Opinion
Van der Flier Lions cut creates ripples with Ireland but Ryan gets late reward
Andy Farrell has cast a pall over Ireland’s best openside by leaving him out of all three Lions Tests.
Pat McCarry
01 Aug 2025, 10:24
12
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Contributors
Pat McCarry
@patmccarry
Pat McCarry has been covering rugby, across various shows and platforms, for over 16 years. He has two best-selling rugby books, The New Breed and Man & Ball, and penned a sell-out rugby play, Soldier Field, in 2019. He has written for SportsJOE, The42, Guardian, Press Association and Inside Rugby, among others.
Analysis
Hugo Keenan: From high school 'D' team to British and Irish Lions immortality
Once omitted from the Leinster sub-academy, the Ireland full-back has taken a long and arduous road to a fairytale moment Melbourn…
Pat McCarry
26 Jul 2025, 12:30
27
Opinion
How the Lions' injury-dogged 'Jukebox' Tadhg Furlong is still producing great hits
Despite a heavily disrupted season, Ireland's cornerstone tighthead is rolling back the years Down Under as he prepares to start a…
Pat McCarry
25 Jul 2025, 2:23
2
Opinion
Iconic Lions moments of the professional era: 15-11
Gibbs tramples The Ox, Warburton sweet-talks the ref and a selection bombshell feature in the latest of our 25 iconic Lions moment…
Bryn Palmer Jamie Lyall Neil Squires Owain Jones Pat McCarry
16 Jul 2025, 1:00
Opinion
‘He never backs down from a fight’ - Jack Conan times another Lions run to perfection
An outsider earlier in the season, the Ireland No.8 has come up on the rails for a second straight Lions tour.
Pat McCarry
13 Jul 2025, 1:38
5
Opinion
Only one Irish front-rower can be confident as Furlong and Porter fight for Test spots
Tadhg Furlong is still searching for fitness and form while team-mate Andrew Porter faces a battle for the No.1 jersey.
Pat McCarry
04 Jul 2025, 5:19
1
Opinion
Two Lions outsiders make strong Test cases amid Dublin defeat
While the overall display fell short, Finlay Bealham and Elliot Daly both pressed Test claims for the Lions.
Pat McCarry
23 Jun 2025, 9:31
1
Exclusive
Dave Kilcoyne: ‘These days, you can’t really throw a punch because you’ll be caught on the drone footage!’
The retiring Munster legend reminisces about the good old days in what has been a hugely successful career
Pat McCarry
11 Jun 2025, 13:54
Opinion
Ireland’s summer tour of first and last chances as debate swirls over absentees
With 15 players away with the Lions, a host of debutants are set to be unleashed on Ireland's summer tour.
Pat McCarry
06 Jun 2025, 1:04
3
Opinion
‘The mood was less ebullient. Irish rugby is not as imperious’
There was less to celebrate at Irish rugby's awards night than in recent years, with some silverware missing.
Pat McCarry
31 May 2025, 1:06
13
Opinion
The era of the hybrid player is upon us
Forwards who can play as backs and even backs who can move into the pack could be considered as rugby evolves
Pat McCarry
27 May 2025, 0:20
35
Opinion
Why Andy Farrell's left-field call is an early Lions masterstroke
In leaving two spots open, the new Lions supremo has dangled a tantalising carrot for those who missed out and kept the content ma…
Pat McCarry
15 May 2025, 2:07
3
Opinion
Irish provinces in danger of being left further behind, in their own country
As the season has progressed there has been increasing disquiet about the strength of Leinster to the detriment of Ireland's other…
Pat McCarry
30 Apr 2025, 0:12
23
Interview
Why Jacob Stockdale 2.0 is ready for an Ireland renaissance this summer
The Ulster left-wing, along with Jimmy O'Brien and Cormac Izuckukwu are pushing hard for starring roles on Ireland's summer tour
Pat McCarry
24 Apr 2025, 2:16
2
Opinion
Leinster lions Van der Flier & Ringrose roaring loudly for overdue tours
Two inspirational Irish figures have yet to earn the Lions call, but are playing with points to prove.
Pat McCarry
18 Apr 2025, 0:57
3
Analysis
Will wounded Carbery come back to haunt former side Munster?
Discarded by Munster and Ireland, Joey Carbery is flourishing again with Bordeaux.
Pat McCarry
10 Apr 2025, 8:33
3
Interview
Munster-ROG reunion a ‘love story’ but no return likely for La Rochelle boss
Munster and La Rochelle have "given him the most in rugby", but Ronan O'Gara has no plans to return home soon.
Pat McCarry
03 Apr 2025, 8:41
7
Opinion
Andy Farrell is draining Ireland’s resources to benefit the Lions
Coaching the Lions is the ultimate honour, but Ireland's recent form has made them a victim of their own success
Pat McCarry
26 Mar 2025, 8:06
5
Opinion
Was Dublin drubbing the end of an era or a bump in the road for Ireland?
Has an ageing squad been exposed by Les Bleus, or was Saturday's French thrashing merely a blip for the venerated green machine?
Pat McCarry
13 Mar 2025, 12:21
31
Opinion
25 Six Nations Memorable Moments: 5 to 1
Wales' late, late show, Sexton's drop-goal, Russell's pass, Super Saturday 2015 and Wales' first Slam since 70s, but which is No.1…
Bryn Palmer Jamie Lyall Neil Squires Owain Jones Pat McCarry
07 Mar 2025, 4:41
1
