Columns - Irish Examiner

Paul Rouse

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

'The Hurley Maker’s Son' reveals how hurling is embedded in rhythm of life for some

Larry Deeley was cutting ash trees to make hurleys when he died. It was the end of September 1978. 

Thu, 19 May, 2016

Ger Brennan begins new chapter after glory days with Dublin

Brennan talks about readjusting to life after inter-county football.

Thu, 12 May, 2016

GPA cash plans do the GAA's inter-county players a disservice

Sometimes an organisation does something that just reveals so much about itself.

Thu, 05 May, 2016

Fundamental lesson of Hillsborough not learned

And so the disgrace continues.

Thu, 28 Apr, 2016

When an American invasion cost GAA money and men

On Saturday, Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers will put up for sale the diary which Pat Davin, the outstanding Tipperary athlete, kept of a tour of the USA undertaken by GAA hurlers and athletes in 1888.

Thu, 21 Apr, 2016

Danny Willett's win is a reward for investing in public courses

There are almost no fairytale stories in sport. Every success happens for a reason. Usually, the reason is fairly ordinary — a combination of good structures, savage work ethic and genuine talent.

Thu, 14 Apr, 2016

When sport comes second to religion any given Sunday

What do you do when your religious beliefs conflict with your chosen sport? And how does this play out when your chosen sport is also your job?

Thu, 07 Apr, 2016

A bruiser, then drunken brawls, but glory for Thurles

In the early afternoon of Easter Sunday, April 1 1888, 42 hurlers stood in military formation on the roadway outside William Cunningham’s hotel in the middle of Parsonstown, King’s County (now known as Birr, Co Offaly).

Thu, 31 Mar, 2016

Battle scars all too apparent in clubhouses long after 1916

Easter Saturday, 1916.

Thu, 24 Mar, 2016

It’s still possible to fashion a future for League of Ireland

”Come on to f*%k Rovers!” came the roar 15 minutes after half-time, from a man buried somewhere in the middle of the Sligo fans.

Thu, 17 Mar, 2016