Conor O'Neill
conor-oneill.bsky.social
Conor O'Neill
@conor-oneill.bsky.social
Data and Tactics writer for The Athletic
Reposted by Conor O'Neill
If the Republic of Ireland's defeat to Armenia was unthinkable, then defeating Portugal 2-0 and coming from behind to beat Hungary 3-2 and snatch a World Cup play-off place stretched reality to breaking point.

@conor-oneill.bsky.social on one of the most dramatic weeks in Irish footballing history.
How one of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping weeks in Irish football history unfolded
Five goals from Troy Parrott stole the show – but it was a group effort from Heimir Hallgrimsson's side that has kept World Cup hopes alive
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Managed to tear myself away from the Parrott goal on infinite loop long enough to write about Ireland’s madcap week.

A remarkable resurrection.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
How one of the most dramatic and jaw-dropping weeks in Irish football history unfolded
Five goals from Troy Parrott stole the show – but it was a group effort from Heimir Hallgrimsson's side that has kept World Cup hopes alive
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Plugged out of the football matrix during my hols this week, but wrote a piece on managerial sackings.

Ranked sackings based on how deserved they were, measured the new manager bounce, and showed why their employment is most shaky on Mondays in December

www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
October 21, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Lots of cautionary tales of Irish youngsters failing to make the grade in England, but it really is hard to manage expectations with Mason Melia.

Profiled the Tottenham-bound St Pat's striker, easily the best young talent I have ever seen in LOI

www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Mason Melia: What Tottenham’s January signing will bring, plans for his immediate future
The 18-year-old striker has already made a name for himself in Ireland - how quickly can he do the same in the Premier League?
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Maiden bluesky post!

I analysed shot-blocking in the Premier League. Looked at:

- Arsenal/Liverpool’s contrasting approach to defending long-range efforts
- Why Man Utd struggle inside the box
- The PL leading the way in old-school, bodies-on-the-line defending

www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
September 24, 2025 at 8:44 AM