The Deise to Diego: Louis Fulloné at Waterford
Cian Manning charts the story of Louis Fulloné, the failed Waterford trialist who later tried to sign Maradona for Sheffield United.
Buffon, Byrne, and my battle with depression
Cian Manning’s mental health journey has found moments of joy and inspiration in football and the League of Ireland.
Mick Meagan: First Manager of the Republic of Ireland
Cian Manning charts the career of the first man charged with taking the reigns of the Irish national team, Mick Meagan.
The Anatomy of Cork City FC
Cian Manning charts the journey from Cork City’s inception and introduction to the League of Ireland to their historic double winning campaign traced in six matches that include fixtures in the league, FAI Cup, UEFA Cup and even the Champions League.
Playing soldiers, Olympia versus Jacobs
The 1919/20 Irish League season took place during the country’s violent War of Independence and a Leinster League game between Olympia and Jacobs exemplified the tensions that existed in Irish society at the time. Cian Manning takes a look back.
O’Mahony to Maguire – Kilkenny’s Soccer Pioneers
With Sean Maguire named in the provisional Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, if the young Kilkenny man sees game time, he’ll represent a major milestone for the game in his native county. Here, Cian Manning tells the tale of Matt O’Mahoney, Kilkenny’s original footballing flag-bearer.
Samba in the South-East: A Brazilian in the League of Ireland
In January 1986, Waterford United signed 26-year-old Sebastiao Elias de Freitas Filho, believed to be the first Brazilian to grace the League of Ireland. His time was brief but eventful if not always for what he did on the pitch.
Frank Obiakpani, the Nigerian College Colossus
In 1950s Ireland, a Nigerian medical student made a stir in Irish soccer circles but his later life remained a mystery until a perhaps tragic ending, writes Cian Manning.
Revolution in Blue: Waterford 2.0
New name, new crest, but a rich history to build on, Cian Manning tells the story of a proud League of Ireland tradition in Waterford.
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Football clubs which were formed from the employees of factories are commonplace around the world with teams like PSV Eindhoven, and Bayer Leverkusen. Ireland, too can, claim its share of such teams including St. James’s Gate from the home of the world-famous Guinness. Cian Manning tells the story of the first ever winners of the League of Ireland.