Features

“Pep is literally a genius. He makes the game so simple. Even in some of his team meetings he is so intense, he’s a perfectionist.” _____ On Saturday, Tyreke Wilson made his debut for Ireland’s U21s in their third-place playoff against Mexico at the prestigious Toulon Tournament. The day before he had been informed by manager Stephen Kenny that, having …

Roscommon are Connacht champions for 2019 and they won it the hard way.  It started with a trip to Castlebar where they defeated Mayo on their home turf for the first time since 1986. Their attention then turned to Pearse Stadium and Galway and despite the fact that the Rossies defeated the Tribesmen in the same fixture at the same …

Toulouse lifting the Top 14 title on Saturday signalled the end of the northern hemisphere club season but the lengthy nature of the French campaign aside, many of Europe’s elite players will be getting back to work soon.  Today, Ireland have reconvened at their Carton House base as they begin their preparations for their World Cup opener against Scotland on …

On 19 August 2015, Seb Coe was elected as the new president of the IAAF. On 9 November 2015, he sat down with Jon Snow of Channel 4 for an exclusive interview. What followed was refreshing as it was one of the few – and getting fewer – times in modern sports journalism that professional integrity wasn’t traded for some …

It’s relatively quiet in the northern hemisphere with international players taking a well-deserved break after a gruelling 2018/19 season.  However, although many players are currently enjoying some sun on their backs, it won’t be long until the serious work starts again as preparations begin for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Warm-up games will take place in August and …

“In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls are so pretty, I first set my eyes on Danny Mandroiu.” Friday night’s Dublin derby was an absolutely brilliant showcase of everything that makes the League of Ireland special, as Bohemians once again got the better of their bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers. A sold-out Dalymount Park witnessed a fantastic game of Friday night …

“Shamrock Rovers, it’s happened again.” A brace from Danny Mandroiu clinched Bohemians’ seventh Dublin derby win in their last eight meetings as they once again got the better of Shamrock Rovers with a 2-1 win at Dalymount Park. Here are our player ratings a from a very hotly contested Dublin derby.   _____ Bohemians James Talbot – 6 Fresh off …

“I’m different. I know I’m different,” Jack Byrne says, and he’s not wrong. The Dubliner isn’t a typical Irish midfielder and his journey has been anything but straightforward. He only turned 23 earlier this year, but he has had a unique career and packed a lot into it. The Shamrock Rovers midfielder sat down with Pundit Arena to reflect on …

All Ireland champions Limerick travel to Semple Stadium on Sunday to face Tipperary in a game that all are hoping will finally spark the Munster Championship into life after a number of one-sided affairs. The two sides have served up a few classics in recent years with the teams very evenly matched and given their recent performances, we are expecting …

It’s all to play for as we head into the final round of games in the Leinster and Munster championships while it is also crunch time in the Joe McDonagh Cup. Ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, we take a look at the big questions facing the major teams involved. _____ 1. Who will reach the Leinster final? Galway look set …

With another international break in the books, Ireland sit top of their Euro 2020 qualifying group thanks to a strong draw against Denmark and a 2-0 win over Gibraltar. There may be tougher challenges to come, with home and away ties with Switzerland in September and October, but manager Mick McCarthy is on the right track in achieving his sole …

The next edition of the European Championships will be held in 12 cities across the continent. On June 15, 2020, Dublin will host the first of four Euro 2020 games, and if the Republic of Ireland qualify, they will play two group games at the Aviva Stadium. However, despite currently sitting top of their qualification group, that could be a …

Mick McCarthy vented his frustrations during the week at the continued calls to somehow accommodate both Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty in the same team.   In his second stint as Irish boss, the 60-year-old has been hard pressed by the media on the issue, especially given Doherty’s rousing form for Wolves this season. Having experimented with the Dubliner as …

Ireland assistant manager and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane has called for caution over the hyperbole surrounding 17-year old Troy Parrott who many feel is the heir to the record goalscorer’s throne. Parrott is one of Ireland’s most promising prospects having impressed for Spurs’ underage sides, scoring 19 goals this season, including 14 in just nine games for the U18s. …

“He needs a fresh start.” When James McCarthy suffered a double-leg break against West Bromwich Albion in January 2018, the television cameras panned away to a worried-looking Seamus Coleman sitting in the stands. The Republic of Ireland captain was still recovering from a similar injury, 11-days away from making his return to the first-team after nine months on the sidelines. …

A subdued Cian O’Neill entered the press centre in Croke Park following his side’s Leinster SFC semi-final defeat to Dublin clearly wondering what the hell had just happened.  The Lilywhites battled back from 0-7 to 0-1 down to trail by just four at the break and full of hope that a strong second half showing maybe, just maybe could see …

Let’s get this out of the way early. Monday night’s game was abysmal. Yes, it was a win, a clean sheet, a dominant performance in possession, shots taken, and every aspect except the scoreline. But green, ‘Big Mick’- tinted glasses aside, there weren’t a tonne of positives to be taken from beating the 195th best team in the world via …