Ed Leahy

RTÉ Sport journalist

Will Troy Parrott and Robbie Brady start against Bulgaria?

Ireland can banish Wembley demons with Plovdiv plunder

Four months is a long time to wait, but Ireland finally get a chance to banish their Wembley nightmare as they take the field at the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv tonight.

Soccer • 05 Jun

Heimir Hallgrimsson and Nathan Collins spoke to the media ahead of the game

Relegation on mind as Ireland set for Bulgaria battle

Heimir Hallgrimsson is expecting a tough, tactical battle with Bulgaria as the two sides go head-to-head in Plovdiv tomorrow night.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Jimmy Dunne lit up the room when speaking to the press on Monday

Dunne delighted to ride rollercoaster into Irish squad

"It's not totally first day of school," said Jimmy Dunne, as he faced the media in Dublin following his call-up to the Ireland senior squad for this week's UEFA Nations League play-off with Bulgaria.

Soccer • 18 Mar

Ireland were on the end of a 5-0 thrashing at Wembley

Wembley wounds need addressing ahead of World Cup push

The Republic of Ireland are about to launch into a very important international calendar year, which culminates with a World Cup qualifying campaign that runs from September to November.

Soccer • 19 Mar

James Abankwah enjoying his first training session in Dublin

Abankwah's Italian job has opened the door to call-up

It's been quite the week for James Abankwah; called into the Ireland squad for the first time on Thursday, red card for Watford on Saturday, before jetting home to join up with the national team for his maiden voyage with the senior side.

Soccer • 18 Mar

Troy Parrott catching up with Mikey Johnston and other Ireland squad members at training on Monday

O'Shea hoping in-form strikers can fire Ireland to win

John O'Shea is hoping that Ireland's in-form strikers can fire the national side to a UEFA Nations League play-off victory against Bulgaria.

Soccer • 18 Mar

Matt Doherty and John O'Shea at Monday's press conference

Doherty stands by comments but all good in Ireland camp

Matt Doherty has let his football do the talking in recent months, resulting in an extended run in the Wolves team, while securing a recall into the Ireland squad for this week's double-header against Bulgaria.

Soccer • 17 Mar

Friday's League of Ireland results and reports

League leaders Drogheda were defeated by Shamrock Rovers, while the Dublin derby in Inchicore saw St Pat's beat Bohemians.

Soccer • 14 Mar

Lisa O'Rourke celebrates with her coaches (from L) Damian Kennedy, Zaur Antia and Eoin Pluck

Outstanding O'Rourke sisters advance to World finals

Sisters Aoife and Lisa O'Rourke have guaranteed themselves silver medals at a minimum after they both reached finals at the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships in Serbia on Friday.

Boxing • 14 Mar

Rocco Vata in action for the Under-21s last year

Bulgaria play-off can set tone for qualifying campaign

The Republic of Ireland begin their 2025 schedule in Bulgaria next Thursday as Heimir Hallgrimsson's side embark on their first steps towards securing a spot at next year's World Cup.

Soccer • 13 Mar