We can’t wait! The draw for the 2025/2026 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup has been made, with both Munster and Leinster facing off against familiar foes. Leinster, who were defeated by Northampton in last season’s semi-finals, have been drawn in Pool 3, alongside Leicester Tigers, Harlequins, Stade Rochelais (La Rochelle), Aviron Bayonnais, and DHL Stormers. […]

1 year ago

The fallout continues…. Former Derry boss, Rory Gallagher, has taken action in the High Court and is seeking damages against the GAA, over an email sent to Naas GAA by GAA president Jarlath Burns. Gallagher, who led the Oak Leafers to the 2022 Ulster SFC title, stepped down as boss just days before the 2023 […]

1 year ago

He did not hold back! While the Lions were comfortable winners on Saturday, beating the Western Force 54-7, there was a particular element of their game that was not up to scratch. They struggled hugely with the Australian side’s restarts, which gave them field position and put the Lions under massive pressure straight after their […]

1 year ago

They are starting to find their groove. After the Lions’ 54-7 thrashing of the Western Force on Saturday, we have had a look at those who have moved up the pecking order and increased their chances of being involved in the tests, and those who have fallen off. Winners 1. Joe McCarthy The Leinster second […]

1 year ago

They got well beaten in the second-half! Kerry are into the All-Ireland semi-finals after beating Armagh, 0-32 to 1-21, in Croke Park on Sunday evening. The holders were five points up at one stage and took a one-point lead into half-time, before Kerry dusted off their point-scoring boots and unleashed a fury of well-taken scores. […]

1 year ago

He’s been there and done that. The Lions were 54-7 winners against the Western Force in Perth today. It was in the second half where Andy Farrell’s men stretched their lead, with the score 21-7 at the break, and it was also 7-7 after the home side responded immediately to a first-minute try. Last week […]

1 year ago

Some work rate! A much improved and cohesive performance from the Lions, albeit against much weaker opposition than Argentina, gave them a 54-7 win over the Western Force in Perth. There were eight Irish in the starting line up, and they all put in positive shifts, with Joe McCarthy, who got Player of the Match […]

1 year ago

A hammering! The Lions took on the Western Force this morning and dished out a 54-7 thrashing, with many Irish standing out. Pierre Schoeman – 6.5 Good work rate with 10 tackles, but didn’t dominate at scrum and didn’t offer a carry threat. Dan Sheehan – 7.5 Could not have had a more perfect start, […]

1 year ago

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet…. Venturing on to social media after a high-profile game is generally a fruitless endeavour, and it proved so once again after the Lions’ 28-24 defeat to Argentina last Friday. It’s not just the casual fan, but everyone who lets their biases get the better of them at […]

1 year ago

A big move! The Irish Examiner have reported that Roscommon goalkeeper, Conor Carroll, is set to transfer clubs. The 2023 All-Star nominee will be moving from Galway club Oranmore-Maree to Roscommon club St Bridgid’s. Carroll is a Galway-native but transferred to Roscommon after playing for the Tribesmen from U14 to U20. He did not play […]

1 year ago

Not the best look…. Mayo GAA released a statement yesterday, ‘relieving’ manager Kevin McStay and his management team of their duties. However, they have come in for criticism given the nature of the announcement, which you can read at the bottom of the article, that many felt was insensitive. McStay had to take a break […]

1 year ago

He warned them…. Back in 2008, Dublin club Parnells became the richest club in the country, following the sale of their grounds for €22 million. With the money they built new facilities in Coolock, and began to look at new ways to improve in hopes of claiming a first county title since 1988. This included […]

1 year ago

A huge clash! Cork came up clutch against Mayo on the weekend, winning 3-8 to 1-10 at MacHale Park, in their Ladies All-Ireland Group 2 clash. It was a must-win for both sides, and it is the Rebels who advance to a quarter-final against Dublin, while Mayo must face Leitrim in a relegation play-off. Katie […]

1 year ago

Some have little sympathy… Donegal GAA have released a statement, following the confirmation of the dates and times for this weekend’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals. Jim McGuinness and his side will face Monaghan in the first game, at 4pm in Croke Park. Having played Louth on Sunday, in last week’s preliminary quarter-final, this gives Donegal just […]

1 year ago

It’s a very open competition! The draw for the All-Ireland quarter-finals has been made, with Armagh v Kerry, Tyrone v Dublin, Meath v Galway, and Monaghan v Donegal. In what is the most open competition for years, with all teams fancying their chances to lift the Sam Maguire, we have been given four cracking fixtures […]

1 year ago

A serious dig! Following Kerry’s shock hammering at the hands of Meath last weekend, Darragh Ó Sé, a six-time All-Ireland winner with the Kingdom, questioned boss Jack O’Connor and his blooding of new players. He said: “That’s the biggest criticism Kerry people have of Jack O’Connor. He hasn’t future-proofed the squad during his time in […]

1 year ago

He was left looking for answers…. Dublin will go on to face Cork in the All-Ireland SHC semis, after defeating Limerick, 2-24 to 0-28, in what is being described as the upset of the century. After taking an early, followed by the red card to Dublin’s Chris Crummey, it had all the hallmarks of a […]

1 year ago

A huge moment! Favourites Limerick started their All-Ireland SHC quarter-final against Dublin in dominant fashion at Croke Park. And it got even worse for the Sky Blues when Chris Crummey was sent off for putting his elbow out to tackle Gearóid Hegarty as the Treaty man ran past him. However, Dublin have rallied and went […]

1 year ago

Dodgy! Argentina came to play in Dublin last night, beating the Lions 28-24, with an array of clinical attacking passages lighting up the Aviva Stadium. The Lions were, however, extremely dominant in an area of the game that more often than not, leads to victory. At the scrum, props Ellis Genge and Finlay Bealham made […]

1 year ago

Hope among the errors. Despite yesterday’s 28-24 loss to Argentina, there were a handful of Lions stars who seriously strengthened their credentials for a test start. But while it was only the first game of the tour, there are few opportunities to prove ones worth, and some may have scuppered their chances. Here are our […]

1 year ago

A great game! An engaging opener for the Lions, with the Aviva experiencing an atmosphere we rarely see at Ireland games. Andy Farrell’s side were error-strewn with ball in hand, dropping passes and handing the ball to the opposition at times. Los Pumas were clinical and magnificent in broken-field play, and deserved 28-24 winners. Lions […]

1 year ago

Cheeky stuff from the Derry man. Another year, another excruciating Mayo loss. The Connacht men were knocked out of the All-Ireland SFC by Donegal on the weekend, when Ciarán Moore hit a superb point after the buzzer had gone at Dr Hyde Park. Mayo have famously endured many near misses since winning their last All-Ireland […]

1 year ago

An exciting team! The Lions kick off their 2025 Tour against Argentina on Friday, June 20, at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off, 8pm). Andy Farrell has selected his 23 for the Dublin clash, with 9 English, 3 Irish, 2 Scottish, and 1 Welshman in the starting XV. The Ireland players picked are Finlay Bealham, Maro Itoje, […]

1 year ago

It could be critical…. Kerry are currently joint favourites with Armagh to win the All-Ireland SFC. And they were the clear best up until last weekend, when Meath dished out an almighty, 1-22 to 0-16, hammering. After winning the National League Division 1 title, then cruising to the Munster SFC crown, it was a shock […]

1 year ago

This would be a huge move! Gareth Southgate is in line for shock return to management. He lead the England team for eight years, taking them to two Euro finals, in 2021 and 2024, as well as a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final. He was linked with the Man United job when Erik ten Hag […]

1 year ago

He’s absolutely right. Despite Ireland having two classy, young 10s at their disposal, all is not rosey. We saw, particularly during the Six Nations, just how toxic social media can get when fans are not pleased with selections. This came to the fore when Leinster’s Sam Prendergast was picked ahead of Munster’s Jack Crowley, with […]

1 year ago

Not a good look…. Roscommon were dumped out of the All-Ireland SFC by Cork on Saturday, losing 0-19 to 0-17 at O’Moore Park in Portlaoise. Much to the disappointment of many fans, the game, as well as big clashes between Dublin vs Derry and Galway vs Armagh, were not shown on TV, but instead were […]

1 year ago

Was it the ref or the rule at fault? Meath are into the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals after beating Kildare, 0-07 to 0-04, in Newbridge. The conditions were awful, leading to the low-scoring affair. After the game, fans disagreed over what looked like a very soft yellow card for former player of the year, Vikki Wall. […]

1 year ago

We’re not sure about this one…. Donegal broke Mayo hearts on Sunday, knocking them out of the All-Ireland SFC with the last kick of the game, as Ciarán Moore’s point after the buzzer gave them a one-point win. Key to victory was man of the match Michael Murphy, with the veteran dominating as a target […]

1 year ago

He was in a bullish mood! Leinster exorcised a few of their demons with Saturday’s URC final win over the Bulls at Croke Park; their first title since the 2021 Pro14. After years of underperforming in the biggest games and numerous near misses in the Champions Cup, the team have come in for a significant […]

1 year ago

He was not a happy camper. A one-point, 0-19 to 1-15 win over Mayo this evening, confirmed Donegal’s spot in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals. Their loss to Tyrone earlier in the group stage meant that the Red Hands topped the table and will advance straight to the last eight. The neutral venue chosen for today’s […]

1 year ago

Heartbreaking for Mayo. Mayo have been knocked out of the 2025 All-Ireland Championship, following a one-point, 0-19 to 1-15, defeat to Donegal this evening. It looked as though Mayo had the draw secured, with Cavan going out, when Fergal Boland knocked over a late point, but Ciarán Moore broke their hearts with a classy solo […]

1 year ago

Not good… US golfer Wyndham Clark missed the cut at the US Open by one stroke, finishing on +8 after shooting +4 in his second round at Oakmont. And, allegedly, he let his frustrations get the better of him, with pictures showing smashed up lockers. Tron Carter, of the No Laying Up podcast, posted on […]

1 year ago

A head-scratching decision…. Monaghan were the victors today against Down in their All-Ireland group-stage clash, winning 2-27 to 1-26 at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh. The result means that the Farney men go straight into the quarter-finals as group winners, while the Mournemen face a preliminary quarter-final. The latter were winning for large parts of […]

1 year ago

This would be incredible! One of the Bundesliga’s brightest young stars has opened the door for a switch to Ireland. Mainz player Paul Nebel qualifies for Ireland through his Dublin grandmother, Maura. The 22-year-old bagged 10 assists and six goals as his side finished sixth in the Bundesliga last season. While he has represented Germany […]

1 year ago

A serious team! The first game of the 2025 Lions tour is around the corner, with the representative side taking on Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin next week. With a significant chunk of players taking part in the URC and Premiership finals this weekend, for Leinster, Bath, and Leicester, and Blair Kinghorn still […]

1 year ago

Terrible news for Drogs. League of Ireland side Drogheda United are set to be expelled from the UEFA Conference League. Drogs qualified for the third-tier of Europe after winning the FAI Cup last season. However, under UEFA’s ownership rules, two clubs with the same owner are not allowed compete in the same competition. Both Drogheda […]

1 year ago

They are not happy. The seeding structure in the Munster SFC is set for change, according to reports. The Examiner’s Eoghan Cormican has written that the Munster council are in favour of seeding the higher-ranked side in the National Football League, rather than the two Munster SFC finalists, and that a vote on the matter […]

1 year ago

This makes sense. It looked certain that Victor Osimhen would be heading to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal this summer, but the move fell through at the last minute. The 26-year-old is one of the most in demand strikers in the world, and rightly so, given his 37 goals in 41 games for Galatasaray this […]

1 year ago

This is fantastic news! Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D., and Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue T.D., have announced investment of €4 million under the Women in Sport (WIS) Programme for 2025. The WIS was established 20 years ago, to assist projects for a wide range of different sports […]

1 year ago

What a performance. Kerry got their All-Ireland group stage off to a flyer at Austin Stack Park in Tralee on Saturday. They took down their Group 2 rivals Mayo, by 0-13 to 1-4. Key to victory was the performance of Danielle O’Leary, who scored four points off the bench, but it was Aishling O’Connell who […]

1 year ago

A smart move. English Premiership giants, Gloucester, have announced the signing of Leinster winger Rob Russell, with the length of contract currently undisclosed. The 26-year-old flyer will join Leinster teammate Ross Byrne at Kingsholm Stadium next year. While he has had an injury ravaged season, with just two appearances for his province, the previous two […]

1 year ago

This could make or break him! Nathan Collins has enjoyed an exceptional season with Brentford, playing every minute in the Premier League, as the Bees finished in a respectable 10th place. The Ireland centre-back looks settled after only playing a season each for both Burnley and Wolves. However, if reports are to be believed, it […]

1 year ago

It’s all business. Shane Lowry has been paired alongside Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose for the first two rounds of the US Open at Oakmont, starting on Thursday. The Offaly man has been in superb form this season, and is currently ranked 12th in the world. Lowry and McIlroy have one of the most celebrated […]

1 year ago

A bit harsh. Finlay Bealham was the first late call-up to the Lions squad, after Zander Fagerson was forced to withdraw through injury. While it is cruel luck for the Scot, most fans were delighted for the popular Connacht man, who many felt should have been named in the original squad. Sale Sharks tighthead Asher […]

1 year ago

He’s not wrong. Leinster looked back to somewhere near their best in Saturday’s URC semi-final win over Glasgow. It was a performance that was tinged with anger and frustration at their failure in this year’s Champions Cup, and indeed in Europe and the league over the past four seasons, where they have failed to win […]

1 year ago

He did not hold back. How successful Tyrone’s season so far has been is up for debate. While they were relegated to Division 2 of the NFL, they did push All-Ireland champions Armagh extremely close in the Ulster SFC, losing by just a point in the semi-final. And in the opening game of the All-Ireland […]

1 year ago

It’s never too late! Zander Fagerson has become the first injury-victim of the 2025 Lions squad. Ireland captain Caelan Doris was nailed on to travel, but was ruled out before the squad was named. Scotland prop Fagerson has enjoyed the best season of his career, with his eye-catching work rate for a tight head, and […]

1 year ago

A well though out explanation. Limerick boss John Kiely was not too pleased at one aspect of the refereeing in Saturday’s epic Munster SHC final against Cork. He felt that referee John Owens gave too much added time in the second-half of extra-time. Owens had decided on an extra minute, but ended the play after […]

1 year ago

They are certainly enjoying the win. Saturday’s Munster SHC final between Cork and Limerick will take some beating in this year’s All-Ireland. The Rebels were victorious, winning 3-2 on penalties, after they could not be separated from the Treaty after extra-time. It put an end to the latter’s hopes of seven Munster titles in a […]

1 year ago