Ed Leahy

RTÉ Sport journalist

FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 22: Justin Thomas of Team United States looks on after teeing off on the second hole during a practice round prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 22, 2025 in Farmingd

Recent history suggests European invaders up against it

Home advantage has proved decisive throughout the last five Ryder Cup competitions, with the final scores suggesting one-sided contests over the past decade.

Golf • 23 Sep

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on September 18, 2025 in

Champions League recap: Newcastle United 1-2 Barcelona

Newcastle lost their Champions League opener to Barcelona.

Soccer • 18 Sep

13 September 2025; Aoife O'Rourke of Ireland, left, in action against Lina Wang of China, during their Women's 75kg semi-final bout during the World Boxing Championships 2025 at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

O'Rourke powers into final to box for gold at Worlds

Aoife O'Rourke successfully traded in her bronze medal for silver, at least, following a comprehensive 4:0 split decision victory over China's Lina Wang at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool.

Boxing • 14 Sep

9 September 2025; Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Armenia and Republic of Ireland at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy

Armenia debacle shines spotlight on Hallgrimsson tenure

"We probably need a miracle to qualify," admitted Heimir Hallgrimsson, following Ireland's humiliating 2-1 defeat to Armenia.

Soccer • 10 Sep

9 September 2025; Finn Azaz of Republic of Ireland reacts as Armenia celebrate their first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Armenia and Republic of Ireland at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan, Armenia. Phot

World Cup hopes shattered as Ireland shocked by Armenia

Ireland's World Cup dream turned into a nightmare as Heimir Hallgrimsson's side were shocked in Yerevan, losing 2-1 to bottom seed Armenia at the Republican Stadium.

Soccer • 10 Sep

8 September 2025; Players during a Republic of Ireland training session at the AFF Technical Center Academy in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Focus is key as Ireland look to kick-start campaign

It's all about focus for Ireland when it comes to this Tuesday evening's World Cup qualifier against Armenia, according to manager Heimir Hallgrimsson.

Soccer • 09 Sep

8 September 2025; Chiedozie Ogbene during a Republic of Ireland training session at the AFF Technical Center Academy in Yerevan, Armenia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Preview: Ireland can steady the ship with Yerevan win

The Republic of Ireland are already playing catch up in their quest to qualify for the World Cup as they get set to take on Armenia in Yerevan on Tuesday evening.

Soccer • 09 Sep

6 September 2025; Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

'Go gung-ho' - Hallgrimsson urged players to fight back

If Ireland are going to qualify for the World Cup, it would appear that they are going to have to do it the hard way, following a fortuitous 2-2 draw with Hungary to open the campaign.

Soccer • 07 Sep

Late drama as Idah ensures Ireland avoid opening defeat

The Republic of Ireland had to fight back from a two-goal deficit to ensure that their World Cup qualifying campaign did not come a cropper on the opening night as they drew 2-2 with Hungary at Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 08 Sep

Szmodics and Manning start as Ireland begin WC campaign

Sammie Szmodics and Ryan Manning have been handed starting berths in the Ireland XI to face Hungary in tonight's World Cup qualifying clash at Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 06 Sep