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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  • Jamie Carragher slams ‘ridiculous’ Ruben Amorim after Man United loss

    Jamie Carragher slams ‘ridiculous’ Ruben Amorim after Man United loss

    “Why you would make a comment like that?” On Sunday, Brighton inflicted a seventh loss in 15 games for Ruben Amorim as manager of Man United, with the Seagulls prevailing 3-1 at Old Trafford in their Premier League clash. Following the defeat, Amorim made headlines with a remarkable comment on the quality of his team. […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland striker Tom Cannon set to join Championship side in big money move

    Ireland striker Tom Cannon set to join Championship side in big money move

    It has set an Irish transfer record. Republic of Ireland forward Tom Cannon is set for a £10m (€12m) transfer to Championship promotion-chasing Sheffield United. The Ireland striker was recalled by Leicester City last week from his loan move at Stoke City. But rather than keep the 22-year-old to aid in their Premier League survival […]

    1 year ago

  • Dublin GAA legend to lend a helping hand to Damien Duff and Shelbourne

    Dublin GAA legend to lend a helping hand to Damien Duff and Shelbourne

    “He’ll be terrible at the speaking thing, you should just leave him run.” A second Dublin All-Ireland winner is due to join the ranks at Shelbourne, with striker Seán Boys revealing that Brian Fenton will be helping out the League of Ireland champions. Fenton is considered one of the greatest players of his generation, with […]

    1 year ago

  • Ex-Ireland women’s coach slams treatment from FAI

    Ex-Ireland women’s coach slams treatment from FAI

    “The news came as a shock.” Former assistant coach of the Ireland women’s football team, Colin Healy, has blasted the FAI in a statement released today, January 16. Healy – who togged out for Ireland, Celtic, and Cork City during his playing career – was let go from his position along with manager Eileen Gleeson […]

    1 year ago

  • Roy Keane adds fuel to four-year feud with English rock legend

    Roy Keane adds fuel to four-year feud with English rock legend

    “Rod Stewart slags everybody off, who does he think he is?” Never one to back down from a fight, Roy Keane had some strong words to say about English pop and rock legend Rod Stewart, on the latest episode of Stick to Football from the Overlap stable of podcasts. Stewart is well known for a […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland youngster makes big move to France’s Ligue 1

    Ireland youngster makes big move to France’s Ligue 1

    “His powerful and dynamic profile fits perfectly into our sporting project.” Since emerging on the scene as an Irish-qualified teenager, there has been constant talk around the Spanish-born John Joe Patrick Finn Benoa. It was not only his eye-catching name that made him stand out, but his skills on the football field as well, which […]

    1 year ago

  • Eddie Hearn says Jake Paul could help Katie Taylor get Croke Park fight

    Eddie Hearn says Jake Paul could help Katie Taylor get Croke Park fight

    “We’ll try to make history.” Eddie Hearn has given fresh hope to a Croke Park bout for Katie Taylor. The success of Taylor vs Serrano II proved that there is still a huge appetite for that match-up. Taylor defeated Serrano for a second time in November, at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, in front of […]

    1 year ago

  • Simon Easterby names Ireland squad for 2025 Six Nations

    Simon Easterby names Ireland squad for 2025 Six Nations

    “There is a good sense of continuity in selection.” Ireland head coach Simon Easterby has named his squad for the upcoming 2025 Six Nations Championship. The Men in Green are aiming for an unprecedented third title in a row, and begin their campaign against England on February 1 at the Aviva Stadium. Easterby, in charge […]

    1 year ago

  • Rory McIlroy reveals advice to young Irish golf star over LIV move

    Rory McIlroy reveals advice to young Irish golf star over LIV move

    “I have known Tom since he was 10 years old, 11 years old, and as soon as he got the offer, he rang me.” County Down man Tom McKibbin looks to be on his way to LIV Golf. It was revealed last week that the 22-year-old is set to join the Saudi-backed golf league, and […]

    1 year ago

  • Brian Kerr details his soured relationship with Stephen Kenny

    Brian Kerr details his soured relationship with Stephen Kenny

    “With managers of Pat’s before, I’d talk to them maybe in the early stage.” Die-hard St Patrick’s Athletic fan and club legend Brian Kerr is still a mainstay at Richmond Park in 2025. Indeed, it is a good time to be a Pat’s supporter given their form towards the end of last season, both in Europe and […]

    1 year ago

  • Four Ireland players to look out for in the U20s Six Nations

    Four Ireland players to look out for in the U20s Six Nations

    The Men in Green will be aiming for yet another title Ireland head coach Neil Doak has selected his squad for the upcoming U20s Six Nations Championship. Irish fans have become accustomed to high standards in the tournament; winning back-to-back Grand Slams in 2022 and 2023, before losing out by a point to England in […]

    1 year ago

  • SportsJOE’s Ireland squad for the 2025 Six Nations Championship

    SportsJOE’s Ireland squad for the 2025 Six Nations Championship

    Can Ireland make history? Ireland’s Six Nations squad is due to be named on Wednesday, as they aim to become the first side to win three Six Nations titles in a row, and the first to win the tournament outright three times in a row since its inception in 1910. Simon Easterby takes charge of […]

    1 year ago

  • Ronan O’Gara praises Jordie Barrett for post-match gesture to his son

    Ronan O’Gara praises Jordie Barrett for post-match gesture to his son

    “Thank you Jordie Barrett.” There has been plenty of niggle between La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara and Leinster over the past few years, with the sides meeting each other six times since 2021, including two finals won by the French side. Sunday’s 16-14 result made it three wins in a row for the Irish […]

    1 year ago

  • Ronan O’Gara questions Leinster’s quality after Champions Cup defeat

    Ronan O’Gara questions Leinster’s quality after Champions Cup defeat

    “You look at the final in Dublin and not many Test teams can do what they did in 11 minutes.” Leinster and La Rochelle dished up another Champions Cup classic yesterday at the Stade Marcel Deflandre. A all-time defensive effort in the final few minutes from the visiting side gave them a 16-14 win in […]

    1 year ago

  • Limerick hurlers appoint new captain and vice-captain

    Limerick hurlers appoint new captain and vice-captain

    “I want to also pay tribute to Declan Hannon’s term as captain.” Ahead of their 2025 National League campaign, 29-year-old Cian Lynch has been named as the new captain of the Limerick hurling team, with William O’Donoghue as vice-captain. The 2021 Hurler of the Year replaces Declan Hannon, who has captained Limerick to five All-Ireland […]

    1 year ago

  • Ex-Liverpool and Ireland legend issues warning to Trent Alexaner-Arnold

    Ex-Liverpool and Ireland legend issues warning to Trent Alexaner-Arnold

    “Maybe that is because of the contract situation.” Arne Slot and Liverpool are riding high at the moment; leading the Premier League by six points with a game in hand, 18 from 18 in the Champions League, and coming off the back of a 4-0 FA Cup win. However, it is looking increasingly likely that […]

    1 year ago

  • First Man United signing of Ruben Amorim era set for medical

    First Man United signing of Ruben Amorim era set for medical

    “I’ve already started studying English.” Man United are set to confirm their first signing under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils are under the cosh at the moment, languishing in 13th place in the Premier League. And the latest transfer news is further proof that the Portuguese manger’s project is certainly a long-term one. The club […]

    1 year ago

  • Here’s how Leinster can fit all their stars into a match-day squad

    Here’s how Leinster can fit all their stars into a match-day squad

    With Jordie Barrett in town and playing out of his skin, how can Leinster keep all their stars happy? Rival fans were rightfully pissed off when Leinster announced the signing of Jordie Barrett back in April, months after their theft of RG Snyman from Munster. Given Leinster’s inherent advantages of population and private schools, along […]

    1 year ago

  • Referee involved in Mack Hansen suspension set for shock retirement

    Referee involved in Mack Hansen suspension set for shock retirement

    “It’s really f*****g starting to get to us as a team.” A report from The 42 has stated that Irish referee Chris Busby is set to retire. Busby was the referee for Leinster vs Connacht on December 21, after which Connacht winger Mack Hansen went on extraordinary rant about decisions in the game and calls […]

    1 year ago

  • Just three Irish in Rugby World’s best Six Nations XV of all-time

    Just three Irish in Rugby World’s best Six Nations XV of all-time

    “Only played three Six Nations but left his mark.” Rugby’s top magazine, Rugby World, has named their ‘Ultimate Men’s Six Nations XV’ as part of their 25-year celebrations of the tournament (it’s actually in its 26th year). The breakdown of nationalities in the team is as follows: 5 Wales, 4 France, 3 Ireland, 2 England, […]

    1 year ago

  • Mack Hansen finds out length of suspension after sensational referee rant

    Mack Hansen finds out length of suspension after sensational referee rant

    “We never get any calls, ever. I’ve been feeling this for years now.” Connacht and Ireland winger Mack Hansen has been suspended for three games after comments made following his side’s URC loss to Leinster last month. Hansen went on a sensational tirade, blasting refereeing decisions against his side both in the Leinster game and […]

    1 year ago

  • Forward finally completes Republic of Ireland-Northern Ireland switch

    Forward finally completes Republic of Ireland-Northern Ireland switch

    “International football helps any player so if you get the opportunity to play it, you should take it.” Ross County and Republic of Ireland man Ronan Hale will be switching to Northern Ireland in the coming weeks. The Belfast Telegraph reported FIFA will ratify the 26-year-old’s switch in the coming weeks, following a lengthy process, […]

    1 year ago

  • Sharlene Mawdsley reveals exactly when she plans on retiring

    Sharlene Mawdsley reveals exactly when she plans on retiring

    “I definitely want to do something other than athletics” Over the past year, Sharlene Mawdsley has made a name for herself as one of the finest anchor leg runners in the world, as Ireland enjoyed unprecedented relay success in 2024. Alongside Chris O’Donnell, Thomas Barr, and Rhasidat Adeleke, Mawdsley and Ireland brought home mixed 4×400 […]

    1 year ago

  • Charlie Smyth believes GAA can learn a lot from NFL on treatment of players

    Charlie Smyth believes GAA can learn a lot from NFL on treatment of players

    “I just feel like sometimes in the GAA, we’re very uptight at times.” It’s been a big week for former Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth. The 23-year-old has signed a new two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, which will keep him with the team if he makes their 53-man roster next August. Despite missing out […]

    1 year ago

  • One of Ireland’s best golfers is set for a shock move to LIV Golf

    One of Ireland’s best golfers is set for a shock move to LIV Golf

    Young star set for move to controversial tour. Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin looks set to forgo his PGA Tour card and join LIV Golf instead. Reports from Spanish website Ten Golf state that the 22-year-old is in ‘pole position’ to join Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team on the Saudi-backed breakaway tour, as a replacement for […]

    1 year ago

  • Former Spurs and Ireland U19s star forced into early retirement

    Former Spurs and Ireland U19s star forced into early retirement

    Sadly, my football playing career has come to an end. Former Tottenham Hotspur and Ireland U19s player Jamie Bowden has been forced to retire at the age of 23, following a serious ankle injury suffered in 2022. Bowden spent 15 years at Spurs after arriving as a six-year-old, and was released in 2023. He had […]

    1 year ago

  • GAA president Jarlath Burns had a hand in Rory Gallagher U-turn with Naas

    GAA president Jarlath Burns had a hand in Rory Gallagher U-turn with Naas

    The top man in the GAA intervened, according to reports. Former Derry boss Rory Gallagher will not be linking up with the Naas footballers as part of Joe Murphy’s backroom team. It has now been reported that the President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, intervened with the proposed appointment. The Leinster Leader said that an […]

    1 year ago

  • Naas perform U-turn on Rory Gallagher appointment

    Naas perform U-turn on Rory Gallagher appointment

    Rory Gallagher’s move looks like it is off the cards. Naas GAA are doing a U-turn on their decision to appoint former Derry boss Rory Gallagher into a coaching role. The Leinster Leader have reported that Kildare’s four-in-a-row senior football champions will not be hiring Gallagher as part of Joe Murphy’s management team. According to […]

    1 year ago

  • Robbie Keane returns to management with Hungarian giants

    Robbie Keane returns to management with Hungarian giants

    “We announce the successor to Dutchman Pascal Jansen to lead our 35-time champion and 24-time cup winner team” Hungarian champions Ferencvaros have announced that Robbie Keane has taken over as head coach of the Budapest club, who are the biggest and most successful team in the country with 35 top-flight titles. Ireland’s top goalscorer replaces […]

    1 year ago

  • Irish fans slam suspension for prop set to miss Six Nations games

    Irish fans slam suspension for prop set to miss Six Nations games

    “It is not an illegal act at the start, where he starts.” It has been confirmed that Ulster and Ireland prop Tom O’Toole will receive a six-week ban for a red card offence during Ulster’s loss to Munster last month. He will miss two of Ireland’s upcoming Six Nations games. The tight head tackled the […]

    1 year ago

  • New front-runner emerges in race to sign Evan Ferguson

    New front-runner emerges in race to sign Evan Ferguson

    “I don’t want to make or say any clear predictions because I don’t know.” Another day, another report on the future of Evan Ferguson. The latest news is that a struggling West Ham United are keen on the 20-year-old Meath man, with Julen Lopetegui’s side languishing in 14th spot in the Premier League. While the […]

    1 year ago

  • Roy Keane’s withering take on Alexander-Arnold performance amid Madrid speculation

    Roy Keane’s withering take on Alexander-Arnold performance amid Madrid speculation

    “Trent to Tranmere Roy? Nah, we’re alright thanks.” Roy Keane issued a withering takedown of Trent Alexander-Arnold after his poor performance against Manchester United. One of the subplots heading into Sunday’s thrilling 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Man United was the situation regarding Alexander-Arnold. The England defender has recently been heavily linked with a move […]

    1 year ago

  • Mikel Arteta comments don’t bode well for Evan Ferguson to Arsenal move

    Mikel Arteta comments don’t bode well for Evan Ferguson to Arsenal move

    “Signing somebody is not enough, that is for sure.” It seems at this stage of the season that Evan Ferguson has been linked to half the clubs in the Premier League. Reports over the last few months have detailed interest from the likes of Fulham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, and even Juventus. The […]

    1 year ago

  • British paper picks eight Irish in their Lions XV

    British paper picks eight Irish in their Lions XV

    The competition for places is heating up. With under seven months to go until the 2025 Lions Tour commences, the team predictions are coming in hot and fast from all corners of the media. Here at SportsJOE, we had a go at picking our own after the Autumn Nations Series finished in November. Opta Sports […]

    1 year ago

  • O’Callaghan offers intriguing ‘soccer’ solution to squad issues in Irish rugby

    O’Callaghan offers intriguing ‘soccer’ solution to squad issues in Irish rugby

    “I know we’re just kind of copying soccer with this, but I like the idea of that.” Earlier in the week, Leinster announced that out-half Harry Byrne will be joining the Premiership’s Bristol Bears on a three-month loan deal. The 25-year-old has struggled for game time at his province this season, and finds himself fourth […]

    1 year ago

  • Carragher and Prem fans in disbelief over Gary Neville pick in Team of the Season

    Carragher and Prem fans in disbelief over Gary Neville pick in Team of the Season

    “What games have you watched? Are you serious? Are you serious?!” Sky Sports duo Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville gave their Premier League Teams of the Season (so far) with a particular selection from the latter stunning Carragher and fans on social media. Given the awful form of Man City this season, it comes as […]

    1 year ago

  • Watford player chased by opposition after full-time dance

    Watford player chased by opposition after full-time dance

    “We have to admit, he deserves that one. We want to win with humility and dignity.” Ireland’s Rocco Vata gave Tom Cleverley’s Watford a huge 2-1 Championship win over Portsmouth, with a 95th minute winner. Not to be undone, however, his teammate Kwadwo Baah was sent off after the full-time whistle for goading the away […]

    1 year ago

  • Quiz: Name every country Brian O’Driscoll scored against

    Quiz: Name every country Brian O’Driscoll scored against

    Ireland’s greatest ever player had some eye for the try line Brian O’Driscoll racked up and impressive 47 tries for Ireland and the Lions in 141 appearances, with a few drop goals to boot. He remains in the top ten for most international tries of all time, and is comfortably ahead of the next best […]

    1 year ago

  • Five iconic moments from Irish rugby’s fiercest rivalry

    Five iconic moments from Irish rugby’s fiercest rivalry

    We gear up again for what will hopefully be another special game between Leinster and Munster Leinster travel to Thomond Park tomorrow, December 27, for another Christmas-time hullabaloo with their Irish rivals. The southern province are in the midst of another mid-season crisis, while the Blues are still stuck in their regular, pre-knockout third gear, […]

    1 year ago

  • Pat Spillane blasts GAA over League ticket prices for U16s

    Pat Spillane blasts GAA over League ticket prices for U16s

    “Coming just before Christmas, this was the GAA acting the Grinch.” The GAA have come in for some stinging criticism, following the release of ticket prices for the upcoming Allianz Leagues, with Pat Spillane the latest to put the organisation on blast. Adults will be charged €20 for the top-two divisions in both codes, with […]

    1 year ago

  • Fans and pundits divided over Mack Hansen’s sensational ref criticism

    Fans and pundits divided over Mack Hansen’s sensational ref criticism

    “Fair play to Mack Hansen for putting his hand up to make this point! Have a listen. He’s right too.” He is known for speaking his mind more so than most of the robot-like, media-trained professional rugby players we are used to. Still, however, most were quite shocked at Mack Hansen’s outburst following Connacht’s loss […]

    1 year ago

  • Connacht confirm Munster clash at Mayo’s iconic MacHale Park

    Connacht confirm Munster clash at Mayo’s iconic MacHale Park

    “We are proud to represent the whole province of Connacht” Connacht Rugby have released a statement confirming that their March clash with Munster will take place at Mayo GAA’s MacHale Park. The two provinces will meet on Saturday the 29th of March, with crowd of up to 15,000 expected, providing significant funds for Mayo GAA, […]

    1 year ago

  • Behind the scenes shows incredible innovation of new McIlroy/Woods league

    Behind the scenes shows incredible innovation of new McIlroy/Woods league

    “We’re hitting off real grass, we’re hitting real golf shots.” We are nearing the beginning of the new TGL golf league, headed by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. The venture takes place indoors, and will feature six teams made up of four PGA Tour players. McIlroy is with Boston Common Golf, alongside Keegan Bradley, Hideki […]

    1 year ago

  • Premier League rivals ramp up interest in Evan Ferguson loan deal

    Premier League rivals ramp up interest in Evan Ferguson loan deal

    “That’s the same thing I demand from the other players, so accept your role, don’t complain.” More Evan Ferguson transfer news has dropped. The Independent’s Miguel Delaney has reported that Fulham view the 20-year-old Brighton striker as a serious option to bolster their squad in January. After a breakout season in 2022/23, the Meath man […]

    1 year ago

  • SportsJOE’s 2024 underrated Ireland rugby XV

    SportsJOE’s 2024 underrated Ireland rugby XV

    Some players just don’t get the recognition they deserve. The Caelan Doris’, Tadhg Beirnes, and Josh van der Fliers of this world consistently grab the headlines – and rightly so. But there is a plethora of quality operators playing serious minutes in the URC, Premiership, and Champions Cup, who need to be heralded. And that […]

    1 year ago

  • Rio Ferdinand offers theory on Rashford and Garnacho demotion

    Rio Ferdinand offers theory on Rashford and Garnacho demotion

    “He wants a harmonious environment. A proper culture of respect.” Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were controversially left out of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United squad for last Sunday’s 2-1 over Man City. Rumours have flown around as to why these two key attackers were made absent, with some speculating that they had been out at […]

    1 year ago

  • Irish Grand National winner suffers serious injuries after Storm Darragh accident

    Irish Grand National winner suffers serious injuries after Storm Darragh accident

    “Thankfully, he is back home now and doing fine.” Two-time Grand National winner Leighton Aspell suffered serious injuries after an accident during Storm Darragh. Last Saturday, a falling tree smashed into his car, leaving the Irishman with a broken arm and internal bleeding. While there were other nasty injuries, it was a lucky escape, and […]

    1 year ago