THE NEWSROUND: All-Stars named | Bemand names XV for South Africa Showdown | The madness of Ref-Cam | OTB
OTB DailySummary
Mayo leads the selections for the 2026 Football All-Star team, with six players making the cut, including Ryan O'Donoghue and Jack Carney. Kerry's David Clifford earns his seventh award, joined by teammates Jason Foley and Shane Murphy. This year's All-Star team is noted for its diversity, featuring players from six different counties, marking the most widespread selection since 2010. The nominations for Footballer of the Year include O'Donoghue, Carney, and Clifford, while young talent nominations feature Mayo's Kobe McDonald and Dara Byrne alongside Louth's Dara McConnell.
In rugby news, Ireland's head coach Scott Beeman announces two changes to the squad for their upcoming WXV Global Series test against South Africa. Niamh Gallagher and Avin Riley replace Stacey Flood and Emily Lane in the back line. The team looks to build on their recent victory in South Africa, where they won their first match by a margin of 13 points. Additionally, Manchester United's Michael Carrick expresses confidence in captain Bruno Fernandes, who was recently dropped for tactical reasons, as they prepare for a crucial match against Chelsea.
In other sports updates, Shane Duffy signs a short-term contract with Derby County, and Cork City manager Barry Robson secures a new two-year deal after leading the team to promotion. Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers part ways with head coach James O'Callaghan after a single season. The EFL Cup continues with Everton facing Newcastle in the last fixture of the round of 16.
Show Notes
Eoin Sheahan, Arthur O’Dea and Eve Conway are in studio for Thursday's Newsround as the last 16 of the English League Cup comes to an end and it is All-Star announcement day ahead of tomorrow's ceremony.
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