Warning: this is tough. Roma stunned Barcelona on Tuesday night. Trialling 4-1 from the first-leg, the Italians dominated Lionel Messi and co, winning 3-0 and advancing to the semi-finals on the away goal rule. The result immediately went down as one of the great Champions League comebacks, of which there have been many. Here, we […]

8 years ago

Stirring stuff. Dejan Lovren has been through the wringer as a Liverpool player. The Croatian, signed to much fanfare in 2014 following an impressive spell at Southampton, has looked at times like a man comically out of his depth in the red of Liverpool. Lovren’s performances have often attracted ridicule, with the crushing nadir of […]

8 years ago

What a disaster. Remember those classic wrestling “don’t try this at home” public service announcements? Yeah, maybe Real Madrid ought to think about running one of those during half-time of some of their games, particularly when Cristiano Ronaldo is scoring goals of the superhuman variety. Ronaldo scored an instant classic against Juventus in the Champions […]

8 years ago

They have not been seen since Tuesday. Eight athletes from the Cameroon Commonwealth Games team have been reported missing. Five boxers and three weightlifters have not been seen since Tuesday amid suspicions they have fled with no intention of returning to their conflict-riven homeland. The Cameroon team manager, Victor Agbor Nso, told the country’s state […]

8 years ago

“I think they’ve learned their lesson.” Former Ireland rugby international Willie John McBride has urged Ulster Rugby to welcome Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding back into the team. Jackson and Olding were acquitted of raping a 19-year-old woman in June 2016. Following the verdict, Ulster Rugby and the IRFU issued a statement confirming that Jackson […]

8 years ago

Just like that, he’s gone. Mick McCarthy has left Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The former Republic of Ireland manager abruptly resigned after the Tractor Boys fans turned on him when he substituted former Limerick player Barry Cotter during a 1-0 win over Barnsley. McCarthy raged in his post-match interview, during which he confirmed his […]

8 years ago

We are Roma and we’re here to fuck shit up. While Liverpool were busy crushing Manchester City’s European dreams, Roma sent shockwaves across the footballing world by beating Barcelona 3-0 in the Stadio Olimpico to join the Reds in the last four. Trailing 4-1 from the first-leg, the Serie A side completed a comeback for […]

8 years ago

The TV3 pundit was not one bit impressed. Manchester City’s quest to overturn a three-goal deficit in their Champions League quarter-final tie with Liverpool got off to a screamer as Gabriel Jesus scored after just two minutes. The Brazilian striker swept home a fine finish after being teed up by Raheem Sterling. Liverpool were incensed […]

8 years ago

As Rory stumbled, Jordan roared. After The Masters, amidst the deluge of colourful reports about Patrick Reed’s family history, allegations of cheating and stealing and lack of a rapport with most of his fellow pros, there was an interesting bit about Jordan Spieth. Well, more specifically, Jordan Spieth’s caddie. Those who watch golf regularly will […]

8 years ago

Worrying news for Manchester United fans. After the dizzying excitement of a comeback victory over Manchester City on Saturday, United supporters will be concerned at the latest developments surrounding Anthony Martial’s future. According to Mohamed Bouhafsi, one of the most reliable reporters when it comes to transfers, the Frenchman wants to leave Old Trafford in […]

8 years ago

He’s an absolute gent. It’s difficult to divorce ourselves from the idea that Patrick Reed was the champion most people didn’t want. It’s a terrible, gnawing thought, but when you weigh up the other main actors in the play – Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and, to a point, Rory McIlroy – it’s the conclusion we […]

8 years ago

As Rory McIlroy faded into the shadows, we were treated to a Masters finale to remember. After a gripping, emotionally draining Sunday at Augusta, Patrick Reed was the last man standing. The fiery Texan held his nerve down the stretch, holding off a spirited surge from his compatriot Jordan Spieth to clinch his first major […]

8 years ago

Jordan Spieth was nine shots behind at the beginning of the final round. He wasn’t in the picture. He was a supporting character on Saturday, at best, having struggled to get it going on ‘moving day.’ We should never have doubted him. This is Jordan Spieth we’re talking about after all. Nobody knows how to […]

8 years ago

Paul Casey is one of the most consistent golfers on the PGA Tour. In six events so far in 2018, the Englishman has five top-20 finishes, including his first stateside victory in nine years (at the Valspar Championship, where he edged out none other than Tiger Woods). He’s been playing great golf for a long […]

8 years ago

WOW. Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed made a dog’s dinner of the first hole. Spraying their drives left and right, Reed dropped a shot while McIlroy holed a nerveless par putt to cut the lead to two. The second hole was a different story. Blootering a monstrous drive down the left-side of the fairway, McIlroy […]

8 years ago

The way it should be done. Replays. They’re necessary. Sometimes, though, it’s tough to get the timing spot on. Anyone that has worked in live sports TV production will tell you it’s a pain in the bloody arse! It is. Thankfully, TG4 have got the right idea. Good aul TG4. They often have the right […]

8 years ago

Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy don’t get their final round underway until 7.40pm, but Tiger Woods has been starting the fun at Augusta. It’s been a frustrating week for the four-time Masters champ. The reception he’s been afforded has been something to behold, but it hasn’t been enough to catapult him up the leaderboard. Unfortunately, […]

8 years ago

Patrick Reed has worn red on Sundays as a tribute to Tiger Woods for years. Since he was a junior, he’s emulated Woods’ iconic red-and-black look but, on Sunday, as he chases a maiden major title at Augusta, he won’t be turning out in his trademark outfit. Nike, Reed’s sponsor, has him scripted to wear […]

8 years ago

Patrick Reed is not the most popular guy. He’s no people’s champion, either. Reed could win 10 majors during his career and never come close to being as loved as Arnold Palmer or Phil Mickelson. To those who have followed the sport over the last five years, Reed’s past transgressions aren’t news. Back in 2015, […]

8 years ago

That’s an interesting comparison. There’s been a deluge of analysis and commentary on Conor McGregor following his already infamous attack on a bus carrying UFC fighters at the Barclays Center in New York. McGregor was released on bail of $50,000 after he was charged with assault, menacing and reckless endangerment following an incident in which the Dubliner […]

8 years ago

“All the pressure’s on him.” Rory McIlroy knows as well as anyone that Patrick Reed is a gutsy competitor. The pair met in spectacular fashion at the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine. Reed and McIlroy were pitted against each other in the leadoff singles match and it didn’t disappoint, with the pair going hammer-and-tongs in […]

8 years ago

That wasn’t bad, was it? Reed. McIlroy. Rahm. Fowler. Fleetwood. Watson. Stenson. After an arduous second round at Augusta that saw Patrick Reed’s three-ball take almost six hours to play 18 holes, the tournament came to life on Saturday. Our prayers were answered as an A-list cast of major champions and the game’s most exciting talent […]

8 years ago

He definitely got his point across. At half-time of what turned out to be a heavyweight Premier League clash for the ages, Manchester United looked dead and buried. 2-0 down and struggling to collapse in the face of relentless pressure from arch-rivals Manchester City, there didn’t seem to be a way back. The biggest takeaway […]

8 years ago

“He looks forward to getting back to fighting.” Conor McGregor’s manager, Audie Attar, has finally released a statement after a whirlwind week which has seen the Dubliner storm the UFC 223 media day, smash up a coach carrying fellow fighters and subsequently turn himself into the authorities in New York. McGregor’s actions resulted in three […]

8 years ago

WOW. Rory McIlroy is feeling it. Yes, it just seems like it’s his day. After getting lucky with an approach to the fifth, his shot smashing off the face of the bunker but still ending up close to the pin, McIlroy proceeded to nearly ace the sixth and then produce a moment of sheer magic […]

8 years ago

Rory’s dialled in. It’s been a strong start to Rory McIlroy’s third round at The Masters. Having been five shots off Patrick Reed at the beginning of the day, the Northern Irishman has reduced the deficit to just two (at the time of writing). The Holywood native picked up birdies at three and four before […]

8 years ago

What a game. An extraordinary Manchester United comeback delayed Manchester City’s title celebrations after a riveting derby at the Etihad Stadium. Paul Pogba’s brace and Chris Smalling’s winner was enough to clinch a dramatic win for Jose Mourinho’s men, having found themselves two down at half-time after goals from Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan. Here […]

8 years ago

A picture tells a thousand words. Manchester City made light work of their arch-rivals Manchester United in the opening 45 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, with Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan firing the champions-elect into a two-goal lead at half-time. It could have been much worse for United, too, with Raheem Sterling spurning more than […]

8 years ago

Big Phil’s never boring. It’ll be a sad day when Phil Mickelson’s time on tour comes to an end. Lefty will be 48 in June and, over time, he will probably undergo a curtailed tournament schedule as he heads towards the senior circuit. While we have him, though, we’re going to appreciate every piece of […]

8 years ago

Six red cards were shown by the end of it. A fine Waterford victory over League of Ireland champions Cork City on Friday night was marred by ugly scenes at the end, with members of both teams becoming embroiled in a melee on the touchline. Courtney Duffus’ 80th-minute goal gifted the home side three points, […]

8 years ago

It’s a strong team. Manchester United can tighten their grip on second place in the Premier League table with three points against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. While that is, of course, easier said than done, City are preoccupied with the looming Champions League quarter-final second-leg against Liverpool on Tuesday evening, with a 3-0 […]

8 years ago

It’s been an exciting week for Conor Masterson. The 18-year-old Dubliner benefitted from a deepening injury crisis in Liverpool’s defence, with Joel Matip’s absence thrusting him into the senior squad for the visit of Manchester City to Anfield in the Champions League. Masterson didn’t make it onto the pitch but soaking up the electrifying atmosphere […]

8 years ago

Expect delays. Golf tournaments are always at the mercy of Mother Nature – and The Masters is no exception. After two days of reasonably benign conditions on Thursday and Friday, the weather forecast isn’t looking good for ‘moving day’ at Augusta. Heavy showers are expected on Saturday afternoon in Georgia, just as the leaders are […]

8 years ago

Jordan Spieth feels at home on Augusta’s lush fairways. The exceptionally gifted Texan has played The Masters four times before this year. His finishes are, chronologically: T2, 1, T2 and 11th. It’s an extraordinary record and one that makes what he did on Thursday night all the more believable. Spieth, who has struggled with his […]

8 years ago

Say hello to your new favourite golfer. The Masters always generates stories. This year, we have a real doozy on our hands as Tony Finau is right in contention after the opening round at Augusta, 24 hours after dislocating his ankle during the par 3 contest. Finau’s participation during Thursday’s opening round was plunged into […]

8 years ago

No arrest warrant has been issued. Police in New York have confirmed they are investigating Thursday evening’s incident involving Conor McGregor. An NYPD spokesperson said they are trying to work with the facts and said that no arrest warrants have been issued. The incident in question saw McGregor and his entourage storm the UFC 223 media […]

8 years ago

Not what he was hoping for. Much of the pre-Masters buzz focused on one man: Tiger Woods. Specifically, it focused on Woods’ remarkable recovery from barely being able to walk to emerging as one of the favourites to take the green jacket this week. Writing on his website last week, Woods even went as far […]

8 years ago

“I can’t believe I’m watching this.” A year after making his dream comes true, Augusta became a nightmarish place for Sergio Garcia. The reigning Masters champion’s defence descended into farce on the par 5 15th when he found the water four times. Yes, four. Garcia was already +2 through 14 and heading for an unsatisfactory opening […]

8 years ago

It’s all kicking off. We knew Conor McGregor wasn’t in a great mood today. Late last night, the Irishman responded aggressively to Dana White confirming that he will be stripped of his UFC Lightweight title. Now, it looks as though he’s taken it a step further. According to MMA Fighting reporter Ariel Helwani, McGregor arrived […]

8 years ago

Short game skills. With its treacherous bunkers and undulating greens, your short game needs to be razor-sharp to shoot a low round at Augusta. Luckily for Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira, playing in his first Masters, his bunker play seems to be in tip-top shape. Masters rookie Satoshi Kodaira holes out from a front bunker on No. […]

8 years ago

Oh yes. Sometimes, sporting schedules just come together really nicely. After the expenditure of Easter and the Bank Holiday weekend, settle in for a relaxing Saturday and Sunday consuming hours upon hours of great televised sport. We’re not even joking, this weekend is actually a screamer. Friday The Masters, Sky Sports Main Event, 7pm If […]

8 years ago

“Mourinho has not evolved.” Jose Mourinho’s inability to evolve sufficiently has resulted in a ‘massive gap’ existing between Manchester United and Manchester City, according to Red Devils legend Paul Parker. Mourinho and Guardiola took over at United and City respectively at the same time, in the summer of 2016, yet while Guardiola has been lauded […]

8 years ago

The par 3 contest at The Masters is supposed to be a bit of fun. It’s a chance for champions of yesteryear to mix it with the young guys, for families to get involved (the image of toddlers lugging a golf bag over their shoulders will never not be adorable) and for the galleries to […]

8 years ago

For a golf course so beautiful and full of colour, Augusta National has always harboured a darker side. Home to arguably the world’s most prestigious event (a lot of people would still place The Open above it), Augusta isn’t exactly known for its inclusivity. Clifford Roberts, who co-founded Augusta National with legendary golfer Bobby Jones, […]

8 years ago

What a chance this could be for Spike. Update 2.56pm: Spike O’Sullivan has released a statement saying he has agreed to meet Gennady Golovkin on May 5. pic.twitter.com/zxXGC4EaP3 — Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) April 4, 2018 “My job as a professional boxer is to say yes to fights and to make sure I’m ready for […]

8 years ago

Horrible news. Former England international Ray Wilkins has died aged 61. The former player and coach had been in critical condition after suffering a heart attack on last week. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, and two children, Ross and Jade. The former Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan midfielder had been a popular […]

8 years ago

Bad craic. Wednesday’s racing at Leopardstown has been called off following an early morning inspection. Heavy overnight rain forced officials to carry out a check at 8.30am and they determined that conditions were not suitable for racing. The Leopardstown Racecourse account tweeted shortly after 9am: “Following greater overnight rainfall than anticipated and with further rain […]

8 years ago

Slick. We’re always excited to see talented Irish players coming through and it looks as though the U15s have a gem on their hands. Shamrock Rovers prospect Sami Clarke showcased some excellent goals as he scored an eye-catching solo goal for the Ireland U15s during their 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic. With Ireland trailing […]

8 years ago

You can’t help but be in awe of Ronaldo. Forget that he plays for Real Madrid. Forget that he represents the rampant, selfie-obsessed celebrity side of football. Get him on the pitch and he’ll blow you away. He’ll continue to astonish you with his insatiable appetite for goals and trophies. Ronaldo, like his peer Lionel […]

8 years ago

Ulster Rugby and the IRFU are conducting an internal review. Craig Gilroy has apologised for a WhatsApp message he sent which appeared as evidence during the rape trial of his Ulster teammates Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding. Ulster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that the wing, 27, is the subject of an internal review. […]

8 years ago