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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  • David Clifford explains why Kerry changed tactics for All-Ireland title run-in

    David Clifford explains why Kerry changed tactics for All-Ireland title run-in

    It certainly worked! Kerry bagged their 39th All-Ireland SFC title this summer, beating Donegal by 1-26 to 0-19 at Croke Park last month. The run-in also featured impressive wins in the quarters and semis, against Armagh and Tyrone, respectively. In particular, Seanie O’Shea and David Clifford made hay with the new two-point rule, with the […]

    8 months ago

  • Comments from manager suggest Troy Parrott is wanted before close of window

    Comments from manager suggest Troy Parrott is wanted before close of window

    A move might not be the smart option… Troy Parrott cannot stop scoring, with the Ireland ace banging in his sixth goal in nine games this season on Sunday, during AZ Alkmaar’s 2-2 draw with Volendam. This form has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Leeds United and Wolves, and some of his side’s […]

    8 months ago

  • Big calls for replay as Fermanagh final ruined after two bizarre calls

    Big calls for replay as Fermanagh final ruined after two bizarre calls

    A complete farce! Derrygonnelly Harps took on the 2024 county champions Erne Gaels in the Fermanagh division one league final at Brewster Park on Sunday. Erne led by two points with four minutes to go, despite a couple of two-point scores from their opponents. Then came the two mad decisions which ultimately decided the outcome […]

    8 months ago

  • Ireland at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup: How to watch, squad, talking points

    Ireland at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup: How to watch, squad, talking points

    This is going to be special! Scott Bemand’s Ireland will start their 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup this Sunday against Japan in Franklin’s Gardens. It will be Ireland’s first appearance at the competition since hosting it in 2017, where Ireland placed eighth after group wins against Australia and Japan. Where is the 2025 Women’s Rugby […]

    8 months ago

  • Wexford GAA condemn abusive phone calls over fixture changes

    Wexford GAA condemn abusive phone calls over fixture changes

    Awful behaviour. Wexford GAA have spoken out after receiving abusive phone calls due to fixture requests which have not been given the go ahead. The county have already rescheduled games to let players attend the Fleadh Ceoil and Electric Picnic in two weeks, but there are those who are still not satisfied. Wexford GAA and […]

    8 months ago

  • Decision made on Cork hurling rematch after another scoreline debacle

    Decision made on Cork hurling rematch after another scoreline debacle

    The GAA need to sort these issues out! A decision has been made by the Munster Council after a scoreboard debacle in the Cork Intermediate Championship clash beween Aghada and Kildorrery on Sunday, August 3. The game was recorded as a draw, with the scores as Aghada 1-22 to Kildorrery 2-19. However, Aghada complained that […]

    8 months ago

  • Roy Keane keeps up his anti-keeper ranting after shocker from Man United stopper

    Roy Keane keeps up his anti-keeper ranting after shocker from Man United stopper

    Classic Keano! Man United began their Premier League with what was an improved performance, but ultimately a 1-0 loss. The winning goal came in the 13th minute, with Riccardo Calafiori heading in from point-blank range, after goalkeeper Altay Bayındır failed to deal with a corner, fisting the ball into the Arsenal defender’s path. Speaking after […]

    8 months ago

  • Peter Crouch makes wild claim on Man United’s Premier League title credentials

    Peter Crouch makes wild claim on Man United’s Premier League title credentials

    We’re not to sure about this take! Peter Crouch is known for many things; his lanky 6ft 7in frame, goalscoring ability, a top-tier robot celebration, and world-class banter. And with a wealth of experience, including 468 Premier League appearances and 108 goals, he knows his onions when it comes to England’s tier. However, when speaking […]

    8 months ago

  • Ireland miss out on Premier League defender as he chooses rival nation

    Ireland miss out on Premier League defender as he chooses rival nation

    Disappointing! There was hope that Ireland would be soon be getting another Premier League player into their squad, in the shape of Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin. The defender was born in Dublin to Latvian parents before moving to London when he was three years old. He has represented England from U16s to U20s, and was named […]

    8 months ago

  • Arne Slot defends himself after Carragher criticism in awkward interview

    Arne Slot defends himself after Carragher criticism in awkward interview

    In fairness, the results speak for themselves! Liverpool opened their Premier League defence with a thrilling 4-2 over Bournemouth last night. New signing Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring, with Cody Gakpo making it 2-0. The Cherries hit back with two goals from Antoine Semenyo, before Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah struck late on. While the […]

    8 months ago

  • Kerry look set to lose another one of their brightest talents to Aussie Rules

    Kerry look set to lose another one of their brightest talents to Aussie Rules

    A serious player! Kerry look set to lose yet another rising star to the AFL, with U20s player Ben Murphy flying to Australia this week. He is to visit the Brisbane Lions, with another club also interested according to Maurice Brosnan of the Examiner. The Austin Stacks man won the 2025 U20 Munster title with […]

    9 months ago

  • Sky Sports make promise to Roy Keane to ensure his safety for Prem season

    Sky Sports make promise to Roy Keane to ensure his safety for Prem season

    The popular pundit has signed a new deal! Roy Keane has renewed his punditry contract with Sky Sports, and his new deal includes special reservations to ensure his safety. Last season the Cork man got into a heated, pitch side argument with an Ipswich fan, with the Ireland legend saying, “I’ll wait for you in […]

    9 months ago

  • Former FA Cup winner jailed for seven years over drug smuggling probe

    Former FA Cup winner jailed for seven years over drug smuggling probe

    He received his sentence today. Ex-Wigan Athletic defender Ronnie Stam — who won the FA Cup with the Latics in 2013 — has been jailed for seven years for drug smuggling. Stam, alongside his brother, attempted to import 700kg worth of cocaine from the South-American nation of Chile, as first reported by Dutch newspaper De […]

    9 months ago

  • Galway boss goes on x-rated rant at Cork paper after All-Ireland final triumph

    Galway boss goes on x-rated rant at Cork paper after All-Ireland final triumph

    He did not hold back! Galway were 1-14 to 1-13 winners over Cork in yesterday’s All-Ireland Senior Camogie final, after going into the showdown at Croke Park as underdogs. Carrie Dolan was the hero for the Tribeswomen, with her injury-time free deciding the game, giving them their fifth title and their first since 2021. It […]

    9 months ago

  • Footage shows red card hit which put Limerick star Kyle Hayes in hospital

    Footage shows red card hit which put Limerick star Kyle Hayes in hospital

    A serious knock. Limerick star Kyle Hayes was hospitalised following a serious knock in a club game on Friday. Hayes’ Kildimo-Pallaskenry faced off againt Newcastle West in the Limerick SHC, with the game stopped after 17 minutes, following a nasty hit to the five-time All-Star. Full-back Maurice Murphy was subsequently given his marching orders by […]

    9 months ago

  • Jota minute silence cut short after disruption from Palace fans at Charity Shield

    Jota minute silence cut short after disruption from Palace fans at Charity Shield

    Poor form. Premier League winners Liverpool take on FA Cup champions Crystal Palace in the Charity Shield at Wembley this afternoon. As expected, before kick-off there were tributes to the late Liverpool Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, with wreaths laid in their memory. However, according to the Athletic’s Liverpool reporter, James Pearce, a […]

    9 months ago

  • Dublin great and ex-teammate questions hiring of Ger Brennan as manager

    Dublin great and ex-teammate questions hiring of Ger Brennan as manager

    An interesting point…. Former Dublin star Ger Brennan was recently announced as the new manager of the Dublin senior footballers. His appointment has been well received, largely due to Brennan’s overwhelming success as boss of Louth, which saw them lift this year’s Leinster SFC title, their first in 68 years, and reach last year’s final. […]

    9 months ago

  • Fans delighted as Mason Greenwood gets manhandled by Aston Villa star

    Fans delighted as Mason Greenwood gets manhandled by Aston Villa star

    He was having none of it. Aston Villa travelled to the Stade Velodrome yesterday to take on Marseille in a pre-season friendly. The Birmingham club were on the wrong side of a 3-1 scoreline, but their fans, and football supporters in general, were delighted at a particular moment in the game involving Mason Greenwood. The […]

    9 months ago

  • Basketball Ireland slammed for hypocritical stance on upcoming Israel fixture

    Basketball Ireland slammed for hypocritical stance on upcoming Israel fixture

    They taken a stance. Baskeball Ireland have released a statement in regards to their participation in the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers. Ireland have been drawn in a group alongside Israel, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Luxembourg, and there had been speculation that they might pull out. The statement makes it clear […]

    9 months ago

  • Seven Irish make our predicted Test XV for the 2029 Lions Tour

    Seven Irish make our predicted Test XV for the 2029 Lions Tour

    We’ll have a look back in four years…. With the Lions over for another four years, why not keep the buzz going with a predicted Test team for the 2029 Tour of New Zealand. The likelihood is that our selection will be relatively far off, but there should still be a strong Irish contingent. Front […]

    9 months ago

  • Conflicting reports on favourite in two-horse race for Mayo manager role

    Conflicting reports on favourite in two-horse race for Mayo manager role

    The battle is heating up! We reported recently on the race to become the new manager of the Mayo senior football team. According to Mayo GAA, there are four applicants, but reports have said that it is two men who are the hot favourites, Tony McEntee and Andy Moran, following Kevin McStay’s controversial departure earlier […]

    9 months ago

  • The Lions’ best ever coach has three shock Irish omissions in ultimate XV

    The Lions’ best ever coach has three shock Irish omissions in ultimate XV

    In fairness it’s very hard to question Geech! As a two-time tourist, in 1974 and 1977, and a four-time head coach, Ian McGeechan is Mr. Lions. Writing for the Telegraph, he has selected his ultimate XV of players he coached with the side. However, there are three rather surprising Irish omissions, with Brian O’Driscoll, Paul […]

    9 months ago

  • Camogie president challenges skorts critics to put money where mouth is for final

    Camogie president challenges skorts critics to put money where mouth is for final

    Big talk! Camogie president Brian Molloy has challenged the public to come out and support this Sunday’s All-Ireland finals at Croke Park. Armagh take on Laois in the junior final at 1pm, Kerry play Offaly in the intermediate final at 3pm, before Cork face Galway in the showpiece at 5.15pm. It has been a tumultuous […]

    9 months ago

  • Unseen footage shows lightning mix up leading to undercooked Lions

    Unseen footage shows lightning mix up leading to undercooked Lions

    Somebody messed up! The third Test in the recent Lions Tour was unique to say the least, with a 38 minutes pause in the game due to thunder and lightning. Australia led 8-0 going into the enforced break, and finished the game as 22-12 winners. The scoreline coupled with changing room footage during the hold […]

    9 months ago

  • Palestinian football star killed in Israeli strike while waiting for aid

    Palestinian football star killed in Israeli strike while waiting for aid

    RIP. The Palestinian Football Association have announced that former international, Suleiman Al-Obaid, has been killed. In a statement on X they said: “The former Palestine national team player, Suleiman Al-Obaid, was killed in an Israeli strike targeting civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the southern Gaza Strip.” Al-Obaid played for the Palestinian national team between […]

    9 months ago

  • Van der Flier gets revenge for ‘no minutes’ Lions barb with savage teammate roast

    Van der Flier gets revenge for ‘no minutes’ Lions barb with savage teammate roast

    He annihilated him! Say what you will about the relative lack of hype surrounding the recent Lions Tour, or the quality of some of the games, but the behind-the-scenes footage recorded by the social media team has been top notch. Their latest YouTube release covers the third Test, as well as some excellent features such […]

    9 months ago

  • Ex-referee appalled at leniency of Dan Sheehan ban for Lions foul play

    Ex-referee appalled at leniency of Dan Sheehan ban for Lions foul play

    Not a good look…. Dan Sheehan’s reputation as the world’s best hooker was cemented during the recent Lions series in Australia, showing a rounded game with no weaknesses, and a knack for showing up in the biggest of games. However, his Tour has ended on a sour note, with the Leinster man banned for four […]

    9 months ago

  • Tributes pour in from GAA community after death of Roscommon legend

    Tributes pour in from GAA community after death of Roscommon legend

    RIP Former Roscommon footballer Don Connellan has passed at the age of 51. As a player he won the 2001 Connacht SFC with the Rossies, defeating Mayo by 1-12 to 1-10 in the final. He also helped Kilmore to three county finals. As a manager he had huge success with Galway club Muigh Cuilinn, leading […]

    9 months ago

  • Reports from Mayo suggest two contenders in the running for next county manager

    Reports from Mayo suggest two contenders in the running for next county manager

    A big few weeks for the county! Reports from Mayo have stated there are two obvious contenders in the race to become the next manager of the county’s senior footballers. They are on the hunt for a new gaffer after letting Kevin McStay and his backroom team go this summer, the manner of which was […]

    9 months ago

  • Celtic star had to flee due to Glasgow Orange Order march before season opener

    Celtic star had to flee due to Glasgow Orange Order march before season opener

    A close call…. Celtic’s Portuguese star Jota was nearly caught up in an Orange Walk in Glasgow on Sunday. The striker was taking selfies with Hoops fans outside the Blythswood Hotel as the Walk approached, before he was ushered away in a vehicle by his friends. Speaking with the Daily Record, an eye-witness explained how […]

    9 months ago

  • Three of the favourites to take over at Kerry if Jack O’Connor steps down

    Three of the favourites to take over at Kerry if Jack O’Connor steps down

    Some interesting potential choices! While Kerry are the recently-crowned All-Ireland SFC champions, with a relatively young side, there is a slight hitch in their plans, in the form of their manager Jack O’Connor. The five-time All-Ireland winning boss has hinted that might be stepping down from his post after taking over for a third term […]

    9 months ago

  • Surprise odds in three-horse race for 2026 All-Ireland SFC title

    Surprise odds in three-horse race for 2026 All-Ireland SFC title

    Could there be a dark horse winner next year…. To nobody’s surprise, Kerry have been installed as favourites to regain their All-Ireland SFC title in 2026. With big wins in the knockout stages of this year’s competition, they were comfortably the best side, and are lead by a group of players who are only entering […]

    9 months ago

  • Lions fans shocked at Andy Farrell for harsh call on one of his favourites

    Lions fans shocked at Andy Farrell for harsh call on one of his favourites

    Lions supporters are astounded! With the Test series won for the Lions, following their victory over Australia last Saturday to make it 2-0, some fans were calling for head coach Andy Farrell to make wholesale changes to the match-day 23 for the third Test. Although Farrell rightly wants to do everything he can to win […]

    9 months ago

  • Mayo legend explains the feature that makes games outside Croke Park more exciting

    Mayo legend explains the feature that makes games outside Croke Park more exciting

    An interesting point! While it was mostly praised received by the new GAA rules throughout the 2025 championship, due to a plethora of exciting and high-scoring games, they are now being reevaluated somewhat now that the season is over, and given the relatively disappointing semi-finals. The good news is that the FRC are still at […]

    9 months ago

  • Meath captain has unfinished business before heading Down Under

    Meath captain has unfinished business before heading Down Under

    A Royal leader! Brought to you by TG4 Meath captain Aoibhín Cleary is set to become the first Irish woman to play for AFLW side Richmond, after signing a two-year deal with the Melbourne club back in February. But first, the two-time All-Ireland Ladies SFC winner must overcome the reigning champions Dublin in this year’s […]

    9 months ago

  • Dan Biggar reveals plans for MNF style rugby show with Ronan O’Gara

    Dan Biggar reveals plans for MNF style rugby show with Ronan O’Gara

    This would be huge! During what has been a relatively poor Lions Tour, one of the highlights has been the commentary and punditry from Dan Biggar and Ronan O’Gara. The former Wales and Ireland out-halves have complimented each other beautifully for Sky Sports, with their deep knowledge of the intricacies of the game, and their […]

    9 months ago

  • Joe Brolly has x-rated response to Kerry star calling out disrespectful comments

    Joe Brolly has x-rated response to Kerry star calling out disrespectful comments

    Classic Brolly…. Ahead of Kerry’s hammering of Armagh in the All-Ireland quarter-final, Joe Brolly wrote that David Clifford was “the only Kerry footballer worthy of the name.” After that game, manager Jack O’Connor hit back, saying: “One of the great motivators in life is trying to prove people wrong. We were being portrayed as a […]

    9 months ago

  • Huge moment in All-Ireland final shows possible need for change to new rules

    Huge moment in All-Ireland final shows possible need for change to new rules

    A potential flaw…. David Clifford’s two-point score just before half-time in Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC final is destined to become an iconic moment. Kerry knew that a score before the break would be huge for momentum, and they got more they hoped for with a seven-point lead as the sides went down the tunnel. They showed […]

    9 months ago

  • Kieran Donaghy reveals cheeky WhatsApp message sent to Joe Brolly

    Kieran Donaghy reveals cheeky WhatsApp message sent to Joe Brolly

    Just a cheeky reminder! Kerry legend Kieran Donaghy and the outspoken Joe Brolly will forever be linked in GAA lore. One of the most iconic All-Ireland moments in the sport’s history saw Donaghy call out Brolly in his post-match interview, after the Kingdom had defeated Donegal in the 2014 final. Feeling disrespected in the lead […]

    9 months ago

  • Jack O’Connor gives update on his future as Kerry boss

    Jack O’Connor gives update on his future as Kerry boss

    Will he, won’t he… Among the joy down in Kerry is a growing sense of worry that their five-time All-Ireland winning manager, Jack O’Connor, may step down from his role in the coming weeks. He hinted at it earlier in the year, saying: “I’ve done 10 years over three different periods. I never overstay my […]

    9 months ago

  • Joe Brolly has harsh assessment of Donegal’s ‘ordinary’ footballers

    Joe Brolly has harsh assessment of Donegal’s ‘ordinary’ footballers

    He never minces his words does Brolly! Donegal boss Jim McGuinness came in for huge criticism after his side’s ten-point loss to Kerry in the All-Ireland SFC final yesterday. Fans and pundits had been speculating all week over what tactics the famed manager would employ to stop the Kingdom’s ferocious attack. But in the end, […]

    9 months ago

  • Philly McMahon disagrees with BBC panel over Footballer of the Year

    Philly McMahon disagrees with BBC panel over Footballer of the Year

    A very tough choice! After scoring 8-62 in this year’s championship, David Clifford is the hot favourite to land his third GAA Footballer of the Year award, after receiving the honour in 2022 and 2023. The Fossa man is regarded by many as the greatest of all time, and would become the first player to […]

    9 months ago

  • Kerry captain not letting Jack O’Connor go easily after retirement claims

    Kerry captain not letting Jack O’Connor go easily after retirement claims

    He would be a big loss. Such was Kerry’s dominance in 2025, that manager Jack O’Connor’s post-match retirement claims still came as a shock, despite hinting at it earlier in the year. Speaking on RTÉ Radio One after yesterday’s All-Ireland SFC final win over Donegal, O’Connor indicated that he might step down from his position. […]

    9 months ago

  • Kerry dominate RTÉ Team of the Year after magnificent 2025

    Kerry dominate RTÉ Team of the Year after magnificent 2025

    What a team! It comes as no surprise that Kerry dominate RTÉ’s The Sunday Game Team of the Year. 2025 saw the Kingdom march to the National League Division 1 title, with a 1-18 to 1-12 win over Mayo in the final, before crushing Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC final yeaterday, 1-26 to 0-19. Alongside […]

    9 months ago

  • Kerry boss throws shade at Cork hurlers after blowing away Donegal

    Kerry boss throws shade at Cork hurlers after blowing away Donegal

    What a performance! Kerry boss Jack O’Connor masterminded a 1-26 to 0-19 win over Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC final this afternoon, with his side never behind in the game, and looking comfortable throughout. The Kingdom made hay against Donegal’s zonal defence, with David Clifford, Joe O’Connor, Gavin White, and Paudie Clifford all outstanding. Kerry […]

    9 months ago

  • David Clifford says Kerry boss was displeased with Jim McGuinness hype

    David Clifford says Kerry boss was displeased with Jim McGuinness hype

    He answered all his critics! David Clifford produced another masterful display, as Kerry beat Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC final. However, it was the team performance which was the crucial aspect their crushing, 1-26 to 0-19 victory, with outstanding showings from the likes of Joe O’Connor and Gavin White. Boss Jack O’Connor had his side […]

    9 months ago

  • Fans baffled by Donegal’s calamitous two-pointer tactics in All-Ireland final loss

    Fans baffled by Donegal’s calamitous two-pointer tactics in All-Ireland final loss

    What a game! Kerry are the All-Ireland SFC champions, beating Donegal in today’s final, 1-26 to 0-19. The Kingdom ran riot in the first half, shooting into the canal end, and scored four two-pointers to Donegal’s zero, giving them a seven-point lead. Donegal threatened to mount a comeback in the second half, getting to within […]

    9 months ago