Colman Stanley

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  • Davy Fitzgerald hit with substantial ban for ref slander

    Davy Fitzgerald hit with substantial ban for ref slander

    The controversial boss is back in the news. Although Antrim’s Leinster SHC ended last weekend with defeat to Offaly, and relegation to the Joe McDonagh Cup for next season, controversial boss Davy Fitzgerald is back in the news. After Antrim’s 6-27 to 1-14 hammering by Galway two weeks ago, Fitzgerald went on an extraordinary rant […]

    10 months ago

  • Man United star gives reasonable explanation for obscene gesture to ‘fans’

    Man United star gives reasonable explanation for obscene gesture to ‘fans’

    Fair enough. Man United star Amad Diallo has come under fire for giving the middle finger to fans. The Ivory Coast man was walking with his teammates outside their hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during their post-season tour. Naturally, he was criticised for the obscene gesture, but, according to BBC Sport, he had been on […]

    10 months ago

  • Andrew Porter learning Lions teammates aren’t the ‘d***heads’ he thought

    Andrew Porter learning Lions teammates aren’t the ‘d***heads’ he thought

    A unique tour. Andrew Porter has got to know a few new faces over the last couple of weeks. Having been selected for a second Lions squad, after missing the 2021 tour through injury, Ireland and Leinster’s premier loosehead got to meet his teammates two weeks ago. The best of the best from Ireland, England, […]

    10 months ago

  • Premier League side approach Liverpool over signing Caoimhin Kelleher

    Premier League side approach Liverpool over signing Caoimhin Kelleher

    This would be a great move. Sky Sports are reporting that Liverpool have been approached over signing Ireland keeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The Corkman is highly rated despite being behind arguably the world’s best in Allison at the Reds. It comes with the news that the Bees’ first-choice keeper, Mark Flekken, looks to be heading to […]

    10 months ago

  • Opta’s stats-based Premier League team of the season has surprise inclusion

    Opta’s stats-based Premier League team of the season has surprise inclusion

    His team were disappointing. Opta Sports have released their stats-based, Premier League team of the season. In goals there is no surprise with the inclusion of Nottingham Forest’s Matz Selz. The Belgian stopper shared the Golden Glove award with Arsenal’s David Raya, and had the second-best save percentage, behind Everton’s Jordan Pickford. Although he has […]

    10 months ago

  • Lions tour could be set for special law change to improve ‘fan experience’

    Lions tour could be set for special law change to improve ‘fan experience’

    Fascinating… The most successful Lions tour, results wise, since the series win against South Africa in 1997, was undoubtedly the drawn tour against New Zealand in 2017. The All Blacks won the first game, 30-15, the visitors claimed the second match, 24-21, and the third test was a 15-15 draw. Despite the achievement of going […]

    10 months ago

  • Liverpool reportedly agree personal terms with one of the Prem’s best young talents

    Liverpool reportedly agree personal terms with one of the Prem’s best young talents

    This would be a great signing. Liverpool are reportedly closing in on one of the best young talents in the Premier League according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. He says that they have agreed personal terms with Bournemouth left-back, Milos Kerkez. The 21-year-old Serbian started all 38 league games for the Cherries this season, helping […]

    10 months ago

  • Latest Troy Parrott quotes won’t please potential English suitors

    Latest Troy Parrott quotes won’t please potential English suitors

    He had a top season. Ireland striker Troy Parrott is coming off the back of the best season of his career so far. The 23-year-old has 20 goals in 47 games this season for AZ Alkmaar, and has been rewarded internationally with a more prominent role under Heimir Hallgrimsson. With increased hype comes increased interest […]

    10 months ago

  • SportsJOE’s underrated Ireland rugby team of the season

    SportsJOE’s underrated Ireland rugby team of the season

    They deserve their flowers. Outside of Ireland’s main crop of players, the ones who take the major share of the headlines, and the young stars and next-big-things, there are those who go about their business a bit more quietly and do not get the plaudits that their performances deserve. Here is our 2024/2025 team of […]

    10 months ago

  • Joe Canning has theory on worrying trend of lack of black cards in hurling

    Joe Canning has theory on worrying trend of lack of black cards in hurling

    Interesting. A major talking point from the weekend’s championship hurling was the lack of black cards in the game in general. One obvious example occurred early on in Cork’s Munster SHC showdown against Waterford. The Déise’s Stephen Bennett was charging through on goal before being pulled down by Cork’s Mark Coleman. Fans and pundits alike […]

    10 months ago

  • Davy Fitz hits back at Antrim great after “bullshit” accusations

    Davy Fitz hits back at Antrim great after “bullshit” accusations

    The Glensmen boss has responded. With yesterday’s Leinster SHC loss to Offaly, the Antrim hurlers were relegated to the Joe McDonagh Cup for next season. It marked another disappointing inter-county campaign for boss Davy Fitzgerald, after a sub-par two seasons with Waterford. Last week, Antrim great, Terence ‘Sambo’ McNaughton, hit out at Fitzgerald for his […]

    10 months ago

  • Galway legend convinced of Waterford penalty shout and Cork black card

    Galway legend convinced of Waterford penalty shout and Cork black card

    He was certain. Waterford were very unlucky during their first half against Cork in the Munster SHC at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. And the pundits at RTÉ agreed, with Galway legend Joe Canning convinced they should have had a penalty and that Cork should have been shown a black card when Stephen Bennett was pulled down […]

    10 months ago

  • Antrim star sent off for shocking stamp in winner-takes-all against Offaly

    Antrim star sent off for shocking stamp in winner-takes-all against Offaly

    Nasty. Antrim face Offaly this afternoon in the Leinster SHC at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore. At the time of writing, the Saffrons are trailing the Faithful and look to be heading for relegation to the Joe McDonagh for next season, with the winner staying up in what is effectively a knockout game. And Davy […]

    10 months ago

  • Jamie Heaslip explains why Ireland will be ‘afraid’ after Champions Cup final

    Jamie Heaslip explains why Ireland will be ‘afraid’ after Champions Cup final

    He has a point. After their shock win over Leinster in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup, Northampton fell just short in final against Bordeaux, losing 28-20. Nonetheless, it was further proof of the ability and potential of what is a side packed full of young English talent, some of whom are going on the […]

    10 months ago

  • GAA president shows support for Mayo amid financial controversy

    GAA president shows support for Mayo amid financial controversy

    Positive news for the Connacht county. Mayo GAA are in the midst of crisis, with their financial situation being scrutinised. It came to light in December during a county convention that they had voluntary told revenue that they may owe €120,000 in tax, in relation to their Cúl Camps programme in 2018 and 2019. As […]

    10 months ago

  • Waterford legend makes damning prediction ahead of Cork showdown

    Waterford legend makes damning prediction ahead of Cork showdown

    This is a big call. The Cork hurler’s season was going swimmingly until it wasn’t. Their draw with All-Ireland champions Clare in their Munster SHC first-round clash was seen as a good wake up call for the Rebels, before they returned to normality in round two with a 2-27 to 0-24 win over Tipperary. But […]

    10 months ago

  • The youthful 35-man Ireland squad Paul O’Connell should pick this summer

    The youthful 35-man Ireland squad Paul O’Connell should pick this summer

    An exciting summer ahead. Ireland take on Georgia on July 5, and Portugal a week later. It will be a depleted squad in terms of both players and coaches, with many off in Australia with the Lions. As such, it provides the best opportunity to blood the next generation since Andy Farrell became head coach. […]

    10 months ago

  • Gary Neville embroiled in huge libel case brought by Nottingham Forest owner

    Gary Neville embroiled in huge libel case brought by Nottingham Forest owner

    Not ideal for Neville. Gary Neville has surprisingly been cited in a £2.1 million libel action case which Nottingham Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has brought against Irini Karipidis and Ari Harow. Karipidis is the owner of Greek club Aris, who are rivals to Olympiacos, also owned by Marinakis, while Harow is a former chief of […]

    10 months ago

  • Irish rugby fans ecstatic over massive Ulster signing ahead of next season

    Irish rugby fans ecstatic over massive Ulster signing ahead of next season

    What a signing. Ulster have received an enormous boost after their damning 2024/25 season, which saw them miss out on the URC play-offs and Champions Cup qualification. According to a report from Australian outlet The Roar, Wallabies loosehead prop, Angus Bell, will be heading to the Kingspan Stadium on his sabbatical year from his country. […]

    10 months ago

  • Derry man Joe Brolly explains how Mayo ruined his weekend

    Derry man Joe Brolly explains how Mayo ruined his weekend

    He’s had a mare. Mayo supporters were lamenting their side’s poor showing in Sunday’s shock All-Ireland round-robin loss to Cavan, with some calling for the end of Kevin McStay’s reign as manager. It certainly puts a sizeable dent in their title hopes this season, as they look likely to add another year of disappointment and […]

    10 months ago

  • Former teammate of Kevin McStay eviscerates Mayo tactics in Cavan loss

    Former teammate of Kevin McStay eviscerates Mayo tactics in Cavan loss

    He was not pleased. Mayo have been left reeling after their All-Ireland round-robin loss to Cavan on the weekend. While the final score was 1-14 to 1-17, a late Aidan O’Shea goal put a gloss on the scoreline for the Connacht side. Martin Carney represented both Donegal and Mayo in inter-county football, and with the […]

    10 months ago

  • Ireland at heart of controversial change as Six Nations fixtures released

    Ireland at heart of controversial change as Six Nations fixtures released

    A strange choice…. The fixtures for the 2026 Six Nations have been released, with one game in particular standing out. Ireland will open the tournament away to France, however, the game will be played on February 5, a Thursday. Normally the opening game of the competition is played on a Friday evening, and fans have […]

    10 months ago

  • Joe Canning singles out Cork player that summed up Rebels’ problems

    Joe Canning singles out Cork player that summed up Rebels’ problems

    It was a poor team performance. Cork will still be reeling from their heavy defeat to Limerick on Sunday in the Munster SHC, and other counties will no doubt be fearful of a Limerick team that seem back to their best. The game finished 3-26 to 1-16 at the Gaelic Grounds, with the home side […]

    10 months ago

  • Clare boss calls journo a “c***” after storming out of interview

    Clare boss calls journo a “c***” after storming out of interview

    He was not pleased after their heavy defeat. Clare were easily beaten by Down on the weekend at Páirc Chíosóg in Ennis. The Mournemen were superb in their opening game of the All-Ireland round-robin phase, with the game finishing 3-27 to 1-16 in their favour. It was the Banner’s second defeat in a row, following […]

    10 months ago

  • Incredible stat shows enormity of Cavan’s shock win over Mayo

    Incredible stat shows enormity of Cavan’s shock win over Mayo

    A brilliant performance from the Ulster county. Cavan defeated Mayo at MacHale Park at Castlebar this afternoon, by a score of 1-17 to 1-14 in their opening game of the All-Ireland round robin stage. It now leaves Mayo with a bit of mountain to climb if they want to make the quarter-finals, with Tyrone and […]

    10 months ago

  • Limerick fans try their best to provoke Dónal Óg after Cork hammering

    Limerick fans try their best to provoke Dónal Óg after Cork hammering

    The Treaty faithful were in great spirits! Limerick produced the best performance from any hurling team so far this season, looking back to their very best in a 3-26 to 1-16 win over Cork at the Gaelic Grounds in the Munster SHC. Kyle Hayes was named as the man of the match, while Cian Lynch […]

    10 months ago

  • Pádraic Joyce slams game-changing ref call after Dublin loss

    Pádraic Joyce slams game-changing ref call after Dublin loss

    The Galway boss was not pleased. Dublin showed that they are still a real contender in this year’s All-Ireland Championship, beating Galway by 1-18 to 2-14 at Pearse Stadium yesterday. The Tribesmen came into the game as favourites, having beaten Mayo in the final of the Connacht SFC, while the Sky Blues had suffered a […]

    10 months ago

  • Former Springboks rugby star dies aged 37

    Former Springboks rugby star dies aged 37

    RIP. Former Springboks player, Cornal Hendricks, has passed away at the age of 37. The winger, who occasionally togged out at centre, played 12 times for South Africa, including in a 2014 loss to Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, scoring five tries across those games. He played Super Rugby for the Cheetahs and the Bulls, […]

    11 months ago

  • Clare star clears up speculation over absence from Tipperary game

    Clare star clears up speculation over absence from Tipperary game

    He could have made a difference. Aidan McCarthy was not in the Clare panel for their Munster SHC clash against Tipperary on Saturday. The Banner ended up losing the the Premier County by 4-18 to 2-21 in Ennis, leaving them on the brink of elimination from the championship. McCarthy scored 1-7 in their draw with […]

    11 months ago

  • Stuart Lancaster offers serious hope for a return to Irish rugby

    Stuart Lancaster offers serious hope for a return to Irish rugby

    This would be great for rugby in Ireland. Former England and Racing 92 head coach, Stuart Lancaster, is certainly missed on these shores. The Englishman was at Leinster from 2016-2023 as a Senior coach, but he was effectively performing the head coach duties. While Leinster lost three finals during his tenure, they did win in […]

    11 months ago

  • Cork beat Tipperary with help from ‘Maradona-esque’ screamer

    Cork beat Tipperary with help from ‘Maradona-esque’ screamer

    What a finish! Cork were victorious over Tipperary in their Munster MFC semi-final on the weekend, winning 2-17 to 0-20 after extra-time. It was Joe Miskella’s 80th-minute goal that got the Rebels over the line in this classic at Semple Stadium, but the finest finish of the day was Donagh Flynn’s 48th-minute screamer. The Cork […]

    11 months ago

  • Ticket prices for Croke Park NFL game set to be eye-watering

    Ticket prices for Croke Park NFL game set to be eye-watering

    This is going to be huge. This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. Today was a momentous occasion for Irish sport with the date and teams set for Ireland’s first-ever regular-season NFL game. The Pittsburgh Steelers had already been announced as one of the participating teams, […]

    11 months ago

  • Ronan O’Gara and La Rochelle interested in one of Irish rugby’s best talents

    Ronan O’Gara and La Rochelle interested in one of Irish rugby’s best talents

    This would be a huge loss. La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara is once again reportedly interested in one of Ireland’s young talents. Before Jack Crowley shot to stardom with Munster and Ireland, there was a contract on offer in the South of France for him, while former Roscrea College man, Richie Whelan, is currently […]

    11 months ago

  • Tyrone legend voices support for ugly scenes after Donegal-Armagh final

    Tyrone legend voices support for ugly scenes after Donegal-Armagh final

    A controversial take indeed. Not for the first time following a great game of Gaelic football involving Armagh, the biggest talking point was not the play but rather an ugly fracas between the teams. After Donegal’s extra-time win in the Ulster SFC final over Armagh, both sides were engaged in a shemozzle. It began when […]

    11 months ago

  • Trailblazing jockey Rachel Blackmore announces retirement

    Trailblazing jockey Rachel Blackmore announces retirement

    One of the best to ever do it. Jockey Rachel Blackmore has announced her retirement from horse racing at the age of 35. In 2021, the Tipperary native was the first female to win the Grand National, on Minella Times and the first female to be named leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, where she […]

    11 months ago

  • Shane Lowry completes remarkable career first despite agonising loss

    Shane Lowry completes remarkable career first despite agonising loss

    He came so close. Shane Lowry cut a clearly heartbroken figure last night, after narrowly losing out to Sepp Straka at the Truist Championship. Lowry went into the final round in the elevated PGA Tour event level with his 2023 Ryder Cup teammate, but bogeys on 16 and 18 meant it was a disappointing level-par […]

    11 months ago

  • The Lions XV Andy Farrell should start in the first test vs Australia

    The Lions XV Andy Farrell should start in the first test vs Australia

    A mighty squad of players. With Andy Farrell’s 38-man squad named, we have put ourselves in the head coach’s chair and had a crack at selecting what we believe is the best 23 the Lions can put out against Australia. Front row A one-two punch of Andrew Porter and Ellis Genge seems like the play […]

    11 months ago

  • Irish legend not happy with ‘foreign’ players in Lions squad

    Irish legend not happy with ‘foreign’ players in Lions squad

    Safe to say he won’t be handing out the match jerseys… Andy Farrell named his Lions squad on Thursday, selecting 15 Irish, 13 English, 8 Scots, and 2 Welsh. A number of these were born outside of these countries, including Irish players, James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson-Park and Mack Hansen. Those four grew up […]

    11 months ago

  • Tyrone icon says dodgy match-winning two-point free for Louth was ‘karma’

    Tyrone icon says dodgy match-winning two-point free for Louth was ‘karma’

    A controversial call from the referee. Louth have won the 2025 Leinster Senior Football Championship, beating Meath at Croke Park by 3-14 to 1-18. It was a replay of their infamous 2010 final, the last time a side other than Dublin had won the competition, when Meath were awarded a controversial winning goal, with Joe […]

    11 months ago

  • English pundit makes woeful error in attempted dig at BOD’s Lions career

    English pundit makes woeful error in attempted dig at BOD’s Lions career

    A tweet he’ll want to forget….. After the news that Lions head coach Andy Farrell had ‘left the door open’ for his son Owen to be called up, Sunday Times writer Stuart Barnes was not particularly pleased. He took to X to write: “Shame….no form and as for Lions `experience’, SCW belief in past it […]

    11 months ago

  • Terenure spring huge surprise and name All Black legend as new head coach

    Terenure spring huge surprise and name All Black legend as new head coach

    One of the all-time greats. Terenure RFC have announced All Black legend Carlos Spencer as their new head coach. The South-Dublin club have enjoyed much success in recent years, reaching their first AIL Division 1A final in 2022, before winning their first title in 2023 and reaching the final in 2024. Spencer, who won 44 […]

    11 months ago

  • Dublin & Offaly forced back into skorts after ‘standoff’ and threat in final

    Dublin & Offaly forced back into skorts after ‘standoff’ and threat in final

    The farce continues. There was further controversy today in the ongoing skorts debacle in Camogie. Dublin faced Offaly in the Leinster Camogie Minor Shield A final, with both teams entering the field of play wearing shorts. However, according to Newstalk journalist Will O’Callaghan, following a ‘lengthy standoff’ the sides returned to their dressing rooms and […]

    11 months ago

  • Andy Farrell leaves two spots for injured players to be added to Lions squad

    Andy Farrell leaves two spots for injured players to be added to Lions squad

    A huge revelation from the head coach. Lions head coach Andy Farrell has named his squad for their tour of Australia this summer. The nationality breakdown is as follows: 15 Ireland, 13 England, 8 Scotland, 2 Wales. This makes up 38 players, despite the fact that it was expected to be a 40-man squad. However, […]

    11 months ago

  • Mack Hansen had hilarious and emotional reaction at Lions announcement

    Mack Hansen had hilarious and emotional reaction at Lions announcement

    One of the game’s great characters. Mack Hansen was one of a record 15 Ireland players selected for the 2025 Lions tour to Australia. After the live squad announcement, the Connacht winger was video called to get his reaction. When Lions head coach, and Hansen’s Ireland boss, Andy Farrell heard the news he quipped, ‘you […]

    11 months ago

  • 15 Ireland players named in Lions squad with Caelan Doris missing out

    15 Ireland players named in Lions squad with Caelan Doris missing out

    A hefty number of Irish players Andy Farrell has named his squad for the 2025 Lions tour to Australia. 15 Ireland players have made the final cut, while Caelan Doris has cruelly missed out after picking up an injury in Leinster’s loss to Northampton at the weekend. The number eight had been favourite to captain […]

    11 months ago

  • Can you name Manchester United’s top ten Europa League goal scorers?

    Can you name Manchester United’s top ten Europa League goal scorers?

    Some serious ballers here. With Man United taking on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final tonight, we thought it would be fitting to test your knowledge on the Red Devils’ best finishers in the competition! This quiz is for players from 2009 onwards, when the tournament’s name was changed. Good luck, and tell us […]

    11 months ago

  • Big price tag slapped on one of Ireland’s most in-form stars

    Big price tag slapped on one of Ireland’s most in-form stars

    He has been superb this season. Troy Parrott has undoubtedly been Ireland’s best striker this season, scoring 20 times for Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar in 2024/2025, including 14 league goals in 28 games. This has led to a number of clubs taking interest in the Dubliner ahead of the summer transfer window. After securing the […]

    11 months ago

  • Pat Spillane hated comparisons between Mayo and ‘pampered’ Leinster

    Pat Spillane hated comparisons between Mayo and ‘pampered’ Leinster

    He was not at all pleased. After yet another under-par performance in a Champions Cup knockout game on the weekend, Leinster, their players, and management were rightly questioned. Given their numerous advantages, including population, number of private schools, and central contracts from the IRFU, they have been serial under achievers since they last won the […]

    11 months ago

  • Former Mayo star incredulous over county’s use of Aidan O’Shea

    Former Mayo star incredulous over county’s use of Aidan O’Shea

    He was highly critical. Galway marched to a fourth Connacht SFC title in a row, with Sunday’s win over Mayo in Castlebar. It was an excellent game, but one man who wasn’t quite at his best was Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea. The much-maligned forward is one of the top players in the country when on song, […]

    11 months ago

  • SportsJOE’s 2025 37-man Lions squad to take down the Aussies

    SportsJOE’s 2025 37-man Lions squad to take down the Aussies

    A group primed to beat the Wallabies. Ahead of Thursday’s squad announcement, we have had a go a picking what we feel is the best British and Irish Lions group to send to Australia this summer. Front row Most of these selections are definites or probables to make the plane, with a couple of tight […]

    11 months ago