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.

Search
  • Tipp star accused of off-the-ball kick on Cats man in All-Ireland semi

    Tipp star accused of off-the-ball kick on Cats man in All-Ireland semi

    Sneaky play! Tipperary have beaten Kilkenny, 4-21 to 0-30, in their All-Ireland semi-final at Croke Park, setting up a meeting with Cork in two weeks time. It was one of the games of the season, with both sides trading the lead at various points throughout the match. One incident which was not picked up by […]

    10 months ago

  • Scoreboard gaffe nearly leads to farcical ending in All-Ireland semi

    Scoreboard gaffe nearly leads to farcical ending in All-Ireland semi

    Confusing to say the least…. Tipperary are through to their first All-Ireland final since 2019, beating out Kilkenny by 4-20 to 0-30. However, there was a lot of confusion regarding the official scoreline, after a mix-up from a Noel McGrath shot. With the scores at 4-20 to 0-29, the Tipp man went for a point […]

    10 months ago

  • Tipperary through to All-Ireland final after incredible game-saving block

    Tipperary through to All-Ireland final after incredible game-saving block

    What a game! In contrast to yesterday’s walk-over between Cork and Dublin, today’s semi-final between Tipperary and Kilkenny went down to the wire. The Premier came out on top, winning 4-21 to 0-30, but the Cats were oh so close to levelling the game at the death. After four minutes of stoppage times was added, […]

    10 months ago

  • Brighton offer up Evan Ferguson to Italian Champions League club

    Brighton offer up Evan Ferguson to Italian Champions League club

    This has potential to be a great move! In the latest Evan Ferguson transfer rumour, reports have said that he could be on the move to Italy. The 20-year-old striker has had tough few years since his breakout season in 2022/2023, scoring just once last season in 21 Premier League games, with just three starts, […]

    10 months ago

  • Lions player ratings as they struggle past the Waratahs

    Lions player ratings as they struggle past the Waratahs

    A poor performance overall….. The Lions edged out the Waratahs 21-10 in Sydney, in what was a scrappy and disappointing performance, with few standouts. We have gone for 6.5 for an average performance, with no super high scores, given the standard of the opposition. Pierre Schoeman – 7.5 Scrummaged brilliantly in the first half, getting […]

    10 months ago

  • New Ireland star being eyed up by one of Europe’s biggest clubs

    New Ireland star being eyed up by one of Europe’s biggest clubs

    He’s a popular man! We reported recently on Sligo Rovers’ young star, Owen Elding, who is in the process of switching his allegiances from England to Ireland. The 19-year-old, who moved to Ireland when he was 11, is one of the brightest young talents in the League of Ireland, and made headlines recently for a […]

    10 months ago

  • Jota put out heartbreaking final social post just hours before his death

    Jota put out heartbreaking final social post just hours before his death

    RIP. Diogo Jota’s final social media post before his tragic death was to share the video from his wedding, which he celebrated just 10 days before the traffic accident which killed the Liverpool forward. Jota has died aged 28 following a road traffic accident, with local media reporting that he was killed in Zamora, Spain. […]

    10 months ago

  • Our powerful Lions starting Test XV after three games

    Our powerful Lions starting Test XV after three games

    Some side! Three games in and the Lions Test side is starting to take shape. Some have risen in the pecking order, while others have blown their chances already. Needless to say, whatever the selection from Andy Farrell, it will be one hell of a team. Front row Dan Sheehan is probably the most nailed […]

    10 months ago

  • Lions player ratings vs Reds as the Test teams starts to take shape

    Lions player ratings vs Reds as the Test teams starts to take shape

    Another enjoyable game! It was an eight-try showing from the Lions in their 52-12 win over the Reds in Brisbane. Like last week, the home side put it up to the Lions before they tired and the touring side pulled away. However, like against Argentina, they will be disappointed by the amount of handling errors. […]

    10 months ago

  • Ref at heart of Hansen controversy slams IRFU on Linkedin over disrespectful gift

    Ref at heart of Hansen controversy slams IRFU on Linkedin over disrespectful gift

    He is not happy! Back in December, after Connacht’s URC loss to Leinster, Mack Hansen shocked reporters at the post-game press conference, calling the refereeing that his side faced during the match and in general as ‘bulls**t’. The Ireland winger subsequently released an apology to referee Chris Busby, who received a torrent of abuse in […]

    10 months ago

  • Lions vs Reds: Live hub, big moments, updates & player ratings

    Lions vs Reds: Live hub, big moments, updates & player ratings

    Another big game! Follow all the action as the Lions take on the Reds in Brisbane, in what is their third game of the tour, and second Down Under. After losing to Argentina two weeks ago in Dublin, the Lions bounced back with an impressive, 54-7 win over the Western Force on Saturday.

    10 months ago

  • Disgraced former Irish swim coach arrested in US on Gardaí request

    Disgraced former Irish swim coach arrested in US on Gardaí request

    They want him extradited. Former Irish national swimming coach, George Gibney, was arrested by US Marshalls in Florida yesterday afternoon, after Gardaí issued an extradition request over alleged historical sexual abuse. In 1993, Gibney, who ran the Trojan swim club in Blackrock, had 27 charges put against him over indecency towards underage swimmers, but after […]

    10 months ago

  • Favourite for Dubs job Brennan steps away from Louth

    Favourite for Dubs job Brennan steps away from Louth

    This is huge! Following the resignation of Dessie Farrell as manager of Dublin after their All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Tyrone on Saturday, Louth boss Ger Brennan was installed as the heavy favourite to take over. The Dublin native won two All-Irelands and one All-Star during his time as a Sky Blues player, before going on […]

    10 months ago

  • Munster get favourable draw as Champions Cup pools revealed

    Munster get favourable draw as Champions Cup pools revealed

    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. […]

    10 months ago

  • Ex-Derry boss taking action against GAA over Jarlath Burns intervention

    Ex-Derry boss taking action against GAA over Jarlath Burns intervention

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • English pundit lays into Irish players for ’embarrassing’ play in Lions win

    English pundit lays into Irish players for ’embarrassing’ play in Lions win

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Four winners and losers as the Lions put Western Force to the sword

    Four winners and losers as the Lions put Western Force to the sword

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Kerry great points out uncharacteristic aspect of Armagh which led to downfall

    Kerry great points out uncharacteristic aspect of Armagh which led to downfall

    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. […]

    10 months ago

  • Lions all-time great singles out key area in need of improvement

    Lions all-time great singles out key area in need of improvement

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Andy Farrell singles out Mack Hansen moment that shows why he’s a perfect Lion

    Andy Farrell singles out Mack Hansen moment that shows why he’s a perfect Lion

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Player ratings with the Irish shining as the Lions thrash Western Force

    Player ratings with the Irish shining as the Lions thrash Western Force

    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, […]

    10 months ago

  • Lions analysis: Marcus Smith actually had a good game against Argentina

    Lions analysis: Marcus Smith actually had a good game against Argentina

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • All-Star nominee set to transfer to club in rival county

    All-Star nominee set to transfer to club in rival county

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • GAA world lays into Mayo for handling of manager’s departure

    GAA world lays into Mayo for handling of manager’s departure

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Stephen Cluxton slammed management of his Parnells club before it ceased to exist

    Stephen Cluxton slammed management of his Parnells club before it ceased to exist

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Cork boss highlights key area for improvement ahead of Dublin quarter-final

    Cork boss highlights key area for improvement ahead of Dublin quarter-final

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Fans disagree on Donegal’s anger at GAA’s All-Ireland fixtures

    Fans disagree on Donegal’s anger at GAA’s All-Ireland fixtures

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Former Kerry boss disagrees with bookies on All-Ireland favourites

    Former Kerry boss disagrees with bookies on All-Ireland favourites

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Kerry boss hits back at Darragh Ó Sé after questioning his tactics

    Kerry boss hits back at Darragh Ó Sé after questioning his tactics

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Limerick boss baffled with his side’s non-show in shock loss to Dublin

    Limerick boss baffled with his side’s non-show in shock loss to Dublin

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Limerick star accused of diving as Dublin’s Crummey sees red for elbow

    Limerick star accused of diving as Dublin’s Crummey sees red for elbow

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Lions star accused of illegal actions vs Argentina which he’s been at for years

    Lions star accused of illegal actions vs Argentina which he’s been at for years

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • The four biggest winners and losers from the Lions loss to Argentina

    The four biggest winners and losers from the Lions loss to Argentina

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Player Ratings as the Lions edged by Argentina on a great night in Dublin

    Player Ratings as the Lions edged by Argentina on a great night in Dublin

    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 […]

    10 months ago

  • Joe Brolly explains the ‘disease’ that Mayo GAA fans suffer from

    Joe Brolly explains the ‘disease’ that Mayo GAA fans suffer from

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Three Irish players in Lions team to face Argentina in Dublin

    Three Irish players in Lions team to face Argentina in Dublin

    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, […]

    11 months ago

  • Kerry legend pinpoints mistake from manager that may cost them the All-Ireland

    Kerry legend pinpoints mistake from manager that may cost them the All-Ireland

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Gareth Southgate in line for shock return to international management

    Gareth Southgate in line for shock return to international management

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Sexton criticises rival fans for social media behaviour around Crowley and Prendergast

    Sexton criticises rival fans for social media behaviour around Crowley and Prendergast

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • GAA+ misses huge moment in crunch Cork vs Roscommon decider

    GAA+ misses huge moment in crunch Cork vs Roscommon decider

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Fans disagree on ‘soft’ yellow card handed out to Meath star

    Fans disagree on ‘soft’ yellow card handed out to Meath star

    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. […]

    11 months ago

  • Rival fans hit Michael Murphy with bizarre criticism for actions against Mayo

    Rival fans hit Michael Murphy with bizarre criticism for actions against Mayo

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Leo Cullen welcomes ‘abuse’ thrown at Leinster after URC title win

    Leo Cullen welcomes ‘abuse’ thrown at Leinster after URC title win

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Jim McGuinness slams GAA over ‘unfair’ treatment of Donegal

    Jim McGuinness slams GAA over ‘unfair’ treatment of Donegal

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Mayo boss makes stark admission after team are dumped out with last kick

    Mayo boss makes stark admission after team are dumped out with last kick

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Shocking behaviour sees American star trash US Open locker room

    Shocking behaviour sees American star trash US Open locker room

    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 […]

    11 months ago

  • Umpire questioned as ‘obvious’ pick up gifts Monaghan goal in Down win

    Umpire questioned as ‘obvious’ pick up gifts Monaghan goal in Down win

    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 […]

    11 months ago