Raf Diallo

RTÉ Sport Journalist

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

23 October 2025; Franko Kovačević of Celje scores his side's second goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 league phase match between Shamrock Rovers and Celje at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Conference League recap: Defeats for Shels and Hoops

Shamrock Rovers suffer a 2-0 home loss to NK Celje in the UEFA Conference League after Shelbourne fell to a late 1-0 defeat at KF Shkendija in North Macedonia.

Soccer • 23 Oct

Katie McCabe during a Republic of Ireland women training session at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Republic of Ireland v Belgium: All you need to know

The Republic of Ireland meet Belgium in the first leg of their UEFA Women's Nations League promotion/relegation play-off on Friday at Aviva Stadium. Here's all you need to know.

Soccer • 23 Oct

Keith Andrews, Manager of Brentford, applauds fans after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brentford at London Stadium on October 20, 2025 in London, England.

Andrews finds footing ahead of Kelleher's Reds reunion

Ten weeks into his tenure, Keith Andrews' next test as Brentford manager is the visit of Liverpool to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday night.

Soccer • 25 Oct