Samuel Kingston

RTÉ Sport contributor

Irish influence runs deep in history of Aussie Rules

Collingwood clash with the Brisbane Lions for a place in the AFL Grand Final today. It promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams with strong Irish heritage.

AFL • 20 Sep

150 years of Hibernian: Scotland's original Irish club

Historian Samuel Kingston tells the story of Hibernian FC, who were formed 150 years ago, paving the way for a host of Irish football clubs in Scotland.

Soccer • 02 Aug

'The Irish were football' - Story of Notre Dame

As they go in search of a first national title in nearly 40 years, historian Samuel Kingston details the long and storied history of Notre Dame's famed 'Fighting Irish' football team.

Notre Dame • 19 Jan

'The Irish were football' - Story of Notre Dame

As they go in search of a first national title in nearly 40 years, historian Samuel Kingston details the long and storied history of Notre Dame's famed 'Fighting Irish' football team.

Notre Dame • 16 Jan

Irish historic influence echoes through World Cup final

While Ireland unfortunately fell at the quarter finals stage, the two competing finalists of New Zealand and South Africa have some interesting Irish connections in their formative years of playing rugby.

Rugby • 27 Oct 23

Alexis MacAllister (R), of the Donabate MacAllisters, training alongside Leo Messi

Irish Argentines: Foxford to Buenes Aires via Donabate

Historian Samuel Kingston traces the influence Irish immigrants have had on Argentinian soccer, from the formation of some of the country's most storied clubs to the heritage of midfielder Alexis MacAllister.

Soccer • 18 Dec 22

The game Down Under owes much to the influence of Irish trailblazers and their descendants

Irish Kangaroos sprung rugby league into life in Oz

This weekend sees the Rugby League World Cup kick off in England, with Australia again heavy favourites to hoist the Paul Barriere Trophy aloft. However, the game Down Under owes much to the influence of Irish trailblazers and their descendants.

Rugby • 15 Oct 22

The Toronto Maple Leaves wear a St Pats jersey for a NHL game every March

Green roots: The teams worldwide named after St Patrick

As we celebrate St Patrick's Day Samuel Kingston explores some of the teams in different sports that have been named after Ireland's patron saint.

other sport • 17 Mar 22

John 'Mel' Doherty was the man behind the Cincinnati Celts

Super Bowl: Irish behind football in LA and Cincinnati

Tonight's Super Bowl sees the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams lock horns to become NFL champions. Neither city would spring to mind as being 'typically' Irish American, yet the origins of professional football in both owes a lot to the involvement of team owners with Irish heritage.

US Sport • 13 Feb 22

New York Giants running back Heinie Benkert in action against the Rochester Jeffersons in November 1925

Joseph Carr: The Irish driving force behind the NFL

The NFL celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. But the first hero of the league wasn't a legendary quarterback or a lightning quick running back - it was a small, unassuming Irish American named Joseph Carr.

US Sport • 12 Sep 20