Raf Diallo

RTÉ Sport Journalist

Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F Qualifier match between Hungary and Republic of Ireland at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

Player Ratings: Perfect Parrott provides the impossible

The Republic of Ireland faced Hungary in Budapest with a potential World Cup play-off place at stake. Here's how we rated Heimir Hallgrimsson's players after an extraordinary victory.

Soccer • 17 Nov

Jacob Devaney of Republic of Ireland reacts to a missed opportunity on goal during the UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier group D match between England and Republic of Ireland at St. Andrew's at Knighthead Park in Birmingham, England.

Enterprising Ireland U21s edged out in rainy Birmingham

The Republic of Ireland Under-21s put in an enterprising display at a rain-sodden St Andrew's in Birmingham but fell to a 2-0 defeat against reigning European champions England in their qualifier on Friday night.

Soccer • 15 Nov

Republic of Ireland players Adam Murphy, 8, and Sean Grehan, 5, after Divin Mubama of England, right, scored his side's first goal, from a penalty, past Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Noah Jauny during the UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier group D

Euro U21 qualifier: England 2-0 Rep of Ireland recap

Jim Crawford's Republic of Ireland Under-21s put in an impressive display in Birmingham but lose 2-0 to England in their European Championship qualifier.

Soccer • 15 Nov

Michael Noonan of Republic of Ireland, centre, celebrates with teammates Ramon Martos, right, and Ade Solanke after scoring his side's third goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group J match between Panama and Republic of Ireland at Aspire Zone in Doh

Ireland U17s mark World Cup bow with emphatic win

The Republic of Ireland made a dream start to their maiden appearance at a FIFA Under-17 World Cup as goals from Jaden Umeh, Kian McMahon-Brown, Michael Noonan and Max Kovalevskis sealed a 4-1 win over Panama on Pitch 3 at the Aspire Zone in Qatar.

Soccer • 05 Nov

Kian McMahon-Brown of Republic of Ireland celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's second goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group J match between Panama and Republic of Ireland at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar.

FIFA U17 World Cup: Rep of Ireland 4-1 Panama - recap

The Republic of Ireland beat Panama 4-1 in their opening Group J match at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

Soccer • 05 Nov

Republic of Ireland head coach Colin O'Brien at Dublin Airport ahead of the Republic of Ireland U17s flight to Qatar for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2025.

U17 boss O'Brien braced for 'unpredictable' opener

Republic of Ireland under-17 head coach Colin O'Brien speaks to RTÉ Sport's Raf Diallo ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup opener against Panama tomorrow.

Soccer • 04 Nov

Michael Noonan during a Republic of Ireland U17s World Cup portrait session at the Pillo Hotel in Ashbourne, Meath.

Preview: Ireland U17s set for historic World Cup opener

For the first time ever, the Republic of Ireland will be playing in a FIFA U17 World Cup. The evolution will be televised too, with today's 12.30pm (Irish time) kick-off against Panama being broadcast live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player.

Soccer • 05 Nov

Morgan's memories put to good use for U17 adventurers

Thomas Morgan, who captained the Republic of Ireland to a bronze medal finish at the FIFA World Youth Championships in 1997, speaks to RTÉ Sport's Raf Diallo after imparting his insights to the Under-17s who are about to play in a maiden World Cup in Qatar.

Soccer • 04 Nov

1 November 2025; Josh Thomas of Drogheda United, right, is sent off by referee Paul Norton during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Drogheda United and Bohemians at Sullivan & Lambe Park in Drogheda, Louth. Photo by Ben McShane/Sport

SSE Airtricity League final day results and reports

Bohemians finish fourth and Waterford are facing a relegation play-off after the final round of games in the 2025 SSE Airticity League Premier Division.

Soccer • 02 Nov

Republic of Ireland players, from left, Brody Lee, Alex Noonan and Corey Cummins-Sheridan at Dublin Airport ahead of the Republic of Ireland U17s flight to Qatar for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2025.

Ireland's minute 'men': How they compare to Euro peers

How do the Republic of Ireland U17 World Cup squad members compare to their European peers when it comes to exposure to men's first-team minutes at club level? Raf Diallo looks at the numbers.

Soccer • 02 Nov