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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  • Joe Brolly knocks ‘unserious’ Mayo’s All-Ireland title credentials

    Joe Brolly knocks ‘unserious’ Mayo’s All-Ireland title credentials

    “They remain the country’s most entertaining team.” Mayo will take on Kerry today in the National Football League Division 1 final at Croke Park, after topping the regular season table. They will no doubt have one eye on next week’s Connacht opener against Sligo at MacHale Park, but a victory today would make them real […]

    1 year ago

  • A number of Ireland hopefuls put their hand up in the URC last weekend

    A number of Ireland hopefuls put their hand up in the URC last weekend

    The future is bright! With Ireland’s summer fixtures against Georgia and Portugal confirmed, every week we’ll take a look at the players who stood out in the URC and Champions Cup, with a focus on the uncapped and what they can add to an aging international squad. Scotty 2 Hotty Ulster saved Ireland’s blushes at […]

    1 year ago

  • Jack Crowley now expected to snub monster Leicester Tigers offer

    Jack Crowley now expected to snub monster Leicester Tigers offer

    “We’re just worrying about Jack Crowley the rugby player as opposed to what happens off the pitch.” Munster and Ireland out-half Jack Crowley looks set to be staying put after much speculation over his future following a €700,000 per year, three-year offer from Leicester Tigers. As reported by Rúaidhrí O’Connor of the Irish Independent, it […]

    1 year ago

  • Simon Easterby Lions role criticised by Ireland fans

    Simon Easterby Lions role criticised by Ireland fans

    Some are not happy with the appointment After achieving four wins from five in the Six Nations under the guidance of Simon Easterby, there will be further shake-up in the Ireland coaching setup for their summer Tests against Georgia and Portugal. Not only will Easterby be heading off with Andy Farrell and the Lions, so […]

    1 year ago

  • Top inter-county boss likes new changes except for one ‘unrealistic’ rule

    Top inter-county boss likes new changes except for one ‘unrealistic’ rule

    “Look, I’m happy enough.” It has been a seminal year for Gaelic football following the introduction of the new changes, with laws such as the 3v3 and two-point rule having a drastic but mostly positive impact on the sport. However, some have been critical of the changes, notably Meath boss Robbie Brennan, who said: “My […]

    1 year ago

  • Clare talisman hopeful of being back after being ruled out for season

    Clare talisman hopeful of being back after being ruled out for season

    This would be huge for the Banner! Clare have received a massive boost as reigning Hurler of the Year Shane O’Donnell is hopeful of playing later this season. As we reported previously, O’Donnell had been ruled out for the season due to shoulder surgery after picking up an injury in last year’s All-Ireland final win […]

    1 year ago

  • Andy Farrell has surprise inclusion as Ireland-heavy Lions coaching staff confirmed

    Andy Farrell has surprise inclusion as Ireland-heavy Lions coaching staff confirmed

    Lots of Ireland involvement Andy Farrell has finalised his coaching ticket for the Lions Tour to Australia this summer. Ireland’s head coach had already announced three appointments back in January, with David Nucifora, Aled Walters, and Vinnie Hammond all coming on board. Nucifora, the former High Performance director with the IRFU, and now in a […]

    1 year ago

  • Garmin smartwatch for sports fanatics gets huge discount in limited-time deal

    Garmin smartwatch for sports fanatics gets huge discount in limited-time deal

    Don’t miss out on this amazing offer! This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. Forget about your Apple Watch and Fitbit, Garmin is the brand to go for with this insane discount from Amazon. The Garmin Venu 2S is perfect for all you sports and exercise […]

    1 year ago

  • How to get tickets as Dublin hosts one of college football’s biggest games

    How to get tickets as Dublin hosts one of college football’s biggest games

    The Aviva Stadium is the place to be this August! This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. American football is coming back to Ireland’s capital later this year. And while the big, big one will see the Pittsburgh Steelers come to Croke Park for the first-ever […]

    1 year ago

  • How Mayo boss helped Connacht prep for Munster showdown in Castlebar

    How Mayo boss helped Connacht prep for Munster showdown in Castlebar

    “You know, it’s an inter-pro as well, which obviously adds another layer.”  Connacht face Munster this Saturday at MacHale Park in Castlebar (kick-off, 2.30pm). The Westerners are expecting a sold-out crowd of 26,000 at the home of Mayo GAA, as they venture away from the Sportsground in Galway. The history, and the fact that it […]

    1 year ago

  • Eamon Dunphy highly critical of gaffer and Ireland’s stand-out player

    Eamon Dunphy highly critical of gaffer and Ireland’s stand-out player

    “All of them owe Stephen Kenny a debt as does Heimir Hallgrimsson.” For the first time since beating Scotland 3-0 at the Aviva Stadium in June 2022, there is a definite air of optimism around the Ireland men’s football team. Four win in their last six games – Finland x2 and Bulgaria x2 – have fans warming to […]

    1 year ago

  • Stephen Jones backs Ireland star for Lions start despite subpar Six Nations

    Stephen Jones backs Ireland star for Lions start despite subpar Six Nations

    “He is a Test centre to his bootlaces when running free.” Given his form for Leinster heading into the Six Nations, fans would have expected more from Ireland’s Garry Ringrose during the tournament. However, the outside centre will have been disappointed with his performances. After a first-half red card against Wales cost his side dearly […]

    1 year ago

  • Dubs boss Dessie Farrell issues worrying assessment after Tyrone loss

    Dubs boss Dessie Farrell issues worrying assessment after Tyrone loss

    “We knew what was at stake coming into this game.” Dublin were soundly beaten by Tyrone, 2-20 to 1-16, in their final National Football League Division 1 game on Sunday. The Sky Blues were aiming to make the league final, which will now be contested by Mayo and Kerry, but instead finished fifth after their […]

    1 year ago

  • Tipperary GAA issue online plea to fans after player’s hurl goes missing

    Tipperary GAA issue online plea to fans after player’s hurl goes missing

    “Bryan O’Mara’s Hurley was taken from Semple Stadium last night.” Tipperary GAA have released a statement after the hurl of Bryan O’Mara went missing from Semple Stadium following their 0-22 to 1-18 win over Clare on Saturday. A 73rd-minute point from Darragh Stakelum gave the Premier county victory over the reigning All-Ireland champions, putting them […]

    1 year ago

  • Former Ireland star questions Andy Farrell Lions decision

    Former Ireland star questions Andy Farrell Lions decision

    “I’m a huge fan of Andy.” With Ireland matching the amount of wins they had in last year’s Six Nations, with four from five, it is fair to say that Simon Easterby did an above average job in his first stint as an international head coach. However, there is no doubt that Ireland would have […]

    1 year ago

  • Thomas Tuchel slams Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 England team

    Thomas Tuchel slams Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 England team

    “They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament” Ahead of England’s upcoming games, new manager Thomas Tuchel was surprisingly damning in his opinion of the team at last year’s Euros in Germany. England face Albania tomorrow and Latvia on Monday in their World Cup qualifiers in Tuchel’s first games in charge, having taken […]

    1 year ago

  • Predicting the Ireland team for the 2027 Rugby World Cup

    Predicting the Ireland team for the 2027 Rugby World Cup

    Australia bound! The World Cup in France does not feel so far in the past, but the next edition of the tournament is just under 2.5 years away when Australia will host their first since 2003. With three recent retirement in the Ireland 23, and new faces expected in the upcoming summer tour, there is […]

    1 year ago

  • Michael Schumacher told Eddie Jordan a cheeky ‘lie’ to get his F1 debut

    Michael Schumacher told Eddie Jordan a cheeky ‘lie’ to get his F1 debut

    “Sensational. But first he lied to me.” Eddie Jordan’s Formula 1 team famously handed seven-time champion Michael Schumacher his debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix. It turned out to be a one-off race for the team before the talented German was poached by Benetton. A week before the race at Spa, Jordan driver Bertrand […]

    1 year ago

  • How to get tickets for Dublin’s first-ever live, televised WWE event

    How to get tickets for Dublin’s first-ever live, televised WWE event

    This is unprecedented for wrestling in Dublin WWE Smackdown is coming to Dublin! On August 22, the 3Arena will host a live and televised WWE Smackdown event. It is part of the road to the WWE’s Clash in Paris PPV Netflix event, which takes place on August 31 at the Paris La Défense Arena. There […]

    1 year ago

  • Four uncapped players who Ireland need to fast track on summer tour

    Four uncapped players who Ireland need to fast track on summer tour

    It is time for some new blood. A handful of debuts are expected to be handed out, and the wider Ireland squad will be put to use this summer. The team face games against Portugal, Georgia, and Romania on the horizon (the latter two are yet to be announced), and a chunk of the squad […]

    1 year ago

  • Tributes flood after the passing of Cork GAA legend Ger Fitzgerald

    Tributes flood after the passing of Cork GAA legend Ger Fitzgerald

    He was also a wonderful coach & mentor to so many young people in his beloved Midleton Deepest sympathies to his family Tributes have poured in following the passing of Cork GAA legend Ger Fitzgerald at the age of 60. After battling an illness, his death was confirmed this morning, Tuesday, March 18. Fitzgerald was […]

    1 year ago

  • Bruno Fernandes responds to personal attack from Roy Keane

    Bruno Fernandes responds to personal attack from Roy Keane

    “I know you’re talking about Roy Keane.” Roy Keane made headlines last month after arguably his most anger-filled rant ever about Man United. It came in the midst of a poor run of form for the Red Devils and soon after they had come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Everton. Despite Bruno […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland players dominate Warren Gatland’s Lions selection

    Ireland players dominate Warren Gatland’s Lions selection

    Gatland knows how to win a Lions tour in Australia. After finishing the Six Nations on a relative low – no bonus point against Wales, a loss to France, dour win over Italy – the Lions’ credentials of Ireland players have rightfully been questioned. England’s 68-14 win over Wales has pushed many of their men to […]

    1 year ago

  • SportsJOE’s post-Six Nations Lions XV

    SportsJOE’s post-Six Nations Lions XV

    A team well capable of beating the Wallabies! With the last batch of international before the Lions Tour of Australia commences, the waters have cleared somewhat in terms of selection, with few chances left to stake a claim. There have been some big individual winners this Six Nations, most notably, Jac Morgan, Jack Conan, and […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland player ratings after Dan Sheehan hat-trick saves his side vs Italy

    Ireland player ratings after Dan Sheehan hat-trick saves his side vs Italy

    A tough watch for most the game. Here are our player ratings after Ireland scrape past Italy by 22-17 in Rome. It was a relatively poor performance from the men in green, as they looked sluggish and off the pace. Thankfully, one man in particular had a stormer. Ireland player ratings: Andrew Porter – 6.5 […]

    1 year ago

  • Gardaí launch investigation as Trump’s Doonbeg golf course vandalised

    Gardaí launch investigation as Trump’s Doonbeg golf course vandalised

    “This was a childish, criminal act.” Gardaí have launched an investigation after trespassers vandalised Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg, in County Clare. The Donald Trump-owned golf course is one of the highest rated in the country, and is a crucial component of the area’s industry. The Irish Independent have reported that three vandals […]

    1 year ago

  • Heimir Hallgrimsson brings in new faces for Ireland in Nations League squad

    Heimir Hallgrimsson brings in new faces for Ireland in Nations League squad

    Some positive changes for the Boys in Green Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has named his 23-man squad for their upcoming Nations League B/C relegation/promotion play-off against Bulgaria. The games will take place on March 20 and 23, a Thursday and Sunday, with Ireland at home for the second leg. You can check out the squad […]

    1 year ago

  • English giants have reportedly offered Jack Crowley huge contract

    English giants have reportedly offered Jack Crowley huge contract

    This would be huge! Leicester Tigers are in the market for a new out-half and Ireland and Munster No 10 Jack Crowley is in their sights. As reported by the Irish Independent, the Premiership club have already offered Crowley a lucrative contract in the region of £600,000. With Springbok legend Handre Pollard set to move […]

    1 year ago

  • How the French media reacted after dominant win over Ireland

    How the French media reacted after dominant win over Ireland

    “Only captain Caelan Doris held his own.” In the aftermath of France’s dominant 42-27 Six Nations win over Ireland on Saturday, there were a few recurring talking points in the French media. The main topic of discussion was the devastating cruciate injury suffered by talisman Antoine Dupont, and whether or not it was a red […]

    1 year ago

  • RTÉ explain why TV cameras didn’t show Peter O’Mahony goodbye

    RTÉ explain why TV cameras didn’t show Peter O’Mahony goodbye

    Irish fans were up in arms over this Alongside Conor Murray and Cian Healy, Peter O’Mahony played his last home game for Ireland this afternoon, as they were badly beaten by France at the Aviva Stadium. O’Mahony was taken off for Jack Conan in the 48th minute of the 42-27 defeat, but instead of showing […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland player ratings as they are humbled by superb French side in Dublin

    Ireland player ratings as they are humbled by superb French side in Dublin

    A bad day for Ireland France ran rampant in the second half with three tries in 12 minutes to beat Ireland 42-27 in the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Ireland will be disappointed over the margin of defeat, but even more so because they could not give Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, […]

    1 year ago

  • Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley both possess the same invaluable skill

    Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley both possess the same invaluable skill

    Ireland are lucky to have two quality out-halves to choose from. Rugby is a game of fine margins, and no other position epitomises this quite like out-half. It is the most scrutinised and exposed number on the pitch. A good play is particularly impactful, while a bad play has more serious consequences. Many highs, and […]

    1 year ago

  • Katie Taylor – Amanda Serrano trilogy confirmed, but it won’t be at Croker

    Katie Taylor – Amanda Serrano trilogy confirmed, but it won’t be at Croker

    “The atmosphere for the first fight was amazing, I’m sure it won’t be different this time.” The much-anticipated trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will take place at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 11, over ten three-minute rounds. The iconic New York venue played host to the first bout between the two […]

    1 year ago

  • Jose Mourinho open to big Scottish football job

    Jose Mourinho open to big Scottish football job

    “Why not” Jose Mourinho has said he is open to the idea of managing in the Scottish Premiership at some stage in the future. The Portuguese boss is currently in charge at Turkish club Fenerbahce, who face Barry Ferguson’s Rangers this evening in the last 16 of the Europa League. The 62-year-old – who has […]

    1 year ago

  • Ireland vs France: Follow the Six Nations clash live in our hub

    Ireland vs France: Follow the Six Nations clash live in our hub

    You can follow the match in our live hub below. Ireland face France in a potential title-decider. Ireland face France on Saturday in the Six Nations, and here is everything you need to know, including TV details, team news, and referee details. You can follow the game in our live hub above. What date and […]

    1 year ago

  • FA reveal the shocking x-rated Arne Slot rant which led to red card

    FA reveal the shocking x-rated Arne Slot rant which led to red card

    “As a result of AS’ conduct, he was shown a red card by the Referee.” Liverpool boss Arne Slot was shown a red card last month, after James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute strike salvaged a 2-2 draw for Everton at Goodison Park. The red from Premier League referee Michael Oliver resulted in a touchline ban and a […]

    1 year ago

  • Thierry Henry back to haunt Ireland with France rugby visit

    Thierry Henry back to haunt Ireland with France rugby visit

    Handball Henry said hello to Les Bleus. Thierry Henry paid a visit to the French rugby team this week ahead of their Six Nations clash with Ireland on Saturday (kick-off: 2.15pm). The game is shaping up to be a title-decider, as Ireland aim to become the first team to win three Six Nations in a […]

    1 year ago

  • Eamon Dunphy tells Ian Harte to “f*** off” after League of Ireland comments

    Eamon Dunphy tells Ian Harte to “f*** off” after League of Ireland comments

    “As for Ian Harte, I couldn’t listen to him for more than a minute before I’d get bored.” We reported last week on Ian Harte’s League of Ireland comments, and the negative reaction to them. The former Ireland international claimed that LOI clubs were asking for too much money for young players, making moves to […]

    1 year ago

  • Meath boss Brennan slams new Gaelic football as mix of three sports

    Meath boss Brennan slams new Gaelic football as mix of three sports

    “I don’t like it, it’s not Gaelic football.” Meath secured a last-gasp win over neighbours Westmeath in their Division 2 clash in Mullingar on Sunday. Conor Duke scored with the final kick of the game to hand the Royals a 3-14 to 1-17 victory. However, there was controversy surrounding the score, as it was unclear […]

    1 year ago

  • Ex-criminal gang member qualifies for Open Championship in Portrush

    Ex-criminal gang member qualifies for Open Championship in Portrush

    “I’m pretty lost for words at the moment, I’ve just changed my life.” Australian Ryan Peake has qualified for the Open Championship in July, after winning the New Zealand Open and banking £99,500. The 31-year-old is now in a race to secure special clearance to travel to Northern Ireland in July for one of the […]

    1 year ago

  • Tributes pour in for O’Mahony, Healy, & Murray, from rugby world & beyond

    Tributes pour in for O’Mahony, Healy, & Murray, from rugby world & beyond

    “They have each played a huge role in the success of Irish Rugby over the course of their careers” Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray will retire from Ireland duty following the conclusion of the ongoing Six Nations, which ends on March 15. O’Mahony and Healy will retire from all professional rugby at the […]

    1 year ago

  • LOI fans rally against “disrespectful” comments by Ireland legend

    LOI fans rally against “disrespectful” comments by Ireland legend

    “The Irish league is the Irish league. It’s not the Premier League.” The latest comments from former Leeds and Ireland stalwart Ian Harte have provoked a cohort of League of Ireland fans, and with good reason. The 47-year-old Harte was speaking on a blog for betwayinsider when he gave his thoughts on the recent spat […]

    1 year ago

  • Rival club accuses Jose Mourinho of racism and threaten legal action

    Rival club accuses Jose Mourinho of racism and threaten legal action

    “Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people.” Galatasaray have accused Fenerbache boss Jose Mourinho of making ‘racist statements’ and have threatened to take legal action, following their 0-0 draw on Monday. Mourinho – whose former clubs include Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Man United and Spurs – and his […]

    1 year ago

  • We have made a big change in our Ireland team to face France

    We have made a big change in our Ireland team to face France

    The Six Nations clash with France in Dublin is a big one Ireland face France on Saturday week (March 8) at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 2.15 pm). With Ireland failing to get the bonus point against Wales and France thrashing Italy 73-24, the game is effectively a showdown for the Six Nations title. For the […]

    1 year ago

  • Mayo legend Lee Keegan says new GAA rule is ‘not fit for purpose’

    Mayo legend Lee Keegan says new GAA rule is ‘not fit for purpose’

    “It’s a little bit of the law of unintended consequences, in terms of the FRC.” Following Galway’s win over Donegal on Sunday, one of the FRC’s new football rules was heavily criticised on the Sunday Game. The rules state that both sides must have three outfield players in each half at all times. However, a […]

    1 year ago

  • Tadhg Beirne claps back at Irish media after Wales win

    Tadhg Beirne claps back at Irish media after Wales win

    “They were able to throw everything at it.” A change of head coach was the main factor in Wales’ resurgence against Ireland, following Warren Gatland’s sudden departure. But there were other elements at play which may have spurred the home side on at the Principality Stadium. In the build-up to the game, there was significant […]

    1 year ago