Raf Diallo

RTÉ Sport Journalist

From left to right clockwise: Czech striker Patrik Schick, journalist Jiri Hosek and the Fortuna Arena in Prague

'If Ireland sit deep, how will we unlock the box?'

Jiri Hosek, the head of sports at CANAL+ TV in Czechia, joins Raf Diallo on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast to share an insight into the side that stand in the Republic of Ireland's way next Thursday in Prague.

Soccer • 20 Mar

Chelsea's Harvey Vale during the Europa Conference League League Stage match between Chelsea and Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge on December 19, 2024 in London, England.

Vale Unveiled: An intriguing curveball for Prague mission

To say that Harvey Vale's inclusion in the Republic of Ireland squad on Thursday was a surprise would only be a half-truth.

Soccer • 20 Mar

Harvey Vale of Queens Park Rangers is in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England, on November 8, 2025.

'Perfect time' to bring Vale into squad - Hallgrimsson

Heimir Hallgrimsson says Harvey Vale's call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad for next Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia has been a year in the making.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, left, and Seamus Coleman during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Coleman 'proved me wrong' - Hallgrimsson

Heimir Hallgrimsson says Séamus Coleman will be a key influence as the Republic of Ireland prepare for the World Cup play-off in Prague and that the Donegal man proved him wrong after not being included in the first squad of the group campaign.

Soccer • 20 Mar

Eberechi Eze of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Arsenal Stadium on March 17, 2026 in London, England.

Tuesday's Champions League results and reports

Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting CP have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after winning Tuesday night's second legs.

Soccer • 17 Mar

Troy Parrott of AZ Alkmaar after a missed shot on goal during the Dutch Eredivisie match between AZ and Heracles Almelo at the AFAS Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.

Form guide: How Ireland squad options have been faring

With Heimir Hallgrimsson to name his Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup play-offs on Thursday, RTÉ Sport's Raf Diallo looks at how the wider playing pool has been faring at club level in recent weeks.

Soccer • 18 Mar

15 March 2026; Robert Finnerty of Galway reacts after kicking a two point score during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Monaghan and Galway at Grattan Park in Inniskeen, Monaghan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Sunday's Allianz Football League results and reports

Roscommon secure their place in Division 1 for 2027, and keep their hopes of a spot in the final alive. But Monaghan are heading down to Division 2 after defeat to Galway. Relive the action here.

Football • 16 Mar

Pavel Sulc of Czechia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Czechia and Croatia at Fortuna Arena on October 09, 2025 in Prague, Czech Republic.

The Czech Check-up: Injury worries and a captaincy call

RTÉ Sport's Raf Diallo takes a look at the current status of Czechia's wider playing pool ahead of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final in Prague on 26 March.

Soccer • 12 Mar

FAI chief executive officer David Courell speaks on the Global Ireland Football Foundation during the 2025 annual general meeting of the Football Association of Ireland at the Carlton Hotel in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

Philanthropy key to FAI's grassroots facilities goals

The FAI is hopeful that fundraising via high net-worth individuals and the diaspora will boost investment into grassroots facilities to the tune of at least €15 million.

Soccer • 10 Mar

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Malick Thiaw of Newcastle United brings down Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona for a penalty during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Pa

Tuesday's Champions League results and reports

Liverpool lost 1-0 at Galatasaray in the first of Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first legs, while Newcastle and Barcelona couldn't be separated.

Soccer • 10 Mar