Raf Diallo

RTÉ Sport Journalist

David McHugh (inset) has been the full-time mental performance coach for the Washington Spirit since the start of the 2024 season

The Irish coach at the coalface of a NWSL club's upturn

Athlone native David McHugh is the performance coach for NWSL side Washington Spirit who have gone from an underwhelming 2023 to reaching this weekend's Championship final. McHugh speaks to RTÉ Sport's Raf Diallo about his role, implementing sports psychology in a professional environment.

Soccer • 23 Nov 24

Sammie Szmodics, left, and Josh Cullen in training ahead of the trip to London

England v Republic of Ireland: All you need to know

The Republic of Ireland complete their UEFA Nations League Group B2 assignment with a trip to face England at Wembley.

Soccer • 16 Nov 24

Stephen Bradley savoured his side's victory

Bradley elated as seven-point heaven eases title pain

Stephen Bradley admitted he had been worried about how his players would bounce back from domestic heartache in time for Thursday's UEFA Conference League assignment against The New Saints but was delighted by their response during a 2-1 win over the Welsh side.

Soccer • 08 Nov 24

Dylan Watts (R) scored what proved to be the Shamrock Rovers winner in the first half

Hoops turbo-charge knockout hopes after edging past TNS

Shamrock Rovers turbo-charged their hopes of reaching the next stage of the UEFA Conference League after coming from behind to beat Welsh champions The New Saints 2-1 at Tallaght Stadium.

Soccer • 07 Nov 24

Nations League: Greece 2-0 Republic of Ireland recap

The Republic of Ireland lose 2-0 away to Greece in the Nations League Group B2.

Soccer • 13 Oct 24

Caoimhin Kelleher during Saturday's training session at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Greece

Greece v Republic of Ireland: All you need to know

Buoyed by a UEFA Nations League victory in Finland on Thursday, the Republic of Ireland will look to build on that result when they visit Greece on Sunday.

Soccer • 13 Oct 24

Friday night soccer: Ireland U21s 1-1 Norway, LOI recap

The Republic of Ireland draw 1-1 with Norway at Turners Cross following a controversial late equaliser from the visitors, while it's another pivotal Friday night in the League of Ireland.

Soccer • 11 Oct 24

'Letting John do the media side of things and stuff has been good,' McGrath says

McGrath: Hallgrimsson 'smart' to give O'Shea some reins

Republic of Ireland legend Paul McGrath believes Heimir Hallgrimsson has been shrewd in letting his assistant John O'Shea take on a more front-facing role in the early part of his Boys in Green tenure.

Soccer • 09 Oct 24

Manager Markku Kanerva remains at the helm but other voices on his staff have been empowered to instigate a shift in style

View from Finland: Style shift adds intrigue for Irish

Finnish football journalist Ari Virtanen joins Raf Diallo on a bonus episode of the RTÉ Soccer Podcast to share an insight into a Finland team in the midst of a style shift which is awaiting the Republic of Ireland in Helsinki on Thursday.

Soccer • 08 Oct 24

Premier League: Wolves 1-2 Liverpool - recap

Liverpool go top of the Premier League after beating bottom side Wolves in the 5.30pm kick-off at Molineux.

Soccer • 28 Sep 24