Niall McCoy

RTÉ Sport journalist

18 November 2025; Abigail Rafferty of Ireland during the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers Group A match between Israel and Ireland at Komandas Sporta Spelu Halle in Riga, Lativa. Photo by Oksana Dzadan/Sportsfile

Weldon's sympathy for FAI as Ireland set for Israel clash

Ireland senior women's team head coach James Weldon has sympathy for the FAI as the basketball team get set for a IBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 qualifier against Israel on St Patrick's Day.

Basketball • 09 Mar

12 November 2025; Edel Thornton of Ireland warms-up at half-time at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifiers Group A match between Ireland and Luxembourg at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Thornton targeting three on the trot on Ireland's travels

Irish captain Edel Thornton has set the lofty ambition of three wins from three during their jet-setting March FIBA EuroBasket 2027 qualifier window.

Basketball • 10 Mar

7 March 2026; Ronan Glennon of Galway in action against Cian Kenny, right, and Luke Connellan of Kilkenny during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1A match between Galway and Kilkenny at Pearse Stadium in Galway. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Saturday's Allianz Hurling League results and reports

There were big wins in Division 1A for Limerick over Cork and Galway against Kilkenny.

Hurling • 08 Mar

6 March 2026; Chloe Mustaki, centre, with Kyra Carusa, left, and Marissa Sheva, right, during a Republic of Ireland women's training session at Stadion Galgenwaard in Utrecht, Netherlands. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Netherlands v Ireland WC qualifier: All you need to know

After a spirited opener against France - a performance that yielded zero points - Carla Ward's side are hoping to get off the mark in Utrecht.

Soccer • 06 Mar

13 July 2024; Down players Caolan Mooney, 21, and Eamonn Brown celebrate after their side's victory in the Tailteann Cup Final match between Down and Laois at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Mooney back with Down after retirement U-turn

Caolan Mooney has reversed his decision to retire from Down duty, RTÉ Sport understands.

Football • 02 Mar

6 April 2025; Cork captain Robert Downey with the cup after his side's victory in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1A final match between Tipperary and Cork at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Hurling dissent rule to be in place for league finals

The new dissent rules in hurling will be in place for the Allianz Hurling League finals, the GAA has confirmed.

Hurling • 02 Mar

28 February 2026; Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns talking to anti Allianz protesters who gained access to the Congress floor during motions, before Congress was suspended for a time, during day two of the GAA Annual Congress at Croke Park

Burns: GAA Congress protest 'crossed a line'

GAA president Jarlath Burns said the anti-Allianz protests that saw Congress adjourned as demonstrators broke into the hall at Croke Park had "crossed a line."

Football • 01 Mar

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns talking to anti Allianz protesters who gained access to the Congress floor during motions, before Congress was suspended for a time, during day two of the GAA Annual Congress at Croke Park in Dublin.

GAA Congress adjourned after protesters enter Croker

The GAA's Annual Congress has been halted after protesters made their way into Croke Park.

GAA • 28 Feb

21 September 2014; The Donegal and Kerry teams during the pre-match parade. GAA Football All Ireland Senior Championship Final, Kerry v Donegal. Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Piaras � M�dheach / SPORTSFILE

Inter-county season extension motion withdrawn late on

The possibility of the GAA inter-county season being extended, to include a 2027 August football final, has failed as Motion 14 was withdrawn moments before a vote that likely would have resulted in a heavy defeat at Saturday's GAA Congress at Croke Park.

Football • 28 Feb

22 February 2026; Sam Mulroy of Louth kicks a score during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Tyrone at DEFY Pairc Mhuire in Ardee, Louth. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

Counties making two-point hay while sun doesn't shine

The two-point score holds added significance at this stage of the season with the unpredictable weather, and the weekend showed that winners are finding a way to use the orange flag better than their opponents.

Football • 23 Feb