John Fallon

RTÉ Sport contributor

Jacob Stockdale has been a revelation at senior level since progressing through the U-20 ranks

Stockdale the inspiration for current Irish U-20 crop

Ireland Under-20 back row Azur Allison says the rapid rise of Jacob Stockdale is a massive inspiration for the current crop of youngsters looking to make the breakthrough on the national scene.

Rugby • 26 Jan 19

Galway pip Mayo on penalties after late McHugh leveller

Galway advanced to the FBD League final after a dramatic penalty shootout at Tuam Stadium.

GAA • 13 Jan 19

Eight players from county champions Carnacon as well as four other players and two mentors left the Mayo squad ten days before their All-Ireland championship clash with Cavan in June

Mayo manager Leahy plans without 12 players from 2018

Mayo ladies football manager Peter Leahy is planning for the new season without all of the 12 players who left the county panel last summer and has called for his team to be given time to develop.

GAA • 09 Jan 19

Caolin Blade has featured in all 16 games for Connacht this season - eight starts and eight off the bench - and has chalked up 80 appearances since making his debut five seasons ago.

Steely Blade not concerned with Ireland pecking order

Scrum-half Caolin Blade is playing the best rugby of his career and has featured in every match for Connacht this season but there hasn't been an inkling of interest from Joe Schmidt or the Irish management.

Rugby • 04 Jan 19

Jack Carty is the only recognised Irish kicker to have broken the 100-point mark at the midway point of the season

In-form Jack Carty kicking on for Connacht

Johnny Sexton may be Ireland's best place kicker, but the statistics suggest that Connacht out-half Jack Carty is leading the chasing pack when it comes to success from the tee.

GAA • 02 Jan 19

Paddy Jackson is enthused by the idea of playing against Connacht but says it's to his coach

Jackson: It would be great to play on Irish soil again

Paddy Jackson said he would like to play against Connacht next weekend in Galway but it remains to be seen if he will be making the trip to the Sportsground.

Rugby • 04 Dec 18

Limerick cap glorious year with Fenway Classic crown

All-Ireland champions Limerick rounded off a glorious year by capturing the Aer Lingus Fenway Hurling Classic.

GAA • 18 Nov 18

Johan Ackermann saw his Gloucester win 19-14 at win over French champions Castres last weekend

Ackermann eyes Munster scalp on first Thomond visit

Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann wants his first visit to Thomond Park to be a winning one but said he is under no illusion how difficult the task will be.

Rugby • 18 Oct 18

Kieran Marmion leaving the field at the Kingspan Stadium

Marmion eyes return for November series

Scrum-half Kieran Marmion is set to miss Connacht's opening games in the European Challenge Cup but is hopeful of being available for Ireland for the November internationals.

Rugby • 10 Oct 18

Ireland's Henry Charsley dejected after Germany's second goal

Ireland U21s hit for six by ruthless Germans

The Republic of Ireland's ambitions of reaching next year's Under-21 European Championships automatically are all but over after group leaders Germany soundly beat Noel King's side at Tallaght Stadium to move five points clear with two games left.

Soccer • 11 Sep 18