Big calls at hooker and scrumhalf. Bundee Aki was fresh off the field, at Stade de la Beaujoire, on Saturday with Tonga in his rear-view, when thoughts had already turned to South Africa. His Ireland team have scored 20 tries in their opening two games, but Aki is expecting the challenges to get much, much […]

2 years ago

“Éléphante!“ 2019 brought us the Blackrock lads ‘absolutely sending it’ for the Ko Samui Cup and Irish rugby fan Breffni Allen anticipating ‘absolute carnage’ in Japan. The 2023 World Cup is still only warming up, but we already have some new ‘goys’ out there spreading the Irish rugby message. Harry Jones from Australian outlet ‘Roar’ […]

2 years ago

“It’s a big week ahead.” It was understandable, given the game that is coming swiftly into focus next Saturday, that Johnny Sexton and Andy Farrell were asked a few South Africa questions, less than an hour after seeing off Tonga. Such is the nature of this Rugby World Cup that once one challenge is passed, […]

2 years ago

“He didn’t know what ‘no contact’ was. He was just smashing boys” Every team has a player, or two, that instantly lights up the place when they arrive. Irish rugby has produced its fair share over the years and though the professional era has led to a general levelling out of the wild-eyed characters of […]

2 years ago

“It’s not going to change. I’m well used to it.” James McClean had never been on The Late Late Show before, but that all changed – and then some – in Patrick Kielty’s first show as host. The Wrexham and Ireland star was the final guest on the long-running talk show, and he discussed having […]

2 years ago

Derek Warfield and the lads must be loving the free publicity. Patrick Kielty made his Late Late Show host debut on RTÉ, this evening [September 15th], and came out swinging in his opening monologue. He found time to get in a joke that folded in The Wolfe Tones and Liveline. Ryan Tubridy, the RTÉ executives, […]

2 years ago

“They might have booked the wrong pony!” Patrick Kielty made his debut as host of The Late Late Show on RTÉ, this evening [Friday, September 15] and made an early impression. The County Down native mixed comedy and humility as he went through his opening monologue before saying hosting the talk show was ‘the honour […]

2 years ago

“According to you, he’s been nothing but trouble.” Andy Farrell and Peter O’Mahony lit into reporters at a press briefing that followed Ireland announcing their team to play Tonga. The Ireland head coach and his veteran back-row both stood up for Mack Hansen after some speculation, late last week, that the Connacht winger was left […]

2 years ago

Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton set to roll it back again. Andy Farrell has made several changes to his Ireland team to face Tonga, this Saturday, as he keeps one eye on a huge game against South Africa. It has also been reported by the Irish Independent that a woman who died in Bordeaux due […]

2 years ago

“Hopefully I’m better for the game and hopefully I can improve my performance for Tonga” Andy Farrell’s men had long finished their 82-8 destruction of Romania, on Saturday, when Johnny Sexton flung his hat in for the Ireland team to face Tonga. Sexton had the World Cup opener against Romania circled for well over a […]

2 years ago

“He’s a bloody good player.” Evan Ferguson is locked in as an Ireland international, following his six senior appearances for his country, but speculation continues about a possible switch to England. The 18-year-old has two competitive appearances for Ireland, and four friendly outings, meaning he has satisfied Fifa qualification rules. Although he would qualify to […]

2 years ago

On the day Johnny Sexton eclipsed another ROG record, he was briefly thrown by a ‘fine wine’ question. Johnny Sexton ran in his 18th and 19th Test tries for Ireland, as part of a 24-point haul, as Romania were put to the sword in Bordeaux. Sexton’s haul for Ireland equalled the World Cup individual match […]

2 years ago

“It was a right wake up call for us.” Peter O’Mahony turns 34 next Sunday but had plenty of gas in his tank to score two second half tries in 35-degree Bordeaux heat, this afternoon. The Munster captain shifted from blindside to openside for Ireland’s 82-8 victory over Romania, and did a fine job in […]

2 years ago

Ireland’s World Cup odyssey began in Bordeaux. Ireland went into their World Cup opener with a pretty stacked deck, after Andy Farrell named most of his frontliners in his match-day XV to take on the Eastern Europeans. Ireland were on a 13-game winning streak and will be looking to keep that going at Matmut Stadium. […]

2 years ago

Ireland get their World Cup adventure underway this Saturday (2:30pm kick-off). Andy Farrell has mixed it up with his Ireland team to face Romania, selecting a number of frontliners yet giving some fringe players a chance to impress. Having last played in Ireland’s Grand Slam-clinching win over England, back in March, captain Johnny Sexton will […]

2 years ago

“Graffiti on the walls that says, ‘We’re magic, we’re magic’.” The graffiti, as many of us know, said much more than that, and The Wolfe Tones were not going to change their lyrics for a second. The veteran Irish band drew a record crowd to the Electric Arena, on Sunday, and had the place bouncing. […]

2 years ago

ARSENAL 3-1 MAN UTD Declan Rice popped up at the death to win a thriller in North London. Our full Arsenal and Man United player ratings reflect on that topsy-turvy nature of the game. Alejandro Garnacho thought he had won it for United but VAR judged his goal offside. Minutes later, it was Arsenal overjoyed […]

2 years ago

“He’s certainly bullish within himself and so are the medics, as well.” Johnny Sexton and his Ireland team were given a rousing welcome by 12,000 rugby fans during an open training session at Stade Vallée du Cher in Tours, on Saturday. Jamison Gibson-Park led the way with Icelandic ‘thunder claps’, Sexton jokingly posed with Craig […]

2 years ago

‘I believe the FAI made some major mistakes by directly overruling the tasks of the coach.’ Former Ireland manager Vera Pauw has released an explosive statement that is highly critical of the Football Association of Ireland after she was not kept on following the Women’s World Cup. The Dutchwoman, who managed Ireland to and during […]

2 years ago

The dreadful news follows two horrific crashes in Tipperary, and another in Donegal, in recent days. An Garda Síochána press office has confirmed the tragic death of a three-year-old girl in a residential estate in Portlaoise, Co. Laois. ‘Gardaí are currently at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred this afternoon, Wednesday […]

2 years ago

Andy Farrell was going to announce his squad on Monday, but moved up the timeline. The Ireland World Cup squad was officially announced from The Shelbourne Hotel, in Dublin, on Sunday at 4:30pm. A squad of 33 players will then have a couple of down days before reassembling for final preparations before flying out to […]

2 years ago

This is the final run-out before we get to the really serious stuff. Andy Farrell has named his Ireland team to face Samoa, on Saturday in Bayonne. As expected, he has made a raft of changes from the XV that did for England, last time out. Farrell and his coaches will be using many of […]

2 years ago

“To beat me, he’s gonna have to kill me.” Over the years, before Creed came along, there were six Rocky movies released. Four of them were absolute classics so this was always going to be tight. Rocky IV – otherwise known as the movie that ended the Cold War – either has fans, or folks […]

2 years ago

If this was his final game for Ireland, Keith Earls has passed the baton in style. Even though Ireland, and even World Cup side, have two extra squad places to allocate, there are set to be some tough calls for Andy Farrell. Keith Earls got his dream send-off at Lansdowne Road, on Saturday, but will […]

2 years ago

The World Cup is getting closet, and the aul’d enemy is in town. Ireland take on England in their final home World Cup wam-up match, and Keith Earls is set for his 100th Test cap. We’ve got all the big moments, reactions and Ireland player ratings from what should be a hotly contested affair. Andy […]

2 years ago

“It is my view that trust between the parties has broken down.” Director-General of RTÉ, Kevin Bakhurst has this evening [Thursday, August 17] confirmed that RTÉ has concluded negotiations with Ryan Tubridy. Tubridy finished up as host of The Late Late Show in May but stepped down from his Radio One show after news of […]

2 years ago

Ireland will want a winning send-off at a ground that has become a fortress. Andy Farrell will name his Ireland team to face England, on Thursday, and look to continue his side’s winning run at Aviva Stadium. Before that, though, Farrell cut FIVE players from his World Cup training squad (more on that below). Ireland […]

2 years ago

‘Something in you brought out something in me that I’ve never been since.’ Stevie Nicks may have insisted that Say You Will was largely inspired by a Cuban-American trumpet player, but anyone that knows Fleetwood Mac and the characters involved will tell you another story. By 2003, Fleetwood Mac had not released a studio album […]

2 years ago

Two stars of the future included. Most of us that follow Irish rugby closely, or even tune in and out for the big games and Test matches, will have players we have a soft spot for. Someone that provides an extra edge, has an intriguing personality or something in them that we recognise within ourselves. […]

2 years ago

“Get in!” Former footballers, now banter merchants, Jamie Redknapp and Micah Richards made a half-time appearance during Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Wolves, at Old Trafford. Redknapp and Richards were filming the ‘bit’ for the new and upcoming season of Sky’s ‘A League of Their Own’. The pair had a penalty shoot-out in front […]

2 years ago

“I think that lad he has got up front, I think he’s pretty special.” Any Premier League club, or suitors further afield, looking to snap up Evan Ferguson before he gets too hot are already too late. Having brought in €200m on just three outgoing transfers – Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Robert Sanchez […]

2 years ago

It’s a whole new world. Sky Sports have been rolling out the whole ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ schtick, with Roy Keane as the grumpy but comic foil. At Stamford Bridge, this afternoon, the former Manchester United captain played up to that role. Peter Drury replaced Martin Tyler in the commentary gantry, Patrick Davidson filled Geoff […]

2 years ago

The squad’s social committee is pulling out all the stops. Inpho photographer Dan Sheridan has captured some fantastic images from Ireland’s training session at The Campus in Faro, today, featuring special guests Roy Keane, Niall Horan and Padraig Harrington. The Ireland squad have a social committee that organises speakers and events for the players, and […]

2 years ago

The Chicago native is renowned for directing some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. William Friedkin, director of cinematic classics such as The Exorcist and the French Connection, has died at the age of 87. According to Variety, the Chicago native’s death was confirmed by Chapman University dean Stephen Galloway, who is a friend of Friedkin’s […]

2 years ago

Loving the scanned version of it, too! John Small waited until the All-Ireland buzz was easing off until he dropped a not so gentle reminder of a Joe Brolly article about the Dubs. Dublin are All-Ireland champions again after two years in the wilderness – a lifetime for some of their key men – and […]

2 years ago

Big chance for a lot of players to impress. Andy Farrell’s side get underway on the road to France with a World Cup warm-up against Italy, on Saturday evening [8pm kick-off]. We’ll have all the biggest moments, talking points and, after the match, Ireland ratings for you. Follow our live match feed and check out […]

2 years ago

Some of the younger and fringe players get their chance. Andy Farrell has named his first Ireland team of the season, on Thursday, and started down the road to the World Cup, in France. Farrell has mixed up his starting XV and give new combinations a go, when Italy visit Aviva Stadium this Saturday. There […]

2 years ago

“She’s one of the greats, and to my mind she’s up there with a Nina Simone and a Billie Holiday.” Of all the words that have been spoken, written or sung about Sinead O’Connor, in the days since her passing, none cut as close to the core of the musician as those of Shirley Manson. […]

2 years ago

Fitting words after an historic journey. Courtney Brosnan got her fair share of attention after a fantastic clean sheet, but much of the post-match focus was on Vera Pauw and Katie McCabe. Ireland drew 0-0 with Nigeria to take home their first ever World Cup point, even though they are now heading for home. Brosnan […]

2 years ago

“David Clifford showed that he was human.” Three points scored, a goal assist and fouled for two other frees that were dinked over to add to the Kerry tally. For most other forwards, that would have been a decent outing. For David Clifford – the man himself – it was not near enough. No-one puts […]

2 years ago

The Girls in Green take on Nigeria in their final World Cup game. The Republic of Ireland take on Nigeria in the Fifa Women’s World Cup on Monday morning (11am Irish time). Vera Pauw’s team, in their third and final appearance at the finals, take on the Nigerians in Brisbane, with points and pride to play […]

2 years ago

“The harshest call was against Bryan Howard,” argued Lee Keegan. The 2023 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is in the history books, with Dublin defeating Kerry at Croke Park to clinch Sam Maguire. On The Sunday Game, some individual accolades were handed out. The Sunday Game panel was made up of Tyrone pair Sean Cavanagh and […]

2 years ago

“Tonight, we we’re going to do something that we’ve never done before.” The Foo Fighters teamed up with Alanis Morissette at the Fuji Rock Festival, on Saturday night, to pay tribute to the late Sinead O’Connor. The rock band invited Morissette up on stage to perform their version of the O’Connor classic, Mandinka. Morissette, who […]

2 years ago

“To admit it, both of them were at it.” 55 minutes into a taut, back-and-forth final between Kerry and Dublin, the reigning champs were leading by a point. Play had just broken into the Dublin half when David Clifford hit the deck. Referee David Gough blew for a free in to The Kingdom and Sean […]

2 years ago

“How could you not just love the guy? He is such a warrior.”” Mick Fitzsimons had just held one of the best players of his generation to 0-3 [0-2 from play] in an All-Ireland final, on his way to claiming a ninth Celtic Cross, but he was almost more worried about dropping an f-bomb on […]

2 years ago

The singer called out ‘the lamestreamers’ and those that hated O’Connor for not fitting in. Morrissey has posted a searing tribute to Sinead O’Connor on his website, after the Irish singer died on Wednesday (July 26) at the age of 56. The former Smiths frontman penned a 393-word post that is equally poignant and pointed, […]

2 years ago

‘She was fearless, outspoken, brave’. For many, Sinead O’Connor was one of the greatest ever Irish singers and a force of musical nature. For others that grew up when her fame was at her peak, she was an icon that always spoke her mind and cared not for the consequences. Over the years, whether her […]

2 years ago

Tributes are pouring in Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in as news breaks that Sinead O’Connor has passed away at the age of 56. The Dublin native had career spanning over three decades, with 10 studio albums and her single Nothing Compares 2 U was named the number one world single in 1990 by the Billboard Music […]

2 years ago

‘Do you remember that sunny day, somewhere in London’ Irish singer and human rights activist Sinead O’Connor has died at the age of 56. The acclaimed, and multi-award winning singer, from Dublin, released 10 studio albums over the course of her music career. Her song Nothing Compares 2 U, which was written for her by Prince, […]

2 years ago

“Tough”, “physical”, “brutal”, “horrible to play against”. Ahead of their World Cup games, so far, against Australia and Canada, Katie McCabe and her Irish teammates were portrayed as these battlers and booters that could put ’em under pressure and not much else. Ireland are one of the new dogs on the World Cup block and […]

2 years ago