Second Captains

February starts with a bang - a large, oval-ball-shaped bang. We have Shane Horgan, Sean Cronin and Scott Hastings to preview the Six Nations, and whether Scotland can keep going for Conor Murray's legs. We're also joined by US Murph to discuss the Atlanta Falcons and their date with destiny against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl this Sunday night.Plus there's a return to Doug and Lisa's for the chilli bowl, the National Prayer Breakfast, and Arnold Schwartzenegger's greatest ever movie (hint - it's Twins). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rest of the tennis season would want to go some to match the Australian Open for drama, as it gave us Serena Williams winning a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title, and Roger Federer rolled back the years to beat Rafa Nadal in 5 sets. Sinead O'Carroll of The Journal, and Elaine Buckley of the Fair Game podcast joined us in studio. Dave Hannigan joins us from New York to discuss Trump's latest omnishambles, and there's Mayweather McGregor money, overly-polite post-match interviews, Skittles, and flying Olympic class. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran pore over the decline of the FA Cup, and hear a former Arsenal right-back's views on what has gone wrong with the world. No, not Lee Dixon. Jack Pitt Brooke joins us to talk about ways to save the competition, and also fills us in on the exciting full debut of Gabriel Jesus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Shane Long's conquest of Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's war on doubt, and how wingers, like Tinkerbell, only flourish when you believe in them.Tony Barrett joins us to try to diagnose what has gone wrong at Liverpool.And Jonathan Wilson reports from Gabon where he is covering the Africa Cup of Nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a life-affirming few days for sports fans and sports stars in their mid-30s. We speak to Luke Jensen of ESPN about Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Venus Williams rolling back the years at the Australian Open. Sam Weinman of Golf Digest talks to us about his new book "Win At Losing: Harnessing the Power of Setbacks to Succeed in Work and Life". Plus there's the unfolding planetary train-wreck, old codgers and Andy Lee on Carl Frampton's status among the all time greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin McDevitt is BACK. On today's agenda - Rooney, China, Pep Guardiola's courage, Arsene Wenger's rage, and some terrible corner kicks.Sid Lowe joins us from Madrid to analyse what we've learned about Zinedine Zidane over the course of a successful year in charge at Real Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin McDevitt's triumphant return to the hotseat continues, as we discuss Munster and Leinster's progression to the quarter-finals of the European Cup, Connacht's heartbreak, and the Ireland squad for the 6 Nations, with Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley. Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe tells us why everyone is rooting against Donald Trump's favourite NFL team, the New England Patriots, and there's a brief digression into the Weimar Republic, Sean Spicer and alternative facts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie Sadlier attempts that 'difficult second podcast', as he sits in for Eoin and chats to his old team-mate Stephen Elliot about their time together under Roy Keane at Sunderland, Dwight Yorke's body fat, and why academies are the root of all ills in football. There's also the day Richie's parents met some Man City ultras, helicopter parents, and what breed of dog Ken would be, if he were to transform into a species of mammal that Richie actually admires... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran discuss Mauricio Pochettino's disdain for social media, and why you should never trust a political article that makes a football comparison.Emmet Malone joins us in studio to talk about John Delaney's appearance yesterday before a Dail committee.And Simon Hughes reflects on the career of Xabi Alonso, who announced yesterday that he will retire at the end of the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One year ago, the Irish provinces were going nowhere fast in Europe - now Munster and Leinster are through with a round to spare, and Connacht still have their destiny in their own hands. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley on another good-news weekend for Irish rugby. And we speak to Katie Cooke, an inspirational 19 year old living with epilepsy and not letting it prevent her from finishing the last two Dublin marathons, and her doctor Colin Doherty, an epielpsy specialist in St James Hospital, who runs with her every step of the way.Plus there's Tadhg Furlong's pillow, Quasar and hugging it out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran talk about Merseyside v Manchester, after a great weekend for long-haired bearded English footballers, and a bad weekend for Iberian galactico super-coaches.Miguel Delaney and John Brewin join us to analyse the weekend's action: did Jose blow his big chance? Will Pep lose patience with City before City lose patience with him?Plus there's Andy Carroll's giant leap for mankind, Everton's young 'uns and La La Liga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran scour history searching for feats to compare with the miracle that Jose Mourinho has performed at Manchester United.Rob Smyth joins us to look ahead to the weekend's match at Old Trafford.And Philippe Auclair explains what's going on between Dmitri Payet and West Ham United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We invited Richie Sadlier in as guest host and he immediately started bossing us around, demanding in depth interviews on weighty topics..... and that we walk and feed his dog Bobbi.First up is Luke Fitzgerald, who like Richie, had to retire early because of injury. Luke turns the tables and starts asking Richie some searching questions. We also talk to Dion Fanning about the football world's inability to openly discuss Paul Gascoigne's alcoholism. Plus there's Ken's mood swings, Astro scum, rating colleagues, and how to become a football man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran comb the desolate wilderness of the FA Cup third round weekend like a couple of stray dogs rooting through a rubbish tip for giblets.After Merse and Thommo kicked off on Soccer Saturday, Jonathan Liew joins us to talk about whether English football is giving English football men a fair deal.And Josh Robinson is in Zurich for FIFA's annual gala, which has been renamed The Best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster utterly dominated Racing Metro of Paris in every facet on Saturday - Liam Toland and Shane Horgan ask if they (and Leinster) have what it takes to go on and win the Champions Cup outright this year.Davy Fitzgerald got off to a flying start as Wexford hurling manager yesterday - we ask Liam Griffin if it's OK to start getting carried away yet.Plus there's the weekend that didn't matter, BDO darts upheaval and making people look like lunatics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs blew the title race wide open last night, defeating Chelsea 2-0 to end their 13 match winning streak. Have Spurs shown others how to crack Conte's code? Dion Fanning joins us in studio to talk about another calamitous week for Arsenal, and Murph and Ken discuss whether Jefferson Montero has ever heard of Ronald Reagan.Plus there's Fergie's comfort zone, Sanchez's hissy-fit and Arsenal Fan TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Murph joins us for the first time in 2017 to tell his hopes and dreams (not Trump related) for the new year. We talk about Ronda Rousey's precipitous fall from grace in the UFC, plus there's a brand new edition of Kens Friendz, US sports franchises most popular with 1990s teens, and John Giles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran talk about a busy New Year's weekend in the Premier League. As the pressure increases, there are signs that managerial heads are beginning to melt.Miguel Delaney was at the Olympic Stadium to see Manchester United extend their winning run to sixAnd Jack Pitt-Brooke looks ahead to Tottenham v Chelsea, a match Spurs need to win to keep people believing the title race is still on... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two wins from two meant Munster certainly had the most productive Christmas of the four Irish provinces; Gerry Thornley and Denis Hickie join Simon, Ken and Murph to look back over the festive rugby action. Gregor McGuckin tells us why he wants to take part in the sporting world's version of a time machine; the Golden Globe solo round the world yacht race.Plus there's celestial navigation, Pep's country for old men, swimming with sharks, and Devin Toner the giant Irish man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken look back on the Christmas football programme, including Eden Hazard's superb display against Bournemouth, Pep eyeing Liverpool, and a rough 24 hours for Samir Nasri.Jonathan Wilson joins us to reflect on Bob Bradley's brief spell in charge of Swansea City. And there's Harry the Hornet, Mkhitaryan majesty, and World Cup gluttons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've left the Christmas cabin but the magic is still alive as we discuss smoking outside Mass, Jerry Flannery sightings, Michelangelo, and Brian O'Driscoll's snooze button snobbery.We look back at some of our favourite shows from 2016 including the Muhammad Ali special, Emmanuel Petit on French society, and the time Cerys from Catatonia out analysed Ken Early. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Murph discuss China's contribution to civilization, Putin the cuddly cartoon and mighty Zlatan's relentless drive to be Knighted.We ask Raphael Honigstein why German fans now hate Red Bull more than they hate Bayern Munich.And Dermot Corrigan explains why Madrid are about to cut some flab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a very special festive edition of The Irish Times Second Captains podcast, as we look back at the best moments of 2016 with Richie Sadlier and a collection of our most popular music montages. Expect Robbie Brady, Robbie Henshaw, Pat Kenny, John Giles, Bobbi the dog, and Steve McClaren to feature prominently.Plus we look at the impact of Euro 2016 on Ireland, NZ rugby fallout and there's a war of words between Richie and Murph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht are now the great entertainers of European rugby, but against Wasps they won without playing their best rugby. We ask former Connacht star Gavin Duffy how significant this win was with Pat Lam having announced his retirement two weeks ago. Liam Toland and Gerry Thornley discuss Munster's late loss to Leicester and Northampton's strange approach to the competition.Plus we analyse the latest episode in the Mayo drama, and Ken the Tv reviewer makes his first ever appearance on the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the art of looking like you care when you don't really care, and other pressing issues from the weekend's football.Jonathan Wilson analyses Man City's victory over Arsenal in the big game of the weekend.And Rory Smith joins us to talk about his meeting with Francesco Totti, still going strong at 40. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its time for one of our favourite shows of the year - its the Second Captains Sports Book Special!! We welcome the most learned man we know, Malachy Clerkin, to the studio, to discuss the best books of the year. Warning: things get a little heated.We examine weighty themes such as the search for darkness in a sportsman's soul, making lemons from lemonade, and Paul O'Connell's smoking habits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Ronaldo's four-ball, midweek MOTD, Lallana's fresh polish, and one pundit's irritable reaction to being disresPepted.David Stubbs joins us to talk about his book: 1996 and the End of History.Plus there's Oasis V Blur, Gazza's yard of pace, and hatin' on Chris Evans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions Cup was back this week, and the Irish provinces scored a ton of tries and are all still very much in contention - Gerry Thornley is in studio. Andy Lee runs the rule over Anthony Joshua and Andy's old gym buddy Wladimir Klitschko, plus there's Fionnuala McCormack's comments on the 'European' cross-county championships, obese wildlife, and Klopp taking aim at the Neville brothers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about how some top football men have teamed up to beat down on Liverpool's new goalkeeper, dismiss Jose Mourinho's claims that Spurs are the most complete team in the league, and reflect on the liberating quality of absolute submission to charismatic authorityJohn Brewin was at the King Power stadium to see Vardy humble GuardiolaAnd Miguel Delaney analyses how likely Chelsea are to break the Premier League record for wins in a row Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Barr was one of the stars of Irish sport in 2016, finishing a whisker outside of a medal place in a 400m hurdles Olympic final that seemed a long way away when he was crippled by injury just 12 weeks before Rio - he joins us in studio. Gerry Thornley has literally written the book on Pat Lam's Connacht, he's with us to talk about his shock departure for Bristol, and his own book "Front Up, Rise Up: The Official Story of Connacht Rugby". Plus there's the scourge of 'everyone gets a medal day', Whiddy Island tourism, and drinking bags of popcorn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ciaran bully Ken after he was slammed by Ireland's greatest football man, John Giles. Broken hearted Ken makes a feeble effort to explain how actually Giles agrees with him on a lot of stuff.Sports lawyer Ian Lynam joins us in studio to talk about how contracts are done in modern football. It's not just clubs who are trying to use data to gain an edge.Plus there's Pep's plan, rating Raheem and Arsenal's brain drain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue our celebrations of our 750th podcast with Jonathan Wilson and Richie Sadlier in conversation with the lads at the Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin.They discuss how the Premier League went X-rated this weekend with Sergio Aguero, Marcos Rojo, and Zlatan kicking our poor Seamus Coleman in the head.And just to re-affirm there's goodness in the world... there's Richie's new dog Bobbi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a very special recording of the show from the historic Liberty Hall Theatre, featuring our superstar guests, US Murph, and Richie Sadlier's loveable pooch, Bobbi.Ireland's favourite rugby player Tadhg Furlong joins us on stage to talk NZ roadkill, wrestler nicknames, and his Wexford roots.Plus Oisin McConville, Sinead O'Carroll and Richie discuss 2016, and Ken's Fair View gets a celeb scrub up . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Jose's new Armenian gem, Klopp's kids and how managers have been using the EFL Cup to mine for talent in the outer regions of their squads. Ewan MacKenna joins us from Brazil to discuss the tragic air crash involving Copa Sudamericana finalists, Chapocoense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The return of Tiger Woods to competitive golf looked less and less likely as 2016 went on - but as the year comes to a close, he's back at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Christine Brennan of USA Today joins us. 8% of the revenue of a sport to go to the competitors in that sport? Doesn't seem like a great deal to us, but a number of UFC fighters have set up a union looking for just that. Petesy Carroll is in studio to discuss. Plus there's TEAM USA, Pat Kenny fending off cheap shots, Eoin's Poems, and confirmation that US Murph has indeed arrived on Irish soil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland's final game of the November series saw them grind out a win against Australia which seemed distinctly unlikely with 20 minutes to go. Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan reflect on a momentous month. Katie Taylor made her professional debut on Saturday night, and it seemed like she embraced all the bells and whistles - Andy Lee joins us in studio. Plus there's Planet Earth II, song choices, and good news for our American-based listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about water bottles, Man United Versus God goalies, and the visible and invisible tightropes managers have to tread, and the need for them to balance stick and carrot when motivating their players.Sid Lowe joins us to talk about Barcelona losing their fizz a week ahead of the showdown with Real Madrid. And John Brewin analyses Chelsea's victory over Spurs as Antonio Conte's team continue their impressive title charge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Steve Gerrard, the Euro 2020 launch in Dublin, and the week's Champions League action. Are our eyes deceiving us or are Barcelona slowing down a bit?Richie Sadlier joins us in studio to discuss the belated emergence of the child abuse scandal in English football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul O’Connell joins us in studio to talk about his new book, The Battle. Ken and Paul share old swimming gala stories, and reveal contrasting attitudes to the sweet allure of the humble cigarette.Katie Taylor makes her professional debut this weekend so we invited Monaghan fighter Christina McMahon in to discuss the hard road that is a career in women's pro boxing.Plus there’s podcast polygamy, Paul O’Connell’s guinea pig putting greens, Ireland V Australia chat and the mask that eats into the face. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran argue about whether Wayne Rooney deserves to be singled out for doing what every other drinker does.We talk to cartoonist David Squires about turning football into comic strips and his brilliant new book "The Illustrated History of Football".And Philip O'Connor reports from Sweden where Helsingborgs fans are in no mood to respect their club legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Zealand scored three tries, and we scored none, and that should be the end of the matter. But in a brutal second test against the All-Blacks, did the world’s number 1 side go over the line? Gerry Thornley and Matt Williams on Saturday’s 21-9 defeat. Barney Ronay talks to us about the very un-British rise of Andy Murray to world number 1, plus we discuss Planet Earth II, and contemplate unleashing Bono on the New Zealanders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about the open season on Wayne Rooney and Jurgen Klopp's effort to persuade Philippe Coutinho that his future lies at LiverpoolJohn Brewin joins us to discuss Rooney's problemsAnd Marcela Mora Y Araujo tells us why Lionel Messi is leading Argentina's players in a press boycott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland face New Zealand for the second time in 14 days, and this time the All Blacks are trying to install themselves as the underdogs. Shane Horgan is on hand to preview the game. Live from Hawaii US Murph tells us about the NBA coaches expressing their disgust at recent events in America, and there's our latest email scumbag, McGregor fallout, and Ireland's bid for the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran discuss plans for their Russian vacation in 2018, smart Ireland, the San Marino press officer's dubious retort to Thomas Müller, and the world's highest-paid sports teams. Dion Fanning joins us in studio to look back on James McClean's glory night.Plus there's Andre Rieu atmosphere, the Viennese buffet, and Frau Early. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland did the necessary against Canada last Saturday, and now attentions can turn to the rematch with New Zealand, the build-up to which is now all about whether we can back up the heroics in Chicago. Gerry Thornley joins us in studio. Conor McGregor has achieved immortality, according to the man himself, by becoming the UFC's first ever simultaneous dual-weight champion. Dave Hannigan was there, and he tells us what he made of it all. Plus there's that Lebanese ad that continues to ensorcell us, Eamon Dunphy fires a shot across Ken's bow, and the tiresome Muhammad Ali comparisons that won't go away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We felt bad for US Murph this week... so bad in fact, that before we talked Trump with him, we invited him over to Dublin for a few days in December! Full details and a shocked Brian Murphy on the show. Conor McGregor will become immortal if he wins this Saturday, according to himself at any rate. Jeremy Botter previews the fight. Plus we look ahead to Ireland-Canada, Murph challenges Finlay Bealham to a sprint, and we consider moving to Lebanon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the upcoming match between Ireland and Austria, edgy Roy Keane, Polster pain, some club v country injury-squabbles, and Manchester United's claim to be at least as big as Jesus, without being disrespectful in any way.And Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk about the dispute between England, Scotland and FIFA over the poppy armbands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie Sadlier is in studio to discuss Jose's latest tirade against his own players, and the FAI Cup final, won in dramatic fashion by Cork City yesterday. Tony Barrett is on hand to tell us about Liverpool's current stunning run of form, and Ken joins us from Lisbon with news from the latest Pep Guardiola hagiography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What an extraordinary evening Irish rugby had on Saturday. Our first ever win over New Zealand came in Soldier Field in Chicago, by 40 points to 29, and forever more we can think differently about our position in world rugby.Shane Horgan was there, one of the pantheon of former Irish greats who had fallen at this hurdle in the past, and he joins us on the line. Former All-Black Ali Williams rejoins us to discuss the greater significance of this result for both nations. And Matt Williams analyses Joe Schmidt's role in it all.There's even a PBESO from inside the stadium on Saturday, so come join the celebrations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chicago Cubs ended their 108 year drought in dramatic fashion last night, but can Ireland end their 111 year drought against New Zealand on Saturday?We talk to Gordon Darcy about the 2013 game, what he learnt over the years, and his reasons for hope this time round. Ali Williams has beaten Ireland five times in all - we ask him if this is the greatest All Blacks side ever.Plus there's US Murph on Cubs mania, the Bill Murray show, and being in an emotional glass cage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.