Second Captains

Manchester United stand alone as the only English side not to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League - John Brewin asks, are they now where Liverpool were at the start of the 1990s? And after a great night in Europe for Arsenal, Andrew Mangan of Arseblog joins us in studio to discuss if this could be the catalyst for a title charge. Plus there's our dream Euro 2016 draw, which may or may not include being in a group with England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken Early reports live from Las Vegas ahead of the Conor McGregor / Jose Aldo UFC bout - and after over a year of build-up, it sounds like everyone (fans, fighters, and Ken) are just anxious for this fight to happen. US Murph tells us about the continuing, bewildering success of his Golden State Warriors, and we talk to Pearce Hanley, the Mayoman who this year played his 100th game of Aussie Rules football with the Brisbane Lions and recently signed a contract to keep him there until 2019. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster are still third in the Pro 12, and have won the only game they have played so far in Europe, but Anthony Foley isn't content. Gerry Thornley investigates what has the munster coach so unhappy. Ballyboden won their first ever Leinster club title yesterday, powered by Dublin hurler, and one-time footballer, Conal Keaney. He talks celebrations, being underestimated, and the big decision he has to make about his inter-county future. Plus there's Ken's chimpanzee advice for Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson, and old grampa Rooney and his Werthers Originals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about a bizarre weekend in the League Nobody Wants to Win (except Leicester). Meanwhile Nicklas Bendtner is tired of people thinking he is somehow unserious, but continues to dress as though he's on holiday in the Hamptons in the 1920s.Miguel Delaney was at Stoke to see Europe's flakiest big club, Manchester City, drop another three points.And watching Louis van Gaal's Manchester United has got Jonathan Wilson wondering what "attack" really means. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's topics of discussion with US Murph - sporting perfection is reality, the Messi of the NBA and how to break your sport.What do flesh-eating viruses tell us about Brazilian society and Rio 2016? Ewan McKenna joins us from Belo Horizonte.And there's Conor McGregor's concerns over Brazilian drug-testing, Jonny Wilkinson's double-jobbing, and how Ken's family defeated the Royal Navy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Murph discuss Gary Neville's appointment at Valencia. Will he be the first graduate of the Fergie school not to be quite a disappointing manager? Meanwhile FIFA are planning to bloat the World Cup to even more ungainly proportions. Sid Lowe tells us a bit about the situation Neville is arriving into at Valencia. And Tony Barrett tries to explain how Jurgen Klopp has transformed Liverpool in two short months. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it time for us to hail Tyson Fury, Irish heavyweight champion of the world? His views on homosexuality, abortion and paedophilia were outlined in stark terms long before he defeated Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night - we speak to renowned author and journalist Donald McRae.Connacht are the form team in Ireland right now, and after a dominating win over Munster in Thomond Park on Saturday night, Gerry Thornley tells us how long they can stay top of the Pro 12. Plus there's extreme cold in Crossmaglen, the chiropractor, and how to separate off-field flaws from on-field achievement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken put themselves in Pep Guardiola's shoes. Which Manchester club would they rather manage? Richie Towell's move to Brighton and Diego Costa's bib also feature.Jonathan Liew joins us to discuss why he feels the celebrated Jamie Vardy has gotten off lightly for his racist abuse of a man in a casino. And Graham Hunter tells us why Guardiola is the essential appointment Manchester United must move heaven and earth to make. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about the midweek Champions League, the grumblings at Old Trafford, the worst way to win a match 4-3, and the cultification of Klopp.Gabriele Marcotti joins us to give his views on what's happening to LVGMUFC. Why are the former United players in the media so grumpy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran present a special edition of the podcast - a recording of the live show in the Grand Social to launch the Second Captains Sports Annual.They're joined on stage by Oisin McConville, Richie Sadlier and historian Cormac Moore to discuss the idea of an All-Ireland football team. Why do we have two separate Irish teams in football when most sports only have one for the whole island? What are the barriers standing in the way of a football reunification? How do people feel about the idea? Plus there's Grealish's pout, Ken's All Time team, and doodles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This has the potential to be a long, fruitless campaign for the Irish provinces in Europe - Denis Hickie and Gerry Thornley discuss another two defeats for Leinster and Ulster.He may have had the worst year of his golfing career, but Graeme McDowell has managed to turn it around in impressive style, with a win last Monday followed up yesterday by a third place finish on the PGA Tour. We talk about one of Ireland's soundest sportspeople with Lawrence Donegan.Plus there's hurling attempting to break America, athletic manslaughter and Coutinho playing a little too well for Liverpool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph talk about El Clashico, the two hours of incredible football on Saturday night played out in Madrid and Manchester. Dermot Corrigan joins us to pick over the bones of Real Madrid's humbling at the hands of Barcelona. And John Brewin was there to see Manuel Pellegrini rage like Lear on the heath after Liverpool tore his team to pieces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about football parables, and the sabotage of the Dele Alli transfer. We're joined by the editor-in-chief of Offside magazine, Anders Bengtsson, to talk about Zlatan's role in changing the Swedish international team and even Swedish society.And Sid Lowe gives us his thoughts on the swirl of political intrigue at Real Madrid ahead of this weekend's Clasico. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of Jonah Lomu has been mourned worldwide - we speak to Matt Williams about the triumph of nature over nurture. US Murph is back, talking to us about excessive NFL celebrations, the state of American sports broadcasting, and Elvis on Ed Sullivan... all from the patio of his suite at the Ritz Carlton in Hawaii.Plus there's the danger with helicopters, Anthony Cunningham, a very special Italia 90-themed PBESO, Richie McCaw stats, and an intriguing peek into Ken Early's early life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our Euro 2016 bonus podcast! Eoin, Ken and Murph talk about the star players, the job Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane have done, Super Victor the 2016 mascot, and how the Aviva Stadium has become a fun place to go watch a football game.We catch up with Richie Sadlier and Dion Fanning to get their thoughts on a memorable campaign and hear from MOTM Robbie Brady and master of ceremonies Robbie Keane. Plus we ponder which amazing French city we would like to visit, levitating fans, Ken's visit to Roma II and why things ended badly between Snap, Crackle and Pop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 33-6 defeat at home to Wasps on Sunday was Leinster's most damaging defeat in European Cup history, and immediately casts their future in this year's competition in doubt. Gerry Thornley talks Leo Cullen, Simon Zebo's future and Munster's emotional trip to Stade Francais next Sunday.The Cork ladies footballers are Ireland's most dominant team, having won 10 All-Irelands in 11 years, and journalist Mary White has played with them, reported on them, and has now authored the first book on an Irish female sports team.Plus there's Leo the Lion getting punked, Ronda Rousey getting knocked out, and empathy-free rugby club chairmen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about the psychology of terrorist attacks on sporting events.Simon Kuper joins us from Paris to reflect on the city's nightmarish weekend and future implications. And Miguel Delaney analyses Ireland's chances of finishing the job against Bosnia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Conlan is our first ever male world boxing champion, a fact overshadowed in recent weeks by the Billy Walsh farrago. We went to the National Stadium to talk to our choice as Irish Sports Personality of the Year about turning pro, Rio, and the Conor McGregor template.The English Rugby World Cup farce shows no sign of losing momentum - with Sam Burgess on his way back to rugby league, and players embroiled in a financial controversy, Shane Horgan talks to us from London. Plus Murph quotes Garth from Wayne's World, we have Jim McGuinness' Good Wall choices, swing confidence, and TV3's Six Nations coup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The reaction to Ireland getting Bosnia in our Euro 2016 qualification play-off was cautious optimism - but with injuries and suspensions taking a heavy toll, many Irish fans would take any result tomorrow night that gives us a fighting chance on Monday evening at the Aviva. Ken talks to us from Heathrow, and we have Richie Sadlier in studio ahead of another seismic few days for the Ireland football team.Missed flights, bullet-proof self-confidence and phenomenal d******** also feature prominently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WADA have recommended that Russia be banned from international athletics in an extraordinary story which leads all the way to the cabinet of the Russian government. David Epstein, author of 'The Sports Gene' gives us his reaction. Gerry Thornley looks ahead to the start of the European Champions Cup, and we talk mighty Russian sturgeons, an inconvenient draw in Kerry, and whether the last two months of 2015 could finally kill off sport altogether. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph talk about Cristiano Ronaldo - who this week finds himself the subject of an authorised film spectacular, and an unauthorised biography. Would he have been better off remaining at Manchester United? And which animal has he come to resemble? Jonathan Wilson tries to explain why Chelsea suddenly seem so reluctant to sack their manager. It's never been a problem for them before.And Kieran Canning joins us from Spain to discuss the departure of David Moyes from Real Sociedad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Murph and Ken discuss the Web Summit's wanderly wagon, watching sport in pubs, how to become a Viscount and America's Pepe Reina. US Murph tells us about the Kansas City Royals' World Series party and the return of the 'gut' guy.Plus we talk about the scandal enveloping the IAAF, as a former President is investigated for taking money to suppress positive drug tests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Somali pirates, Viking tattoos and delve into the deathless memory banks of the internet to analyse Jose Mourinho's love-hate relationship with the Chelsea fans. Richie Sadlier joins us in studio to discuss dressing-room treachery and whose criticism to take seriously.And Ken interviewed Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre at the Web Summit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jim McGuinness' new memoir has already attracted its first controversy, with current Donegal manager Rory Gallagher hotly refuting Jim's version of the events that led to Gallagher's leaving the backroom staff under McGuinness in late 2013. Can high-profile number 2's ever work, and should we sit back and open the popcorn ahead of Davy Fitzgerald and Donal Og Cusack's partnership with Clare next year?Shane Horgan gives us his thoughts on another World Cup triumph for New Zealand, and Ireland's RWC 2023 bid.We discuss Steve Williams and his unique view on the role of golf caddy, Big Sam's disciplinarian dad and Jose Mourinho's mental walls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the weekend's Premier League. Vardy and Mahrez continue to rip it up while the walls close in on Jose.Dion Fanning was there to see Liverpool's 3-1 win at the Bridge.And John Brewin joins us to discuss whether Manchester United's goalscoring problems lie with the players or the philosophy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Sepp Blatter's Russian interview, Michel Platini's courtly metaphors and Paul Scholes' ongoing onslaught against Louis van Gaal's revolution.Gabriele Marcotti joins us to discuss Blatter's revelations. And Sid Lowe talks to us about the contrasting images of Rafael Benitez and Cristiano Ronaldo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's World Cup final weekend, and against all our better judgement we're very excited. Mattie Williams is in studio, and we try to forget that there hasn't yet been a good showpiece game since this tournament began in 1987.John Leonard joins us to talk about his new book "Dub Sub Confidential" - from sexual abuse as a child, to a spell in his life in his early twenties when he went completely off the rails, to a stint behind Stephen Cluxton as Dublin goalkeeper under Pillar Caffrey, it's an amazing story. Plus there's plucky underdog NZ killing rugby as a sport, Big Sam's dress, and Ken's love for David Pocock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Proud finisher Eoin McDevitt, fresh from the Dublin Marathon, takes the helm for a discussion with last year's marathon winner Eliud Too, who tells us how he spent his winnings and why he named his two cows Ken Early and Ciaran Murphy.Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan try and fail to avoid talking about Ireland while reviewing the weekend's Rugby World Cup semi-finals. And there's Eoin's Foghorn Leghorn physique, Donal Og Cusack joining Clare, and a 20,000 word thesis on what we've learned from RWC 2015. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran talk about committee dialogue and the difficulty of sticking by the courage of your convictions. There is also some Wayne Rooney pity-talk.Miguel Delaney was at Upton Park to see Jose Mourinho lose his dignity in the director's box. And Michael Walker saw Sunderland continue their astonishing winning streak against Newcastle United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were live in the Sugar Club for a show in association with our sponsors Rabo Direct, and we were joined for a chat by Brian Kerr and Emmet Malone - on the agenda was Ireland's upcoming playoff with Bosnia, Jurgen Klopp and priced-out football fans.Plus there's an excerpt from Ken Early - The Marseilles Years, and a chat with John Brewin on the Manchester derby this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Ireland's sad addiction to a certain dreary dirge that has become an infallible portent of doom. Meanwhile Jose Mourinho adds another pile of winger bones to his boneyard.Football man Dion Fanning joins us to try to understand why Ireland's rugby heartbreak pleased many football men. And Jonathan Wilson was at White Hart Lane to see Jürgen Klopp's managerial debut in the Premier League Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have fallen short again – Shane Horgan and the lads talk through another heartbreaking, deflating defeat at a Rugby World Cup.Billy Walsh has left his position as the head coach of the IABA’s High Performance Unit - Bernard Dunne gives his reaction. If that wasn't enough, we talk to the Scots about their heartbreaking defeat to Australia. Plus there's England poaching Joe, Six Nations revisionism, and the fallacy of four year plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After three years of build-up to our seismic game against France last Sunday, it seems we barely have time to draw breath before our World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.Matt Williams tries to temper the fatalism, while Diego Albanese, try-scoring hero from Lens in 1999, gives us the Argentinian view. Plus there's US Murph on the Chicago Cubs, Boris Johnson is at it again, and we take a trip to Franno-land. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the sensitive soul of Big Sam Allardyce. He bruises easily but he's got a good heart. There is also talk about Brentford and the reasonable-sounding revolutionary who owns them, Matthew Benham.Raphael Honigstein joins us to chat about his book, Das Reboot: How German Football Reinvented Itself and Conquered the World. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Ireland's defeat in Warsaw, the Wes mystery, Robbie Brady's best position, playoff positivity, and how the Euro qualification picture looks now.Dion Fanning and Miguel Delaney comb through the wreckage of a nation's dream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Super Sunday finished with Ireland safely through to the World Cup quarter-finals in rugby, and our football team consigned to the playoffs... a place we'd have gladly taken 5 months ago, 5 weeks ago, and in truth, even 5 days ago.Shane Horgan gives us his reaction to a brutal, gripping satisfying World Cup win and Gerry Thornley reports from the field hospital that is the Irish camp in Cardiff. Richard Escot of L'Equipe tells us how the French team feel they have betrayed the nation, and Ken is fresh off the plane from Warsaw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A joyous, stunned and emotional podcast celebration of Ireland's 1-0 win over Germany with Eoin, Ken and Murph. Also includes hugs with strangers, Ken getting harassed by a 9 month old baby, why we love Shane Long so much, and why Stephen Ward's performance against Port Vale was a clear sign he would shut out Thomas Muller. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ireland France is finally here. Matt Williams and Shane Horgan give us their thoughts on the Sexton, the French media assault, and where it will be won and lost.And as the Ireland football team prepare for a huge couple of days, FIFA has had another turbulent day - the latest man in the firing line is Michel Platini. Plus there's Samuel Beckett and Second Captains, Eoin's hazy, crazy college days in Belfield and Ken's hatred of motivational speakers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran look forward to Ireland v Germany, and discuss the Klopp coup and the implosion of Michel Platini's political career.Richie Sadlier believes Robert Lewandowski's form is Ireland's best hope of qualifying for the playoffs.And Packie Bonner is in studio to talk about his new autobiography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about the Premier League title race, which is a bit like watching all your uncles playing Mario Kart. Who will blunder over the line first? Why did Liverpool decide to sack Rodgers now? And what does Jose Mourinho think he's doing?Simon Hughes and Dion Fanning join us to talk about Brendan Rodgers' leaving of Liverpool. And Miguel Delaney was at the Emirates to see Arsenal blow Manchester United away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss one of the more insane weekends of sport this year - Liverpool FC lost their manager, the Rugby World Cup lost their hosts, Ireland nearly lost to Italy, Jose lost his mind, and Galway look like losing their hurling manager.We ask Denis Hickie and Gerry Thornley if Ireland's performance against Italy was something to worry about or just a road bump on the way to the France game. Plus there's Diego Maradona V Prince Harry, managerial heaves, 4 year plans and Rodgers And Me by Ken Early. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the Conroy report on the League of Ireland. Might everything get better if we all stopped being so negative? Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho appears to have a John Terry problem.Gabriele Marcotti joins us to analyse the reasons why English clubs have been so poor in Europe this season.And John Brewin was there on Tuesday to see one of Arsenal's most humiliating ever nights in the Champions League Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Ferris is in studio to talk to us about his glittering career, gym V game impact, throwing javelin and why Ireland can go all the way in RWC2015. The Mayo players want their management team out, and in the midst of another GAA civil war, there are no easy ways out. Malachy Clerkin and Mike Finnerty of the Mayo News talk us through the latest chapter in the never-dull history of the county. Plus there's the correlation between lifting weights and being a good rugby player, Cameron from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Devin Toner's tightly-packed viscera. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Henry Shefflin is widely acknowledged as the greatest player in the game's history, and now he has written a great autobiography. He joins us in studio to discuss self doubt, Cody, Cork hurlers and the sports psychologist priest. Ireland are moving serenely through the gears in the rugby World Cup, but England lost in devastating fashion to Wales - Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley talk us through back three conundrums and Stuart Lancaster's meltdown. Plus there's reaction to Jack Grealish, Murph's love for Kilkenny that dare not speak its name, and a sparkling Mike Brown post-match interview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss feeding frenzies, Steve G's pus drainage and how September has transformed Premier League expectations.Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk about the outlook for Brendan Rodgers, who says he needs the right tools to do the job. And Dermot Corrigan tries to tell us: what kind of manager do Real Madrid actually want? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Lewandowski's stupendous Fünferpack, Pep's office Iago Aspas' lack of physique and Alex Ferguson's latest - and disappointingly boring - book.Richard Sadlier joins us to talk about Diego Costa, Dennis Wise and the rights and wrongs of "playing on the edge".And Michiel Jongsma brings us up to date on a feud between two legendary Dutch football men who straight up don't get along. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For all of Conor McGregor's global appeal, the biggest star in the UFC right now is Ronda Rousey. She's sold out the 70,000 seater Etihad Stadium in Melbourne for her next fight. We discuss her unique marketing mix.It was a good couple of days there, but the age of the little guy in the Rugby World Cup is over. Mattie Williams gives us his impressions of the first week of the tournament. And there's Barry McGuigan's anti-jogging rant, Murph's tricep-less arms, and England's World Cup panic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All-Ireland football final day was a bit of a damp squib this year - Oisin McConville and Micheal Quirke reflect on Dublin's victory and one of the worst big-match displays by a Kerry team in living memory.Ken was at Japan-South Africa in the Rugby World Cup, and he, Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley talk us through a thrilling opening weekend. Plus there's Ken's letter from Brighton, dream finals, heartfelt apologies, and hulking superstructures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Diego Costa. Is Chelsea's centre forward a soul in pain? Is it time for compassion rather than condemnation?Dion Fanning joins us to analyse Costa's struggle.Paul Doyle was at St Mary's to see Anthony Martial demolish a Premier League defence for the second week running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dubs-Kerry glamour myth, Paul Flynn's uncertainty, Donaghy or Geaney, Kerry curveballs, open football - Oisin McConville and Malachy Clerkin preview the All Ireland final.U.S. Murph talks serial foot-sniffers, sexscapades, Rex Ryan's big mouth, and Brady's return. And there's the French hatin' on Croydon, Ken hatin' on France, Eoin's 80's shopping trips and Henshaw's hammie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.