Tony O'Donoghue

RTÉ Soccer Correspondent

10 November 2024; Drogheda United chairperson Joanna Byrne celebrates with the FAI Cup after the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Final match between Drogheda United and Derry City at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Bradley: Byrne has right to her opinions on Israel

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has given his support to Drogheda United chairperson and Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne, who has been asked to step down by the Louth club following her support for a boycott of the Ireland-Israel fixtures in the Nations League.

Soccer • 19 Feb

6 September 2025; Republic of Ireland supporters make their feelings know as they protest against Israel before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzger

FAI caught between grassroots rock and UEFA hard place

Sport and politics have never been more intertwined and the FAI will be walking a diplomatic tightrope over Israel this autumn, writes Tony O'Donoghue.

Soccer • 13 Feb

Dublin , Ireland - 31 January 2026; Shamrock Rovers players, from left, Adam Brennan, Danny Grant, Jake Mulraney, and Michael Noonan before the 2026 Men's President's Cup final match between Shamrock Rovers and Derry City at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. (P

Bradley expects big things from sought-after Noonan

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley believes that Michael Noonan is ready to play a big part in the defence of their league title beginning with the game against Dundalk on Friday night as the 17-year-old pledges his future to the Hoops, for the moment at least.

Soccer • 05 Feb

Troy Parrott with the match ball after his hat-trick in Budapest

'Ode to Troy' - A November week to remember

A personal recollection from Tony O'Donoghue on those November days when the Republic of Ireland men's team made some magic moments, with Troy Parrott putting his name in lights.

Soccer • 26 Dec 25

FAI confirm delegation will attend Oireachtas meeting

The Football Association of Ireland has written to the Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Alan Kelly, confirming their attendance at a hearing of the committee at Leinster House tomorrow afternoon.

Politics • 23 Sep 25

Minister calls on FAI to review ctte attendance position

Minister for Sport Patrick O'Donovan has called on the FAI to review its position in relation to its attendance at a Joint Oireachtas Committee hearing on Sport, which was due to be held on Wednesday.

Politics • 22 Sep 25

9 July 2025; Shelbourne goalkeeper Conor Kearns during the UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round first leg match between Shelbourne and Linfield at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Injury to Kearns sees Shelbourne bring in Speel on loan

Shelbourne must plan without first choice goalkeeper Conor Kearns for Wednesday's Champions League second round qualifying first leg tie against Azerbaijani champions Qarabag at Tolka Park.

Soccer • 22 Jul 25

24 June 2025; Denise O’Sullivan during a Republic of Ireland women training session at North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada, Colorado, USA. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

O'Sullivan and Campbell added to Ward's injury list

Denise O'Sullivan and Megan Campbell have been ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's friendly against the USA in Colorado.

Soccer • 25 Jun 25

Shelbourne manager Damien Duff proved a box office draw to the League of Ireland in 2024

Soccer in 2024: Can't get enough of that wonderful Duff

The Simpsons first aired 35 years ago on 17 December 1989 with a Christmas special when Shelbourne Football Club manager, Damien Anthony Duff, was ten years old and still asking Santa for a new pair of football boots.

2024 in Review • 01 Jan 25

FAI President Paul Cooke addresses the organisation's AGM

FAI committed to including North in 2028 Euros

The Football Association of Ireland says it is absolutely committed to working with Northern Ireland to ensure they continue to feature in some way in Euro 2028 following the news that the Casement Park stadium redevelopment would not be completed in time for the tournament.

Soccer • 14 Sep 24