Advertisement

Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Support us today
Not now
Sunday 1 October 2023 Dublin: 13°C

# Key Man

Last month
September 2023
# Key Man
'He’s ticked all the boxes' - Sheehan set to return against South Africa
Tomorrow’s game against Tonga came just too soon for the 24-year-old hooker.
5.7k
9
Sep 15th 2023, 6:00 AM
This year
2023
# Jackal
Tadhg Beirne has all the qualities to be a World Cup difference-maker
The Munster second row has been a central figure under Andy Farrell.
3.9k
9
Aug 26th 2023, 6:45 AM
# Pool B
Ex-Ulster sensation Piutau at the heart of Tonga's fine start to RWC prep
The 31-year-old fullback was brilliant in a win over a strong Australia A side.
5.3k
1
Jul 18th 2023, 9:30 PM
# Key Man
'I’m enjoying it now more than ever' - Hurling journey from Kildare to Limerick
The Dromin-Athlacca man talks about his changing role in the panel, how hurling for Kildare helped him mature, and a boxing bout with Aaron Gillane.
7.9k
2
Jul 18th 2023, 6:00 AM
# Key Man
McCloskey was no wonderkid but he has proven to be a totem for Ulster
The 30-year-old will be important again as Connacht visit Belfast tomorrow night.
5.9k
14
May 4th 2023, 7:36 PM
# Incumbent
Keenan remains a key man as Farrell's Ireland target a Six Nations title
The 26-year-old recalls visiting the Principality Stadium as a supporter back in 2015.
13.3k
8
Jan 31st 2023, 3:14 PM
# Key Man
Quiet leader Keenan continues to find his voice at Leinster
The reliable fullback is set to win his 50th cap for the province this weekend.
4.6k
2
Jan 13th 2023, 7:45 AM
Last year
2022
# Key Man
Munster prepare plan to contain 'proper Jack-in-the-box' Antoine Dupont
The French scrum-half is part of a star-studded Toulouse team heading to Limerick this weekend.
14.2k
14
Dec 8th 2022, 8:00 AM
# Jackal
Broken nose healed, Beirne welcomes target on Ireland's backs
The Munster man made his Test debut against the Wallabies back in 2018.
8.9k
5
Nov 17th 2022, 6:00 AM
# Key Man
Big boost for Munster as Coombes returns ahead of Connacht clash
The 24-year-old Ireland international has been sidelined with a groin injury.
6.3k
1
Oct 4th 2022, 12:36 PM
# Capital Boss
Quiet and ruthless, the Galway All-Ireland winner tasked with guiding the Dublin hurlers
The Galway native has replaced Mattie Kenny in the capital.
6.4k
0
Aug 22nd 2022, 3:55 PM
# Key Man
McCloskey a doubt for Ulster's massive URC clash with the Sharks
The influential centre is still nursing a groin injury.
3.7k
3
May 16th 2022, 3:09 PM
# Key Man
'His contract is very well-deserved and it’s good for Munster too'
Tadhg Beirne will play on with Munster and Ireland until 2025 at least.
7.7k
12
Feb 15th 2022, 1:55 PM
All time
# Key Man
What a difference a year has made for Ulster's dynamic Nick Timoney
The back row starts again as the northern province welcome Northampton to Belfast tonight.
4.9k
2
Dec 17th 2021, 8:49 AM
# Key Man
'I was in a leg brace when Stephen rang me' - Ogbene reflects on his rapid rise
Chiedozie Ogbene has emerged as a key player for Ireland, and was man of the match in the 3-0 victory over Luxembourg.
24.1k
10
Updated
Nov 15th 2021, 8:33 AM
# skillset
20-metre passes and 50:22 kicks - Keenan is a key influence for Ireland
The Leinster fullback is one of the first names on Andy Farrell’s team sheet.
9.4k
6
Nov 9th 2021, 7:13 PM
# Key Man
Major boost for the All Blacks as Retallick returns for Ireland clash
The 30-year-old lock has fully recovered from a shoulder injury.
8.4k
4
Nov 7th 2021, 8:29 PM
# Contract
'He's one of the best in the world' - Munster hope to keep De Allende
The Springboks centre is out of contract next summer.
12.5k
21
Oct 20th 2021, 6:45 AM
# Record Breaker
Jurgen Klopp suggests talks ongoing with Mohamed Salah over new Liverpool deal
The 29-year-old Egypt striker has two years left on his current deal with the Reds.
3.6k
0
Aug 20th 2021, 10:52 PM
# Key Man
Injury to tactical chief De Klerk is a huge blow for the Springboks
The South Africans have also lost the superb Pieter-Steph du Toit.
8.3k
2
Aug 4th 2021, 12:52 PM
# Key Man
Furlong looks a certainty but plenty of Irish hopes for Lions' Test 23
Conor Murray and Robbie Henshaw were pre-tour favourites to start.
29.1k
5
Jul 19th 2021, 8:00 PM
# Up and Running
'He can have a huge role' - Lions delighted to have Robbie Henshaw back
The Leinster and Ireland centre is back from injury tomorrow against the Stormers.
4.1k
0
Jul 16th 2021, 2:25 PM
# Key Man
'Hopefully I'll be able to contribute more than working hard and hitting rucks'
Tadhg Furlong comes into this Lions tour in a very different place to four years ago.
9.4k
1
Jul 3rd 2021, 9:13 AM
# Key Man
'Robbie has developed into an absolute world-class midfielder' - Gatland
The Lions boss also said he views Tadhg Beirne as a back row for the tour of South Africa.
8.6k
6
Jun 22nd 2021, 2:17 PM
# Key Man
'He’s still one of the premier wingers in Ireland' - Conway back in action
The 29-year-old hasn’t featured in the Six Nations but made his Munster comeback two weekends ago.
12.0k
19
Mar 3rd 2021, 6:00 AM
# Key Man
Major blow for Wales as wing Adams sent home for breaching Covid protocols
The 25-year-old was the top try-scorer at the 2019 World Cup.
8.7k
2
Feb 3rd 2021, 6:18 PM
# Concussion
Injury blow for Ireland as number eight Doris ruled out of Wales clash
Quinn Roux has also picked up an injury, while Gavin Coombes and Ryan Baird join the squad.
26.3k
46
Feb 2nd 2021, 3:16 PM
# Key Man
Blow for France ahead of Six Nations as Vakatawa suffers knee injury
The elusive centre was forced off during Racing 92′s defeat to Bordeaux yesterday.
3.6k
0
Jan 24th 2021, 1:44 PM
# Key Man
Ringrose set for return from injury ahead of Ireland's Six Nations campaign
The Leinster man has been named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Men’s Player of the Year.
14.2k
24
Updated
Jan 21st 2021, 7:53 AM
# Key Man
Limerick star Gillane hospitalised and a doubt for All-Ireland final
Aaron Gillane suffered ‘a heavy blow to his back’ in the closing stages of the win over Galway.
28.8k
12
Nov 29th 2020, 10:29 PM
# Key Man
Furlong remains hopeful of being fit for restart of Ireland's Six Nations campaign
The 27-year-old Leinster tighthead hasn’t played since rugby got back up and running in August.
6.6k
8
Sep 29th 2020, 9:36 AM
# Key Man
James Ryan's injury a big blow but Leinster have second row depth to cope
21-year-old Ryan Baird will be hoping for opportunities when rugby gets back underway.
8.0k
11
Aug 4th 2020, 12:28 PM
# Key Man
Ballyboden hopeful Macauley will be fit for start of Leinster campaign after Dublin final concussion
Star midfielder Michael Darragh Macauley was forced to leave the action on Sunday with 10 minutes remaining.
6.9k
3
Nov 4th 2019, 6:47 PM
# Key Man
The 27-year-old shining in the Mayo attack after finally delivering on his potential
Man-of-the-match against Galway, Darren Coen has scored 0-12 from play for Mayo so far this summer.
14.7k
5
Jul 8th 2019, 5:37 PM
# Key Man
Dublin star in fitness battle after suffering 'small' hamstring tear
Eoghan O’Donnell is unsure if he’ll return in time for the All-Ireland SHC preliminary quarter-final.
10.6k
1
Jun 26th 2019, 2:35 PM
# Engine Room
Relief for Dublin as James McCarthy's knee injury not as bad as first feared - reports
The three-time All-Star was forced off in Sunday’s Leinster final.
5.0k
11
Jun 26th 2019, 1:04 PM
# Key Man
McCarthy's knee injury of major concern as Dublin look to Super 8s
James McCarthy left Croke Park on crutches yesterday evening.
8.8k
25
Jun 24th 2019, 6:05 AM
# Key Man
Klopp assessing Lovren 'minute by minute' ahead of Bayern clash at Anfield tomorrow
The defender is still in contention to face the Bundesliga champions, but Jurgen Klopp will make a late call.
3.4k
8
Feb 18th 2019, 12:53 PM
# Key Man
O'Sullivan set for return to training next week ahead of All-Ireland final
The defender was forced off just 28 minutes into Dublin’s semi-final win over Galway.
3.7k
4
Aug 17th 2018, 2:51 PM
# Irish Abroad
Ireland international Madigan up for Championship Player of the Year
The 32-times capped out-half was instrumental as Pat Lam’s Bristol earned promotion.
20.2k
32
Apr 25th 2018, 5:03 PM
1
2
Next Articles