Was looking back over Evan Ferguson’s senior debut for Bohs against Chelsea.
This clip stood out.
Skips by three blue shirts like they weren’t even there.
Such composure for a 14 year old.
Pretty blown away by the reaction to today’s piece.
Thanks very much to everyone for all the kind words and messages.
Hopefully somewhere, Dad is smiling.
On the streets of Paris, there’s only one thing on everyone’s minds here.
How on earth they’re going to stop the mighty Evan Ferguson at the Aviva in March.
I'm absolutely thrilled to be starting a sports internship at
@Independent_ie
this month. Very grateful for the opportunity and I cant wait to get started!
Absolutely delighted to have started a new role with
@FAIreland
as Social Media Coordinator for the
@LoiWomen
!
Also a big thanks to
@emmaclinton_
for all her help so far. Really looking forward to the season ahead!
#WNL
Thought this was quite a stark statistic from this mornings FAI facilities investment document.
Of the top 40 largest stadia in Ireland, only three host football matches...
Dundalk native Jon Gallagher left Ireland at age 9 but still has a burning desire to represent his country one day.
He has taken the road less travelled, via Jamaica, Singapore and the US, and is loving life now with
@AustinFC
.
This is his story 👇👇
I don’t get some of the backlash towards the new branding tbh.
For ages people have criticised the LOI for not doing enough to promote the league.
Then when they try a fresh rebrand, people are up in arms.
Understand it’s subjective, but I think it’s miles better.
Get ready…
The all new League of Ireland is here.
With the 2023 fixtures soon to be released, get ready to enjoy the heart-stopping action and explosive drama that make the league so special.
#LOI
|
#LOIfixtures
Exclusive: Jessie Stapleton set to sign a multi-year deal with West Ham United Women when she turns 18 in February.
Turned down offers from Man City & Shamrock Rovers.
Will remain at Shels to complete her Leaving Cert before moving.
More on
@IndoSport
Exclusive interview with Ireland U21 rising star Sam Curtis in today's Irish Independent.
- Receiving text from "inspiration" Reece James.
- Admits he has "probably" played final game for St Pat's.
- Feels he's not far away from senior call-up.
👇👇
Liam Brady admits he’d like to see Brian Kerr be given a second stint as Ireland manager.
"He has an amazing track record with young players and we have a young team...I just think he’s a safe pair of hands."
Brady's views on Lee Carsley too in link 👇
Shels boss Duff blasts Ireland's attitude towards Monday night football.
"Everyone talks about Mondays in Ireland. People say 'we played Friday, we have to go again Monday. Everything is a slog.' Every other league in the world does it. So why can’t we?"
Hi Twitter.
I'm coming to the end of a Masters in Journalism at DCU and am currently looking for an internship/graduate job in print or digital media.
My portfolio is here: .
RT's appreciated.
Thanks 🙂
#journalismjobs
Meet Anselmo Garcia MacNulty, the Spanish-born defender with roots in county Clare.
The 20-year-old is on loan in the Netherlands from Germany, but will hoping his journey will eventually lead him to Lansdowne Road.
Interview in today’s paper/online 👇🏻
"This country has give everything to us"
Feature in today's Irish Independent about Justin Ferizaj and Josh Giurgu, two promising Irish footballers who are hellbent on representing Ireland, rather than Albania and Romania, where their parent's were born.
Chatted to Rotherham striker
@Georgiekelly161
ahead of their final game of the season today..
🔴Securing Championship safety
⭐️His standout 2021 at Bohemians
🎓His Master's degree and the importance of education for players.
Interview in today's paper 👇
League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon admits half of grounds are not fit for live TV broadcasts, with around 45 games to be televised in 2024.
More from today's Virgin announcement in link below 👇👇
Bohemians take on Union Berlin this afternoon, in a friendly three years in the making.
I spoke to
@bfcdublin
manager Keith Long,
@dlLambo
, and two of the 1000 supporters who’ve made the trip to the German capital.
Piece in today's Irish Independent.
Another nice moment for Kelleher, but in terms of development, Premier League games week in week out (like Bazunu) are much more beneficial than the odd League cup start.
A 23-year-old with his potential can’t afford to sit on the bench for the majority of the season.
Delighted to join the
@ChelseaSTrust
Something I should of done ages ago to be honest.
Good Chelsea people doing important work to ensure that fans voices matter and are heard on every issue.
Definitely consider joining your own clubs trust if you can.
Up the Chels.
#cfc
First time working at an Ireland game.
Over the moon. A privilege.
Match report will be up on
@ExtratimeNews
at full time.
Fingers crossed for a positive result.
#COYBIG
🇮🇪
#IRLAZE
#WEAREONE
🇮🇪 Adam Idah nets a 92nd minute winner from the spot on his first Celtic start.
What a moment for the striker after such a frustrating spell at Norwich, and what a way to announce yourself to the Celtic fans.
Exclusive: U21 defender Connor O’Riordan says he's 'extremely grateful' to represent Ireland, after withdrawing from the Scotland U21 squad.
"No disrespect to Scotland, but I made it clear I want to play for Ireland. That’s my decision."
Link below 👇
“The reality as a football manager is you have very little time to grieve. There’s no doubt that I suffered a lot."
Thanks to Keith Long for sharing his journey through grief with me and reflecting on a very difficult 2022 with Bohemians.
“The guy who did it needs to be banned from every ground in the country for life. It’s not acceptable.”
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley calls for lifetime ban for racial abuse of Roberto Lopes at Dundalk last Sunday.
Piece below 👇🏻
My first year working as a football writer, have absolutely loved it.
Was very lucky to work at a few Dublin derbies, Ireland games, European qualifiers and a Cup Final.
I just wanted to say a huge thanks to
@garethpenrose
and all at
@ExtratimeNews
for their support this year.
Ireland U-21 forward Sinclair Armstrong on last month's incident where a Kuwaiti player racially abused him.
“I am proud of myself because I know I could have hit him. I just thought, if I hit this lad, I’m not going to get anything out of it."
📈 There's been a 27% rise in Premier Division attendances this season, compared to series one last year.
- 161,502 people in total so far in 2023.
- 126,969 at this stage in 2022.
Average 2023 attendance at this point stands at 3,590, a rise of 769.
(
@LeagueofIreland
)
Cork City sporting director Liam Buckley has confirmed that striker Ruairi Keating has returned to training, but a decision will be made on whether he plays a part against UCD tomorrow.
FAI Cup second-round draw confirmed
Bonagee United v Shelbourne
Lucan United v Bohemians
Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers
Derry City v Cork City
Galway United v UCD
Maynooth University Town v Treaty United
Wexford FC v Dundalk
Malahide United v Waterford FC
Tens of thousands of teenagers across Ireland are busy planning post-Leaving Cert holidays this summer, but one will be making a very different journey.
Interview with Ireland defender Jessie Stapleton in today's paper and online. 👇
Chatted to Mark Lynch, Director at
@ShamrockRovers
about their record season ticket sales this year. The club has set their sights even higher.
In todays
@IndoSport
Yesterday's record FAI Cup final crowd was as clear an indication as you can get that investment in the League of Ireland’s stadia and facilities cannot come quick enough.
Colour piece from St Pat's FAI Cup final triumph over Bohs below 👇
Coming up to his 25th birthday, Caoimhín Kelleher is in line to make the 23rd senior club appearance of his career tonight, compared to Bazunu (129) and Travers (87).
The Corkman is approaching a crossroads at Anfield.
Piece in today's paper 👇 (€)
18 months ago,
@rossmaguire_
& I got last min tics to Dundalk’s 2019 title lift, and hopped a wall at FT so Ross could interview Vinny Perth & some players.
Last Friday we both went back, this time with official press passes.
Felt really proud for my friend &
@LOIFANTV
.
#loi
The League of Ireland is back tomorrow.
If you live near a club or are thinking of going, do it.
Dad brought me to Sporting Fingal as a kid, where we made special memories.
There is quality football right on your doorstep.
Support your local club and be a part of it.
#loi
Jason Knight turns 22 today, and hit the milestone of 150 senior appearances this month.
I took a look at a few of his recent performances for Derby, and how he's fast becoming one of the most exciting Irish midfielders of his generation.
@IndoSport
🚨 Chris Hughton approached by FAI again in recent weeks as speculation mounts that the announcement of new Ireland boss will be delayed.
More below on
@IndoSport
👇👇
Oslo 🇳🇴
Lots of Ireland U-21 content coming in print and online over the next few days.
Jim Crawford’s side face Norway on Friday before returning to Cork to host Italy on Tuesday, in this huge Euro 2025 qualifying double-header.
@IndoSport
Spoke to Crystal Palace and Ireland U-21 defender
@obrienjake_
last week.
⚽️ How he didn't want to get 'trapped' in academy football.
🇧🇪 Adapting to life in Belgium.
🦅Breaking into Patrick Viera's Premier League side.
Interview on
@IndoSport
now (€)
Mahdy - "A big reason I wanted to come to Harps is they’re an established Premier Division club at this stage, with some great players, a passionate fanbase and it’s really exciting to be a part of it.”
@FinnHarpsFC
@ExtratimeNews
I don’t play young boys just to say, “Duffer is playing kids,” or to take pressure off myself. They're playing because they deserve to play.”
Spoke to Shelbourne manager Damien Duff after Friday's 3-1 win over Finn Harps.
(
@IndoSport
)
⚽️ Very enjoyable morning yesterday with
@AodhanORiordain
and
@gerrytastic
on their northside football walking tour (
@FootballTourDub
).
Remarkable the amount of history we have on our doorstep, from Croker to Tolka, from ‘The Ban’ to Barcelona.
Piece to come on
@IndoSport
.
Robbie Keane’s Maccabi Tel Aviv have booked their place in the Europa Conference League round of 16 after a 3-1 win over Gent this evening.
More below 👇🏻
Yesterday, 22 prisoners graduated a coaching course run by St Pat's, the FAI and the Irish Prison Service.
"We are trying to give something to the prisoners. There's possibilities there when they get out."
Piece from my trip to Mountjoy on
@IndoSport
👇
Spoke to new Bohemians boss Alan Reynolds at his unveiling today.
“People are saying to me ‘it’s a nice dressing room’. I don’t want a nice dressing room, I want a ruthless dressing room that wants to win things. That’s where we’re going.”
Read here 👇👇
I asked Damien Duff tonight about Shels game v St Pat’s being called off -
“The stuff that went on last week, I’m speechless, if only people knew.
“I hope people will know soon what went on. Let’s see if it all comes out.”
Read more on
@IndoSport
👇🏻👇🏻
'Shelbourne manager Damien Duff revealed he was left speechless after last week’s clash with St Patrick’s Athletic was called off, but admitted it was no excuse as the Reds fell to defeat to Drogheda United'
Spoke to Reds fan
@Ciaran_1895
about being pulled from the stand by Damien Duff last night and into the
#Shelbourne
post-match team talk.
“I was like ‘mate, I have no voice left from singing in that stand, what do you want me to say here?’”
Read below 👇🏻
Great to see these up around Malahide village today, ahead of their biggest FAI cup tie since Derry City in 2014.
Get down to support your local club this weekend.
I’ll have a feature on the game, with
@MalahideUtdAFC
captain Glen Daly in tomorrow’s Irish Independent.
Exclusive interview with Ireland U-21 defender Bosun Lawal in todays Irish Independent.
- Repaying his parent’s sacrifice
- Multicultural senior team reflecting a modern, more inclusive Ireland
- Targeting first team breakthrough at Celtic.
Read here👇🏻
Caught up with Crystal Palace and Ireland U21 midfielder Killian Phillips on...
📈 His standout loan at Shrewsbury
🦅How he's desperate to break into Palace's first team
And why he prefers to keep his circle small.
Interview in today's paper & online👇
Got to sit down with
@Kingcanners
recently who shared his extraordinary story with me.
After battling racism, addiction & cancer, he's come through, set up his own foundation (
@_PCFoundation
), and has a suite in Stamford Bridge dedicated to him.
Check it out below
@IndoSport
.
Last week I had breakfast with Paul Canoville, who told me how he has overcome racism, addiction, cancer & loss to establish his own foundation, and have a suite named after him in Stamford Bridge.
This is his story.
In today's Sunday Independent (€)
Spoke to new Bohs winger Dayle Rooney this week…
- How difficult it was to juggle his roofing job with part-time football at Drogheda last year.
- Relishing full-time football for the first time at Bohs.
- Top 4 & Europe a “must’ this year.
Read here👇🏻
Our first
@IndoSport
League of Ireland Premier Division Team of the Week.
Something new that we're putting together after every round of games.
Let us know what you think and if it's something you'd like to see more of!
Spoke to title-winning
@peamountutd
boss James O'Callaghan for today's paper.
- How he feels the Women’s Premier Division is yet to reap rewards of Ireland's first World Cup last summer.
- How people were writing Peas off.
- Why coaching is addictive.
Galway United’s Maurice Nugent admits he’d be financially better off if he wasn’t a footballer, but is more than happy to make that sacrifice especially now that his boyhood club is back in the top-flight.
More from the centre-half in link 👇🏻👇🏻
Spoke to a few people who helped Killian Phillips on his journey from Kilbarrack to Crystal Palace, including his mother Cora, who you get the impression would be just as proud if he was still playing Sunday League.
Feature in today's Irish Independent.
From a clear playing style for all Irish teams, a new calendar for clubs and a proposed national football centre, here are the 10 key points from the FAI’s new Football Pathways Plan released this morning.
👇👇
A huge day for Bohemians.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill welcomes tonight’s news that Dublin City Council have approved redevelopment plans for Dalymount Park and hopes it’s the first of many similar projects across the LOI.
Latest below 👇🏻
St Pat’s boss Jon Daly has opened up on how difficult Dublin’s housing crisis is making it to attract certain players to the club.
“It’s difficult. That’s one of the toughest challenges I have when it comes to recruitment & bringing players in.”
Link 👇🏻
A Liverpool scout at an U-14 GAA match, doing his schoolwork from Austria and a maturity that was far beyond his teenage years.
This is Conor Bradley’s rise from his local club Aghyaran to Liverpool.
Read online below and in today's Irish Independent 👇👇
66 years ago today, Dublin’s Liam Whelan lost his life in the Munich Air Disaster aged just 22.
Last August, I spent an afternoon talking to John Whelan about his late brother’s life and legacy.
This is the story of Ireland’s Busby Babe 👇🏻
Home time.
🇮🇪 U-21s deserved so much more than that, remarkable performace against the top seeds.
Onto San Marino next March, but that glass ceiling still remains in reach for Jim Crawford’s men.
Report and reaction on
@IndoSport
"I really loved my time at Bohs, but I really felt like I needed a change and needed something new.”
Spoke to Abbie Brophy who has embarked on a new chapter with Wexford Youths this year.
Piece in today's paper and
@IndoSport
.
Harry Maguire getting heavily, heavily booed at the Aviva here every time he gets the ball, after coughing up possession in the lead up to Bilbao's opener just minutes ago.
#MUFC
Massive thanks to
@LaurieRyan2
for sharing her story with me today.
The new
@LoiWomen
well-being initiative will be hugely important for players who need support.
(
@IndoSport
)
Cesc Fabregas is set to join Italian second division team Como on a free transfer! Full agreement in place on a free deal, final details to be sorted out soon 🇪🇸
@DiMarzio
#transfers
Contract will be valid until June 2024.
Spoke to St Pat's midfielder Jamie Lennon today, who turned down offers from the US to sign a new multi-year deal at Richmond Park
- "I knew deep down I wanted to stay, for another year at least."
- Coping with breaking his foot in March.
- 2023 targets.
🇮🇪 Ireland pair Gavin Bazunu and Andrew Moran face off tomorrow, but not for the first time.
I spoke to both of their former underage managers to hear why the Dublin duo stood out from the crowd growing up.
Feature in today's Irish Independent below👇
Spoke to Ireland U-21 striker Aidomo Emakhu about his injury-time winner against Turkey on Friday.
"It's what you dream about, scoring the winner for your country in a European qualifier. I'll definitely be replaying it in my head about a million times."
New: Bohemians announce that James Talbot will be absent for "the coming weeks, and perhaps beyond" as he takes time out to address mental health challenges.
"James is receiving full support from Bohemian FC and remains a key figure at our club."
Wishing him all the best.
How football is helping Cork dads deal with grief one game at a time.
"Men are kind of made to be supportive and to stay strong. I had that stiff-upper-lip attitude for three years after Isaac passed, but that doesn’t last."
Piece in today's paper 👇