It’s been another hectic week on the Second Captains podcast, we’ve had the Champions League, the addition of Johnny Sexton to the Ireland rugby brains-trust in a non-executive capacity, and we also had Eddie Dunbar in studio, one of the best road-cyclists in the world. While Ken, told us about Oleksandr Zinchenko’s new book, written by FriendOfTheShow Raphael Honigstein.Join the party for just a fiver a month—no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gaelic football patient checked itself in at the weekend, gladly submitting to extensive, experimental surgery in full view of the watching public. We speak to Paul Flynn and FRC member Michael Murphy about the new rules (or enhancements, as Jim Gavin insists we call them) that worked, the rules that jarred... and the rules that our Murph reckons they put in just so we could get rid of them and feel like we were being critical.  There's also the latest earth-shattering press release from the World Conkers Confederation/Corporation, GAA arithmetic, and Paul Flynn looking to double his career points tally with Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Howard Webb provided some good grist to the conspiracy mills over the weekend by getting himself filmed texting and earpiecing before Saliba's yellow card was changed to a red. But maybe the PGMOL supremo deserves some praise to go with the flak. At least his referees are providing an element of unpredictability otherwise missing from a lot of overcoached Premier League football.Branno brings us up to speed on his trip to Sligo to see Bohemians play their small role in the climax to the League of Ireland season. We also talk about how in a few short weeks under Arne Slot, Liverpool have undergone a complete transformation from the side they have been for years under Jurgen Klopp. And Neil Atkinson and Rich Jolly join us to talk about the game at Anfield. Could Slot's start have gone any better? Are the regular complaints about the poor atmosphere at Anfield and other Premier League grounds based on reality or nostalgia? And does the increasingly convergent style of play we see in the Premier League give the crowds much to work with? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England manager has divided both the proud nation of England and the ignoble profession of football journalism into two camps: Little Englanders and Merchants of Woke. Yesterday we heard from The 42's Gav Cooney and Rory Smith of the New York Times, and today had his say. Have the FA made the right choice in appointing a foreign coach? Earlier in the week we were joined in studio by one of the all-time greats of hurling, Joe Canning to talk about his new autobiography, whether he thinks he max-ed out on his potential and how he and his family have dealt with the loss of their mum. For daily independent, member-led journalism, sign up to the Second Captains World Service now at secondcaptains.com/join.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnny Sexton has won European Cups, Grand Slams, has the all time Irish and Six Nations points records and is a former world player of the year. It takes talent but also an obsessive drive to get this good, and his new autobiography, Obsessed, explains the mental toll this took on Sexton.He joins us in studio to discuss his big breakthrough in 2009 at Croker, his pattern of bust-ups followed by regret, Lancaster's personality test, about needing to change how he communicated with teammates and refs, how he feels about the RWC 2023 QF loss, and his relationship with ROG.Plus there's the contrasting management styles of Schmidt and Farrell, Snyman's paws, Doris the Swiss Army Knife and over-confident Scots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

thens for breakfast, Barcelona for brunch, Fairview for lunch. Ken is back from his Grand Tour of Continental Europe, traveling through the night to bring you his thoughts on Ireland's latest adventures in the Nations League.Joining us in the studio to reflect on an international window in which we actually won a game is Richie Sadlier.We also try to decipher just what Lee Carsley is actually saying and why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we released a podcast on our world service - Sally Hayden, Irish Times Correspondent and author of My Fourth Time, We Drowned, spoke to Ken about life in Beirut under fire from the Israeli army - and such was the reaction that we decided to release it to non members.Sally explains the religious mix in Beirut, how embedded Hezbollah is in Lebanese society, the huge number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the internal displacement caused by the invasion and the anxiety of tomorrow. Ken and Branno also discuss the grim reality of the death toll in Gaza, empty words and two recent documentaries, one called We Will Dance Again about the Hamas attacks on Oct 7th 2023 and Al Jazeera’s investigation into Israeli army war crimes in Gaza. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken has returned from the Land Of The Rising Sun, and he has stories to tell - of Shinto shrines (went to "one of" the most famous ones in Tokyo), Buddhist temples, and... storied sumo amphitheatres. We dominate the dojo in the company of our very own Alan Whicker.  Branno missed the most dramatic week in the HISTORY of the league of Ireland last week, as he was recuperating from invasive surgery - we discover which Second Captain presenter was a constant reassuring presence through his recuperation, and who was marked absent. Plus there's rawdogging, the Bering Strait, and whether Shels still have the league title in their own hands.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken is back from Japan and we take the opportunity to revisit some of the highlights he missed over the last two weeks. We talk about the varying fortunes of Kai Haaland Havertz, Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer and Ange Postecoglou before Mark Critchley joins us to talk about what we had mistakenly anticipated would be the game of the weekend at Villa Park. Will this be the week when Manchester United finally pull the plug on ETH, or is it just too embarrassing for them to do that right now?Plus there's Ken's great Japanese regret and transatlantic travel: the small man's revenge.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service we were joined by Lars Sivertsen and Glenn Evans from The Athletic and the 1874 Podcast to chat about last night’s incredible win for Villa, with some bonus Steve Bruce cabbage content thrown in for good measure.Closer to home, the League of Ireland title race has gone absolutely wild, with six teams out of a ten team league seemingly in contention for the top spot. We reacted to Shels vs. Pats, which might just be the greatest game ever played in the greatest league in the world (TM).And we chatted to US Murph about Shohei Ohtani putting in the greatest regular season in history. Join the party for just a fiver a month—no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Less than a year ago the Irish women's rugby team had finished bottom of the Six Nations table, were playing the likes of Kazakhstan in the third tier of WXV, had not qualified for the previous World Cup and along with stories of interprovincial teams changing in front of wheelie bins and 7s players being taking in and out of the 15s camp, there was very little positivity about. They have since come third in the 6N, qualified for the 2025 World Cup, made it into the top tier of WXV1, hammered Australia, and now best of all, beaten NZ, the team that has won 6 of the last 7 World Cups. We chat to Leinster head coach Tania Rosser, and Alison Miller, both of whom played against NZ last time Ireland beat them, in the 2014 World Cup.We also discuss world-class Aoife Wafer, Munster's leaky defence and Conor McKenna's AFL title win with the Brisbane Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Manchester United content-creating machine trundles remorselessly on: another day, another humiliating home defeat. Jack Pitt-Brooke and Dion Fanning were watching, goggle-eyed at the latest United capitulation - this one with added red card drama. Tottenham on the other hand had a delightful day at the office. It turns out the only thing a Premier League crisis club needs is a visit to Old Trafford. And there's also Liverpool's almost-silent progression to top spot in the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta trying to reverse out of a war of words with Pep.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been another bumper week on the World Service and we want to serve you up a tempting slice of the action. There was our chat with Dara Ó Briain live from London on the best summer of his sporting life, Barney Ronay and John Brewin on the still smouldering City-Arsenal discourse, and a sneak preview of our brilliant chat with legendary former League of Ireland player and manager Dermot Keely, which goes out tomorrow. Plus one of the country's best GAA journalists Cahair O'Kane joined us to talk about the end of the Casement Park Euro 2028 dream and where we go from here. Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no sign-on fee, no minimum stay, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sport of rugby barely survived the Ken Early Rugby Special on Second Captains last week, but after a weekend deluge of tries, drama and upsets, it's back, baby!We do a quick series recap of "last season, in rugby" including a reminder that the international team did rather well in 2023/24, while the provinces struggled.Gerry Thornley joins us to discuss the 10-try interpro that went loco, Connacht's dynamic halfback duo, Munster's brain drain, Ireland and Leinster's outhalf subplot, Ulster's last-gasp win and the rise of coach Contepomi.Plus there's bridesmaid Rory McIlroy's continuing psycho drama, Tony Ward the codebreaker and Ireland, THE NUMBER 1 TEAM IN THE WORLD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had been told that Manchester City/Arsenal games are guaranteed snooze-fests, but it turns out we had been misinformed. John Stones got the final goal of a 2-2 thriller in the eighth minute of injury time, and it was a game so rich in drama, so packed with shithousery, and so laden with meaning for this year's Premier League title race that we simply had to hear from Jonathan Wilson and Gavin Cooney.  It might not have been a good week for Mr Mourinho in Turkey, but it will have gladdened his heart to tune into the Greatest League In The World to see both the top 2 turn into Jose teams.  It turns out he had the answers all along - why have a back 5 when you can have a back 6, and when all else fails, why not put a centre-half up top and try and get him on the end of a few diags.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's World Service roundup; Ken offers fresh perspective on Mikel Arteta's professional pickpocketer scheme, Eoin reopens a 34-year-old debate as to who was at fault for Toto Schillaci's goal that booted us out of Italia 90, and we share some of our chat with the great Katie McCabe live from the eartH Theatre in London last week.Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no sign-on fee, no minimum stay, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory McIlroy was 4 shots clear at the top of the leaderboard early in yesterday's final round of the Irish Open, was playing at his home-from-home course Royal County Down, against a field shy on world class golfers... nothing could possibly go wrong.Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times wants to take away the stigma of choking in sport, thinks putting is the base issue and explains why he thinks Rory will win another major, but simultaneously comes to the realisation that he may be the last person alive to admit that these late-Sunday collapses are a problem.The 1,700 page report into the Grenfell Tower fire that killed 72 people in west London in 2017, released 12 days ago, accused Kingspan of “deeply entrenched and persistent dishonesty” and having a “complete disregard for fire safety”. We discuss Shane Lowry ending his association with Kingspan and whether Cavan GAA should follow suit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Ange Postecoglou's set-up yesterday harked back to the days of Ossie Ardiles, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal paid tribute to the spirit of an even earlier time. The Basque has reconnected Arsenal with their roots - and what lies beneath. We also talk about Heimir Hallgrimsson's blithe lack of concern for Optics.Jack Pitt-Brooke joins us to talk about the North London derby, the measures Ange Postecoglou has taken to address what are quickly becoming world-famous problems, and how Arsenal are likely to approach a week when they've had no favours from the fixture computer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We welcomed Eddie Dunbar into studio last summer to talk about the impact that a series of devastating crashes had on his career and his health.  Since then he has had another run of injuries including in this year's Giro D'Italia, but with that bad luck finally behind him, Dunbar has just won 2 stages of the Vuelta España, the second of which is the biggest win of his life. We talk to cycling journalist Cillian Kelly today about why this was such a timely reminder of Eddie’s class, why he has had so many crashes and what the future holds for the Cork cyclist.This weekend Branno took a time machine back to a more sedate, more gentrified Dublin, and he is now a fully-fledged polo man and a fan of complicated menus and the British commonwealth.Plus there’s a defeat for democracy at Central Council, and Oasis break the news of the status quo being maintained for another season in the GAA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You want it to be one way. You want it to be one way. You want it to be one way. But it's the other way. Rice '11, Grealish '26 - a script written by an English sadist. Did we manifest this? Damien Delaney and Richie Sadlier join us to sift through the wreckage. What didn't they like about Ireland's approach? What could we have done instead? And what should we do next? We also hear the latest from the press conference where John O'Shea had to insist that he is not actually at the wheel of the national team.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's World Service tasting platter we drum up some excitement ahead of Saturday's Nations League showdown with England, Ken goes toe-to-toe with Stuart 'Psycho' Pearce on TalkSport and Craig Ray tells us why Ellis Park in Johannesburg is the toughest place to go in world rugby,And the brilliant Ellen Keane chats to us about seeing magic, introverted extroverts and seeking spontaneity. Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no sign-on fee, no minimum stay, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year's US Open will be the first in 20 years to not feature at least one of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer in the round of 16. This is a....good thing?Novak Djokovic's shock departure came less than 24 hours after Wimbledon and French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz also crashed out of the tournament. We dial in to New York City to chat to Caitlin Thompson of Racquet Magazine.Ballygunner win again in Waterford as a Comer hop-ball sends Murph’s (original) club packing in Galway, and Scottish Rugby players have been running their mouth again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s always a quote; “United's high-profile catastrophic start to the season has rightly brought every player under the microscope, but the purchase of a world-class holding midfielder could mark a change in fortunes at Old Trafford”. So read the Daily Mail in August 2022 - the world-class holding midfielder being paraded around Old Trafford before a match against Liverpool that day was... Casemiro. We chat with Dion Fanning and Miguel Delaney as the Arne Slot era begins in such style that he can even moonlight as a post-match pundit offering a tactical breakdown of his vanquished rivals. Plus there's Dyche-ball and Branno goes blackberry picking as Bohs down Shamrock Rovers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to your free weekly taster of the Second Captains World Service. This week we had non stop entertainment from Ken - from Alexander The Great to Oasis to train stories to strolls with Sean Fitz - he is a true song and dance and stories man. We also chatted to Rhasidat about the need for speed (but when) and her poor health at the Olympics. Plus there was Transfer Deadline Day nonsense, the new Champions League format, a Time Machine malfunction, and a Rossie's plans to down the Dubs, with Carlow.Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no sign on, no minimum stay, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul O'Donovan won yet another rowing world title this weekend, while Jakob Ingebrigtsen shattered one of the longest-standing track world records - but the man who stole the world's attention, and money, was pole vaulting charisma machine Mondo Duplantis.We chat to David Gillick and Gavin Cooney about Rhasidat's latest 4th place finish, her road to endurance, the anti doping issues in Bahrain, O'Donovan's dominance and Ingebrigtsen's blistering times.Plus there's Ken on WWI's eastern front, trusting coach Flo, and Murph's buzzkill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lars Sivertsen and Rich Jolly join us to talk through the weekend's football. What is happening at Everton, where we see Dyche, but not Dycheball? What kind of impression has Fabien Hürzeler already made after a couple of games in the Premier League? How are Norway managing not to qualify for international tournaments these days? And is it really true that any idiot can play Wonderwall? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to your weekly taster of the Second Captains World Service. This week we have Ken on the Chelsea cash elevator, Maresca's man management and football's great gamble. Plus there's Conor Niland in studio on Novak's secret sauce and Michael Darragh Macauley on his passion for his new role as CEO of Sanctuary Runners, a group that uses running as a way to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and all Irish residents, with the aim of creating a more inclusive, integrated and happy society.Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no sign on, no minimum stay, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Branno went to Kerry this weekend to see the kingdom get taught a football lesson, but instead got an education in floats, parades, Roses and mass. Branno is now back in Dublin having seen some of the TEN DAYS of the Rose of Tralee festival. Today’s show tries to answer important questions such as: what would Ken’s B-boy name be? Why are Australians so good at sport? Is it ok to laugh at people who aren’t much good at sport (by Olympics standards)? And is there any topic that can't be turned into a culture war?We chat to Rohan Connolly - Managing director of FOOTYOLOGY, and AFL commentator for ESPN and 3AW about Raygun, the Australian break dancer who's crime was to be below average at her chosen event. Plus there's stadium winning streaks, Branno Furiosa and window wiper fun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Brewin and Dion Fanning join us to talk about the opening weekend of the Premier League season. John was at Portman Road to see the debuts of Kieran McKenna and Arne Slot and reports on the respective animal magnetisms of the two up-and-coming coaches. We also talk about Chelsea and their offences against football. Elsewhere, the latest instalment in the Perarnau-Guardiola series is upon us and we sample some characteristic vignettes.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to your weekly taster of the Second Captains World Service. This week we have a Premier League preview show, Man Utd's nostalgia money, anatomy of a 4 x 400m Olympic final, and Steph Curry's GOAT status.Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken came into this Olympics a doubter and left it a believer. Was this the greatest ever Games? We chat to Cathal Dennehy and Gavin Cooney about the event, the Irish mentality, the 4th-place-a-thon, the drugs question, and how the future looks for us as an Olympic nation.Plus there's woozy Wiffen, sports tapas, pickleball rules and as ever Satan has his way with ceremonies and just Europe in general.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we grieve for the Paris Olympics, now already receding into history, but who could fail to be re-energised by the prospect of the PSR League starting up again in four days time?Arne Slot succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool is one of the buzziest storylines ahead of the new season, so it's a good time for the club's former head of research Ian Graham to bring out a new book explaining how he and Michael Edwards helped the club to make so many good decisions during the Klopp era. Can Edwards do it all over again?  Mark Critchley joins us to talk about Manchester City's penalty shootout win over Manchester United in the Community Shield and take us up to speed on the summer changes at the two clubs. Is Oscar Bobb already one of the best wingers in the Premier League? What does United's reported interest in another two members of the Ajax 2019 side say about the evolution of their transfer policy? And can anyone believe the size of the fish Sir Big Jim Ratcliffe has just caught?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to your weekly taster of the Second Captains World Service. This week we celebrated Kellie Harrington's back-to-back Olympic gold medals, look ahead to Rhasidat Adeleke potentially following her onto the podium and see what Ken has to say about his trip to Paris as a paying punter.Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Total medals for Ireland at the Olympic Games between 1960 and 1992 - 6. Total medals for Ireland during Week 1 of the Paris Olympic Games - 7.  Michael Foley of the Sunday Times and Sinead O’Carroll of The Journal were in Paris for Rhys’ gold, Kellie’s master-class and Wiffen’s third-place-that-felt-like-a-disappointment-but-is-in-fact-historic.  We recorded the show just in time to see Rhasidat Adeleke’s powerful, composed start to her 400m campaign that has us all dreaming big.Plus there's the 100m extravaganza, the gold medal table, coach Flo's form and St Lucia speed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He's an Olympic champ now, but back in 2022 we had Rhys McCleneghan in studio, fresh from a world championship win, but still navigating his way around a few obstacles and setbacks. He was engaging and intelligent and it was such an enjoyable chat and so full of insights into what has since made him into a dominant force, we thought we would post it for those who missed it first time. He wasn’t the only Irish Olympian who had a big weekend of course and Monday’s podcast will reflect on all that. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's wall-to-wall Olympics on the World Service this week. Mona McSharry managed Ireland's first medal of the 2024 games, Daniel Wiffen backed up his supreme confidence with a Gold medal performance and Simone Biles cemented herself in Olympic history. Meanwhile, Andy Lee joined us in studio to chat about his time at the Athens Olympics in 2004, a lonely experience for Ireland's solo fighter at the dawn of the Irish High Performance era.Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in March Ken and Eoin sat down with Daniel Wiffen. He promised a summer of gold. This morning he set the fastest time in the swimming heats, 7:41.53 seconds, the fastest of those making it through to the medal race. He is living up to his big, big talk. We speak to Gavin Cooney, who was poolside in Paris. While our island nation may not always have excelled in the pool, the boxing ring has been a happy hunting ground. We watch on as Kellie Harrington begins her journey to what will hopefully end with back-to-back Golds. While the still distraught (but always professional) Ciarán Murphy lets us know - through the medium of The Frances Murphy TV Guide - what to watch out for tonight and tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week we saddled up and rode north to Crossmaglen. Ciarán Murphy was confident riding into the old Armagh market town, he was a little less confident leaving.Yesterday Armagh won their first All-Ireland since 2002. Kieran McGeeney, their Captain then their manager now. We chat to Michael Murphy and Paul Flynn on a tense final that had a thrilling end. We go easy on Murph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our World Service tasting platter. This week we travelled to Crossmaglen to chat to Oisín McConville and weigh up the mood ahead of this weekend's All Ireland Football Final, Ken offered us up some strongly held views on the future of Hurling and Joe Callaghan gave us the run down of the Open Championship at Royal Troon. Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Kelly climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand yesterday to raise his county’s fifth-ever Liam McCarthy Cup and in a haze of hurling and religious fervour, declared Brian Lohan ‘God’.A down-in-the-dumps Jamie Wall and an elated Podge Collins join us to today to pick over how Clare managed to pip Cork by the finest of margins, weigh up the extra time debate, and reflect on what was a final for the ages.Ken, meanwhile, has major issues with Hurling’s imperialism and scoring system. Plus, there's Nesbitt watch, Clare's Flair and Jarlath Burns on Irish emigrants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our 3000th episode we trekked up to the Temple of Dunphy. Eamon was one of the earliest guests on the pod and has made numerous - always memorable - appearances over the years.We chat to Eamon about the latest wild happenings in the US Election, the rise of nationalism, the new Ireland manager and his old job of stopping Robin Friday from sparking up a spliff during their days together playing for Reading. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly best of the world service show. We discuss Southgate's departure, disharmony in the England camp, the contenders to take over, Rory's blocks, Heimer's arrival and Frawley's future. Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kieran McGeeney joined the Armagh senior panel for pre-season training in 1989. Thirty-Five years ago. On Saturday in Croke Park he led his county to their fifth ever All-Ireland Final. There they will face Galway.Neither county were a red-hot favourite when the ball was thrown in on this Championship back in April, McGeeney dealing with internal slings and arrows while Galway's squad consisted mainly of damaged chassis. But there they will be. And football thanks them for adding unfamiliarity to the sporting summer.Plus, amongst the chaos, there was Carlos Alcaraz's back-to-back Wimbledon titles after beating Djokovic in straight sets yesterday. Has the tennis torch been officially passed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should we play this game? We turn and ask Spain and once more they show and tell. Tonight they won their fourth European Championship, playing in a manner befitting of champions. To Iniesta, Xavi, Pique, Busquets, Alonso and Alba now add Rodri, Laporte, Cucurella, Yamal and Williams.By the time the World Cup comes around England will have been waiting, expecting, hoping to win a men's football tournament for 60 years. Sixty. It's quite incredible.As he has done all summer long Ken dials in from the stadium after full-time joined by Miguel Delaney of The Independent and Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic while we also chat to our Basque correspondent Beñat Gutierrez and ask, given the Basque heavy make-up of this Spanish side are the people of Bilbao dancing in the streets..? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've had a mad busy week on the World Service between an All Ireland Hurling Championship for the ages, Lamine Yamal marking his spot on the world stage and England making a second consecutive Euros final. All that before you throw in the announcement of Heimir Hallgrímsson as the new Republic of Ireland Head Coach. Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saturday in Pretoria was supposed to be many things, a battle between two teams who don’t like each other very much, the teams ranked 1 and 2 in the world, a chance for Rassie Erasmus to finally coach a team to victory over Ireland… in the end, it came down to 2 hours of watching to see if James Lowe had stepped out of touch in various weird and wonderful ways.  South Africa 27-Ireland 20 - we speak to Shane Horgan and Ruaidhri O'Connor of the Irish Independent about why this was a deserved Springbok win, how a couple of huge errors cost us, and how a bruised and battered Ireland can salvage something from next Saturday's second test. Plus we join Ken in München to discuss what impact the French election results will have on the striking French footballers, England's buddy system on penalties, and the exquisite joy of seeing the world's biggest laundrette right beside your new hotel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There'll always be an England, and under Gareth Southgate it’ll always reach the latter stages of major football tournaments. This was his fourth straight ¼ final and now his side are one game away from back-to-back European Championship Final appearances. So what’s the bloody problem then? We chat to Ken from the stadium, accompanied by Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic. While England may be the footballing equivalent of a week away at Centre Parcs, watching Turkey has been whatever the same length of time would feel like at Wayne Lineker’s compound. Fun. But maybe a little too much. Jonathan Wilson joins us from Berlin where - like Recep Erdoğan, he saw the Netherlands advance past the surrogate host country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a great week here at Second Captains as we chased Ken around Germany as he followed the Euros Circus from Frankfurt to Berlin. Murph also developed a sense of wanderlust and packed the car for Cork where he met with Jamie Wall to chat though this coming weekend's All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Finals.Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin are out at the quarter-final stage of the All-Ireland senior football championship for the first time since the “startled earwigs” of 2009, and it took an incredible second half performance by Galway to take them down.Michael Murphy and Paul Flynn talk to us about the end of an era (?) Galway’s tactical bravery, Kerry’s safety-first approach to handling a misfiring Derry, Donegal’s serene march to an All-Ireland semi-final… and why Armagh are a dangerous animal as we get to our final four. Plus there’s joyous local radio commentaries, the Sawdoctors in Fairview, central casting in Galway, and Branno’s requiem for Dublin’s dream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England were truly awful for most of tonight’s game against Slovakia, until Jude Bellingham's sweet finish bailed out his country at the death. We get Ken’s post-match analysis from Gelsenkirchen. Southgate lives to fight another day but surely this crew can't beat the Swiss army knife?And Lars Sivertsen gives us his thoughts on the Spain game, Nico Williams' superstar status, and what this tournament has meant to the proud, skilful Georgians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our best of Euros show. It’s been a great tournament so far with underdog wins, Willy's mighty Georgia, Turkish finesse, lunatic fans, English mediocrity, and loads of 0.0% and 5.1% Pilsner Ken.Join the party for a fiver a month – there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gaelic football season is the party that no-one was allowed to leave for large spells of this summer... but now the blade is being lowered with ruthless efficiency, and the narrative quickly moves on to those teams left standing. Michael Murphy and Paul Flynn say goodbye to Mayo, Tyrone, Monaghan and Cork in short order, before we look ahead to this weekend's All-Ireland football quarter-finals. We also discuss the possible end of Conor McManus' glittering inter-county career, a Cork-man manages to be both bored and infuriated simultaneously watching his football team, and Paul Flynn's support for Louth wins him some Wee County love.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland have qualified for 12 international football tournaments, and they have failed to get out of their group at each and every one of those 12 tournaments. This time around it was a 98th minute winner for Hungary that finally put paid to their hopes.  Jonathan Wilson joins us from Stuttgart for the latest episode of Scottish tournament heartbreak while Ken was at the other game in that group to see Niclas Füllkrug score a late equaliser and further burnish his own sparkling global reputation, and ensure the hosts qualified for the Round of 16 as winners.  Plus there’s Ken's thought on pitch invaders harassing Ronaldo, a Grunge Week 2024 teaser, and the first rule of qualifying as a third-placed finisher (finish third). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our best of Euros show. It's been a great tournament so far with wild games, mad fans, power ballads, low-energy England, Mbappe's politics, and a happy Ken on tour. Join the party for a fiver a month - there's no contracts, no hidden fees and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh Rory. Oh Rory, Rory, Rory. Lawrence Donegan and the lads wrestle with what we saw last night. Is it career-defining? How can it not be? Paul Flynn is with us to discuss two draws in the Gaelic football championship yesterday, with vastly differing outcomes. And there’s the Football Review Committee’s ‘sandbox games’ this weekend, trialling some revolutionary new rules - committee member Michael Murphy talks us through them.And there’s also the inevitable mentions of Bill Buckner, Scott Norwood, Doug Sanders, Jean van de Velde… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England expects. England awaits. England bores. England Wins. We chat to Ken and full time England watcher Miguel Delaney.  While riding the rail to Gelsenkirchen Ken encounters an Albanian man who literally risks his life and limbs for our football correspondent. The Euros may not even be out of the first weekend but the littlest hobo is all in.Elsewhere we saw Italy grind it out, Hungary confirm their Aviva form-line, and Spain answer those podcasts (like ours) who insist on sleeping on them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Ken heads off to the Euros in Germany, now is the time to become a world service member if you want to gain access to our all our coverage throughout the tournament.Plus there's instant access to all our archives (almost 3,000 shows), there's features such as this week's fun chat with Conor Niland and Gavin Cooney about the tennis netherworld, we have Jamie Wall on hurling, we will be covering the Olympics. the URC semis and final, all the GAA football, the summer tour of South Africa, and all the big golf and tennis stories, plus all the breaking news.It’s 5 euro a month; there's no contracts, no hidden fees, no ads, and we're independent and member-led. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro 2024 kicks off on Friday with Germany v Scotland in Munich - and here's our tournament preview pod.James Horncastle and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk through the contenders. What can we expect from the champions, Italy, under Luciano Spalletti? Can England justify their status as tournament favourites? What about the hosts, Germany, who have lately put in their most pathetic tournament performances in memory? Why does Wilson continue to disrespect Kylian Mbappe? And who do they think is going to win? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was an incredible weekend for Irish athletics. Last Friday, Sonia O'Sullivan was the only Irish person to have ever won gold at a European Championships. Ronnie Delany, Eamon Coghlan, John Treacy - all had tried, none had succeeded. By this afternoon, we had added 5 names to that roll of honour, after the success of Ciara Mageean and our mixed relay team. Cathal Dennehy and Derval O'Rourke join us to talk about the extraordinary achievement of our (geographically, demographically) diverse team which marries youth and experience - and how richly deserved this is for Ciara Mageean, who now has a gold to go with her silver and bronze European medals. Ken predicts gold for Ireland in tonight's 400m women's final, and we raise a toast to Jerry Kiernan, so fondly remembered in the RTE studios last night.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the World Service we had Ken on Man City's latest legal power grab, Caitlin on turbulent times in the tennis world, and Ian Madigan on Irish rugby's inability to fix the 10 succession plan. Plus we have daily Euros shows coming up with Ken in Germany, Murph as Gaeilge, the Olympics, the summer tour in SA, football with Flynn and Murphy, and hurling with Jamie.There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s 5 euro a month, it's independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid did that Real Madrid thing to win a staggering 15th Champions League title at Wembley - but it takes more than that to impress Don Diego Torres, who joins us from the Spanish capital to evaluate their triumph. Has this Madrid generation surpassed the Di Stefano-Puskas team of the 50s? Do Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Ancelotti deserve to be considered the world’s best? Who are the players who really make this team tick? And how is Kylian Mbappe going to fit in? And we talk about how Borussia Dortmund’s sponsorship deal with Rheinmetall might be the biggest sportswash of all time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the World Service we had a top-class Champions League final preview with Sid Lowe and Rapha Honigstein, we discussed Carlo's chill, watery Dortmund, Duff man said a lot of things to Richie Sadlier, plus there was hurling with Jamie, football with Flynn and Murphy and we will chat to Brian Murphy about Celtics legend Bill Walton who overcame a childhood stutter to become an NBA all-star, a legend of the flower power generation and one of the great US broadcasters.Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Erik ten Hag finally cottoned on to the winning formula for Man United managers - treat the press scum with the contempt they deserve and win the hearts of the crowd.But did this display of alpha dominance come too late to save his job? We argue the case for and against.Mark Critchley and Barney Ronay join us to look back at the FA Cup final - and forward to United's season review. Where did it all go wrong for City? Does a glorious win secure ten Hag's future at United? Should it?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yet again it was Champions Cup misery for Leinster, this time with Extra Time, for maximum pain and anguish. Despite trumping Toulouse on almost every conceivable metric and spending lots of the game in the opposition 22, they conceded 19 turnovers and failed to score a try in normal time. We chat to Shane Horgan and Ruaidhri O'Connor about death by poach, the "take your points" decision-making process and a performance for the ages from Antoine "everything everywhere all at once" Dupont.Are Leinster’s issues simply rooted in a fragile mentality? Has their old attacking DNA been neglected? Where exactly was the Nienaber knockout rugby mentality? What do they do about their gaggle of outhalves? And can they win the URC with all those broken hearts knocking about the place?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our World Service Best Of show. This week, we feature a chat about the brave new world of top-level football management with Jonathan Wilson, celebrity St. Pats fan Ciarán Murphy's trip to Richmond Park, the culmination of what's been a box office Munster Hurling Championship, and why Shane Horgan is feeling shaky about Leinster's chances ahead of this weekend's Champions Cup Final.Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having been dubbed “Mr Thursday” by certain ill-informed commentators last week, Xander Schauffele answered every criticism in securing his first major title. We review a wild US PGA championship with Gavin Cooney and Lawrence Donegan, featuring arrests, Kentucky Cops, divorce, Rory's repeat and Shane Lowry’s 62. We also discuss Oleksandr Usyk’s thrilling split-decision win over Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world on Saturday night - and Ken asks when is a knockdown not a knockdown? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City are champions, as it was foretold by Eoin McDevitt some months ago following their 0-0 draw with Arsenal. No Premier League opponent got within two goals of them since, as also foretold by Eoin McDevitt.With all this having been so long foretold, we start off today talking about Jurgen Klopp's farewell at Anfield and what the early reactions might be foretelling us about the future.Dion Fanning and Lars Sivertsen join us to look back on the final day and the Premier League season in general. How excited were they to watch City's historic four-in-a-row? How does Jurgen Klopp manage to always leave his clubs wanting more? Is Rodri correct that Arsenal lacked the winning mentality to seal the deal? And while we're about it, what's next for Roberto de Zerbi? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service Ken sat down with Brian Kerr to reflect on Kerr's short stint back in the Republic of Ireland dugout. Meanwhile, Olympic medal hopeful Rhasidat Adeleke joined us for a chat about her love for relay.However, things turned sour for Jacob Rees Murphy who found himself confronted by critics/haters of his neolib views on the much maligned streaming service, GAAGO.Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork/Limerick was an occasion for the ages, and Murph was there with today’s guest Jamie Wall to experience the home team’s 3-28 to 3-26 win in a raucous Páirc Uí Chaoimh. We reflect on how Cork managed to pick holes in Limerick’s defence, the champions’ come-back, the last-minute penalty that won it, and why Paul Kinnerk was losing it on the line with the Cork bench. There has also been some discussion around the fact the game was on GAA GO… Ken, as ever, stands up for the little man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does it say something about the level of drama in this Premier League title run-in that the most-talked-about thing this weekend was the leaking roof at Old Trafford? Or is that just because everybody is making the same unjustified assumption about Tottenham strewing Man City's path to the title with rose petals tomorrow night?Mark Critchley and Clive Palmer join us to talk through Arsenal's win. Is their season a success now even without the title? What do you have to do to get dropped from this Manchester United defence? And why is everybody - with one or two exceptions - apparently so sure that City are going to cruise through these last two matches? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our World Service Best Of show which this week features a look at what's likely next for Erik ten Hag and the managerial merry-go-round that's sure to follow. There's also Steve Staunton the true Gael and Gus Poyet getting quantified. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series  ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster are going to London and before Eoin gave up on his buffering Wi-Fi it looked as if they were cruising. Instead, they somehow found themselves staring down the barrel of one of the great European Cup comebacks - no need to remind you of the other one..We chat through a huge day for Leinster and Irish sport with Shane Horgan and the BBC's Chris Jones.A happy Murph details his day in the Salthill Sun and we get ahead of ourselves in predicting just how many medals the Irish Athletics relay team - powered by Rhasidat - will be bringing home from Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our World Service Best Of show which this week features Ken's rousing rendition of You May Be Right by Billy Joel, a debate as to the real ability of Jude Bellingham, Welcome to Wrexham, reaction to the Munster Hurling Championship and much more. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series  ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the fireworks of their defeat of Derry in the Ulster quarter-final, it was always going to be something rather different and more difficult for Jim McGuinness' Donegal team this weekend, and they needed extra time to overcome Tyrone and set up an Ulster final against Armagh.  Michael Murphy and Oisin McConville are on hand to talk through their respective counties' wins at the weekend, and also run the rule over Louth, who reached successive Leinster finals for the first time since the 1950s by putting sorry Kildare out of their misery and into the Tailteann Cup.  We also discuss Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry's tandem win on the PGA Tour last night, Rory's pipes, and sartorial elegance in the GAA management class. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin presides again over the weekly humiliation ritual in which Ken is forced to grudgingly accept that Kai Havertz played well over the weekend while grumbling vaguely about opportunity costs. Jonathan Wilson and Lars Sivertsen join us to talk about the NLD and other weekend football lines. Is Havertz the signing of the season? And how long can Ange Postecoglou get away with a vibes-based approach to set-pieces? We also talk about why the issue of 'tourist' fans at Premier League games is becoming increasingly heated, and find out how optimistic Jonathan and Lars are for Arne Slot's prospects at Liverpool.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our world service best of show which this week features reaction to Liverpool's loss to Everton, an exploration into Klopp's likely successor, Ken and Murph's trip to Tolka Park and just how popular Rugby continues to be in Ireland.Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series  ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a classic weekend of GAA action, but maybe the surprising result of all came in Celtic Park, as Donegal travelled to Derry and knocked off the league champions with a four-goal, five-star performance. Michael Murphy was working for BBC TV, was in attendance, and was designated driver for a car full of Donegal legends on Saturday night, and he joins us today to talk about Derry's lethargy, Jim McGuinness' impact, and the future of Odhran Lynch's upfield excursions. Ken brings us the news that Jose Mourinho is finally paying attention to Kieran McGeeney's tactical innovations, and we discuss Leinster's incredible popularity as they sell out Croke Park - with some public service announcements for their ticket- (and pint-) hungry fans.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coventry City almost pulled off the greatest FA Cup comeback of all time, but thankfully VAR was there to save us all from that happening by spotting one of the most fractional offsides of all time. Blessed are we who live under its eye.We also discuss Marc Canham's video communiqué from last Friday, what he seemed to be trying to say and what he might have said instead.Miguel Delaney joins us to talk about his experience at the Cup semi-final, and also the reverberations of Nottingham Forest's inflammatory comments about Stuart Attwell.Does a club accusing a referee of bias represent some kind of radical break with the norms and traditions of football? How else are clubs supposed to respond to the nonsense foisted on them by refs? Are corruption accusations inseparable from the use of VAR? And is there anything referees can practically do to extricate themselves from the conspiracy vortex that is engulfing them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our world service best of show which this week features reaction to Man City's dramatic loss to Madrid, a backlash to the relationism backlash, a meaty hurling preview and Oisin McConville explains why he is so open with the media.Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series  ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's (maybe) set to be a big week for the Irish Football Family with a new Men's Senior manager imminent but GO TOBANN just as Ken goes to grab the mic news breaks that FAI CEO Jonathan Hill will be stepping aside. Events, they just keep occurring.Outside of the FAI internal re-structuring The Great Debate of our epoch revolves around the conflict between Relationism and Positionism. On today's show Ken goes deep with tactics guru Jamie Hamilton.We also discuss the small matter of Liverpool and Arsenal handing the title to Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen triumphing in Deutschland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster went for a 6/2 bench, a Will Connors horse for the La Rochelle course, and defended with manic speed and aggression to beat ROG's team for the second time this season. They won with 27 points to spare, and the Nienaber factor was there for all to see.We chat to Shane Horgan and Ruaidhri O'Connor about slaying the dragon, the mental strength and skill required to score the Ryan Baird try after halftime, Ross Byrne's best-ever performance, peak Furlong, Leo Cullen's role in the side's evolution, how dangerous Toulouse look, Aviva boos, selling out Croke Park for a bank holiday weekend and how the Irish women's team ended their long 6N losing streak by winning in style against Wales.Plus there's Larmour's comeback, ROG's rebuild, Scheffler's dominance and a McTepid Masters prediction.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on our World Service highlights show; Ken exalts the value of watching football in double speed, Branno reviews Eric Cantona's live musicianship and Eoin bravely asks the big question - can Rory McIlroy win the Masters this weekend? To join up go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month plus VAT, with no contracts, no minimum stay and no sneaky fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United v Liverpool used to be a byword for stultifying boredom and dreariness. Not any more. We discuss another Liverpool fumble-job at Old Trafford, the cult of Darwin and the maniacally optimistic analysis of Erik ten Hag. Simon Hughes and John Brewin join us to talk about the game at Anfield. Did Liverpool get what they deserved? Is Ruben Amorim likely to succeed Klopp in the summer. What did John make of the Kev Show at Selhurst Park? And who do they feel is looking the strongest out of the three title contenders?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Manie Libbok placed the ball on the tee for the kick that would have knocked La Rochelle out of Europe, you just knew the Rugby Gods (and Libbok's 66% kicking stats) had other plans. And so it's come to pass that ROG and Will Skelton will march on Dublin once more, and Leinster will have to try and pass their greatest mental and physical challenge, once more.We chat to Shane Horgan and Ruaidhri O'Connor about Gibson (s)Park, lethargic Leinster, the case for Nienaber's defence, Munster's rotten luck and why speed, and a lack of it, is becoming a huge problem for the Irish provinces.There's also Connacht's big win in Pau, Ulster's surprising shot at a trophy, why losing a RWC winning prop might be good news, what Tadhg Beirne, Bundee Aki and Gibson Park have in common, and McDevitt warns ROG him not to feed the animals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our world service best of show which this week features an on form Pep, Duff and the regime, Rassie's rabble rousing and Leinster's battle at ten and drive for five. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series  ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A great weekend of football at Tallaght Stadium, at Anfield, at St James' Park, at Stamford Bridge, at Croke Park - joy, fun, excitement everywhere except at the Etihad Stadium where Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta's two sets of brightly coloured robots offered a terrifying portent of the future.Jonathan Wilson and Jon Mackenzie join us to talk about what it all means. Was this game bad? If so, whose fault was it? Did this game represent a decisive episode in the ongoing ideological war between positionism and relationism? Are we ready for a football future in which everything is under control except the egos of the coaches? Let's get stuck in... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seemed like everyone was piping up to have a go at the Irish football team after not even registering a goal during the drab March international break.. including the Swiss media, as we were alerted by a World Service member based there. US Murph chatted to us about the latest sporting superstar in the US, Iowa State basketballer Caitlin Clark who has recently broken the all-time NCAA scoring record across both the men's and women's game. Closer to home, Derry play Dublin in the Division 1 league final at HQ this weekend. However, Michael Murphy has much greater ambitions than that for the back-to-back Ulster Champions. To join up go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month plus VAT, with no contracts, no minimum stay and no sneaky fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare and Kilkenny are in the National Hurling League final, and Jamie Wall is back on the pod for the first time as the reigning 2024 Fitzgibbon Cup winning coach to talk us through their semi-final wins this weekend.Limerick were abysmal, according to their own manager John Kiely, and they’ve also been wrestling with the Kyle Hayes court case.  We discuss what likely impact the case will have on Limerick’s Drive For Five.We also find time to outline just why jersey-ripping has become such a key part of our Gaelic football consumption, and Eoin and Murph admit their complete ignorance when it comes to what exactly it is that insurance companies do to turn a profit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cold? Boring? Meaningless? Not from the point of view of the manager for whom the game was a top-level debut. John O'Shea saw a lot to like in Ireland vs Belgium on Saturday evening.We talk through the details of the game and wonder if we are about to see a second interim coaching appointment transform into a permanent one.Germany produced a shock 2-0 victory away to France on Saturday night; six months after taking the national team job, Julian Nagelsmann is winning people over. We talk to Archie Rhind-Tutt about the state of play for the host nation just a few weeks out from the Euros. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a week to remember on the World Service, for none more so than our own proud Galweigen and 'Top Red' Ciaran Murphy. We were delighted to chat with hurling legend Joe Canning on the latest edition of our 'I'll Tell You Who Wrote It Second Captains Book Club. Joe spoke to us about John Feinstein's A Good Walk Spoiled, his own impressive golfing CV and how now living in Limerick brings him into contact with a lot of, well.. Limerick people. Back in Dublin, Ken's attention over the long weekend was dominated by, of all things, the FA Cup. Specifically, the classic that played out between United and Liverpool at Old Trafford. To join up go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month plus VAT, with no contracts, no minimum stay and no sneaky fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have won back-to-back Six Nations and have been a very consistent team over a long period of time now. We put their achievements into context while also examining their form, which has tapered off since the Italy game.We chat to Chris Jones of the BBC, former 6N winner Andrew Trimble, and Tom English of BBC Scotland about Ireland's second-half power show against Scotland, if their attack needs a re-think, how they will cope if Peter O'Mahony retires, Central Gibson Park, and how Jack Crowley has settled in at 10.We also examine the quality of this year's Six Nations, if mid-table England will in fact be the most satisfied of all, Italy's rise and Wales having as much of a nightmare off the pitch as on it.Plus there's the greatest ever Galway sports person, Murph wilts under the McGeeney Gaze and Farrell bites back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The secret to any truly great sporting rivalry is some genuine animosity between the two parties, and when it comes to Ireland and the Scottish rugby team - these two straight up don't like each other. Even if one of them keeps beating the other time & time again.Elsewhere, the Champions League knockouts have finally caught fire. We chatted to Rory Smith of The New York Times and Nick Ames of The Guardian about Arsenal's progress and ask what is driving the trend of multi club models.To join up go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month plus VAT, with no contracts, no minimum stay and no sneaky fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Irish team didn't perform and the Irish media got this one badly badly wrong, except for a humble GAA man from Galway.We chat to Rob Kearney, Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about England's powered-up attack, Ireland's end game, O'Mahony's yellow, the lineout issues, the 6-2 split and what a 6N Championship would mean, and what a loss to Scotland might mean!We also discuss our various scapegoat options, Murph's Turph, Italy's win over Scotland, and Ken's admiration for Rob Kearney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool and Manchester City played another great game at Anfield and the big winners were Arsenal. The league leaders earned another important win against Brentford on Saturday evening. We discuss the edge of ruthlessness Mikel Arteta's players are showing as they chase a first title in 20 years.Dion Fanning and Gavin Cooney join us to talk over the Liverpool-City game and other Premier League weekend business. Klopp and Guardiola have defined the Premier League, their teams pushing each other to greater and greater heights, but there is ultimately only one question anyone cares about: who is better? Has Caoimhín Kelleher's decision to stay at Liverpool been vindicated? And how do they interpret Evan Ferguson's 19-game goalless run?We also get Branno's thoughts on who should be taking over from Declan Devine at Bohs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the year 2024 and ex Scottish Rugby International's are backing humble England over arrogant Ireland. Is this the future we wanted? Well, it's the one we have and this weekend could see Ireland push even closer to a back-to-back Grand Slam with victory in Twickenham. But first, Eoin is here to warn you with tales from the past.Yesterday Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson put their thinking caps on about why the Champions League has lost its appeal in recent times, and what could be done to get it backAfter being one of the first GAA players to take part in the NFL combine we caught up with Rory Beggan, by which time he was supposed to be back in Ireland, but there was a bit of a change of plans.To join up go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month plus VAT, with no contracts, no minimum stay and no sneaky fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FAI formally unveiled new interim manager John O'Shea at a pressconference at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon - Ken reports from thescene......and if you want to listen to that straightaway scroll to the end.First we talk through some of the action from a weekend that sawNottingham Forest's refereeing lobbyist Mark Clattenburg swing intoaction.Mark Critchley and John Brewin join us to talk about the Manchesterderby. Is it really too much to expect Man United should be able togive City more of a game than this? And if the future is looking bleakfor Erik ten Hag, how is it looking for Marcus Rashford? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland are once again raging hot favourites to win a 6N game, which may sit ok with us when it's Italy or this 2024 Wales team, but this time it's England, in Twickenham! We're not in Kansas anymore.We talk to Gerry Thornley about the dynamics at play including a warning from 6N history, Hugo Keenan's knee injury, Steve Borthwick's reputation, and Ryan Baird's red-hot form.Plus there's Sam Warburton's tackle power, Beggan's boot, and Jim McGuinness bemoaning the rampant use of the 'Rodri Foul' in Gaelic Football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly 100 days on from the announcement that Stephen Kenny’s time as Republic of Ireland manager was up, we finally have a successor... on an interim basis for the March friendlies against Belgium & Switzerland. We digest the news and speculate on what might happen if things go well for John O'Shea, and the heat this appointment takes off the FAI.Elsewhere, Ken fears for Man United ahead of the Manchester Derby this weekend with an emboldened City side lying in wait. Plus, it's been a big week for the GAA with the much-trumpeted appointment of Jarlath Burns as president, who has made it his mission to save Gaelic Football.To join up go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month plus VAT, with no contracts, no minimum stay and no sneaky fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken was at Wembley to see Caoimhin Kelleher help Liverpool to what Jurgen Klopp described as his sweetest-ever trophy.We talk through the action of the day, why young players seem to play better for Liverpool than they do for Chelsea, and why Chelsea don’t give their supporters anything to get behind.Rich Jolly and Jacob Steinberg join us to talk over the Carabao Cup final - and also Fulham’s late win at Old Trafford. Why did this trophy mean so much to Klopp? How much longer can Mauricio Pochettino cling on? And while we’re at it, what about Eric Ten Hag? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Too much winning", we cry, as Ireland march relentlessly towards another grand slam. The expectations are now so high that a flurry of penalties in the second half and some aimless attacks in the first half against a young Wales side have us demanding improvements, and fast. We chat to Chris Jones of the BBC and former Ireland winger Shane Horgan about Bundee's power, Ireland's bench strength, the fast start Frawley and Nash have made to their international careers, and if a reduced gameplan for England would trouble Ireland in two weeks time.Plus there's Duhan the try-machine, Garbisi's tee trouble, and the new Eddie Jones documentary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you hear the one about the CEO who jokingly asked for cash in lieu of holidays, had the nuance of the gag missed by the Finance Director and was accidentally paid more than the allowable salary agreed under the state bailout, leading to the President of the association openly doubting confidence him in from of a government committee? It may sound insane.. but this is the FAI we're talking about. Meanwhile, breaking news around the redevelopment plan of Belfast's Casement Park ahead of the 2028 Euros had us asking questions into the actual usefulness of the project as well as the geopolitics at play.Finally, we got around some football talk after an emotional Liverpool comeback win over Luton had Klopp reminiscing on some of his greatest nights as a manager. To join up go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month plus VAT, with no contracts, no minimum stay and no sneaky fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Wall’s Fitzgibbon Cup pedigree is pretty special. He was a selector for Mary I’s first win in the competition in 2016, was in charge in 2017, and in another David vs Goliath triumph won their third national title on Saturday, against 3-in-a-row chasing University of Limerick.He joins us on today’s show along with his selector Podge Collins, the former Clare All-Ireland winner and All-star (and his first cousin), to talk to us about their relationship, what makes the Fitzgibbon so special, and their post-match celebration seen around the world.We also discuss our two-time world champion Daniel Wiffen, and the imminent return of Flynn and Murph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish football fans don't ask for much these days, but when it comes to finding a new national team manager they still want a little mystery in their lives. So over the weekend when Chris Coleman shot to the top of the contenders list the general response appeared to be, through a chink too wide comes in no wonder.We chat to Dion Fanning and Gavin Cooney in studio about Coleman's credentials, the real/rumoured list of candidates, the FAI's fun faction, and how messy the whole managerial search appears to be.We also look at the form and feet of Liverpool and Ireland's Caoimhin Kelleher, the Nathan Collins stock market, Evan's goal drought, Erling's misses, and the Jota - Nunez master blaster strike partnership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to your weekly taster of the Kevin Brannigan World Service. With the domestic leagues kicking off this weekend, we've reunited the Sneyd & Branno dream team to raise the curtain on the League of Ireland season and weigh up Stephen Bradley's potential as the future Republic of Ireland manager. Plus there's a clip from tomorrow's show where we delve into the prospect of a doping-friendly sporting event fronted by Australian swimmer, James 'The Missile' Magnussen. To join go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and you can listen to us on Spotify or any normal podcast app on your phone, laptop or tablet, or on our website. Email [email protected] with any questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Declan Rice: to be fair, quite useful. A pity most West Ham fans didn't wait around long enough to see his goal. In the wake of a record-equalling home defeat for West Ham, we wonder what David Moyes has to do to get a little credit around here?Manchester United remain undefeated in 2024. They might not yet be the most spectacular of the teams chasing the Champions League spots but perhaps they look the most sustainable.Archie Rhind-Tutt joins us from Germany to talk about Bayer Leverkusen's 3-0 thrashing of Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso's team are the only unbeaten side in the top 5 leagues. Is it too soon to say we have found the new Pep? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have won 10 Six Nations games in a row now, and continue to do it in style with another 6 tries against Italy, and their first 6N/5N clean sheet since 1987.We chat to Gerry Thornley of The Irish Times and Tom English of BBC Scotland about Jack Crowley's passing game, Henshaw's case for holding onto the 13 jersey, who would replace Hugo Keenan if he's badly injured, why England are going to be tough to beat in Twickers, and if Scotland should blame the ref, the TMO, World Rugby's protocols, or themselves, for a defeat to an out of sorts French team.We get told to turn that frown upside down by a listener, and Murph looks at Jim McGuinness' soccer CV and wonders if he could do a job for the Republic of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our regular best of show which this week features Arsenal's lightly celebrated win over Liverpool, a mild mutiny at Chelsea and AFCON fun with Oluwashina. We also have Vegas Murph, Ireland's Grand Slam plan, lotsa (GAA) league analysis and pedants on pedants.To listen to our programming throughout the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s 5 euro a month for independent, commercial-free, member-led podcasts with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, The “I’ll Tell You Who Wrote It” Book Club and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series  ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not supposed to be this easy! Ireland's previous biggest win away to France was by 7 points, way back in 1948. In the wake of a record win in Marseille, we let a mix of emotions - joy, awe, confusion, expectation - wash over us. We chat to Shane Horgan about the unbridled optimism of our running game, our rejuvenated lineout, Jack Crowley's mental resets, Beirne's brains, a defanged Shaun Edwards and what's up with France?Ireland are now strong favourites to win a slam, but who is our main challenger as the Scots win but lose, as Finn Russell ticks off his teammates, as England learn on the job and as Wales somehow build belief from nothing.And after watching Derry outplay Tyrone Murph tells us who is going to win the All-Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last Friday, the football world was shocked to learn that Jurgen Klopp will leave his job as Liverpool manager at the end of the season. This week, we focused our gaze on what happens next, and who will fill the shoes of this legendary figure.Elsewhere, Ireland are away to a bruised and emotional French team this weekend in the opening round of the Six Nations. What better way to dust off a World Cup hangover than to dive headfirst into a potential championship decider?Plus, we caught up with US Murph after his beloved San Francisco 49ers pulled off a miraculous second-half comeback to beat the Detroit Lions to the NFC Championship and set the stage for a date with destiny in Las Vegas.To join go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and you can listen to us on Spotify or any normal podcast app on your phone, laptop or tablet, or on our website. Email [email protected] with any questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FAI's search for a new manager is not going well. Pot stirrer Eoin McDevitt is still doing his bit though; he chatted to Neil Lennon on Premier Sports over the weekend, and today on Second Captains it's Gus Poyet, who is very keen on the job.Man United just about got past "County Newport" but the big story is nightclub enthusiast Marcus Rashford. Ken reviews the reviews of the clubs of Belfast.Plus there's the incredible shrinking Barcelona, Dion Dublin's pro-am, and all the things that Liverpool will miss about Klopp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Football League is winning hearts and minds on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Irish version of the NFL kicked off this weekend, with some cracking games and away upsets.  Michael Murphy is back in the Second Captains saddle for another year, and he talks to us about conversations with Jim McGuinness about a sensational playing return, conversations for 10 years about Roger Schmidt and gegenpressing, and why 1-20 in Ballybofey in January is pretty good shooting. We also discuss bogey teams in the GAA - Galway can’t beat Mayo, Monaghan can’t lose to Dublin (in the league, at any rate), and Mickey Harte is still inflicting pain on Kerry football.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The murder by a loyalist gang of Sean Brown, the Chairman of the Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA club in Derry in May 1997 was a heinous, violent act, and one that has reverberated through generations of his town and his family.   In this special Second Captains episode, we travel to Bellaghy to talk to his daughter Siobhán and grandson Damán about their continuing fight for justice.  We talk about the obstacles that have stood in their way over the last 27 years, and the impact of the NI Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation Act on the inquest currently ongoing into his death.  Their barrister is Des Fahy, author of “How The GAA Survived The Troubles”, also talks to us about who Sean Brown was, and why being a member of a GAA club was enough to get an innocent man killed.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All-Ireland club finals don’t always deliver quality games, but they are usually good for a narrative arc or two… and in 2024, we managed to get the best of both worlds.  Maurice Brosnan of the Irish Examiner talks to us about Éanna Burke’s last-minute wizardry that won it for St Thomas’, and we discuss Conor Glass’ mastery of the big moments which will be the stand-out memory of Glen’s maiden All-Ireland club final win. Ken weighs in on what hurling can do to improve itself - and his findings may enrage traditionalists - and Eoin makes the argument for wet-weather-only fixtures.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ivan Toney seems to have made good use of his time away from the game, learning how to use his mind to manipulate and control the Universe. With this new skill in his locker it's looking like a big 2024 in prospect for the big man.We also talk about new developments in game management, Darwin's 10/10 and Manchester United's latest stunning boardroom "coup".Then Samindra Kunti joins us from Doha to report on the Asian Cup, where Palestine still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage after drawing with the UAE in their second match.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Murph joined us on the World Service for a round-up of the NFL Playoffs, a hearty laugh at the Dallas Cowboys and to give credit to the punting abilities of The Wicklow Whacker - Dan Whelan. Elsewhere, Jose Mourinho's time at AS Roma has come to a close in his customary third season at the club. We ask where next for the self-proclaimed 'Little Magpie'?Plus, there's Ken's beef with the Germans over Jadon Sancho and a return to pedant's corner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster were on a bad run of results, injuries and performances, hadn't won away from home all season, and were 10-0 down away to Toulon in a must-win tie.... so naturally they shot the light outs, got a 4-try BP win, and changed the entire complexion of their Champions Cup campaign.We chat to Ruaidhri O'Connor about Munster marrying the old and the new, the impact Peter O'Mahony's return had on the team and why, almost 30 years into professionalism, big characters can still make all the difference.We continue to put grit into Murph's gears, take a lift to the top floor of the Lions experience, have a peek at the 6N form guide, seek the help of Permutations Man, and Ronnie O'Sullivan wins an 8th Masters title while also goading and chastising everyone around him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Jadon Sancho feels a bit hard done by after his treatment at Manchester United maybe he should take a look at what is happening at Forest Green Rovers, where charismatic young coach Troy Deeney is showing what can happen when managers are prepared to take off the kid gloves and start dealing out some harsh truths. Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley join us to talk about the weekend’s PL action. How can Ange Postecoglou get his B-team to play the same way as the injured first-teamers? Will Dave Brailsford succeed in putting Manchester United into a challenge-state after a decade of threat-state? And would football be better if it cast off the shackles of regulation and allowed the richest owners the freedom to express their visions and dreams to the max? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our regular world service highlights show. For our second week of podcasting in 2024 we covered Mo's rep in Egypt, Darwin Nunez's misses in slow mo, BCM (?), Taylor Swift's impact on the form of the Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Farrell taking a break from the Ireland job to do the Lions job, an Irish football managerial update and Ken's reflections on teflon Beckenbauer. Plus there was ugly Chelsea, America's assholes, Aaron Rodgers V Jimmy Kimmel, Nienaber's Leinster deadline, the Mack Hansen hole in our 6N squad, Carbery's career, Jim McGuinness' ban, and Ronan Finn in studio on his glorious career.To join go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and you can listen to us on Spotify or any normal podcast app on your phone, laptop or tablet, or on our website. Email [email protected] with any questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All-Ireland club final between Watty Graham's Glen and Kilmacud Crokes was one of the most controversial sporting events of 2023... and 7 days into 2024, they got a chance to go at it again. This time around, in yesterday's semi-final in Newry, the action on the field was completed to everyone's satisfaction... even if it was enshrouded in fog. Oisin McConville saw as much of it as the rest of us, and we talk to him about Glen's resilience, Jim McGuinness' return to GAA management... and why he could be about to lose his Wicklow goalkeeper to the NFL. We also discuss Eoin's newly bald jawline, Fog On The Tyne, and who might overcome their hangover to win the Dioralyte O'Byrne Cup.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every year it becomes more culturally embarrassing for us to talk about the third round of the FA Cup, and yet... here we go again. This time - the Sunderland-Newcastle damp squib, the latest gut-punch for Arsenal, and plaintive cries from the Saudi coast suggesting one more possible reason for Liverpool's successful transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HNY and welcome to our regular Second Captains snifter. For our first week back in 2024 we covered Darwin Nunez's net positive contributions, the poor man's Todd Boehly (Garry Cook), Wayne Rooney and the golden generation's hapless coaching careers and what challenges a teenage sports star such as Luke Littler faces after they make their first breakthrough. To join go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and you can listen to us on Spotify or any normal podcast app on your phone, laptop or tablet. Email [email protected] with any questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year from all of us at Second Captains! To celebrate we've decided to dip into the vault and dig out our favourite interview of 2023, an all-timer with Ronnie O'Sullivan live in our Dublin studio.Ronnie O’Sullivan joins us to talk about anxiety, his childhood, his relationship with his father before and after his father went to jail, his relationship with Snooker and why he looks to Messi, Jordan and Tiger for lessons on how to get better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A feast of festive football games, coaches who can’t read the room, ref nixers, viral fakes, the Thirty Years War - it must be the annual post-Christmas football pod with Jonathan Wilson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly Second Captains snifter. To join go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and we’re independent and Irish owned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster appeared to be in a winning position away to Exeter, before some bad kicks, bad bounces, poor refereeing decisions and an intercept turned 5 game points into 1, putting a big hole in their European campaign in the process. On the back of the draw with Bayonne and the news that RG Snyman will likely be moving to Leinster next year, it's been a rough week for the URC champs.We chat to Ruaidhri O'Connor and Shane Horgan about Munster's slick attack and weak basics, the rights and wrongs of RG"s move, Leinster's good cap bad cop routine, Ulster's tap dance and Connacht's miserable defence.Plus there's Figo's flip, club hurling's screen battle and the best talker in Irish sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the action at Anfield making for slim pickings, we turn to the spreadsheets in search of fresh narrative. The results MIGHT surprise you...There's also Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez, Peter Walton's idea of acceptable dissent, Phil Foden's latest betrayal of Pep Guardiola and a clash of fire and ice in prospect on the shores of the Red Sea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liam Brady brought the house down at our end-of-year live show last week, arriving with anecdotes full of insight, levity and physical comedy that were warmly received by the Liberty Hall crowd and our World Service members alike. Elsewhere, Ken has been marvelling at Manchester United's ill-fated Champions League campaign which has served us up a six-part series of appointment-television, dramatic perfection fit for an Emmy Award.To join go to secondcaptains.com/join - it's a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and we're independent and Irish owned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster went to war in La Rochelle, and at the fourth time of asking against ROG's team, got the win they craved. It won't make up for the last three seasons in Europe, but it was a deeply satisfying win.We chat to Shane Horgan and Murray Kinsella of The42 about Frawley's monster kick to seal it, the levels of animosity between these two teams, and Leinster's toughness, tackle technique and lineout masterclass.There's also Munster's weak set piece, Connacht taking a hammering at home and Ulster's roll of the managerial dice.And Ken gives us his take on Wiffen's short-course world record. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A great weekend for Unai Emery and Lewis Dobbin, not only because they were winning but because they were celebrating in the right way, according to the people who pay attention to these things.Manchester United's 0-3 defeat to Bournemouth came as no surprise to Mystic Murph - but Erik ten Hag's team selection did. Still, if the title of Sir Big Jim's new book is anything to go by, help is on the way.Lars Sivertsen and Gavin Cooney join us to talk about the weekend's football. Is Emi Martinez emerging as Mikel Arteta's biggest transfer mistake that nobody really noticed at the time? Why might Martin Odegaard be struggling to hit the levels of last season? And how long can Chelsea hide in the shadows from their own reckoning?Gavin also brings us up to speed with some of the happenings of the FAI AGM on Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After what could be considered one of the greatest performances in the club's storied history, it’s time to welcome a new force into the world of Premier League superclubs - Unai Emery's Aston Villa. Miguel Delaney and Rory Smith joined us to delve into their past and ask if they truly are contenders for this year's title.Plus, Malachy Clerkin and Sinead O'Carroll were in studio this week to review the best sports books of 2023. This time around, with the added wrinkle of having a book written by one of our judges on the shortlist.It's been a mega week on the World Service and there's so much more to come. To join go to secondcaptains.com/join - it's a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and we're independent and Irish owned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In front of 8,100 fans in a packed out Sportsground, Connacht had Leinster beat; until the very death when Ciaran Frawley broke their hearts. We discuss the many ebbs and flows of psychic energy in this game and whether the pain will linger for Connacht.Gerry Thornley was in Galway to witness a deeply flawed Leinster display and a thrilling Mack Hansen comeback. We also discuss Munster's magic attack, Ulster's internal strife and big Thomas Ahern's shot at being a starter in Europe.Plus there's Match Of The Day McDevitt, Big Sam's hat and Ronnie O'Sullivan's numbers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can be sure that Friday's live show guest Sam Allardyce would have been appalled at the spectacle of City 3-3 Spurs.For the rest of us it was pretty good. Spurs' devotion to their apparently suicidal gameplan, Kulusevski arriving at the back post like the wrath of god, Haaland screaming at the ref for calling it back as Grealish ran through - and Pep revealing in his post-game comments that he is a Master & Commander guy. John Brewin and Rich Jolly join us to talk about some of the weekend's action. Has Ange Postecoglou proved he is the real deal? What has gone wrong for Jack Grealish this season? Why is there such a wave of anger towards Marcus Rashford from Manchester United fans? And will Jadon Sancho succeed in outlasting Erik ten Hag?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our Second Captains taster menu which this week features Madchester United, the no fun GAA and the battle to be Ireland's next top outhalf. To join go to secondcaptains.com/join – it’s a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and we’re independent and Irish-owned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It turns out that Irish footballers literally cannot stop scoring and creating goals right now. Does this make the Ireland job the hottest vacant property in world football? The weekend brought the sad news of Terry Venables' death at the age of 80. We look back on the broadcasting masterclass that ended Venables' chances of managing Ireland back when the job paid a lot more than it does now.We also talk about the anti-corruption protest at Everton and whether the Everton fans really are on to something about the corruption of the Premier League. There is even time to talk about a very 1230ish edition of Man City v Liverpool.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Don't ever doubt me again" - Ireland, consider yourself told. Katie Taylor avenged her only professional defeat with an exceptional points victory over Chantelle Cameron in the 3Arena on Saturday night, with a performance that franks her boxing greatness and rubber-stamps her place as one of Ireland's most beloved sports-people. We speak to former middle-weight world champion Andy Lee and the42's Gavan Casey about an extraordinary atmosphere, a display for the ages, and the possibility of a final act for the trilogy. There appears to be widespread enthusiasm for the idea of Croke Park hosting Taylor/Cameron III, but one of our presenting team is intent on bringing down the mood... and it's not the Croke Park area resident in our midst either.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the same night that Stephen Kenny said his farewells to the Lansdowne Road crowd, James McClean, too said goodbye after more than 100 caps for his country. Both gave us plenty to argue about on the World Service. We also spoke to Mark Langhammer, Trade Union leader and vice-chairman of Crusaders Football Club on why he believes Casement Park is the right choice of Northern Irish stadia for Euro 2028.Plus, Ken gives his thoughts on Brazil vs Argentina and ‘useless pissheads’. To join go to secondcaptains.com/join - it's a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and we're independent and Irish owned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pele did it first with Santos and the NY Cosmos, playing half a game with his boyhood club, and the other half with his adopted big city club - and our Murph is definitely the only other athlete to have done it, with Milltown of Galway and Templeogue Synge Street of Dublin. Did he play equally badly for both, as instructed?A proposal to remove counties with fewer than five adult club hurling teams from competing in the National Hurling League has been hammered from the moment it was suggested earlier this month - we speak to Jamie Wall about what the future holds for hurling in those counties, and why many hurling people are happy enough with the status quo.  And there’s one last round on the carousel for the David Clifford Player of the Year debate, as he became the first back-to-back winner of that award in history last Friday night...... despite missing a free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look back on Saturday's game in Amsterdam and the lessons from Ireland's disastrous qualifying campaign. "What was the alternative?" was Stephen Kenny's reply to questions about his approach following the latest defeat - but will his successor have to think of one? We talk to the deputy chair of Everton's shareholders association, John Blain, about the 10-point penalty imposed on the club after they were found guilty of breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. How are Everton fans feeling about the punishment? Why have the league come down so heavily on Everton? And what might this mean for other financial cases currently in the pipeline?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat to the legendary Tim Vickery about why Luis Diaz Sr was abducted in Colombia, why no ransom was sought, and how strong the links are between crime and football in Colombia, in the wake of the cartel era.We also welcomed Daryl Horgan to studio to discuss his time working under Stephen Kenny, Damien Duff and Anthony Barry in the Ireland set up and what happened before that infamous Ireland V England game. Plus there's Ken on Michael Owen's twitter feedback.To join go to secondcaptains.com/join - it's a fiver a month with no contracts, no minimum stay, no sneaky fees, no obligations, no ads and we're independent and Irish owned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we speak to director Laura McGann from Ireland about her brilliant documentary The Deepest Breath which last night picked up two Critics Choice awards for Best Sports Documentary and Best Cinematography.In just one week in late July The Deepest Breath had been watched on Netflix by 4.6 million people. The  story revolves around two characters - Alessia Zecchini, a world-class free diver from Italy, and Stephen Keenan from Ireland, who made a name for himself as a safety diver and was in a relationship with Alessia. Its a gripping, emotional and often shocking documentary about two people devoted to a sport and to each other.And Murph looks at the career of legendary Armagh and Crossmaglen star Aaron Kernan who announced his retirement this weekend having won 18 county titles, 8 Ulsters and 3 All-Irelands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St Patrick's Athletic beat Bohemians 3-1 in a record-breaking FAI Cup final. FAI CEO Jonathan Hill had promised in his programme notes: "I trust memories will be made to last a lifetime as we all take another step on our respective journeys." Today we share the memories we made in that step along our respective journeys.  We talk about the sensational 4-4 at Stamford Bridge, and the truth underlying the narratives now developing around "embattled" Eddie Howe and Ange "is this guy even a football manager" Postecoglou. Gavin Cooney joins us to talk more about the FAI Cup Final. How does he explain the Cup final's rise? What gave Pat's the edge on the day? Why can't Bohs match off-field development with on-field success? And what are we to make of the fact that all this played out against the backdrop of another embarrassing storyline coming out of Abbottstown?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs - Chelsea was a box office affair, both during the game and after the final whistle. Ange Postecoglou’s nine-man high-line high-wire act stirred up the Spurs base and baffled everyone else. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kerry county final should be one of the showpiece occasions of the GAA club season, but when East Kerry won their fourth title in 5 seasons yesterday, there was a hint of a cloud overhead. There is nothing more labyrinthine in the GAA than Kerry's club championship structure but our guide today is Maurice Brosnan of the Irish Examiner, as he talks to us about proud clubs getting relegated, amalgamated sides dominating, and the impact of the split season. We also discuss back-up quarter-back Josh Dobbs' heroics with the Minnesota Vikings yesterday, who used his background in aerospace engineering to show that playing quarter-back in the NFL isn't exactly rocket science.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mikel Arteta is mad as hell and he's not gonna take it any more. That much is clear. But why were Arsenal so angry on Saturday night, and what do they actually want to see changed?Miguel Delaney and Mark Critchley join us to talk about the weekend's football. What did they make of the Newcastle-Arsenal aftermath? Why does Miguel fancy Poch to slam the brakes on the Ange Express tonight?We discuss the art of the come and get me plea, and the glorious hysteria of the Libertadores final on Saturday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone's favourite World Service duo (maybe) David Sneyd and Kevin 'Branno' Brannigan were back this week to chat about "Shamrock's" record-equalling fourth league title in a row, the ethics around the guard of honour and the key to success in the League of Ireland. We also spoke to 2013 All-Star and All-Ireland Winner, Conor Ryan whose intercounty career was cruelly cut short for medical reasons. Conor talks to us about finding a life and identity away from GAA, how he managed to return to play with his club Cratloe, and what lessons he was able to bring back to his teammates. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland lost but won.. at least as far as the World Rugby’s ‘Dream Team of the Year’ selection is concerned, which is all we really wanted anyway, isn’t it?The Rugby World Cup final was a tense and compelling affair, but maybe not the showpiece we had hoped for. We chat to Shane Horgan and The Irish Independent's Rúaidhrí O’Connor about how the Springboks got it done, claiming some Irish credit and Eddie Jones’ return to Japan.Plus Ken gives us his thoughts on the Manchester derby, Antony’s antics and where Ten Hag seemed to get it so wrong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s World Service taster, we check in with Johnny Doyle, the 45-year-old man of the match who inspired his club Allenwood to their first Kildare County title since 1990. Johnny joins us live from the fabled Monday Club. We also chatted to Ciara McCormack, the Canadian-born former Ireland international who became international news after blowing the whistle on abuse within Canadian football. Ciara talks to us about channelling those experiences into her new role as the first-ever female CEO in the League of Ireland with Treaty United in Limerick. Plus, Scotty Stevenson & Ruaidhri O’Connor give us their take on World Rugby’s plans for the future which have brought with them much controversy and confusion. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Africa looked ragged and anxious against a rejuvenated England team, but once again showed they're the strongest squad, both mentally and physically. We chat to Chris Jones, the BBC's rugby union correspondent and co-host of the excellent Rugby Union Weekly podcast, and Shane Horgan, Ireland and Lions winger and veteran of two world cups, about the South African management team's triumphs and failures, allegations against SA's hooker, Bongi Mbonambi, of using racist language on the pitch, why the scrum plays such a huge (too huge?) role in some games, Pollard's amazing penalty, and who will win the final between NZ and SA.Plus there's radio silence, Matt Williams goes viral, Ken equates penalty worms with scrum laws, and we get a high-performance email.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a monster of a team Unai Emery has put together... using most of the same players the previous coach reckoned weren't up to it. After their demolition job on West Ham, the time is right to hail Villa's accomplishments - and to remember a certain somebody who hasn't been given due credit for the part he has played in their resurgence.Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal promised much and delivered... another argument over just what exactly a goalkeeper is meant to be these days. We also discuss why James Milner's managers seem to enjoy watching him suffer and look at the relationship between Bobby and Jack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly world service platter. We chat to Kenny apologists Ken and Richie about Irish football’s next step, we had our best ever Grunge Week, Ken Burley comes out fighting after Ireland’s loss to NZ and we look at the Farrell DivideJoin us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As much of a spectacle as this weekend’s quarter finals were, going out in a classic will be of little consolation to Irish players, coaches and supporters. The World Cup hoodoo lives on - and it’s probably the most painful one yet. To pick apart this carcass we’re joined by Shane Horgan, The 42’s Murray Kinsella and Scotty Stevenson from TVNZ. Did the NZ coaches outsmart us on the day? What effect did having to chase the game so early have on Ireland? Where do we go from here? And how utterly daft was the France - South Africa game? And we check in on Ken Burley who made his grand return to the NZ airwaves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Irish sporting weekend that will echo in eternity began with a dismal 2-0 defeat to Greece on Friday night. New tactics, same old outcome. "I'm going to lose the argument whatever I say here. It's not an argument I can win," Stephen Kenny admitted afterwards. The most encouraging words were provided by Greece coach Gus Poyet who was impressed by the amount Irish fans spend on official sportswear. We sift through the ashes of defeat, as is tradition, and consider the warped incentives that await Ireland in Amsterdam next month. We also discuss the limited scope of Jordan Henderson's off-field work in Saudi Arabia and the latest developments in the Manchester United takeover saga.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Service is a fairly broad church and this week was no different. Ken got around to watching the David Beckham Netflix documentary and was suitably unimpressed by what he deemed to be a 'tissue of lies'.Meanwhile, we got word from New Zealand legend Justin Marshall on how he feels his boys are set for their clash with Ireland this weekend. Interestingly for us, it's not all rosy in the garden for the All Blacks. Plus, US Murph fills us in on the most dramatic news to come out of America in ages.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At least there was one Scot who turned up on Saturday. We savour the anguish in the voice of our Stretford End correspondent, who sent a message of hopelessness late in the second half when all seemed lost. We were (mostly) spared another week of “it’s not incompetence it’s corruption” thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late deflected winner at the Emirates. Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk about the two big games of the weekend. Is it finally really happening for Arsenal? What is the problem with Lars’s boy, Erling Haaland? Why was Brighton-Liverpool one of the most interesting games Jonathan has seen in a long time? And what can Scandinavia teach us about football’s fight for Freedom?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland put in one of the best performances of the Farrell era to beat Scotland out the gate by halftime, at which stage everyone's thoughts turned to the mighty, but maybe less mighty than they used to be, All Blacks.We chat to Shane Horgan, Gerry Thornley and Scotty Stevenson of TVNZ about the level this Irish team are now playing at, the injury issues and what decisions Farrell will have to make over the next few days, whether past World Cups or the series win in NZ are relevant, the Joe Schmidt factor, and who they see as the more likely winner.Meanwhile, Ken is impressed by Ireland but is worried about the other nations, Murph says "I told you so" to Scotland and Simon caught up with Caelan Doris and Andy Farrell after the match in Paris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service we discussed André Onana's transformation into a Just Stop Oil protestor, Shane Horgan pleaded with our Permutations Man to be quiet (!), while Eamon Carr joined us in studio to tell us of his life on the road with the Horslips, which included some run ins with John Law. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All we ask of the Ryder Cup is that it be close… and if it’s not close, can we at least make sure that Rory McIlroy is picking fights in the car-park on the Saturday night?  Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times and Gavin Cooney from the 42 are back in studio to talk to us about Rory’s fightin’ talk, Patrick Cantlay’s cap, and why these things keep finishing in crushing wins for the home team. There’s also a triumphant/boring return for Permutations Man, Marcus Aurelius, and five-team groups in the Rugby World Cup.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fastest current player in the Premier League, De Zerbi De Stroyed at Villa, and the psychology of charity penalties... just some of the things we talk about today before moving on to the main event of Referees and their Video Review helpers.Miguel Delaney and Dion Fanning join us to pick through the entrails of the post-Spurs v Liverpool carnage. Is this the biggest VAR mess yet? Does it have the potential to grow from an embarrassment into a genuine scandal? Are there solutions that can improve the current situation? Or - since VAR clearly doesn't work - is the obvious fix not just to... bin it altogether? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service we discussed the joys and high farce of the Ryder Cup, Kimmage told us some home truths, we look at some scary RWC permutations and we have a football show coming up on Thursday. Are Man United back?Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 21st September 2023 was Murph Day, as friends, family, colleagues and Fíor-Ghaels assembled in the Sugar Club in Dublin to celebrate the launch of his new book “This Is The Life”.Ken, having read the book, realises there was a lot he didn’t know about his old pal – and now feels bad for constantly bringing up the county final Murph lost and played so terribly in, all those years ago.Second Captains regulars Oisin McConville and Jamie Wall joined the party too to discuss the book, the GAA’s fetishisation of hardship, its use of emotional blackmail and why it is the perfect “third place”.Plus there’s young Murph, selfish Murph, talented Murph, Tony’s van, “the anywheres”, and a live rendition of Frances Murphy’s TV guide.“This Is The Life” is available in all good bookshops now, or available online here https://linktr.ee/CiaranMurphy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland showed guts and defiance in an epic battle against world champs South Africa, and while there's talk of the two teams meeting again in a final, have we all got too carried away with a win that doesn't even come close to getting us into a QF?We get reactions from And-versity Farrell on their mental toughness, Tadhg Beirne on their lineout issues, Ryan Baird on what won it for Ireland, and SA head coach Jacques Nienaber on their decision to kick at goal so often, given they didn't pick a proven goal kicker.We chat to Daily Maverick sport editor Craig Ray about some of SA's decision-making on and off the field of play and his theory on why they used their lineout and maul so rarely.Andrew Trimble tells us what most pleased him about Ireland's performance, the display of James Lowe, the bench impact, the huge impact the Irish fans are having on this tournament and why this is so much bigger than just another pool win.Plus there's permutations man and we discuss Zombie nation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland managers down the years have got used to being asked whether there is anything they can learn from Rugby, but is it time to put those same questions to Mikel Arteta? After the NLD post-mortem, we talk about why Chelsea are too big to fail and how Szoboszlai is ensuring that Jordan Henderson's reputation continues to crater. With apologies, there is a brief section about VAR.The Ireland WNT started the Nations League campaign with a 3-0 win against Northern Ireland, in front of a record crowd of nearly 36,000 at the Aviva. Ken was there to see whether the team is ready to move on from Veraball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graeme Souness joined us last week in the sold-out Olympia Theatre as part of our tenth birthday celebrations to discuss his philosophy on punditry.  We look at the many myths surrounding Mack Hansen's journey to Irish Rugby superstardom, and there's Gabriele Marcotti on how to rediscover the magic of the Champions League. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken hasn't always pulled for the team of us but the anti rugby discourse is sending him the other way. Can Irish rugby hold onto its newest fan?We chat to Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about Ireland's improved lineout, their ability to cope with South Africa's defence, Andy Farrell's bench options, Fiji's demo job on Australia and if teams should fear England in a potential semi final.Plus there's live show news, Dave Kilcoyne on Farrell's happy camp and Gloria Gaynor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"There's no new way to play football," Graeme Souness told us at the Olympia on Thursday night. But has anyone mentioned this to Roberto de Zerbi?We talk about why Brighton's way of playing football really is new, and why some kneejerk voices in the MSM (Ken) are already turning on Erik ten Hag after what was, to be clear, only his second home league defeat in a year. Then we talk to Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter), who has reported extensively on Everton's prospective new owners, 777 Partners, for Josimar magazine in Norway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland briefly stuttered before romping to a feel-good win that included some under-12's tactics, a bit of Bundee brilliance, a lap of honour and Mack in his cacks.We chat to Shane Horgan and World Cup winner Joel Stransky about how happy Andy Farrell and Sexton were afterwards, what we can learn from the Scotland SA game, why France will put the fear into the other teams and why don't more players kick drop goals, a la George Ford, especially considering they have won World Cups for SA (Stransky), England (Wilkinson) and NZ (Carter).Plus there's smooth Sexton, how Ireland can beat the Boks and tears for Fiji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things are not looking good.Stephen Kenny, the preacher of revolution, outdone once again on the European battlefield by an opposing manager with an ability to tweak in-game tactics.Ireland have lost four out of five in the group, bringing Ireland's total number of competitive defeats to 13 in 26 matches. Bare facts have begun to conspire against Stephen Kenny.On today's Football Pod we are joined by Richie Sadlier and Damien Delaney. We talk through the tactical missteps and, respectfully, look towards the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was all about the Irish national teams this week on the World Service. First up, the Irish Football team who fly into Paris for their Euro qualifier against the French as lambs for the proverbial slaughter - if Richie and the lads are to be believed.More hope, maybe, for the rugby team as the Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday with Ireland going in as slight favourites - if AI supercomputer data models are to be believed.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a new week on the Second Captains podcast, one which features both the Irish soccer team playing France, and the start of our Rugby World Cup campaign. Ken finds out today that our football team are not, in fact, playing in the Stade de France for rugby reasons - a revelation which while late in arriving, we should offer thanks for arriving at all.We talk to Caitlin Thompson of Racquet Magazine about the new wave of American tennis talent that is in danger of taking over Flushing Meadows and the US Open. They seem completely uninhibited by the baggage of American tennis' underachievement of the last 20 years (Williams sisters besides) and are electrifying the already-raucous New York crowd.There's also Carlos Alcaraz, whose AI tennis brain has bowled Caitlin over and Ken's thoughts on the 'Devil Genre'.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday evening, Evan Ferguson became the first 18 year old to score a hat trick in 25 years. This is an incredible sporting achievement, so why does it seem like everyone's first instinct now is to start babbling about money? It actually wasn't always this way..After Arsenal's late surge to victory against Manchester United we discuss Mikel Arteta's new folksy wisdom-based communication style, and wonder how Jadon Sancho thought it was a good idea to post that message disputing his coach's account of why he didn't make yesterday's squad. Andrew Mangan and Lars Sivertsen join us to talk about the weekend's football. Four games into his Arsenal Premier League career, how happy are Arsenal fans with Declan Rice? Are there worrying indications that Erik Ten Hag might be about to jump over the fence (baby)? And, when you get right down to it, is Evan Ferguson better than Erling Haaland?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the world service we covered the Vera Pauw saga, looked on in horror at the Rubiales family dynamic, built up to Bohs V Rovers with Declan Devine, and looked at the mess that's left when the worlds of American Football, the deep south, conservatorships and Hollywood collide.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another day, another Second Captains presenter making their way to a swiftcare clinic - this time it's brave Ciaran Murphy. What's the prognosis, soldier?There were no surprises in Andy Farrell's World Cup squad, but Cian Healy's omission is a blow to their chances. We talk to Andrew Trimble about the time he missed out on the 2015 RWC, how to play Joe Schmidt, the team's patchy form in the warm-ups, and, after two positive doping tests over the weekend, whether he thinks rugby has a potentially huge issue with performance-enhancing drugs.Plus there's Femke Bol's redemption and fans with typewriters.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh, Eddie. Half an hour in, Trent Alexander-Arnold was having one of the worst games of his career. At full-time he was hailing "one for the ages", as Darwin Nuñez' late double fired Liverpool to one of their best-ever Premier League wins. Ken has finally sat down to watch some of the Newcastle documentary and is wowed by the genius of the corporate titans now running NUFC. But can the show give any indication as to what might be happening with Al Ittihad's reported pursuit of Mohamed Salah?John Brewin and Dion Fanning join us to talk through the weekend's football. Where does Darwin stand after that immortal glory show? Is Eddie Howe's approach turning out to be a bit belt-braces-and-hands-in-pockets for St James' Park? Where did it all go wrong for Brighton against West Ham? And are comeback kings Manchester United building momentum - or papering over the cracks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we hit all corners of the podcast world, from brave journalism in the mixed zone to to Ken wondering if maybe a famous GAA coach is the devil .Enjoy at your leisure.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain are the women's World Cup champions - a victory for both the universally-admired Spanish coaching system and for one not-very-admired Spanish coach in particular. Mark Critchley and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk through the weekend's football. Chelsea crashed and burned at West Ham - teething problems or a portent of doom? Critch saw Manchester City defang Newcastle, with Phil Foden exceptional - where is he likely to be playing this season? Meanwhile, Wilson was at Spurs to see the liftoff of Angeball. What are the early signs of the new approach at Tottenham? Can Richarlison replace Harry Kane as the centre-forward? And why do Manchester United seem surprised to find themselves playing Premier League matches already? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland eased to a comfortable RWC warm up win over England, but the moment that had everyone cheering was Keith Earls' tumble-try which reminded us all how much he is loved, how fit he is and how good he is at rugby.We chat to Ruaidhri O'Connor of the Irish Independent about Earls' chances of making the squad, Mack and Lowe's magnificent creations, Ireland's lineout woes and Dan Sheehan's injury issues.Plus there's awful England, Rhasidat's run and Ken's 2007 Stephen Jones/Andrew Sheridan RWC memories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary broadcaster Michael Parkinson has died, aged 88. Today we re-release an interview we did with him in 2014, looking back on an unrivalled journalistic career which all started with him writing about football for his local newspaper in Barnsley. He went on to become a well respected sports columnist for The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times, and was named sports writer of the year in 1998. In his early days on the beat in Yorkshire he came across Arthur Hopcraft, who wrote one of the greatest sports books of all time, “The Football Man”, which Parkinson wrote the foreword for. The two were friends for life, sharing a similar philosophy on the game. We talked to Michael about Hopcraft, football's relevance to English society in the 50's and 60's, why it still matters, writing about the game at a time of huge upheaval, how George Best changed everything and why the modern game held little joy for him. We join all those today saluting one of the greatest broadcasters of all time.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A while back we dared to dream of Rugby World Cup semis and finals, but a proper look at the draw soon sobered us up as the reality of facing France or a fast-improving NZ in a QF hit home. Now with Scotland beating and then pushing France close in successive weekends, we're getting increasingly worried about making it out of the pool stages (and let's not even mention Tonga for now).We ask Tom English, chief sportswriter with BBC Scotland, If Scotland are now the fifth-best team in the world, and why he thinks they have a better chance of beating South Africa than of beating Ireland.France just about won the game on Saturday but lost two stars, Romain Ntamack and Cyril Baille, to injury. This is the first major blow to their long-term plan to win a home world cup - are France finally feeling the pressure?Owen Farrell has run out of "tackle school" tokens and faces a ban after his latest reckless challenge, this time on Wales' Taine Basham. We ask why so many players are losing their discipline when their RWC place depends on them keeping it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The opening weekend hasn't even finished and Ken already wants to walk back Thursday's top four predictions. Is he getting carried away by one 90 minute Newcastle demolition job? The next couple of games will tell us a lot. We talk about the continued transfer frenzy as Chelsea aim to follow up their signing of Moises Caicedo by adding Romeo Lavia - who Liverpool have forlornly gone back to - and, it says here, Michael Olise. Rich Jolly and Jack Pitt-Brooke join us to talk about the opening weekend. Do Chelsea have just the right type of squad to bring the best out of Mauricio Pochettino? Can anyone understand how Chelsea can afford what they're doing? And how do Spurs really feel about selling Harry Kane to Bayern?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you're ready for it or not, the Premier League is back with Burnley taking on the treble winners Manchester City tomorrow night. We caught up with Jonathan Wilson and John Brewin to ask all the important questions ahead of the upcoming season - Can anyone lay a glove on City? Is England's Declan Rice the man to help Arsenal kick on even further? And can anyone make as big a mess of it as Ken did with last season’s predictions?Plus, it's been a roaringly successful Synth Week on the World Service with the listener entries pouring in. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caelan Doris was the clear man of the match for Ireland at the weekend, but the most important performance came from outhalf Jack Crowley. His season ended well with Munster, and he continued that good form against Italy. Is he now ahead of Ross Byrne?We chat to Shane Horgan about World Cup warm ups, trying too hard, the back three contenders, dangerous Scots and how Farrell, Catt and O'Connell's horrible experiences at World Cups might be shaping the easy breezy approach this time around.Johnny Sexton will play in a training match against Portugal this week but because of his ban it is most definitely not a game of rugby he is taking part in.Plus there's hat trick hero Amy O'Connor, the. battle of Bayonne and peno shootout drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have entered the individual award part of the GAA Season aka ''silly season''. Where once this was all we had to get us through the dark winter, now we have the Club Championship and sure it's not even winter! But those factors aside it seems that individualism still holds a powerful candle in the collective world of the GAA. As we saw this week when tweets and talk turned to the POTY debate.The other great culture war that is this summer tearing at the fabric of our society revolves around two blockbuster films of no semblance to each other. Barbie and Oppenheimer. We sent Ken to watch and review one of them.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland's World Cup campaign came to an end with a clean sheet, a point, and a public disagreement between the manager and captain.  Gavin Cummiskey joins us from Brisbane to report on Pauw's last press conference of this World Cup, in which she revealed details of a heated in-game exchange with Katie McCabe about who should get substituted next. As for Katie's side of this developing story - she's not giving much away...We also talk to Oluwashina Okeleji, who looks forward to Nigeria's likely second-round encounter with England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin are All-Ireland champions again, and if this was James McCarthy, Mick Fitzsimons and Stephen Cluxton's ninth medal, it was celebrated as if it was their first. Our crack analysis team of Michael Murphy and Paul Flynn talk to us about why this meant so much to Dublin, their mentality monsters, and how the day went so badly wrong for David Clifford. We also discuss Jack McCaffrey's impact, Brian Fenton's composure and Mick Fitzsimons' ultimate vindication. Plus there's the BBC's GAA outreach programme, a celeb-laden halftime show, tactile McDevitt, and taking a whack on the cheekbone for the Dubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's your man Early like? A regular question posed to the non Ken Early members of the Second Captains team. In this week's Taster episode Eoin and Murph give some thoughts on their colleague - mainly that he's a bloody Pedant.While Oisin McConville joined our front-liners Paul Flynn and Michael Murphy for a very special All Ireland final preview.We also tripped back in time to 1979 to hear how a young Ronnie Whelan - then playing for Home Farm - led out an Irish team against the Basque Country in what was a very hot political atmosphere.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Brazil defeated Panama 4-0 with lashings of jogo bonito Ken has a stat from the opening 15 WWC matches that may surprise you.Elsewhere, it's reported today that Saudi Arabia would like to spend a billion euros to have Kylian Mbappe grace the Pro League for a single season. How to make sense of this monetary madness? We talk about the Saudi bid with reference to a recent piece by the historian Quinn Slobodian which took a big-picture view of the Kingdom's bid for the future. Can those who profit from climate change.... save us from climate change? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Limerick's four-in-a-row was secured in Croke Park yesterday in thrilling style, and Jamie Wall and Malachy Clerkin are with us today to answer a question being more and more insistently asked - are Limerick the best ever?We congratulate Ken on Limerick's success while he studies the hurling history books and explains why Kilkenny's Cody era is not all it was cracked up to be.And we look at some extraterrestrial performances in the Tour de France and the madness of rain delays in cricket. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand kicked off this week, and Ireland are down but certainly not out after an opening-day loss to the hosts. Our man, Ken Early, couldn't be there in person, but he joined us from our studios, huddled around a not-so-tiny TV to watch the game. Meanwhile, Sinéad O'Carroll was on the ground in Sydney, capturing the mood music surrounding the game and the shock in the press box as news broke about Australia losing their star player.Closer to home, it's All Ireland Hurling Final weekend with Limerick and Kilkenny set to clash in what could be some inclement weather conditions. Much to the glee of our senior analyst Jamie Wall.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three more days till Ireland kick-off in the 2023 World Cup and Denise O’Sullivan looks likely to make it after Friday’s injury scare.In the meantime, there are some typical July stories. Why did Harry Maguire feel the need to comment extensively on losing the Man United captaincy? How much will PIF charge PIF for Allan Saint-Maximin?And why did Memphis Depay’s message in support of Benjamin Mendy seem to strike a chord with so many famous footballers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the height of summer so that means choices must be made; do you watch the All-Ireland semi-finals, the latest stage in the Tour de France or the epic Wimbledon Final? Thankfully, for you, both Eoin and Ken have had eyes on all events, with Eoin even managing to appear in the flesh at two of the aforementioned peak summer sporting highlights.To chat about the weekend's Gaelic Football the old-school dream team of Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn join us on the line. As we reflect and also look ahead to what could be a mic-drop final for Cluxton and co.While Ken details how he once lost €100k* on a Roger Federer Wimbledon Final, forever tainting his view of the white blazer-wearing Swiss man. He does though like this Alcaraz kid. *not real money Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a sample of the Second Captains World Service which this week includes Malachy Clerkin and Jamie Wall running the rule over a mouth-watering Hurling weekend that was, with Murph asking are Kinnerk and Kiely the best 'in-game' management duo the GAA has ever seen? With Down and Meath facing off in the Tailteann Cup Final this coming weekend, we take a trip back in time to when a Young dorky Murph and young athletic Shane Horgan had 1 thing in common – the 1991 All Ireland Final The first one either had attended. Murph was smuggled in, while Shane earned his spot by coming through a gruelling, ruthless Meath mini 7’s combine. And with the World Cup now within touching distance we continue to bring the Hype.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Ireland under 20s rugby squad have achieved a lot on the field, but off it have had to deal with a series of tragedies connected to the playing group, including the sudden death of Greig Oliver, whose son Jack plays with the team. We talk to Irish Independent rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor about the team's ability to cope, the performances that have got them this far, and some of the stand-out stars who look destined for bigger things.Murph was in Croker this weekend and once again found himself juggling the hurling action with cricket updates, all in the company of some esteemed guests. With Kilkenny in the final again, and Galway left behind, did Henry back the wrong horse?Plus there's 145kg humans, some worryingly good form shown by NZ and SA, Eddie Jones' hatred of smart arses and Murph bids farewell to Hoggwatch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In one month and one day, the Premier League 2023/’24 season will commence with Manchester City’s away day in Burnley. Will Connemara’s Harry Kane be taking his place in the Greatest League On Earth, for another season of scoring lots of goals and winning no trophies - or will he be off to Munich?One man who is out the gap is the last survivor of the Alex Ferguson era. David De Gea’s departure means that for the first time since the relegation season of 1973-74, United in 2023-24 will not feature anyone who has made an appearance for the Glasgow titan. And so the sands of time shift on…Ken also has some breaking news in the quite literal sense. An injury picked up over the course of the weekend has seen the Flame-Haired-Flame-Thrower-Of-Truth struck down and questions now need to be asked over whether or not he is fit to make it down under for the World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a sample of the Second Captains World Service which this week includes a Ken Early sit-down interview with Irish Captain; Katie McCabe, a happy Paul Flynn chats all things Rampant Dubs and academic and author, Mark Jones joins Ken for a Politics Pod based around his new book; 1923. The Forgotten Crisis in the Year of Hitler's CoupJoin us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Ireland get ready for their last World Cup warm-up game against France this Thursday, The Athletic has published a long investigative piece about Vera Pauw's time as coach of Houston Dash back in 2018. The article includes comments from several players and staff members who worked at the club under Pauw and also an interview with the Ireland coach. We talk through some of the claims and counter-claims that have been made.We also discuss FIFA's plan to trial Arsene Wenger's latest idea for ruining the game, before going through some of what's been going on in the transfer window of the £60 millions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murph is of course a true gael, but also the only known link between the GAA world and the cricket world. So with bazball, boos, allegations of cheating and four QF's in croker, he's had a busy weekend.Twelve boxers, five medals, two champions; it was a very good trip to the European Games in Poland for Ireland's boxers with five now qualified for next year's Olympics in Paris, including Olympic and world champ Kellie Harrington. We chat to The42's Gavan Casey about the fallout from Kellie's controversial tweet in October 2022 and her tetchy, awkward interview on Off The Ball in March of this year. In the absence of any real clarity from Kellie on that tweet, we wonder is her reputation treading water until she speaks about it again.We also discuss Zaur Antia's incredible record as a coach and what Amy Broadhurst - who failed to qualify for Paris through these Games - has to do now to get to the Olympics.And Ken and Murph discuss Elon's hate hose and pray that one day he will switch it off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robbie Keane's coaching career, which includes short spells at Leeds, Boro, Ireland and India - hasn't hit the heights so far, which makes his move to Maccabi Tel Aviv especially intriguing.We chat to Jonathan Wilson about coach Keane, Declan Rice's future plans and what a total failure PSG"s Mbappe-Neymar-Messi project has been.Plus there's Branno at the wheel, and we give excuse after excuse for our pathetic display in the Fair Play Cup - organised by the UNHCR & SARI (Sport Against Racism Ireland) as part of the first ever Refugee Week in Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The games, and the draws, are now happening at such break-neck speed that Eoin can barely keep up, but we endeavor to capture the madness of a manic weekend of Gaelic football with Michael Murphy and Paul Flynn. Mayo are through, and Galway are out - Kildare rue a bundle of missed goal chances, and the Cork football revival continues apace. Monaghan are the team that will not die, and Tyrone are really starting to rumble. And we have Tyrone/Kerry and Dublin/Mayo to look forward to next weekend! Plus there's the world's largest telescope, Portumna's status as the greatest club hurling team of all time, and Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow's unsuccessful charge at a major championship.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a sample of the Second Captains World Service which this week includes Damien Delaney on how a coach loses the dressing room, Ireland's Eddie Dunbar on his issues with concussion and Michael Murphy's proud Donegal soul.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another major Sunday in contention, another heart-breaking end for Rory McIlroy. Many of us stayed up until 3am for this latest iteration of Rory's vale of tears, and that didn't help either. Joe Callaghan and Lawrence Donegan join us to discuss whether this was even more difficult to take than St Andrews last year, if Rory needs a new voice in his camp he actually listens to, and what constitutes failure for a man of such sumptuous talent. There was also Leona Maguire's second win on the LPGA Tour, with 4 birdies and an eagle in her last 6 holes, and there was drama closer to home as well as the Gaelic football championship finally sparked into life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight the Republic of Ireland take on Gibraltar in the 'more or less sold-out' Aviva Stadium - but the result in Athens on Friday night has cast its shadow right across the weekend… leading to a charged Press Conference on Sunday.One of those Press Conference participants, James McClean, tonight makes his 100th appearance for Ireland. Alongside David Sneyd and Dion Fanning we chat about the trials and tribulations of McClean's career in England, and his unfaltering commitment to Ireland.And so to tonight.... It's a no-win 'must win' game for Stephen Kenny and Ireland. But what of the future? What of the Project? Is Gibraltar to be the rock on which this era runs aground? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a sample of the Second Captains World Service which this week includes a preview of the Greece Ireland Euro qualifier, the rise of the alien athlete, a close up of Rory-world, Dublin Murph, and the terrible movie that won't go away.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novak Djokovic won his 23rd Grand Slam event at the French Open yesterday but in truth that was only the final act of a hugely dramatic fortnight at Roland Garros.Caitlin Thompson of Racquet magazine talks to us about Djokovic’s remarks about Kosovo, the toll being taken on Ukraine’s biggest tennis stars, and Russian and Belarusian players being ignored at the net.We also discuss Kilkenny’s late winner in the Leinster hurling final, Murph’s ultimate humiliation, and our now regular 'look what new amazing thing Rhasidat Adeleke has just done' slot.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City made sure that Abu Dhabi could look Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the eye when the Persian Gulf powers reminisce about the 22-23 football season by delivering the club and the emirate's first Champions League win in Saturday's final in Istanbul.We talk through the events of the game before Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson join us from Istanbul to discuss City's Treble.How did they feel about the City supremacy? What is the future for Guardiola? Where does the game go from here?Plus there's Julia Roberts' loyalty, Robbie's red hot form, Cannon's decision, Istanbul gridlock, and Ken's donkey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After over 1000 games as a professional football manager, David Moyes has finally won his first major trophy. And what a time to do it, offering a much need reminder of the joy that still exists in this farcical world of ours. We chatted about West Ham's last-minute heroics to claim the Europa Conference League trophy and why 'mickey mouse' tournaments like this are becoming all the more important. Lawrence Donegan and Gavin Cooney also joined us to pick apart the bombshell merger deal that continues to reverberate around the golfing world and beyond. Plus, in the middle of all this, lest we forget there's a Champions League final taking place and our man Ken will be on the ground in Istanbul covering it in style for the World Service.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two down, one to go for Manchester City, after they eased to FA Cup final victory over Manchester United.We talk through some of the key moments of the final before Mark Critchley and John Brewin join us to reflect on where the defeat leaves United at the end of Erik ten Hag’s first season. Who should stay? who should go? and will they have to sell before they buy?Plus there's Sancho the scapegoat and Londoners' problems with "The North. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service Murph Paul Flynn and Michael Murphy tried to find a way forward for Gaelic Football; a route that can take the game away from six minute periods of possession. Rule changes, mentality changes? Evolution. In our Second Captains World Service 'I'll Tell You Who Wrote It'' Book Club, we focused on Christopher Mc Dougall's 'Born To Run', with Olympian Ciara Mageean. And with the Most Important FA Cup Final in recent memory fast approaching we chatted with life-long Manchester Red, Nooruddean Choudry, author of Inshallah United. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What you win is important, but so is how you do it and who you beat along the way, and Munster's gritty run away from home against The Stormers. The Sharks, Glasgow, Leinster and The Stormers again in the final in Cape Town have turned an up and down season into a great one.We drag Barry Murphy away from the celebrations in Limerick to put this URC title in context, and Ruaidhri O'Connor joins us fresh off a flight from Cape Town to discuss the performance, the Hodnett try, the job this coaching team have done in one season and how it may influence Andy Farrell's extended World Cup squad, which is named later this week.Plus there's "le block", Murph on a hot steamy weekend of hurling action and the f bomb cover up.And Kevin "Branno" Brannigan is in studio to talk about his new documentary Kevin Moran: Codebreaker, which airs 9.35pm tonight, Monday 29th May, on RTE 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everton live to get away with it another day after finding the relegation plughole already jammed with the soggy remnants of Leeds and Leicester. We trace some of the steps of Leicester's long sleepwalk to the Championship.Erik ten Hag bewitched the Old Trafford crowd with his final-day address and we look at where one of his predecessors went wrong.Raphael Honigstein joins us to talk about the final day of the Bundesliga, when Dortmund produced a mega-bottle to hand Bayern their 11th straight title. How did Oliver Kahn chief-executive his way out of the job? And is Thomas Tuchel sticking around to build the next Bayern team? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service football man Damien Delaney and our own Ken Early finally went head to head in heated debate the motion: Is Trent at centre mid the long-term solution to Liverpool’s problems? We were also joined in studio by the Jamie Wall / Malachy Clerkin punditry axis. The best duo in the business.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jose Mourinho once said, with a nod to Hegel: the truth is in the whole. We try to apply that spirit to today’s Salute The Champions podcast.We also talk about the international incident that has been sparked by the racist abuse and controversial sending off of Vinicius Jr at Valencia last night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster once again had a lead against La Rochelle, once again went behind late on, once again were handed a yellow card lifeline, and once again lost a heartbreaking epic Champions Cup final. We herald a truly great coach and leader in O'Gara, pick through the wreckage for Leinster and look at the possible impact on Ireland at the Rugby World Cup.Shane Horgan and Ruaidhri O'Connor join us to discuss the psychological ebb and flow, why Leinster couldn't change the plan mid-game, the tunnel incident, eye contact at the toin coss, the Drop Goal plan and if ROG is a cert for the Ireland job.Plus a listener reveals how Murph and the Second Captains Hurling cadre changed the course of his weekend and in doing so opened his eyes to the power and the glory of Munster Hurling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service we spoke about movies about crisps, the rigs on refs, cold killers Man City (with Rory Smith and Jonathan Wilson); we also previewed Leinster V La Rochelle with a worried Shane Horgan and chatted penos and the group stages of the football championship with Paul Flynn and Michael Murphy. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ronnie O'Sullivan was in studio with us to talk about his new book "Unbreakable". We discuss his career, his childhood, his father, his complicated relationship with success and the decision that almost derailed his career. Here is a taster.=Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster have finally beaten Leinster, in an epic, in the Aviva, at a stage in knock-out competition where they’ve fallen short time and time again. No wonder Jack Crowley channeled his inner Ronan O’Gara as he wheeled away in celebration after his winning drop goal.Friend of the show, former Munster centre and Live 95 commentator Barry Murphy, joins us today to talk about what a lift this gives his old team before the final against the whoopin' hollerin' Stormers of Cape Town. We discuss Munster's transformation under Rowntree, Mike Prendergast and Denis Leamy, Earls' lazarus-like recovery, and Leinster's haunted dreams.We also look at the pressure that was on the Ireland women's sevens team to make it to the 2024 Olympics, how they coped, and what hope they have of getting a medal in Paris.And there was a marathon Ulster football final which was completely overshadowed by allegations made against Rory Gallagher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I know it's over, still I cling, I don't know where else I can go... actually, many of the Arsenal fans at the Emirates had already left the ground by the 90-minute mark and never got to see Roberto de Zerbi's triumphant knee slide to celebrate Brighton's third, salt-rubbing goal.We discuss the pretty-much-end of the title race and Arsenal's prospects for next season, with mentions for Matt Damon, Charlton Heston and Eddie Howe.Then we're joined by John Brewin and Lars Sivertsen to talk about the weekend's action. How do they interpret the end of Arsenal's challenge? How did Southampton get it all wrong this season? And how is Lars dealing with Norway's sudden, unexpected domination of the Premier League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster were firm favourites to beat Connacht at home in the URC QF's but Andy Friend's side out-thought and out-fought their opponents in what feels like a significant result for both sides. Why do Ulster continue to struggle in knockout games and why does the province provide so few players to the Irish set up? Gerry Thornley joins in studio to look at what Connacht have done on and off the pitch in recent times, and if an injury-hit Munster can have any optimism against Leinster in the SF next week.We look at how Terenure have become the template for others to follow by rebuilding the club top to bottom over the last 10 years, resulting in a 50 point drubbing for defending champions Clontarf in the All Ireland League final at the Aviva.We also hear from one lucky man holidaying with Shane Curran in the Bay of Naples, and the GAA GO controversy rumbles on, with RTE getting hit hard on this issue... by two of their own flagship programmes, Liveline and The Sunday Game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eddie Howe was left choking on thick creamy spoonfuls of his own medicine as Arsenal gamesmanshipped their way to glory at St James' Park. Might a change in approach benefit the angry Mags?We discuss Martin Ødegaard's team-of-the-season credentials, David de Gea's nightmare at West Ham - and whether the unexpected disorder of the last few minutes against Leeds is a distant rumble of thunder in Man City's clear blue sky as they prepare for the defining match of their season.Then Gavin Cooney joins us in studio to talk about the recent story involving the FAI's request for a new distribution of betting tax to involve sports other than horse and greyhound racing. What is this controversy about? Can anyone say for sure where the government funds for horse and greyhound racing are coming from? And are the FAI being accused of getting the tone wrong?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service we spoke about the departure of Souness, Steph's shithousing, Big Sam's return, Klopp's manners, Keys and Gray on Messi, Dublin bias, Frank LLLLLampard and lots more.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Limerick were beaten by Clare this weekend....but the game wasn't on terrestrial TV? Murph defends GAA Go, and wonders if this might be the year when a very good Munster county gets knocked out of the championship. Waterford are gone, but could the All Ireland champs also be in trouble?  Leinster once again outplayed and outsmarted Toulouse in the European Cup, and once again face La Rochelle in the final. Leinster have improved this season, but Shane Horgan explains why he thinks ROG's team will be favourites.Gerry Thornley also joins us in studio to discuss Jack Conan's form and fitness, Josh Van Der Flier's role in Neti's yellow card, the dangers of a 6-2 bench split, why it wasn't a sellout and if the IRFU need to rethink their strategy on separating the 7s and 15s women's teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seeing her brother Nhat walk out for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics as Ireland’s number 1 badminton player inspired Thammy Nguyễn to revive her own olympic weightlifting dream, which she’d left on the back burner to run her business and start a family. Now, after winning bronze at the European Championships, Thammy has taken a giant leap forward in her hopes to join her brother in Paris next year. We welcomed both Nhat and Thammy onto the World Service this week to chat about their background, how sport helped them assimilate into Irish life and how a certain Stephen Cluxton played a role in Nhat’s early badminton career.Plus, we get into whether the Limerick hurlers have done much to rehab their reputation since last week and how this current Man City team matches up against the great treble winning United squad of 1999.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start today's show with a life-changing email for Murph who realises he's been getting it all wrong, all along.The All-Ireland senior football championship went all-out this weekend with ten games in four provinces - Paul Flynn and Michael Murphy talk us through the highlights including Damien Comer’s tour de force, Donegal’s limp exit, the shambles in Meath, and Armagh rediscovering their mojo (for 1 half, at least).And we discover just what Ken gets up to when the shackles are off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Arsenal chasing the title on Friday and FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday and Sunday, this weekend was never going to be about Spurs. And yet here we are.We look back at a very special performance by both sides at St James Park.We also talk about whether de Zerbi is standing on the shoulders of giants (or Graham Potter) at Brighton and why proper football people don't use Google. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken has been beating the Trent Alexander-Arnold to central midfield drum for quite some time, to a mixed response from listeners and pundits alike. However, with Liverpool struggling for form Jurgen Klopp saw fit to test this theory against Leeds United, leading to a good display from Trent. Our man saw fit to bask in the glow of vindication.Plus there’s Mal and Jamie Wall on whether Limerick push the rulebook too far while asserting their dominance on the rest, and why everyone loves Todd Boehly.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monaghan weren't many people's idea of a likely winner in their Ulster championship quarter-final against Tyrone in Omagh yesterday, but in a manner befitting the best, most ignorant traditions of their proud county, they did the business, winning a thriller 2-17 to 1-18. One of the people who did believe they could do it though was Colin Walshe, former All-star and Monaghan team captain, and he joins us in studio to talk to us about the ageless, irrepressible Conor McManus, the tactical tweaks that made it such an entertaining game, and fly-keepers. Eoin salutes the mad-cap number 1s making the Ulster championship such a thrilling watch, and we discuss why Ulster has been the hotbed from which most of the new tactical evolutions in the game have sprung.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unai Emery could have been a local hero in a city somewhat further to the north, but the Fate that watches over Eddie Howe decreed otherwise. Now the Aston Villa Express is functioning perfectly - except for the brakes - while poor Dan Burn discovers that the revolution devours its children.We discuss Arsenal's latest collapse, Man City's menacing new vibe and some of the initial remarks from Joan Laporta's big Negreira press conference.Jack Pitt-Brooke and Miguel Delaney join us to talk more about the weekend's football. Have Arsenal blown it? How can we explain Brighton's increasing success despite the talent drain they've had to deal with? And how does a club go from smart to stupid?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Call it ‘cosmic consciousness’ or ‘capturing the zeitgeist', but it just so happened to have been a very American week on the World Service. We hear Ken’s scorching takes on The Masters and rev up the campaign to get him over in Augusta as soon as possible. We also take a look at the green shoots for the Ireland Women’s team, even after a couple of losses against the US in our World Cup warm-up series. Plus, there’s Todd Boehly’s brash over-optimism around Chelsea, as well President Joe Biden’s gaff-ridden visit to our fair city. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A great match at Anfield ended in a Pyrrhic non-victory for both sides, and a return, oh yes, of the eternal Trent Alexander-Arnold discourse. Maybe we will never agree on what the solution is for Trent - move to midfield? several years national service? - but we can agree that with Man City now on a run of eight wins in a row, while Guardiola gives a masterclass in how to stop a top team going stale, it's looking ominous for Arsenal's title chances.What an afternoon for Roberto de Zerbi at Tottenham: a defeat, four huge calls going against his team, a red card that might ban him from the touchline for the FA Cup semi-final, and an official apology from the referees' company. Brighton have had three apologies in 2023 from PGMOL - is it time for some accountability?Andrew Mangan and Richard Jolly join us to talk more about the game at Anfield. Did Arteta overestimate the Anfield factor? Why do Liverpool need to be disrespected before they wake up? And is it really OK for officials to elbow players now?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Lampard returning to Stamford Bridge as interim manager is a twist nobody saw coming, in a season that’s already been packed with surprises. While we wait with giddy anticipation for Franks's presser, we have a chance to look back over the week that was on the Second Captains World Service. Unlikely podcasting partners Joe Brolly & Dion Fanning stopped by the studio to chat about their new project ‘Free State’. Ken and Murph chatted to them about Gurus, Twitter madness and GAA exceptionalism. We play a short extract today. Plus, Ken sees an opportunity to add some drama to his life - Netflix documentary style. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The moon boot, the limp, the grimace of pain - Katie McCabe looked badly injured against Bayern in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but played 80 minutes and scored a beauty against Man City this weekend. We were all fooled, except for one Second Captains presenter.Ulster didn't do much wrong in the rain against Leinster and still couldn't get within two scores. We chat to Lions, Ireland and Leinster backrower Jack Conan about playing in a downpour, his red hot form over recent weeks and the good friday QF against Leicester.We also discuss Munster melting in the African sun and why we it will be a long time before the Irish women's team will be compettiive again.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are seasons when nothing happens and there are weekends when seasons happen... the weekend just gone left us with a lot to get stuck into on today's pod.Graham Potter's nightmare is over, Brendan Rodgers too has skiied off leaving Leicester to fight their way out of the relegation zone without him, and an angry Manchester United fan has been in touch demanding the smooth head of Erik ten Hag.We discuss why Newcastle players run so much, and why Liverpool players don't, before John Brewin and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk about why didn't it work out for Potter. Can Nagelsmann skate straight in and sort it all out? Where does Brendan Rodgers go next? And do they agree with Ken's sick FSG apologism? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday evening Sligo play Wicklow in the Div 4 league final, and it will be an emotional occasion for all involved as it falls on the one-year anniversary of the death of Red Óg Murphy, a hugely talented Sligo and DCU footballer.Last year, aged 21 and just a few days before he was due to collect an award for being named in the Sigerson Cup Team of the Year, Red Óg died by suicide.Today we welcome his parents Geraldine and Redmond into studio to talk about his life, his career as a footballer, his impact on them and the community, how they are processing it all now, and why they wanted to talk to us on the show.If you’re affected by anything you hear please ask for help from groups such as the Samaritans or Pieta House. You can go to samaritans.ie or call them on 116123. For Pieta go to pieta.ie or call them on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken went on the attack in the wake of Ireland’s gallant scoreboard-defeat / moral-victory against France on Monday night. Yes, the image of Jason Molumby prowling around the Aviva launching into tackles and revving up the crowd was great to see, but the overriding emotion following the game was one of frustration. How can we keep doing this to ourselves? Will this anger spur us on to greener pastures, or are we doomed to side-pass our way in circles forever more?Plus, we ponder why Dublin are getting the old band back together, why is freed from desire played so quickly and what is the best stadium song of all?Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Cluxton's desire to lead a quiet life is constantly being undermined by his habit of dropping major bombshells in the most dramatic fashion possible. His return to the Dublin senior football squad over-shadowed much if not all of the football played yesterday - but salt a de earth true Dub Eoin McDevitt isn't sure it's the right idea. On the field, Oisin McConville guided Wicklow back to Division 3, winning promotion on a tension-filled last day. We welcome him back to the podcast to talk about the steep learning curve, the stuff he got wrong, and the priorities for teams in his position.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have Evan Ferguson, Bossman Steo, a fan base that loves their team again and Ken argues that France's 4-0 win over the Netherlands is, surprisingly, yet another reason for us to be hopeful! But as the World Cup finalists comes to town we have oh so many fears too - welcome to our Ireland V France preview show!  Is Kenny a slave to the system to the detriment of the team's chances? Is there a chance Evan Ferguson won't start? And will Nathan Collins' fast mind beat Mbappe's fast feet? We chat to Philippe Auclair about France's destruction of The Netherlands, turmoil in the French FA and Deschamps' homework on the plucky Irish.We also discuss the Griezzmann - Mbappe fake news, Ireland's possession game, fault de Giles, and "stone age stuff". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marvin Gaye was many things to many people; a motown legend, a sex symbol, a tortured soul, a voice who spoke truth to power in 1970s America.. but not too many will be familiar with his stint as a boxing manager. Matthew Allen joined us on the World Service this week to talk about the piece he wrote for Rolling Stone detailing the night his fighter Andy Price went up against the great Sugar Ray Leonard and how it became the fight of Marvin Gaye’s life. Plus there’s reaction to Evan Ferguson's full debut for Ireland as well as Ken’s dive through the language barrier in search of cracks within the French Football camp.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antonio Conte took the opportunity of a 3-3 draw at Southampton to point the finger at the real enemy - all the losers and failures who have represented Tottenham on the field for the last 20 years. How can even a great coach such as he be expected to overcome the mediocrity which is hard-wired into the very bone marrow of Spurs?We also talk Evan Ferguson, Arsenal’s too hot for broadcast title challenge, and the disappointing quality of the secret football IP which is leaking out of the super-FCB clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even with a grand slam fresh out of the oven and a historic series win over NZ in his back pocket, Andy Farrell was already looking ahead to the World Cup in his post-match press conference on Saturday evening; unlike other big Irish moments in the past, this one felt more like the start of something, rather than the end.We get Andrew Trimble and Shane Horgan on to put this title in context, to explain why Ireland played so badly for an hour, to examine the evolution of Johnny Sexton and to marvel at Ireland's ability to get out of sticky situations.We discuss the Freddie Steward red card, Ireland's incredible defence ad discipline stats and how nice it is to see the players be backed to express themselves, on and off the pitch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grand Slam weeks don't come around too often (for now) so we went all out this week with Connacht's Andy Friend dropping by on Wednesday to chat about Mack Hansen's Snake Hips, versatility and general ‘looseness’.Fresh from offering the best analysis around on the Gary Lineker Tweet debacle, Ken dusted down his Columbus Egg as proof he had been right about Trent Alexander-Arnold all along.Plus, there’s Guardiola on how a Julia Roberts trip to Old Trafford both hurt and motivated him in equal measure. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary Lineker's brief exile from Match of the Day has ended in an apologetic climbdown by the BBC director general Tim Davie, after the immediate support shown by his colleagues in BBC Sport checkmated the broadcaster.We talk today about aspects of the affair. Was the tweet that got Lineker in trouble really so outrageous? And what does the BBC's commitment to impartiality mean in a media landscape where nobody believes in anyone else's impartiality?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was all manner of things thrown at the Ireland team in Murrayfield but as fans and pundits are coming to realise, this team don’t panic.We chat to Stuart Barnes and Shane Horgan about the invention, versatility and deep confidence this side displays, and we ask if there is any way England, who got dismembered by France, can pull things around in a week.We marvel at Peter O’Mahony’s clarity of thought, Jack Conan’s modesty, Mack Hansen’s creativity and Scotland’s mental and physical collapse.Plus Murph quenches his Quaich thirst and we put Rhasidat Adeleke’s latest achievement in context. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much admired long-time zoom contributor, first-time live guest, Caitlin Thompson of Racquet Magazine, joined us in The Brass Monkey in New York’s Meatpacking District. Caitlin regaled us with tales from John McCain’s election tour bus ‘The Straight Talk Express’ and how that experience convinced her to drop political reporting in favour of sports journalism. Plus there’s an extract from our chat with Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster ahead of our game with Scotland as well as a deep dive from Ken into the fallout from the 7-0 at Anfield.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've arrived in New York, eaten a hot dog, and made our way straight to the Ghostbusters building to record today's show.All five of us are on air at the one time (for the first time ever?) a7.51.130nd we have a chat about that scary day 10 years ago when we left Newstalk for pastures unknown. Eoin warns us about Slimer, Mark does his Michael Jordan hall of fame speech, Murph talks about Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure a bit too much, Simon explains the art of the deal and Ken talks in flight movies.We love you all, thanks for sticking with us, more shows coming from New York this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken watched but did not understand what he saw at Anfield today as previously weak, fragile, inconsistent Liverpool turned this game into a massacre.Ten Hag called it unprofessional, which, considering the source, may be the deepest cut of all for Man United. Ken wades into the errors and the implications of this historic defeat.Salah was brilliant today, which begs the question - where has he been all season?We talk to Ryan Hunn of the Stadio podcast and Wrighty's House about an epic comeback win for Arsenal.Plus there's mystic Souness, Gunnersauras TV and Ken calls the title, again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2014 the Dubs lined out against Donegal in the All-Ireland Senior Football Semi-Final. Paul Flynn was clipping scores from all angles as Dublin paraded their personal brand of rock-and-roll Gaelic Football. Unknown to the Footballing public however was that the 3-14 that Michael Murphy’s Donegal were able to slip by them that day would set the course for a rebuild that saw Jim Gavin’s men go on a 45-game winning streak, notching 6 All Ireland Titles in the process.We talked to Flynn and Murphy on the World Service this week about that fateful game in order to seek answers to Dublin's poor form at the moment.  Plus, we seek some clarity on exactly what the Italian band did to our poor anthem before last weekend's Six Nations game in Rome and there’s an extract from our chat with Ireland’s athletics superstar-in-waiting; Rhasidat Adeleke.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday Erik ten Hag won the first trophy he could win as manager of Man United. Jose Mourinho also won the League Cup in his first season there - but this time it feels different, right?We also talk about Graham Potter’s unfortunate habit of comparing his situation at Chelsea with Mikel Arteta’s early days at Arsenal. Laurie Whitwell and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about the Carabao Cup final. Why did it never quite get going for Newcastle? How have the leopards in Manchester United’s dressing room managed to change their spots? And with Avram Glazer a visible presence at yesterday’s final, what is the latest on the takeover front? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland's season, and all the good vibes surrounding this team, hung in the balance for long periods of the second half in Rome, but a brilliant 18-phase try, finished by Mack Hansen, won the game and kept the Slam dream alive.We discuss Six Nations 7's rugby, Ireland's new midfield, Hugo Keenan's metres, Italy's brilliant attack, Scotland's failed comeback in Paris, Welsh gardening and anthem skulduggery.And we digest listener feedback on our Full Swing episode, which was.... mixed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elite managers are an interesting bunch, often willing to die on the hill of protecting the brand of football that got them success in the first place. This week, as Klopp-ball stuttered to a halt, it’s become abundantly clear that some sort of change is required at Liverpool. Fortunately, we’re all about solutions on the World Service and suggest that maybe some salvation can be found in the teachings of the shapeless, formless, water-like outlier that is.. Carlo Ancelotti? Plus there’s Shane Horgan’s startling Scottish fandom, a Ken injury newsflash, as well as a taste of our chat with Malachy Clerkin and Lawrence Donegan on the ups and downs of the new Netflix golf documentary ‘Full Swing’.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jarlath Burns is the new President-elect of the GAA. He's a former Ulster title-winning captain with Armagh, which already makes him a different animal to many GAA presidents. But as talk of a border poll in the North shows no sign of going away, having a man who has never been shy about expressing his opinions on a united Ireland will make for a very interesting few years ahead.As Ireland prepare for stage 3 of their inevitable march to Grand Slam glory we discuss who is in and who is out of Farrell's squad for the trip to Rome.The Welsh Rugby Union continue to hold the title of worst-run organisation in pro sports; in the wake of allegations of sexism and bullying, this week they face the possibility of the players going on strike for their Six Nations game against England in Cardiff. The Welsh players have given the WRU until Wednesday to meet their demands, and they aren't asking too much - they basically want to know if they have a rugby career beyond the end of this season! We discuss the story with Steffan Thomas of Wales Online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many listeners were enraged by last week’s premature doom mongering about Arsenal’s title hopes. After the Gunners’ Emi Martinez-inspired comeback at Villa, Ken deals with the fallout.We also discuss the Man United takeover situation, why it’s not working for Graham Potter at Villa, and what to make of Darwin’s weird numbers. Jack Pitt-Brooke and Richard Jolly join us to talk about the weekend’s football. Can anyone explain Marcus Rashford’s sensational form? Why do many Man United fans think they need Qatar? Will Graham Potter last the week at Chelsea? And is the departure of Lee Mason from PGMOL a good sign for the future of PL refereeing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new GOAT has entered the stable, the name; Patrick Mahomes. US Murph joined us in the aftermath of a Super Bowl for the ages to talk Mahomes playing through the pain barrier and Las Vegas Octopuses. Over in London Town Arsenal’s title charge has continued to crumble, while closer to home it's Rovers' title to lose. Contenders ready. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Pep Guardiola begins to further resemble the Captain of a Pirate Ship, his crew at the Good Ship Etihad raised the Black Flag of Lord Pannick in what may just be the lamest Premier League moment yet. Down in London where Pannick has yet to grip the streets, contented Chelsea Boss Graham Potter stayed too calm for some pundits. Could his easy-going ways be put down to the large pay-off which will surely come soon... or his healthy lunches? We also chat Arsenal - Robbed!, Lord Palmerston's Famine record and the Gavin Bazunu situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland came into this game as the disputed number 1 team in the world, but after Saturday's thrilling win over France few could argue they are now a special group with no limits to what they could achieve.We chat to Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about how entertaining this game was, the ambitious coaching plan, Doris' 10/10, Ireland's fitness levels, whether they can be "worked out", the Atonio high hit, the squad depth and Ross Byrne's emergence as a reliable back up to Sexton.Murph goes full JFK magic bullet on the Lowe try TMO angles.Plus there's MOTM awards, Sexton's tears, Corcoran at full throttle and Lowe's Poker Face Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six Nations Fever is not the only ailment gripping the rugby world this week. An injury crisis has struck Ireland ahead of our clash with France and the Twickenham crowd seem to have come down with some gastrointestinal problems, according to one Clive Woodward.  We talk to Romain Bergogne of L’Equipe about how he sees the game playing out at the weekend, plus there's Dion Fanning and Miguel Delaney chatting to Ken about how important the Premier League's allegations against Manchester City may turn out to be. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a thrilling opening weekend of the Six Nations with all six teams having their moments. Ireland made a fast start in Wales, then wobbled for a period, then impressively took back control. We chat to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble about Ireland's 18th win in 20 games and how nice it is to be the team that everyone else now hates.We marvel at the clarity and ferocity of those opening 20 minutes, the detail required in attack, the performance of Hugo Keenan, how well Finlay Bealham and Ross Byrne did coming in for two all time greats, and where the team can and need to improve if they are to beat France.After scoring some stunning tries to beat England, again, we ask if the Scots can change the script for round 2 against Wales, and if we can read much into France's issues with Italy.And with the Glen - Crokes saga finally coming to a close, we are left with more questions than answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Stuart Hogg is back with a vengeance ahead of the 2023 Six Nations and Chelsea Football Club continue to break international transfer spending records. We tackle these issues on the World Service this week, as well as Ireland V Wales and Katie Taylor's Croke Park dreams being crushed.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday's FA Cup matinee, The Assassination of Evan Ferguson by the Coward Fabinho, played to generally poor reviews. Audiences were turned off by the gratuitous bursts of mindless violence and absence of any justice or comeuppance for the perpetrators. Critics say the latest dark vision from the mind of policeman-turned-auteur Howard Webb, with its unsettling themes of child sacrifice and bankrupt authority, is perhaps still too far ahead of its time.We discuss Man City's decision to let Joao Cancelo go on loan to Bayern Munich, with the option to make the move permanent in the summer. Why has Guardiola said goodbye to one of his best players of recent years? And Sean Dyche has been confirmed as the new manager of Everton. Ken gives his immediate verdict on whether they will escape relegation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory Mcilroy brightened up our Monday morning with a clutch 20-foot putt on the last to beat golf's number 1 heel, Patrick Reed, by 1 shot in the Dubai Desert Classic. We discuss clutch Rory and the horror of seeing the tee-throwing, subpoena-wielding, LIV golf-subscribing Reed going so close to beating the Irishman (and I mean an Irishman).This year's Six Nations will have the number 1 and 2 ranked teams in the world, England under new management, a confident Scottish squad, a best ever Italian team and Wales getting the band back together under Gatland once again.We chat to former England flyhalf Stuart Barnes about him rating Ireland as favourites, if we have maxed out on our talent, if Gatland can be as successful again without Shaun Edwards, why we all continue to underrate the Wales-Gatland dynamic, and if France can go back to back.Plus there's a streaming speed hullabaloo and we wonder if Novak is emoting for real after his latest Australian Open triumph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All Ireland Senior Club Football Final is a big day in the calendar but nobody expected the result of Kilmacud Crokes and Glen to become the water cooler topic of the nation this week. We welcomed Paul Flynn & Michael Foley onto the show to discuss how farcical this has all been. Plus there's Eddie Howe's likeness to Dr Frankenstein and how Hollywood has come knocking in Milltown Co, Galway.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kilmacud Crokes beat Glen of Derry to win the All Ireland Club Football Final this weekend, but footage shows they had 17 men on the pitch for the final play of the game. Should Glen appeal? Should the GAA offer a replay? Or should they go with Ken Early's suggestion and kick Kilmacud out of the competition altogether?Munster scored one of the greatest tries in their history, away to Toulouse, thanks to a series of sharp passes and smart running lines. They lost the game but even in defeat gained energy, joy, excitement and hope that they can be a great side once again.... even if they have a horrible last 16 tie away to Siya Kolisi's Sharks. We chat to Gavan Casey of The42 about World Champion Amy Broadhurst's defeat to Grainne Walsh in the National Elite Boxing Championship Finals, and what it means for Broadhurst's Olympic Qualification hopes.And with Edinburgh failing to understand what they needed from their game against Saracens, permutations man feels compelled to have his say. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mikel Arteta described Arsenal's 3-2 win over Manchester United as "increlliant" - which just about covers it.Led by Saka and Zinchenko (thanks Pep!), Arsenal recovered from the gut punch of Marcus Rashford's brilliant opening goal to turn the game around and all but knock United out of the title race. Andrew Mangan and David Sneyd join us to talk about the weekend's football. If Arsenal do win the title should Pep Guardiola get a medal for selling them Zinchenko? Did City's 3-0 defeat of Wolves suggest they might be about to go on one of their 18-match winning runs? And the question everyone is asking: who is better between Haaland and Ferguson? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were delighted to welcome Ian Wright to the World Service this week to talk about Arsenal's hot streak, how he eventually came to find his voice in broadcasting, as well as the role of the modern striker - namely Haaland and our very own Evan Ferguson. Plus there's US Murph on how it's often the humble kickers that shape lives and legacies.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting with a McGrath Cup game for Kerry on January 5th, 2022, he played 34 games, scored 20-187 and won eight trophies from nine competitions.  David Clifford has had a hell of a season.  Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times joins us to talk to us about Fossa’s win in the All-Ireland junior club final yesterday, and the travelling circus that has accompanied their route through the Kerry, Munster and All-Ireland championship, with crowds following Clifford wherever he went. We also pay tribute to Paudie Clifford’s victory speech, comparing it favourably to Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame acceptance, and there’s also the return to top-class international rugby of Eddie Jones.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United surging back into title contention, Arsenal winning at Spurs, City and Liverpool losing on the same Saturday for the first time in ten years... is the long-established PL order transforming before our eyes?But while many things thought solid are melting into air, other old truths remain: Chelsea are outspending everyone, Everton are engulfed in revolutionary tumult, and VAR is still happily inserting mistakes.Miguel Delaney and Mark Critchley join us to talk about the Manchester and London derbies, whether Manchester City have what it takes to reel Arsenal in, and whether Jurgen Klopp is reaching the end of the road at Liverpool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the great Irish sporting controversies dominated the World Service this week.. who really was at fault for the opening French goal in our 2-0 defeat in Paris in 1976? There's also Ken's case for Bale's footballing immortality, as well as US Murph on what's making the Buffalo Bills' march to the NFL playoffs just so damn Hollywood. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023 is but a pup and already Irish rugby fans are fretting over the team's World Cup chances if Johnny Sexton isn't fit.Since his switch to loosehead prop just over a year ago Andrew Porter has become almost as important to both Leinster and Ireland. Simon caught up with him to discuss winning streaks, how Porter separates work from the rest of his life and his work with the Tackle Your Feelings campaign which aims to help people be proactive about their mental health, a topic close to Porter's heart since he lost his mother to cancer at 12 years of age.We also look at Ulster's latest loss in Italy, Vialli's stats and The Buffalo Bills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graeme Potter is the Chelsea coach... but why were the Chelsea fans singing the name of Thomas Tuchel at the Etihad last night? The Currency's Dion Fanning and Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian join us on today's show to talk about Chelsea supporters' unrealistic expectations, why Potter's body language matters, why none of this is his fault - and why his blamelessness doesn't actually matter. We also talk about Evan Ferguson's prospects of playing for England (hands off, Lee Carsley), Wout Weghurst's triumphant return to the Premier League, and why Zinedine Zidane has fallen foul of a quote-friendly sports administrator.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League has returned to our screens in the wake of the winter World Cup, so there's been plenty to get into in the first week of the year on the Second Captains World Service. Firstly though we pay tribute to the life and career of Gianluca Vialli, the legendary Italian striker who died this week aged 58. Terry Daley joins us from Milan to discuss the style, charm and dignity of the man, whose appeal transcended club and national loyalties. We also dust off an old interview from 2007 featuring a young Eoin McDevitt and Ken Early grilling the great man with questions like 'Is Ruud Gullit a bit of an asshole?' Plus Bohemians coach Trevor Croly, who coached Ireland's emerging Premier League talent Evan Ferguson, on how they worked on his game at Bohs and brought him into the first team at just 14 years old. As well as Ken on where Cristiano Ronaldo stacks up against the great players of his generation. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As dawn breaks on a New Year most Premier League clubs have only completed 16 fixtures - the season is about to get intense, but that doesn't stop Ken making a bold prediction on the destination of the title. Guardiola's big-man-up-top system continues to reap goals for Erling Haaland; Eoin, Ken and The Guardian's John Brewin, discuss whether or not the Norwegian's scoring stats are enough for Manchester City to catch Arsenal.One man who tried to halt the Arsenal title march was former Bohs striker Evan Ferguson. The 18 year old became Ireland’s youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer on Saturday when bagging Brighton & Hove Albion’s second in their 4-2 defeat by Arsenal at the Amex StadiumWhile Ken and Eoin debate whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to a country he recently told Piers Morgan he would not be transferring to, has finally settled where his place in the football pantheon lies; 'second-tier' greatness.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday, at 3.27 pm local time, a statement from a Sao Paulo hospital confirmed the death of the great Pele, “our dear King of Football”. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele to the footballing world, is considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Aside from scoring over 1200 career goals, he also was seen as one of the great innovators in football, with many tricks and skill moves we commonly see today being attributed to his creation. As Erling Haaland put it so succinctly, “Everything you see any player doing, Pelé did it first. RIP”. In tribute to the great man, we’ve chosen to revisit a chat between Ken & Tim Vickery from last year about the Pele documentary on Netflix, discussing the life of Brazil’s finest player and where he fits into the conversation of the all time greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid the joy and celebrations after the Irish women's team qualified for the World Cup, a now infamous video from the team’s dressing room involving a republican song went viral and the subsequent controversy surrounding it seemed to almost immediately overshadow the achievement itself. The reaction to the song then gave way to a much broader debate about nationalism and its place in Irish sport and Irish life.With that in mind we asked Una Mullally of the Irish Times and former Republic of Ireland Manager Brian Kerr to join us live in Liberty Hall Theatre to reflect on the video, the reaction to the video, and the conversation the country needs to have about border polls, nationalism and where we want to be in 10 years time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s never a true Gang’s All Here week without the charisma & enthusiasm of everybody’s favourite West Coast sports radio powerhouse, US Murph. Having just touched down on Irish soil, he was expecting a relaxing few days of conversation and merriment but instead was greeted with word that the biggest Baseball story of the year was breaking back home.We get the lowdown on how he had to cover the news from the warm embrace of Fallon’s Pub in Dublin City, how it feels to be back with us for the first time since the heady days of 2019, as well as a rundown on his Top Three US sport stories of the year.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the start of December Ulster were 22-3 up against Leinster and cruising against 14 men, but fell apart and lost the game 38-29. Then the following week they lost 39-0 to Sale, and this weekend were losing 29-0 at half time to La Rochelle, before a 29 point comeback secured them a losing bonus point and a 4 try bonus point.We ask former Ulster and Ireland centre Darren Cave to explain Ulster's mental state, both now and historically.Gerry Thornley is in studio to look at what has gone wrong and right for the province and if coach Dan McFarland and CEO Jonny Petrie were right to go public on their frustrations with the EPCR for not allowing the game be played in Belfast, rather than an empty Lansdowne Road.Plus there's ROG's facial expressions at the final whistle, Munster's renewed appetite for battles and tackles and we crowbar a mention of Puma legend Hugo Porta into the chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lionel Messi and Argentina have won the World Cup, and in a fashion so outrageous that no one watching will ever forget it. Tim Vickery and Philippe Auclair give Argentina their due while puzzling over the paucity of the French challenge for 80 minutes. And Ken Early, the Lion of Lusail, joins us one more time, mere hours before his flight home to talk us through the almost unbearable tension of normal time, injury time, extra-time, and injury time in extra-time, before penalties secured Messi’s legacy forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Second Captains World Service taster show.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the World Cup in Qatar has taken the majority of our attention over the last few weeks, the rugby wheel has kept on turning. We chat to Shane Horgan about Munster's progress but also basic errors made against Toulouse in the fog in a packed-out Thomond Park. Is the game plan starting to come together, and do they have the players for said game plan? Elsewhere, Leinster & Ulster experienced very different results with the former strolling to an impressive away win over Racing 92, while Ulster seemed to concede every type of try imaginable as they were thumped 39-0 by Sale.  Plus there's Eddie Jones being relieved of his role as England Coach, the return of Warrenball, ROG committing his future to La Rochelle and the GAA making the ballsy decision to go toe to toe with the World Cup Final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our bonus Sunday World Cup pod after four of the most dramatic quarter-finals in the competition’s history.We chat with Tim Vickery about the scenes between Argentina and The Netherlands, Brazil’s limp exit and some of the strange refereeing performances over the last few days.We pay tribute to the life and career of American writer and broadcaster Grant Wahl who sadly passed away in Qatar while working on the Argentina game.Plus there’s Ronaldo’s tears, Rue Giroud, England’s missed opportunity, big Wout, Moroccan magic, Messi’s moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England and France dealt with Poland and Senegal with the minimum of fuss today, but how will they handle each other?  Ken got his first look at England in the flesh at this tournament, and he was suitably impressed with Jude Bellingham… but has Kyle Walker got what it takes to stop Kylian Mbappé? We talk to friend of the show Philippe Auclair about Mbappé's red-hot form, and about Giroud, now France’s record goal-scorer.And we discuss Messi's one man band, how much Louis van Gaal is loving life at the moment, and why Declan Rice can safely return to Ireland now that he’s just a middle-aisle Jude Bellingham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the end of the World Cup group phase and after another day of chaos and disorder we have Luis Suarez in tears, South Korea triumphant and Granit Xhaka sealing his reputation as an Ulster senior football championship-level shithouse.Ken was at both the Uruguay Ghana and Switzerland Serbia games yesterday and he tells us how gleefully Ghana celebrated their own demise when faced with the image of a weeping Suarez and just why Serbia limped so pathetically out of the World Cup.  Plus there’s Uruguay’s valid VAR complaints, South Korea’s deserved progression and another relaxed evening of football with Argentina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

it's been an eventful World Cup for our man on the ground. Ken was on hand to watch Messi inspire his team to the top of Group C with a display that flew in the face of everything we know about attacking football. We also discuss Pulisic's knee to the groin which brings up painful memories for Murph. And Ken gives us the rundown on what delights Doha has to offer. With episodes every night after the matches, there's maybe never been a better time to become a World Service Member. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been another bonkers weekend of World Cup action and there’s only one way to cover it all…. that’s right, it’s a double helping of His Ken-ness!In the big game of the day Germany saved their bacon by going FULL KRUG while Spain forgot to keep playing football. There’s also golden Mbappe, Croatia crushing Canada, “relish it Rabat” and Messi to Miami.Don’t forget we’ve another show out earlier today on Argentina’s win over Mexico. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lionel Messi saved Argentina again last night with a stunning goal to break the deadlock against Mexico. They're back in contention, but can they go all the way? Tim Vickery is far from sure, but the arrival of Enzo Fernandez in their midfield gives them a chance. Plus there's misguided vox pops, Eoin's favourite dressing-room moment of the World Cup so far, and a short audio history of Argentinian post-match celebrations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken has been on hand to witness both Japan's victory over South Africa in the 2015 RWC and their recent win over Germany in the 2022 football World Cup, but the king of world cup upsets didn't stop there as he was also at the Saudi Arabia Argentina game.We discuss Germany's silent gesture, the joyous positivity of Cameroon's Joey N'Do and have a new bed for Ken's glass door incident.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland laboured to a win over Australia to make it three wins from three in the autumn internationals, and yet again a backrower won MOTM. Murph has a theory on this trend.We talk to former Ireland stars Gordon Darcy and Shane Horgan about Ireland's muddled attack, strange decision making, but also their guts and defiance. How did debutant Jack Crowley do, have we an issue with taking high balls, has our phase game been worked out and will we be the better for these hard fought wins?We also look at how the Nic White concussion was missed by those responsible and if the independent doctors are relying too much on the Head Injury Assessment process while missing the key information seen by all 50,000 people in the stadium.Plus there's the rise and rise and rise of Josh Van Der Flier, ROG for England and the Welsh football song that made Murph weep at breakfast time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2022 World Cup has begun and Ken was at the Al Bayt stadium to see the hosts lose 2-0 to Ecuador with a hopeless display. You still can't buy success in international football, well not yet anyway.We catch up with Miguel Delaney to talk about Gianni Infantino's outlandish press conference performance on Saturday, and the bizarre scene of an opening world cup match being played in front of an almost empty stadium.And with Ken's world cup barely 12 hours old he's already had his first traumatic travel tale to tell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Vickery, Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson joined us on the World Service this week to preview the first ever winter World Cup - who will win it, and why.AND, with three days to go before the tournament starts we spoke to anthropologist John McManus whose new book, Inside Qatar, offers an insightful portrait of the host nation. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a limp display from Ireland this weekend and Andy Farrell wasn't shy about showing his displeasure with the performance, the attitude and the decision to kick their last possession into touch.We talk to Andrew Trimble about Farrell's post match reaction, Jack Crowley's rapid progression, and Rassie's latest tweet tirade.Plus there's fan trouble at the FAI Cup Final and in Parnell Park and we marvel at the charisma of NZ's Ruby Tui as her team shocked England to win the WRWC final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six days left until the start of the World Cup, but there's one last weekend of Premier League to talk about, and City's defeat to Brentford means the first part of the season has ended on a cliffhanger...Then we're joined by Dion Fanning and Rory Smith to talk about Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan, Newcastle's win over Chelsea, and whether Todd Boehly knows something FSG doesn't. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No World Cup build-up is complete without a chat with our friend in Nigeria, Oluwashina Okeleji. We asked him about Senegal's chances, if Mane will play, Cameroon's WC build up, and attitudes in Africa to Qatar's record on human rights.Ireland's first Gymnastics World Champion Rhys McClenaghan popped into studio with his medal during the week. We spoke about the inevitability of mistakes in Pommel Horse, the lessons you learn, and the questions of identity he was forced to face when it looked like he wasn’t going to be allowed to compete for Northern Ireland at this year’s Commonwealth Games.Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This was the goaling-est weekend of the Premier League season thus far, even notwithstanding the tactical chess match that was Chelsea/Arsenal. Gavin Cooney of the42 and Jonathan Wilson join us to discuss Liverpool's win over Spurs, Eddie Howe's rise, trouble at the bridge and Marsch madness.There are also reports from David Ornstein of the Athletic that Liverpool are up for sale - another chance for some nation-state to get involved maybe?Plus there's the return of Permutations Man, 10 red cards from Argentina, and the argument for the FAI to dabble in our native tongue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland survived an almighty onslaught in the first half against SA before playing some brilliant attacking rugby of their own. Did this game prove this team can cope against the most powerful sides in the world?We chat to Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about Ireland's grace under fire, the ability to transition from defence to attack, the job Paul O'Connell is doing in scrum and maul, and if this result means anything for the world cup.We also examine Rassie's conspiracy tweet, Mack Hansen's licence to roam, and the atmosphere at the Aviva. Plus, there's chill Cheika beating Eddie the workaholic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool battled to a win over Napoli and once again it was hard to take your eyes off Darwin Nunez. Eoin wants someone to measure a footballer's "presence" on the field but Ken is all about the facts and figures and compares him to a few other star PL strikers.As Iran prepares to play a World Cup on its own doorstep, the country has been swept by waves of protests after the September 16th killing in police custody of 22-year old Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested by the Morality Police in Tehran for wearing her hijab 'loosely'. The security forces cracking down on these protests have since killed at least 284 people, including 45 children, according to Iran's Human Rights Activists News Agency.Now a group of current and former Iranian athletes has written to FIFA asking that their country be banned from the World Cup for human rights violations, while the Ukrainian FA has asked for Iran to be thrown out in retaliation for supplying Russia with attack drones for its war against Ukraine.To talk about this story, we welcome back to the pod Jason Rezaian, a Washington Post reporter who was arrested and imprisoned in Tehran in 2014, and who first spoke to us on the pod during the 2018 World Cup.Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk about Arsenal keeping up their two-point lead, Manchester United keeping up their 85-year run, and as Newcastle roll into the top four, Eoin tries to force Ken to give due credit to Eddie Howe.After another defeat for Liverpool prompted fresh rounds of comparisons between this season and Klopp's last season at Dortmund, we discuss the relevance of the "seven-year-itch" theory. If you are a Liverpool fan, the conclusions may disturb you...Then we're joined by David Sneyd to talk about Shamrock Rovers' third successive League of Ireland title. How have they become so dominant, and where is the next challenge likely to come from? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It takes a big person to admit that they were wrong. This week on The Second Captains World Service, Ken Early was prepared to do just that as he trawled through his own back catalogue to a piece written in advance of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Also, we were joined last night in Windmill Lane by Olympic Champion Kellie Harrington in what was a fascinating chat to launch her excellent new autobiography with Roddy Doyle. Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster may have lost on Saturday evening in the Aviva, but were there enough reasons to be cheerful about the manner of their defeat to Leinster - and was it a positive portent for Irish rugby to see two young Irish outhalves playing so well at full-back? We also discuss the Jean Kleyn yellow card and if some moments are impossible to referee.Kilmacud Crokes are the Dublin Senior Football, Hurling and Women's Football champions for 2022, and Eoin McDevitt for one is in the mood for a celebration. Plus there's news from Ken's inbox, and a chance for 10 listeners to join us for the launch of Kellie Harrington's brilliant new book in Windmill Lane this Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the games pile up the flames of crisis are blazing brightly at Leeds, Spurs, Wolves, Brighton and Liverpool, but for one happy club the only light on the horizon is the golden glow of a new dawn. Today is all about Aston Villa's world record new manager bounce. We also identify the qualities Casemiro has brought to Manchester United, and why Roy Keane was so eager to defend Ronaldo on Saturday night.The Ronaldo debate leads into our chat with the Wall Street Journal's Josh Robinson, who has written a new book with Jonathan Clegg: Messi v Ronaldo: One Rivalry, Two GOATS, And The Era That Remade The World's Game - which is published here on November 10th. The book traces the evolution of Ronaldo and Messi's parallel superstardom, and shows how their influence transformed the sport and defined an era.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a sparkling week on the World Service as Roddy Collins and Paul Howard joined 30 of our members for what was a highly enjoyable debut live show in our new city centre studios. We also spoke to Dion Fanning & John Brewin about Ronaldo's failure to read the room & Darwin "Shredder" Nunez.Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster finally got their season up and running on Saturday with a convincing win over The Bulls. They still butchered a lot of chances but a confident looking Joey Carbery got MOTM, new coach Mike Prendergast got a tune out of his attack and a number of fringe players - Edwin Edogbo, Shane Daly, Tom Ahern and Jack Crowley - all made an impact.We chat to Shane Horgan about rays of hope down south, improved standards in the URC and with Wasps and Worcester going into administration, why the English Premiership may have more bleak days ahead.And as we prepare for tonight's live show with Roddy Collins and Paul Howard we have a reading from the Rodfather. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool beat Manchester City in a match that had more than the usual share of morbo. We pay tribute to the men who did more than anyone else to make this occasion so memorable: Anthony Taylor and Darwin Nunez.We also discuss some of the weekend's other action, including Xavi's mediocre record at Barcelona, Jordan Pickford's actually rather exceptional record at saving shots this season, and a scandalous suggestion that Arsenal may have benefited from the L-word in their narrow win at Leeds.Jonathan Wilson joins us to analyse the match at Anfield. Did Jurgen Klopp's comments about City's funding have a direct influence on what happened on the pitch? What to make of the mess that is 'let it flow'? And will City's loss of control in the second half give Guardiola cause to brood on the best way to approach the big tests to come? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken met up with the Irish WNT this week and had an interesting chat with Vera Pauw about the achievement of making it to the World Cup, her self belief, tactics, bringing on Amber Barrett and the team singing a Wolfe Tones song in the dressing room afterwards. Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join – it’s finger lickin’ good, special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lot of South African people appear to have discovered for the first time that Johnny Sexton likes a word with the referee - we talk about Sexton's commanding seasonal debut on Saturday as Leinster and the Sharks shared 13 tries.Mark O'Connor was celebrating a Grand Final victory with his Geelong team-mates in Melbourne a few weeks ago, and in Tralee on Saturday night, he was able to celebrate with a gang of them again as a dozen of them pitched up to Dingle's Kerry county championship quarter-final win over Dr Crokes. Between that and David Clifford facing off against Sean O'Shea on Sunday afternoon, it was a fairly exciting weekend of football in the home of the All-Ireland champions.Plus we announce the latest book to get the "I'll Tell You Who Wrote It" Second Captains Book Club treatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal defeated Liverpool 3-2 in extremely entertaining fashion yesterday, and they remain top of the league. High time, then, for some flowers to be laid at their feet.Ken lines up to give them their dues, and he's joined by Miguel Delaney and Andrew Mangan of the Arseblog podcast. There's also Ireland's horror draw for Euro 2024 qualification, with France, The Netherlands, Greece and Gibraltar... but where others see obstacles, Eoin only sees opportunities. Plus there's Iker Casillas, Carlos Puyol, and when is a handball not a handball.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the world service this week we discussed Conte's troubles at Spurs, Trent trolls, the Norwegian Sun God, Pep's glasshouse, and what football can learn from F1 - all while MC Devitt ran the show for 90's hip hop week.Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join - it's finger lickin' good, special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems there is no safe harbour in the world of sport from the scourge of cheating, not chess, and not even professional fishing - Eoin brings us the latest.We discuss the legacy of Brian Mullins, the man who best epitomised the youth and exuberance of Dublin in the 1970s.Sibling rivalry turns sour in European GAA for 2 world service members, and we launch 90s Hip-Hop week, with Eoin outlining the parameters in stark detail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight weeks into the Premier League season and rampant Norwegian goal yeti Erling Haaland has already burned through the existing stockpile of superlatives. We trawl the archives in search of fresh supplies.Meanwhile, Florentino Perez is back on the Super League war trail with a new battle cry: "Think of the Children." But is he right to see football as competing with entertainment products? John Brewin and Mark Critchley join us to talk through some of the weekend's action. Has Haaland proved Pep has spent the last ten years exploring a cul de sac? And how crushing is the impact of this result on the delicate flower of confidence at Man United Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the world service this week we had Nations League mayhem, the similarities between sports stars and actors, loss of Kencentration, chess cheats and Stephen A gets put in the shade. Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, Eliud Kipchoge knocked 30 seconds off his own marathon world record but.. he still didn't break through the 2-hour barrier. We have some simple advice that should do the trick.Federer charmed and sobbed his way through his farewell event, the Laver Cup, winning fans' hearts one last time - but has he got what it takes to become a great coach?A listener argues the GAA should embrace its amateur status and eradicate under-the-table payments to managers and set the players free from the training "arms race". And Murph puts into context how good Zach Tuohy is at a game he didn't grow up playing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have done it again, starting well and taking the lead against a higher-ranked side away from home and then going down to defeat in the second half. We analyse the game and some of the criticism that has followed.We also discuss some recent interviews with Mark Lawrenson and Eric Cantona.Dion Fanning and Kieran Canning join us to talk about the match at Hampden. As we fight to stay positive, can we take heart from Scotland's development over the last few years? and to look ahead to Nations League B new boys England's dead rubber against Germany tonight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack McCaffrey hasn’t played for Dublin since a cameo off the bench which ended in injury against Tyrone in Omagh in February 2020. Paul Mannion’s last game was the 2020 All-Ireland final.  They were both off the Dublin panel, presumed retired - until yesterday evening. We get the Fair View of their surprise return to inter-county football, what it means for Dublin… and what it means for everyone else, with 4-time Kerry All-Ireland winner Sean O’Sullivan. We also pay homage to David Beckham’s queueing stamina, Ken casts his eye over proceedings in London this morning, and we salute Eddie Butler’s love of Wales.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's more than one way to make your name in the Premier League. Until now Nathan Collins has been trying the quiet excellence way, but on Saturday against Man City he hopped on the fast track to building his profile internationally.We also discuss a disgraceful episode in Spain, and the sad scenes at Munich's Oktoberfest, where Bayern's top brass tried and failed to look like they're having a good time despite dropping nine of the last 12 points.James Horncastle joins us to talk about how Juventus lost their stranglehold on Italian football. What and who is to blame for their fall? And who will win the culture war between the traditional values of Italian football and an ambitious new generation of internationally-influenced coaches? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are English football people so down on Todd the mouthy American interloper? What is a long snapper? And would it surprise you to hear the New England Patriots were involved in one of the oldest cheating scandals in NFL history? That means US Murph, Champions League and fun times on the World Service this week. Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a series of terrible VAR decisions in the Premier League last week we heard many VAR advocates claim "it's only in England they don't know how to use it, VAR is working perfectly everywhere else." Right on cue, Juventus-Salernitana generates the Exxon Valdez of VAR decisions.We also talk about whether Pep Lijnders' recent book is as dangerous a signal for Liverpool as Didi Hamann fears, and relay the views of our favourite Argentine football writer on the signing of Darwin Nuñez. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Lowry is back in the winner's circle for the first time since his Open victory at Royal Portrush in 2019, courtesy of a faultless Sunday performance at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth yesterday.  He was pushed all the way by Rory McIlroy, who fell literally an inch short of forcing a playoff - we talk to Malachy Clerkin about Shane's lovely habit of winning big tournaments, why Shane described this as one for "the good guys", and why human rights have disappeared from the PGA/LIV war of words.  We try and find out, as Malachy wrote a few weeks ago, if Rory is the most underrated person in Irish sport. There's also Terry Kennedy, Georgie Best, and why is Garth so big in Monaghan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League is back, Thomas Tuchel has been shown the door and friend of the show, Rory Smith of the New York Times has a new book out on the data revolution in football... That means lots of football on the World Service this week, and lots of good reasons to sign up now. Join us for ad-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Walsh made his debut for Kilmacud Crokes in the Dublin senior football championship, and his new club sent a message to every other club in the country with a powerful display. If they were a county, would they win Division 3? But it was salt of the earth Dublin GAA man Eoin McDevitt making impassioned calls for one young footballer to put his life on hold to give back to his community today - as retired Dub Paul Mannion put on a clinic.Nick Kyrgios has the star power to keep the celebrities coming to Flushing Meadows after Serena departed the scene over the weekend, and Ciara Mageean finally gets the better of Laura Muir. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VAR will be good, they said. It will reduce the amount of time people waste pointlessly arguing over wrong decisions, they said.Ever mindful of the wants and needs of our listeners we tried not to do too much VAR talk today but after a weekend like that it's not easy.Mark Critchley was at Old Trafford to see Erik ten Hag's clinical Manchester United end Arsenal's 100% start.And after Celtic's 4-0 win against Rangers, Kieran Canning talks to us about their fantastic form heading into tomorrow night's Champions League match against Real Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly taster of the Second Captains World Service which includes Ken on grammar, Caitlin on Serena's secret sauce, Murph on losers and Pep's machine gun dilemma. Join for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. It takes less than two minutes to set up, there’s no contract, no obligations and no hidden fees.1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory McIlroy became the first 3-time winner of the FedEx Cup last night, chasing down the world number 1 Scottie Scheffler who held a 6-shot lead going into the final round. But what’s the difference between the 18.5 million dollars Rory won last night and the Saudi money on offer in LIVgolf? There’s also Damien Delaney’s dad’s hurling exploits for Cork, Paul Galvin in Leap last week, and why watching a brilliant sportsperson mentally implode is so enjoyable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs suffering, Arsenal allegedly overcelebrating, Richarlison’s swift justice, Steven Gerrard’s brow scrunching up ever more tightly – season 22-23 is boiling up nicely. Thankfully we can still say: nobody beats Mark Travers ten times in one game.We also dissect the Sunday Times’ inside story of the Cristiano Ronaldo-Man United stand off.Lars Sivertsen and John Brewin join us to talk about the weekend action. Is Haaland showing up the Premier League? Why are Aston Villa fans so angry with Steven Gerrard? And will Antony prove cheap at the price? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Joshua had a couple of things he wanted to get off his chest after he lost a split decision to Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night - listeners wanted Ken's thoughts, and Ken is more than happy to provide them. It was a brilliant European athletics championships for Ireland, with Ciara Mageean and Mark English both winning medals on the track, and we have a new Dublin hurling manager in Micheál Donoghue, who won an All-Ireland title with Galway in 2017. And we also have Pat Kenny's thoughts on the soundtrack to the long, hot summer of 2022.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesse Marsch is winning points faster than friends in the Premier League as hard-running Leeds make a lot of other managers look bad.  After Casemiro's tearful Real Madrid farewell, we debate whether his signing is a good idea for Man United. Meanwhile there are hints of trouble in paradise as Jurgen Klopp points out he's not in charge of deciding how much Liverpool spend on midfielders.  John Brewin and Miguel Delaney join us to talk over the weekend's action. Did they enjoy the spectacle laid on by Saudi v UAE? Has Gabriel Jesus brought Man City's culture with him to Arsenal or is he playing so well because he's left it behind? Are Spurs' title-contending credentials looking less convincing after their midfield struggles against Chelsea and Wolves? And why have Tuchel's Chelsea lost control? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were contrasting weekends for the two stars of last month’s All-Ireland senior football final as Fossa’s David Clifford got mobbed by tiny pitch invaders so cute even Ken couldn’t have a problem with them, while Kilkerrin-Clonberne's Shane Walsh was at a wedding as his club secured a dramatic win over Headford. Paul O’Donovan's unstoppable march to becoming by-common-consent Ireland’s greatest ever sportsperson continued this week at the European Championships - so what the hell is Murph complaining about?And with Jamie Vardy now being linked to Manchester United, does the transfer committee at Old Trafford now include… every Twitter user on the planet? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The weekend marking the 30th anniversary of the Premier League belonged to Graeme Souness who declared after watching Chelsea 2-2 Spurs that "we've got our football back."We argue about what that means and whether this new direction is likely to lead anywhere good.Laurie Whitwell and Dion Fanning join us to talk about the weekend's football. Should fights between managers become a more regular PL staple? And what's the fallout at Man United after their 4-0 thrashing at Brentford?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly taster of the Second Captains World Service which includes Ken on goal hatching, poor Bernardo Silva, US Murph on the Irish-American broadcast poet, and rugby's uncomfortable conversation. Join for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. It takes less than two minutes to set up, there’s no contract, no obligations and no hidden fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The GAA's first foray into using a ref-mic was a resounding success on tg4 yesterday (as exclusively revealed by Frances Murphy during her TV guide on Friday), and we had a thrilling, tense, physical, All-Ireland camogie final this weekend as well. If we're playing rugby league commentary on this show then you better believe it has an extremely high "northern English people shouting at each other" quotient. And we've further proof that Xhosa commentary is the best rugby union comms around. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

City's midfield made the passes, Erling Haaland scored the goals, and all is rosy in their garden, once Guardiola gets used to his new job as a guy who talks about the younger Haaland for a living.Elsewhere it appears the Premier League has rolled out interesting new rules which mean lots of random fouls are no longer fouls. Will this encourage the fast-flowing furious football we all crave?Jonathan Wilson and Jack Pitt-Brooke join us to analyse the weekend's football. Are there any obvious solutions to Man United's problems in the short term? How did Gavin Bazunu get on at Spurs? And just what are PL defenders supposed to do about Haaland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly taster of the Second Captains World Service which includes a Premier League Preview show, the GAA's tug of love, and US Murph on America's winning machine. Join for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. It takes less than two minutes to set up, there's no contract, no obligations and no hidden fees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are European champions, after a final that attracted the biggest-ever UEFA tournament crowd and the biggest UK TV audience of the year.Liverpool won the Community Shield as Darwin Nuñez enjoyed a better debut than Erling Haaland - what wild conclusions about the season to come can be extrapolated from this one friendly? Richie Sadlier joins us to talk about England's Euros win and to give his impressions of a highly successful tournament.= Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken has returned from holidays and it's time to ease back into familiar routines, starting, obviously, with Frank Lampard and moving on. Why does Antonio Conte make his players run till they puke? Might Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish make City the most watchable team in Europe this season? And how are we meant to make sense of what is happening at Barcelona? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a classic All-Ireland final, and it was a fitting stage for two of the great individual final performances of all time. David Clifford scored 8 points to win his first Celtic Cross, and was still almost over-shadowed by the luminous brilliance of Galway's Shane Walsh.Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn talk us through the major talking points, as Kerry answered all the questions and won their 38th title.Plus there's the burning question of whether Murph attended David Clifford's afterparty, and a goodbye to Brian Cody.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly taster of the Second Captains World Service. Ken is back next week so today we play a snippet from our chat with Ken and Lars Sivertsen on Lars' fellow countryman Erling Haaland who explains why the Man City striker is so blunt with journalists. Plus Paul Flynn says Galway to win and Richie tells us what it was like being on mind altering drugs. Join for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was impossible not be impressed by both Kilkenny and Limerick yesterday, but in coming through the ultimate test Limerick can now party like its 2020, 2021 and 2022. We discuss the magical points, the big performances and the outpouring at full time.Rory seemed to be on course to finally win a major after an 8 year break but slow and steady wasn't enough on a day when Cameron Smith was rolling in putts from everywhere. We chat to Lawrence Donegan about what he could have done differently, his incredible record in majors this year and why the LIV chat won't go away any time soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was the way they won it, the team they were facing, the history at stake and the drama, guts and glory in the second half that made this perhaps the greatest day ever in Irish rugby.We chat to All Black legend Justin Marshall and Shane Horgan about the breathtaking quality of Ireland's tries, the Tadhg Beirne masterclass, the mental strength shown and just why this tops even the Grand Slams for the sheer quality on display.Plus there's tears before breakfast, Sexton's hopes and dreams and Mark Horgan has weaved a beautiful audio blanket for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had a great time on the World Service this week including chats about Ireland winning the transfer window, "new" old Brian Cody, the immense pressure on NZ ahead of the third test and the hugely enjoyable new Netflix basketball movie, Hustle, starring Adam Sandler.To hear all our shows from Monday to Friday join for just five euro a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England/Norway could be the game of the group stages of Euro 2022 and Miguel Delaney will be there tonight. He tells us about the host nation’s reaction to the tournament thus far, and we also discuss Chelsea’s first post-Abramovich summer so far, their new-found canniness in the transfer market… and where a kite being flown about buying Ronaldo fits into that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another wild weekend of football in Croke Park ends with Galway and Kerry as the last men standing in this year’s All-Ireland championship. The best in the business Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn talk Dublin’s lack of a sweeper, Clifford magic, red cards, penalties and the Damien Comer effect. And as Sean O’Shea’s last-second free takes its place in the pantheon, we give it the full audio-bed treatment.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All Ireland football semi-finals, Ireland's tour of New Zealand, Euro 2022, the climax of Wimbledon, the All Ireland hurling final... The list of massive sporting events taking place this month goes on and on and we've got it all covered on the Second Captains World Service. Listen to some of the highlights of this week's independent, member-led podcasts and sign up now for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ronaldo has told Manchester United that he wants out, as he hasn't seen enough ambition in the club this summer to suggest a tilt at the Premier League title next season is likely. Jonathan Wilson joins us to discuss whether Ronaldo coming out and demanding an exit might actually be the perfect solution to Erik ten Hag's biggest problem at Old Trafford.  Plus there's the arrival of Christian Eriksen, and the club almost embracing the 40 hour working week.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobody said it was going to be easy, but even against our most pessimistic outlook, this has been a chastening first week on tour for Ireland in New Zealand. Two games down, two dispiriting defeats, and a squad being stretched thin already by injury - Shane Horgan and Jim Kayes from Sky Sports New Zealand are on the show today to sift through the wreckage.  We also had two All-Ireland hurling semi-finals this weekend, and the fallacy of minimising Kilkenny's chances before a big game was revealed once again, while Murph's exquisite pain is mined for the benefit of our audience.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the way from the tender green shoots of the grassroots game to the swollen red giant of Neymar's declining career... the extreme fisheye perspective of today's football pod can mean only one thing: it's summertime.That also means TRANSFER TALK, including Jesus to Arsenal, Bale to LA, De Jong to Man Utd and Neymar to nowhere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the goals, the fightback, the fight, the red cards, the penalties and the tears, we had a lot to get through with Oisin Mcconville and Murph today, but we start by asking how the GAA, and Armagh, should deal with the scenes at the end of normal time.Murph prays there will be no appeals process, but what about Galway and their late collapse, their inability to deal with high balls, their brilliant goal in extra time and superb penalty technique?Plus there's Ken TV, meek Mayo, Dublin's stroll in Croker and Derry looking good not just for a final, but maybe an All Ireland title too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is our weekly reminder about all of the great shows you can access when you become a member of the Second Captains World Service, for just 5 euro a month. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details. We spent a surprising amount of the week discussing summer camps and John Stockton's mid 90's trips to Ireland, and we had a great chat with Joanna Harper, a competitive runner who transitioned a number of years ago, and since then has become one of the leading voices in this area. She's now a medical physicist and an advisor to many international sports federations and is based at Loughborough University in the UK, where she’s researching transgender athletic performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin returns to the football pod and gives his long awaited take on the Nations League and Ireland’s best goal, meanwhile Ken is accused of twisting facts to suit his narrative, which just goes to show the kind of stuff that comes in from scum around the country. We also chat about Richard Arnold’s pub talk with Man United fans, what's happening with Frenkie de Jong and Murph's solution to the FAI's sponsor issues.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin is back in the hot-seat, and to celebrate his return, the All-Ireland hurling championship has been whittled down to its last four - Jamie Wall and 2013 All-Ireland winning captain Pat Donnellan join us to discuss the two quarter-finals this week. Galway beat Cork, but don’t have a rat’s chance against Limerick, while Shane O’Donnell continues to perform miracles for Clare, even when they’re under-performing. And when Plan A works, but has been rumbled, how important it is to adapt - the two teams that did at the weekend, are still alive this morning. Plus there’s Murph’s superpower, Eoin on a farm, Ken's golf power rankings and the butcher of Ballybrack strikes again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From calling out Phil Mickelson, to pronouncing the LIV Series dead in the water, to questioning the pursuit of money, Rory McIlroy has been nothing if not outspoken these last few months. He looked like a man with a point to prove as he defended his Canadian Open title this weekend, taking him to 21 PGA Tour wins, one more than.....somebody else. Meanwhile Charl Schwartzel was winning four times as much as Rory over on the LIV tour, but wasn't wrestling with his conscience. And world number 374, GMAC, sees only one set of footprints in the Saudi sand.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victory this weekend was never, of course, in doubt and that is precisely what Ireland delivered. We chat to Dion Fanning and Miguel Delaney about our over-reaction to every Ireland result, the reality that this group of players, and this manager, will continue to make mistakes and be inconsistent, and a heated debate breaks out over whether long shots, dribbles or passing moves are the best kind of goals.Plus there's the joy of simplicity, the Hendrick debate, and Ken on the beauty of Poland.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Irish football team: a consistent source of disappointment, or a consistently bracing source of perspective on life? Ken and Murph disagree, just as they disagree on many things about the game. One thing they do agree on is that in international football, a superhero isn't necessary, but as Wales and Norway demonstrate, it sure helps. Richie Sadlier and Gavin Cooney join us to analyse what happened in Yerevan. Why can't we create chances? For all the supposed improvement are there any signs of the development of real confidence? Is there anything to be said for another system change? Plus there's wild talk of "creativity", "passing triangles" and the need for "De Bruyne crosses". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had four pretty awful provincial Gaelic Football finals this weekend, the undoubted main story of which was Derry outlasting Donegal in a dour, defensive Ulster final during which Donegal played a risk averse, low energy game.Galway keep marching on in Connacht, and then there was the galling sight of Dublin and Kerry once again filleting provincial opposition in their finals on Saturday.Why on earth did Kildare not use a sweeper against Dublin and will Derry get it so easy outside of Ulster? We set the scene for our chat with Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn, coming up on the World Service on Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The universe gave Ken all the signs in the world, including an actual, real-life rat infestation on the streets of Paris, but he refused to listen. Real Madrid are champions of Europe.After a chaotic, dangerous and depressing night in Paris for so many Liverpool fans, Ken speaks to Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson about whether they're a great team or not, the mistakes made for the Vinicius goal and just how Madrid keep winning this competition.Liverpool played 3 cup finals this season, failed to score in any of them, and now it looks like Sadio Mané is leaving and Salah will go soon after. How does Jurgen Klopp go about rebuilding from here?Plus there's El Chiringuito on the streets, Liverpool on parade and the behaviour of the French police towards Liverpool fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, Waterford were the number 1 contenders for Limerick’s All-Ireland crown. Today, they’re out of the championship. Did expectation and big talk kill them?Ken wants to know why the Dublin hurlers haven't bought the Liam McCarthy Cup, and with the All-Ireland finals no longer in September he accuses the GAA of ripping up the fabric of Irish life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City are the Premier League champions, again sealing the title with a 3-2 comeback win at home. We talk about City's win and how in the end the players carried their manager over the line.We are joined by Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson to talk about City's win. The last day provided the drama, but is the competition in a healthy state? Is the billionaire-worship of football fans an ominous sign for wider society? Plus there's Mbappe's staying power and who was right in Saipan, anyway?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a wild week on the Second Captains World Service with Frank's redemption, Everton's fan power, Rangers in Seville and we even take the time to have another pop at Derry football. This is just a taste of what we've been up to, for access to all shows Monday to Friday go to secondcaptains.com/join, its five euro a month with no minimum contract, no sign up fee and you can cancel whenever you want. It's sexy podcasting, with no strings attached.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork were mad as hell and they just weren’t gonna take it anymore… and their defeat of Waterford yesterday has blown the entire championship wide open. Waterford are now relying on winless Tipperary to do them a favour next week, otherwise the league champions won’t even qualify out of Munster. And a packed Cusack Park in Ennis was a stark contrast to how spinelessly Meath exited the Leinster football championship – a situation which moved Ken almost to tears. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was little in West Ham’s record against Guardiola-era Man City to suggest they would cause many problems to the aspiring champions yesterday, but it turned out Jarrod Bowen and Lukasz Fabianski had other ideas.Meanwhile Liverpool won the FA Cup yet defiled the occasion by booing both the anthem and the second in line to the throne. Dion Fanning and Gavin Cooney join us to analyse the weekend’s action. How confident can Jack Grealish be of getting his hands on the league trophy next Sunday? Why can’t Liverpool beat their closest rivals? Why are Everton’s matches now appointment television? And we also discuss the controversy around Newcastle’s Saudi Arabia-style change kit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster had 41,000 fans roaring them on to what, after 65 minutes, looked like being a famous victory over Toulouse. In the end they lost it in the most heartbreaking way, by shanking a few kicks in a penalty shootout. It had ,however, all the drama, atmosphere, desire and great play shown by the teams in the 2000's, but will that be of any solace this week?We also discuss Leinster doing just enough against Leicester, their date with the French double winners, Zombie coming alive at the Aviva and if there's a better way to finish games than penalty shootouts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 2328: Liverpool's Quad Dream Dies, Pep Doesn't Feel The Love, Klopp's Conte Criticism - 09/05/22 by Second Captains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a bonkers week of Champions League football Ken reflects on his childhood, and a book he shouldn't have read.For coverage of the Champions League, Premier League, the GAA season, the Champions Cup and everything else that's going on in the wide world of sport join us for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. No contracts, no minimum stay, no hidden costs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 2323: Long Ball Lampard, Chelsea Sale, The Ramsdale Express, Ricey's Bad Weekend - 02/05/22 by Second Captains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a beautiful weekend to be out west, especially when your team silences all the losers and haters out there, as Murph's Galway tribe did on Sunday by beating a much fancied Mayo team. Murph also details his very western weekend which involved football, a funeral, and some booze, and Ken wonders why his colleague keeps appearing on TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ghost of The Slip haunted yesterday's Merseyside derby, as Everton took an old-school approach to getting out of Anfield alive. We talk about why this was a terrible idea. Rory Smith and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about the weekend's action. Did Everton ever have a chance with Lampard's game plan? Do Mohammed bin Salman's Mags already look a Champions League qualification contender for next season? And how likely is Antonio Conte to stick around at Spurs? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best of this week's fare on the World Service. Join us for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. No contracts, no minimum stay, no ads, just lots of podcast goodness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool will play Chelsea in the FA Cup final after a Wembley semi-final that burnished Ederson's reputation almost as much as Mane's.Meanwhile, after Eintracht Frankfurt's fans turned the Nou Camp white, Barcelona's directors claim they are shocked, shocked to find that ticket reselling is going on in here. John Brewin and Jack Pitt Brooke join us to analyse the weekend's action. Is City's defeat on Guardiola? Can Ronaldo do it again at Anfield? And which of the three sides hobbling after fourth place is going to make it?Plus there's Brendan's magpie love, Arsenal's collapse and Wreck-It Ralf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday on the World Service we did a big piece on what's been described as the unprecedented international action being taken against the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, and on the depth of Daniel Kinahan's continued involvement in boxing. If you'd like to hear it, alongside all our great Champions League and Champions Cup coverage, sign up now at secondcaptains.com/join for just €5 + VAT a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Masters was won by the world number 1 Scottie Scheffler last night, but in another, more important way, surely Rory McIlroy should be declared the winner? We discuss how Rory enlivened what would have been an otherwise routine Sunday evening in Augusta, and how Shane Lowry continues to excel in the big tournaments. There was also Tiger's grind, and Jim Nantz's minimalist commentary style, and a possibly superfluous Ole Gunnar Solskjaer mention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Lampard chases away the vultures while Ralf Rangnick sardonically dismisses his team's chances, but Arsenal are doing everything possible to keep them alive. Meanwhile one Irish warrior is cut down in his prime, while another spreads his wings...All that before we get to the main event - the latest in the stunning series of matches between football friends, Manchester City and Liverpool.Dion Fanning and Mark Critchley join us to talk about the game at the Etihad (and some of the rest of the weekend's football). Why does Critch still think City are better? And if we're honest, would we prefer this rivalry to get a bit nastier? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tiger's return to the Masters, Champions League quarter-finals, a potential Premier League title decider, the Champions Cup last 16: we're in the middle of an amazing fortnight of sport, which means it's a brilliant time to come try out the World Service for just €5 + VAT a month. Plus there's plenty of Ken's political podcasts to sink your teeth into too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry and Waterford were crowned national football and hurling League winners at the weekend, and as befits spring champions, their prospects are looking very rosy indeed for the summer ahead. Murph reports on the David Clifford Show from his front-row seat at Croker yesterday, and why he's prepared to call him the greatest to ever do it... already. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish talent was dominating at every level this weekend, with Chiedozie Ogbene lighting up the Papa Johns and Michael Obafemi the Championship; as for the Premier League, at this rate it cannot be long before Tottenham rename their ground The Matt Doherty Stadium.We also talk about the World Cup draw, Frank Lampard's new direction and the challenges Graham Potter faces managing the not-helpful suggestions of Brighton fans.We then chat to Miguel Delaney about his visit to Qatar for the World Cup draw. Did it leave him more or less convinced that Qatar is a suitable venue for a World Cup? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat to Richie Sadlier about his Mo Salah moment and Brian Kerr about Ireland's path to becoming a multicultural society.Join for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. No contracts, no minimum stay, no ads just lots of podcast goodness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday gave us plenty of GAA drama as Monaghan pulled the rabbit out of the hat on the last day of the league yet again, Dublin in turn got relegated to Division 2, with four other Leinster teams also dropping down a division. If that wasn't enough, it all played out with the GPA-GAA row looming in the background. We'll be discussing all that on your second free show of the day before chatting to the McConville-Flynn dream team on the World Service tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look back on Ireland 2-2 draw with Belgium's still-pretty-useful B-team. Some inept defending aside, it seems the Irish team is now a river to its people. Gavin Cooney joins us to give his thoughts on Ireland's progress in the year and a day since we lost 1-0 to Luxembourg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Any evening we're lucky enough to spend at Liberty Hall Theatre with our World Service members feels pretty special, but Wednesday's show took it to another level. The voice of Irish football, George Hamilton joined us for a chat, yes, but he also gave us a pretty spectacular rendition of one of his favourite tunes alongside our house band.To join the World Service and hear our chat with George, go to secondcaptains.com/join - it's just €5 + VAT a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The weekend saw some spectacular action on the pitch - but very little impresses the men of football's Greatest Generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whatever we expected from the final weekend of the Six Nations, those expectations probably didn't include an amazing win for Italy in Cardiff, sealed by a last minute wonder-try created by a 71kg 22-year-old. On the other hand, a howler from Stuart W. Hogg was far more foreseeable... And after what was a pretty great tournament for Ireland, we chat to Racing 92 coach Mike Prendergast and former Ireland and Lions winger Shane Horgan about the significance of a Triple Crown, why Ireland's attack stuttered against Scotland, how our defence (which only conceded 4 tries all Championship) is now a weapon, how Grand Slammers France still have a lot of improving in them, and how Ange Capuozzo went from looking like a fragile teenager to a lethal attacking weapon on what was, finally, Italy's day in the sun.Plus there's the final Early verdict on Eddie Jones, Italian emotional overload and perhaps the greatest Hoggwatch of them all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A gripping Six Nations deciding weekend, a key week in the Premier League title race, and the small matter of another Man United European exit - it's a big week in sport and that means it's a great time to sign up to the World Service. Just go to secondcaptains.com/join and come aboard for only €5 a month + VAT. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ronaldo's hat trick, Brady's U-turn, Havertz burns Burn, Eddie Howe's dead bat: it's all here in Monday's short football pod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mere days after their triumphant return to Liberty Hall, we chat to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble today about Ireland's 60 minute reset at Twickenham on Saturday, the magnificence of the back three, controlled aggression, the idea that an English red card should mean a 50 point win and if Les Rosbifs can topple Les Bleus in Le Crunch.Ken saw the finger-prints of Eddie Jones all over the wild celebrations of the England players after every penalty decision in their favour at the weekend, and has some comforting words for those Irish fans worried by Ireland's perceived under-performance - and Murph talks us through the many and varied permutations ahead of the final Saturday of the tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a special Saturday treat, here's your perfect build-up broadcast ahead of today's game. This is a very special bonus podcast recorded late last night at Dublin's Liberty Hall Theatre with Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble. In this hilarious 30 minute quick-hit ahead of Ireland v England, you'll hear about singing the wrong anthems, terrible days in Twickenham and why we're going to win today. Also included are beautiful musical introductions from Kieran Quinn and of course, the first ever live Hoggwatch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After far, far too long, we're finally back doing live shows at the Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin, so today we thought we'd give you a little taste of what it's been like so far this week. More specifically, a taster of what it's like to work with Eddie Jones, something we spoke to Connacht head coach Andy Friend about on Wednesday evening. To sign up to the World Service and hear more from our live shows, just go to secondcaptains.com/join now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Warne, the greatest spin bowler of all time, passed away aged just 52 on Friday.We discuss his tragically premature death on today’s second show, the parallels with Maradona, why scandal never stuck to him, and how he even managed to commentate on his own wicket-taking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United's thunder run to the fourth Champions League qualifying spot now appears hopelessly stalled, as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal machine races away. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has had to field some awkward questions in recent press conferences, but might an extended MBS profile in the Atlantic monthly suggest good times ahead for NUFC?Mark Critchley joins us to talk about the Manchester derby. Was this one of City's best-ever performances - or did United just not want it enough? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Muhammad Ali, Norman Mailer & The Second Captains Book Club; The Abramovich Auction by Second Captains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost everybody in the Aviva stadium, including the players and coaches, were confused by the ruling that meant Italy only had 13 players on the field despite having had only one red card. We try to explain why this happened, why Ireland reacted so badly and why it shouldn't happen ever again.Murph was really considering taking a week off Hoggwatch duty, but an incident in the 38th minute of the first half forced his hand.Plus there's Michael Lowry's pass to James Lowe, why high tackles are the biggest mistake you can make in a game of rugby, and how players should prepare accordingly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caoimhin Kelleher didn't save any penalties but his penalty-taking made the difference as Liverpool beat Chelsea to win their first League Cup in a decade.Chelsea, though, are preoccupied with bigger questions surrounding their future under Roman Abramovich, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues despite the Chelsea owner's alleged efforts for peace. Rory Smith and Jonathan Wilson join us to discuss the League Cup final, Abramovich's situation, and what FIFA should do next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson are at daggers drawn over Saudi Arabia, in a row that appears to have rather more legs than the latest inane ramblings of Brooks Koepka and/or Bryson DeChambeau.And this weekend seemed like a pretty weird time for ex-Dublin players to be taking to print to tell us about the various failings of Mayo football, but Murph has some thoughts on why sporting losses are not always down purely to moral failure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would Eoin be able to get more than two touches of the ball in a half of Premier League football? Clearly it depends on the extent to which he was prepared to sacrifice himself to the system, not that Thomas Tuchel would accept that as an excuse.We talk about the Conte masterclass at the Etihad, and Neymar's ennui, before Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley join us to talk about the weekend's action. If City have won 19 out of 22, why does it suddenly feel like they are under pressure? Is the best yet to come from Harry Kane? And has Jadon Sancho paid off the last instalment of Bundesliga tax? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The return of the League of Ireland, a look back at the Super Bowl, Champions League last 16 analysis, a Winter Olympics special - the World Service was a sporting broad church this week and we've pulled together the very best of it for you today. To sign up for just €5 a month + VAT, go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken is back today and bringing you the first of three football shows this week. In keeping with the immutable laws of nature, a big story broke while he was away in the form of the Kurt Zouma incident - he weighs in today. Plus, Chelsea are undisputed champions of the world, but the club may just have its attention fixed on a certain corner of the globe and the consequences a Russian invasion of Ukraine could bring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland got a losing bonus point against France but besides their guts and ability to come back from the dead, were there many positives for Andy Farrell and his players?We chat to Shane Horgan, Andrew Trimble and host of Le French Rugby Podcast, and former Scotland player, Johnnie Beattie about Ireland's plan getting a punch in the face, our breakdown woes, Carbery's good and bad points, the decision to go for a kick at goal when 6 points down with 9 minutes remaining, and Scotland continuing to be... Scotland.Ken and Murph share their late-night Super Bowl hot-takes, and there was late drama on the double on All-Ireland club final day, with crazy last-second goals winning the hurling and the football titles for Ballygunner and Kilcoo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the world service we spoke to Paul Flynn about his melee memories, Sonny Bill Williams about why he's in Ireland training with Andy Lee and Andrew Trimble about Ireland's trip to France.Join for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FAI, in its prudence, has abandoned its joint bid with the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to host the 2030 World Cup, and instead in its prudence will now make a joint bid to host Euro 2028. Ken reports back from the five-association press conference held earlier today.We also chat about last night's AFCON final, Egypt's questionable penalty shootout approach, and the Salah-Mane dynamic which grows ever-juicier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winning in style with a bonus point in front of a full house in the Aviva and Scotland coming through in a nerve-biter in Murrayfield: this was a grand old way to start the Six Nations. We chat to former Lions and Ireland winger Shane Horgan about Mack Hansen's dream debut, the perfection of the Ringrose try and Andy Farrell 2.0. We ask Alan Dymock of Rugby World magazine how England managed to lose a game they had so much possession in, the Luke Cowan-Dickie penalty try and if Scotland can keep it going against Wales.Elsewhere, the Scots rammed Murph's words down his big, fat mouth... but is there an apology forthcoming for Stuart William Hogg and his beloved, belief-filled boys?Plus we have some big live show news for everyone who listened to Where Is George Gibney?. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this week on the World Service, we spoke to Richie Sadlier about Mason Greenwood's initial arrest on suspicion of rape and assault, the massive outcry following Raith Rovers' signing of David Goodwillie, who was found by a civil court to have raped a woman in 2017, and more generally about how football - and society in general - can better deal with issues around physical and sexual violence towards women.We also previewed the Six Nations which gets underway this weekend with two men who know a thing or two about it in Jerry Flannery and Shane Horgan, and Ken welcomed back his old friend Frank Lampard to Premier League management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Football Leagues of America and Ireland are the main focus today, with Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn on hand to pore over Armagh's thumping victory away to Dublin on Saturday night.Dublin need to change, but does that mean personnel need to change too? Are the men responsible for dominating the last decade the men to dominate this decade? And Kerry were far from impressive too, so everyone's got something to play for all of a sudden.And Ken Early knows a choker when he sees one, and he saw one playing quarter-back for the Kansas City Chiefs last night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David begins the final-ever week of The Isolating Podcast (yes, he has said this twice before) with trapped wind from drinking stout in a pub. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked, scrawling their own lines on a photograph to prove Cavani was offside...It's taken a couple of years but VAR might finally have broken people's minds. The football over the weekend may have been mediocre but the VAR conspiracy theorising has reached new heights.We also hear some of the more interesting listener responses to last week's Man City debate.Then Patrick Boyland joins us to talk about the latest in the ongoing megacrisis at Everton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The murder of the 23-year-old teacher, musician & camogie player Ashling Murphy in Tullamore last week has opened up a national conversation around the harassment and violence suffered by women at the hands of men in our country.Sinead O’Carroll, editor of thejournal.ie, and Louise Crowley, professor at the School of Law in UCC join us on today’s show.Louise has introduced a bystander intervention programme into the college which teaches students how to intervene in situations where there’s inappropriate language or behaviour being used, and her insights from the front lines illustrate both the size of the problem, and the willingness among men and women to do something about it.They talk to us about what men can do, what the country can learn, and whether this is truly a watershed moment in Irish life.*This episode, originally released on the World Service, has now been made available to everyone.* Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David celebrates the 100th Isolating podcast with sinister news of the fake David O’Doherty and a beef for the ages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Pep team streaks towards a fourth title in five, we talk about the emotions they stir up compared to the dominant sides of the past. Dion Fanning and Miguel Delaney join us to talk more City-Chelsea and to react to Rafa Benitez’s Everton exit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was only one story that we wanted to focus on in today’s promo for the Second Captains World Service. We talked to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Mitchell S. Jackson about a searing piece he wrote about the life and death of Ahmaud Arbery in February 2020 - the senseless killing of a totally innocent jogger in broad daylight, a story which has seen a devastating and tragic echo in Ireland in the last 24 hours. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David is back for season three of the Isolating podcast. Is this good news or bad news? Probably both. Isolators gather once more for tales of solo cans and postcards from places brackets exotic. Email Doodlers directly at [email protected] and to listen to all of David’s thrice-weekly shows, become a member now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FA Cup - still magical? Not magical? Who even cares, when there is so much more to life! Serie A for instance, where Roma and Juventus played out one of the most dramatic league games of recent years. Then we are joined by Roberto 'Pico' Lopes from the Cape Verde base at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Cape Verde defeated Ethiopia 1-0 last night to get their tournament off to a winning start.We also react to the news that Novak Djokovic has swept triumphantly into Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite the fact it's dreary January and Omicron is omnipresent, we've had one of the funnest weeks on the World Service we've had in a while. From the sheer hilarity of the Djokovic-Australian Open saga to Ken's new lifestyle change to US Murph reflecting on the life and times of NFL titan, John Madden - it's all waiting for you. Join now for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We begin 2022 by admiring a succession of incredible goals scored in recent Premier League matches. A wonderful, positive start to the year. There were a couple of great games this weekend to mention as well, before we settle into the main business of analysing VAR mistakes.Raphael Honigstein joins us to talk about the falling out between Romelu Lukaku and Thomas Tuchel, and whether City are becoming an English Bayern.Plus there's the Cookstown curler, Kelleher praise, post peak Van Dijk and Ken on darts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the Monday after Christmas and while most people are resting up, footballers are playing their hearts out and Ken is podcasting football shows.He welcomes Jonathan Wilson to their annual Scrooge Football chat which includes the Leicester Man City thriller, why Grealish's move to City hasn't worked and rational Germans offering practical solutions to English football's problems.Plus there's the unfairness of Covid and Jonathan's new book about Eduard Streltsov, the Soviet football star who was arrested on the eve of the 1958 World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League refereeing is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get. Although you can be reasonably sure that whatever the rules are this week, they won't be applied to the England captain. Was Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool a good game, or a sad indictment of how English football has lost its way? Dion Fanning and Jack Pitt Brooke join us to discuss that explosive 2-2, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Christmas week on Second Captains, and that can mean only one thing - it's almost time for us to announce our audio bed of the year live from the SC Log Cabin. What does all of this mean? We've been doing it for years and Richie Sadlier still doesn't have a clue, but we nevertheless give you the run-down today. Rachael Blackmore had a pretty successful weekend - announced as the Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year on Friday, the RTE Sports Personality of the Year on Saturday, and the BBC World Sports Star of the Year yesterday, joining Roger Federer, Muhammad Ali and Pele as previous winners of that category. And to continue the festive theme, Eoin brings us right up to speed with the very latest from the World Darts Championships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brand new slots, old slots brought back to life, and audio-beds fresh from the Mark Horgan audio-bed oven - your World Service taster menu has got it all this week. Sign up now for €5 + VAT a month for independent, member-led, festive broadcasting at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unique charms of Formula One have largely been lost on our presenting corps over the last 25 years or so, but it came roaring back into our collective consciousness this weekend. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been engaged in a thrilling battle for F1 supremacy this season, and it all came to a climax in Abu Dhabi yesterday as thrilling racing, ridiculous TV access to the inner workings of the drivers’ respective teams, and high-level on-the-hoof chicanery from the race directors combined for a hilariously entertaining afternoon. Eoin and Murph speculate wildly about a great many things they know little about, Ken says he’s still a chariot-racing man, and we set up a big weekend’s rugby chat coming up tomorrow on the World Service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat about some of the weekend’s penalties before buckling up to talk, yes that’s right, COVID vaccines. Then Neil Atkinson and John Brewin join us to further analyse the weekend spot kick action. And finally we react to both UEFA CL draws on the day Europe’s governing body was let down by “external software provider”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please enjoy this week's world service taster which includes Ken speculating on a big career change for Gary Neville, Ken on Kids and former Ireland and Ulster star Willie Anderson on life as a protestant in Co. Tyrone before the Troubles began.It's all in a week's listening on the Second Captains World Service, and it's available to you for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little stutter over the past few days and Chelsea have slipped to third, such is the pace of this season's title race.We discuss the early signs of Ralf Rangnick's influence, and the acrimonious aftermath of Dortmund's controversial defeat to Bayern.Rory Smith and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about the weekend's football. It's probably not a good sign that only four Premier League clubs have a positive goal difference. But it still looks healthier than leagues like the Bundesliga, where Bayern are cruising to ten in a row. What is to be done? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's World Service appetiser is dedicated to one Richie Sadlier, who not only did an amazing interview with Keith Earls for the Player's Chair, but continued to churn out #content whilst lying in a hospital bed, recovering from spinal fusion surgery. Sign up now and you'll also hear one of the best pods of the year, the Second Captains Sports Book of the Year Show with Sinéad O'Carroll and Malachy Clerkin, plus loads of football, too - secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a massive weekend for Ulster in the URC as they got a rare win over Leinster, while things couldn't have gone worse for Munster who find themselves stranded in South Africa after a player tested positive for Covid. One of the sporting stories of the year came out of Tipperary this weekend after Loughmore-Castleiney sealed a county double in football and hurling, with both finals decided by points scored by Tipp hurler, John McGrath. Throw in that they lost both county finals last year by a point and you've got one hell of a tale... Plus there's a massive week ahead on the World Service, Connacht's torrential try-fest, and Effin' Eddie Moroney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken is back, having rediscovered over the weekend how much more enjoyable it is to go to football matches than it is to work at them. Big questions are up for discussion. Do Ralf Rangnick's coaching gifts extend to telepathic influence? And how is it possible Eoin and Ciaran have never heard of the cinnamon challenge? Then Kevin Brannigan and David Sneyd join us to talk about the FAI Cup final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland weren't quite as good as they were against NZ but it was another impressive display from a team hit by a number of injuries. We discuss the confident happy vibes coming from the camp, MOTM Joey Carbery, Peter O'Mahony's red card diatribe and the depth we now have in certain positions.Plus there's French class, Lavanini at large and Murph rattles Donal Lenihan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would it take for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to lose his job? Not a 0-5 loss at home to Liverpool, not a 0-2 loss a week later to Man City... but the final straw did eventually come on Saturday as Manchester United crashed to a 4-1 defeat away to Watford. Mark Critchley and Jonathan Wilson join us to discuss the inevitable, what United do now, how badly this has been mismanaged by the club and Ronaldo's influence on who will eventually take over. Plus there's Ken Early's exquisite timing, and Kenny Cunningham gets on board with Eoin's succession master-plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly world service taster which involves Pat Kenny, Ken, Stan, and a Van. Join for a fiver a month - there's no sign up fee, no minimum stay and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another epic game against the All Blacks, another brilliant Irish win, and a full crowd back in the Aviva - this was one of the special days in Irish sport.James Lowe took a moment to send his appreciation to the bollockses who questioned his defence, and to talk about the weirdness of playing against his native country.We're joined by Andrew Trimble, Gerry Thornley and from New Zealand by Spark Sport's Scotty Stevenson to discuss how this win stacks up next to our other two victories over the All Blacks, where it stands in the pantheon of Irish wins overall, the need to back this up next summer down in New Zealand, and we try and fail to avoid mentioning the next RWC.Plus Hugh Cahill gives Murph a shout-out, and Johnny Sexton’s runs his mouth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more than sixty minutes last night, it looked like Ireland could be facing into another pretty embarrassing result against Luxembourg but by the end of the evening, any debate about extending Stephen Kenny's contract had been put to one side (even by Liam Brady).We reflect on a campaign that started out horribly, with Kenny plagued by terrible luck at every turn, and which ended with admittedly less-than-impressive results overall but a massive turnaround in performance levels from a young Irish side. Plus a listener formally requests that Ken apologise to Murph for CERTAIN comments made after the Azerbaijan draw, and Eoin gets explicit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were joined on the World Service today by the crack punditry team of Richie Sadlier and Damien Delaney to talk about Ireland's performance against Portugal, Richie's Stephen Kenny contract debate with Liam Brady, and whether Damian himself would prefer to sign Kenny up again now or wait and see until next year.Earlier in the week we spoke with Shane Horgan about Ireland taking on the All Blacks in another Aviva sell-out tomorrow, and why the result doesn't really matter provided the performance and the positive intent are both there. A big week for Irish sport means a big week on the World Service, so sign up now for just €5 a month + VAT at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This was one of the most aesthetically pleasing Ireland performances of all time, and even allowing for the horrendous performance by Japan, Ireland look like a side who are committed to evolving their style of play. We discuss Jamison Gibson Park's new found self belief, Tadhg Furlong the outhalf, ignoring hat trick scoring wingers for Man of The Match awards, Sweet N Lowe, and Samurai Sexton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League signed off for the international break with a bang, or in West Ham’s case a series of shattering hammer blows that smashed Liverpool’s creaky defence into pieces. Dean Smith and Daniel Farke ran out of time at their clubs, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer clings on despite a dismal derby defeat and a weekend that saw more soul searching for United over the true nature of their club. Jacob Steinberg and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about West Ham’s victory, Liverpool’s sudden fragility, and just why so many players now feel the need to apologise for defeats on social media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken sums up Man United's current form with analogies most gruesome, Cathal Dennehy lets Eoin and Murph in on the secret of the sport of kings: the beer mile, and the world's best hockey goalkeeper, Ayeisha McFerran talks about her mission to help children who are growing up in foster care, like she did as a teenager. It's all in a week's listening on the Second Captains World Service, and it's available to you for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goodbye Nuno Espirito Santo, hello Antonio Conte? That seems to be Daniel Levy's agenda this Monday, but as we have seen, Levy doesn't always get what Levy wants. Jack Pitt-Brooke joins us today to discuss where it went wrong for Nuno and where Tottenham go from here.We discuss Agent Klopp, Ramsdale the amazing, blunt City and will Ole stick with his wingless wonders?David Sneyd is on to give Shamrock Rovers the respect they deserve after securing a second successive title on Friday night.Plus there's Curb's new season, Pat Kenny meets sweet Mary Jane, and another smooth drive with West Ham's Rolls Rice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fergie's puffed cheeks, Dalglish's giant grin, Maguire's hapless defending, Salah's hat trick, Pogba's red card, Sancho on the sidelines, United fans leaving early, Scholes' prophecy, Luke Shaw's self abasement, the record defeat - Man United fans witnessed the complete nightmare in Old Trafford this weekend. Dion Fanning and Mark Critchley join us to discuss Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool, Gary Neville's defence of Solskjaer, the mood for change at the club, Conte's candidacy and why this wasn't all the manager's fault. Plus there's Captain Smith's Titanic, Ronaldo's incredible physical stats, Dennis Bailey, Brazil 1-7 Germany, and Eoin's marathon mediocrity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was Man United past and present on the World Service this week as we spoke to club legend Peter Schmeichel about his new book, 'One', and not-club-legends Richie Sadlier and Jonathan Wilson about the most recent edition of Ole Groundhog Day. Plus US Murph joined us after his beloved San Francisco Giants suffered a very special kind of heartbreak: Game 5 play-off heartbreak against an old, bitter rival.To sign up for independent, member-led broadcasting, just go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had the time of our lives doing synth week and had so many floor fillers sent in by our ultra talented listeners that we've decided to put the top three into one podcast. The Winning Tracks Are: 1. The Ballad of Jurgen Klopp and Union Berlin by Colin Ratcliffe2. Pet Shop Boos by Dan Mullen3. Balls by Patrick Stefan GroenlandIf you want to join the Football Synth Revolution then please become a member for a fiver a month. There's no minimum sign up, no contracts, and no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join for details.Special thanks too to our judges The Synth Lord, aka Ken Early, and Sir Marks A Lot, aka Mark Horgan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The era of Saudi Newcastle began with scenes of rejoicing at St James' Park, as Newcastle fans rapturously greeted their trillionaire saviours. Newcastle's days as many people's second favourite team may not return for some time, but hey - it's better to be feared than loved?We talk about the dramatic match at the King Power, where Coach Brendan Rodgers won the tactics and the mindgames.Rory Smith and Miguel Delaney join us to give their impressions of the events in Newcastle yesterday, and how the Saudi story might play out from here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United Rugby Championship is up and running, and judging by some press releases Eoin has seen, it's off to a flyer. We note the increased profile terrestrial television has given it, but there are also some things that might need to change in Irish rugby if the only domestic league available to us is to succeed, and whether that might end up being a pretty good result for us.  We thank our Berlin super-fans one more time for our week over there with thanks to Aer Lingus, and there's also Connacht's grievances over refereeing decisions which might have gone another way in Thomond Park on Saturday evening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang is officially back together again as Eoin, Ken and Murph gather around a big ol' Berlin kitchen table and record live in person like those pre-Covid days of yore. It's only bloody Synth Week Live from Berlin!!We chat to Dion Fanning and Gavin Cooney about the other cause for celebration today, Ireland's win against Azerbaijan, one which surely eases pressure on Stephen Kenny... for now at least. The win aside, the main headline from the match was the small matter of Callum Robinson's two goals, goals which led to some serious DM traffic for our football correspondent over the past two days. Plus there's Fairview Lady vs Mensch, Courtois going off script, and live show news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week we spoke with the amazing Khalida Popal, founder & former captain of the Afghan women's football team, and human rights lawyer Kat Craig, about how they got Khalida's teammates out of the country and out of the hands of the Taliban. We had an amazing reaction from world service members to this show with quite a few getting in touch to see if they could help in any way. Today, we are making the conversation free to all. If you have any feedback or think you can help please email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salah's goal was so good even Mane looked impressed. We try to unweave the rainbow of Liverpool 2-2 Man City.Miguel Delaney and Gavin Cooney join us to talk through the weekend's football. Should Salah get his contract? Did Ronaldo join the wrong Manchester club? And are there answers for City's striking problems in the Premier League beyond Harry Kane? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the start of the month so the perfect time to sample the World Service. Join for a fiver a month, with no minimum sign up, no contract, no ads just lots of independent journalism. Go to secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 2150: Ryder Cup Tears, Ken's New Favourite Trump Quote, Apologising For F-Bombs - 27/09/21 by Second Captains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a week of forgetfulness and brutal reminders. Bruno forgot to keep it down. Spurs players forgot their game plan. We all collectively forgot that Man City were the best team in the PL. Rory Smith and Dion Fanning join us to talk through the weekend action. Are Arsenal back, reaping the rewards from Giving Him Time? But then, how much time is too much? And are Leeds roadrunners running out of road? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the world service we discussed Jadon Sancho's lack of impact at Man Utd, Barca's delusions, strikers in their 30's and the race to be Kerry manager and in this taster we have US Murph running scared, Lawrence Donegan's Twat Stat, and. Ken on rugby's demographic being a feature not a bug. Join for a fiver a month, with no minimum sign up, no contract, no ads just lots of independent journalism. Go to secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today kicks off with an explosive allegation: a Manchester United fan believes the media are biased against his club. We delve into this scandal to see if there's anything to it.Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley join us to talk about the weekend's football. Did Harry Kane deserve the criticism that came his way after the defeat to Chelsea? What's the latest in Pep Guardiola's feud with the City fans? And where are we with that Solskjaer/Lampard analogy...Plus there's Roy on Kane, Ronaldo's penalty appeal hat trick, Nagelsmann guff, trouble in Paris and Jimmy Greaves memories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken gets triggered, then gets happy and comedy legend Bob Mortimer tells us the time his mum finally believed he had made the right choice in leaving the legal profession. Join the world service for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tyrone are the All-Ireland football champions... so why is everyone still banging on about Mayo? We bang on about Mayo for a little while, before Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn make sure to give Tyrone their due for their skill-level, their finals mentality, and their opportunism. But why does this keep happening? There were tactical, technical and psychological flaws shown up on Saturday, and we delve deep into them all. Elsewhere there was a magnificent Galway surge to win the All-Ireland camogie title, we heard some serious GAA fast talkers, and we salute Britain's first billion-pound athlete. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken pitches a concept for new Premier League branding. The "mercury effect lion wearing a crown" is a non-symbol, it doesn't transmit anything. It's time for a new logo that encapsulates the league's rugged values.We also talk about Ronaldo's return and mass hysteria as the Kathryn Mayorga case hovers above. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So far on the World Service this week, we've had one hell of an All Ireland final preview with Paul Flynn and Oisin McConville, we've basked in the warm glow of the Bazunu and Omobamidele Show, and, most importantly, we've seen Murph and Ken let bygones be bygones and hug it out. Sign up to the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month for independent, member-led broadcasting with a minimum of inter-presenter beef at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a classic All-Ireland women's football final in Croke Park yesterday, which saw Meath stun the four-in-a-row champions Dublin in a major shock. It was however no shock to seasoned watchers and admirers of Meathness - Murph gives us a run-down on just what makes the Royallers tick. Leona Maguire is the first Irishwoman to play in the Solheim Cup, but she wasn't content to get there - ever since the competition began on Saturday morning, she's been a revelation. Her singles match this evening could be pivotal, and with Katie Taylor winning on Saturday evening as well, it was a very, very good week to be an Irish sportswoman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland were behind to Azerbaijan with 4 minutes to go at home to Azerbaijan. A Shane Duffy equaliser spared Ireland's blushes somewhat, but some people have run out of patience. Richie Sadlier and Damien Delaney join us on the show today to discuss just how quickly we can expect an upturn in results on the pitch, how much responsibility Stephen Kenny bears, and what we can expect from Serbia tomorrow night. Fault-lines within the Second Captains team also reveal themselves, as Murph accuses Ken of attempting to gaslight the nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The main event on the World Service so far this week was Ireland's visit to Faro to play Portugal where a record-chasing Ronaldo lay in wait. Today, we've been grieving the loss of something that was very nearly beautiful, with the help of Richie Sadlier. Sign up to the World Service for independent, member-led, ad-free broadcasting now for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another dramatic weekend of GAA action will be picked apart in full by Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn tomorrow - they did see this Tyrone ambush coming on Saturday afternoon, they just didn't foresee Kerry not foreseeing it.With Sean Cavanagh and Pat Spillane clashing on live telly, the call has come again to move away from having analysts from the counties involved on broadcasts... we are not so sure that's a good idea.Meath are the All-Ireland minor champions for the first time in 29 years, and Nicole Turner won silver at the Paralympics this morning - before charming the nation with a post-match interview for the ages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s back baby and the global Manchester United family is celebrating harder than ever.But if United signing a 36 year old Ronaldo and making him the best paid player in the league is obviously such a good idea, why did they wait until Man City seemed about to close the deal before making their move?Laurie Whitwell joins us to analyse the makings and implications of the mega deal. Will Greenwood improve under CR7, how does Bruno feel about this, is it a football signing, how did Fergie influence things and can he do a Tom Brady and play into his 40's?We also talk about Messi's PSG pro-am, Rio the matchmaker, Roy's selfies, Chelsea's band of brothers, Thiago Time, Arsenal's bad marriage and patronising Pep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola is heaping over-the-top praise on Gabriel Jesus, which means he’s probably gonna get rid of him at the end of the season. Ken also takes a look at the Marseille brawl, how Rafa Benitez motivates his players and big Shane Duffy's return to form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was this the greatest ever performance in an All Ireland hurling final? Maybe. Did we see the greatest half of hurling ever? Possibly. Are Limerick the biggest strongest hurling team ever assembled? Definitely.We talk to Jamie Wall and Malachy Clerkin about the perfect plan executed to perfection, how they seem to peak in finals, how much joy they take in their style of play, and the lessons rivals need to learn if they're ever going to beat them.Plus there's glassy-eyed stick-wielding fans, angry Brian Murphy, McConville V Flynn and Clash Of The Ash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hola! On this week’s World Service Ken speaks Spanish, speculates about Kane transfer speculation and admires the unique El Chiringuito formula for success - WWE, Love Island and old Spanish men talking nonsense about football. Meanwhile Murph and Eoin watched on as the best GAA punditry team in the biz, Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn, went at it over John Small and a hypothetical "anti Dublin bias", and Jamie Wall came up with a masterplan for Cork to beat Limerick.All these shows are at your fingertips IF you’re willing to part with just 5 euro a month. No minimum contract, no hidden extras, no ads. Go to secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've assembled a crack punditry outfit for our analysis of Dublin/Mayo tomorrow, but there's no doubt this was the sporting event of the weekend. Ken bemoans some refereeing decisions that went against the Dubs, while Eoin eats some humble pie for laughing off the demise of his beloved boys in blue. Murph on the other hand is on top of the world - the Dubs' dominance is over, Offaly and Roscommon were both in an All-Ireland final, and a Meath team came back from the dead in classic Royaller style to qualify for their first ever women's football final yesterday. "We've gone back to the future and it feels sooooo good...." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League is back and so are Richie Sadlier and John Brewin to talk through the opening weekend. Do City need Harry Kane more than Spurs do? How is Jack Grealish going to fit into this system? And are Manchester United credible title contenders? Plus there's The Eagle Eye with Eoin McDevitt, polite Ken, and VAR, but not as we know it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahoy podcasters! This week's World Service was all about Messi, Neymar, PSG, Barca, the return of the premier league, the Dublin Mayo rivalry and The GAA/GPA's handling of Tyrone's covid outbreak – available now IF you’re willing to part with just 5 euro a month. Go to secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kellie Harrington is an Olympic champion, after what must have been one of the most emotionally draining Sunday mornings of all of our lives. We speak to former world champion Andy Lee and Gavan Casey of the42.ie about an extraordinary Irish sporting achievement, by an extraordinary Irish athlete - how she got there, what she did to get over the line, and what she needs to guard against for the next few months as her life gets turned upside down. We salute the joy and spirit of her family, Eoin pens a very special (terrible) poem memorialising the moment in verse, and, of course, there's a Mark Horgan audio-bed for Kellie Harrington - the woman who rocked the machine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's football minipod takes on the big issues in a short time. Was it OK for Lionel Messi to cry? Should he play for free? And why do managers think Jack Grealish is simply too sexy to risk sending on to the field of play?And Ken tells us how pumped he is for the start of the new Premier League season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were all so full of hope on Saturday night - we could go to bed, and when we awoke, maybe Kurt Walker would have won a bronze medal at least, Aidan Walsh could have progressed to an Olympic final... maybe Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy could do something at the golf, and Rhys McClenaghan could win us gold while we ate our breakfast? As it turned out, none of those things happened - we talk to Sinead O'Carroll and Cathal Dennehy live from the Olympic stadium in Tokyo, about a really disappointing day for Team Ireland, why Rhys McClenaghan deserves more than just platitudes, the lessons he can learn and the armchair psychology he can ignore, for Paris in 3 years time. Plus there's the return of Hoggwatch, why a 7-way playoff is such good telly, the night of nights for Italy, and why mixed team events in the Olympics are so much fun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first weekend of the Olympics has had it's usual mix of brilliant Irish displays, disappointment, ecstasy, beautifully upbeat post-race interviews and heartbreaking (and unnecessary) apologies to a nation. Mona McSharry became only the second Irish swimmer to make an Olympic final in a breathtaking achievement, and her final tomorrow will be a huge highlight for the country regardless of where she finishes. Michael Cheika and Shane Horgan tell us what happened at half time in the Lions South Africa game, how Warren Gatland played the refs like a piano, why the Lions can win it better and if South Africa can continue to trust the gameplan that won them a RWC.Frances Murphy gives us the TV guide to the overnight action, and there's Hoggwatch, as our hero contemplates what it means to even be Stuart Hogg any more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We saw 'the greatest half of hurling ever played by any team', with a goal that 'no other player in the history of the game could have scored' yesterday, so it's safe to say that Limerick's second half performance got some tongues wagging.Derek McGrath and Jamie Wall are on form today as they discuss where Limerick's revival came from, the clinical way Kilkenny went about winning the Leinster final on Saturday evening, and the latest twists and turns as Davy Fitzgerald's Wexford are out of the championship at the hands of Clare for the second year in a row.Plus there's US/Italian Murph, side-feuds, excitable local GAA commentaries, and tasty qualifier draws - all the meats of the Irish summer stew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahoy Monday only listeners! Today's World Service show was all about Messi, Neymar and Argentina - available now IF you’re willing to part with just 5 euro a month. Go to secondcaptains.com/join.We also had Paul Flynn, a new addition to our GAA punditry team, having a pop at Dessie Farrell for his handling of the questions around Stephen Cluxton’s future, Shane Horgan on the Lions, there's loads of Olympics next week and football will keep on footballing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor McGregor was fighting again at the weekend, breaking his ankle in gruesome circumstances against Dustin Poirier, and accepting defeat in his usual classy style - we ask how much longer he can keep this jamboree going.Clare and Wexford seemed destined to be drawn against each other in the hurling qualifiers. Murph reports, with a heavy heart, that these two.... straight up don't like each other.Plus Ken doubles down on his obituary for Gareth Southgate's time in charge of England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Italy are the European champions after beating England on penalties at Wembley. Jonathan Wilson, Jack Pitt Brooke and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about what was an astonishing occasion at Wembley and to try to figure out where it went wrong for Southgate’s dreamers.Plus there's dangling sacks, wing backs, Mystic McDevitt and Ken explains why he thinks Southgate should hand in his badge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been an amazing week at the Euros, which means it's been a pretty darn good week on the World Service, too. We're a couple of days away from the ever-so-slightly seismic event of England playing in their first major tournament final in 55 years, against the team of the competition... So couldn't you do with some independent, ad-free football journalism in your life? Join now for just €5 + VAT a month with no contracts, and no minimum stay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The GAA summer really caught fire this weekend, with four brilliant hurling games - the most dramatic moment of all though was a refereeing decision which cost Clare dearly. Meanwhile, Murph returned to the sidelines of Gaeldom yesterday in Roscommon, with sodden, hilarious and idiotic results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England have hammered Ukraine and now storm remorselessly towards the title. Next up they face Denmark - who have a story of their own to tell.Meanwhile, Belgium's golden generation didn't have quite enough gold to go around. But now Italy, who looked so impressive in victory, have lost a big player of their own with that injury to Spinazzola.Jonathan Wilson and James Horncastle join us to review the quarter-finals and look ahead to the semis. Can anybody stop the runaway train of Gareth Southgate's success? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The comebacks, the late goals, the attacking football, the blunders, the hubris, the pathos, the fans - we are watching maybe the greatest football tournament of all time. To listen to our daily shows become a member for 5 euro a month at www.secondcaptains.com/join - no contract, no minimum sign up, no obligations just ad free independent journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All-Ireland championships began this weekend, but there weren't exactly a surfeit of headlines... although 98 shots at goal in one hurling game is certainly newsworthy. We suggest a few rule changes to simplify the game.Stephen Cluxton played for his club on Saturday night, which indicates he might not be involved in Dublin's first game of the Leinster championship next weekend - Ken wonders aloud if this sombre moment might stop the whingeing.Conor Murray has been named the new Lions captain after Alun Wyn Jones' injury on Saturday, but is the tour still in danger of being derailed? Plus there's Lukaku's careless whisper and the staying power of shithousery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Half the teams that started the finals of Euro 2020/1 have been knocked out, and now the big teams are starting to fall. We talk about where it went wrong for Holland, and why the real victim in their downfall is Jose Mourinho. Rory Smith and Dion Fanning join us to talk about Belgium v Portugal. Was violence part of Portugal’s gameplan? Rory has been doing some blue sky thinking about the future of the Euros. What if we went… even bigger? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The group stages have been brilliant and going into the last 16 the tournament is wide open. Ken can't make his mind up on Germany, Rio Ferdinand doubles down on his England predictions, and the Danes are riding a wave of positive energy.Join us for the remainder of the Euros - go to secondcaptains.com/join - it's a fiver a month for ad-free daily podcasts, with no contracts and no minimum sign-up. Lay down your fiver and see where it takes you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It takes something pretty special to wrestle some attention away from the Euros these days, but the US Open last night was a hilarious snakes & ladders of the world's best players charging to the top of the leaderboard before falling back in increasingly daft and humiliating ways. The final result was a win for Spain's Jon Rahm, and there was drama elsewhere too as Leona Maguire came agonisingly close to a first win on the LPGA tour... and even Murph had an unforgettable incident on the fairways of West Clare.  Our Men's 7s team qualified for the Olympics at the weekend, and captain Billy Dardis gave an emotional interview moments after the final whistle which summed up just how big a moment this was for the sport in Ireland. Plus, the Euro news just keeps on coming as Scotland's young tyro Billy Gilmour tests positive for Covid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murph returns as we talk about an epic weekend of European Championship football. Remember how Germany weren't that good? Well that was last week. Today we talk to Raphael Honigstein about how Germany might in fact be quite good.Plus there's Scotland fan energy, predictable England, beautiful Italy and boring Spain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's taster includes Rio Ferdinand's bullish prediction for England V Scotland, Gazza 96 and a controversial Gareth Bale pun-a-thon.Sign up at secondcaptains.com/join for a fiver a month - no ads, no contracts, no minimum stay and its member led independent journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football tournament pods are undoubtedly the funnest pods on the World Service and our daily Euro 2020 shows are officially full steam ahead. While Stephen A Smith - ESPN's new voice of soccer - thought Patrik Schick's second goal against Scotland a masterpiece, Ken wasn't so convinced. Eoin is incensed that the Scots stole an Irish football anthem, and Kylian Mbappé has been reaching speeds supersonique. Sign up for daily football shows now for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry made sweet sweet love with Gaelic football on Saturday night and Oisin McConville was in Killarney to witness it all. What did the locals make of it, is coach Keane talking up his boys and are Kerry now official heirs to the Dublin throne?ESPN's Stephen A Smith is on the soccer beat for the Euros - we analyse his analysis. Novak Djokovic powered past Nadal in the semis and won a 5 set final in Paris to secure his 19th Grand Slam. Eoin says its time for acceptance, Novak will pass Rafa and Roger's Slam records very soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Sadlier and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk about the Euro 2020 opening weekend, which was overshadowed by the collapse of Christian Eriksen at the Denmark-Finland game.We also discuss England's opening win against Croatia, the reasons why broadcasters seem to have become less critical, and the Mbappé-Giroud war of words... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been waiting and waiting, and for a whole 25% longer than we usually are, but Euro 2020 is now but a couple of hours away. There's going to be wall-to-wall coverage every day on the World Service for the next month, so there couldn't be a better time to sign up. On today's taster menu, there's Ken stabbing his brother over a morsel of cheese, the extraordinary pageantry of the Italian squad announcement and some bittersweet memories of Euros past. Join us now for what will be an absolutely brilliant summer on the World Service for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland are on a winning streak and its the poor miserable mediocre Magyars next on the chopping block. Ken shows Murph Hungary's recent record.....England fans once again booed their own players for taking a knee before the Romania game. We discuss Gareth Southgate's handling of this situation, Nigel Farage's response, the worrying make up of the England crowd and just what a fraught build-up its been ahead of what is a de facto home tournament for them.We talk to the brilliant Tim Vickery about the Copa Clusterfuck, why mid pandemic Brazil are now hosting it, if the players will protest, and how Bolsonaro is using the tournament to sell his political philosophy.Plus there's Jordan Henderson's body language and the most read article on The Guardian website today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Naomi Osaka won her first round match at the French Open yesterday, but it was a statement she released in the days leading up to her appearance at the tournament that has grabbed the lion's share of media attention this weekend. Osaka announced that she wouldn't be appearing at post-match press conferences during the tournament in order to protect her mental health, leading organisers to fine her $15k and threaten her with expulsion. Should players have to face the press win, lose or draw? Has Osaka approached this in the right way? Murph and Ken mull it over. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a concrete defence and clockwork attack, Chelsea are champions of Europe for a second time. For Man City, the wait goes on.Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson join us to analyse the final. What's the secret of Chelsea's mid-season transformation? Why does Guardiola experiment in the biggest games? And where do City go from here? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 2048: Mickelson Takes Another Major At The Fine Age of 50, A Betrayal Of Madridismo - 24/05/21 by Second Captains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City spent 92% of the last two seasons in the top 4, yet twice missed out on Champions League football. Is Rodgers officially a nearly man or can he talk his way out of this one? Ken has a look at the cold hard facts.Rory Smith and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk about the end of the Premier League season. Are Liverpool right to let the injury-proof Gini Wijnaldum leave? Could Harry Kane bring City the love they crave? And who do they see as Manager of the Year?Plus there's Pep's tears, limbs in Bale's face and cold Manchester rain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Variety, they say, is the spice of life and there's been plenty of it on the World Service this week: from Ken on whether Harry Kane will get the Spurs exit he's wrangling for, to US Murph on the LeBron - Steph Curry showdown we were gifted, to our conversation with World Rugby chief medical officer Dr Éanna Falvey about the complex relationship between rugby and concussion, which we'll be releasing tomorrow. The show that a lot of members felt was one of the best we've ever put out, though, was the latest edition of the Player's Chair, where Meath legend Liam Hayes joined Richie Sadlier and spoke really honestly and movingly about the death of his brother by suicide, his own mortality and his relationship with his playing past. It's all available when you sign up to the World Service for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gaelic football arrived back into our lives this weekend, and with it came the return of the phenom that is David Clifford. Although his beloved Galway were the team unfortunate enough to find themselves on the end of Clifford's incredible performance, Murph can't help but be in complete awe of the 22-year-old Kerryman. There was plenty of hurling too, hurling which prompted Limerick manager John Kiely to decide that the game as we know it is GONE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 2041: Alisson Scores, Fergie Remembers, Brendan Does The Business - 17/05/21 by Second Captains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a massive week on the World Service so far, and that's before we've even gotten around to this Friday's post-Liverpool-United Football Show. We spoke to Dublin City Council chief executive Owen Keegan about the merits or otherwise of the council's white-water rafting proposals, to the excellent Aidan Regan on the role of international institutional investors in the housing crisis on Ken's Politics Podcast and to an under-the-radar Irish sporting great in three-time World Indoor 1500m champion, Marcus O'Sullivan on The Game That Changed My Life. Sign up now for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory McIlroy ended an 18 month dry spell to land the Wells Fargo Championship last night, but not without all the usual Rory tropes - a nervy finish, confusing golf rules, help from his caddy, and of course some brilliant golf.A record indoor crowd for a boxing event in the US (73,126) turned up to watch Canelo Alvarez defeat Billy Joe Saunders in their super middleweight world title unification bout in Texas. We discuss Canelo working the crowd and the commentators' reactions to Saunders not coming out for the 9th round. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City still can't quite seal the deal, and now a listener is on claiming that Kevin de Bruyne is actually overrated. We don't usually read out all the stuff that comes in from scum around the country but...We also discuss Leicester's chances of making the top four, before James Horncastle joins us to talk about what has happened at Juventus. A 3-0 defeat to Milan leaves them outside the Champions League spots with three games to go - one of which is against the champions, Inter. We ask: what happened? who's taking the fall for this? and will Juventus ever give up their Super League dream? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**NOTE: This was initially a Second Captains World Service members-only show broadcast first on 22nd of April 2021. If you like what you hear, please consider becoming a member at secondcaptains.com. Your support allows us to continue to do work like this, broadcast our daily shows and undertake long-term projects like 'Where Is George Gibney?'. We hope you enjoy the show.**For months now, we’ve wanted to talk to Oisin McConville and Andrew Trimble, two of our favourite regular contributors, about a shared future in Northern Ireland, their very different upbringings, and what role sport can play in bridging the gap between two communities.We talk about why at various stages they felt like ‘bottlers’, how close Andrew came to learning the words to Amhrán na bhFiann, and why Oisin feels uncomfortable saying the words ‘Northern Ireland’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We don't want to see fans storming stadiums Gary? Do we?"It depends...Mark Critchley was there at the Lowry Hotel and Old Trafford, and Jonathan Wilson also joins us to talk about what happened on an unprecedented day, and what might happen next.Plus there's sympathy for Dave Jones, throwing soup and being a good Yank.And we ask the question - are you a mudlark, or a quitter? https://twitter.com/SecondCaptains/status/1387805290209361921?s=20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's dip in the World Service paddle pool we look back at Katie's London Olympics and Ken's life choices and look ahead to the tough challenge awaiting Leinster in the Champions Cup semi final.Join for a fiver a month. There's no contracts and no hidden fees and you can quit at any time. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, like our recent international series ‘Where Is George Gibney?’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a while coming, but when it came Munster's win over Leinster was emphatic. The caveat of a weakened Leinster team might be applied retrospectively, but the alternative was barely worth contemplating from Munster's point of view, and their determination to keep their foot on Leinster's throat was exemplified by a fired-up Peter O'Mahony, who treated this game like it was one long interview with Reggie Corrigan.  Ireland's women finished third in this year's Six Nations after their win over Italy on Saturday which, given the two-tier nature of the competition now, seemed like both a minimal requirement reached and the best result that we could have hoped for. We were introduced this week to the joy-filled commentating style of League of Ireland legend Joey N'Do, McDevitt throws down the gauntlet to tennis novice Murph, and there's possibly the most deranged email we've ever received. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the crime was uncovered last week, there must be punishment. But what form will this punishment take? Will the prodigal sons be welcomed back into the fold, or is swift, harsh judgement coming their way? Rory Smith of the New York Times, and the Currency's Dion Fanning hold court on today's show. We also discuss why Dublin lost their Euro 2020 games, heart-break for Moyesy, and a United/Leeds game so bad it had Jamie Carragher hooting derisively at the players' efforts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Member-led journalism is a hell of a thing. Three days, three bumper football podcasts, one former Super League. We've been joined on the World Service over the last couple of days by Miguel Delaney, Sid Lowe, Gabriele Marcotti and Jonathan Wilson as the league began to disintegrate before our eyes, and there'll undoubtedly be more breaking news as the week unfolds. Today's World Service taster also features some of our brilliant conversation with Oisin McConville and Andrew Trimble on segregation in the North and how progress can be made, which we'll be releasing later in the week. Plus there's Graeme 'Geopolitics' Souness and the hotly-contested battle for our Administrator of the Week award. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've already got a full football podcast out in the world, but bloody hell what a morning of news. As opinions continue to pour in from players, pundits, managers (and Ian Holloway), we delve into our bulging mailbag for more reaction to the dirty dozen breakaway. Ireland shipped 50 points to France, just 7 days after putting 45 unanswered points on Wales in this year's 6 Nations - a pretty clear reflection on how wide the gap is now between the professional, semi-professional and amateur teams in the competition. We discuss the job the IRFU have at the international and mini-rugby ends of the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You know it's a big day of football news when Jose Mourinho getting sacked is a mere speck on the windshield of the day's stories.Today's pod is giving some initial reaction to the Super League plans announced by 12 of Europe's richest clubs. They've made their grab for money and power - can anyone call their bluff?Tariq Panja and Miguel Delaney join us to discuss one of the biggest football stories in years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we had another special show in our 2000th episode celebration series as we chatted to a dear old friend of the podcast, Roddy Collins about the game that changed his life, his double-winning season with Bohs, safe-cracking, and having a few pints on the Six One News. As part of our Rachael Blackmore show we spoke to Katie Walsh and Malachy Clerkin about Rachael's impact, and to Charlotte Budd, the first female jockey to ever ride the Grand National. And on today's Champions League football show we uncovered (saw on Twitter) a pearl of a song dedicated to one Erling Haaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a crazy couple of hours on Saturday evening, as Rachael Blackmore won the Grand National, Ireland hammered Wales in the 6 Nations, and Leinster came back from 14-0 down to beat the reigning European champions in their home ground in a classic Heineken Cup match.  Galway has a new number 1 sportsperson in the extraordinary Beibhinn Parsons, Stuart Hogg is outplayed by Hugo Keenan, and we consider a rebrand for a couple of Ireland's rugby players as we look ahead to another insane week on the Second Captains World Service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was the weekend when Richard Keys and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer agreed: the Game's gone. We know that - but why? Also today, Ken unveils a controversial new theory: how will Eoin respond? Today is a heavily Ulster-inflected pod, with Cookstown's Stuart Dallas galloping through and Carnlough's Brendan Rodgers letting us in on some of the many - not secrets, exactly... let's say "principles" - of his (and John Terry's) success.Dion Fanning and John Brewin join us to talk through the weekend's football. Moyes triumphant, Ole's critics silenced, and a verdict on whether anyone really wants Harry Kane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League being overrun by lemmings, David O'Doherty meeting Paul Kimmage, and US Murph achieving true sporting zen. It's your World Service sampler menu in a week absolutely packed with sport from the Champions League to the Champions Cup to the US Masters. Sign up the World Service for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Tuchel has had it all his own way since taking over at Chelsea, but then he had not faced Callum Robinson - until Saturday afternoon.We also discuss the question of whether Erling Haaland can take control of Manchester City's transfer policy.Then we're joined by Dermot Corrigan to talk about the allegation of racism that caused Valencia to walk off in their game against Cadiz, and how Real Madrid are feeling ahead of Liverpool's visit tomorrow.Plus there's Silva the winner, same old Jose and glazed Neville Bros. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our month-long 2000th episode celebrations kicked off on the World Service last week with the big day itself and continued this week with the first of our big interviews, with Olympic diving legend and HIV/AIDS activist Greg Louganis.Ken had a barney about Martin O'Neill with Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday evening before unloading everything he wished he'd said on the World Service. And with the Champions Cup knock-out stages starting tomorrow evening, we have some golden advice for Munster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this rock bottom - or just the new normal? Damien Delaney and Richie Sadlier join us to talk over the game in the most ambitious crossover event in Irish sports broadcasting history of the last three days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this Monday's mini-pod, we focus on yet another Dublin-based team in blue barely showing any emotion while coolly winning yet another title in their home ground against plucky but over-matched country cousins.Why did Munster look a beaten docket from the start, should they be asking more of their best players, and what needs to change for them to beat Toulouse next weekend?There's also one more Hoggwatch for the road, as Scotland out-Scotland themselves in Paris, and there's LaVar Ball's 2000th-episode message to Eoin for the benefit of our Monday listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's fair to say nobody really saw last night's 3-2 scoreline in Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Serbia coming... nobody but Eoin, that is. Ken reflected on the pain and pleasure that came with both ending the goal drought while also losing. We also welcomed Irish swimming great Gary O'Toole to the "I'll Tell You Who Wrote It" Book Club and unsurprisingly, it was a brilliant chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Kane continues to captivate. His trial continues on today's football pod after he pulled off what may just have been an entirely unique piece of play last night. And after the opening weekend of the League of Ireland season, we hear from a listener who has a bone to pick with Bohs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After two and a half years Ireland finally got the performance and the win that could see them back in the big time. Did we miss the signs or did this come out of nowhere? Would it ever have happened without Henshaw's manic intensity at the start? Was the Earls try proof that Farrell and Mike Catt had the right plan all along but just needed some polish?We chat to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble about using Earls more often, Sexton and Murray's return to top form, red card drama, French magnificence and if Wales will still win the championship.Fans make the Six Nations... so how come we've just had possibly the most entertaining tournament in living memory?! Ken reckons everyone's happy, and Stuart Hogg reckons we saw the 'real' Scotland on Saturday, conveniently ignoring that pretty much everything that has happened in the last 5 weeks has been 100% pure distilled Scotland rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your World Service taster menu is hereby served. After his initial show of disgust on Monday at Erik Lamela's goal in the North London derby, Ken continued to push his anti-rabona agenda during the week. On St Patrick's Day, Oisin McConville joined us to chat about cultural identity and the need for the GAA to allow people to get back training in Northern Ireland even if the rest of the island has to wait. And ahead of Ireland-England in the Six Nations this Saturday, Paul Grayson and Shane Horgan talked Ireland's attack and why Mike Catt may not be getting as much of a say behind closed doors as he'd like. Sign up now for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France and England put together arguably the most high quality 40 minutes of rugby in 6 Nations history and while England came out on top, the question is how do we make rugby look like that more often?We talk to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble about Ireland's ice cold professionalism in the last 5 minutes, their brilliant pack, why the backs look like strangers and if defence is now our biggest problem.Murph gives his latest HoggWatch and Eoin asks Murph if he would prefer to tackle Tadhg Furlong or Mathieu Jalibert.Plus there's Marvellous Marvin Hagler, Murray Walker and wings in space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Erik Lamela's goal in the North London derby yesterday was met with differing reactions: for Eoin it was a thing of beauty; for Ken, a thing of great annoyance. A listener has done a deep dive into the podcast archives and come to a chilling conclusion: there is a clear and undeniable anti-Liverpool bias on the Second Captains football desk. Ken responds to the accusations. Plus there's the original Rabona king and Ronaldo declares victory over football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for your weekly reminder of what you've missed out on the Second Captains World Service. There was Ken, Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson on the future of football in the social media age - is it a full-throated adrenaline rush, or an alternative to the meditative wellness industry? Shane Horgan looks ahead to Ireland/Scotland and wonders if Ireland are ready to embrace risk. And there was the week-long celebration of synth which came bursting out of our beloved members. To join them, go to secondcaptains.com/join and for a fiver a month plus VAT the (synth) world could quite conceivably be yours. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken's long-held, but newly-voiced, love of synth, and football-related synth in particular, shocked the Second Captains World Service to its core last week. So we have a number of bombshells for you today. Ken plays out the show with his first synth floor-filler choice, but not before a listener's only synth composition gets a debut airing. We also talk about Bryson Dechambeau and his assault on the norms and conventions of staid ol' golf, filet steaks and all, and there's some love for Eoin's obsession for terms and conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steven Gerrard defies the doubters to lead Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football just as Jurgen Klopp loses his sixth home match in a row? This is getting a bit witchy. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw was the hero as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led Man United to yet another win in the Manchester derby. Maybe the win has come too late to affect the destination of the league title, but could United have given Guardiola something to worry about for the Champions League? Jordan Campbell of the Athletic joins us to talk about Rangers' title success. Is this more than winning the league by default after the only credible opposition collapsed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's World Service Menu Taster time and this week we had joy and we had fun but our faith in the FAI to deliver a home World Cup is sadly starting to fade. We also discuss Big Boris' plucky Brexit Britain, Jerry Flannery's Tonya Harding moment and we chat to Derval O'Rourke about world records, times and new technology.You can join any time for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/join/ - no contract, no ads, no minimum stay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You make your own luck in sport, unless you're the Welsh rugby team, who on Saturday had a lot of ref and TMO decisions go their way. So is it just that everything always comes up Wales, or are they a doughty, tough, mentally resilient and increasingly skillful side that deserves the Triple Crown and the now inevitable Grand Slam?We talk to Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan about the series of Covid breaches in French rugby, if Fabien Galthie will get the sack, and what the French Government, the French rugby union and 6N should do about this.We ask if Ireland can continue to offload against the good teams, if Andy Farrell, with Kelleher, Furlong, Kilcoyne, Henderson, Ryan, Beirne, Connors and Stander, has found his best set of forwards for the Scotland and England games.Plus there's Rees Zammit's poker face and rugby analysis via Kevin Costner and Lewis Dunk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United's matches against the big six have been following a pretty familiar, pretty boring pattern as of late and yesterday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea was no different.And so any dash of colour during an otherwise drab weekend had to come from the Sky Sports punditry team, with things between Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp getting heated. Why was Keane getting more annoyed at what he was saying himself than what Redknapp was saying? And what does Matt Doherty have to do with all of this? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As expected Novak Djokovic marched to his 9th Australian Open title this weekend, but the really interesting events happened after the match. In the last five days five different Irish athletes have posted the five fastest runs in the history of the 800m Irish indoors. Nadia Power and Siofra Cléirigh Buttner are top of the pile, and Eoin wonders if we have another (Ollie) Campbell (Tony) Ward fight to the death on our hands.And several listeners have informed us that Eoin does not pronounce the word "film" correctly. Yep, its time to call the Grammar Police. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which PL player is Erling Haaland most like? Murph is invited to guess - and the results may surprise you. We also talk about no-nonsense Thomas Tuchel, and how the methods of a certain somebody remain beyond reproach.We are joined by Jonathan Wilson and Dion Fanning to look back at the weekend's football. After their first win at Anfield in the 21st century, where is the ceiling for Everton? How are Manchester City close to setting a world record for consecutive wins? And why do people keep suggesting West Ham have been better without West Ham fans? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time for your weekly whiff of the Second Captains World Service which includes football's future, the GAA's past and the Second Captains mailbag reaches max capacity. Join for five euro a month + VAT at secondcaptains.com/join for independent, member-led broadcasting. There’s no contracts, no minimum stay, and no adverts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone seems to be talking about Liverpool Football Club as a pitiable mess, an irredeemable shambles, and after watching them concede 3 goals in the last 15 minutes against Leicester, you might be forgiven for thinking their world was falling in. But there's plenty of shambles to go around, and Man United are far from immune. And while the two most successful teams in English football implode, there's City - embarking on a record-breaking run of wins, and now seemingly sauntering to another league title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland were gutsy and got close on the scoreline against France but lacked any real creativity in attack, even when against 14 men. Where does Andy Farrell go from here, and is his position as head coach now under pressure?We talk to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble about our philosophy in attack, what changes Farrell should make for the Italy game, if we are any closer to finding out who our best halfbacks are, the impact made by Paul O'Connell and the non-impact from Mike Catt, and if this Scottish generation are already running out of time to seize a golden opportunity.Plus there's Murph on his tartan certainty, more HoggWatch and Grammar Corner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'To me, they've been bad champions'. Those were the words of impartial observer Roy Keane on Sky Sports yesterday as any glimmer of hope Liverpool were clinging on to that they were still in the title race was repeatedly stamped on by Alisson Becker's big boot.As for Jurgen Klopp, he's not taking the collapse of his dreams into tiny piles of dust all too well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the 14th minute when Peter O'Mahony was sent off  for a dangerous clear-out, Ireland looked in trouble in Cardiff, and despite showing encouraging flashes in attack, and improvements at the set-piece, they eventually went down 21-16 for a dispiriting start to 2021.Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble join us to discuss how damaging that moment was, the outhalf dilemma, where Ireland showed improvement, and small talk with Andy Farrell.The Scots provided all the drama on Saturday evening as they won in Twickenham for the first time since 1983, in the process shoving some words down Murph's throat. Does he retreat,or double down today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs facing off in the Super Bowl this Sunday, what better time to speak to the last Irishman to play in the NFL, ten-year vet Neil O'Donoghue whose career highlight just so happened to come for the Bucs against the Chiefs. We also got our Six Nations coverage under way with Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble who looked back on their various humiliations against Wales, while Ken thanked himself for his own journalistic contributions. Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whenever the directors at Barcelona are faced with a crisis, they fall back on the programming of their Barca DNA: whatever the situation, simply add more smoke, mirrors, cloaks, daggers, secrets, spies and lying eyes, and wait to see what happens. This is how they can pay a guy more than half a billion euros over four years and still have him hate them with the fire of a thousand suns. We also discuss some of the Premier League weekend talking points, such as whether Thiago is the new Juan Sebastian Veron. Jacob Steinberg and Alan Smith join us to discuss whether Jose Mourinho can make it to the end of February, and whether there is any hope for Gareth Bale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea have sacked Frank Lampard, with Tuchel set to take over. What did Frank do wrong, besides the losses, the waste of talent and putting the blame on his players?Liverpool scored two goals against Man United and played better than they have done recently but big games come down to the weakest link, or maybe what you thought was your strongest link turning out to have a few cracks?A number of Ireland players have timed their return to fitness nicely ahead of the 2021 Six Nations, including Tadhg Furlong, Dave Kilcoyne, Iain Henderson and James Lowe but the Munster players will have a ton of regrets after taking a 10-0 lead inside 12 mins, dominating possession, and still losing 13-10 to Leinster. Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble tell us why Munster should still be optimistic and why Leinster should start to heed the warning signs of a slip in form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for your weekly waft of the Second Captains World Service which includes Ken the songbird, Eoin pitching his movie idea, Failing Frank and our chat with the brilliant Ciara Mageean about the race that changed her life.Join for five euro a month + VAT at secondcaptains.com/join for independent, member-led broadcasting. There's no contracts, no minimum stay, and no adverts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NOTE: This was initially a Second Captains World Service members-only show broadcasted first on 15th of January 2021. Due to the importance of the subject matter and the huge reaction to Fionn's story, we have decided to re-publish for all today, the 19th of January. To help us continue to produce independent, member-led journalism like this and projects like 'Where Is George Gibney?', please join the Second Captains World Service for just €5 a month. Enjoy the show and thanks to all our members as always for their support.**Today we go entirely outside of sport on the Second Captains World Service and the magnitude of the Mother and Baby report this week in Ireland warrants it, particularly when a friend of the podcast has such an important story to tell. Fionn Davenport was born in the St Patrick’s Mother and Baby home on the Navan Rd in Dublin in 1968. His mother Jane was lied to and told she couldn’t keep her son. Fionn was adopted soon afterwards.This week, this dark part of our history has been brought into sharp focus. On Tuesday, the final report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation was published, detailing the cruelty experienced by thousands of women and children at 14 mother and baby homes and four county homes across Ireland between 1922 and 1998, and the following day the Taoiseach issued a state apology for how these people were treated.Fionn is now a well-known travel writer and editor and he tells us his emotional story; the impact it’s had on him throughout his life, the significance of this week’s report and the roadblocks that still exist for survivors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken inspects his bulging mailbag and finds listeners and non-listeners alike have lost patience with the constant stream of nonsense he has talked on many subjects, ranging from the source of Liverpool's problems, the quality of Marcus Rashford's performances and Frank Lampard's trust in Mason Mount. Carefully, patiently, he sets these losers and haters straight.We hear quite a lot from Alex Ferguson today, from his negotiations with Andrei Kanchelskis' agent to his opinions about the recently-retired Wayne Rooney.Rory Smith joins us to discuss yesterday's game at Anfield. Why are Liverpool bad now? Is their recruitment department quite the world-beating operation it's cracked up to be? And is Bruno Fernandes the new Luis Suarez? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its time for your weekly snifter of the Second Captains World Service. We build up to Liverpool V Man Utd by looking at Solskjaer's skill at cutting away the dead wood at Old Trafford, US Murph talks to us about Trump and the Capitol riots and Ken takes a reading on golf's moral compass. Join for five euro a month at secondcaptains.com/join. We are independent and member led. There's no contracts, no minimum stay, and no adverts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Kenny has had a highly eventful time as Ireland manager with a penalty playoff loss, a pandemic, a Covid close contacts crisis, a video storm, 8 games without a win and now he has lost his assistant coach Damien Duff. Ken journalist is on the case, and he has some strong leads (1.00). Paul O'Connell is maybe Ireland's best-ever forward, one of our best ever captains, a Lions captain, but besides a curtailed spell in Paris and some short stints in Ireland, he hasn't got a very extensive coaching CV. We ask Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley to predict how good he will be, and why (20.30).Plus there's Roy Keane football manager, mighty Leinster, Connacht butchering a 15 on 13 overlap and Eoin McDevitt's shredded sports calendar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Parsons joined us alongside his old friend and former teammate Andy Moran to discuss his decision to retire this week, one of four Mayo careers which came to a close over a handful of days. US Murph has been prepping us for the start of the NFL postseason this weekend, while Stephen A Smith prepped Dallas Cowboys fans for the premature end of their season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk about Frank Lampard's struggle at Chelsea - which might now, if history is any guide, be entering a terminal phase.Meanwhile Ken reveals he has made important changes to his lifestyle - but that doesn't mean he doesn't have time to round on the losers and haters.We're joined by Jonathan Wilson and Dion Fanning to discuss some of the weekend's football in more detail. What went wrong for Chelsea against City, and is it ever a bad time to Give Him Time? Are Manchester United serious title contenders? Why are they getting more penalties than anyone else? And is refereeing in the age of VAR increasingly vulnerable to influence by #narrative? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Jonathan Wilson talk over the post-Christmas football, as is the tradition.We all know the image we will remember the weekend by....but did Sam Allardyce's tactics actually cost his team victory at Anfield? Why should Chelsea fans be worried about Frank Lampard's uncompromisingly direct criticism of his players after losing to Arsenal? Why have Tottenham ground to a halt? And why is Jonathan sick of having to defend Marcelo Bielsa? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020 threw up a lot of surprises, so we should be thankful at least for some certainty and security in life - and few things in life now are as certain or secure as Dublin finishing the year as All-Ireland football champions. Oisin McConville and Andy Moran are on the line to pick through the bones of it, how much of the gameplan went right for Mayo, why Dublin were still able to pick them off... and how to stop Dublin from scoring goals direct from the throw-in. Ken also tries to get into the mind of Stephen "The Clinker" Cluxton, good people making good Dubs, and a mention too for Scott McTominay's heroics yesterday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a week that featured more soccer than you could shake a stick at, a review of the All-Ireland hurling final, a preview of the All-Ireland football final, and the start of the European champions cup in rugby... so what the hell are you waiting for? Join us today and hear Ken lauding the return of the dinosaurs to the Premier League, why the war on Chris Wilder is Jurgen Klopp's Vietnam, and why Andy Moran still believes Mayo have what it takes to win the All-Ireland final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning we heard the sad news of the death of Gerard Houllier, former manager of France, Liverpool and Aston Villa among others. We talk about the mark Houllier made on English football. Then we turn our attention to the weekend, in which Arsenal stole the show from some other underperforming clubs then had the show quickly stolen from them by Patrice Evra.We are joined by Dion Fanning and John Brewin to talk about Houllier, Arsenal, and whether some critics are right to suggest this is the worst season ever.Plus there's Thierry Henry's media fence, reaching maximum outrage and Paul Ince's 5-a-side record. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Jose Mourinho's Spurs riding high at the top of the league you might think there should be only one question for Ken this Monday: would he like his humble pie plain, or with salt? But there was much more going on in the world of football over the weekend, not least at The Den, where Millwall fans rejected the kneeling protests. We try to figure out why they reacted this way.Richie Sadlier was at the FAI Cup final in the freezing fog, we talk about the prospects ahead for Jack Byrne, how Irish football is going to respond to the news that it can no longer export teenagers to Britain, and what he made of the events at his old club Millwall on Saturday.And Jack Pitt-Brooke joins us to discuss the North London Derby. What are the secrets of Mourinho's mysterious chemistry at Tottenham? And how fast is faith in Mikel Arteta fading? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For once, The Isolators put down their parsnips of war and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas Tops-Off-Thursday.Join the World Service now for just €5 a month plus VAT at secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s beefs galore in the Imagination Cave as the Isolators turn on each other.Join the World Service now for just €5 a month plus VAT at secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Raul Jimenez recovers in hospital after fracturing his skull in an awful clash of heads with David Luiz, Troy Deeney has attracted derision by arguing that players should self-diagnose when they have suffered brain damage. But why does he feel that way, and how should we understand his legitimate concerns? Miguel Delaney and Jacob Steinberg join us to talk about last night's stalemate between the London title contenders, and confront the awkward question of how certain people might have been 'wrong' to write off Jose Mourinho.And Kieran Canning explains why angry Celtic fans were protesting outside the stadium last night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate being certified pox-free, David gives us the sexiest ever Tops-Off-Thursday.Join the World Service now for just €5 a month + VAT: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since episode 8 of 'Where Is George Gibney?' aired last month, we've been inundated with questions, comments and emails about the making of the show, and the impact it's had.So to tide people over until the final two episodes drop on BBC Sounds on December 3rd and 10th, we have a Q&A with the podcast's creators Mark Horgan and Ciarán Cassidy, which was originally released on the World Service.We discuss the final, fateful meeting with Gibney, feeling an obligation to the survivors to do this thing right, and the emotional toll it took just living in this story for 2 years.There's also plenty of questions from our listeners, crazy golf, and what it's like to spend many, many weeks in a car with foul-mouthed podcast host Mark Horgan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David's stitches are out and he is in the mood for vengeance.Join the World Service now for just €5 a month + VAT: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In yesterday's Munster football final, Tipperary wore jerseys which commemorated the team, featuring Michael Hogan, that played in Croke Park 100 years ago on Bloody Sunday. They did more than wear a jersey though, they went out and won their first provincial title since 1935, and they were good value for it too.  Two hours later, Cavan created an even bigger shock when they beat Donegal in the Ulster football final. Put that with Dublin's demolition job on Meath on Saturday evening, and you have the sort of weekend that only Andy Moran and Oisin McConville could do justice to (23.00).Plus there's Jurgen Klopp going off on one about the three-sub rule and the role of broadcasters in this season's manic fixture list in an unbroadcast interview on Sky (5.45). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland's goal drought is beginning to warp the minds of everyone at Second Captains HQ, with Murph and Ken turning to a discussion of which Ireland player they'd eat first in a crisis. In a slightly saner conversation, we unveiled a new hurling pundit in Jamie Wall this week who gave us the definitive account of how to stop Clare's superstar Tony Kelly. And over on Isolating with David O'Doherty, there's stabbings, the musical stylings of Kriss Kross and Anthony Hopkins.Join the World Service now for just €5 a month + VAT at secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unriddled by the Covids, David takes us on his daily cycle to the spot where, as a teen, he mourned the death of Kurt Cobain by making out with a stranger.Join the World Service now for just €5 a month + VAT: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Snitches get stitches. Following his shivving, David receives well-wishes and threats from the Isolators.Join the World Service now for just €5 a month + VAT: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a big weekend of Gaelic football, and we have the best punditry team in the business to pick over the bones of it this Monday, as Andy Moran and Oisin McConvillle are with us. We talk about Mayo's first Connacht title since 2015, why Croke Park might suit them better than Salthill in November, and why Donegal are still a bit short of the Dubs... we reckon. Plus there's Murph's ducks (and why they'd have drowned this weekend), Mickey Harte's decision to step away from Tyrone, and Ireland's goal drought. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It could have been the morning after the night before of a famous Irish victory in Wembley but alas, it was not to be and the culture wars keep roaring on. In our little taster of the week's World Service shows, we turn to the Scots, David O'Doherty and an amazing new documentary on Jack Charlton to cheer us up. Join the World Service now at secondcaptains.com/join/ for just a fiver a month plus VAT. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a huge Tops Off Thursday, David deep-dives into the sad history of his former favourite breakfast cereal, RiCiCLES. Plus there's ballcock success, Doctor Oooops, nerd alerts and stupid things kids are scared of. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nice day for a goth wedding. David reveals some of the incredible celebrities who have dined at his local Fish and Chipper. Plus there's bad knees and magic moments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not for the last half hour anyway, as City and Liverpool were too tired to play a full match. David Sneyd joins us to keen over Grealish and look ahead to Thursday.And Kieran Canning explains what’s been going wrong for Shane Duffy at Celtic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tops Off Thursday makes its triumphant, and quite chilly, return, and there have been a series of Doddles sightings around the city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have a whiff of this week's shows on the Second Captains World Service. To access daily shows go to secondcaptains.com/join. Its 5 euro a month for independently produced advert free daily shows including Isolating with David O'Doherty, twice weekly football shows with Ken Early, the Book Club with Murph, The Player's Chair with Richie Sadlier, all anchored by television star and marathon bore Mr. Eoin McDevitt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2020 continues its relentless bullshit, David gets the band back together.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are Manchester United so inconsistent? To Roy Keane the answer is obvious: too many of the players lack too many of the key qualities of real Manchester United players. Aggression. Leadership. Courage. Men. But maybe there are a couple of other reasons besides these. Ken is back today to suggest a few.Dion Fanning and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about how Solskjaer and Arteta matched up, whether Pogba is reaching the end of the road, the growing momentum at Spurs, and who else besides Liverpool can be considered contenders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the fireworks of recent weeks, this was an altogether more sedate weekend in the Premier League. In fact the most blood-curdling battle of the entire round of fixtures was in the Sky Sports studio as Patrice Evra and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink went at each other in extremely entertaining style.  Richie Sadlier joins us to talk about why that was altogether more fun than the United/Chelsea game which preceded it, and why letting two people talk for 15 mins about football is altogether rarer than it should be.Jonathan Wilson is with us as well, as he remembers his colleague Kevin McCarra, and we also salute Shamrock Rovers, who bestrode this shortened League of Ireland season and are the worthiest of champions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to your weekly sample of the Second Captains World Service which included the surreal but brilliant chat between Ken and Tim Robbins, Champions League, and Oisin and Andy Moran on the GAA getting the green light. Go to secondcaptains.com/join to access daily shows. No contract, no obligations, no minimum sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 1880: This Is Your Brain On Pickford - 19/10/20 by Second Captains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland were goalless again against Wales, but with half a team out due to Covid complications, with a bombshell false positive from Slovakia leaving a bitter taste in the mouth, and with a new manager left bearing the brunt of communicating all this drama to the public - a 0-0 draw was a pretty good result, and the performance was encouraging too. Richie Sadlier and Gavin Cooney of the42.ie join Ken, Eoin and Murph as we discuss a pretty stressful week in the life of Stephen Kenny. Mick McCarthy's continued presence as a kind of Greek chorus around Kenny as he starts his international management career is still a disgrace, and we also discuss just what Liverpool and Man United have in common with Marcus Crassus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United losing 1-6 to Spurs is the sort of result you could just about imagine happening in real life, if things ever went as badly off the rails for United as early in the game as they did yesterday. But Liverpool losing 7-2 to Villa in the very next game... does... not... compute... Is this just what football is now? How did it get this way? And should we just enjoy it while it lasts?Richie Sadlier joins us to talk about the 7-2 and the 1-6. Are they really the same thing? And at whom does he point the finger of blame in the target-rich environment of Manchester United? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's look around the Second Captain show house includes Ken's theory on Klopp's Sky savagery, the truth about young Kobe Bryant and ex Connacht coach Pat Lam on the game that changed his life and the unbreakable Irish spirit.Go to secondcaptains.com/join for full access. Its 5 euro a month (plus VAT) with no contract and no minimum sign up or hidden costs. AND its the start of the month, so the perfect time to jump aboard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a weekend that reminded you of what we treasure about the game of football - the chance for everybody to absolutely lose their minds over something that really does not matter at all. We talk about why almost all the outrage over "the new handball rule" misses the point. There is also Pat Kenny, Paddy Kenny, Neil Warnock's crusty haunches, Lord Bamford and the latest from the Suarez-Messi telenovela, before Jonathan Wilson and Jacob Steinberg join us to talk about hands, Pep and Super Frank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's taster we chat to green jersey winner Sam Bennett about imposter syndrome, Ireland's next golf superstar James Sugrue about playing alongside Bubba Watson and Lee Westwood at the US Open and Ken about forgiving Frank Lampard - secondcaptains.com/join is where its at! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was that the end of Chelsea's title challenge? Two games in it's too soon to say, but they'll need to play a lot better if they want to cut down last season's 33-point gap to Liverpool, who have added a new dimension with the signing of Thiago.Was yesterday's easy Liverpool win a question of incidents involving Christensen, Kepa and Jorginho not going Chelsea's way - or were there deeper problems too?Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley join us to talk about the contrasting fortunes this weekend of Tottenham and Manchester United. Why was nobody else but Spurs in for Gareth Bale? Does Mourinho want to get rid of Dele Alli? And what was it about Paul Pogba's Covid-19 hit pre-season that convinced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he was ready to start against Crystal Palace? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Champagne Football is out today. It’s the definitive history of John Delaney’s rise, reign and spectacular fall at the FAI, by the journalists who brought him down.  Eoin and Ken interviewed authors Mark Tighe and Paul Rowan at the book's virtual launch last night and we're making the chat available to everybody for free.Plus there's episode 4 of 'Where Is George Gibney?', Scorsese goes Irish, and truth is stranger than fiction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Better to live one day as a Lion than a thousand years as a Sheep. Such is the Leeds United philosophy under Marcelo Bielsa... the downside of course is that you only get to live one day. Though if Leeds can keep scoring three goals a game they should live a bit longer than that. The Spurs-Everton game was dominated by Jose's headline-grabbing soundbites about lazy pressure and so on, but more interesting was the rivalry of the Ireland right backs. Who would you rather be right now: Seamus Coleman, or Matt Doherty?Miguel Delaney and John Brewin join us to discuss (the bit we have so far seen of) the Premier League's opening weekend. What is Bielsa's secret? Are Chelsea poised to storm to the title under their legendary young coach? And can John Brewin say the word Doherty? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Bradley Wiggins, Boris Johnson, Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, the return of the English Premier League….. we’ve been covering a wild week for the people of England on the world service and you can access our daily shows for a fiver a month at secondcaptains.com/joinToday’s taster also includes Triple H, Ken looks into his crystal ball, and there’s the great Spanish Podcast Mystery. When you join theres no contract, no minimum stay, no sneaky tie-ins just daily shows in your app, plus instant access to all our archives. Disfrutar! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Kenny is now winless in two as Ireland manager. It is time to admit it just hasn't worked, and retreat to the safety of the old ways? Or after four training days and two matches, might it still be too soon to pronounce definitive judgment?Dion Fanning and David Sneyd join us to analyse the game. If there's a culture war in Irish football, who are the warring sides? And are there any quick solutions to the problems that have revealed themselves?Ken also complains about being taken for a ride by the Nine Figure Man himself, Lionel Messi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a big week for Irish football as the FAI's succession plan is finally complete and Stephen Kenny holds the reins, which means it's also been a big week on the World Service. Richie Sadlier and David Sneyd joined us for a bumper chat after Kenny's first match in charge against Bulgaria on Thursday evening which is available on the World Service now. Earlier in the week, Ken cast a critical eye over the new Spurs documentary on Amazon Prime, a series which - surprise, surprise - features some massive bigging up of Jose, by Jose. Come join us and sign up to the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month - the start of the month is the perfect time: www.secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Kenny will play his first game as Ireland manager this week, and he's outlined his modest plans for Ireland - just a complete reconstruction of how the world views Irish football AND qualification for major tournaments. Richie Sadlier is with Eoin, Ken and Murph to talk about Matt Doherty's move to Spurs, Doherty or Coleman for Ireland, Obafemi Bolt, Stephen Kenny's ambition, and the questions the FAI need to answer.We also discuss the Frank Lampard effect, which is currently drawing all of Europe's top talent to Chelsea. And while Man United bulk up their options by signing Donny Van de Beek from Ajax, there's still no movement from Liverpool in the transfer market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had a lot of fun talking about Messi and Maguire this week, and if you want to join in go to secondcaptains.com/join. Its a fiver a month, with no contracts and no obligations, so give it a whirl.This week's taster menu includes Ken V Murph + Eoin on Messi the "ashen faced choker", the brilliant Sid Lowe on the reality that Messi could fail big at his next club, Harry The Greek, and one of our favourite contributors, Caitlin Thompson of Racquet Magazine, on player walkouts in the NBA. MLS, WNBA, MLB and tennis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bayern Munich have won their sixth Champions League, becoming the first team to win every game on the way to becoming champions of Europe.Hansi Flick took risks, got lucky, and won the treble. For Thomas Tuchel there can only be regrets. Are there any obvious candidates to succeed him as PSG manager? Richie Sadlier and Jonathan Wilson join us to analyse the game. Have the players adapted to the post-fans reality a little too well? Is the job spec for coaches at the biggest clubs changing? And what's the next move for PSG's stars?There's also some initial reaction to Stephen Kenny's first squad announcement as Ireland manager.It's a big week for us at Second Captains with our new international investigative podcast series coming to BBC Sounds this Thursday, August 27th. We're excited to say you can hear the full trailer for Where Is George Gibney? on today's show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona have been in slow decline since 2017, but the annual Champions League knockout reminders get more traumatic every year. What needs to happen now? Where can they go from here? And can anyone stop the march to the final of Bayern's eminence grise, Thomas Goal-ler? Eh? Thomas Goal-ler? Meanwhile Man City have Pepped it up again. Why does Guardiola do this to himself? Can Sterling ever live the miss down? And what are the prospects of Pep turning this around? We talk to Raphael Honigstein and Miguel Delaney about those incredible Champions League quarter-finals. Why are German coaches leading the way in Europe? Has Guardiola betrayed his own principles? And how would they each solve a problem like Messi? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Second Captains Snifter Time!We chat to former GAA dual star Jamie Wall about sliding doors moments, a life changing diagnosis and why the constant pursuit of happiness is sure to lead to misery.Brian Murphy was the perfect man to talk to about the USPGA because not only did he predict Colinn Morikawa would win it, it’s also his local course, and he covered it for the New York Times. All of this made for a happy US Murph.Plus Ken has been covering the Champions League, and enjoying the Champions League, which is turning out to be a very tasty tournament.To hear daily Second Captains shows, plus access to years of archive go to secondcaptains.com/join - its a fiver a month with no contracts, no obligations, no minimum sign up... just top top top broadcasting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The time horizons of the final stages of the 2020 Champions League have been compressed from six weeks down to 12 days. The competition has to make up for lost time. Meanwhile for a generation of stars, time is running out.For David Silva, who has one last chance to win it with Manchester City. For Robert Lewandowski, whose hopes of winning the Ballon D'Or were dashed by France Football's decision to cancel the 2020 award. Lewandowski's stunning achievement in almost single-handedly defeating Frank Lampard's effervescent Chelsea would surely have been enough on its own to seal the award. And most dramatically of all for Lionel Messi, whose Barcelona look hopelessly outgunned in their quarter-final fixture against Bayern, but nevertheless still have a chance because he plays for them.Time has already run out this year for Cristiano Ronaldo, whose Juventus were knocked out in the second round by Lyon. We're joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle to analyse where things went wrong for Maurizio Sarri, what we can expect from the new coach Andrea Pirlo, why Ronaldo hasn't been able to turn Juventus into Champions League winners and whether they should persevere with him for another season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Rose has been one of the most outspoken and arresting voices in English football for the last number of years, and he’s our guest today on The Players Chair - as Richie Sadlier and Ken Early present a change to our regular Second Captains World Service Monday schedule. In this exclusive interview with Richie, we hear Danny’s thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement, and we focus on the incidents of racism he still faces as a premier league footballer going about his daily life. We also discuss why he can't wait to see the back of his football career, the reason he wants another season at Tottenham and why he speaks up on social issues in society and football.And as well as all that, we also find time to briefly touch on Mikel Arteta jumping into the brawny, welcoming arms of serial winner David Luiz ahead of tomorrow’s Football show on the world service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League is over, and with Man United and Chelsea securing Champions League football it’s time for some seriously vindicated managers to remind the critics that they don’t get everything right either. We try to understand why a zippy zephyr like David Silva has completed his career in England unadorned with individual awards while individual honours pile up at the hairy feet of Hendo. Jacob Steinberg and Jack Pitt-Brooke join us to talk about the climax to the Premier League. With Chelsea spending big what is the outlook for Lampard’s Littl’uns? Can the likes of Spurs meet this renewed challenge from Chelsea? And can Jack finally show Ken the light, David Silva-wise?Plus there's plucky underdogs Man United, Aaron "lightning" Connolly, Grealish goodness and faith healers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Luiz had a busy weekend with his last ditch tackles, accurate passes, aerial dominance, classy interviews and of course silencing all the losers and the haters out there. The debate is over, surely? Richie Sadlier wades into the deep end.The really big news in football land is that lovely lovely Leeds and their genius coach Marcelo Bielsa, are back in the big time. We chat to Phil Hay of The Athletic about Bielsa's remarkable impact at the club, the end of a 16 year journey, and the ambitions they have for next season.Nigel Pearson is out the door at Watford with two league games to go, but have the club really made the right choice? Plus there's Pearson's passengers, John O'Shea's big surprise and Richie Sadlier on playing your way to the chop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Charlton was the most popular Englishman in Irish history, and the news of his death on Saturday morning came as a huge blow to so many people. Today we look back at his career as Irish manager, his upbringing in Ashington, near Newcastle in his beloved north-east of England, his relationship with his brother Bobby, and his enduring love of this country. We speak to his biographer Colin Young about the Jack that he grew to know, his personal warmth, his humility, and his solidarity with the mining communities of his birthplace. And there’s young Eoin interviewing Jack in 2005 - the unabridged version. We discuss the value of a man with a plan coming into a culture of failure, and how Jack made people love a style of football that opponents hated. Amidst it all there was Dunphy, Giles, letters to the editor… and we take a moment to appreciate how lucky we were to have lived through it all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City breathe the sweet air of freedom after UEFA's FFP case against them collapsed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In the short term, the race for the top four suddenly got a lot more exciting. In the medium term, the future for City, for their coach and top players, is looking much more optimistic. In the long term - the repercussions could be huge.We're joined by Tariq Panja of the New York Times and Miguel Delaney of the Independent to discuss the verdict.Where does the credibility of UEFA's enforcement stand after this verdict? What's the future for the FFP system? Is this a decisive moment in revealing where the power really lies in European football?Plus there's Jack's story, Brendan's bombs and a possible final day face off between Leicester and Man Utd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buckle up non members, its time for your weekly World Service test drive.Ken on Vardy's heel, Stephen Kenny's ambition, Man United's (he believes well founded) hope of overtaking Man City next year, and being up at the crack of noon.Plus there's beef and beefs with Bryson DeChambeau, US Murph on NBA in the Covid 19 hot seat and Mahomes' massive money contract, Brosnan does Robin Hood, Connell's GAA twin and Bobby Bonilla day.Its 5 euro a month, no contracts, no obligations - just daily podcast fun. Go to secondcaptains.com/join. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the Second Captains listeners take centre stage, whether in the form of original music, outstanding Rory Best impersonations or the bumper mailbag on last week's racial-bias-in-commentary discussion that prompts a struggle session for Ken. Fortunately for him, the conscientious self-criticism can be softened with the reassuring balm of some fresh Frank Lampard content. Jonathan Wilson and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about the weekend's football. Who deserves the credit for Manchester United's recent resurgence? Where could Jack Grealish fit in to this more promising picture? And what are the chances of United being the best team in Manchester next season? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly Second Captains World Service taster menu:Ken covers Frank Lampard's magnificent leadership, Keir Starmer's defund the police stance and on Friday will discuss Man City Liverpool and Bruno Fernandes' impact at Man Utd.All-Ireland winning Clare hurler and Fulbright Scholar at Harvard Shane O'Donnell on Friday Night Lights and the burden of being a sports star at a young age.What is the function of anger and how has it become the most powerful emotional influence on our politics and economics? Ken talks to the author of Angrynomics, Eric Lonergan.And Irish sprinter Leon Reid, who grew up in England, first in a “crack den” with a drug addicted mother, then in foster homes, on how he finally found a stable home life with his adoptive mother Claire Russell.For the full feast of shows go to secondcaptains.com/join - no contracts, no obligations, no minimum sign up, just a fiver a month for access to all our archives, all new shows, Richie Sadlier's Player's Chair (Andy Cole, Luke Chadwick, Sean Dyche and many more), Ken's Politics Pods, The Book Club, all the breaking sports news, the big interviews, and maybe some day.... grunge week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1956 a young Senator named John F Kennedy wrote a bestselling book, Profiles In Courage, about eight times American political leaders had demonstrated outstanding courage, leadership and integrity in the line of duty. The collection of inspirational stories about inspirational men would win the Pulitzer Prize for Biography.It is a pity Kennedy was shot dead in 1963, for if he were still alive today the 103-year-old ex-President would at this very moment be sitting at his desk composing a ninth Profile in Courage, to be added to an all-new edition of his classic work, as the only fitting way to mark Frank Lampard's triple substitution at Leicester City yesterday afternoon.After paying our own humble respects to the deeds that took place at the King Power yesterday we talk to Richie Sadlier about how much political activism was going on in the Millwall dressing room 20 years ago, and what he has made of the tortured efforts to get Irish football going again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahoy Liverpool fans and haters, we have so much to discuss and learn together. After all, its not that long ago that Liverpool were a rabble, and now they are the most dominant Premier League winners English football has ever seen. How did they turn it around so quickly, is it sustainable, and is it mostly down to Klopp?This thimbleful of the Second Captains World Service can be turned into a waterfall by joining for 5 euro a month - no contracts, no obligations, no minimum sign-up, just daily gulps of podcast joy. Go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David turns the polytunnel into a musical recording studio for an emotional final Tops Off Thursday.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The solstice has passed and David begins the slow trudge into Winter’s loveless arms. Contains the inspirational story of Randall the Starling and the truth about David's listener emails.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can bet that Roy Keane might not be waiting too long to sign a contract for his TV punditry services next season, the legendary former United captain having worked out that when analysing goalkeeping errors, "I'd be throwing punches at that guy" generates more engagement than "He'll be disappointed with that."Contrasting Keane's words and demeanour with those of a much younger footballer in a different interview over the weekend, we talk about how and why young footballers today sound so different from their counterparts of 20 years ago. Then we're joined by David Sneyd and Mark Critchley to talk about the Premier League weekend. How has behind-closed-doors football been to cover? Was Roy Keane for real? And is it really taxi time for David De Gea? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken makes surely his last ever defence of David Luiz's defending by attacking the people who attack Luiz.Plus the Premier League starts for real this weekend and the voice of the greatest moment in Irish sport, George Hamilton, tells us about that time a nation held its breath.Join now for a fiver - no contracts, no obligations, no ads - just heaps of podcast fun at secondcaptains.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Tops Off Thursday and Susan The Satanic Hare has tried to murder David.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David is heartbroken. He cycled all the way to Grace O’Malley’s pirate castle to tell her that he loved her only to find that she died in 1604.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland should have been playing Poland in the Euros today. Instead it's Project Restart Matchday One Minus 2. Rory Smith and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about the return of the Premier League - and also the very patriotic Football Lads performance in London on Saturday afternoon. To what extent are these Lads really Football Lads? And as they argue over whether it should be All Lives Matter or White Lives Matter, how significant is it that the Premier League has openly taken the opposite stance? Is the inevitable destiny of English football to go the way of American sports, sucked into the vortex of a sundowning former power's culture war? And with a promise of rapid redemptions for any team that can win 5 games in a row, do Arsenal really have a chance of making the Champions League? And will there even be a Champions League next year? Plus there's Gatland & Son, Eoin's tiny table, Trump snubbing soccer, and why this football season is as real as any other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League football is back next week, and Ken is chomping at the bit. But will it mean less of his conspiracy theories? His latest centred on England's 1966 World Cup win.Tyson Fury. the heavyweight champion of the world. announced what could be the biggest fight of the century by lavishing praise on the leader of the most profitable organised crime group in Irish history - we talk to the one US journo covering this story.We have a brand new episode of the Game That Changed My Life with Derval O’Rourke who revealed herself as an athlete you probably wanted to give a wide berth to on major championship race day.Sign up for five Euro a month for daily shows plus "isolating" with comedian David O'Doherty - no contracts, no ads, just member led independent journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Tops-Off-Thursday and a frighteningly fit David accuses the listeners of underwear pilfering.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Susan the Satanic Hare are excited as lockdown restrictions start to lift in Ireland.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England is coming out of lockdown but Liverpool and Klopp are not feeling so bullish about football’s future profitability, and have turned down the chance to sign German sensation Timo Werner. If Chelsea sign him will it be seen as the last ever big money transfer, or a bargain?Slave trader Edward Colston, and as he’s been described in some sections of UK society, “philanthropist”, is under water. Is Winston Churchill getting nervous?We also speak to Derek Bardowell about his William Hill-nominated book, No Win Race. The book is about growing up as the British-born son of Jamaican immigrants, his evolving sense of his own identity and his shifting relationship to sport between about 1980, when the Minter-Hagler fight exposed him for the first time to the meaning of racism, to the present day.Via the West Indies, Michael Jordan, Lloyd Honeyghan and Ian Wright, Bardowell reflects on how sport has shaped the experience and influenced the perception of black Britain and black America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahoy podcasters! Its the start of the month which means its the best time to sign up to the World Service. Its 5 Euro a month which gives you instant access to all our archives, as well as all our current shows which now include daily doses of everyone's favourite David, David O'Doherty, isolating in Achill Island. This week we spoke to ESPN’s Howard Bryant about racial inequality and police brutality in the US and Ex Man United player Luke Chadwick about the anguish he suffered as a young player when he became the butt of repeated gags on the tv show They Think It’s All Over. And we review the new Lance Armstrong documentary and examine football's war on joy. Go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the coldest ever Tops Off Thursday, but that won’t put David off tripodding with his guns blazing.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David has avoided being struck by the fuselage of Elon Musk's rocket and is delighted to tell you about the time a Beatle visited Achill Island. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You only have three All-Irelands? Jesus, I thought you had more" - this is the sort of thing a footballer of Dara Ó Cinnéide's quality gets met with from time to time. Along with those three All-Ireland medals, he has 8 Munster medals, and is the sixth highest scorer in the history of Kerry football.  He joins us today to tell us about "The Game That Changed His Life", being happy with his place in the pantheon, car journeys with Páidí, a stolen glance, the Kerry drought and why abuse beats pity.We also discuss Paul Mescal's hurling career, the sad end to Matt Damon's stay in Dalkey, Eoin and Murph's experience in the Damon household, Eddie Irvine, indoor pools, and Baz Ashmawy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Thursday so David has taken his top off and is fantasizing about having feet like a lobster. A huge day on Achill Island.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another pandemic football pod - the Bundesliga continues, American sports media turns its attention to Saipan, for the most part we keep going in search of lost time.As Spain continues its staged lifting of lockdown, we discuss Pepe Reina's approval of the self-styled freedom fighting patriots in Madrid, and Jean Michel Aulas' disbelief at the hasty actions of the French government in cancelling Ligue 1. Jonathan Wilson and Miguel Delaney join us to talk about trips to Barnard Castle, the latest in Project Restart, and for the week that's in it, reminiscences of great Champions League finals gone by. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David attempts to podcast during an Atlantic storm and reveals he spent some of the weekend kissing a cliff. #CovidHorn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tops of the world are being removed around you which can only mean one thing...it's Tops Off Thursday on Achill Island! Today's show is packed full of Jigsaw News, celebrity emails and of course nudity. Lord Doddlesworth reveals how the podcast nearly ended for good yesterday and receives an effigy of himself from Joe the Postman.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's free-to-air bonus podcast features your new fitness best friend. But it can also be your gardening/cooking/cleaning/resting best friend and it'll be right here for you whenever you need it.Many of our listeners around the world have started training over the lockdown. So we've compiled some of our favourite Second Captains audio beds from over the years to pump you up, to make you laugh, and most of all, to stop you from thinking about your burning legs. It's a 30 minute playlist that Eoin, Murph and Ken will introduce and countdown to. You'll get a polite and inspirational reminder of how much time has passed after the 10 and 20 minute mark. Your running playlist will start after 7.15 minutes of this podcast and your sprint finish will be the beautiful mix of David Bowie's 'Where Are We Now?' and Robbie Brady's goal against Italy in 2016. Soon you'll be sprinting on the beach à la Rocky Balboa. We're your Apollo Creed so let's finish our runs by celebrating in the sea in tiny shorts together.Good luck and join us on the Second Captains World Service at secondcaptains.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a miserable day on Achill but David's car steams up with the tale of his near death encounter with a shark.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football is back - in Germany at least - but might there be an incredibly obvious way in which its return could be improved? Eoin is pleased that running has become the sole sporting outlet of a people in chains, but he is by no means the most enthusiastic proponent of the no-ball game. Meanwhile Ken has been trying to develop correct hip alignment, incorporating advice from some of the greats.We speak to Felix Tamsut of Deutsche Welle about the Bundesliga restart: were there any setbacks on the first weekend of the return? How is the football changed by the absence of fans? Why did polls suggest that most Germans were against it? And if it's so unpopular, why did Sky Deutschland report record audiences for its Bundesliga programming this weekend? Plus there's Eoin's tropes, hostile Haaland and runner's friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had a series of brilliant guests on Second Captains this week, starting with Shane Lowry on “the game that changed my life”, Andy Cole on his mental health struggles since his kidney transplant, Oscar nominee Lenny Abrahamson on his hit show Normal People and David O’Doherty on the baffling success of Romantica ice cream.You can try it out at secondcaptains.com/join for 5 Euro a month - no contract, no obligations, just top class pods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things have taken a huge turn on Achill Island as Tops Off Thursday takes over the Tripod.And, after a rollercoaster of a week (more of a log flume into a pit of turds), David has found his fizz again. Also he has taken his top off.Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David is shocked by the sexiness of his own legs and welcomes his Dad back on the tripod to play your requests. It's a brilliant bumper Monday edition of Isolating!Join the World Service now for just €5 + VAT a month: www.secondcaptains.com/join/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Lowry is the reigning British Open champion and one of Ireland's most popular sportspeople, and he's the latest guest on our slot "The Game That Changed My Life".He's got a few memorable wins to choose from, whether from Portrush last year, from the WGC Invitational in 2015 against the best field in golf, or the break-out win of his career at Baltray at the 2009 Irish Open. He talks us through his choice, how you go about building a career in professional golf, the benefits of having to be thrifty, why time is the greatest gift, and what it means to have golf's return back on the horizon.  There's also big news on the Players Chair front, some Lotto results, and Eoin plays "God" - aka The European Ryder Cup captain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.