day" – 23-year-old Lara Gillespie finished 10th in the track cycling omnium, winning the tempo race, at her first Olympics
Updates https://t.co/esPY6j4Tgs#Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/qFXL5huuij

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 11, 2024

The final Points Race saw Gillespie gain an early lap, adding another 20 points to her score. With fierce competition among the top ten, the leaderboard remained fluid, but Gillespie maintained her position and finished 10th overall.

At just 23 years old, Gillespie demonstrated immense potential and resilience. Reflecting on her Olympic experience, she expressed a mix of pride and determination: “I was hoping for a top-five result, but I’m proud of how I raced. I was brave, took chances, and gave everything. There’s a lot to improve on, but also many positives to take away. I’m looking forward to the next four years.”

Gillespie’s performance in Paris caps off a successful week, where she also made history as part of the first Women’s Team Pursuit squad to represent Ireland at the Olympics, setting a new national record. She also competed in the Women’s Madison alongside Alice Sharpe.

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games come to a close, Gillespie’s journey marks the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in international cycling. Having already won gold in the Omnium at the UEC Under 23 European Championships last year, and finishing just off the podium at the 2024 UEC European Championships, she is poised for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Jennifer Valente of the USA claimed her second consecutive Omnium Olympic Gold, while Poland’s Daria Pikulik took silver, and New Zealand’s Ally Wollaston secured bronze. Gillespie’s top ten finish solidifies her status as one of the rising stars in women’s track cycling.

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