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Brendan O'Brien

Surreal days and nights in France

Surreal days and nights in France

It was only 6.30am last Monday when one Northern Ireland fan, still very much the worse for wear after a night that may not have ended, spotted a couple of guys from south of the border wearing their different shades of green and felt the urge to cover the length of the train station concourse in Nice in less time than an Olympic sprinter to have his say, writes Brendan O’Brien.

Fri, 17 Jun, 2016

Ireland won’t want for spirit in #Euro2016 ... or anything else

Ireland won’t want for spirit in #Euro2016 ... or anything else

Versailles looks the ideal base for team Ireland. The distance between the hotel and training ground is minimal and there will be no repeat of the suffocating proximity of Sopot four years ago, writes Brendan O’Brien

Fri, 10 Jun, 2016

Little in the way of southern comfort beyond Euro 2016

Little in the way of southern comfort beyond Euro 2016

Get beyond the feelgood factor as Euro 2016 looms and there is real cause for concern for the Republic of Ireland when attention turns to a tough-looking World Cup qualifying campaign, writes Brendan O’Brien

Fri, 03 Jun, 2016

Why it’s vital the GAA must stop clinging to the past and embrace the future

Why it’s vital the GAA must stop clinging to the past and embrace the future

Not everyone in the GAA community is happy with the fact that Bruce Springsteen’s gigs at Croke Park tonight and on Sunday have caused Championship games to be shifted around the calendar, but you have to hand it to the Boss in that he rarely lets the crowds down. Three-hour sets are de rigeur and an iconic play-list is routinely swept through for effect, writes Brendan O’Brien

Fri, 27 May, 2016

There’s no safety net on the managerial merry-go-round

There’s no safety net on the managerial merry-go-round

Billy Martin once observed the only sure way for any baseball manager to know whether or not he had been fired was to jump in the car and drive to the stadium, writes Brendan O’Brien.

Fri, 20 May, 2016

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Golf Championship - Day One

Dubai Duty Free’s successful sponsorship can make Irish Open a marquee draw on European Tour

Dubai Duty Free chief Colm McLoughlin believes there are good times ahead for the Irish Open, writes Brendan O’Brien.

Fri, 20 May, 2016

Fighting Irish finally enjoy elite facilities

Fighting Irish finally enjoy elite facilities

Darren O’Neill is no stranger to adversity and hardship. For years he was landed with the label of Irish boxing’s bridesmaid.

Fri, 13 May, 2016

Super Saturday can’t mask Pro12 issues

Super Saturday can’t mask Pro12 issues

We’ve already crossed off 126 games across four countries over the course of 35 weeks. 

Fri, 06 May, 2016

Does high-profile sporting successes on international scale boost interest at lower levels?

There’s no clearly defined way to sporting success, writes  Brendan O’Brien   

Fri, 29 Apr, 2016

Why so little Olympic hype?

Why so little Olympic hype?

The reports and vibes emanating from Brazil have, to be kind about it, not been reassuring

Fri, 22 Apr, 2016