Eoin Doyle

RTÉ Sport soccer analyst

'FAI Cup Final week aside, the week's during the European campaign are the most enjoyable part of the season for our players but the bread and butter of the domestic league cannot be neglected'

Europe is exciting but league is the bread and butter

For teams like Shamrock Rovers, balancing the excitement and challenge of qualifying for European group stages with the critical need to secure a top league position is a delicate act, writes Eoin Doyle.

Soccer • 02 Aug 24

'Conceding after 28 seconds unfortunately put an instant stop to Damien Duff's pragmatic approach'

Continental shift can help fire Kenny's Pat's project

We have experienced a mixed bag of results in our clubs' European campaigns as the summer progresses, Eoin Doyle assesses the fate of our clubs on the continent.

Soccer • 26 Jul 24

'Drawing inspiration from the NFL model, where commercial revenue is split evenly among clubs while allowing them to retain locally generated income, could be effective'

Commercial break: Time to invest in an independent LOI

In the final instalment of his four-part series on the future funding of football in Ireland, Eoin Doyle makes the case for the League of Ireland breaking away from the FAI.

Soccer • 19 Jul 24

'Considering that football bets now constitute around 30% of all bets made in Ireland, it seems only fair that the sport receives a more equitable share of the betting levy'

Betting levy and welfare fund a good wager for football

In the third in his series on the future funding of football in Ireland, Eoin Doyle looks at a couple of existing revenue sources that work for other sports.

Soccer • 14 Jul 24

'The two existing state funds that could play a pivotal role are the Apprenticeship Employer Grant and the National Childcare Scheme'

Two ways to fund Irish football's future generations

The solution to our predicament is straightforward - our academies need full-time coaches to ensure our young players receive adequate training and game-time to succeed.

Soccer • 05 Jul 24

'In the coming weeks, this column will explore potential funding sources and innovative approaches to securing the financial support needed to elevate Irish football'

Euro 2024 reminds us future for Ireland could be bleak

Watching Euro 2024 over the past few weeks has been great for any football enthusiast. However, as fulfilling as it has been – who doesn't like watching three games a day - there is that lingering sense of frustration.

Soccer • 28 Jun 24

'The competitive nature of the league this year has set the stage for an exciting second half of the season'

Duff-inspired Shels best in class but Derry a threat

As the League of Ireland Premier Division passes the midpoint and eaches the mid-season break, Eoin Doyle assesses each team.

Soccer • 21 Jun 24

"One of the key takeaways from the match was John O'Shea's willingness to make big decisions."

O'Shea advancing managerial claim with pragmatism

International friendlies are often tedious, uninspiring affairs, and Tuesday night's clash between Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium did little to dispel that narrative.

Soccer • 07 Jun 24

'The decision to bring in Daly highlights Dundalk's urgent need for improvement'

Daly appointment could prove clever move Dundalk need

Jon Daly's appointment as Dundalk manager was particularly unexpected but could prove to be an excellent decision by the club, writes Eoin Doyle.

Soccer • 31 May 24

'Kenny's decision to join St Pat's likely stemmed more from the allure of this ambitious project than financial incentives'

Realistic Kenny committed to long-term St Pat's project

St Patrick's Athletic have made a huge statement of intent with the appointment of Stephen Kenny as their new manager on a five-and-a-half-year deal, writes Eoin Doyle.

Soccer • 24 May 24