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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  • Quiz: Name Liverpool’s starting XI from the 2019 Champions League final

    Quiz: Name Liverpool’s starting XI from the 2019 Champions League final

    Name the team from Liverpool’s sixth and latest UCL final victory Liverpool are English football’s most successful team when it comes to the UEFA Champions League, having become European champions an incredible six times, meaning they trail behind only AC Milan and Real Madrid in the competition’s all-time rankings. Although the Reds are England’s most […]

    3 weeks ago

  • The Masters 2026 live hub

    The Masters 2026 live hub

    A tradition like no other! Masters week 2026 is finally here. The greatest tournament in golf is back, with the world’s best heading to Augusta National in Georgia. Will Rory regain his title or will Scheffler prove the bookies right? Can Shane Lowry make a run or will Justin Rose finally get over his hump? […]

    3 weeks ago

  • Quiz: Can you name the biggest stadiums in Ireland and the UK

    Quiz: Can you name the biggest stadiums in Ireland and the UK

    For the stadia nerds! Most of our quizzes are based around players, but we now have one for all you stadium fans. With so many iconic grounds around Ireland and the UK, it can be hard to remember which ones have the largest capacities. Good luck!

    1 month ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 134

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 134

    A monster week of sport! Our SportsJOE Pub Quiz is back for another week and as good as ever. We had some interesting sport this week, with Ireland’s downbeat friendly against North Macedonia, some cracking National Football League finals, and URC action. Let us know how you all get on!

    1 month ago

  • Dublin GAA criticised for no-show at Leinster launch over Brennan dispute

    Dublin GAA criticised for no-show at Leinster launch over Brennan dispute

    They didn’t turn up. Dublin GAA refused to send a player to the launch of the Leinster SFC on Tuesday, 31 March, due to the ongoing case involving Ger Brennan. The Dubs manager is currently facing a 12-week suspension after receiving a red card against Galway, for tussling with S&C coach Cian Breathnach McGinn. However, […]

    1 month ago

  • Ulster head coach responds to reports of Ireland poaching Aussie prospect

    Ulster head coach responds to reports of Ireland poaching Aussie prospect

    Interesting…. The big news in Irish rugby yesterday was the possibility of Ireland poaching one of the hottest prospects in Australia, tighthead prop Massimo De Lutiis. Reports have said that the IRFU have made contact his club, the Queensland Reds, but there have been no contract discussions with the 22-year-old himself. However, due to the […]

    1 month ago

  • Quiz: Can you name Ireland’s most capped players of all time

    Quiz: Can you name Ireland’s most capped players of all time

    A tough one! We have seen a whole host of legends and stalwarts tog out for Ireland over the years, with a handful of them racking up over a 100 caps. Some names are easier guessed than others, but if you are a true Ireland fan you should be getting over 20. Good luck!

    1 month ago

  • Livid coach of top English side shoves Craig Doyle after ‘bantz’ fail

    Livid coach of top English side shoves Craig Doyle after ‘bantz’ fail

    He was not happy… Leicester Tigers travelled to play Gloucester at Villa Park in the English Premiership this afternoon. The visitors, who are third in the league, finished as 17-36 winners. However, there was a touch of controversy before the game when TNT presenter Liam MacDevitt took a penalty kick at the goal posts, under […]

    1 month ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 133

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 133

    What a whopper week! Another SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz is here, and it is a tricky one. It has been one of the most disappointing weeks in Irish sport for a long time, after Ireland’s devastating penalty shootout loss to Czechia. However, you’ll have to show similar character to the lads and battle through the […]

    1 month ago

  • Ger Brennan likely to avoid championship ban after red card fight

    Ger Brennan likely to avoid championship ban after red card fight

    A lucky man. Ger Brennan dominated headlines after Dublin’s relegation-sealing loss to Galway on Sunday. The Dubs boss got into a physical altercation with Galway’s S&C coach Cian Breathnach McGinn, with both men sent to the stands by referee Fergal Kelly. Brennan acknowledged the decision after the game and said: “Yeah look, myself and the […]

    1 month ago

  • Marty Morrissey tribute gets to the heart of what made Michael Lyster great

    Marty Morrissey tribute gets to the heart of what made Michael Lyster great

    RIP. Tributes have been pouring in from the world of Irish sport, following the passing of broadcasting great Michael Lyster. There were touching scenes at Galway’s clash with Dublin yesterday, while both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste released statements. The legendary RTÉ Marty broadcaster Marty Morrissey also spoke about his former colleague, with a glowing tribute […]

    1 month ago

  • Wexford win promotion over Westmeath with crazy last-play goal

    Wexford win promotion over Westmeath with crazy last-play goal

    Hup the Yellowbellies! Wexford have been promoted to Division 2, following a last-gasp win over Westmeath at Chadwicks Wexford Park. With the clock winding down, Westmeath had possession and a two-point lead over their promotion-chasing rivals. But a missed attempt at a point gave Wexford one last opportunity, and it was Seán Ryan who hammered […]

    1 month ago

  • Ger Brennan gives cheeky answer on how he could have avoided red card

    Ger Brennan gives cheeky answer on how he could have avoided red card

    At least he sees the funny side. Dublin boss Ger Brennan was given a red card during his side’s Division 1 loss to Galway earlier today. The incident in question occurred on the stroke of half-time, when, after Galway had a penalty saved, tempers flared and Brennan was seen fighting with a Galway mentor and […]

    1 month ago

  • Dublin boss Ger Brennan attacks Galway staff during game

    Dublin boss Ger Brennan attacks Galway staff during game

    Unreal scenes! Dublin have travelled to Galway for their Division 1 clash this afternoon. With the scores at 0-12 to 0-07 for the visitors, tempers frayed after the Tribesmen missed a penalty. It looked to be over and done with between the players but the scrap made its way to the sidelines, and Sky Blues […]

    1 month ago

  • Tribute paid ahead of Galway v Dublin after death of Michael Lyster

    Tribute paid ahead of Galway v Dublin after death of Michael Lyster

    RIP. The GAA world was rocked this afternoon, following the news of the death of Michael Lyster. The legendary broadcaster was synonymous with the GAA, hosting The Sunday Game Live from 1984 to 2018. Ahead of Galway’s Division 1 clash with Dublin this afternoon, the announcer paid tribute to the Waterford native and a minute’s […]

    1 month ago

  • Mick McCarthy slams Roy Keane as a ‘c***’ in hilarious anecdote

    Mick McCarthy slams Roy Keane as a ‘c***’ in hilarious anecdote

    He can tell a good story. Former Ireland boss Mick McCarthy has added more fuel to the fire in his years-long feud with Roy Keane. Such was the cultural impact of Keane getting sent home from Saipan by McCarthy ahead of 2002 World Cup, that the film based on the events has garnered huge attention. […]

    1 month ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 132

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 132

    It’s that time of the week again! We are back with our latest SportsJOE Pub Quiz. It has certainly been a week to remember with the conclusion of the Six Nations, Champions League belters, and an Ireland squad announcement. See how well you can remember it all! Good luck.

    1 month ago

  • Hallgrimsson gives strange reason after signing new Ireland contract

    Hallgrimsson gives strange reason after signing new Ireland contract

    Fans are puzzled. Heimir Hallgrimsson has announced his Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia next Thursday. There was even more big news, with the manager revealing at the end of the press conference that he has signed a new contract until the end of the Euro 2028 campaign. Hallgrimsson stated that […]

    1 month ago

  • QUIZ: Every player to score for Newcastle in the Champions League

    QUIZ: Every player to score for Newcastle in the Champions League

    They’ve enjoyed five campaigns in Europe’s most prestigious competition While not one of the competition’s heavy hitters, Champions League nights at St James park just make sense, and Newcastle have been enjoying a European resurgence in recent years. The Magpies face Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, as […]

    1 month ago

  • Bundee Aki reaction to Ireland losing Six Nations caught on Dublin street

    Bundee Aki reaction to Ireland losing Six Nations caught on Dublin street

    We feel you Bundee! Bundee Aki was out on the town on Saturday night, following Ireland’s Six Nations win over Scotland. The Connacht centre was forced to watch France steal the title in the last play against England on a phone outside of Pitch on Dawson Street. He was videoed having a strong reaction to […]

    1 month ago

  • How to watch Man City v Real Madrid in the Champions League for free

    How to watch Man City v Real Madrid in the Champions League for free

    A mountain to climb. This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission on any sales generated from it. It’s a huge Champions League week, with the round of 16 second legs taking place, including Man City v Real Madrid. There are four games on Tuesday and four on Wednesday to feast your eyes […]

    1 month ago

  • The Ireland team we want to see at the 2027 Rugby World Cup

    The Ireland team we want to see at the 2027 Rugby World Cup

    It’s getting close! With the Six Nations over and done with, Ireland’s 2027 World Cup match-day squad has become a whole lot clearer. We’ve picked the side we would like to see, with a few surprises on the bench. Loosehead prop – Paddy McCarthy After injuries to Ireland’s top-three looseheads – Andrew Porter, Jack Boyle […]

    1 month ago

  • Andy Farrell takes responsibility after Scots game for major Aviva criticism

    Andy Farrell takes responsibility after Scots game for major Aviva criticism

    Very fair from the Ireland boss. Scotland came to the Aviva Stadium with a Six Nations title on their minds, but these dreams were firmly put to down bed by an Ireland side who were on top from minute one to 80. Aside from the stellar displays from most of the players, another aspect of […]

    1 month ago

  • Ireland player ratings as they thrash Scotland in Dublin

    Ireland player ratings as they thrash Scotland in Dublin

    Another top performance! Our Ireland player ratings as Andy Farrell’s men put in a six-try performance to defeat Scotland. Tom O’Toole – 8.5 The Ulsterman’s switch to loosehead looks to be paying real dividends with another great showing in the scrum, the highlight of which was an early penalty that led to Jamie Osborne’s try. […]

    1 month ago

  • Ireland v Scotland: Six Nations live hub

    Ireland v Scotland: Six Nations live hub

    It’s all to play for today! Ireland welcome Scotland to the Aviva Stadium this afternoon in the final round of the 2026 Six Nations, with both sides in with a chance of winning the title. The Scots are joint with France on points and a win would put huge pressure on Les Bleus against England […]

    1 month ago

  • Six Nations permutations and how Ireland can win the title

    Six Nations permutations and how Ireland can win the title

    A huge day of rugby! With just one weekend to go in the 2026 Six Nations, three teams – Ireland, Scotland and France – can win on Super Saturday. Ireland kick of the day at home to Scotland (kick-off, 2.10pm), Wales host Italy next (kick-off, 4.40pm), and France finish off the tournament as they welcome […]

    1 month ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 131

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 131

    Another bumper week of sports! It is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, with Cheltenham kicking off this week and taking its place in our SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz. Once again you’ll have to a wide range of knowledge in a few different sports, with basketball and horse racing among the usuals: GAA, […]

    1 month ago

  • Scottish player accused of gouging as brawl breaks out

    Scottish player accused of gouging as brawl breaks out

    He may get a hefty ban. Arbroath faced Ross County in the Scottish Championship yesterday, in what was a fiery encounter that ended in a 0-0 draw. In the second half, Ross County’s Ross Docherty was sent off for a challenge on Scott Robinson. In the ensuing scuffle, Robinson appeared to stick his fingers in […]

    2 months ago

  • Ugly scenes as Rangers fans storm pitch and go after Celtic players

    Ugly scenes as Rangers fans storm pitch and go after Celtic players

    Not what you want to see. Celtic defeated Rangers 4-2 on penalties today in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, after the game had finished 0-0 in normal time. However, there were some ugly scene at the full-time whistle, with fans from both side storming the pitch. At 22 seconds in the video below you can see […]

    2 months ago

  • French star has lucky red card escape after eye contact on Scottish player

    French star has lucky red card escape after eye contact on Scottish player

    Nasty. France backrower Oscar Jegou was lucky to escape yesterday’s Six Nations loss to Scotland without a red card. The La Rochelle man was seen putting his hands on the facer of Ewan Ashman during a maul, with a lengthy ban almost certain to follow. According to French journalist Gauthier Baudin: “Oscar Jegou in hot […]

    2 months ago

  • Ireland player ratings as lacklustre performance scrapes past Wales

    Ireland player ratings as lacklustre performance scrapes past Wales

    Lets go! Our Ireland player ratings as they just about beat an out-of-form Wales side, 27-17. Tom O’Toole – 7.5 He had a lot to prove in this game and delivered. The scrum was the best it’s been in good while and he won a brilliant turnover with Kelleher in the second half. Has moved […]

    2 months ago

  • Quiz: Name the Ireland team who beat Wales to win the 2009 Grand Slam

    Quiz: Name the Ireland team who beat Wales to win the 2009 Grand Slam

    Memories…. It remains the most iconic day in Irish rugby: March 21, 2009. Ireland had not won a Grand Slam since 1948, when they had also beaten Wales in their final game of the tournament. It was a strong Welsh side who had defeated Ireland the year before at Croke Park, and many believed they […]

    2 months ago

  • Ireland’s best uncapped XV shows the wealth of talent in the country

    Ireland’s best uncapped XV shows the wealth of talent in the country

    Some team. Following on from Edwin Edogbo’s debut against Italy a few weeks ago, and with Nathan Doak in line to make his first Ireland appearance this weekend, we have gone ahead and selected the best Ireland uncapped XV. There’s some amount of talent yet to be capped ahead of the 2027 World Cup! Cheltenham […]

    2 months ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 130

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 130

    This may be our best one yet! It’s our favourite time of the week again, with the release of our latest SportsJOE Pub Quiz. Despite it being a Six Nations down week, there was still plenty of brilliant sport on, with Ireland women taking on France and some cracking midweek Premier League fixtures. Let us […]

    2 months ago

  • Willie Mullins pulls out number of horses from Cheltenham Festival

    Willie Mullins pulls out number of horses from Cheltenham Festival

    A bit of a change from Willie! Cheltenham Festival fever is growing by the day, with the iconic meet beginning next Tuesday. Last year, legendary trainer Willie Mullins came in for scrutiny due to the sheer amount of horses he entered, with some questioning the fairness of his actions. This year’s Cheltenham looks a little […]

    2 months ago

  • Picture emerges of Six Nations trophy destroyed after vehicle catches fire in Ireland

    Picture emerges of Six Nations trophy destroyed after vehicle catches fire in Ireland

    Not ideal. The Six Nations trophy has been destroyed after the vehicle it was travelling in in Ireland caught fire. Irreparable damage has been done to it according to tournament officials, and a replica version will now be given to the winners of this year’s tournament. Materials salvaged from the wrecked trophy will be used […]

    2 months ago

  • SportsJOE Quick Fire general knowledge quiz

    SportsJOE Quick Fire general knowledge quiz

    What do we have here… For those of you in a rush, who don’t have time to spend 10 or minutes on a quiz, well we have just the solution for you. Here is our first SportsJOE Quick Fire sports general knowledge quiz. And there’s something for everybody with all the big sports represented, including […]

    2 months ago

  • Six Nations trophy destroyed after vehicle catches fire in Ireland

    Six Nations trophy destroyed after vehicle catches fire in Ireland

    Not ideal. The Six Nations trophy has been destroyed after the vehicle it was travelling in in Ireland caught fire. Irreparable damage has been done to it according to tournament officials, and a replica version will now be given to the winners of this year’s tournament. Materials salvaged from the wrecked trophy will be used […]

    2 months ago

  • Lowry’s daughter comments add extra pain as he blows three-shot lead

    Lowry’s daughter comments add extra pain as he blows three-shot lead

    This one hurt. Shane Lowry looked odds on to win his first solo PGA Tour title since the 2019 Open, as he held a three-shot lead with three to play at the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach, Florida. He went into the final day in the lead, and had played his fourth round beautifully, with […]

    2 months ago

  • Martin O’Neill gets involved on pitch in post-game scuffle at Old Firm derby

    Martin O’Neill gets involved on pitch in post-game scuffle at Old Firm derby

    Scenes. Celtic and Rangers played out a thrilling 2-2 draw this afternoon in the Old Firm derby at the Ibrox. The home side had the perfect start after two Youssef Chermiti goals gave them a 2-0 lead after just 26 minutes. The Hoops fought back, however, with a 51st-minute finish from Kieran Tierney and a 91st-minute […]

    2 months ago

  • The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 129

    The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 129

    It’s that time of the week again! Can you match our sporting heroes in this week’s SportsJOE Pub Quiz by absolutely smashing it? In the last seven days we have seen Ireland record a famous win over England, Man United and Liverpool secure late victories in the Premier League, and Rory McIlroy come second at […]

    2 months ago

  • Father of wonderkid who is swapping N. Ireland for Republic responds after abuse

    Father of wonderkid who is swapping N. Ireland for Republic responds after abuse

    What a steal! Chelsea academy midfielder Chris Atherton has made the switch from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. The 17-year-old has represented Northern Ireland at U17 level, and made the switch to Chelsea from NIFL side Glenavon last year. He also has the distinction of being the youngest ever senior footballer in the […]

    2 months ago

  • Fans baffled as ex-England star completely belittles Ireland performance

    Fans baffled as ex-England star completely belittles Ireland performance

    A strange take. Ireland have rightfully been praised to the heavens since their 42-21 win over England on Saturday. Andy Farrell’s men dominated in nearly every area of the game, and won most of the big moments. They were accurate in their execution, clever in their decision making, while a number of individuals, including Jamison […]

    2 months ago

  • Farrell reveals training ‘error’ led to huge McCloskey moment vs England

    Farrell reveals training ‘error’ led to huge McCloskey moment vs England

    Hats off to Andy Farrell and Ireland Above all the memorable moments during Ireland’s defeat of England, one stood out. Stuart McCloskey’s chase down of Marcus Smith, after the England back intercepted a pass in his own half, has already become an iconic moment in Irish rugby. It showed incredible hunger, given that Ireland were […]

    2 months ago