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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  • Predicting the Ireland team for the 2031 Rugby World Cup

    Predicting the Ireland team for the 2031 Rugby World Cup

    We’ve got our crystal balls out. We have already made our Ireland prediction for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, so we move on to the 2031 tournament in the USA. With the competition over six years away, and so much talent to choose from, it will be interesting to see how many, if […]

    1 year ago

  • Donncha O’Callaghan shares story of genius Anthony Foley sledging comeback

    Donncha O’Callaghan shares story of genius Anthony Foley sledging comeback

    A brilliant quip from the Munster legend. On the Offload podcast, with former Ireland players Tommy Bowe and Donncha O’Callaghan, the topic of Rieko Ioane’s and Johnny Sexton’s spat was brought up. With the All Black joining Leinster at the end of the year, there has been much talk about his insulting words to Leinster […]

    1 year ago

  • Irish ex-pupil of David Moyes knows Everton boss’ plans for Jake O’Brien

    Irish ex-pupil of David Moyes knows Everton boss’ plans for Jake O’Brien

    He knows from experience. Back in the mid-2000s, former Ireland midfielder, Kevin Kilbane, was a stalwart for David Moyes’s Everton side. He played for the Toffees from 2003-2006, amassing over 100 caps for the Merseyside club before leaving for Wigan. Everton’s most prominent Irishman since has, of course, been captain and club-legend Séamus Coleman, while […]

    1 year ago

  • Armagh moment showed problem with GAA’s most disliked new rule

    Armagh moment showed problem with GAA’s most disliked new rule

    It is a much criticised new rule. Tyrone defeated Armagh, 3-15 to 1-11, in the Ulster U20 Football Championship quarter-finals at O’Neill park yesterday. It wasn’t a game that received much fanfare, but a moment towards the end of the first half encapsulated all that is wrong with one of Gaelic football’s most criticised new […]

    1 year ago

  • Fears grow for Scotland star’s Lions hopes after Sexton appointment

    Fears grow for Scotland star’s Lions hopes after Sexton appointment

    Johnny Sexton is on record that he is not a big fan. Scotland out-half Finn Russell has looked nailed on to once again make the Lions squad this summer, and has been the clear favourite to start for the test team, since his performance in the third test of the 2021 Lions tour to South […]

    1 year ago

  • Johnny Sexton added to Andy Farrell’s Lions coaching ticket

    Johnny Sexton added to Andy Farrell’s Lions coaching ticket

    “I’m excited to continue the next chapter in my coaching journey with the Lions” The IRFU have announced that Johnny Sexton will be taking up a full-time role with Ireland men’s senior team, having been part of the coaching ticket on a part-time basis over the past year, mainly helping out with the outhalves. The […]

    1 year ago

  • Munster have new coach lined up but won’t reveal identity

    Munster have new coach lined up but won’t reveal identity

    Changes are coming down in Munster. With head coach Graham Rowntree and forwards coach Andi Kyriacou having left Munster back in October, the province have been without a permanent forwards coach for a significant portion of the season. Ireland women’s forwards coach, Alex Codling, has stepped up in the meantime, but is now focused on […]

    1 year ago

  • Pete Wilkins steps down as Connacht head coach

    Pete Wilkins steps down as Connacht head coach

    “It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my departure from Connacht Rugby.” Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has stepped down with immediate effect. The Englishman had been on sick leave for the last four games. Scrum coach Cullie Tucker will now take charge of the province for the rest of the season. […]

    1 year ago

  • All Black star confirms shock move to Leinster to replace Jordie Barrett

    All Black star confirms shock move to Leinster to replace Jordie Barrett

    “Will be back refreshed and ready to rock second half of 2026.” In a rather unexpected announcement, All Black Rieko Ioane and his club, the Blues, have confirmed that he will be replacing Jordie Barrett at Leinster next season. The 28-year-old partnered Barrett in the centre when New Zealand defeated Ireland at the 2023 World […]

    1 year ago

  • Rory McIlroy’s sports psychologist explains his ‘no talk’ gameplan

    Rory McIlroy’s sports psychologist explains his ‘no talk’ gameplan

    McIlroy was in his own bubble. One of the main talking points after Rory McIlroy’s win at the Masters on Sunday, were the post-round comments of his playing partner Bryson DeChambeau. The American revealed that there were no words between the two golfers during the 18 holes. He was asked how McIlroy was feeling ahead […]

    1 year ago

  • IRFU make big central contract change to boost Munster, Ulster & Connacht

    IRFU make big central contract change to boost Munster, Ulster & Connacht

    A big announcement. The IRFU have announced that from August 2026, 40% of the wages of central contracts must be paid by the player’s province, an increase to the current figure of 30%. In a statement, the IRFU performance director, David Humphreys, revealed that the extra money will go directly into ‘pathway initiatives’ for Connacht, […]

    1 year ago

  • Evan Ferguson linked with Premier League and Championship clubs

    Evan Ferguson linked with Premier League and Championship clubs

    The young man needs regular game time. Reports have emerged that David Moyes’ Everton could reignite their pursuit of on-loan West Ham striker Evan Ferguson. TEAMtalk understands that the Meath native is not wanted on a permanent basis by the Hammers, and that his parent club, Brighton, are looking to sell him for around £45 […]

    1 year ago

  • Rory McIlroy ‘set to receive knighthood’ after Masters heroics

    Rory McIlroy ‘set to receive knighthood’ after Masters heroics

    Sir Rory McIlroy…. According to a report from the Telegraph, Rory McIlroy is likely to be put forward for a knighthood as part of the honours list for the King’s birthday in June. The Northern Irishman became just the sixth golfer to win all four majors and achieve a career Grand Slam after his dramatic victory […]

    1 year ago

  • Shane O’Donnell provides injury update and training details

    Shane O’Donnell provides injury update and training details

    Answers from the man himself. Clare hurler and reigning Player of the Year, Shane O’Donnell, has provided an update on his injury situation. We initially reported back in February that he would miss the 2025 season after having shoulder surgery. However, more recent reports claimed that he was back in non-contact training and that it […]

    1 year ago

  • Paul McGinley explains ‘ham-fisted’ Rory McIlroy comments

    Paul McGinley explains ‘ham-fisted’ Rory McIlroy comments

    It was perhaps the wrong choice of word at the time… After Rory McIlroy’s epic Masters win last night, Sky Sports pundit and commentator, Paul McGinley, had his say on the Northern Irishman. But instead of unanimous praise for completing the Grand Slam after so many major near misses, the Dubliner quipped that McIlroy was […]

    1 year ago

  • ‘Salty’ DeChambeau comments on Rory McIlroy taken out of context

    ‘Salty’ DeChambeau comments on Rory McIlroy taken out of context

    Some fans were not pleased with his post-round comments. It was meant to be a back-nine showdown between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau yesterday, but the American fell apart after his quick start, and finished four shots back after a three-over par final round at the Masters. Following the round, and prior to McIlroy’s play-off […]

    1 year ago

  • Rory McIlroy completes Grand Slam with Masters victory after play-off

    Rory McIlroy completes Grand Slam with Masters victory after play-off

    Incredible drama at Augusta And just like that, Rory McIlroy has banished all his major championship demons, and made up for all the near misses and chokes. With his victory at the Masters he has become just the sixth man ever to complete the career Grand Slam, following Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack […]

    1 year ago

  • Champions Cup live: Follow all the action in our live hub

    Champions Cup live: Follow all the action in our live hub

    Another big weekend in Europe. With Ulster knocked out last week, it is just three of the provinces in action in Europe this weekend. Leinster face Glasgow at the Aviva Stadium in their Champions Cup quarter-final, with Munster travelling to Bordeaux, while Connacht host Racing 92 in the Challenge Cup. Follow the action in our […]

    1 year ago

  • Irish tennis icon Conor Niland tells his unfortunate Novak Djokovic tale

    Irish tennis icon Conor Niland tells his unfortunate Novak Djokovic tale

    “I went out and got myself food poisoning and was really, really sick” We are back with the third episode of our Milestones series, where Irish sports stars share the stories and secrets behind memorable photos from throughout their career. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our first two episodes, with former […]

    1 year ago

  • Emotional scenes as horse bought by mates of late Michael O’Sullivan wins

    Emotional scenes as horse bought by mates of late Michael O’Sullivan wins

    “It’s huge. It’s dad’s first winner.” There were emotional scenes at Leopardstown on Wednesday, as a horse owned by friends of the late Michael O’Sullivan won the last race on the card at the student day in Dublin. O’Sullivan died last February after falling off his horse during a race at Thurles. Friends of his […]

    1 year ago

  • Katie Taylor labels Serrano press-conference stunt as ’embarrassing’

    Katie Taylor labels Serrano press-conference stunt as ’embarrassing’

    “I thought that was actually quite embarrassing.” Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano met yesterday for a press conference, ahead of their headline fight at Madison Square Garden on July 11. It will be the third clash between the pair, with Taylor winning both, following their bout in 2022 at Madison Square Garden, and their rematch […]

    1 year ago

  • Willie Mullins has questionable defence of racing after Grand National horse death

    Willie Mullins has questionable defence of racing after Grand National horse death

    “I don’t know why racing gets such a bad reputation.” Each year, horse racing comes under fire, with particular scrutiny around the time of the Grand National. The biggest race in the sport draws in a huge amount of eyes with casual punters joining the regulars, while critics also pipe up in their droves, due […]

    1 year ago

  • Fans voice outrage at IRFU over new Jack Crowley contract

    Fans voice outrage at IRFU over new Jack Crowley contract

    Some folk were not pleased at all. Most level-headed supporters breathed a sigh of relief after the news that Jack Crowley will be staying put at Munster for at least another two years. Yet, many took to social media to voice their complaints. After much speculation about a lucrative move to either England or France, […]

    1 year ago

  • Warning issued by Shelbourne over fake tickets for Bohs derby

    Warning issued by Shelbourne over fake tickets for Bohs derby

    “We urge all fans to exercise caution” If you see any tickets on sale for Friday’s Dublin derby between Shelbourne and Bohemians, proceed with caution. The League of Ireland clash game has been sold out for over a week now, with tickets to get into Tolka Park like gold dust. Shelbourne have since issued a […]

    1 year ago

  • Conor McManus pinpoints biggest difference for Donegal this year

    Conor McManus pinpoints biggest difference for Donegal this year

    “The one thing that tripped them up in 2024…” Jim McGuinness’s Donegal side made light work of Derry in the opening round of the Ulster Championship at the weekend, with a 1-25 to 1-15 victory. The reigning Ulster champions are currently second favourites at the bookies for All-Ireland glory this year, behind league-champions Kerry. They […]

    1 year ago

  • RTÉ pundit tips Caoimhín Kelleher for potential Man United move

    RTÉ pundit tips Caoimhín Kelleher for potential Man United move

    “I think he has a big decision to make.” There is a widespread belief that, at 26 years old, Ireland and Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher must make a move away from the Reds sooner rather than later. The Cork man has improved his stock this season, stepping in impressively on several occasions for the injured […]

    1 year ago

  • Uncapped Ulster star showed why he should make Ireland debut this summer

    Uncapped Ulster star showed why he should make Ireland debut this summer

    “I loved every second of it.” In just his seventh professional game, and his third Champions Cup outing, Ulster winger Zac Ward was a class above most players on Sunday, as his side took on one of the favourites for this season’s Champions Cup, at a packed out Stade Chaban-Delmas. The crowd would have been […]

    1 year ago

  • Dublin icon reveals he was offered role of Derry manager

    Dublin icon reveals he was offered role of Derry manager

    “I met the guys behind the scenes.” Dublin legend Philly McMahon has revealed that he had the chance to succeed Mickey Harte as Derry manager, before the role went to Paddy Tally last November. Speaking on the GAA Social podcast, the eight-time All-Ireland winner said: “I met the guys behind the scenes from Derry and […]

    1 year ago

  • Clare legend makes bold call about Banner County’s All-Ireland hopes

    Clare legend makes bold call about Banner County’s All-Ireland hopes

    “The speed of Cork. They’re the favourites now.” Former Clare star Anthony Daly has made a bold call about his county’s All-Ireland chances. Speaking on RTÉ’s The Sunday Game, the two-time All-Ireland winner and three-time All Star was not too hopeful for the Banner’s chances. While teams do not put nearly as much effort into […]

    1 year ago

  • Gary Neville apologises for on-air commentary during Manchester derby

    Gary Neville apologises for on-air commentary during Manchester derby

    “I was boring on there as well. That was drab as well.” Man United and Man City played out one of the worst Manchester derbies in recent memory with their 0-0 Premier League draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. Neither side wanted to take risks or the game by the scruff of the neck, and […]

    1 year ago

  • Incredible stat shows why Clare man is Ireland’s best rugby coach

    Incredible stat shows why Clare man is Ireland’s best rugby coach

    His Bordeaux side are flying right now. This post was first published on April 7. Bordeaux have since won the 2025 Champions Cup, defeating Northampton in Cardiff, on May 24. Self described as a ‘farming enthusiast from Co. Clare’, and someone who has never even played rugby, Noel McNamara is, currently, the best Irish coach […]

    1 year ago

  • Ronan O’Gara labels Crowley as a ‘little f***ker’ after drop goal heroics

    Ronan O’Gara labels Crowley as a ‘little f***ker’ after drop goal heroics

    “For a second. I thought Jack Crowley was with me.” Ronan O’Gara was extremely gracious in defeat after his La Rochelle side lost 24-25 to Munster in the Champions Cup yesterday. And it was an O’Gara-esque drop goal from Jack Crowley that made the difference, with a three-pointer out of nothing on 68 minutes, putting […]

    1 year ago

  • The most incredible story in Grand National history had a Tipperary horse at its centre

    The most incredible story in Grand National history had a Tipperary horse at its centre

    A truly remarkable chain of events! On March 30th, 1928, the most remarkable story in the history of Aintree’s Grand National took place, with a gelding from Tipperary at its centre. The tale begins with a 10-year-old schoolboy named Peter, who just so happened to place his last sixpence on the 100/1 longshot, Tipperary Tim, […]

    1 year ago

  • Champions Cup live: Follow all the provinces in our live hub

    Champions Cup live: Follow all the provinces in our live hub

    The Champions Cup and Challenge Cup are back! All four provinces are back in action in Europe this weekend, with Saturday seeing Leinster vs Harlequins (3pm), La Rochelle vs Munster (5.30pm), Connacht vs Cardiff (8pm), before Bordeaux vs Bordeaux (12.30pm) on Sunday. You can follow the action in our live blog below.

    1 year ago

  • Everton rally around defender after death threats following Liverpool game

    Everton rally around defender after death threats following Liverpool game

    “The club is liaising with James and his wife Samantha.” Everton have rallied around James Tarkowski and his wife Samantha, after the Toffees defender received death threats following a bad challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister on Wednesday. Tarkowski received a yellow card after a high follow through, which VAR agreed with, however, following the […]

    1 year ago

  • Kevin de Bruyne announces shock departure from Man City

    Kevin de Bruyne announces shock departure from Man City

    A massive loss for the club. Man City legend Kevin de Bruyne has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season. The Belgian midfielder joined from Wolfsburg for £54 million in 2015, and has won six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA cups and one Champions League with […]

    1 year ago

  • Tommy Bowe calls out ‘anti-Ulster’ bias in Ireland’s summer tour

    Tommy Bowe calls out ‘anti-Ulster’ bias in Ireland’s summer tour

    We’re not sure about this one Tommy… Ireland recently announced their coaching ticket for the upcoming summer tour of Portugal and Georgia, with Colm Tucker, Mike Prendergast, and Denis Leamy joining head coach Paul O’Connell, while regular coaches Andy Farrell, Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, and Andrew Goodman work with the Lions. Prendergast (attack) and Leamy […]

    1 year ago

  • The cheapest Fitbit on Amazon is a steal for any fitness enthusiast

    The cheapest Fitbit on Amazon is a steal for any fitness enthusiast

    Great value! With spring in full swing and the summer months coming in to view, this is a great time to start your fitness journey, and a fitness watch is the perfect accessory. If you don’t want to break the bank, Amazon has the ideal product. Fitbit are one of the biggest and probably the […]

    1 year ago

  • Tributes pour in for Mick O’Dwyer from GAA community and beyond

    Tributes pour in for Mick O’Dwyer from GAA community and beyond

    “He was a symbol of pride for the county – spanning decades.” Former Kerry player and manager, Mick O’Dwyer, has died at the age of 88. The Waterville man won four All-Irelands as a player and eight with the legendary Kerry team of the 70s and 80s. He won a further 23 Munster titles and […]

    1 year ago

  • Jack Grealish explains tribute to late brother after Leicester goal

    Jack Grealish explains tribute to late brother after Leicester goal

    “This day is hard on the family.” Jack Grealish opened the scoring for Man City after just two minutes yesterday, in their 2-0 Premier League win over Leicester City. It was the English winger’s first league start since last December and his first league goal since December 2023. However, the goal was special for an […]

    1 year ago

  • PGMOL admit red car error after shocking tackle on Liverpool’s Mac Allister

    PGMOL admit red car error after shocking tackle on Liverpool’s Mac Allister

    “It’s so obvious that it’s not necessary for me to comment.” Liverpool heat Everton at Anfield last night, thanks to a controversial 57th minute goal from Diogo Jota. Luis Diaz was offside in the build-up to the goal, and while he did not touch the ball, he appeared to impede James Tarkowski’s clearance. There was […]

    1 year ago

  • Iconic Kerry boss Mick O’Dwyer passes away aged 88

    Iconic Kerry boss Mick O’Dwyer passes away aged 88

    He is considered the greatest Gaelic football manager off all time. Former Kerry player and manager, Mick O’Dwyer, has dies at the age of 88. The Waterville man won four All-Irelands as a player and eight with the legendary Kerry team of the 70s and 80s. He won a further 23 Munster titles and 11 […]

    1 year ago

  • Carlo Ancelotti reacts as he faces up to five years in prison

    Carlo Ancelotti reacts as he faces up to five years in prison

    It follows on from a string of high profile cases in the country Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has appeared in court as the manager faces up to five years in prison for tax evasion. The 65-year-old appeared in court in Spain to testify against accusations of tax evasion. The manager said he “never thought […]

    1 year ago

  • Jack Crowley contract comments give clue as to where he will be next season

    Jack Crowley contract comments give clue as to where he will be next season

    “I come back to performances and that’s my main focus.” There has been much speculation in recent weeks over the contract situation of Ireland and Munster out-half Jack Crowley. Leicester Tigers tabled a reported offer of around €700,000, while there is said to be interest from French clubs as well. With the Ireland No. 10 […]

    1 year ago

  • Tadhg Beirne reveals abuse received by family after Dupont incident

    Tadhg Beirne reveals abuse received by family after Dupont incident

    “It’s an incident and when you slow it down, it can look bad.” One of the most controversial incidents of the recent Six Nations Championship was the ACL injury suffered by France’s Antoine Dupont, following a ruck clear out from Ireland’s Andrew Porter and Tadhg Beirne. France’s head coach, Fabien Galthié, was incensed, but the […]

    1 year ago

  • Gary Lineker on his next career move after Match of the Day exit

    Gary Lineker on his next career move after Match of the Day exit

    “I’ll do the odd thing.” Gary Lineker will leave BBC’s Match of the Day following the conclusion of this season’s Premier League, after 26-years as host of the iconic highlights show. The former England, Spurs, Leicester, and Barcelona striker will stay on with the BBC until 2026, but it is unclear where exactly he will […]

    1 year ago

  • Willie Mullins confident in main Grand National runner despite poor form

    Willie Mullins confident in main Grand National runner despite poor form

    “They’re all in good shape.” After huge success at the recent Cheltenham Festival, Willie Mullins is gearing up for the Aintree Grand National this Saturday. Last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, is currently available at 9/1 odds, behind 7/1 favourite Iroko, and Mullins reckons his horse is in good shape to go back to back, […]

    1 year ago