Colman Stanley

Author description

Colmán is the lead writer with SportsJOE, covering the GAA, football and golf, with a special interest in rugby. Whether it is an in-depth analysis of the best young Irish rugby talents, or a live blog covering all the big moments from some of sport's most iconic events, he has got you covered. Past experience includes working at the Irish Sun, Balls.ie and Extratime.ie. When he's not writing, you can find him watching the latest HBO mini-series, whipping up a spaghetti aglio e olio, or togging out for his beloved Stillorgan-Rathfarnham RFC.

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  • 25 is an amazing score in our Premier League stats quiz

    25 is an amazing score in our Premier League stats quiz

    One of our best ever! You think you know your Premier League history, well you may have to think again! Come and try our latest Prem quiz, which covers a range of difference stats and record from its history. This one is multiple choice, so you can score well!

    3 days ago

  • 35 is a great score in this Man United v Man City quiz

    35 is a great score in this Man United v Man City quiz

    The derby for the ages! Over the course of their history, Manchester United have been the dominant side in the rivalry. However, that has changed dramatically over the last 15 years or so, with wins for the Red Devils at their neighbours home ground becoming rarer and rarer. But they do still cause the odd […]

    3 days ago

  • This Premier League keepers appearances quiz is our hardest ever

    This Premier League keepers appearances quiz is our hardest ever

    Incredibly tough! You think you know your Premier League, well think again. We are going pretty niche for this quiz, which is designed for goalkeeper lovers. See if you can name the Premier League stoppers with the most appearances for their clubs. Good luck!

    3 days ago

  • Quiz: Name these Champions League winning starting XIs

    Quiz: Name these Champions League winning starting XIs

    Legendary teams! So many great starting XIs have won a Champions League final. But how many players from them can you name since Barcelona lifted the trophy in 2006? Well now you can find out, with our latest Champions League quiz. Give it a crack and good luck!

    4 days ago

  • South African fans claim double standards if Furlong decision goes certain way

    South African fans claim double standards if Furlong decision goes certain way

    We’ll wait and see… Leinster and Ireland face a nervous wait over the Tadhg Furlong decision, with the prop cited over an incident against Munster on the weekend, where he allegedly grabbed Gavin Coombes in the groin. A statement from the URC reads: “Leinster Rugby’s Tadhg Furlong has been cited for an incident that occurred […]

    4 days ago

  • FIFA statement after Ireland/England World Cup game abandoned after alleged racism

    FIFA statement after Ireland/England World Cup game abandoned after alleged racism

    An alleged racist comment was made. Ireland’s U15 World Cup clash with England was abandoned yesterday, following an alleged racist comment by an Irish player. Ireland were leading 4-1 after 40 minutes in the eight-a-side game in Azerbaijan, when the England team walked off the pitch. One of their players walked over to the sideline […]

    4 days ago

  • Leinster and Munster fans debate footage of alleged ‘groin grab’ in derby

    Leinster and Munster fans debate footage of alleged ‘groin grab’ in derby

    Big allegations! The big story coming out of yesterday’s match was the allegation made by Munster’s Gavin Coombes. The No 8 alleged that he had been grabbed in the groin by a Leinster player at a ruck. At the time, the TMO and referee had a look at the alleged incident, but could not find […]

    6 days ago

  • We picked our Munster – Leinster combined XV of the 21st century

    We picked our Munster – Leinster combined XV of the 21st century

    A sensational team! With Leinster welcoming Munster to the Aviva Stadium today, here is our combined XV of the 21st century. Argue amongst yourselves! Loosehead prop – Cian Healy One of the easier selection in the side, without disrespecting the other options. The Leinsterman was really just that good, and was a true trailblazer as […]

    1 week ago

  • We’ve a few surprises in the Ireland 23 we want to see vs Argentina

    We’ve a few surprises in the Ireland 23 we want to see vs Argentina

    A strong side! Ireland take on Argentina on November 6 (kick-off: 8.10pm), in the opener of their November Nations Championship games. Here is the 23 we would like to see take the field. Front row Ireland need momentum, not just for this series, but in general; given their underperformances over the last year. For that […]

    1 week ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 161

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 161

    A cracker! We are back with the latest SportsJOE Pub Quiz. There are a few Man United questions, so brace yourself if you are a Red Devils fan. And, of course, Irish rugby will be covered after a big week, as well as the county GAA finals, among other topics. Best of luck!

    1 week ago

  • Keith Earls takes opposite stance to O’Mahony on ex-Munster coach

    Keith Earls takes opposite stance to O’Mahony on ex-Munster coach

    Interesting… Peter O’Mahony was in the news recently over his comments on former Munster head coach Graham Rowntree [Wig]. Their relationship soured towards the end of Rowntree’s time at Munster – he left abruptly in the middle of the 2024/2025 season – with both O’Mahony, and fellow Munster icon Conor Murray, both speaking of the […]

    1 week ago

  • Quiz: Guess which ex-Premier League player is younger

    Quiz: Guess which ex-Premier League player is younger

    Have a crack! Our latest Premier League quiz will have you scratching you heads. This time, you will have to guess which ex player is younger. Some of these are really tough, so take your time. Good luck!

    1 week ago

  • Two uncapped players as Andy Farrell names intriguing Ireland squad

    Two uncapped players as Andy Farrell names intriguing Ireland squad

    Exciting times! Head coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations Championship games next month. Ireland begin their campaign against Argentina on November 6 (kick-off: 8.10pm), before facing Fiji on November 14 (kick-off: 8.10pm), and South Africa on November 21 (kick-off: 4.40pm). Dan Sheehan captains the squad, while there are two […]

    1 week ago

  • Quiz: Head-to-head Premier League stars quiz

    Quiz: Head-to-head Premier League stars quiz

    One of our best ever! This latest quiz will test all of your Premier League player knowledge. You will be given two players and a different question each time, and you must guess the right one. There is also a mix of current and older Premier League players, so you will really be tested. Good […]

    1 week ago

  • Four key places in Ireland’s November squad that are up for grabs

    Four key places in Ireland’s November squad that are up for grabs

    Decisions, decisions! With head coach Andy Farrell due to name his Nations Championship squad tomorrow, we’ve taken a look at four key places that are up for grabs, and could spring a few surprises. Loosehead prop A mix of injuries and lack of experienced depth may force Farrell into opting for a relative newcomer, or […]

    1 week ago

  • Quiz: Guess which former Premier League player is older

    Quiz: Guess which former Premier League player is older

    A cheeky quiz! We’re going a little bit different for our latest Premier League quiz. In this new teaser, you will be given the names of two former Premier League players. You must then click the one you think is older. There are no second chances, so make sure you choose wisely. Best of luck!

    1 week ago

  • James McClean rightly slammed for comments on men’s therapy

    James McClean rightly slammed for comments on men’s therapy

    Not his finest moment. Former Ireland international James McClean has come under fire for recents comments made during an interview with journalist Paul Kimmage. Although never shy of courting controversy, McClean’s actions did little to affect his Ireland career, with the Derry man retiring after 103 caps. However, his second spell at Derry, following his […]

    1 week ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 160

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 160

    Another BELTER! A new week, a new SportsJOE Pub Quiz. Premier League and Champions League was back, while the Ireland women were in action, so there’s lots of footy questions. But don’t worry, there’s some for everyone, with rugby, GAA, golf and F1 all covered. Good luck!

    2 weeks ago

  • We picked our 34-man Ireland squad for November’s Nations Championship

    We picked our 34-man Ireland squad for November’s Nations Championship

    A serious set of players! Ahead of Ireland’s November Nations Championship games – Argentina, Fiji and South Africa – we have picked the 34-man squad we would like to see. Prop Injuries to Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle have opened up a gap in the market for either a new cap or an up-and-comer. It […]

    2 weeks ago

  • Quiz: Name these 2000s Champions League defenders

    Quiz: Name these 2000s Champions League defenders

    Another tough one! With the Champions League back after the international break, what better way to celebrate than a brend new quiz. Today we are looking at defenders from the 2000s. As always, the quiz will start off fairly easy but get harder and harder as it goes on.

    2 weeks ago

  • Quiz: Name every Irish Premier League player ever

    Quiz: Name every Irish Premier League player ever

    An absolute beast of a quiz! We are back with another mega Premier League quiz. This one is for all you Irish and Prem fans, but it is not for the faint hearted either. You are being challenged to name every Irish player to ever play in the Premier League! Anything over 100 is doing […]

    2 weeks ago

  • This Premier League winning nations quiz is very tough

    This Premier League winning nations quiz is very tough

    Another hard one! In total, there have been 53 different nationalities to have won the Premier League. They have travelled from all across the globe, from all different backgrounds, to play in England’s top tier. Not only will you have to know your footy here, you will also have to have decent geography knowledge too. […]

    3 weeks ago

  • Quiz: Name all the teams to be relegated from the Premier League

    Quiz: Name all the teams to be relegated from the Premier League

    For all you footy fans! This is one for all of you Premier League fans. With the league starting all the way back in 1992, there are plenty of teams who have graced England’s top tier. See if you can remember the ones who unfortunately got themselves relegated.

    3 weeks ago

  • Quiz: Name Leeds United’s all-time Premier League goalscorers

    Quiz: Name Leeds United’s all-time Premier League goalscorers

    For Whites fans! We have given you Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal, now it is time for Leeds United. Although their fan base may be dying out slightly in Ireland, there are still plenty of Whites fans on the Emerald Isle. See if you can remember their greatest ever goalscorers in the Premier League. Good […]

    3 weeks ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 159

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 159

    Another banger of a quiz! We are back with another bumper SportsJOE Pub Quiz. As per usual, to do well you will need to have been following a range of sports over the last week. You will be tested on Ireland vs Israel, the URC, Gaelic football and even some F1. Go well!

    3 weeks ago

  • World Rugby explain two tackle techniques now outlawed

    World Rugby explain two tackle techniques now outlawed

    A good move. World Rugby are cracking down on two dangerous tackle techniques: the “hip drop” tackle, and the “knee drop tackle”. The “hip drop” tackle is being outlawed with a change to the current laws, which will come into effect on November 1. The “knee drop” tackle is technically already banned, but a new […]

    3 weeks ago

  • Quiz: Name the players with 100 Premier League goals

    Quiz: Name the players with 100 Premier League goals

    There are quite a few of them now! The 100 club is one of the most prestigious groups in the Premier League. But it is slowly growing every few seasons, with more and more names making the grade. While it used to be an easy-ish quiz a decade ago, it is now quite tough to […]

    3 weeks ago

  • We picked our ultimate Ireland rugby U23 team

    We picked our ultimate Ireland rugby U23 team

    Some amount of talent! With the season now in its third week, we’ve put together a list of the best players in Ireland, 23 and younger, in the form of a match-day 23. Enjoy. Front row We had to get creative here by shifting Paddy McCarthy to tighthead. While the Leinster youngster has not started […]

    3 weeks ago

  • Quiz: Arsenal’s top scorers in the Premier League

    Quiz: Arsenal’s top scorers in the Premier League

    For all you Gunners! Following on from our similar quizzes for Manchester United and Liverpool, here is one for all the Arsenal supporters out there. They may not have the following in Ireland like their rivals, but they are currently the top team in England, and the one all other clubs are chasing. There are […]

    3 weeks ago

  • Quiz: Name Liverpool’s top scorers in the Premier League

    Quiz: Name Liverpool’s top scorers in the Premier League

    Calling all Reds fans! We have brought you the Man United Premier League quiz, now here is the one for Liverpool. With so many ‘Pool supporters in Ireland, this is sure to be a popular one. Any score over 25 is very, very good. Good luck!

    1 month ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 158

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 158

    An epic quiz! Another week, another SportsJOE Pub Quiz to have some fun with. There are a few questions after the Israel game controversy, along with GAA, URC, and Ireland women’s rugby. Not many will get 100% Good luck!

    1 month ago

  • Quiz: Name Manchester United’s top goal scorers in the Premier League

    Quiz: Name Manchester United’s top goal scorers in the Premier League

    Calling all Red Devils fans! We know it is yet another Manchester United quiz, but there are a lot of you out there who love the Red Devils. This tricky teaser will have you naming their 40 top scorers from the Premier League era. There are plenty of well known names, but you will have […]

    1 month ago

  • There’s no room for error in our European clubs quiz

    There’s no room for error in our European clubs quiz

    This is a tricky one! We swaying slightly from our usual type of quiz with this one. You don’t get a second chance here if you guess wrong, so choose wisely. Presented are European football clubs beginning with the letter ‘A’, and you will have to match them with the country that they are from. […]

    1 month ago

  • Quiz: Name Liverpool’s Ireland players from the Premier League era

    Quiz: Name Liverpool’s Ireland players from the Premier League era

    A testy one! With Ireland back playing in the UEFA Nations League during the international break, we are bringing you another international-themed quiz. Seeing as there are so many Liverpool fans on the Emerald Isle, it is fitting that the Reds are featured in our latest teaser. The goal is simple: name all the players […]

    1 month ago

  • Ex-England star in frame for Ireland squad after superb Munster debut

    Ex-England star in frame for Ireland squad after superb Munster debut

    A quality signing it seems! The signing of Kieran Brookes was met with scepticism by some Munster supporters, earlier this year; and, indeed, the signing of a 36-year-old, who hadn’t played international rugby since 2016 – bar an appearance for the Barbarians – didn’t seem on par with the signing of hooker, and South Africa […]

    1 month ago

  • Irish AFL star’s dad tackled by security after pitch invasion

    Irish AFL star’s dad tackled by security after pitch invasion

    Brilliant scenes! Conor McKenna won another AFL title with the Brisbane Lions yesterday, after they defeated Freemantle, 96-89. It was their third title in a row, and the Tyrone man – who also won an All-Ireland SFC title in 2021 – had a big part to play, scoring a well-taken goal when his team were […]

    1 month ago

  • Ireland players apologise to teammate Bazunu after behaviour towards him

    Ireland players apologise to teammate Bazunu after behaviour towards him

    Chaos in Ireland camp. Having been ousted as Ireland’s No 1 a few years back, the nation’s second-choice keeper, Gavin Bazunu, has been thrown back into the spotlight over the last 24 hours after making the brave decision not to participate in Ireland’s UEFA Nations League clash with Israel tonight. Follow our blog below for […]

    1 month ago

  • The five Ireland players with most to gain this season

    The five Ireland players with most to gain this season

    Huge years ahead for these men. With the World Cup just a year away, we’ve taken a look at five players who are on the fringes of international rugby, and primed for big, and potentially career defining years. James McNabney The Ulsterman was the least heralded member of one of the Ireland U20s best backrow […]

    1 month ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 157

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 157

    An epic quiz! Our latest SportsJOE Pub Quiz is another cracker! With Ireland back playing football, the URC starting again, the never ending GAA, and a few other sports thrown in, there has been a lot going on in Irish sport. Have fun and enjoy. And, as always, good luck!

    1 month ago

  • First Leinster XV of season could have big implications for Ireland’s World Cup plans

    First Leinster XV of season could have big implications for Ireland’s World Cup plans

    Very intriguing…. All four provinces have named their starting XVs for the first opening round of the 2026/2027 URC season. While most of Ireland’s summer stars are absent, it provides an opportunity for the second-choice players to stake their claim, and makes for some fascinating subplots which will evolve throughout the season. The most intriguing […]

    1 month ago

  • Name the players with the most Ireland appearances of all-time

    Name the players with the most Ireland appearances of all-time

    Some legends here! As with our goal scorers quiz, we are bringing you this in honour of the international break. There has been many a stalwart were Ireland over the years, producing year after year, with heaps of fine performances in green. See if you can remember those who gave the most. COYBIG!

    1 month ago

  • Name Ireland’s top ten highest goal scorers of all-time

    Name Ireland’s top ten highest goal scorers of all-time

    For the week that’s in it! With the new and lengthened international break kicking off this week, we bring you this special quiz. Ireland will be taking on Kosovo, Israel and Austria over the coming weeks, but we want you to cast your minds back to players of the past. Ireland have not been blessed […]

    1 month ago

  • Ireland UEFA Nations League: Live blog

    Ireland UEFA Nations League: Live blog

    All the reaction and big news! Ireland begin their first block of their UEFA Nations League Group G games, with fixtures against Kosovo, Israel x2, and Austria. Check out our live blog for all the big news and reactions. Republic of Ireland Nations League fixtures:Thursday, 24 SeptemberKosovo v Republic of Ireland 7.45pm Sunday, 27 SeptemberIsrael […]

    1 month ago

  • Nobody will get full marks in this London football clubs quiz

    Nobody will get full marks in this London football clubs quiz

    There’s a good few to name! London is a hotbed for football, with some of the biggest clubs in the world residing in England’s capital city. However, given its size, there are a lot of teams when you go down through the leagues. You should know most of the big ones, but how well do […]

    1 month ago

  • Shane Lowry seen calling out fans for ‘childish’ behaviour at BMW

    Shane Lowry seen calling out fans for ‘childish’ behaviour at BMW

    He has a point! Shane Lowry has enjoyed a successful couple of weeks on the course; winning the Irish Open by a whopping 11 shots, before backing it up with a decent showing at last weekend’s BMW PGA Championship where he finished T21. He got in a bit of hot water at Doonbeg when he […]

    1 month ago

  • Israel FA slams ‘stupidity’ of Hallgrimsson after genocide remarks

    Israel FA slams ‘stupidity’ of Hallgrimsson after genocide remarks

    They are not best pleased… Ireland’s UEFA Nations League clash with Israel this Sunday has taken an even uglier turn, after the Israeli FA slammed Heimir Hallgrimsson on X. Speaking at a recent press conference ahead of the game – which has been moved to the neutral location of Debrecen in Hungary – the Ireland […]

    1 month ago

  • Our most expensive signings by country quiz is for footy experts only

    Our most expensive signings by country quiz is for footy experts only

    This one will have you scratching your head! Spending in football has gotten crazy over the last decade or so, with a €50m price tag looking relatively cheap these days. If you are into your signings then this is the quiz for you. See if you can name the most expensive signings ever from these […]

    1 month ago

  • Certainties, maybes and bolters for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup squad

    Certainties, maybes and bolters for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup squad

    Just a year to go! We are nearly a year out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, which begins on October 1. Ahead of this year’s November Series, we have had a look at the contenders to make the plane, as well as picking our own 33-man squad. We will be updating as […]

    1 month ago

  • Galway give timeline for new manager as Jim Gavin out of running

    Galway give timeline for new manager as Jim Gavin out of running

    They will be making a decision soon! Jim Gavin appears to be out of the running for the Galway manager job, following the departure of Pádraic Joyce. A six-time All-Ireland winning boss with Dublin, Gavin was seen as a strong contender and had held talks with Galway GAA officials. But despite this, and the fact […]

    1 month ago