WITH THE FINAL looming into view, the 2018 All-Ireland senior football championship is set to conclude and the last opportunity arises to make the case for the star footballer from this season. Howard, Cavanagh, Fenton, Kilkenny, Sludden and McCaffrey have been some of the star performers this season.Source: INPHO It looks set to be a … Continue reading "Who are the leading contenders to win the 2018 Footballer of the Year?"

YOU HAVE TO hand it to a certain breed of Tyrone footballer. When Mickey Harte comes calling, few refuse the offer. In Tyrone, there is no higher calling than being a county player. And yet when you look through their team and pick out some of their more aggressive performers, the eye is drawn to, … Continue reading "Turning down squad invite from Mickey Harte, a broken leg on 21st birthday and a Tyrone breakthrough at 24"

WESTMEATH’S RAY CONNELLAN has not been offered a contract with AFL club St Kilda for the 2019 season. Westmeath native Ray Connellan.Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO Connellan has spent the past two seasons with the Melbourne-based club after having joined them when he signed a two-year contract in July 2016. The club has opted not to hand … Continue reading "Westmeath’s Connellan’s time with AFL club St Kilda comes to an end"

KILDARE ARE ON the look-out for a new senior hurling manager after Joe Quaid confirmed he will not be seeking a second term as boss. Quaid was in charge of the Lilywhites for three seasons which culminated in the Christy Ring Cup victory over London at Croke Park in June.  In a statement issued today, … Continue reading "Limerick’s Quaid steps aside from Christy Ring Cup champions after three seasons in charge"

DUBLIN’S CONVINCING ALL-Ireland semi-final victory last August was seen by many as the death knell for Tyrone’s style of play. 12 months on though, they’re back in their first final in a decade with largely the same system. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO Some new faces have been introduced to the Tyrone starting 15 but they remain … Continue reading "‘This is the game he loves, this is the job he loves, this is the county he loves’"

FOLLOWING DUBLIN’S FINAL Super 8s clash against Roscommon in Croke Park, there was one big talking point — Bernard Brogan’s return. Less than six months after suffering a devastating cruciate injury, he made a cameo appearance in the Sky Blue jersey as the three in-a-row champions closed out a 4-24 to 2-16 win. A serious … Continue reading "‘It’d be great to see him get a few minutes but to even get back in the squad is a phenomenal achievement’"

IT’S ALL-IRELAND football final week with Dublin taking on Tyrone, the first time the counties have clashed in a decider since 1995. Dublin are bidding to claim Sam Maguire for the fourth year on the bounce, Tyrone are chasing a first title win since 2008. But away from this Sunday’s leading performers, can you recognise … Continue reading "Quiz: Can you recognise these Dublin and Tyrone footballers from All-Ireland final days?"

Updated Aug 29th 2018, 6:50 PM CARNACON WILL DISCOVER the result of their appeal to the Connacht LGFA over their expulsion from the Mayo league and championship on Thursday night.  The42 understands a Connacht Council appeals sub-committee will hear Carnacon’s case tomorrow and a decision will be made on the night.  Depending on the result, either Carnacon … Continue reading "All-Ireland club champions Carnacon to discover their fate tomorrow night"

DECLAN DARCY HAS been Jim Gavin’s right-hand man since their U21 days when they delivered two All-Ireland titles to the capital.  When Gavin took charge of the senior side in 2013, he brought Darcy on board as a selector and they’ve enjoyed some fruitful times since then.  Sunday will mark their fifth All-Ireland senior final in … Continue reading "‘We were all there as players when you’re on your last legs and you’re not getting game time’"

DUBLIN’S POSITION AS favourites shows no sign of weakening but the identity of their opponents leaves Alan Brogan with a sense of caution before Sunday’s All-Ireland decider. He suffered enough in the early part of his playing career to leave him convinced that Tyrone will not lack confidence when they arrive in Croke Park.   “Tyrone … Continue reading "‘Tyrone always believe, no matter how they’re going they always believe they can win’"