Lee Costello
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Lee Costello
@pukefootballpod.bsky.social
1K followers 150 following 260 posts
Sports Journalist ✍️
GAA columnist for Belfast Telegraph 📰
Host and creator of The Puke Football Podcast 🎙️
Join here ➡️ https://patreon.com/PukeFootball?utm_med
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Everything we know so far about tonight's Ulster semi-final that was abandoned due to the weather, including manager reaction ✍️👇

Ulster Semi-Final abandoned following half-time pitch inspection: ‘The referee feared for player safety’

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/ul...
Ulster Semi-Final abandoned following half-time pitch inspection: ‘The referee feared for player safety’
Scotstown went against Newbridge at half-time with a four-point lead in their Ulster semi-final tie at Healy Park, but after a pitch inspection, neither team resurfaced for the second half.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 7:36 PM
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How does one become a professional boxing coach? 🤔

I spoke to Dan Anderson about his journey into the crazy world of professional pugilism and how he is aiming to reach the very top ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
Meet the young Belfast boxing coach making a name for himself: ‘The dream is to train up a world champion’
In a city as immersed in boxing as Belfast, there actually aren’t that many professional boxing gyms in the area.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 11:32 AM
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Kilcoo manager Martin Corey insists that the secret to their success isn't really a secret ✍️

“We focus on making training the best it can be and bringing that into the next match - not who we’re playing or what stage it is."

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/do...
Kilcoo manager Martin Corey explains how his team handle pressure as they book their place in Ulster final
Kilcoo have once again booked their place in the Ulster final, and once again, they comfortably bore the weight of being labelled as the ‘favourites’ in their victory over Erne Gaels.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 9:07 PM
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“Over the past few years, we have been watching these games on TV and we were thinking – will we ever get to play there?"

Spoke to @NewbridgeCLG captain Conor McAteer about their Ulster adventure and why they won't take anything for granted ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/ar...
Newbridge ace glad to fulfil major goal after inspiring side to Ulster Quarter-Final delight over Madden
Newbridge captain Conor McAteer revealed that his side have achieved one of their main targets set at the beginning of the season by beating Armagh champions Madden in the Ulster Quarter-Final.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM
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“I’ve had a photo of the O’Neill Cup beside my bed for years. I woke up looking at it every day."

Had a really enjoyable chat with Loughmacrory captain Nathan Kelly about achieving dreams, projecting confidence and being comfortable in your own skin ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/in...
‘In many ways, Kilcoo is a free hit for us’, concedes proud Loughmacrory skipper Nathan Kelly
Loughmacrory captain Nathan Kelly had a photo of the O’Neill Cup beside his bed for years and now that he finally has the trophy in his hands, his sights have turned to Kilcoo.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 1:23 PM
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As a long time subscriber to Boxing News Magazine it's a pretty cool feeling to see your name in the latest issue ✍️

I covered Kyle Smith's full show in Newtonabbey last weekend, and you can read about it in the latest issue out today 🥊
November 6, 2025 at 11:29 AM
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"The list of prodigies and hopefuls is too long to mention, but if 2026 is to be a successful year for the O’Neill County, then they need quick learners just as much as they need talented players."

Column out now ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/column...
Why Tyrone will need more than just talented players to succeed in 2026
Underage success has never, and will never, guarantee future success with the senior team — there are just too many changing variables to consider.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 10:34 AM
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"On County Final day the cream typically rises to the top and the best team emerges victorious - but in 2025 the cream is sweeter, purer and more delicious than ever because the game is less contaminated."

Here is this week's columns ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/column...
Why cynicism was a loser in thrilling county deciders worthy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
On County Final day, the cream typically rises to the top and the best team emerges victorious after a long, successful Championship campaign.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:17 AM
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“I rang ‘Geezer’ and initially he was trying to talk me out of quitting."

Had a brilliant chat with boxer James Freeman who gave up his dreams of playing for Armagh, and swapped the football boots for the gloves 🥊

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
‘I had to call Kieran McGeeney to say I wasn’t playing for Armagh… it was tough, but my dream was boxing’
Chasing dreams is not a pursuit for the weak-minded, especially if it means turning down Armagh GAA manager Kieran McGeeney.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 27, 2025 at 5:17 PM
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I spoke to match winner Gareth Donaghy after Loughmacrory's historic championship title win tonight 🏆

I also spoke to his big brother Aodhan who fully backed him to take the score that clinched it ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/ty...
It’s a dream come true to inspire Loughmacrory to Tyrone peak, hails matchwinner Gareth Donaghy
In a moment every Gaelic footballer dreams of, Gareth Donaghy struck the winning point that sealed an historic first county title for his club, St Teresa’s, Loughmacrory.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 26, 2025 at 9:28 PM
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On the whistle report as Loughmacrory edge thriller against Trillick to win the Tyrone championship for the first time in their history ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/ty...
Loughmacrory win their first ever senior county Tyrone championship title
Gareth Donaghy kicked a crucial winner as Loughmacrory won their first ever senior county Tyrone championship title against Trillick St Macartans on Sunday evening.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
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“We may not have a tradition, but we’re trying to earn one."

With the help of Loughmacrory Chairman Shane McCullagh, I took a deep dive into the club's history, and more importantly, their future ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/ty...
Club stalwart on why Loughmacrory won’t be scared as they look to forge winning tradition in Tyrone SFC Final
The month of October symbolises autumn, Halloween and the first cold bite of winter, but for GAA teams, it’s often when fairytales come true.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 25, 2025 at 5:45 PM
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"This is where the GAA is unique — particularly at club level — because when they say they’re “like a family”, they often mean it literally."

This week's column takes a close look at the family ties that make up Sean O'Leary's Newbridge ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/de...
Why sibling sorcery and being a band of brothers makes the Club Championship in GAA unique
When teams win big tournaments, trophies and competitions, they often say in the post-match interview that they are “like a family.”
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 7:17 PM
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“I know it’s a bit of an unorthodox start as most people start off as boxers and then become writers, but I did it the other way around."

I spoke to Lee Gormley about his journey from journalist to pro boxer, to title fight contender ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
How NI sports journalist turned into a title-fighting professional boxer: ‘I can go very far’
Those who can’t do, teach and those who can’t teach, write about the thing they couldn’t do in the first place.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 11:29 AM
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“If you’re going into a Final not thinking you can win, then there’s no point."

I spoke to Down and Carryduff star Daniel Guinness as his club attempt to dethrone Kilcoo in today's county final 🏆

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
Carryduff’s star man opens up on why he believes time has come to down Kilcoo and hit Down summit
Carryduff have been known as a coming force in Down for years, but star player Daniel Guinness believes Sunday’s County Final against Kilcoo is finally the time to officially arrive on the big stage.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 19, 2025 at 10:40 AM
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"Even though Magherafelt haven’t won it for a few years, they never went away, we had some real ding-dongs with them over the years."

I spoke to Newbridge star Padraig McGrogan about Sunday's Derry final and their rivalry with Magherafelt ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/de...
Newbridge star opens up on talk that 2024 Derry joy was a flash in the pan ahead of Final return
Last year, Sean O’Leary’s Newbridge stunned the GAA world by defeating the defending All-Ireland Club Champions Watty Graham’s Glen to claim their first county title in over 30 years.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 18, 2025 at 11:40 AM
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"It’s absolutely not the end of this Cargin team."

I spoke to a disappointed but determined Conan Johnston after Cargin's Antrim final defeat on Sunday, and he was adamant that there is more in this Cargin team ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/an...
Cargin ace on why Antrim Final defeat isn’t the end of the road for former Saffron County kingpins
Defender Conan Johnston is adamant that Erin’s Own Cargin’s Antrim Final defeat to Dunloy on Sunday won’t mark the end of this great team.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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"The Matchroom guys know that I let the Belfast fight go, and for it to be handled like this, it is very disappointing."

I spoke to Tyrone boxer Feargal McCrory about the disappointing manners that his fight was with Josh Warrington fell through ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
Co Tyrone boxer hits out at top promoter after huge fight with big-name opponent falls through
Coalisland native Feargal McCrory has been in America preparing for the biggest fight of his life against former world champion Josh Warrington, only to find out via social media that the bout is now ...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 13, 2025 at 12:14 PM
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“We had the attitude of just going out & playing, but now we are more into the game, we delve into it, explore things, & I think we’re a better team for it."

I spoke to Dunloy star Keelan Molloy on how his side have embraced the nuances of football ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/an...
Dunloy ace reveals simple plan that keeps club’s dual threat stars sharp ahead of Antrim football decider
Dunloy Cuchulainn’s are attempting to make history this weekend as they face the seemingly unstoppable Erin’s Own Cargin in the Antrim Senior Championship Final.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
October 11, 2025 at 1:33 PM
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I had a great chat with Caolan Mooney reliving his county career 🏐

We spoke about his best days in a county jersey, the lowest moments, and why he decided to call time on a brilliant Intercounty career ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/do...
‘I gave my full effort and I’m happy with what I produced’ – ex-Down ace Caolan Mooney looks back at inter-county career
For years, Down could call upon the freakishly fast Caolan Mooney to pull them out of a hole and drag them to victory, but as of 2025 that service is no longer available to the county.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
September 29, 2025 at 3:40 PM
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“Anyone who knows boxing knows that if you get a small bump under your eye, you should never blow your nose because the pressure goes straight to the swelling."

Chatting to boxers makes you grateful for the lack of jeopardy in your own job 😅

Interview with Caomhin Agyarko:
👉 bit.ly/3IyHNJ4
Caoimhin Agyarko: I won at Windsor Park with only 20% vision in my eye… but damage wasn’t due to a solid punch
Lewis Crocker lifted the world title at Windsor Park last weekend, but Caoimhin Agyarko definitely won the fight of the night as his heroic performance against Ishmael Davis saw him overcome a serious...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
September 21, 2025 at 5:14 PM
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Fermanagh legend Sean Quigley joins Lee Costello on the show as they discuss the appointment of Declan Bonner:

- What success looks like for Fermanagh

- Kieran Donnelly's legacy

- What Bonner brings to the table

- The importance of the Tailteann Cup
September 19, 2025 at 12:48 PM
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Caught up with Belfast's newest world champion yesterday 🥊

We talked Ricky Hatton, visualisation, gameplans and unification bouts - all in today's @belfasttelegraph.co.uk ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/boxing...
September 17, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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"When I learned that it was a stress fracture, I was just so gutted. There is so much uncertainty around it."

I had a very candid chat with Fermanagh's Darragh McGurn about picking up a serious back injury, the mental toll, and how he plans to get back ✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
Fermanagh GAA star: ‘I played two games with stress fracture in my back… but I knew it was too dangerous for me to carry on’
People not involved with sport might think that the worst part of an athlete picking up an injury is the physical pain, but anyone who has competed — especially at the top level — will tell you that i...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
September 15, 2025 at 10:41 AM
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Fight report as Lewis Crocker executes surprising gameplan to beat Paddy Donovan and win the IBF world title belt 🥊✍️

www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/boxing...
Northern Ireland has a new world boxing champion as Lewis Crocker stuns at Windsor Park
Lewis Crocker has stunned the boxing world, with a narrow defeat over Paddy Donovan by split decision, to be crowned the IBF welterweight world champion.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
September 13, 2025 at 11:04 PM