Columns - Irish Examiner

Sign in

John Fallon

John Fallon is a soccer correspondent with a long track record of covering all levels of the men’s and women’s game in Ireland.

Derby County v Cardiff City - Sky Bet Championship 2026/27

John Fallon: Jack Moylan looks well placed to shine for Ireland during this international window

Ireland have a busy few weeks in store.

Wed, 23 Sep, 2026

Republic of Ireland v Moldova - UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier

S John Fallon: The grim reality of the lack of Irish underage games on home soil

Irish culture is conditioned to supporting our own, but be that family or friends, it entails jumping aboard a plane.

Wed, 16 Sep, 2026

Real Betis Balompie v Real Madrid - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27

S John Fallon: Still work for Troy Parrott to do to silence the doubters

Tests against Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal before the end of January will go a long way to determining what stage of the Parrott evolution we’ve reached.

Wed, 09 Sep, 2026

Bonagee United v Home Farm DCU - FAI National League

S John Fallon: No honeymoon period for FAI's third-tier

Self-preservation would be something to behold if the initial instigators hadn’t since distanced themselves for plausible deniability purposes.

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

Brentford v Everton - Premier League - Gtech Community Stadium

S John Fallon: O'Brien can learn art of patience from fellow Corkman Egan

The Youghal man's non-appearance during the 2-0 win last weekend was swiftly followed by media reports on Monday of an impending exit.

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Derry City Unveil New Signing James McClean

S John Fallon: Everyone culpable for Derry City's struggles, including James McClean and manager

McClean’s most recent of 17 league outings came against Drogheda in June and it’s unravelled into a heated summer for the veteran and his manager.

Wed, 05 Aug, 2026

Czechia v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers Play-off Semi-Final

John Fallon: What a 64-team World Cup would do for Ireland

Bigger is better in the eyes of Infantino and nations on the fringes like Ireland won’t be complaining.

Wed, 22 Jul, 2026

Glebe North FC v Ringmahon Rangers FC - FAI Intermediate Cup Final 2023/24

John Fallon: A full apology from Ringmahon Rangers is overdue at this stage

A full apology is overdue at this stage and necessary.

Tue, 14 Jul, 2026

Attendees at the protest 20/2/2026

S John Fallon: In football performance parlance, the FAI have had a shocker

It’s hardly surprising the FAI are still on the back foot around the matter.

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Bohemians v St Patrick's Athletic - SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

John Fallon: End of an era looms for fan-owned clubs as investment reshapes the League of Ireland

Meanwhile Derry's dealings continue to attract scrutiny and Traynor back refereeing at 73.

Wed, 01 Jul, 2026