Greg Allen

Sport Journalist

US Open: Shakes and thrills in store at Torrey Pines

Shane Lowry and Colin Morikawa could be among the contenders as the US Open returns to Torrey Pines, scene of Tiger Woods' epic 2008 victory, writes Greg Allen.

Golf • 17 Jun 21

"Kiawah Island has been a particularly happy hunting ground for Irish players."

Irish eyes have smiled before at brutal Kiawah Island

As theatres of sport go, Kiawah Island's Ocean Course strikes a resonance more akin to a raucous football stadium than arguably any other course in world golf. It will take no prisoners at this week's US PGA Championship.

Golf • 19 May 21

'Augusta chairman indicated that the preparation of the course was to be fast, firm and at its most challenging, which is right where the members want it to be'

Masters preview: First major bursting with narratives

Greg Allen looks ahead to the first major of the season and says the 2021 Masters has the appearance and feeling of one that's ripe to burst with exciting narratives

Golf • 08 Apr 21

Síofra Cléirigh Buttner has high hopes in the 800m event

Daunting task for strong Irish team at European Indoors

Much has been made of the size of the 23-strong Irish team which will compete over the four days of the upcoming European Indoor Championships in Torun this weekend, but ultimately the currency of success is medals and winning even one from four days of competition looks a daunting task.

Athletics • 04 Mar 21

"The priority for Woods is about simply healing to the point that he can walk well again"

Never count out Tiger, but this is his greatest test

The priority for Tiger Woods is simply to walk again, but Greg Allen writes that if any golfer can overcome such adversity, it's the decorated 15-time major champion.

Golf • 25 Feb 21

Darragh McElhinney set an Irish Under-23 record yesterday and will be a senior debutant

Exciting 24-strong Irish squad set for European Indoors

Ireland's largest ever team for a major indoor championship will travel to Poland next week for the European Indoors, with 2019 medallists Mark English and Ciara Mageean carrying some of the best hopes of a medal among the 24-strong squad.

Athletics • 22 Feb 21

Síofra Cléirigh Buttner smashed the Irish indoor record set only last Wednesday by Nadia Power

Cléirigh Buttner breaks 800m Irish indoor record in US

The extraordinary turn of events in Irish women's 800 metre running took another twist last evening as 25-year-old Síofra Cléirigh Buttner, smashed the Irish indoor record set only last Wednesday by Nadia Power.

Athletics • 22 Feb 21

Phil Healy enters the European Championships in great form

More breakthroughs for Irish athletes at indoor meet

The rush of Irish records and personal bests that have filled the sessions of the Elite ILH Micro Meeting at Abbotstown continued into day two with Phil Healy's sub 52-second run in the 400 metres headlining a long list of athletes making significant breakthroughs.

Athletics • 21 Feb 21

Cian McPhillips of Longford AC, left, leading Mark English out on the final lap of the Men's 800m

Remarkable run bolsters McPhillips' rising star status

Within minutes of crossing the finish line of an epic 800 metre duel with Mark English, the brightest new star of Irish men's middle distance running, Cian McPhillips revealed that the resolution of the Leaving Certificate controversy during the week played a part in his remarkable performance.

Athletics • 21 Feb 21

Mark English, right, dips for the line to win the Men's 800m, ahead of Cian McPhillips

English shatters his own Irish 800 metre indoor record

Mark English has set a new national 800 metres indoor record on the first day of the Micro Meeting at the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown.

Athletics • 20 Feb 21