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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  • How to attend the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor for free

    How to attend the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor for free

    This will save a few quid! After a hugely entertaining 2025 Ryder Cup we can all look ahead to the 2027 edition at Adare Manor. A big talking point at last year’s tournament was the sheer price of tickets, which, before the event, were around €640 for Fri-Sun – although prices did drop for Sunday […]

    7 months ago

  • 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor: How to get tickets, prices, and info

    2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor: How to get tickets, prices, and info

    This is going to be huge! After 21 years, the Ryder Cup will be back on Irish shores, with golf’s flagship tournament coming to Adare Manor in 2027. Here at SportsJOE, we will have all the info on how to get tickets. The last time it was held in Ireland was back in 2006 at […]

    7 months ago

  • A vindictive Martin O’Neill admits his personal dislike of Keith Andrews

    A vindictive Martin O’Neill admits his personal dislike of Keith Andrews

    He won’t let it go. If there is a man in football who can hold a grudge, it is Martin O’Neill. The former Ireland boss once again took a swipe at Keith Andrews in an interview with the Guardian. O’Neill has held a grudge against the Brentford manager since Andrews’ days as a pundit, when […]

    7 months ago

  • JOE’s Irish sporting quiz of the week

    JOE’s Irish sporting quiz of the week

    Lets go! It was a big week for Irish sport, with success at the World Athletics Championship. There was Irish involvement in the Premier League, international cricket, and golfing buzz with the Ryder Cup kicking off later this week. Show us how well you were paying attention and give our quick-fire quiz a go! This […]

    7 months ago

  • Ex-Arsenal prospect in coma after head collision with wall during match

    Ex-Arsenal prospect in coma after head collision with wall during match

    Wishing him a speedy recovery. Chichester City FC striker, Billy Vigar, is currently in an induced coma at a London hospital, following an accident during their Isthmian premier division match at Wingate and Finchley on Saturday. On social media, Chister said: “Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in […]

    7 months ago

  • Carlow side could appeal after scoring farce puts them in relegation battle

    Carlow side could appeal after scoring farce puts them in relegation battle

    Another day, another scoring error. Tinryland played Bagensalstown Gaels over the weekend in their Carlow SFC round-robin clash, with the former needing a win to avoid a relegation play-off. The official score at Cullen Park 1-14 to 0-11, but there was confusion, as a first-half score was not awarded for Tinryland. Footage shows Niall Lowry […]

    7 months ago

  • Jim Gavin hits back at ‘malicious’ social media smear campaign against him

    Jim Gavin hits back at ‘malicious’ social media smear campaign against him

    He’s had his say. Former Dublin manager Jim Gavin is on the campaign trail as he aims to become the next President of Ireland, after securing the Fianna Fáil nomination. The six-time All-Ireland winning manager has gained even more respect in the game, after overseeing the wildly successful introduction of the new rules in Gaelic […]

    7 months ago

  • We picked the best Ireland XV of non-Leinster players

    We picked the best Ireland XV of non-Leinster players

    A serious rugby team With Leinster players continuing to dominate Ireland selections, we have gone and picked out match-day 23 made up of players plying their trade outside of the Blue province. It is a serious side and further highlights the depth in Irish rugby. The breakdown of the squad is as follows: 12 Munster, […]

    7 months ago

  • Son of Mayo legend Ciarán McDonald shines once again to send club into Mayo SFC semis

    Son of Mayo legend Ciarán McDonald shines once again to send club into Mayo SFC semis

    He is some talent. One of the brightest prospects, not just in Mayo, but in Ireland is Crossmolina’s Kobe McDonald. The son of Ciarán McDonald put up 1-5 on the weekend, as his team defeated Belmullet to advance to the semi-finals of the Mayo SFC, with the 17-year-old taking his goal brilliantly. Playing alongside him […]

    7 months ago

  • Dubliner makes impressive debut as he becomes seventh Irish player to play Serie A

    Dubliner makes impressive debut as he becomes seventh Irish player to play Serie A

    Good stuff! Corrie Ndaba made his Serie A debut for Lecce, coming off the bench in their 2-1 loss away to Cagliari yesterday. The Dubliner joined Kilmarnock last year, after a series of loans from his parent club, Ipswich, before moving to Italy during the summer. The defender played his youth football with Cherry Orchard […]

    7 months ago

  • Kate O’Connor gives hugely patriotic interview after historic medal at World Champs

    Kate O’Connor gives hugely patriotic interview after historic medal at World Champs

    What a performance! Kate O’Connor has given Ireland one of their great sporting moments, winning a silver medal in the heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. She came into the final event, the 800m, in second place and solidified it with an astonishing fifth personal best out of seven events. The Dundalk woman […]

    7 months ago

  • Ireland rugby’s best XV of the 21st century

    Ireland rugby’s best XV of the 21st century

    This is some team. In light of the recent retirement announcements from Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray, we have had a go at selecting the best Ireland XV from players who have worn the green jersey this century. We have taken into account longevity, peak, and all-round game – so there is method […]

    7 months ago

  • What the goals of each of the provinces should be for 2025/2026

    What the goals of each of the provinces should be for 2025/2026

    A big year ahead! As the rugby season kicks into gear, we have taken a look at what the aims of each of Ireland’s provinces should be. Leinster Given what has gone on since lifting the Champions Cup trophy in 2018, anything less than a repeat of that day in Bilbao will be seen as […]

    7 months ago

  • Mikel Arteta takes inspiration from Springboks with substitution tactics

    Mikel Arteta takes inspiration from Springboks with substitution tactics

    The man is a rugby fan! Arsenal overcame Athletic Club Bilbao last night in their opening game of the Champions League. Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandron Trossard both scored, with both men assisting the other for their goals. The Belgian Trossard has been particularly fruitful off the bench for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, and since […]

    7 months ago

  • Father of Limerick great Diarmaid Byrnes seriously injured in stabbing

    Father of Limerick great Diarmaid Byrnes seriously injured in stabbing

    Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Niall Byrnes, the father of Limerick hurler Diarmaid Byrnes, was seriously injured after being stabbed multiple times in his house last Thursday, September 11. He was brought to University Hospital Limerick following the incident in Patrickswell. According to reports, his condition has now stabilised. A […]

    7 months ago

  • Player attacks three opponents after controversial end to Galway SFC game

    Player attacks three opponents after controversial end to Galway SFC game

    Shocking stuff! Yesterday’s Galway SFC preliminary quarter-final between Mountbellew-Moylough and Killanin, ended in mad circumstances. Mountbellew led by 11 points at half-time, but an epic comeback put Killanin ahead in injury time, 3-10 to 1-15. In the last play of the game, a ball was sent deep into the Mountbellew half towards forward Barry McHugh, […]

    7 months ago

  • Dr Crokes dedicate Kerry SFC title with grave-side tribute to late clubmate

    Dr Crokes dedicate Kerry SFC title with grave-side tribute to late clubmate

    A beautiful gesture. Dr Crokes made it back-to-back Kerry SFC titles yesterday, September 14, with a 0-20 to 1-12 win over Na Gaeil at Austin Stack Park. After the game, they brought the trophy to the grave of late clubmate Jamie Doolan, who passed away on July 28. Doolan played with the Kerry minors in […]

    7 months ago

  • Fans fume as ridiculous flaw in rules knocks Ireland out of World Cup

    Fans fume as ridiculous flaw in rules knocks Ireland out of World Cup

    Something needs to change. Ireland were once again knocked out of a rugby World Cup at the quarter-final stage, with France winning 18-13 in Exeter on Sunday. Despite leading 13-0 at half-time, the Ireland women’s team were pegged back by the French, in a game that finished in dramatic fashion. With the clock in the […]

    7 months ago

  • Jim McGuinness and Donegal lose three key backroom team members

    Jim McGuinness and Donegal lose three key backroom team members

    Big shoes to fill. Last year’s All-Ireland finalists Donegal have announced that three members of the senior footballer’s backroom staff have left the set-up. Team selector and coach, Luke Barrett, has left to do a Masters in Skill Acquisition in Sport at Munster Technological University, while physios Shane McClean and Joseph O’Donnell have also departed. […]

    7 months ago

  • Ireland icon Conor Murray does career U-turn and calls retires from rugby

    Ireland icon Conor Murray does career U-turn and calls retires from rugby

    A legend of the game. Ireland and Munster legend, Conor Murray, has retired from rugby at the age of 36. The scrum-half is regarded as one of the best to ever don the green jersey, and was among the best in the world during his prime years from 2013-2019. He finishes his career with 105 […]

    7 months ago

  • New boss Brennan would like legendary Dublin trio back but on a few conditions

    New boss Brennan would like legendary Dublin trio back but on a few conditions

    He’s taking no passengers. It’s gearing up to be a fascinating season for Dublin, with new manager Ger Brennan at the helm. A brilliant footballer with the Sky Blues, winning two All-Ireland titles, Brennan has excelled as a manager, and was the obvious choice to replace Dessie Farrell, after guiding Louth to their first Leinster […]

    7 months ago

  • Conor Murray laments Munster’s lack of quality at 10 since O’Gara retirement

    Conor Murray laments Munster’s lack of quality at 10 since O’Gara retirement

    Strong words. Munster and Ireland icon, Conor Murray, made headlines yesterday when excerpts from his new autobiography, ‘Cloud Nine’, came to light. We reported on the stinging criticism aimed towards former head coach Graham Rowntree, who guided the province to a URC title in 2023, before leaving under controversial circumstances last season. Murray also blasted […]

    7 months ago

  • Can you name the Ireland XI that lost 5-2 to Cyprus in 2006?

    Can you name the Ireland XI that lost 5-2 to Cyprus in 2006?

    A dark day. Ireland’s 2-1 loss away to Armenia on Tuesday brought up memories of the 5-2 disaster against Cyprus in 2006, during the Euro 2008 qualifiers. There was plenty of debate on social media as to what was the Boys in Green’s worst loss of all time, and these two games were top of […]

    8 months ago

  • Pat Spillane discloses the jaw-dropping money paid to inter-county managers

    Pat Spillane discloses the jaw-dropping money paid to inter-county managers

    This is a big revelation! There has been a significant amount of discourse in recent weeks on the subject of inter-county managers and payment. A survey was conducted on the GAA website, asking participants whether they feel inter-county managers should be paid in “a manner consistent with that of an employee of the Association.” The […]

    8 months ago

  • Fans call for Hallgrimsson sacking and already have a replacement

    Fans call for Hallgrimsson sacking and already have a replacement

    It just keeps getting worse. There had been hope under Heimir Hallgrimsson; he speaks well, seems to really care, and results had genuinely improved from the Stephen Kenny-era. But such was the devastation of tonight’s loss to the 105th ranked Armenia, that all the good that has gone on during the Icelander’s reign seems to […]

    8 months ago

  • Leinster poach Irish-qualified South African schools star for academy

    Leinster poach Irish-qualified South African schools star for academy

    Some signing! Leinster have announced the signing of highly-rated South African schoolboy Josh Neill. The backrower is currently attending Rondebosch Boys’ High School in Cape Town and plays his club rugby with Western Province. Leinster academy manager, Simon Broughton, revealed that he would join their year one intake when his schooling finishes in the new […]

    8 months ago

  • GAA open door for return to an August All-Ireland final

    GAA open door for return to an August All-Ireland final

    Music to the ears of some fans! The GAA will vote on a motion for the All-Ireland SFC final to return to August in 2027, at Congress in February, needing 60% support from delegates for it to pass. It will also entail the hurling final moving to the last week of July, with a gap […]

    8 months ago

  • GAA confirm they will look into 2-point rule loophole

    GAA confirm they will look into 2-point rule loophole

    An interesting development! We reported earlier in the summer on the loophole which can save teams from suffering a 2-point score against them. During the Connacht SFC final between Mayo and Galway, with Mayo just a point behind with 18 minutes to go, Ryan O’Donoghue sent what looked like a definite 2-pointer towards the Galway […]

    8 months ago

  • Michael Owen’s baffling free-kick take proven wrong in matter of hours

    Michael Owen’s baffling free-kick take proven wrong in matter of hours

    Not sure he thought this one through. Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick was the difference in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal at the weekend. The Hungarian midfielder curled the ball beautifully over the opposition wall, beating David Raya from just over 30 yards out. Speaking after the game, former Liverpool and England striker, Michael Owen, gave […]

    8 months ago

  • Argentinian prospect with Derry roots added to Ireland U19s squad

    Argentinian prospect with Derry roots added to Ireland U19s squad

    An interesting call-up! Ireland U19s boss has Tom Mohan has named his squad for two friendlies against France, this Friday and next Monday. Included in the squad is Argentinian-born goalkeeper Patricio Schroeder, whose mother hails from Derry, and the same street in Kilrea as former Ireland boss Martin O’Neill. His father met his mother in […]

    8 months ago

  • One of Ireland’s most overlooked players had an incredible debut in France

    One of Ireland’s most overlooked players had an incredible debut in France

    What a start! After eight years with Ulster, scrum-half John Cooney secured a well-deserved move to Brive in the Pro D2. The Dubliner was one of the provinces key figures, with his play making and goal kicking often dragging his side to victory. He has multiple appearances in the league team of the season with […]

    8 months ago

  • Surprised Joe Brolly issues warning to Jim Gavin over run for presidency

    Surprised Joe Brolly issues warning to Jim Gavin over run for presidency

    An interesting take…. Jim Gavin is the bookies favourite to take over from Michael D. Higgins as the next President of Ireland. He has the backing of all of Fianna Fáils senior Ministers, with a vote on Tuesday to decide the party’s nomination, ahead of the main race. The 54-year-old is seen as one of […]

    8 months ago

  • QUIZ: Can you name these Premier League & international stadiums

    QUIZ: Can you name these Premier League & international stadiums

    This one if a toughie! With lots of great football around Europe being played this weekend, we’ve out together this quiz for you to test your knowledge on some Premier League stadiums, and a few others. Some of the photos are slightly obscured so it won’t be all plain sailing. Let us know on social […]

    8 months ago

  • Adam Idah set for shock move out of Celtic but new fans not convinced

    Adam Idah set for shock move out of Celtic but new fans not convinced

    He has had a poor start to the season…. Celtic striker Adam Idah has not enjoyed the best start to the new season, coming in for a rake of criticism from fans. However, it can be argued that some of it is unwarranted, given his form last season which saw him bag 16 goals in […]

    8 months ago

  • US Ryder Cup player ruins suspense by accidentally revealing last pick

    US Ryder Cup player ruins suspense by accidentally revealing last pick

    A clumsy mistake… US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has finalised his six picks to add to the six automatically qualified players for this year’s tournament at Bethpage Black next month. In one of the most anticipated selections ever, Bradley decided not to pick himself, despite being seen by many as one of the 12 […]

    8 months ago

  • Keegan Bradley hits back at Rory McIlroy after questioning playing captain role

    Keegan Bradley hits back at Rory McIlroy after questioning playing captain role

    He was bullish! US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has finalised his team for this year’s event with his six captain’s picks. There was much speculation as to whether he would pick himself, but ultimately he decided against it. A couple of weeks ago, Rory McIlroy revealed that he had been approached about being a […]

    8 months ago

  • Throw back to when new Ireland prospect scored on Barcelona debut

    Throw back to when new Ireland prospect scored on Barcelona debut

    He was a trailblazer! During his squad-announcement press conference yesterday, Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed that Louie Barry was considered for selection after making an international switch. The English-born player featured for Ireland at underage before switching back to his country of birth. He is currently on loan at Sheffield United from his parent club […]

    8 months ago

  • NFL release last-minute tickets for Dublin game: How to get them

    NFL release last-minute tickets for Dublin game: How to get them

    Great news for Irish NFL fans! Extra tickets have been made available for the NFL clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park on Sunday, September 28. Fans can now enter the ballot, which is open until August 31, for the Hill 16 seats. A max of four tickets can be bought, […]

    8 months ago

  • Update on Armagh player who was airlifted to hospital after serious head clash

    Update on Armagh player who was airlifted to hospital after serious head clash

    The news is good. There is positive news for Armagh footballer Pearse Casey, who was airlifted to hospital following a serious head injury on Sunday. During an Armagh SFC game between his club Cullyhanna and Mullaghbawn, a clash between himself and another player after four minutes resulted in the match being abandoned after Casey was […]

    8 months ago

  • Adeleke coach responds after Irish track legend questions her motives

    Adeleke coach responds after Irish track legend questions her motives

    This clears things up. Ireland’s foremost track star, Rhasidat Adeleke, recently pulled out of the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The Tallaght woman has finished fourth in the 400m at both the 2023 World Championships and 2024 Olympic Games. Her form so far this season has been patchy, and she announced on Instagram that […]

    8 months ago

  • Ipswich fans react angrily over signing of Ireland winger

    Ipswich fans react angrily over signing of Ireland winger

    They are not overly pleased. Kasey McAteer has signed for Ipswich Town from fellow Championship side Leicester City on a four-year deal, for a figure that could rise to £14million (€16.1m). The Ireland winger has made 56 appearances for the Foxes, who are currently 12th in Championship, five places ahead of the Tractor Boys. McAteer […]

    8 months ago

  • Roy Keane slammed as a ‘bully’ by former cheerleader Eamon Dunphy

    Roy Keane slammed as a ‘bully’ by former cheerleader Eamon Dunphy

    He did not hold back! In his latest column, outspoken pundit Eamon Dunphy has eviscerated Roy Keane. Dunphy, a former youth player at Man United and Ireland international, did not hold back in his assessment of the Ireland and Man United legend, after the pundit’s comments on new Brentford boss Keith Andrews. Andrews, who has […]

    8 months ago

  • Limerick boss identifies one legend he’d take out of retirement in charity game

    Limerick boss identifies one legend he’d take out of retirement in charity game

    He is one of the greats in fairness! The 14th edition of the Hurling for Cancer Research took place on Monday at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow, with an array of inter-county plaers, past and present, taking part. It drew an impressive crowd, and added to the €1.66m raised throughout the years, with stars such […]

    8 months ago

  • Huge update on Jack O’Connor’s future as Kerry boss

    Huge update on Jack O’Connor’s future as Kerry boss

    Music to the ears of Kerry fans! The speculation over the future of Jack O’Connor looks to be coming to an end. The Kerry boss, in his third tenure with the county, led the Kingdom to their 39th All-Ireland SFC this summer, their fifth under his command. However, he had previously suggested that it could […]

    8 months ago

  • O’Driscoll suggests LIV-style breakaway league is a very real danger

    O’Driscoll suggests LIV-style breakaway league is a very real danger

    They mean business. It’s safe to say that most rugby fans are against the proposed R360 league, which is aiming to launch in 2026 with eight men’s teams and four women’s. The breakaway league will be similar to golf’s LIV; global, with franchises and a condensed season, backed by wealthy patrons. Just as Greg Norman […]

    8 months ago