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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  • One of Italy’s top teams in hot pursuit of Mason Melia

    One of Italy’s top teams in hot pursuit of Mason Melia

    “I’ve never had it before – someone so young doing so well in such a pivotal position.” Mason Melia is reportedly being chased by one of Italy’s top teams. Football Insider have said that Bologna have submitted a €2m bid for the 17-year-old Wicklow native, off the back of his exploits for St Patrick’s Athletic […]

    1 year ago

  • FAI announce creation of new National League with promotion to League of Ireland

    FAI announce creation of new National League with promotion to League of Ireland

    “This is the first stage of the creation of a new FAI National League and is an exciting moment for Irish football.” The FAI have announced the creation of a new National League, with the aim of a greater connection between grassroots and professional football in Ireland. They are set to launch the league – […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland’s first-ever NFL game set to be confirmed for next year

    Ireland’s first-ever NFL game set to be confirmed for next year

    “We are also looking at the potential of a game in the UK area, in Ireland, possibly.” Ireland’s first-ever regular season NFL game is close to being confirmed. The Examiner have reported that the match-up will take place at Croke Park next September, with the Pittsburgh Steelers set to be one of the teams involved. […]

    1 year ago

  • Roy Keane gives his side of the story after pitch-side argument with Ipswich fan

    Roy Keane gives his side of the story after pitch-side argument with Ipswich fan

    “No, I’m not offering someone out, I’m 53 years of age with five kids and two grandkids.” Roy Keane has given his side of the story, following his pitch-side argument with an Ipswich Town fan after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Portman Road last month. The former Ipswich boss told the supporter to “meet me […]

    1 year ago

  • Man arrested and questioned over incident on Armagh GAA Miami trip

    Man arrested and questioned over incident on Armagh GAA Miami trip

    “He is innocent of all charges and vows to do everything in his power to clear his name.” A man has been questioned by the police over an alleged incident which took place on the Armagh football team’s holiday to Miami last month. The Armagh man voluntarily presented himself to the police and was quizzed […]

    1 year ago

  • Latest Premier League club linked with Evan Ferguson makes a lot of sense

    Latest Premier League club linked with Evan Ferguson makes a lot of sense

    There has been a lot of transfer speculation around the big Irishman in recent weeks Evan Ferguson has been linked to yet another Premier League club, ahead of a potential move away in January. The 20-year-old Meath man has struggled for starts this season with Brighton, as his career continues to stall after his breakthrough […]

    1 year ago

  • Limerick star Kyle Hayes will find out next year if he has to go to jail

    Limerick star Kyle Hayes will find out next year if he has to go to jail

    The five-time All-Ireland winner has had numerous convictions Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes will have to wait until next February to find out if he will have to go to jail for his violent disorder conviction. The 26-year-old was given a two-year suspended sentence last December, after being convicted of two counts of violent disorder at […]

    1 year ago

  • Five Irish golfers will compete to earn a spot on the breakaway LIV Golf Tour

    Five Irish golfers will compete to earn a spot on the breakaway LIV Golf Tour

    A potentially life-changing week. Five Irishmen will be competing this week to earn a place on the LIV Golf Tour for next season. The Saudi-backed tour controversially took many top figures in golf from the PGA Tour when it broke away in 2022, with its ludicrous prize money and signing bonuses. However, in recent months […]

    1 year ago

  • Ronan O’Gara reveals the three international jobs that he is after

    Ronan O’Gara reveals the three international jobs that he is after

    “You have got to have those ambitions, I think, because you want to be the best you can be.” La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara has always been open about his ambitions to coach at the highest level in rugby, and following his side’s European win over Bath on Friday, he gave further insight into […]

    1 year ago

  • Séamus Coleman makes wonderful gesture to unlucky Aussie fan

    Séamus Coleman makes wonderful gesture to unlucky Aussie fan

    “I’m sure you’ll be very disappointed today – we all are, all us Evertonians are. We were all looking forward to the game.” Ireland and Everton captain Séamus Coleman made a wonderful gesture to a desperately unlucky young fan, who travelled all the way from Australia to watch the Toffees host Liverpool last Saturday. However, […]

    1 year ago

  • Ulster rugby flyer confirms decision to go down NFL route

    Ulster rugby flyer confirms decision to go down NFL route

    “I’m just champing at the bit right now. I’m running in a park on my own, doing my drills, doing my homework.” Ulster winger Aaron Sexton has confirmed that he will quit rugby for the time being, as he focuses on making it in the NFL via their 2025 International Player Pathway Program. Sexton began […]

    1 year ago

  • Monaghan’s McGuirk takes down 70-year-old legend to win World Darts Championship

    Monaghan’s McGuirk takes down 70-year-old legend to win World Darts Championship

    “I was down, but I never gave up. It’s the same in life – never give up. I’ll be back next year.” Monaghan’s Shane McGuirk landed the WDF World Darts Championship title on Sunday, defeating 70-year-old Paul Lim at Lakeside. McGuirk won 6-3 against the Singaporean, in the competition’s third year after taking over from […]

    1 year ago

  • Police investigate alleged incident from Armagh GAA trip to the US

    Police investigate alleged incident from Armagh GAA trip to the US

    “Enquiries are currently being carried out” The PSNI have confirmed that they are investigating an incident that allegedly took place during the Armagh senior football team’s recent trip to the USA. Following their All-Ireland final win over Galway in July, the team, along with family members, coaching staff, and senior figures from the Armagh County […]

    1 year ago

  • Aussie teen sensation looks set to challenge Usain Bolt records

    Aussie teen sensation looks set to challenge Usain Bolt records

    “These are adult times and me, just a kid – I’m running them.” 16-year-old Australian Gout Gout is the hottest property in world sport right now, after setting breathtaking times in both the 100m and 200m at the All-Schools Championships in Brisbane. On Friday, he ran a wind-assisted 10.04s in his 100m heat – the […]

    1 year ago

  • O’Callaghan compares Leinster failures to National Children’s Hospital

    O’Callaghan compares Leinster failures to National Children’s Hospital

    “No, no. I feel sorry for them because they have to win. You know what I mean?” Leinster are looking to make it a fourth-time lucky in this year’s Champions Cup, having lost the last three finals in the competition. Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle got the better of them in 2022 and 2023 – by […]

    1 year ago

  • Aiden McGeady slams Stephen Kenny for ‘disrespectful’ treatment

    Aiden McGeady slams Stephen Kenny for ‘disrespectful’ treatment

    “If you want to call me in for qualifiers, fine, but I wasn’t born yesterday.” Former Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has put both Stephen Kenny and Mick McCarthy on blast in a column for the Irish Independent. McGeady played for Ireland 93 times and also togged out for the likes of Celtic, Spartak Moscow, Everton, […]

    1 year ago

  • Irish Open could return to Dublin for first time in over two decades

    Irish Open could return to Dublin for first time in over two decades

    Is the European Tour returning to the capital? Promising news for the people of Dublin as it has been announced that The Island Golf Club in Donabate is in the running to host The Irish Open in 2026. The Irish Independent have reported that the North Dublin course is a ‘front runner’ and on a […]

    1 year ago

  • Jack Crowley lauds ‘character’ of rivals Prendergast and Frawley

    Jack Crowley lauds ‘character’ of rivals Prendergast and Frawley

    “And really just enjoy each other’s company because it’s special.” Jack Crowley finished off Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series the happiest of the team’s three out-halves, after a game-winning performance off the bench against Australia. 21-year-old Sam Prendergast was effective and relatively error-free in his 65 minutes on the pitch, but the addition of Munster man […]

    1 year ago

  • Stephen Ferris calls out Sam Prendergast critics

    Stephen Ferris calls out Sam Prendergast critics

    “That is nonsense, that is horse shit, that does not sit well with me.” Most of the discourse during Ireland’s recent Autumn Nations Series surrounded the battle for the No 10 jersey between newbie Sam Prendergast and the more experienced Jack Crowley. After eight starts with Leinster – 20 games in total – time in […]

    1 year ago

  • Longford teenager becomes youngest Irishman on World Snooker Tour

    Longford teenager becomes youngest Irishman on World Snooker Tour

    “I’m buzzing to get over and get playing with the professional players.” Longford teenager Joe Shannon is set to become the youngest Irish player to compete on the World Snooker Tour on Wednesday. The 14-year-old is due to face world number 23 Robert Milkins at 1.40 pm at the Snooker Shoot Out in Leicester. The […]

    1 year ago

  • Arne Slot reveals when Caoimhin Kelleher’s run in the Liverpool team will end

    Arne Slot reveals when Caoimhin Kelleher’s run in the Liverpool team will end

    “But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are now.” Liverpool manager Arne Slot has given an update on the fitness of Alisson Becker and the standing of Caoimhin Kelleher in the club’s pecking order. Given the Cork keeper’s run of form for Ireland and Liverpool – […]

    1 year ago

  • Arne Slot comes out with mic-drop Man City joke when asked about Mo Salah

    Arne Slot comes out with mic-drop Man City joke when asked about Mo Salah

    “It was a joke. I repeat, it was a joke.” Liverpool manager Arne Slot threw a little bit of shade at rivals Manchester City, as he took advantage of a cryptic comment from Mo Salah. The Egyptian winger continued his sensational form during the Reds’ 2-0 win over their title rivals City at the weekend, […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland vs Wales: All you need to know for the crunch Euro 2025 play-off

    Ireland vs Wales: All you need to know for the crunch Euro 2025 play-off

    “It’s an absolute privilege to be coming out at home with, as it stands, 25,000 tickets sold and people attending the game.” After their 1-1 in Cardiff last Friday in the first leg of their Euro 2025 play-off, the Republic of Ireland will be the happier of the two sides after going a goal down. […]

    1 year ago

  • Historic Mayo GAA ground set to host Irish rugby derby

    Historic Mayo GAA ground set to host Irish rugby derby

    “To go to a historic venue of that size, taking the game to another part of the province is a really good opportunity.” Rugby will continue its venture into the GAA domain, with Mayo’s MacHale Park set to host the Connacht vs Munster derby in March. Croke Park has hosted Leinster games versus Northampton and […]

    1 year ago

  • Carragher and Richards make fun of Roy Keane’s ‘car park’ threat

    Carragher and Richards make fun of Roy Keane’s ‘car park’ threat

    “We just want to go home, Roy.” Unsurprisingly, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards have poked fun at their Sky Sports colleague Roy Keane, following his spat with an Ipswich fan two Sundays ago After Man United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich, Keane got into a heated exchange pitch side, which ended up with the pundit saying […]

    1 year ago

  • Caoimhin Kelleher praised by Van Dijk and Neville after Liverpool beat Man City

    Caoimhin Kelleher praised by Van Dijk and Neville after Liverpool beat Man City

    “Fantastic goalkeeper, fantastic human being.” Caoimhin Kelleher produced another assured performance for his on-fire Liverpool side as they comfortably took down Man City at Anfield Since standing in for the Reds’ No. 1 Alisson, the Cork man has gone from strength to strength. Kelleher kept another clean sheet on Sunday as the Anfield outfit went […]

    1 year ago

  • SportsJOE’s post-Autumn Nations Series Lions XV

    SportsJOE’s post-Autumn Nations Series Lions XV

    There are 12 Ireland players in the selection. Ireland and the Wallabies brought the curtain down on this year’s Autumn Nations Series, as fans now look towards February’s Six Nations, with one eye on next summer’s Lions tour to Australia Scotland had the strongest November, but question marks over their consistency remain. A resurgent England […]

    1 year ago

  • Player ratings as Ireland sloppy Ireland scrape past Australia

    Player ratings as Ireland sloppy Ireland scrape past Australia

    A host of handling errors and a poor line out meant Ireland made hard work of the Aussies in their Autumn Nations Series game. Ireland’s handling made it tough for them, particularly in the first half, as they failed to turn territory into points. All eyes were on Sam Prendergast who had a strong showing […]

    1 year ago

  • Jack Crowley “unsure” of how to nail starter role after being dropped

    Jack Crowley “unsure” of how to nail starter role after being dropped

    Leinster’s Sam Prendergast starts for Ireland ahead of the Munster No 10 against Australia today Andy Farrell has been criticised for putting Jack Crowley up for media duty last Tuesday, due to the fact that he has been benched for today’s clash with the Wallabies, and the general media furore around Ireland’s No 10 jersey. […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland to wear special jersey against Australia to celebrate 150 years

    Ireland to wear special jersey against Australia to celebrate 150 years

    Ireland will wear the special jersey on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium. Ireland will wear a special, commemorative jersey against Australia on Saturday to celebrate the IRFU’s 150th anniversary The IRFU was initially formed in 1874 and the organisation have been driving the celebrations throughout the year. Their most notable push will come against Australia […]

    1 year ago

  • Sam Prendergast starts for Ireland as team named for Australia clash

    Sam Prendergast starts for Ireland as team named for Australia clash

    Ireland have named their team for the match against Australia. Andy Farrell has given Sam Prendergast the nod at out-half ahead of Jack Crowley for Ireland’s clash with Australia on Saturday. Ireland take on the Wallabies at the Aviva Stadium this weekend (kick-off: 3.10 pm), as they finish off their Autumn Nations Series. A grim […]

    1 year ago

  • Galway gym paint over mural of Conor McGregor

    Galway gym paint over mural of Conor McGregor

    Scully fitness in Galway have taken down their mural of Conor McGregor Once the figurehead of Irish fighting, Conor McGregor’s brand and image is being eroded at an alarming rate – following Nikita Hand’s victory in her civil case over sexual assault charges against the MMA fighter. Tesco, SuperValu, Centa, Spar, Mace and Londis have […]

    1 year ago

  • ‘I was confident’ – Caoimhin Kelleher on how he saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty

    ‘I was confident’ – Caoimhin Kelleher on how he saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty

    “I was confident.” Caoimhin Kelleher made his biggest statement yet in a Liverpool jersey last night. The Cork native helped Liverpool to a 2-0 win against Real Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield, denying Kylian Mbappé from the penalty spot with the score at 1-0 after Alexis Mac Allister’s opener. Kelleher has mostly been […]

    1 year ago

  • Former Ireland head coach criticises Joe Schmidt’s ‘outdated’ systems

    Former Ireland head coach criticises Joe Schmidt’s ‘outdated’ systems

    Eddie O’Sullivan is clearly not a fan of the defensive tactics of Australia’s head coach Joe Schmidt O’Sullivan was in charge of Ireland from 2001-2008, before he was replaced by Declan Kidney. And while O’Sullivan’s Ireland never landed a Six Nations title, the Triple Crowns won during his reign were a far cry from the […]

    1 year ago

  • Brian Cody steps down at James Stephens after shock relegation

    Brian Cody steps down at James Stephens after shock relegation

    Former Kilkenny manager Brian Cody will be replaced in the James Stephens hot seat by Eoin Larkin Cody had 24 seasons in charge of the Cats and guided them to 11 All-Irelands and 18 Leinster titles, before stepping down in July 2022. The 70-year-old went straight to his club James Stephens as a selector that […]

    1 year ago

  • Over €300,000 raised for Clare minor hurler after life-changing injury

    Over €300,000 raised for Clare minor hurler after life-changing injury

    “Joe’s injuries will necessitate lifelong care.” A fundraiser set up for young Clare hurler Joe Slattery has raised over €300,000. The Corofin club man suffered a life-changing injury at training last Thursday. Joe has been a minor dual-player for his county and received surgery last Friday after being rushed to hospital the previous day with […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland will play at Euro 2028 whether they qualify or not

    Ireland will play at Euro 2028 whether they qualify or not

    A positive Irish football story. It looks likely that the Republic of Ireland will play at Euro 2028 regardless of whether they qualify automatically or not. FAI chief executive David Courell has said that because of ongoing conversations with UEFA, his organisation are ‘working on the assumption’ that if the team fail to qualify automatically, […]

    1 year ago

  • The Ireland XV we want to see take down Australia this Saturday

    The Ireland XV we want to see take down Australia this Saturday

    Ireland face Australia this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off: 3.10 pm) With two wins on the bounce for Andy Farrell’s Ireland side, a convincing win this weekend over a resurgent Aussie team would go a long way to retrieving some goodwill after the dour loss to New Zealand and a scoreless second-half against Argentina. […]

    1 year ago

  • Two Premier League clubs want to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton

    Two Premier League clubs want to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton

    Ferguson has struggled for playing time with the Seagulls. Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson is wanted by two Premier League clubs, according to reports. Fulham and Leicester City are both said to be keen on signing the striker from Brighton and Hove Albion in the January transfer window. On Friday, Football Insider reported that […]

    1 year ago

  • Dublin club pay tribute to coach and ‘true gentleman’ who passed away

    Dublin club pay tribute to coach and ‘true gentleman’ who passed away

    “Conor was a true gentleman both on and off the field and an excellent individual who embodied the best that football can be.” Dublin club Cabinteely have led tributes for their former player Conor Geoghegan, who has sadly passed away aged just 34. The Blackrock man passed away last Thursday and had most recently been […]

    1 year ago

  • Conor McGregor releases statement after losing civil sexual assault case

    Conor McGregor releases statement after losing civil sexual assault case

    McGregor has also been dropped by a video game brand. Conor McGregor has released a statement after a jury ruled against him in a civil sexual assault case. Last Friday, a jury at the High Court ruled in favour of Nikita Hand and her sexual assault claim against the MMA fighter, with McGregor ordered to […]

    1 year ago

  • Ex-England star backs his side to beat weakened Ireland in Six Nations

    Ex-England star backs his side to beat weakened Ireland in Six Nations

    “I don’t think Ireland are quite the same team they were 18 months ago.” Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson believes his fellow countrymen have what it takes to beat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in February. Ireland may still have one more game in their Autumn Nations Series for 2024, but England wrapped up their […]

    1 year ago

  • Ex-Ireland rugby international Brendan Mullin sentenced to three years in jail

    Ex-Ireland rugby international Brendan Mullin sentenced to three years in jail

    Mullin won 55 caps for Ireland. Former Irish rugby international Brendan Mullin has been sentenced to three years in jail after being found guilty of stealing over €500,000 from Bank of Ireland. The Dublin man was one of Ireland’s best players from the mid-80s to the mid-90s, winning 55 caps for the national side. He […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland striker Aaron Connolly scores first goal in almost a year

    Ireland striker Aaron Connolly scores first goal in almost a year

    “There was a lot of relief when the ball hit the net.” Aaron Connolly scored his first goal for Sunderland with a neat volley in their 1-1 draw against Millwall in the Championship on Saturday. The striker recently opened up about his alcohol addiction, and, after being released by Hull City last summer, was picked […]

    1 year ago

  • Huge blow as Mayo record breaker Cillian O’Connor opts out for 2025

    Huge blow as Mayo record breaker Cillian O’Connor opts out for 2025

    O’Connor has walked away from the panel. The Mayo footballers have already taken a massive hit ahead of the 2025 inter-county season, with the news Cillian O’Connor will be not returning. The 32-year-old attacker’s decision – which was reported in the Irish Examiner – comes amid rumours that other players will also be opting out […]

    1 year ago

  • Player ratings as Ireland blow past sorry Fiji

    Player ratings as Ireland blow past sorry Fiji

    Ireland made light work of Fiji in their Autumn Nations Series clash at the Aviva Stadium, with a 52-17 victory. All eyes were on Sam Prendergast and the young ten could have, and probably should have, seen red for a shoulder to head hit. Thankfully for him it was just a sin binning, but his […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland v Fiji: Follow the Autumn Nations Series game live

    Ireland v Fiji: Follow the Autumn Nations Series game live

    All live updates are below Ireland take on Fiji at the Aviva Stadium Ireland face Fiji on Saturday, November 23 at the Aviva Stadium. Here is everything you need to know about the match, which you can follow above in our live blog. Just click on the ‘key point’ you want to read about or […]

    1 year ago