THOMAS TUCHEL is making the 5,000-mile trip to cheer on England Under-21s, hoping to spark a golden year ending in World Cup glory.

The senior England boss jets in from the Club World Cup in America to watch the Young Lions in tomorrow’s Euros final against his home nation Germany.

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England head coach Thomas Tuchel will fly to Slovakia to watch the U21s in the Euros final[/caption]

Lee Carsley has backed this crop to kick off a new Golden Generation with a second straight title in Slovakia.

U21s boss Carsley said: “The travel arrangements have been made for him to get to the game, hopefully he gets here on time. He’s been a great support for myself.

“He’s very interested in the players, he’s committed to the Under-21s.

“He was very supportive when I was picking the squad and the information about what he may need for obviously two games himself in the summer.

“We’ll look forward to having him here. I’ve not known him long but he’s a very nice guy. We look forward to welcoming him here.

“He’s been there whenever I’ve needed him in terms of on the phone or a message. Same with the rest of the staff. We’ve got a good relationship.”

On his Young Lions side, ex-Everton player Carsley said: “It helps that they’ve got that experience of winning with England. We believe they can. I’ve got a lot of belief in them.

“They’re an exciting team, they’ve grown as the tournament’s gone on.

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“Hopefully they get what they deserve.”

SunSport exclusively revealed senior German boss Julian Nagelsmann is taking time out of a holiday in Majorca to attend.

Now Tuchel is following suit after leaving Florida.

Tuchel was Stateside to watch Manchester City smash Juventus 5-2 but has now boarded a flight and is travelling back across the pond.

Should his schedule go to plan, Tuchel will land in Slovakia tomorrow afternoon. He will then be in the stands alongside Nagelsmann, the man he replaced at Bayern Munich in 2023, in the VIP seats at the  Narodny Futbalovy Stadion.

Tuchel has been in the US to watch a number of his international stars, combining the trip with a recce ahead of next summer’s World Cup there.

England captain James McAtee said: “I didn’t know he was coming. If he does it’d be extra motivation for the lads to win.”

Manchester City’s star, 22, has no problem missing the Club World Cup. He said: “It’s a tough one to answer  — but I do  not regret my  decision at all.

“I’m happy, I’m here and my focus is now on this, it’s not on the Club World Cup.

“The highlight was definitely on the pitch against Spain in the quarters, the opening goal. But I am hoping I can add a more special highlight.”

THIS is the harrowing moment two planes collide on a runway – with one slicing through the other’s tail wing moments before it takes off.

Hundreds were left stranded after the horror collision, which saw a Boeing jet’s wing rip through a stationary Airbus in front of terrified passengers.

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A plane sliced through another one’s wing on a runway[/caption]

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Debris scattered across the tarmac during the horror collision[/caption]

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Nearly 400 passengers disembarked both flights[/caption]

The two Vietnam Airlines aircraft smashed into each other at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam on June 27.

Both flights were grounded and nearly 400 passengers from the two planes were evacuated back to the terminal.

In the shocking footage, a blue Airbus can be seen taxi-ing just moments before take-off.

But seconds later, another jet’s right wing shreds through the rear section of the stationary aircraft – almost like butter.

Frightened passengers watched in horror as they saw debris scatter across the tarmac.

The plane then stopped and disembarked hundreds of panicked flyers.

The crash occurred at 2:23pm local time, and involved a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Ho Chi Minh City, clipping the tail of a stationary Airbus A321.

The Airbus was waiting to depart for Dien Bien, the airport authorities said.

The dramatic collision took place at the intersection of taxiways S and S3, under clear weather conditions.

Initial investigations suggest the Airbus stopped short of the designated holding point.

Authorities are therefore looking at pilot error as a potential reason for the smash.

A probe has been launched to find any operational or communication-based lapses in judgement.

The 386 total passengers from both jets were unharmed.

After being left stranded – Vietnam Airlines arranged alternate flights for them to take.

Both planes were towed to remote stands for technical inspection.

A formal investigation has been started by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and the Northern Airports Authority.

The terrifying footage comes after a recent string of horror aviation accidents.

Heartstopping footage showed the moment an American Airlines flight saw smoke and sparks flying from the plane’s engine.

Harrowing video of the incident was shared on social media, showing puffs of smoke and orange sparks coming from the plane’s engine.

And last week, a Ryanair flight crashed into a barrier and suffered a badly smashed wing after landing at a Greek airport.

The Boeing 737 suffered “severe turbulence” during the flight, before those onboard heard a huge bang as the aircraft landed and collided with a barrier.

GALWAY UNITED salvaged a valuable home point thanks to a late goal from sub Bobby Burns.

The Tribe had been second best for most of the game at Eamonn Deacy Park, with champions Shelbourne missing a bundle of ­chances.

The hosts started brightly though, with Stephen Walsh playing Malcolm Shaw in early but his low shot was well covered by Conor Kearns.

At the other end, Seán Boyd did brilliantly to play Mipo Odubeko in — and only a goal-line clearance from Garry Buckley prevented the opening goal.

But Odubeko made up for the miss when he headed home from five yards in the 23th minute.

The goal sparked a response from Galway with Shaw bringing out a save from Kearns. Ed McCarthy should have done better with the rebound.

Rob Slevin then missed with a free header just before the interval.

Shels continued to dominate after the break and Odubeko should have doubled the Dublin side’s lead after brilliant play from Harry Wood.

Boyd did hit the back of the net, but his effort was waved offside.

Odubeko continued to create chances but he could not find a finish.

He had eight shots, but did not trouble Watts too much except for his goal.

It made things more nervous than they needed to be, with United needing one chance to undo all of Shels’ good work.

They nearly did it from a set-piece, but Buckley could not get the connection he wanted.

Yet in the 84th minute second-half sub Burns pounced to fire home after keeper Kearns spilled a cross.

Boyd had one more chance for Shels to claim all three points but dragged his shot just wide as stand-in boss Joey O’Brien was unable to claim a win in his second game in charge since Damien Duff’s departure.

The away side ran out of time and United escaped with a point.

SUN STAR MAN

Harry Wood (Shels)

GALWAY: Watts 7; Esua 7, Buckley 8, Brouder 6 (Borden 45, 6), Slevin 7, Cunningham 6 (Burns 57, 7); Hurley 7 (Donelon 81, 5), Byrne 6, McCarthy 6 (McCormack 81, 5, [Horgan 90, 5]); Walsh 7, Shaw 6 (Tollett 72, 7)

SHELBOURNE: Kearns 5; Kelly 6 (Caffrey 62, 7), Gannon 8, Temple 7, Ledwidge 7, Norris 7 (Wilson 62, 6); Wood 8 (McInroy 62, 7), Lunney 7 (Coyle 75, 6), Chapman 7 (Coote 89, 5); Boyd 8, Odubeko 7.

REFEREE: K O’ Sullivan (Cork) 8.

Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

ENZO FERNANDEZ takes on his old club Benfica tonight  at the heart of the Chelsea revolution under boss Enzo Maresca.

The Portuguese giants made a staggering £96million PROFIT when they sold the Argentinian midfielder to the Blues in 2023 — just six months after buying him for £10m.

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Even so, the fixture reopens old wounds over his departure — and a most unsavoury incident which took place a year ago next month.

Benfica were angry at the way they claimed Chelsea unsettled their player and then ducked and dived during negotiations. But that’s business.

What is not “business” is the cloud of racism hanging over the Blues’ vice-captain that is not yet fully cleared.

Fans back in England have seen plenty of great football from Fernandez this past 12 months.

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But nothing has been heard from the authorities charged with investigating the moment of madness that has followed the player around since he went viral for all the wrong reasons.

Fernandez, 24, was filmed heartily joining in with dreadful songs alongside his Argentina team-mates questioning the heritage of black French players. 

The midfielder had just won Copa America for his country, only to let himself down massively when he should have been in a  celebratory mood.

With a large contingent of black French players in Chelsea’s squad — Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi — the reaction was understandably incendiary.

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The Instagram post also carried a transphobic jibe at French superstar Kylian Mbappe and a reported relationship with transgender model Ines Rau.

Fernandez apologised profusely. Fofana and those affected by the bombshell video say they have accepted it and have moved on.

There certainly does not appear to be any disharmony over it within the Chelsea camp.

For that, those players in the dressing room who were so hurt by the rash actions of a team-mate deserve unreserved respect and admiration.

News of a “probe” being launched was posted on social media not long after Argentina had beaten Colombia 1-0 in the final yet there is still no  conclusion. 

Fifa says it is the responsibility of South America’s governing body Conmebol and SunSport has contacted them for an update — but is yet to receive a reply.

Fernandez made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity as well as saying sorry to his team-mates, say Chelsea.

And the club also claimed they would use the episode as an opportunity to “re-educate” their player.

At the last time of asking there was no clear detail available of what that actually entails. The club wants to keep it in-house.

And, in a remarkable show of defiance, new head coach Maresca backed his man by making him captain for the opening Premier League game of last season against Manchester City.

Fernandez appears to have put the whole thing behind him and is now a key figure in a team that is back in  the  Champions League.

But the silence around the investigation into a moment of madness that went worldwide within hours — and damaged the reputation of a fine player and an upstanding football club — is deafening.

JAMES CLARKE scored a last-gasp equaliser as Bohemians drew a game they should really have won but might have lost.

Trailing to Owen Elding’s sublime first-half strike, the Gypsies huffed and puffed for the whole second half, not finally finding a way past an inspired Sam Sargeant between the Sligo post until the fifth minute of added time

Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Dayle Rooney floated over Bohs’ tenth corner of the game with Clarke arriving to head to the net, adding to his goal in the Dublin Derby win over Shamrock Rovers last Monday.

Remarkably, Bohs might then have won it with the last kick of the game in the 100th minute when skipper Dawson Devoy shaved the crossbar from the edge of the area.

Bohemians slip to third place on goal difference behind Derry City.

Sligo are four points ahead of Cork City at the bottom of the table.

Full of confidence following Monday’s win over bitter rivals Rovers, Bohs began brightly, Niall Morahan bringing an easy save from Sargeant having worked a one-two on the right with Rooney inside two minutes.

With two wins from their last three games Sligo were not short on belief either and came to play.

Will Fitzgerald worked Kacper Chorazka with a dangerous cross scarcely a minute later.

Chorazka had a little more to do on seven minutes when getting down smartly to hold the ball at the second attempt from Had Hakiki’s header, with Elding having provided the clever delivery.

In an open game, the Gypsies’ Ross Tierney might have done better than head tamely wide after Clarke and Rooney had carved the opening down the right.

But Sligo quickly responded through Hakiki, who held off the challenge of Devoy to cut in from the left and bring another save from Chorazka.

If they were half-chances, the first real opening arrived on 15 minutes.

Collie Whelan’s delightful flick found the run of Tierney, who outmuscled Ollie Denham but blazed high and wide with only Sargeant to beat.

And the openings kept coming.

Devoy found Whelan in space, but he too drilled wide when he should have hit the target.

Jordan Flores got forward from centre-back to volley wide from distance while Adam McDonnell brought a fine save from Sargeant as the game somehow remained scoreless.

That changed on 28 minutes when the home crowd were stunned into silent admiration as Sligo took the lead against the run of play with a cracking goal.

The ball was worked out from the back by Reece Hutchinson and Daire Patton, on his full debut.

Elding picked it up on the halfway line.

The 19-year-old skipped confidently forward unchallenged before the talented teen put the laces of his left boot through the ball to find the roof of Chorazka’s net from some 30 yards.

The brilliant strike mirrored one Elding scored against Shelbourne last month as he registered his eighth goal of the campaign.

GOAL SEARCH

A terrific save from Sargeant ten minutes later ensured Sligo took their lead into the break.

The keeper parried a drive from John Mountney after Rooney’s deep cross found him at the far post.

Clearly unhappy with what he saw in the first half, Bohemians boss Alan Reynolds replaced Mountney and McDonnell with Liam Smith and Keith Buckley ahead of the resumption.

The hosts had more energy as they chased the game, with Devoy and Rooney trying their luck from distance early on.

Sargeant’s safe hands would deny Devoy while Rooney put a free-kick over the top before Bohs thought they had levelled on 81 minutes.

Rhys Brennan chipped a ball in from the left which was met by fellow sub Smith, whose downward header came back off a post.

Sargeant saved from Brennan before home frustration was finally eased with Clarke’s late leveller.

SUN STAR MAN

Sam Sargeant (Sligo Rovers)

BOHEMIANS: Chorazka 7; Morahan 6 (Strods 85, 6), Cornwall 7 (Kavanagh 90+1, 6), Flores 7, Mountney 6 (Smith h-t, 6); Devoy 6; Rooney 7, McDonnell 6 (Buckley h-t, 6), Clarke 7, Tierney 6; Whelan 6 (Brennan 60, 6).

SLIGO ROVERS: Sargeant 8; McDonagh 7, Denham 6 (Wolfe 61, 6), Reynolds 7 (Mallon 86, 6), Hutchison 7; Patton 7 (Van Hattum 86, 6), Doyle-Hayes 7; Elding 8, Hakiki 7, Fitzgerald 7; Waweru 6 (Lomboto 68, 6).

REFEREE: D Toland (Athlone) 6.

JESSIE J revealed she doesn’t yet know if she’s cancer free after her mastectomy.

The 37-year-old singer had the operation earlier this week in a bid to beat her breast cancer, and some fans misinterpreted a post that stated: “Cancer has all gone”.

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Jessie J told fans that she hasn’t beat cancer yet after her mastectomy[/caption]

Jessie J

Jessie said she prays she’ll be rid of the illness soon.[/caption]

Jessie said her words had been “misunderstood” and that her statement was a “positive affirmation”.

She wrote: “I posted a list of pros and cons of having breast cancer surgery. The first pro I put was… the cancer has all gone’.

“This was a positive affirmation NOT a fact. I don’t have my results yet. I added the [fingers crossed emoji] in thinking people would understand and clearly a lot didn’t.

“A weird situation,” she continued. “My fault for not being clearer. But for now I do not have my results after surgery which was only 6 nights ago. I pray it will be true soon but the journey of cancer isn’t that simple unfortunately.”

Jessie is now taking a break from social media as she continues her recovery.

“Tapping off socials for a week,” she said. “Healthy and needed reset. To focus on my recovery and saying stuff that gets twisted of misread.

“My head and boob hurts. Lol, Bye. Always loveeeee.”

After her operation, Jessie admitted she was struggling not being able to pick up her two-year-old son, Sky.

She then outlined the ‘pros’ of the procedure, writing: “Cancer is all gone.

“My nipple is where it used to be, I can watch Love Island with no guilt.

“I am getting to rest and talk to friends more than ever.

“My mum lives with us. Sky just being Sky. Chanan making me feel safe and the messages are 10/10.

“Connecting with other people who are going through a similar time and being able to support each other.”

The list was then followed by a “cons” equivalent.

“Not being the mum I’m used to being and picking Sky up,” she typed.

“The fear of not knowing if the cancer is all gone – the mental with this is…

“The pain and discomfort is ok and expected but a d******d when I’m trying to sleep.”

Jessie explained how the only painkillers she was allowed to take were paracetamol and ibuprofen due to having low blood pressure.

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The singer put out a list of pros and cons post-surgery[/caption]

She did try and clear up her post at the time, warning she hadn’t meant for the statement to be read as “fact” and that she is still awaiting her results.

The BRIT winner added: “I’m getting a lot of messages. Saying so happy all the cancer has gone. To be clear I added the [fingers crossed] emoji as it’s a hope not a fact.

“I only had my surgery 4 days ago. I was just saying the pros of surgery and this situation and being positive. But I will get my results soon.

“And hopefully I can post that as a fact. But for now I don’t know. But I will stay positive and talk what l want into the universe.”

Earlier this month, Jessie – who shares son Sky with basketball player Chanan Colman – revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Incredibly, she went ahead and performed at this year’s Capital FM Summertime Ball in London on June 15.

Jessie held back tears as she told the crowd at Wembley Stadium that she was taking a break to “beat breast cancer”.

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She soon warned fans that she hadn’t meant for the statement to be read as “fact” and that she is still awaiting her results[/caption]

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The star shared an honest video of herself following her operation[/caption]

A POPULAR shop in Ireland’s capital has announced it’s shock closure – and shoppers have been left devastated.

Happy Days Style, with an online store and Dublin shop, revealed the popular shop will shut in just a few days.

Google Maps

HAPPY DAYS STYLE/INSTAGRAM

The owner shared the news on Instagram[/caption]

Located at 4 The Mart House in Leopardstown, Happy Days was a popular spot to rent dresses.

Rachel Hennessy Sheanon, owner of the popular business, announced the shock news on social media.

Taking to Instagram, and sharing the post to both her personal and business page, she cited “having things going on in [her] personal life” as the reason for closing.

In a statement, she wrote: “After almost four incredible years in business, I have made the decision to close Happy Days Dress Rental.

“This decision wasn’t made lightly, but, sadly, having things going on in your personal life and trying to run and grow a start up business just don’t mix well, and at some point something’s got to give.”

Speaking about her aim behind founding the business, Rachel explained: “I founded Happy Days with the mission to make dress rental the number one choice for occasionwear.

“I am so proud to say we’ve made a real impact – shifting customer habits, breaking fashion norms and building a sustainable alternative in the fashion industry while bringing a gorgeous community of customers along with us for the ride.”

Paying tribute to her team, she added: “The wonderful Kate has been with me for the majority of this journey, and I would not have gotten this far without her.

“She treated this business as if it was her own, and went above and beyond for our customers which, if you read our reviews, is truly evident. Thank you Kate for all of your support.”

The company has seen a large amount of success since it’s foundation, with many opting to rent out a dress instead of buying a new one for an occasion or event.

Rachel explained: “Over the last few years, we’ve served thousands of amazing customers, won multiple awards, hosted so many fun events and made incredible relationships.

“We have been part of a movement created around renting, not buying and we’re truly honoured to have been part of your most memorable moments.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

SUSTAINABILITY

Speaking about the rise in sustainable clothing and renting in Ireland, she added: “The rental industry is only just getting started and I’m excited to watch it continue to grow.

“I would love to continue to see Happy Days continue to be a part of that journey so if anyone is considering getting involved in the rental market let’s chat.”

Rachel revealed that the store will close on July 11, but the website will remain open until August 31.

She continued: “We hope you will support us and rent one last time before we say goodbye.

“In the meantime, you will still find me promoting pre-loved, sustainable and Irish fashion… Here’s to new beginnings and lots more happy days ahead. With love, Rachel.”

PODCAST

The entrepreneur launched the Happy Days Podcast, and will continue to run that.

But fans were heartbroken with the reveal, as many shared their devastation in the comments.

One person said: “You’ve done an amazing job Rachel and should be very proud of the impact you have made!

“And everything you have achieved over the last four years! Sending love.”

Another commenter wrote: “I’m so sorry to read this Rachel! What an incredible business and community you have built…

“You are a core part of developing the fashion rental conversation in Ireland, and should be so proud of that!

“You were always willing to help and advise me on my own journey, I’ll always be grateful to you for being so kind, especially in the early days!

“Congratulations to all you have built, and best of luck in your next chapter.”

Someone else said: “So sorry to hear this, have rented for events over the last few years and loved the vibe in the shop when trying the dresses on and the whole idea of renting

“Wishing you the best for the future.”

Another commented: “You built something truly special in Happy Days, excited to see what is next for you Rachel!

“You are power house and we’re sure whatever you do it will be even more amazing.”

Getty Images - Getty

RORY GAFFNEY came off the bench to give Shamrock Rovers a huge three points in their bid to regain the Premier Division title.

The hosts had looked to be steamrolling their way to the trophy by going 11 games unbeaten before falling to defeat in the Dublin Derby against Bohemians on Monday.

Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

But Stephen Bradley’s men got back on track thanks to Gaffney’s second-half finish.

Before the match, Bradley claimed the Bohs loss could prove to be a “kick up the a***” for his men.

And this seemed the case as his side went close to opening the scoring within the first five minutes.

Graham Burke got to the endline before standing up a deep cross to the back post to Danny Grant.

The wing-back chested the ball down under pressure before hitting the foot of the near post, with his effort somehow staying out.

Having been sidelined since April with a calf problem, Andy Boyle was welcomed back to the Waterford side with a bang.

He was booked for hauling down Michael Noonan near the halfway line as the teenager — 18 years his junior — looked to be clear through on goal.

In his first trip to Tallaght as Blues boss, John Coleman made one enforced change to the side that drew 2-2 at home to champions Shelbourne on Monday, with Conan Noonan unavailable against his parent club.

And his side responded well to the early onslaught.

Wing-back Jesse Demspey found space down the left and cleverly cut back to the edge of the area into the path of James Olayinka.

Attempting to sweep the ball home, his strike was well turned away by Ed McGinty before Josh Honohan cleared under pressure.

Both sides exchanged strikes from range as they sensed an opener was within touching distance.

Honohan’s right-footed curler, as he cut inside from the left, was brilliantly tipped around the post by Stephen McMullan at full stretch.

The impressive Olayinka then showed awareness to turn two men and drill a powerful effort straight into McGinty’s midriff.

The visitors fashioned one of the clearest chances to break the deadlock just after the half-hour mark when Tommy Lonergan got in behind the Rovers rearguard. Dan Cleary came across to force the frontman wide, leaving poacher supreme Pádraig Amond free inside the six-yard box.

But with the angle against him, Lonergan opted to go himself, shooting straight at McGinty as Amond looked on in disbelief.

TEN OUT OF TEN

The hosts, roared on by the majority of the 4,014 in Tallaght Stadium, continued to prod for an opening but were met by a well-organised sea of blue that carried a threat on the break.

With nothing between the sides as the second half wore on, the introduction former PFAI award winners Jack Byrne and Gaffney showed the strength in depth at Bradley’s disposal.

Seeing them coming into the mix also lifted the crowd.

And Gaffney took just ten minutes to have a crucial impact.

The 35-year-old rolled back the years as he showed lightning-quick reactions to race on to a spill by McMullan — who had initially failed to hold a stinging Danny Mandroiu strike from 25 yards — and tap home with 15 minutes to go.

Rovers pushed for a second and Maxim Kovalevskis, impressive again off the bench, showed great feet to cut inside and square to Gaffney.

But he saw his thunderous effort bravely blocked to safety.

Rovers held on for what could be a pivotal win in the title race as attention turns to another European adventure and the start of an FAI Cup tilt over the month of July.

SUN STAR MAN

Danny Mandroiu (Shamrock Rovers)

SHAMROCK ROVERS: McGinty 7; Cleary 7, Lopes 8, Grace 7: Grant 7 (Kovalevskis 76, 7), Watts 7 (Gaffney 65, 9) Healy 7, Mandroiu 9 (Nugent 88, 7), Honohan 7; G Burke 7 (Byrne 65, 7), Noonan 7 (O’Neill 88, 7).

WATERFORD: McMullen 7; Boyle 7, Leahy 7, Burke 7 (Coyle 80, 7); Horton 7, McDonald 7 (McMenamy 69, 7), Glenfield 7, Olayinka 8, Dempsey (White 71, 7): Lonergan 7, Amond 7.

REFEREE: P Norton (Dublin) 6.

The Senate is eyeing a mid-2027 start for its long-delayed transfer to the New Senate Building (NSB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said on Thursday. Cayetano, who chairs the Senate committee on accounts overseeing the construction of the new complex, told reporters that the full transfer could take between “six months

AFTER 22 attempts, Tein Troost helped Cork City to finally secure a first clean sheet of the season against St Pat’s.

It proved another acrimonious night at Turner’s Cross, but Bohemians lifted the mood by drawing late with Sligo Rovers.

Bottom of the table, the Leesiders are four — rather than six — points adrift of Rovers.

If it proves to be Troost’s final game as City keeper, he at least signed off with a first shut-out and saved from Brandon Kavanagh late on.

City’s winless streak extended to 11 games while Saints have not won in their last five as they remain sixth. Stephen Kenny’s men have netted just once in that stretch.

Ger Nash called for unity in his programme notes after the supporter unrest that mired their Drogheda United draw.

But play was paused midway through the first half as objects were thrown from the Shed End amid a plume of black smoke. Fans chanted in opposition to the club ownership as a banner was unfurled that read, ‘Sold the dream, living a nightmare’.

City started the better. Seán Hoare prevented a Seáni Maguire chance. Sean Murray had four first-half efforts, including two set-piece headers but none were on target.

Pat’s did not threaten until the midway point. Mason Melia flashed a header over from Kavanagh’s free-kick.

Then, Zack Elbouzedi curled a left-footed effort inches past the post.
City’s best chance came just before the break. From a throw-in, Maguire outmuscled Kavanagh and squared for Kitt Nelson, who fired over.

Nash called on Djenairo Daniels and Cathal O’Sullivan in the second half.

From a free-kick, Greg Bolger knocked the ball past Joseph Anang only for Maguire’s effort to be blocked by Axel Sjoberg and scrambled to safety.

In a nervy finish, Troost denied Kavanagh with a fingertip save while Aidan Keena rifled over. At the other end, O’Sullivan’s flick was too high.

SUN STAR MAN

Greg Bolger (Cork City)

CORK CITY: Troost 7; Crowley 7, Anderson 6, Lyons 7; Mbeng 7, S Murray 7 (McLaughlin 65, 7), Bolger 7 (Shipston 74, 7), Kiernan 7 (Fitzpatrick 74, 6); Nolan 6 (Daniels 57, 6), Nelson 6 (O’Sullivan 57, 6); Maguire 7.

ST PAT’S: Anang 7; Sjoberg 7, Redmond 6, Hoare 7, McClelland 7; Lennon 7, Baggley 6 (Leavy 75, 6); Elbouzedi 6 (Forrester 75, 6), Kavanagh 7, Power 6 (Mulraney 35, 7); Melia 6 (Keena 67, 6).

REFEREE: M Lynch (Galway) 7.

Brendan Moran/Sportsfile