Tony O'Donoghue

RTÉ Soccer Correspondent

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

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

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

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

Jim McLaughlin won the league eight times as manager

Legendary manager Jim McLaughlin dies aged 83

Legendary Irish football manager Jim McLaughlin has died at the age of 83.

Soccer • 15 Aug 24

League of Ireland referees have raised concerns over their safety

LOI kick-offs delayed by referee protests

League of Ireland referees across the Premier and First Division delayed kick-offs for five minutes in protest at the FAI's league department.

Soccer • 12 Apr 24

Members of the FAI and Sport Ireland during their appearance at the Public Accounts Committee earlier this week

FAI given hairdryer treatment by PAC over trust issues

Following a bruising appearance before the Public Accounts Committee this week the Football Association of Ireland has been left with an uphill task, at a pivotal moment, to chart a new course forward for the sport.

Analysis and Comment • 15 Mar 24

The Football Association of Ireland had debts of €63.5 million in 2020

FAI used Covid resilience funds to pay off debt

The Football Association of Ireland has admitted that it used some of the €33.7 million provided for Covid-19 resilience to pay off a 'legacy' debt, which was against the terms of state funding intended only to offset turnover losses caused by the pandemic.

Soccer • 22 Feb 24

FAI to appear before Public Accounts Committee today

The Football Association of Ireland will appear before the Public Accounts Committee in Leinster House this morning and members of the committee are set to examine oversight and governance of Sport Ireland and Exchequer funding provided to the FAI.

Soccer • 22 Feb 24

Updated Barrett made decision to pay CEO Hill for holidays

Former Football Association of Ireland independent chairman Roy Barrett has admitted that he made the decision that CEO Jonathan Hill should be paid in lieu of holidays, which led to €6.8 million of state funding being temporarily suspended.

Soccer • 10 Dec 23