Columns - Irish Examiner

Paul Rouse

Paul Rouse is an historian, author, broadcaster… and former Offaly football boss. He specialises in sport and Irish culture.

Páirc Uí Chaoimh is a stadium more than just bricks and mortar

Having a place to play sits at the heart of the very existence of every sporting organisation. Without such a place, no sport can exist. writes Paul Rouse.

Fri, 21 Jul, 2017

Hurling, like quidditch, owes much to literature

The world of sport, with its seemingly endless capacity to invent and reinvent itself, has demonstrated time and again that there is nothing permanent, nothing resistant to transition.

Fri, 14 Jul, 2017

Is Brexit set to scupper Irish World Cup bid?

There are genuine reasons for concern over Brexit’s impact on Ireland’s bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, writes Paul Rouse.

Fri, 07 Jul, 2017

Technology in danger of colonising our sporting lives

It is commonplace now to note the ubiquity of the smartphone in everyday life, says Paul Rouse. 

Fri, 30 Jun, 2017

The wrong turn that shaped a life in sport for Rita Parsons

Across the generations, the fundamental strength of every single sports club is defined by its ability to command the devotion of people who commit their time, energy and talents to its service.

Fri, 23 Jun, 2017

In praise of John Mullane - His passion as a commentator gives him a connection to the game

Listening to the match between Wexford and Kilkenny last weekend, it was an absolute pleasure to listen to John Mullane’s analysis and his general co-commentary on RTÉ radio, writes Paul Rouse.

Fri, 16 Jun, 2017

A window into how sport changed over the centuries

Growing up in Offaly in the 1970s and 1980s, the annual sports days were a huge part of every year, writes Paul Rouse. 

Fri, 09 Jun, 2017

Date with Dublin touchstone to Carlow’s golden age

There’s something deeply patronising and self-serving about the way in which some from traditionally successful GAA counties wish to carve the championship up for their own ends and shunt Carlow — and all the Carlows — off to a ‘B’ championship, writes Paul Rouse.

Fri, 02 Jun, 2017

This is your chance to take a step in the right direction

Ireland’s incidence of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and colonic cancer (to name just three) is way above the European and global average, writes Paul Rouse.

Fri, 26 May, 2017