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Irish Cup final: Lydon Kane aiming for Irish Cup glory after missing out in 2018

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After featuring in three of their five games on the way to the final, Kane was forced to be just a regular spectator on cup final day, but under then manager Oran Kearney, his team delivered for the injured defender.

The Bannsiders went into the final desperate to end a 15-year wait for silverware and with a talented squad that had come close to success in the league and cup.

They lost the 2017 Irish Cup final 3-0 against Linfield and finished second in the Irish Premiership in the 2017-18 season, losing just one game but coming in two points behind eventual champions Crusaders.

They went ahead early in the second half of the decider as midfielder Darren McCauley volleyed home one of the finest final goals.

Cliftonville’s Rory Donnelly equalised from close-range soon after, but substitute Aaron Burns restored their advantage after a tidy flick from Bradley.

The striker then sealed a famous victory with a late third, racing through from the halfway line after the Reds had pushed forward in search of another equaliser before deftly lifting the ball over Brian Neeson.

Queue pandemonium from the Coleraine fans behind the goal as well as the players and management team, with Kearney famously charging down the touchline to join in celebrations for their first Irish Cup win since 2003.

It was even more special for the local lads like Kane, Jamie McGonigle and Brad Lyons, who had helped bring the trophy back to the north coast.

“I got halfway down [the touchline for the pile on] and had to meet them on the way back!” Kane told BBC Sport NI.

“It was disappointing [to miss out] but me, as a fan, I still take great satisfaction.

“As a player you want to play every big game, but probably my connection with the club and the fact we still won it, I know how much it means to the people and the town.”

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Israel 0-3 Republic of Ireland: Irish impress in Debrecen victory

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Three first-half goals saw the Republic of Ireland claim their first win of their Nations League Group B3 campaign against Israel in Debrecen.

Three days on from a disappointing defeat in Kosovo, the Irish enjoyed a much better showing in Hungary as first-half goals from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan had them clear.

Israel pushed for a way back early in the second period but could not get past Caoimhin Kelleher, with the Irish in control for the most part to ease home.

As expected, there were no handshakes prior to the game, with Republic of Ireland players bowing their heads during the Israeli anthem.

Despite the fraught build-up, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side began with confidence and were rewarded on 14 minutes as Parrott netted his 12th international goal when turning home James Abankwah’s cut-back.

The lead was doubled two minutes later and this time it was Idah who was put through by Moylan before slotting past Daniel Peretz into the corner of the net.

Caoimhin Kelleher would be called into action to thwart Anan Khalaili, but the Irish would go three clear in the 25th minute when Moylan drove into the box and fired home his first competitive international goal.

Israel pushed for a way back early in the second period but Kelleher would deny Dor Peretz and then Eliel Peretz.

Idah went close to grabbing his second but Peretz turned his effort around the post.

Republic of Ireland now turn their attention to Austria in Dublin on Thursday with Israel back in Debrecen to face Kosovo.

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What are Portugal without Ronaldo? Was Haaland at his best? Nyland nightmare to blame for Norway loss?

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Goals, dinks and VAR – we break down the talking points from the Nations League game in Oslo.

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UCI Road World Championships: Brandon McNulty becomes first American winner in 33 years

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Brandon McNulty became the first American winner of the men’s road race world title in 33 years with a stunning victory in Montreal.

The 28-year-old put his hands on his head in disbelief as he crossed the line 13 seconds clear of the chasing pack, completing the gruelling 273.4km course in six hours and 17 minutes.

Australian Michael Matthews was second, with former winner Mathieu van der Poel, of the Netherlands, in third.

The last American winner of the race was Lance Armstrong in 1993.

“Until the last 800m I didn’t believe, I was so tired,” said McNulty.

“I’m at a loss for words. I knew something could happen but it would take a miracle and I guess today a miracle happened”.

He launched an attack going into the final 30km and was 50 seconds clear going into the last lap.

McNulty visibly began to tire on the final climb and his lead was cut to just 10 seconds, but the chasing pack were unable to reel him in.

Britain’s Tom Pidcock finished seventh, with Ireland’s Ben Healy 10th and Remco Evenepoel of Belgium in 12th place.

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