The League of Ireland is known for two things: absolute bangers in every match and some lovely jerseys. While the league itself might not get the recognition it deserves from football fans here or the F.A.I., we here at An Focal are massive fans. So, let’s have a look and see what lovely geansaí’s the pinnacle of Irish football has …
The Mayo footballers, yet another Final loss to add to the lengthy list of them down through the years. Unlike many of the previous deciders, they went into Saturday’s game against Tyrone as hot favourites after their memorable win over Dublin. However, when both Tommy Conroy and Ryan O’Donoghue missed guilt-edged opportunities at the start of the second half, it …
The UEFA Champions League 2021/22 will start on Tuesday 14th September and with fans back it will make this year’s competition a lot better. Let’s look at the main challengers. PSG According to the bookies, PSG are the favourites. The Parisians have never won the competition – they made the final in 2020 but lost out to Bayern Munich. …
Spain 8-7 Ireland Ireland suffered a one-point defeat to a physically imposing Spain side in what was a poor start to their Rugby World Cup 2021 Europe Qualifier campaign on Monday evening. Adam Griggs’ side made textbook errors throughout the match as the Women’s Six Nations side failed to assert their dominance over the 2019-20 Women’s Rugby Europe champions. Spain …
Us Ireland fans are no strangers to last-minute losses and agonising draws. Ever since Thierry Henry handpassed the ball to William Gallas in 2009 to crush a nation’s hopes and dreams I have never felt comfortable when Ireland lead in the dying stages. So, when Ronaldo leapt like a salmon to head in the winner in Portugal last week I …
The Football world was united for the last few nights as the announcement of the European Super League was made. The new midweek tournament format was cooked over the last six months from a dozen of Europe’s biggest clubs. The announcement came at huge furore from pundits, fans and even footballers. “I don’t like it one bit, and hopefully it doesn’t happen,” said Liverpool midfielder James Milner after his side’s …
Hansi Flick’s time at Bayern Munich is set to come to an end when the season finishes. The German manager announced his wish to leave the club after their 3-2 win away to Wolfsburg on Saturday. He will end his time at Germany’s most successful club with a Champions League trophy, a DFB-Pokal, a Club World Cup, a DFL-Supercup and …
Saturday evening was an exciting one for me personally, having just watched my club, Chelsea, defeat soon-to-be Premier League Champions Manchester City in the Semi-Final of the FA Cup at Wembley. Booking our 4th FA Cup Final in the past five seasons along with a Champions League Semi-Final against Real Madrid to look forward to. It is a rather exciting …
The SSE Airtricity Leagues continued last week with rounds three and four of the First Division and Premier Division, along with the rescheduled Derry City – Shamrock Rovers fixture. Local side Treaty United played a 1-1 draw against Cobh Ramblers with 10 men on Friday night in the First Division. Defender Charlie Fleming was dismissed after half an hour, with …
Every football fan watches hundreds, thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of football matches in their lifetime, and for most of them, they’re shit, unmemorable, decent but meh, nothing to tell your friends about, or exhibit moments that hook boys and girls/men and women of all ages into this drug we call football. And every football junkie, constantly looking for …