This Cookie Policy explains how SportsJOE (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on www.sportsjoe.ie (the “SportsJOE Site”). It should be read together with our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By using the SportsJOE Site, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy. Where required by law, we will ask for your explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies on your device. If you do not agree to the use of cookies as set out below, you should adjust your browser settings or stop using the SportsJOE Site.
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, phone, tablet, or other device when you visit a website. Cookies help websites recognise your device and store information about your preferences or past actions.
Cookies may be:
- Session cookies: temporary and deleted when you close your browser; or
- Persistent cookies: remain on your device until they expire or are deleted.
We may also use similar technologies such as pixels, SDKs, tags, or local storage (“cookies” in this Policy includes these similar technologies).
2. Why we use cookies
We use cookies to:
- make the SportsJOE Site work properly;
- remember your preferences;
- understand how users interact with our content;
- improve site performance and your experience;
- deliver relevant advertising and measure its effectiveness;
- protect the security of the SportsJOE Site.
3. Types of cookies we use
Cookies on the SportsJOE Site fall into the categories below:
(a) Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the SportsJOE Site to function. They enable core features like page navigation, security, and access to secure areas.
You cannot disable these cookies through our consent banner, but you can block them in your browser (this may cause parts of the site not to work).
(b) Performance / Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how users use the SportsJOE Site (e.g. which pages are visited most, time spent on pages, errors encountered).
This information is aggregated and used solely to improve the SportsJOE Site and our content.
Examples may include: Google Analytics, Chartbeat, Parse.ly.
(c) Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow the SportsJOE Site to remember choices you make (such as language, region, or display preferences) and provide enhanced, more personal features.
(d) Advertising / Targeting Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver advertising more relevant to you and your interests. They may also limit how many times you see an ad, measure ad performance, and help us and advertisers understand campaign reach.
These cookies may be set by us or by third-party advertising partners.
Examples may include: Google Ad Manager, Meta Pixel, Adform, Outbrain, Taboola.
4. Third-party cookies
Some cookies on the SportsJOE Site are placed by third parties we work with, including advertisers, analytics providers, and social media platforms. These third parties may collect data about your online activities over time and across different websites.
We do not control these cookies. Please review the relevant third party’s cookie and privacy policies for more information about their practices.
5. Legal basis for using cookies
Under Irish and EU law:
- Strictly necessary cookies are placed on the basis of our legitimate interest in operating the SportsJOE Site.
- All other cookies (analytics, functionality, advertising) are placed only with your consent, which you may withdraw at any time.
6. Managing your cookie preferences
(a) Cookie banner / settings
When you first visit the SportsJOE Site, you will be shown a cookie banner allowing you to:
- accept all cookies;
- reject non-essential cookies; or
- customise your preferences.
You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by clicking “Cookie Settings” on the SportsJOE Site.
(b) Browser controls
You can also control cookies through your browser settings, including blocking or deleting cookies. Instructions vary by browser, but you can usually find them in the “Help” or “Settings” menu.
If you block cookies, parts of the SportsJOE Site may not function correctly.
7. How long cookies stay on your device
Cookie retention depends on the type:
- Session cookies last only until you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies remain for a fixed period or until deleted.
We do not keep cookie data longer than necessary for the purposes described in this Policy.
8. Updates to this Cookie Policy
We reserve the right to change this Cookie Policy at any time by posting an updated version on the SportsJOE Site. Where changes are material, we will take reasonable steps to notify users.
