Second Captains

The Lions won the second test of the series against New Zealand, and that's all that matters, regardless of the fact that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that the tourists simply couldn't pass up. The All-Blacks will be back to 15 players for the third test, and the weather might not be as amenable on Saturday (although it's New Zealand, so rain is never far away), but the Lions have given themselves a chance - Eoin Reddan tells us why we should expect one of the fiercest physical battles in rugby history next Saturday morning. Galway are happy enough in fierce physical battles too, and their win in the Leinster final yesterday against Wexford might just have convinced the last few doubters of their suitability as All-Ireland favourites. Michael Duignan and Eoin Kelly were suitably impressed, and they join us on the line. Eoin questions the communication skills of Galway's hulking hurling hordes, Will "Mr Bombastic" Greenwood has the desired effect on a returning Ken Early, and we take a (short) walk around New Zealand's Hall of Red-Card Shame. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the moment Tadhg Furlong told us about the unique charms and appeal of his uncles' home on Whiddy Island last December in the Liberty Hall Theatre, we have been dreaming of one day broadcasting from this jewel of Bantry Bay. And last Saturday morning, as Tadhg made his Test debut for the Lions against New Zealand, that dream became a reality. And as we all tried to digest the thoroughness of the All-Black win (and our beautiful al fresco breakfast), we recorded a very special show with contributions from Barry Murphy - 2008 try-scorer for Munster against the All-Blacks, Richie Sadlier, and local Cork hurling legend Mark Foley. Tadhg's uncle Tim told us about his family's pride in his achievements, his granny came down for a look, and at the end we were left with one of the most special days in Second Captains history. A massive thank you to all of our listeners who came over, to the community on Whiddy Island, to our gracious host Tim, to O'Hara's Brewery and to Tadhg for his help in setting us up. We hope you enjoy the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The biggest story of the football weekend was the bombshell revelation that every member of the Russian squad from the 2014 World Cup is under investigation for possible doping. We speak to Nick Harris who broke the story for the Mail on Sunday, and ask if a story like this is going to be in the media cycle for longer than just a few days, or if attitudes to doping in football will remain as wilfully ignorant as ever. Last autumn all of Ireland was in thrall to Dundalk's Europa League exploits, and wondered aloud at what the influx of money would do for their continued domination of the domestic game. Fast forward to today and there's a team running away with the SSE Airtricity League alright... but it's Cork City. Former City legend Neal Horgan tells us how they've done it - with 18 wins and 1 draw in the league this far, and what they can achieve in Europe. We also hear about Damien Duff's competitive spirit (even against 9 year olds), Stefan Effenberg and a potted history of radio no-shows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We give you a taste of the latest Player's Chair with Damien Duff. From the shower.For the full broadcast, join the Second Captains World Service at secondcaptains.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was supposed to be a war of attrition, but in the end Tyrone blew Donegal away in their Ulster championship semi-final yesterday with a dynamic, all-action display of attacking football. Oisin McConville thought this Donegal team had a bright future, but he and Mike Quirke now ponder the next step for them, and how far Tyrone can expect to go this summer. And we discuss whether Kildare showed enough in their defeat of Meath to trouble the Dubs if they meet in the Leinster final. Shane Horgan has little time for the psychological warfare brewing between Warren Gatland and Steve Hansen - mainly because they're not the most charismatic pair of leaders you've ever come across. Plus there's duelling banjos, 1980s pitch invasions, man V shark, Lions meat, lame forfeits, and a scathing verbal broadside from Shane... aimed squarely at Murph and Ken. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GET IT TO THE BIG MEN!!!..... came the cry from Martin O'Neill at half time, and that's exactly what the boys in green did, rescuing a point and almost getting a win against Austria.Were we robbed by a sizeist ref, and did Duffy even need to jump for the ball that resulted in a disallowed goal? But Ken also wants to know where have the good performances gone, what happened our midfield, and he has an interesting stat on Glenn Whelan and Ireland's big wins. Dion Fanning joins us in studio to analyse the game and implores Ireland fans to judge Wes Hoolahan the same way they do every other player. Dion also give his thoughts on the group table with four games to go. Plus there's McDevitt's horrendous tweet blunder, the wanker gesture, the law of diminishing returns with McClean's reducers, Austrian delusions of grandeur, Roberto Carlos' chicken legs, England under 20's, Scottish heartbreak and of course, Joe Hart .... Joooeeee Haaaarttt!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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We relive our Cat Laughs show with Dara ÓBriain and David O'Doherty.For the full broadcast, join the Second Captains World Service at secondcaptains.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid to their third Champions League win in four years - a victory for light-touch management and the model of having the best players in the world.Meanwhile James McClean scored another Ronaldo-like goal, Harry Arter impressed and Martin O'Neill gushed with joy as Ireland's boys of summer swatted aside Uruguay. We take a look at Ireland's midfield options for the Austria game.Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson join us to reflect on the Champions League final and whether Ronaldo has ended the GOAT argument.Plus there's Fergie's Ronaldo love, bank holiday bonhomie, Ken has a pop at kids (or "trinkets" as he calls them), Zidane the duck, "lads its only Juventus", and the moment of the weekend....Giggy's nutmeg! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest positive drug test in the GAA was the big story in this weekend's Sunday Independent - and over the course of the next 36 hours, statements from the Kerry County Committee and Sport Ireland have sought to add clarity to the case of Kerry footballer Brendan O'Sullivan.We're joined by the man who broke the story, the Sunday Indo's sports editor John Greene, and former Kerry footballer Mike Quirke, to ask questions on how this story was handled, the lack of transparency throughout, and MHA - the banned substance which found its way, via 'a contaminated product' into O'Sullivan's system.Galway, the new favourites for the All-Ireland hurling title, got their championship season underway with a routine victory over Dublin in Tullamore yesterday but the real story continues to be the failure of the Dubs to get their best 15 out on the pitch.Michael Duignan tries to understand why so many of Dublin's best players don't want to play for their county.Plus there's Tony Adams, Arsene Wenger and the swimming capabilities of tigers.Our Monday broadcasts are free to air. However, to listen to all our programming, become a member of the Second Captains World Service. It’s independent, commercial-free, member-led broadcasting with daily shows and lots of added extras. Go to secondcaptains.com now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal lit up Wembley with their best performance of the season, so naturally Eoin takes the opportunity to engage in some cheap shots about David Luiz.The final was a minor classic, the best of the seven Wenger has won. Should the board succumb to the golden glow of victory and award Arsene Wenger a new contract, or has this success made a necessary decision much harder? Eoin imagines himself into the role of Jose Mourinho and lays out the tactics that will beat Pep Guardiola next season. In the middle of midfield, controlling proceedings, is summer signing Graeme Souness. Joshua Robinson of the Wall Street Journal joins us to analyse what sticking points could still be getting in the way of agreement between Wenger and Arsenal's board at this stageAnd Terry Daley joins us from Rome, where he witnessed Totti's emotional farewell.Our Monday broadcasts are free to air. However, to listen to all our programming, become a member of the Second Captains World Service. It’s independent, commercial-free, member-led broadcasting with daily shows and lots of added extras. Go to Secondcaptains.com now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a beautifully sunny day outside, so whilst our members are waiting for today's Ken Early Political Podcast, here's a short pod featuring Parky, Paulie Malignaggi and Joe 'Mr Doctor' Coffie.Sign up to the Second Captains World Service now at secondcaptains.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This was the weekend when Chelsea were presented with the Premier League trophy by Dennis Wise, but more importantly, John Terry bid farewell - but not goodbye? - to his Chelsea home. There were tears, elaborate rituals of respect and everyone was left with a sick feeling in the pit of their stomach. We discuss the aftermath of Arsenal's failure to make the Champions League. Arsene Wenger's dignified bearing has won praise in many quarters, including from Alex Ferguson, but when you think about it, what choice did he have? Arsenal's prospective new owner Alisher Usmanov has made a video calling out his opponent, Alexei Navalny, who has accused him of corruption. Would Arsene prefer to deal with this guy or Silent Stan?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8c1hR54RyIJonathan Wilson joins us to analyse John Terry's departure and why Chelsea can't seem to find a role for him in their hierarchy.Our Monday broadcasts are free to air. However, to listen to all our programming, become a member of the Second Captains World Service. It’s independent, commercial-free, member-led broadcasting with daily shows and lots of added extras. Don’t miss this week's new Ken Early Political Podcast or the latest Player’s Chair with Richie Sadlier and Anthony Daly – a brilliant, revealing and personal chat available only to World Service members.Join now at www.secondcaptains.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As starts to the GAA championship summer go, 56 scores, 5 sparkling debuts, the All-Ireland champions dethroned, and a winning goal scored by a man who was told 3 years ago he'd never play again due to a heart complaint, wasn't bad.Michael Duignan was in Thurles yesterday to witness Cork's stunning 2-27 to 1-26 win over reigning champions Tipperary, and we reflect on one result that blows the whole summer wide open for everyone.The tactical freshness from Cork that bewitched Tipp, the champions' frailties at the back, and what Waterford might have learned - all that and more on the agenda.Munster march on to the Aviva Stadium next Saturday thanks to a brilliant Simon Zebo try that points to a bright future for Rassie Erasmus' side. It was a calamitous weekend for Leinster however, saving their worst performance of the season for a Pro 12 semi-final. We talk to Shane Horgan about Munster's fresh bounce and what the Leinster players will be thinking about all summer.Plus there's a scumbag emailer, some more Stone Temple Pilots chat, Franno's knowledge of the Dublin celeb scene, and journalism's Littlest Hobo embarks on another of his epic quests around Europe... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The 2017 GAA championship is almost upon us, and we have Kildare manager Cian O'Neill in studio to help us set the scene for summer. O'Neill has been involved in All-Ireland successes in hurling and football in the last 7 years - first in 2010 when he was physical trainer to the Tipperary hurlers, and then with Kerry in 2014, when he was coach under Eamon Fitzmaurice. In between he served with Mayo, having previously worked with the Limerick footballers, so when he finally took the plunge and became manager of his native Kildare in October 2015 he was both massively experienced, and in for a shock. The difference between coaching and managing, the impact on family life, the benefits of dog ownership, working smart, and planning for the Dubs - Cian O'Neill talks about it all. Plus we even get a chance to mention the 2002 penalty shootout against Spain, David Albelda's twisted testicle, and in spite of all the haters out there, Murph keeps his GAA cup half full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a weekend in which most of the outstanding issues of the Premier League were settled, we get the views of our correspondents Miguel Delaney and John Brewin. After Conte's man management miracle this season, rumour has it that Chelsea are planning the kind of spending splurge we haven't seen there since the early years of the Abramovich era. As Europe's richest clubs gear up to break transfer spending records, when will be the best time to do business? Jose Mourinho suggests that teams already in the top four would love to swap places with Manchester United, who get the chance to win a European trophy next week. Does he have a point?Are British managers second class citizens in their own country? And as Martin O'Neill fails to arrive on time for his press conference, Ken treads the thin line between dereliction of duty and self-liberation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eliud Kipchoge's attempt to break the 2-hour marathon barrier was either a commendable attempt to test the outer limits of human endurance... or a deeply cynical marketing ploy to convince you to buy some runners. David Epstein, author of "The Sports Gene" is better placed than most to separate corporate speak from genuine athletic curiosity, and as Kipchoge's attempt fell 25 seconds short, there's the question of just how fast a marathon can be run by a human being. The GAA championships got underway for another summer this weekend, and Sligo were put to the pin of their collar to beat New York in the Bronx last night. Charlie Harrison, their veteran all-star full-back joins us to tell us why they felt the world was against them in the run-up. Plus there's Richie Sadlier's attempt at racing immortality, Tyson Fury's answering machine, and another chance to hear Lance Armstrong telling us what he's on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embattled Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is struggling to generate any momentum ahead of the General Election in the UK, but he is very popular in Liverpool. Tony Barrett of sportsjoe explains why it's the last city in Britain that believes in Corbyn the politician.In spite of another miserable league campaign for Jose, the Man United boss continues to patronise Arsene Wenger. We ask Daniel Harris of The Guardian if United fans have finally lost faith.Eoin, Ken and Murph also drill deep on the big issues in football - why are Premier League fans so sleepy, should we stop calling fullbacks 'fullbacks' and why Zlatan's amazing knee is changing the face of medical science.Plus there's talk of Cuban heels, why the Emirates Stadium is such a damp squib and we deconstruct Kante.Join the World Service today for access to all our shows at secondcaptains.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran mark the weekend's dives out of 10. Sometimes you need to give the referee a little bit of help. David Moyes has been dubbed "the energy vampire" by an unnamed former Sunderland player. What is an energy vampire? How can you guard your personal energy against one? And how did such an inane metaphor about human relationships ever gain popular currency?John Brewin was at Middlesbrough to see Manchester City stagger towards the Champions League qualification line with a 2-2 draw.And Jack Pitt-Brooke saw Tottenham dominate Arsenal in the most one-sided North London derby in many years.Plus there’s Jesus Navas’ stats, second best Spurs, and Jose’s finger of blame. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All aboard the Second Captains helicopter as we use the journey time from Dublin to the match tonight in Manchester to convince you to join the Second Captains World Service.Go to secondcaptains.com now. The Gang's All Here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There have been a lot of great clasicos over the last 20 years - the Barcelona fans lobbing a pig's head at Figo, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos silencing the Camp Nou in 2003, the 6-2, the 5-0, Real's 2-1 title clincher in 2012... But last night's 2-3 win for Barcelona at the Bernabeu was probably more fun than any of them.This game had everything - five goals, incredible skills, flying elbows, a red card, open goal misses, and a brilliant last-second winner from the best player in the world.It was a terrible weekend for Manchester City and Liverpool, a good one for Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, and a very, very special weekend for Big Sam who was generous enough to give chapter and verse on the very special gameplan that silenced Anfield.We relive the Madrid-Barcelona drama with Dermot Corrigan, who was at the Bernabeu.And we argue over whether Spurs are better than Chelsea with Miguel Delaney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster and Munster bowed out of Europe this weekend, with plenty of what-ifs for both sides. Leinster will feel they had plenty of chances to beat Clermont in the south of France yesterday, and Munster similarly would love to have another crack at Saracens after they failed to raise a gallop in the Aviva on Saturday. Shane Horgan and Liam Toland acknowledge all the financial advantages of English and French clubs, but warn against the idea that we should be satisfied with losing semi-final appearances in this country. Are Galway favourites for the Liam McCarthy Cup this summer? Michael Duignan and Malachy Clerkin discuss their stunning 16-point defeat of Tipperary in the National Hurling League final yesterday. And after marking your card last week, Ilie Nastase confirmed his status as one of sport's biggest assholes this weekend. Plus there's the Rassie Erasmus news, Johnny Glynn's Grand Canyon and Eoin's safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin welcomes the return of title run-in mindgames. Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that Tottenham, unlike some of their rivals, are "not artificial". Antonio Conte has responded in an unexpected way, by claiming that Tottenham are the best team in the league. Judging by his own side's performance at Old Trafford, Conte might be right. Was United's victory a Chelsea collapse, or a Mourinho masterclass? Did it show that the United players are finally understanding the principles of the manager's football?We also talk about Everton's decision to ban The Sun after Kelvin MacKenzie's attack on Ross Barkley. Is banning newspapers ever justified? When you look at the details of this case, how much sympathy does The Sun deserve?Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk through the details of United's win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Richie hit the showers to discuss Ken's hair treatment regime, the French elections and the latest from the World Service.Join us now at secondcaptains.com for access to all our shows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken realises that he knows enough about golf to be a pundit on Sky's Masters coverage. All you do is draw sweeping generalisations from tiny details of body language, and keep that going for four days. Oisin McConville and Mike Quirke discuss Kerry’s evolution, poking the bear, Dublin’s slump in form and doing football a favour.Murph isn't here which means we can talk about Joe Brolly. What is the best way to take Brolly on when he is at full steam? Lawrence Donegan joins us to talk about Sergio Garcia's win, golfer beefs, and friendly rivalry nonsense. Plus there’s The Butler Cabin time warp, and McDevitt relives his fraught toilet encounter with Boris Becker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken look back at a weekend in which Dele Alli backed up all the hype of last week's podcast. Ken asks is there anything he can't do, Eoin wonders if its time to start comparing him to the greats.David Moyes says the Sunderland job is incredibly difficult. He said the same thing about the Man United job, which must have been difficult in a different way. Might Sunderland be better advised looking for a manager who is slightly less eager to point out how incredible difficult everything is going to be? Meanwhile Luke Shaw has been let out of captivity for a few minutes on the field but can he really trust Jose Mourinho after everything that has happened? We also talk about the superb new documentary "Les Bleus: Une autre histoire de France"Dermot Corrigan tries to explain why Barcelona keep bottling it in La Liga and we explore Neymar's hunger and Messi's magical nutritionist.Raphael Honigstein examines the science behind Arjen Robben's signature move, and looks ahead to the German clubs' adventures in Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things were already bad enough for David Moyes before he got the silly idea of immolating himself in a sexism firestorm. Was his comment to the BBC's Vicky Sparks at the end of his interview with the BBC "unforgivable," as some influential voices are claiming? Ronald Koeman was another one struggling with interviews as Sky encouraged him to take on the many enemies and losers who have criticised him.Only Jose Mourinho seemed to feel at home in the interview environment this week, and that after a disappointing draw with West Brom that meant United currently have their worst home win ratio of the Premier League era. Perhaps the fact that he OWNED the BBC's Conor McNamara will be of some consolation to the United faithful. We are joined by Tony Barrett to talk Merseyside Derby, and David Preece gives his view on whether Moyes can carry on at Sunderland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was like the good old days on Saturday, as Munster and Leinster ruthlessly took apart Toulouse and Wasps to advance to the European Cup semi-finals on Saturday afternoon. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley reflect on what a difference a year makes - 12 months ago we didn't even have 1 team in the last 8, and now we have two teams who have shown they're capable of winning the competition outright. Former Kerry player and Irish Examiner columnist Mike Quirke looks ahead to next Sunday's league final between Dublin and Kerry - and predicts that despite trepidation down south at another heavy beating in Croke Park, the future still looks bright for Kerry. Plus we have Danny Cipriani, Murph’s Belgian waffles, Simon’s strip, clutch Dublin and a stonking Wexford win in Kilkenny. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Martin O'Neill gives a sombre press conference ahead of tomorrow's friendly with Iceland, Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the fallout from the Wales game and Seamus Coleman's terrible injury. It's time for us to decide what kind of game we want to see. Do we want a sport in which skilful players are protected, or one in which you can get away with cheap shots?Also - Brazil are on a roll under new coach Tite. Tim Vickery joins us from Rio de Janeiro to talk about their footballing rebirth.Plus there's honeysuckle and serenity on the Royal Canal, goose and beef tea, and the end of Dutch football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Taylor grabbed her fourth win in four professional appearances last weekend, and the impression is that she is blazing a trail for her sport. But are her promoters doing a good job for women's boxing, or a good job just for Katie? Christina McMahon, the Irish pro boxer we spoke to last November, returns to the show to tell us how delighted she is for Katie, but why her promotion is not exactly lifting the sport. Michael Duignan has long been one of the best analysts on hurling, and he joins us in studio at the end of the group stages of the National Hurling League... and promptly calls Murph a football man. Plus there's Offaly's one-match winning streak, Con Houlihan's elbow on Eamon Dunphy, and the Donnacha Ryan madness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hit the showers with Eoin and Murph and hear what's happening on tomorrow's World Service.Join us here and get our shows instantly: www.secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So where are we after a tumultuous Six Nations campaign? We ended on an indisputable high, with victory over Grand slam and world record chasing England on Saturday. But there remains a world of regret over those defeats away to Scotland and Wales, and a championship that might have been there to win. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley give us their verdicts on the last 7 weeks. We also catch up with Michael Conlan after his professional debut in Madison Square Garden on Saint Paddy's Day, which included an early stoppage, a capacity crowd... and Conor McGregor. Plus there's Murph's (GB & I) Lions test team, and we fall into the Stephen Jones black-hole of logic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola was extremely impressed this weekend by John Stones' stones. We look back on a fantastic game between his side and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester United won again at Middlesbrough, but Ken believes their victory at Middlesbrough betrayed some worrying signs about the direction they are taking relative to their rivals. Much of the internet disagrees. This week sees the return of international football, Ireland play Wales on Friday night and Emmet Malone reports on the latest from Abbottstown. And Philippe Auclair joins us to read Arsene Wenger's mind as reports emerge that the Arsenal manager has decided to sign a new contract. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's show day in London, and what better way to start it than breakfast with London's own Frank 'Lamps' Lampard (Sure, he was a few tables down from us, and never made eye contact, but it still made Ken's day).We're still reeling from Manchester City's exit from the Champions League last night - we ask Ken does he have any sympathy for Pep? On tonight's show we'll be chatting to Crystal Palace's Damien Delaney, we look ahead to the last game of the Six Nations with England-killer Shane Horgan and World Cup winner Neil Back, and it's the podcast Yalta as we break bread with Barry Glendenning and Gabriele Marcotti from rival podcasts The Game and Guardian Football Weekly. Recorded live from our base at the beautiful Kensington Hotel, part of the Doyle Collection of hotels in London, Dublin, Cork, Bristol and Washington DC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Martin O’Neill has chosen his extended squad for the Wales game, and with a whole island of footballers to choose from, we ask should all 5 million of us get included, before he does the fine tuning for match days?Dion Fanning of SportsJoe joins us in studio to discuss Aidan McGeady’s outrageous return to form, and how we are shaping up for the Wales game.Plus there’s Wayne Rooney getting Phil Jones’d, PSG’s documentary on pain, Emre Can’s Simone Biles move and Jose’s early excuses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin were trundling along rather unobtrusively until last Saturday, when they comprehensively demolished Mayo, handing out a 12 point beating to their closest rivals. Oisin McConville is in studio, and he wonders just why Mayo haven't focused more of their energies on getting a run together in this year's league. We also talk about how much farther Cork can descend after their shock loss to Clare in Division 2. David Haye, Tony Bellew, and the sport of boxing emerged from last weekend with little credit. Don McRae, author and journalist non pareil joins us to talk about how much damage they inflicted on the gaiety of the nation over the last couple of weeks. Jamie Carragher was happy enough nevertheless, and there's also Katie Taylor's third straight professional win, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wilt The Stilt, and Andre The Giant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss reports from Russia, where top politicians are devising a macho new sport. One the Russians might have a chance of winning something in. Today's show is dominated by talk of L'Affaire Sanchez. Does the Chilean embody the passion that Arsenal are missing, or is this the posturing of a prima donna who needs to learn the meaning of respect? Miguel Delaney joins us from London Colney to report on Arsene Wenger's post-Sanchez, pre-Bayern press conference, where it seems once again, the Arsenal manager did not see the incident.We also talk about the chaos at Old Trafford, where Zlatan Ibrahimovic escaped a red card, only to miss the penalty that condemned Jose Mourinho's team to another dismal draw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk about Zlatan's dominant performance at Wembley and whether he's forcing us to reconsider what we thought we knew about the responsibilities of a striker in 2017.Meanwhile the fallout continues from Claudio Ranieri's sacking. Have Leicester committed a crime against football? Do players have too much power, as Martin O'Neill says, or is Jurgen Klopp correct that the real fault lies with directors? Is Ranieri even the person we should be feeling sorry for? Who really deserves the credit for Leicester's success?In Spain, Sergio Ramos has told his international central defensive partner Gerard Pique to take off the tinfoil hat.And a mysterious admirer has sent Ciaran a beautiful gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland were able to beat France by ten points with a misfiring attack - Shane Horgan reckons they need more invention closer to the try-line, Eoin Reddan isn't too sure we had any other choice. Both men join us to analyse the Six Nations, including how Italy nearly out-foxed England, and how Eddie Jones sometimes comes across as "a pain in the arse". The GAA Congress was always going to be feisty this weekend - but as all 3 of Paraic Duffy's motions relating to the football championship were passed, an edge came to proceedings. The glee with which Congress ignored the will of both the GPA and the CPA was plain to see - Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times was there, and feels a little uneasy about how this will play out. And - after this show, would anyone ever invite Eoin McDevitt to a wedding again? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Lee is returning to the ring in Madison Square Garden in New York, on St Patrick's weekend. We discuss the dynamic of sharing the gym with the man responsible for taking his world title away from him - Billy Joe Saunders. He also tells us how talking up the fight helps him, as well as helping to sell tickets.As of today, Connacht have a new head coach, and it's a former New Zealand school teacher with a history of attacking rugby... which bodes well for Kieran Keane's future in Ireland. Gerry Thornley broke the news last week, and he was at Carton House today for the latest injury updates ahead of Ireland/France this weekend.Rory McIlroy was playing golf with President Trump on Sunday morning, and Ken provides us with some valuable context.Plus there's Pint Baby, Bundee Aki's seal of approval, and some of the highlights of week 1 of our World Service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FA Cup is where the pampered princelings of the Premier League come face to face with the hard men of the Real World. Joey Barton and Leicester FC have already become casualties. Now Arsenal must brave the horrors of Sutton's 1990s-vintage dressing room if they are to survive.Barney Ronay joins us to talk about how Millwall FC saved their ground from a dubious regeneration scheme.And Dermot Corrigan reports from Spain, where an unsmiling Barcelona were almost humiliated by Leganes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran look back on a weekend in which Irish goalwizards were rampant throughout English football's top two divisions,Sean Dyche rose above the shade thrown by Antonio Conte, Antonio Conte ignored the shade thrown by Jose Mourinho, and Jordan Henderson's team talk inspired Liverpool to a return to form. They also talk about the increasingly hostile atmosphere in German football, where fans are upping the ante in terms of offensive banners at matches.Jonathan Wilson tries to explain what happens when a successful team dissolves into ineptitude overnight.And Miguel Delaney was at Arsenal to see them get things back on track ahead of this week's clash with Bayern Munich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland got their 6N campaign back on track with a 9-try filleting of a pretty terrible Italy team – Shane Horgan talks to us about the return of Jonny Sexton, and the new France looking a lot like the same old France. Former Welsh legend Martyn Williams was in the Principality Stadium for the game of the weekend between England and Wales. Derek McGrath’s Waterford got some measure of revenge for last summer’s All-Ireland semi-final replay defeat to Kilkenny when they won for the first time in Nowlan Park since 2004 yesterday, and he joins us on the show. Plus there’s the cultural titan in Eoin’s family tree, land grabs, and a possible return for Murph’s Country Pages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ireland team has been named for our second Six Nations game against Italy this weekend. We wonder when Ireland are gonna park the bus and Shane Jennings asks why our players are being rested, when our entire club system revolves around giving them enough time off to be fresh for international duty.US Murph tells us - through gritted teeth - about the greatness of the New England Patriots after their Superbowl triumph, and there's the OCI elections, trusting your team-mates and nefarious table quiz tactics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the ongoing Arsenal crack-up, DejanLovren's refugee story and the neurological problems suffered by oldplayers who headed a lot of balls.Raphael Honigstein joins us to talk about why Philipp Lahm has decidedto call it quits at the end of this season, aged just 33. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran launch the Second Captains World Service, anddiscuss the Arsenal Fan TV revolution which is ruffling establishmentfeathers at the Emirates.Stuart James joins us to analyse where it has all gone wrong forClaudio Ranieri and Leicester.And Jonathan Wilson reports from Gabon on Cameroon's triumph in the African Cup of Nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A loss on the opening weekend of the Six Nations is never nice - and a shock loss to Scotland doesn't sweeten the pill. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley dissect the 27-22 loss on Saturday. Dublin's winning streak in league and championship is now at 30 games - Seanie Johnston of Cavan got an up-close look at the All-Ireland champions and tells us what makes them so great. And we have exciting news about our new adventure - the Second Captains World Service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the Premier League midweek: the inconsistency of Arsenal, the indomitability of Kante and Luiz, the irritability of Jose Mourinho.Miguel Delaney and John Brewin join us to analyse more closely the games at Anfield and the London Olympic stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.