Second Captains

The Ireland women's hockey team can't stop creating history - from a World Cup final, to record crowds, to The Olympics. We talk to Nicci Daly, one of the stars of a team that keep getting it done in tight games and on big occasions.South Africa were far from perfect and won the Rugby World Cup with a game-plan that lacked ambition and scope, but had the best basics - scrum, lineout, maul, defence - of any team that's ever played the game. Were England and NZ too idealistic? Are defence coaches the most important men in the game? And we ask Eoin Reddan and Shane Horgan if Ireland were right to be conservative after all, and what the next step should be in the giant fix that's required.Plus there's Katie's emotional night, styles make fights, Ken's tribute to Gay Byrne, and Ireland's peno shootout DNA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saturday saw probably the most heartbreaking come-from-behind win of Pep Guardiola's career, as City returned to their dressing room only to hear that Liverpool had scored a late winner of their own - but were the City manager's supposed comments about Mané's diving misreported? Mané didn't really dive, of course, as VAR should have decided - and no, we can't avoid talking about VAR forever - it's clear now almost everyone has now turned against it, we discuss what's going wrong and why.We also talk a little bit about Richard Keogh and Harry Arter.Then we welcome David Sneyd to studio to talk about Shamrock Rovers' win in the FAI Cup final, his interview with Jack Byrne and the season that was in the League of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From F2 freestylers, to Xhaka haters, to free love, to Irishmen loving England - its been another big week on the Second Captains World Service, and as its the start of the month, its the perfect time to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace didn't look a likely game of the weekend beforehand, but at the bloodthirsty cauldron the Emirates has become, anyone can end up being fed to the lions.We also discuss Liverpool's victory over Spurs and what the future might hold for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane.Then we're joined in studio by the F2 Freestylers, Jez Lynch and Billy Wingrove, who talk to us about how young players learn skills these days, and how the culture of football is changing - almost too fast to keep up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why always us? It’s been another horrendous Rugby World Cup campaign for Ireland, and we are left with the same old questions.Eoin Reddan and Shane Horgan are both on the show today to try and make sense of our 46-14 mauling at the hands of New Zealand on Saturday.There’s a fair bit of blame to go around, and we apportion it as judiciously as possible.Eoin tries to rank and rate our World Cup humiliations (where does 2019 come in?), there’s tenured rugby players, and Eddie Jones’ finishers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been trying not to talk about VAR too much but the Premier League isn't making it easy. With video referees apparently reluctant to intervene, is it time for the referees to be forced to take the opportunity to overrule themselves? We also discuss a new study that suggests that while football may be a game you play with your brain, it appears not to be very good for your brain. John Brewin and Mark Critchley join us to analyse yesterday's draw at Old Trafford. Was this a turning point for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? Has Ed Woodward's propaganda blitz over the last week reassured United fans? Did Liverpool show their true colours? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its been another wet n wild week on the good ship Second Captains. But amidst all the on- and off-field drama of our national teams competing on two fronts, one constant remains. When we send Ken Early out on assignment, something daft **will** happen. And so it was this week that he walked at a brisk speed into a plate-glass door in a McDonalds in Geneva, and this incident makes up but a fraction of this week's preview of current attractions on the Second Captains World Service. There's also Eoin Reddan and Shane Horgan expertly breaking down Ireland's chances against New Zealand on Saturday morning, and Joe Canning gives us a pretty bleak look into the controversy currently enveloping Galway hurling, as they lurch into winter still without a senior hurling manager, as the county board fights off criticism from its main sponsor, concerned fans and auditors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland beat Samoa on Saturday morning, but that never looked likely to be enough to get us top spot in the pool, and so it's New Zealand in a World Cup quarter-final next Saturday morning. Are there ANY grounds for optimism? Eoin outlines a few, and Gerry Thornley feels there's still enough quality in this Irish team to pull off a major surprise. New Zealand television superstar and friend of the show Scotty Stevenson gives us his impressions of an extraordinary night in Yokohama last night. We also talk to David Epstein, author of "The Sports Gene", about Eliud Kipchoge's sub-2 hour marathon in Vienna on Sunday morning, and Brigid Kosgei smashing the women's world marathon a couple of hours later. Plus there's Stuart Barnes and why the rugby world wants us to lose, sneakers, and a grandchildren to tell time moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland and Georgia played out the dullest of 0-0 draws on Saturday, but we must ask an unpalatable question - was it any worse than any of our other performances this year, with the only difference being this time we didn't score? Any lingering concerns that Aaron Connolly might be 'over-awed' by international football lasted about 2 minutes, as he created more in 12 minutes than his 10 team-mates could muster up in the preceding 78. Former Irish international Damien Delaney is genuinely excited by him, but can't help wondering why we keep giving man of the match awards to centre-halves. Connolly's electrifying performance might have even been a little embarrassing for Mick McCarthy - does he now start him, or would that be bowing down to his critics, the vast majority of whom of course have never played professional football? Plus there's Daniel James' extraordinary acting prowess, England's anchor Declan Rice, and the Schmeichels père et fils. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Last night we helped to launch Richie Sadlier's new book, Recovering, at the Chocolate Factory on King's Inns Street.In this interview, Richie explains how he decided to write the book, discusses some of the personal revelations in the story, and tells us how he feels now it's all out there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have been undone at rugby world cups in many different ways over the years - from Michael Lynagh, to 15-man lineouts, to Juan Imhoff... but we've never been knocked out by a freak weather event before - UNTIL NOW. It turns out there are alternative arrangements in place if indeed a typhoon does roll into town on Saturday and makes our final match against Samoa unplayable... but it's a World Cup, which means we're a little jumpier than usual. Gerry Thornley of the Irish Times joins us from Japan. The World Athletics Championships in Doha have been a bit of a disaster, from the empty stands that we saw at the start of the week to the 4-year ban handed out in the middle of the event to the most recognisable coach in the sport, Alberto Salazar. Salazar's woes began with a BBC Panorama documentary, and we speak today to the maker of that programme, Mark Daly. Plus there's permutations galore, Seb Coe, Ciara Mageean and the Tier 1 golden circle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish football has been free of John Delaney for just over a week now - and already a great green wave of Gaelic genius threatens to engulf the Premier League.Is it fair that Mauricio Pochettino's position at Tottenham should be questioned simply because his team were blown away by the most talented human being ever to emerge from the city of Galway?After we have surveyed the happiness and unhappiness of various Premier League families, Miguel Delaney and Simon Hughes join us to analyse the weekend's football. How are Liverpool keeping their heads while all around are losing theirs? And what are Manchester United and Tottenham going to do about their embattled managers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the start of the month, which means it's high time you joined the Second Captains World Service - but if just asking you isn't persuasive enough, here are some highlights from this week so far. The Players Chair was back this week, with a rollicking good chat with Ireland and Wolves defender Matt Doherty. Richie talks to him about Martin O'Neill, Richard Keogh, 'personal' injuries and how likely or otherwise he is to start in Georgia next week. You'll also hear Shane Horgan's rather scathing assessment of Ireland's performance against Japan, and there's Pat Kenny's rallying call to any Irish rugby players feeling the heat with this 5-day turnaround in Japan... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland are still in the Rugby World Cup but... our 19-12 loss to Japan now means we must talk about the bad old days again.We recorded a live podcast moments after the final whistle in our home-away-from-home, the Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin, with Andrew Trimble and Eoin Reddan, and some uncomfortable home truths were brought to us. We are now an inconsistent team, and we have no real understanding of how well or badly we're going to play from week to week. That still means we could do something at this World Cup, but the smart money wouldn't be on it. We also had the searing rugby insights of David O'Doherty, who gave us a master-class in the dark arts on the David O'Doherty Rugby World Cup Skillz Mat. One emailer reminds us of Ireland's glorious tradition as rugby missionaries, and there's the Sexton conundrum as the team announcement for our next match on Thursday looms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all over between John Delaney and the FAI. We reminisce about the bad times, and the crazy times.Leicester's 5-0 demolition job on Newcastle posed a couple of questions. Is Jamie Vardy the most underrated player of his generation? And how has Coach Rodgers gone so quickly from being a bright young manager learning his trade, to a grandee of the game?We also talk about Manchester City's victory at Everton, which featured a stellar performance from Riyad Mahrez, and more slightly confused soundbites from Pep.Then Mark Tighe of the Sunday Times joins us to reflect on the last six months in the story of John Delaney and the FAI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland outmuscled Scotland, but that aside, what else did we do right, and what else did we learn? Will Jordan Larmour hold onto the 15 jersey? Is Stockdale now a master defender? Have we the forwards to beat South Africa? We chat to Shane Horgan about vintage Ireland, pathetic Scotland, crafty Kiwis and a thrilling opening weekend. Shane says there’s plenty for Ireland to be encouraged by in the Boks opening display, but can we survive a 20 minute physical onslaught the way NZ did?We chat to Gerry Thornley about the positivity flowing through the Ireland camp, managing Sexton’s physical load and why the hosts will improve dramatically from their opener against Russia.Plus there’s Eddie V Heaslip, group flow, ITV’s dojo and Cheika getting caught out by Fiji’s smiling assassins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool made it six wins in a row but finished the match clinging on as Chelsea, inspired by their fans' generosity of spirit, threw everything at them in search of an equaliser. Manchester City won 8-0 and then the hero of the day, Bernardo Silva, soured the moment by blundering into a social media racism controversy.Gabriele Marcotti joins us to discuss why the mood at Stamford Bridge remains buoyant in the face of poor results, the absence of Pulisic from Lampard's teamsheets, and to give his thoughts on Inter's victory in the Milan derby.And Laurie Whitwell was at the London Stadium to see Manchester United's defeat to West Ham. Can he see any positives for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, where Jose Mourinho could not? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League is underway, the RWC 2019 is underway and grunge week is over - its the perfect time to join the Second Captains World Service secondcaptains.com/join .Shane Horgan told us this week that he reckons England are going to win the whole thing, and along with Donnacha Ryan, Eoin Reddan, Gerry Thornley and Mattie Williams, you'll get all the biggest rugby brains giving you the best insight and analysis.Earlier this week, Jonny Cooper told us about the words of consolation from Jack McCaffrey after his sending-off in the drawn All-Ireland final that inspired him for last Saturday's replay.Plus Ken bullying Eoin, live show discounts and trouble in the camp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'No-one likes us, we don't care' would appear to be the attitude of some Dublin fans... but is there a silent majority of the country who, while they'd rather see the cups getting shared around a bit, are nonetheless more than willing to give credit where it's due? Oisin McConville and Mike Quirke give us their thoughts on the greatest team of all time, the players and manager that made them, and the fault-lines that could yet appear on the horizon. Not even 24 hours after the Dubs won the men's final, their women's team were at it as well, and we speak to 2017 footballer of the year Noelle Healy, who kicked the last point of their 2-3 to 0-4 win over Galway. Plus there's crowd trouble on the Hill, Eoin meets Michéal Martin, Oisin's beef with Johnny Magee, and Mike Quirke's new job. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin returns from Seattle, and he's bearing gifts, which translates to both good news and bad news for Second Captains listeners. There is no doubt what the theme is today as the dazzling young stars of Frank Lampard's talent factory blazed far too hot for Wolves to handle.Sam Lee and Jonathan Wilson join us for a closer look at some of the weekend's football. Is there a solution for City's defensive problems in their youth teams? And why does Jonathan believe a reckoning is coming for Frank Lampard? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Second Captains World Service aches for you. Here is a taste of what you've been missing.Oisin and Mike on Brolly's Licence To Ill, Richie Sadlier on Troy Parrott's rise, Ken on Dubs all Ireland ceremony, and RWC 2019 build up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two weeks ago, Ireland conceded almost 60 points to England... so what the hell are we doing at number 1 in the world rankings? No-one seems to be paying it much heed, least of all here in Ireland, but it suggests we must be doing something right. Eoin Reddan and Gerry Thornley of the Irish Times pick out the best bits from a second win over Wales in 7 days in the Aviva on Saturday, and why after the Twickenham humiliation, the only way was up. James Ryan has emerged from Devin Toner's lineout shadow, and maybe there are less places to hide now, while Eoin Reddan is confident that Joe has remained confident throughout the last fortnight. Sinead O'Carroll of thejournal.ie is in studio to talk to us about the best camogie final in years, as Galway win just their third title in thrilling style against Kilkenny. Ken worries that the world is sniggering at our no.1 status, and we say goodbye forever to the Eoin McDevitt Rugby World Cup Panic Button... thank Christ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Ireland are Homer Simpson, then Georgia are Homer's assistant and guardian angel Karl, who helps him get promoted to executive in the Dimoxinil episode. Once again they have sabotaged Ireland's opponents and simplified the task of Euro qualification. Tomorrow Ireland play Bulgaria in a friendly that allows Mick McCarthy to look at some of his bench options. We talk about this morning's press conference, and catch up on what else was happening around Europe on international week.Miguel Delaney joins us to talk about whether England are likely 2020 Euro champs, to give his scouting report on Ireland's next opponents Bulgaria, and to share his theory on why the international game in Europe has started to mirror some of the inequalities of the club game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There simply is no better time to join the Second Captains world service than the first week of the month, with new editions of both Richie Sadlier's Player's Chair and Ken Early's Politics Podcast, and an Ireland V Switzerland review coming on Friday. Richie was speaking to Paul O'Connell at Electric Picnic last Saturday, and Ken spoke to Richard Seymour, author of a new book called The Twittering Machine. For those of you who haven't succumbed just yet... here's a taster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin set off yesterday in pursuit of history, trying to become the first team to win the five-in-a-row. They eventually came within one kick of it yesterday evening, before Dean Rock's sideline free-kick dropped short and wide, and condemned us to a replay of yesterday's thrilling All-Ireland football final. Oisin McConville and Mike Quirke were there, loved it as much as we did, and tell us why there's room for improvement everywhere, even amidst all the drama. Mike Quirke's bullish pre-match summation of the power of Kerry's bench was proved correct, Oisin's love affair with David Clifford, flaws and all, continues, and we cast half an eye towards a replay that is far from a foregone conclusion. Shane Horgan gives us his instant reaction to the World Cup squad being announced today as Devin Toner, Jordi Murphy and Will Addison miss out. Ken has some technique questions for Dean Rock, and some security questions for the Irish rugby team dressing room, as well as crying toddlers, unbearable excitement and card-happy Royallers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mane and Salah provided the drama but as far as the title race is concerned, the most significant moment of the Premier League weekend happened elsewhere. Miguel Delaney was at the Emirates to see Arsenal come back to draw with Spurs. Is Unai Emery getting closer to his best first XI, and what bug fixes would Miguel recommend for the latest edition of the MP operating system?Then we’re joined by David Sneyd who saw Seamus Coleman lead Everton to a 3-2 win against Wolves.We also have the latest from the Ireland camp out at FAI HQ in Abbottstown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2017 Footballer of the Year Andy Moran has announced his retirement from inter-county football. In a wide-ranging interview for ‘The Players Chair’ with Richie Sadlier on the Second Captains World Service, the man with more appearances for Mayo than any other player has said that having discussed it with James Horan this weekend, he’s made his decision to retire, and has told his team-mates that he will not return for another season. Moran won a National League title earlier this year, Mayo’s first national title in 18 years. In between those two league wins the county had reached 10 national finals, three league and seven All-Irelands, including the 2016 replay. Andy was in the Mayo panel for them all, and only serious injury prevented him playing in all 10 – a cruciate injury that forced him to miss the 2012 All-Ireland, when he was the team captain. Over the course of a 16-year career, he became one of the totemic figures on a Mayo team that was the compelling story of the GAA world in this decade. He also spoke to Richie about becoming a father, losing his own Dad, Mayo’s goldfish bowl, and the second-half collapse against Dublin in this year’s All-Ireland semi-final. The interview will be released on the second Captains World Service tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, at 7am. To subscribe to the World Service for just €5 per month (plus VAT), click here - www.secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland suffered a record defeat to England on Saturday, and the rather uneasy rumblings of last week have become fully-realised fears in the eyes of many Irish rugby fans - we press the panic button on today's show. Shane Horgan sees our hopes of winning the World Cup disappearing over the horizon, and he's on with Gerry Thornley to pinpoint the many, many areas for improvement from a shockingly poor Ireland display in Twickenham. Ken questions the very reason for the existence of these matches, before we move onto to an Irish sportsman who had a rather better time of it this weekend - Rory McIlroy won the Fedex Cup, and $15 million last night, and Alex Myers from Golf Digest tells us why, yes, 2019 has been a very good year for Rory. Plus there's Ross Kemp on Ben Stokes, Jack Leach saves Superman, why the Connacht u-20s should take on Wales, and the Rory-Brooks Koepka FEUD that refuses to go away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League weekend: David Silva sublime. David Luiz ridiculous. Eoin has some questions - cheap, nasty, and obvious ones.Did Unai Emery play it too conservatively at Anfield? Who was to blame for Crystal Palace's first goal against Manchester United? And are managers seriously going to keep complaining about penalties not given even in the VAR age? We're joined by Mark Douglas to talk about Newcastle's surprise win at Tottenham. Who are the people Steve Bruce claims to have shut up? Plus there's Rash's peno pain, the Giles walk, Klopp's whatever and setting the bar for racist trolls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a bit of a roller-coaster year for Tipperary - an All-Ireland win looked pretty unlikely at the end of the league, looked very likely indeed after the Munster championship round-robin, and then after a 12 point hammering from Limerick in the Munster final, it looked a rather remote possibility again. But from the ashes of that chastening day, they came good when it mattered - and in a game that will be remembered for Richie Hogan's red card, they were crowned All-Ireland champions yesterday. Michael Duignan and Malachy Clerkin tell us why they reckon Tipp would've won it anyway even without the red card, how real life scar tissues helped this Tipp team mature, and even speculate on what next for Brian Cody. Plus there's Eoin's hurler of the year, Murph's end of season celebrations, and Liam Sheedy's glazed eyes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Monday, so it's time to talk about VAR. Ken defends himself against the "gammon" accusations and explains why his critics are wrong. In between there is some time to discuss the details of how Man City took Spurs apart.We also talk about Frank Lampard's downbeat and strangely detailed assessment of Chelsea's draw at home to Leicester, and generally incorporate a range of up to date movie references.David Sneyd was at Bramall Lane to see the "Brexit" Blades - featuring half an Irish international team - beat Crystal Palace.And Dermot Corrigan talks to us about the sensational Liga debut of Joao Felix, and the somewhat less sensational start to the season by Barcelona. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Q: What do Derek McGrath, Ric Flair, the Mighty Magyars and Eoin tanking a Peter O'Mahony interview have in common? A: THIS WEEK ON THE SECOND CAPTAINS WORLD SERVICE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a balmy September night in September 2011, Eoin stood outside Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street basking in the celebrations of Dublin’s first All-Ireland title in 16 years. More than that, he was basking in the love being shown by supporters from other counties who seemed genuinely happy for the Dubs to have their day in the sun.Fast-forward to 2019 and with Dublin on the brink of 5-in-a-row, it’s fair to say that the neighbourly spirit on show that night has long since disappeared. Many neutrals don’t like the Dubs, not even when they produce 2 goals and 6 points without reply in one of the most exhilarating periods of play ever seen on a football pitch, perhaps ESPECIALLY not when they produce 2 goals and 6 points without reply in one of the most exhilarating periods of play ever seen on a football pitch.Was it the defining performance of the greatest team of all time or just another step towards the death of Gaelic football? Oisin McConville joins us to work through the jumble of emotions he experienced watching Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final.And Mike Quirke takes a close look at Kerry’s mix of youthfulness/Kerryness/David-Cliffordness and does his best to make a case that the Dubs can still be stopped on September 1st. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United destroyed Chelsea at Old Trafford, with Daniel James' emotional celebrations reminding the crowd why they love football in the first place. It meant Frank Lampard started with the worst result of any Chelsea manager in the Premier League era, and there have been quite a few Chelsea managers. Is the selection of young players just a political ploy, as Jose Mourinho seems to think? Or does Lampard really believe Mount and Abraham can be the backbone of his new look Chelsea?We also discuss the essential pointlessness of VAR as we saw it in the first round of matches. Jack Pitt-Brooke joins us to talk about how Spurs turned it around against Villa, and what the future holds for Christian Eriksen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether or not the Community Shield counts as a trophy, it's become plain that there are no friendlies any more when Manchester City play Liverpool. We talk about how the teams seem to be shaping up, the relevance of the old wisdom that you should buy when you're strong, and touch on a few other issues in the soon-to-shut transfer window.Miguel Delaney joins us to talk about the importance of yesterday's game, and why Manchester United's move for Paulo Dybala fell through. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's August 1st, which means this is the PERFECT time to sign up to the Second Captains World Service!! Sign up today, and you get maximum bang for your (5) buck(s), and to pique your interest, have a quick listen to this - as Murph gets humiliated by Oisin McConville, Stephen A Smith outlines how Eoin could get even more militant with those of you hesitating before signing up to us, and a clip from Ken's latest politics podcast, premiering tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robbie Keane is not in the mood to reminisce. Funny? Funny how? Arsenal have found some spare cash, or at least some sellers willing to discuss terms. We also talk about why Gareth Bale is not going to China, and whether Real Madrid's technical committee has ever seen Paul Pogba play.Also today, Gavin Cooney of the42 joins us to talk about what happened over the weekend at the FAI AGM - where Donal Conway appeared to outmanoeuvre Shane Ross. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There really isn't enough time between All-Ireland hurling semi-finals to digest the full magnitude of what went on this weekend, but we'll give it a shot today, as we try and sort out just how we're left with a fifth Tipperary/Kilkenny final in the last 10 years. Michael Duignan and former Kilkenny legend Brian Hogan are magnanimous as Eoin admits that - yes, hurling folk DO bang on a bit about it but... bloody hell, what a sport. We talk about the myth of Cody, Liam Sheedy's magnificent job, and why the sweeper system is all Brian Hogan's fault*... (*might not actually be his fault). Plus - 'Brits out' says Donal Óg Cusack (we think), Ann Downey's insights into the Kilkenny mindset, Captain Murph, Cody - Sheedy comparisons, and if things get tough, just quit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Open came to Ireland for the first time in 68 years, and the Claret Jug will stay in Ireland, after Shane Lowry's extraordinary 6-shot win over the field at Royal Portrush yesterday. We salute a man we can all say is as nice as he appears on TV, with Malachy Clerkin and Lawrence Donegan. We also lament the fact that just 24 hours after his success, Shane has already been usurped... by his own granny's scene-stealing cameo on RTE News. Mike Quirke and Oisin McConville outline just why Lowry's win was so lustily celebrated by GAA people (and men of a certain age), before we delve into the modern classic Kerry and Donegal played in Croker on Sunday. Plus there's turf mould, Tiger Woods in the bog, brandies, refreshing honesty and pop psychology snake-oil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been another turbulent weekend for the FAI - but on the field maybe there are some signs that Irish football's fortunes are looking up.Meanwhile Premier League clubs have been touring some humid and not-so-humid locations, aiming to boost fitness levels and bank balances, with varying degrees of success.Sid Lowe joins us to talk about the increasingly hostile stand-off between Real Madrid and Gareth Bale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a stunning weekend of sport, which had all the hallmarks of summer - Wimbledon finals in baking heat, GAA in front of massive crowds, with an added soupçon of Cricket World Cup final madness. At the end of it all we have Novak Djokovic as Wimbledon men's champion - but why is he so unpopular? Caitlin Thompson of Racquet magazine answers that question in pretty emphatic style. We have Oisin McConville and Mike Quirke on hand to tell us the main headlines of a huge weekend of Gaelic football, which included a massive win for Kerry over Mayo in Killarney. And there's the return of Diarmuid Connolly to the Dublin panel, announced in typical Jim Gavin style. But is this decision the most un-Jim Gavin thing he's ever done? Plus there's triple-screening, heroic hurling losing efforts, and an Uncle Jim update. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a sunny Sunday when for once football was pushed into the shadows - but nobody keeps this baby in the corner for long. La Liga clubs have been the most active in the summer transfer market so far. Has there been an outbreak of caution in the Premier League or is everyone just waiting until the last minute to lose their minds? We discuss Manchester United's reported interest in Harry Maguire. Is £80 million for England's World Cup hero solid business, or one of the most insane examples of transfer mania yet recorded? We join Oluwashina Okeleji in Cairo to talk about the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. What has happened to Nigeria's 90s flair? How does Kalidou Koulibaly compare to some other highly-valued centre-backs? And why are the Egyptians supporting Algeria? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A spritz of the Second Captains World Service Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After missing out last year, Mayo are in the Super 8s, and they seem destined to keep us entertained for another month or so... at least. Mike Quirke and Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times give us their thoughts on the weekend's football, with Mayo surging past Galway, and wins for Cork, Meath and Tyrone. There's one team the lads fancy to take a few heavy beatings... and it's not the Division 3 team. And there's the unbelievably tasty prospect of Mayo against Kerry in Killarney next Sunday to look forward to as well. Willie Dunphy was one of the real leaders in the Laois hurling team that shocked Dublin yesterday, and he's on today's show talking to us about the day they conceded 10 goals to Cork, sweet deliverance over the last 8 days, and why they can keep it going too. Plus there's Phil Neville's advice to the Cork footballers, Nesbitt watch, lovely Lahinch for the Irish Open, and Frances Murphy's molten hot take on the young men of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie Sadlier joins us in studio to discuss covering the FIFA WWC for RTE, Team America, male and female celebrations, and Phil "the humble one".We talk to Johnette Howard about how the team is perceived in the US, confusing brashness with confidence, Rapinoe's wars with Trump and where the fight for equal pay will go from here.Tim Vickery chats to us about Brazil winning the Copa in Brazil, Jesus' moment of madness, and how Argentinian fans' calls for Leo Messi to become more vocal and communicative may have created a monster.Plus there's Phil Brent, Jonathan Pearce magic, Pogba PR, COYDIG boos and CR7 watching himself on the big screen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Pearce went full Jonathan Pearce, England went full England and Dr Ken diagnoses glazed eyes.Plus Murph on the GAA's Mr fix it, and Frances Murphy's birthday greeting. Welcome to another taste of the Second Captains World Service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A spying scandal has erupted ahead of the World Cup semi-final between England and the USA and Phil Neville has another national team set-up to criticise.We look back at the quarter-finals and forward to tomorrow's much-anticipated Anglo-American showdown in Lyon.Also today, we go through Swiss Ramble's snapshot of Arsenal's lost decade.We're joined from Lyon by Caitlin Murray, author of "The National Team", a history of the USWNT, to talk about the Americans' march toward the final and why many perceive them as the villains of the tournament.Plus there's the audacity of Hope Solo, football idealists, selling jerseys and putting out a Lance vibe in France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first part of the hurling summer has ended, and it's ended with Wexford and Limerick on top in Leinster and Munster. If that sounds like it has a real mid-90s vibe to it, then you'd be right. Hurling Uber-mensch and the soul of Wexford, Liam Griffin, tells us why winning on the double, in minor and in senior, was so important for Wexford, and why it's a reward for hard work, planning, an exceptional playing group, and for Davy Fitz's application. Two-time all-star Seamus Hickey wasn't surprised by anything he saw from Limerick yesterday, as they dismantled the form team of the summer so far Tipperary in the Munster final. He tells us what drives this young team forward. Plus there's an attack on Wicklow from Murph, two fingers to Oliver Cromwell, professional fouls, flawless hurling, and feel-good vibes all over the place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 1501: Donegal Dominant, Dublin Dismissive, Kerry Unconvincing, The Dublin Q - 24/06/2019 by Second Captains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.