# amateur
Last year
2022
# amateur
In Ireland, commitment, passion and progress, but still no pay for elite female footballers
The Women’s National League kicks off this weekend, and the fight for semi-professional status remains a big talking point.
All time
# Pot Luck
'I'm from a small town and when you’re young, people are saying ‘When will you be playing on the telly?’'
Tipperary native Brendan O’Donoghue on the ups and downs that go hand-in-hand with a career in snooker.
# international
Ex-Munster centre Cian Bohane to lead Ireland Students against Scotland
The 26-year-old is the star name in a talented Irish team to travel to Edinburgh this weekend.
# Analysis
How different is professional rugby to the good old days of amateurism?
We’ve taken a look at the Ireland v Scotland games from the 1995 Five Nations and 2016 Six Nations.
# bittersweet victory
'I won the fight and didn't get the recognition but that's the way boxing is going. It's sickening'
Christina Desmond knows she should have won more than European bronze in Sofia last week but isn’t letting a contentious judge’s decision deter her ambitions of reaching the top.
# changing focus
Former European amateur champion boxer announces he's turning pro
Mayo’s Ray Moylette will not be attempting to qualify for Tokyo 2020.
# Part-timers
A farmer, a bicycle shop salesman and the Namibian amateurs to take on the All Blacks
8 members of the Welwitschias squad have taken time off work to play in the Rugby World Cup.
# steady as she goes
'Turning pro is where I want to be,' but Maguire patiently plotting Olympic route in the mean time
The Maguire twins talked with us about the temptation of turning pro and the structured life of a collegiate athlete.
# Beautiful Moments
10 brilliant 'spontaneous moment' photos from the National Geographic Traveller photo contest
There’s still time to enter…
# go pro
Gaelic football could be 'much better if it went professional' says this double All-Ireland winner
However, Philly McMahon says the GAA’s amateur ethos has its benefits.
# a letter to home
A Meathman made this incredible short surfing film to make you all insanely jealous
Take 17 minutes to immerse yourself in Maxie Hill’s wonderful postcard.
# going pro
Jason Quigley turns pro after signing up with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy
The Donegal boxer surrendered his national title in February, sparking speculation he was to leave the amateur ranks.
# Reel stories
Sports Film of the Week: The Good, the Bad and the Rugby
We go old school this week with the behind-the-scenes doc of the 1989 All Blacks’ tour to Ireland and Wales.
# Young gun
Irish amateur Kevin Phelan 4 shots off Mickelson and US Open lead
The Waterford golfer has kept his wits about him on a stormy day in Philadelphia.
# team ireland
John Joe going pro? Nevin to announce decision tonight
The Olympic silver medallist will reveal news about his future on the Brendan O’Connor Show tonight.
# Cavan Cailín
Ladies Irish Open: Level par round for Leona Maguire as Matthews leads the way
The 17-year-old amateur from Cavan carded a fine 72 but is well behind a low-scoring duo from Scotland.
# carly booth
Ladies Irish Open: Matthew leads the way with English duo close behind
Local amatuer stars Lisa and Leona Maguire endured tough opening rounds at Killeen Castle.
# medal hunter
Double bogeys cost amateur golfer Alan Dunbar on his Open debut
The 22-year-old was left cursing three mismanaged holes but still outscored his compatriot, a ‘disgusted’ Darren Clarke.
