Columns - Irish Examiner

Kieran Shannon

It’s back to the future when Tipperary are using the word ‘family’ again

Back when Tipperary beat Kilkenny in 2010, their full-back Paul Curran had a mantra and a mindset that encapsulated that of his team’s for that game.

Tue, 06 Sep, 2016

Gaelic football has rarely — if ever — been in better health

For all the many deserved plaudits last Sunday’s Kerry-Dublin game has had thrown its way, one doesn’t stand up to actual scrutiny.

Tue, 30 Aug, 2016

Kerry legend Mick O’Connell truly a footballer for all time

The timing was just right. Yesterday when Mick O’Connell was honoured in a Killarney hotel for his contribution to Irish sport, the great man himself stoically pointed out it would be one of the last such events that he’ll be so honoured; as sprightly and as lithe-framed as he remains, Mick O’Connell at 79 has seen too many old team-mates “leave us” to know that even for a footballing immortal like him, there are only so many times even he’ll be feted in his time among us.

Tue, 23 Aug, 2016

There’s more than meets the eye to this GAA-GPA deal

Just who did they speak to when they decided who they were speaking for?

Tue, 09 Aug, 2016

2016 Gaelic football season has had its share of shocks and romance

He just may be the most realistic dreamer or the most idealistic realist in Gaelic football.

Tue, 26 Jul, 2016

Let’s not ignore positive elements of football

For those of you who initially thought last Sunday’s Ulster final was another desecration of what was once known as Gaelic football, a question — name a game in recent memory in which both teams helped serve up a greater number of exceptional long-range points than what Tyrone and Donegal did in Clones?

Tue, 19 Jul, 2016

Open the curtains, matters are brightening up in the football championship

Hey, it’s actually got quite interesting the last few weeks, hasn’t it? In fact, it’s been rather decent, don’t you agree? You weren’t exactly expecting us or anyone else to be saying that about the 2016 football championship, were you?

Tue, 12 Jul, 2016

Conor McGregor ‘buzzing’ as John Kavanagh perfects preparation for Nate Diaz return

Coach John Kavanagh feels Conor McGregor took his foot off the pedal after the win, writes Kieran Shannon

Fri, 01 Jul, 2016

GAA must empower officials so we can truly enjoy games

Imagine for a moment no Liam MacCarthy or Sam Maguire Cup presented to a winning captain on a September weekend. Or being kept off the field after a county final in which your club has outscored its opponent after years of you all dreaming of this moment, unable to greet and embrace neighbours and friends, any glorious autumnal homecoming and bonfire put on hold.

Tue, 28 Jun, 2016

A lesson for nice guy Shane Lowry — you just have to get fitter

Everyone loves Shane Lowry. He’s not just one of us in that he’s Irish. He’s one of us in that he loves his GAA, he seems as if he’d be more at home in your local than some highlife nightclub; the kind of fella you’d love to have a pint with, all the more because he comes across as the kind who’d be all on for having that pint with you as well.

Tue, 21 Jun, 2016