Columns - Irish Examiner

Mike Quirke

When it comes to crunch time Dublin know what needs to be done

The Dubs have secured an inconceivable four one-point wins in All Ireland finals in the last 7 years, writes Mike Quirke.

Tue, 19 Sep, 2017

Dublin: The dog that got big and growled

Sport is crazy, isn’t it? Just an unpredictable storyline, with more twists, turns and meanders than an oxbow river. 

Tue, 12 Sep, 2017

GAA grading: you win or you’re wrong

EACH time an inter-county manager watches his side take the field, it’s like he’s back at school sitting an exam that can only produce two possible results. Either he wins, or he was wrong.

Tue, 29 Aug, 2017

Stick or twist: The conundrum facing Rochford and Fitzmaurice

What is it with Mayo and their management? They continue to display an incredible propensity for making things as difficult as they can for themselves.

Tue, 22 Aug, 2017

Manipulating GAA thinking is easy once you can say ‘Yerrah’

After Mayo’s performance in the All-Ireland quarter-final replay over Roscommon last Sunday week, it was hard not to be impressed with their resolve. Talk of their imminent implosion appeared premature, writes Mike Quirke.

Tue, 15 Aug, 2017

For inter-county managers, the game is turning nothing short of ruthless

This year’s Tyrone side are playing with a dynamism and a skill level to rival Mickey Harte’s great team of the last decade, writes Mike Quirke.

Tue, 08 Aug, 2017

How Kieran Donaghy still makes primitive look beautiful

Kieran Donaghy looked like he went to sleep in Dunboyne on Saturday night and woke up in Croke Park back in 2006, such was the terror he was inflicting on that Galway full-back line in the first half.

Tue, 01 Aug, 2017

Where has this version of Cork been for so long?

Donncha O’Connor has been one of the very best forwards Cork has produced in the past 25 years, but he has always been an underappreciated footballer, writes Mike Quirke.

Tue, 25 Jul, 2017

A leaf we can all take from Dublin’s coaching book

Winning hasn’t softened them an inch, writes Mike Quirke. Getting their weekly pre-planned meals and sponsored this and that hasn’t quenched their thirst for success and their edge is as sharp as it ever was.

Tue, 18 Jul, 2017