Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

14 October 2025; Nathan Collins of Republic of Ireland heads on goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match between Republic of Ireland and Armenia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Collins relishing uphill task for Ireland

Republic of Ireland skipper Nathan Collins is relishing the prospect of having to beat Portugal and Hungary to make it to next summer's World Cup finals.

Soccer • 15 Oct

11 October 2025; Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher celebrates with teammates Nathan Collins, right, and Jake O'Brien, centre, after saving the penalty of Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match

Big performance igniting 'team fire' in Ireland squad

The defeat to Armenia might still be fresh in the memory for Heimir Hallgrimsson and the Ireland squad, however, victory is the only thing on the agenda as the return game takes place at Aviva Stadium this evening.

Soccer • 14 Oct

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nathan Collins - World Cup qualifier, October 2025

Collins feels top performance is coming against Armenia

After Ireland's spirited showed against Portugal, Nathan Collins is hoping the energy from that display in Lisbon can be taken forward to Tuesday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Armenia at the Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 14 Oct

Amorim: United lacked possession and control in defeat

Ruben Amorim reacted to Manchester United's defeat at Brentford by insisting his job is "not to protect the players or myself" but to win the next game and create momentum to spark a stuttering season.

Soccer • 27 Sep

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson

Hallgrimsson 'takes the blame' amid pessimistic mood

Heimir Hallgrimsson said he was taking responsibility for the Republic of Ireland's damaging defeat to Armenia in Yerevan and admitted that any hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup look to be longest of shots.

Soccer • 11 Sep

5 September 2025; Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

'He's electric' - Hallgrimsson swayed by training form

"He's electric," pondered Heimir Hallgrimsson, during one of the squad training sessions in the build up to the opening World Cup qualifier against Hungary.

Soccer • 06 Sep

Nathan Collins is desperate to see Ireland get to a World Cup

Collins daring to dream of World Cup qualification

Republic of Ireland defender Nathan Collins admits he's desperate to help Ireland secure a place at the World Cup as they begin their qualifying campaign tonight.

Soccer • 06 Sep

Caoimhín Kelleher and Nathan Collins will see a lot of each other from next season

Collins hails Kelleher as a keeper of some stature

Nathan Collins is excited at the prospect of Caoimhín Kelleher joining him at Brentford next season, saying that the London club have now a goalkeeper of some stature.

Soccer • 11 Jun

Heimir Hallgrimsson and Nathan Collins spoke to the media ahead of the game

Relegation on mind as Ireland set for Bulgaria battle

Heimir Hallgrimsson is expecting a tough, tactical battle with Bulgaria as the two sides go head-to-head in Plovdiv tomorrow night.

Soccer • 19 Mar

Nathan Collins was very critical of Ireland's second-half performance in London

Collins apologises to Irish fans after Wembley humbling

Nathan Collins apologised to Ireland supporters after the side slumped to a 5-0 humbling against England at Wembley.

Soccer • 17 Nov 24

Nathan Collins leads the way at training ahead of the Finland game on Thursday night

'Why change?' - Confident Collins leading by example

Heimir Hallgrimsson has been attempting to build confidence in the Ireland team since taking over during the summer, and it appears that he has anointed a captain in his own image to keep things positive on the pitch.

Soccer • 14 Nov 24

Nathan Collins surveys the scene at the Olympic Stadium on the eve of the game where he will captain Ireland against Finland

'Time to step up' – Collins eager to get results

Nathan Collins is ready to step up into a leadership role with Ireland for tomorrow night's Nations League clash with Finland, and the Brentford defender said that many more within the squad are also primed to take the team forward.

Soccer • 10 Oct 24

Nathan Collins heads home Brentford's opener

PL round-up: Collins on target for five-star Brentford

Brentford beat Wolves 5-3 in west London after the Bees again showed their liking for early goals with Nathan Collins heading them into a second-minute lead.

Soccer • 05 Oct 24

Nathan Collins after Greece scored their second goal at Aviva Stadium

We're sick of losing, says captain Collins

Nathan Collins says the Republic of Ireland dressing room was full of frustration as the Boys in Green fell to yet another Nations League defeat.

Soccer • 10 Sep 24

Chiedozie Ogbene (L) in action against Eberechi Eze

Ogbene and Collins left to rue slow start

Republic of Ireland attacker Chiedozie Ogbene was left ruing a slow start as a slick England eased to a 2-0 win in the Uefa Nations League B opener at Aviva Stadium.

Soccer • 07 Sep 24

Republic of Ireland internationals Nathan Collins and Chiedozie Ogbene

Collins and Ogbene ruled out of friendly double-header

Nathan Collins and Chiedozie Ogbene are both out of the Republic of Ireland's upcoming friendly double-header against Hungary and Portugal.

Soccer • 27 May 24

Nathan Collins: 'I don't think we were at our best that day(3-1 defeat to Everton in September) and of course we want to correct that'

Collins looking to set the record straight with Everton

Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins wants Brentford to "correct" their defeat to Everton earlier in the season when they travel to Goodison Park on Saturday.

Soccer • 26 Apr 24

Ireland interim head coach John O'Shea and Nathan Collins after the friendly defeat to Switzerland

'I would, yes' - Collins backs O'Shea for permanent gig

Republic of Ireland defender Nathan Collins says he would like to see John O'Shea get the manager's job on a permanent basis.

Soccer • 27 Mar 24

Nathan Collins training with the squad in Dublin this week

Club battle on hold as Collins eyes Belgium victory

Nathan Collins has echoed interim manager John O'Shea's call for a return to winning ways as Ireland get set to take on Belgium on Saturday.

Soccer • 21 Mar 24

Chiedozie Ogbene's winner against Bolton was his second in Luton Town colours

FA Cup wrap: Ogbene and Collins on target, West Ham out

Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene was on the scoresheet as he helped Luton to come from behind and see off League One Bolton at the second attempt with a 2-1 win in their FA Cup third round replay at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

Soccer • 16 Jan 24

Nathan Collins was at fault for two Wolves goals on Wednesday

Brentford boss Frank consoles Collins after Wolves woe

Brentford boss Thomas Frank told Republic of Ireland international Nathan Collins he will never have a worse match after his horror show in the 4-1 defeat against the defender's former club Wolves.

Soccer • 28 Dec 23

Collins injured his ankle in Amsterdam during Ireland's last competitive fixture under Stephen Kenny

Collins could make return from injury against Villa

Republic of Ireland defender Nathan Collins could make his return from an ankle injury on Sunday as Brentford host in-form Aston Villa, according to Bees boss Thomas Frank.

Soccer • 15 Dec 23

Nathan Collins celebrates scoring the winner with team-mates Neal Maupay, Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard

Collins clinches comeback win with first Brentford goal

Republic of Ireland defender Nathan Collins secured a 3-2 win for Brentford over West Ham on an unlikely afternoon of firsts in west London.

Soccer • 04 Nov 23

Nathan Collins after Ireland's defeat to the Netherlands

Collins backs Kenny to remain as Ireland manager

Nathan Collins has given his backing to under-pressure Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny as speculation over his future mounts.

Soccer • 11 Sep 23

Nathan Collins: "A good window would be six points, wouldn't it?"

Nathan Collins on Henry '09 - 'I was at JLS concert!'

The still photo of Thierry Henry controlling the ball 'basketball style' is burnt onto the retinas of most Irish football fans, though Nathan Collins was otherwise disposed for most of the evening.

Soccer • 04 Sep 23