Barry McEneaney

RTÉ Sport journalist

An elated Pat Smullen celebrates partnering Harzand to Derby glory at Epsom in 2016

Pat Smullen - Racing's driven gentleman

Following the death of nine-time champion jockey Pat Smullen on Tuesday, former weighing room colleague Andrew McNamara remembered a rider who was obsessive and professional in the saddle, but warm and generous with his time out of it.

Racing • 17 Sep 20

Ghaiyyath and William Buick triumph at York

Big race preview: Irish Champion Stakes

Ghaiyyath is already the odds-on favourite for the feature race at Leopardstown on Longines Irish Champions Weekend, but it's an even shorter price that he will lead the field for much of the trip in the Irish Champion Stakes.

Racing • 11 Sep 20

Authentic hits the finish line at Churchill Downs

Authentic proves the real deal in Kentucky Derby

Tiz the Law found one too good in his bid to justify favouritism in the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby, with Authentic prevailing after his duel with the Belmont Stakes winner amid a heavy police presence at Churchill Downs.

Racing • 06 Sep 20

Conor Hourihane gets his pass off in Sofia before Todor Nedelev can intervene

Hourihane: Winning remains the priority under Kenny

Conor Hourihane may be one of the more technically adroit players in the Republic of Ireland squad, but the Cork man had no qualms about citing the merits of winning ugly when interviewed earlier, while still expressing the hope that fans can expect better than that with Stephen Kenny in charge.

Soccer • 09 Sep 20

Gavin Bazunu has headed to Rochdale to further his football education

Bazunu to spend next season on loan at Rochdale

Republic of Ireland Under-21 goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is set to spend next season on loan at League One side Rochdale after penning a two-year extension to his Manchester City contract, which will see him remain a Sky Blue until the summer of 2024.

Soccer • 25 Aug 20

Kris Twardek has been in outstanding form in the two stages of the 2020 League of Ireland season

Bohs brimming with confidence ahead of European date

Kris Twardek is enjoying his first season with a Bohemians side riding high in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, but the Canada international is happy to put thoughts of a first league crown since 2009 aside when they face Fehervar in Hungary on Thursday evening.

Soccer • 27 Aug 20

Shelmaliers' captain Simon Donohoe hoists the Dr RJ Bowe Cup aloft

Shelmaliers put celebrations on ice due to Covid-19

Leading your club to a county championship is a privilege reserved for a precious few, but the experiences of Shelmaliers captain Simon Donohoe during the age of pandemic is one that will resonate with his fellow hurlers and footballers the length and breath of the country.

GAA • 23 Aug 20

He Knows No Fear (near side) and a masked Chris Hayes collared Agitare and Kevin Manning in the shadow of the post

He Knows No Fear makes history at 300-1 at Leopardstown

He Knows No Fear is a name quizzers everywhere will need to lodge in their memory banks after the Luke Comer-trained colt became the longest-price winner in the history of Irish or British racing, courtesy of his 300-1 victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Leopardstown this afternoon.

Racing • 13 Aug 20

Romanised and Billy Lee win this year's renewal of the Minstrel Stakes

Irish raiders set for trip to Deauville

Defending champion Romanised is one of three Irish-trained runners remaining in Sunday's Group One Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville after today's forfeit stage.

Racing • 12 Aug 20

Paul McGrath and Jack Charlton salute the crowd at the homecoming in 1990

McGrath recounts Charlton's kindness and loyalty

Famed for his humility as much as for his remarkable displays in the green of Ireland, Paul McGrath heaped praise on team-mates who were more like brothers and the paternalistic influence of late Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton.

Soccer • 09 Aug 20