Second Captains

Rory McIlroy was channelling LeBron James in the build-up to this week's US Open, describing himself as the world's best.Lawrence Donegan previews the second major of the golf season, while US Murph tells us why his beloved Golden State Warriors made light of James and his ragbag Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA finals. Eoin Kelly joins us in studio ahead of Tipperary against Limerick and we ask himt how managers should deal with errant players. Plus there are some tips for staying up late to watch American sporting events, tying Messi's hands behind his back to make things more interesting, dozing at mass, and crazy golf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss national anthems, Ireland's lack of a scapegoat, Scotland's acceptance of responsibility, and rating the Women's World Cup.Emmet Malone and Dion Fanning join us in studio to talk about whether there is anything to be said for another Mass. Plus there's Jack Grealish's holiday snaps, Ken's dream permutations and fortress Reyjkavik. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayo are being judged to a different standard than every other team in Ireland, says Malachy Clerkin, as he and Anthony Moyles take a look at thrilling Donegal, meek Meath and Mayo under new management. We hear an amazing story of heroism and heartbreak from base camp on Everest during the Nepal Earthquake from earlier this year with Irish mountaineer Paul Devaney. All that plus giant stag parties, Murph getting greased up for his local team, and our shock at Jack Grealish's twin loves of social media and lads' holidays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three of last year's provincial champions are in action this weekend - Oisin McConville and Anthony Moyles look at obstacles facing new managers, stale Mayo, seamless Donegal and confident Meath. US Murph joins us to talk Lebron James' one-man mission and walking the egomaniac-teamwork tightrope. Plus there's McDevitt's stag, Lance V FIFA, John Giles in the media, and the Second Captains Leaving Cert exam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran discuss Leyton Orient's Italian TV reach, Stewart Regan's cold revenge and Michael O'Neill's frustration with international political reality.Richie Sadlier considers the question of whether alcohol is an indispensable elixir of fellow-feeling and team spirit, or a dangerous drug that deceives and deludes its users and ultimately destroys everything good in the world.And Graham Hunter joins us to talk about how Gordon Strachan has brought the spark back into Scotland's play Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maurice Shanahan fired Waterford past Cork and earned the admiring glances of Ken Early, while Dublin were humiliated by Galway - Eoin Kelly and Malachy Clerkin explain why Waterford are so goddamn loveable this year.The Women's World Cup kicked off in Canada in front of a record crowd of 53,000. ESPN's Jeff Carlisle joins us to talk about the growth of the game and playing surface sexism. Plus there's McDevitt's annoying guessing games, Italia 90 flashbacks and self refereeing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Ireland-England heartburn, the Barbra Streisand effect, Neymar's private moment, and why anybody could manage Barcelona.Emmet Malone joins us to look back on an incredible fortnight in the career of John Delaney.And Jonathan Wilson reviews the Champions League final, and examines why English teams can't beat cut price Juve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For part of his career David Gillick trained in America with Tyson Gay and other athletes who turned out to be dopers. David talks to us about last night's Panorama documentary on Mo Farah's coach, and how easy it is to pass drugs tests.We chat to US Murph about the FBI's historical links to corruption in sports and just how much America is enjoying watching FIFA collapse.Plus there's McDevitt's EPO marathon times, Beckham the moral crusader, salad days for sports journalists, and why Ken likes what he sees when he looks into sports' cheating eyes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the latest revelations from the worlds of Chuck Blazer and Jack Warner, and look ahead to Saturday night's Champions League final.Martin Lipton joins us to give his view on whether the Ireland-England friendly is a bad idea, as some coverage has suggested. And we preview the big final in Berlin with Dion Fanning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sepp Blatter shocked the world, and Ken, by standing down from his role as head of FIFA. We examine his lengthy career, his motives for this sudden departure, whats coming next for him and for FIFA, who should take over, and if this really changes anything for world football.James Montague, author of When Friday Comes: Football in the War Zone says all of football's ills were not channelled through Sepp, and that Europeans still don't get the bigger picture for the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Jerome Valcke's inbox problem, Sepp Blatter's enduring popularity with non-European voters, Milner time, and Lionel Messi's outstanding physical condition.Philippe Auclair joins us to discuss what the future holds for Jerome Valcke. And Gabriele Marcotti gives us his view on Rafael Benitez's time in charge of Napoli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph discuss vengeful Americans, wayward Englishmen and the art of blaming it on the dead guy.Oisin McConville and Anthony Moyles tell us weaker county massacres will become more common and more comprehensive in the future unless the GAA make some changes. Five years ago Glasgow were a non entity in a football mad city, and this year they crushed all before them in the Pro12. The BBC's Tom English says if they can do it, anybody can. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Lebron's urban regeneration, Rory McIlroy's trouble with squinting windows, and Real's Rafa Benitez gamble.We talk to the BBC's Iain Carter about golf's ability to humiliate the greats and Rory's motivation for reviving The Irish Open.Plus there's Brian Murphy on LeBron chasing Jordan's legacy, the saddest city in America, selfish sports stars and Snoop Dogg becoming a pushy parent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about FIFA and the Feds, menacing hotel concierges, and the pivotal role being played in the unfolding global drama by prescient FAI CEO John Delaney.David Goldblatt joins us to talk about why this crisis is different from anything Sepp Blatter has faced before. And we ask Jonathan Wilson why the English clubs have a phobia about Thursday night football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hurlng championship had its first big day yesterday - Tipperary legend Eoin Kelly joins us to talk about Davy's post-match interview, and Limerick's precocious new star.Connacht were the victims of an inexplicable refereeing performance on Sunday. We ask Gerry Thornley about ill luck, Paul O'Connell's future and what characteristics the next Leinster coach should have. Plus there's Henry Shefflin's punditry, comparing San Francisco to Galway, Ken's day at Dublin Castle and MC Hammer Time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were all saddened today to hear of the passing of one of the true legends of Irish broadcasting, Bill O'Herlihy. Italia 90 and all the other major sporting occasions wouldn't have been the same without him. We had the honour of having Bill in to The Irish Times studios last year to talk about his incredible career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken reveals his dream of conceiving a child together with Eoin. Ciaran joins in to discuss the last day of the Premier League, and together we review Sepp Blatter's audience with his preferred Swiss organ.John Brewin was at the KC Stadium to see Hull go down to the Championship. Chris Bascombe joins us to discuss the possible consequences of Liverpool's evisceration at Stoke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's show is coming at you live and dangerous from Foley's Bar in San Francisco, featuring more sporting misery, a live PBESO and a USA V Ireland quiz.Brian Murphy details San Francisco's incredible run of sporting success, the joys of little league and serving pints to Hurricane Higgins. We ask Richie Sadlier if Raheem Sterling should go to Man United and author Lawrence Donegan tells us about the time he interviewed Newt Gingrich for a newspaper in rural Donegal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph talk Mr Pushek's diet, surf in Santa Cruz boredom in Las Vegas, Louis van Gaal's public speaking, and the sleeping habits of successful people.Tony Barrett joins us to talk about Raheem Sterling's experience of awards night. And James Young analyses the recent revelations about the Brazilian national team selling the right to pick who plays for the team in friendly matches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're in San Francisco, the tech capital of the world, and Ken is fretting about the rise of the machines and what it means for humans....and footballers.We ask Sid Lowe how 2015 Barca compare to the club's previous great sides. Jonathan Wilson considers the future for post-Gerrard Liverpool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 10 years of phone chats and emails, we finally met our beloved Brian Murphy in person. We talk about long distance relationships, his years in Ireland and San Francisco's rich sporting pedigree.Seamus McDonagh was an English literature student from Meath who didn't like boxing, and ended up fighting Evander Holyfield. San Francisco is now his home town and Seamus joins us in KNBR's studios to tell us his story.All this plus Jack Nicholson's Irish blarney, Ken beats nature and Murph's escape from Alcatraz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The GAA football championship starts this weekend - Anthony Moyles and Oisin McConville join us in studio to look ahead to the whole jamboree.As the countdown to our trip to San Francisco continues, US Murph tells us Deflategate could be Tom Brady's Waterloo.Plus there's WRWC2017, the earliest GAA song ever released, NBA buzzer-beater madness, and emasculated managers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League final will be between Barcelona and Juventus - and quite a few people seem relieved it's not going to be a Clasico final. We get the reaction from Italy and Spain.Emmet Malone joins us in studio to try and help us understand why people have started to turn on Jack Grealish. Plus there's an update on Thai Premier League relegation fodder, Madrid's 'Disaster of the Century' and poor ol' Gareth Bale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Monaghan GAA player has been found guilty of a doping violation - Malachy Clerkin joins us to talk about whether it's unfair to ask amateur players to submit to regular drug-testing, and if stories like this are always good news for a sport, no matter what soul-searching is done.In 'rival-sports-podcasts' news, Bill Simmons has been booted out by the crusty old deans at ESPN; there's Roy Keane's latest thoughts on punditry, Aston Villa and multi-tasking; the secret of Kerry's success; and Ken's Lock of the Week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With relegation looming for Hull's Irish contingent, we thank Everton for getting their act together in time to ensure at least a few Irish players have PL football to look forward to. John Brewin watched Liverpool's slim chances of a CL place evaporate after their draw against Chelsea. We ask him if Rodgers will get the boot. Jonathan Wilson looks ahead to Bayern Munich V Barcelona PtII. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Messi's destruction of Bayern Munich. Guardiola has the highest win percentage of any Bayern coach in history yet it seems many of their supporters might be happy to see him go.Richie Sadlier joins us in studio to talk about Memphis Depay and whether he's got the right kind of personality for Manchester United. And Tim Vickery tells us why he thinks Barcelona's all South American front line is working so well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ulster and Munster face a defining couple of weeks in the Pro12, and after early European exits for both teams, Alan Quinlan tells us the margin for error is wafer-thin. Kerry Howley, author of "Thrown" tells us about the lure of MMA and the UFC and why trash talking isn't what the purists want. We also discuss the whodunit plot twist behind American anti-hero Bill Belichick, a Roscommon footballer's journey to enlightenment and Toulon's football transfer technique. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Floyd Mayweather won the 'Fight of the Century' with a proto-typical Mayweather performance - but the plain fact that he will never be loved was never clearer as the boos rang out at the final decision. Don Van Natta Jnr of ESPN joins us to discuss the one fight Mayweather will never win.One of the greatest forwards of the modern era Eoin Kelly from Tipperary joins us to talk about Waterford's league triumph, Toulon win a third European Cup in a row to minimal fan-fare, and there's also Ken's ground-breaking idea for success in bullfighting, sideline cuts and winning with a smile on your face. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss managerial meltdowns, Portuguese proverbs and the Champions League semi-finals.Dion Fanning was there to see John Carver wash his hands of his Newcastle players. And Gabriele Marcotti reflects on how Chelsea's third title under Jose Mourinho was different from the last two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Floyd Mayweather against Manny Pacquaio is 'the fight of the century' - but can we separate the athlete from the abuser? We ask Louisa Thomas of Grantland about Mayweather's serial woman-beating, and whether our pay-per-view money is well spent. We talk sleepovers and sports itineraries for our upcoming San Francisco trip with US Murph. Plus there's Payweather, why its hard to care about the Champions Cup final, and the simple joy of baseball f bombs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Nigel Pearson's short fuse, and Bayern Munich's penalty shooting.Richard Sadlier joins us to reflect on Nigel Pearson's tirade and whether his occasional outbursts are in any real sense detrimental to his career prospects. And Jonathan Wilson explains why he recently compared Jose Mourinho to Satan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the chest-beating triumph of John Terry, the signs that Thierry Henry is developing a taste for blood, and the militaristic attitudes of Australian media networks.Tony Barrett was at Goodison to see Everton sweep Man Utd aside, led by their dynamic goalscoring midfielder James McCarthy. And Kristof Terreur reflects on the development under of new PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dubs have won their third League title in a row, but Cork's weak-willed performance was the focus of most of the post-match reaction - Oisin McConville and Anthony Moyles re-evaluate Cork's chances of a championship run this year.AP McCoy has stepped away from racing after 20 years at the top - we look back at an extraordinary day at Sandown on Saturday. Plus there's annoyingly bad sports teams, John Terry Day, and the return of Nigerian manager Stephen Keshi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the mysterious gifts of Thomas Muller and celebrate the fact that Kevin Grealish is finally getting the credit he deserves.Richard Sadlier opens up on his inadvertent war with Thierry Henry, and contemplates some thorny issues of national identity. And Sid Lowe on whether Diego Simeone is falling a little too in love with the dark side for his own good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph discuss goal celebration etiquette, the GAA Versus The Millenium Bug and the Splash Brothers.The NBA playoffs have kicked off, and US Murph tells us his loser home-town team the Golden State Warriors just might be the best team in basketball. Plus there's the mystery of Trevor Giles' sleeveless jersey is finally laid to rest, Andre Rieu's german soul, The Sunday Game theme tune, and the humbling aftermath of a motion picture's fairy tale success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The manner of Leinster's defeat to Toulon may haunt them as much as the result - Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan look back on a missed opportunity.The events of the fire at the Bradford City 30 years ago are the subject of a new book by Martin Fletcher, who lost 4 of his closest relatives that day. He joins us on the show to discuss the startling new facts which have come to light. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Jack Grealish's Wembley triumph, twitter spats, Martin O'Neill's latest task, and Pep Guardiola's major medical team malfunction.Jonathan Wilson has his theory on why Jose Mourinho takes a perverse delight in winning ugly. And Miguel Delaney was at Wembley to see Tim Sherwood lead Aston Villa... back to Wembley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is Leinster's biggest problem before their Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon this Sunday - their opponents' galaxy of stars, or their own form? Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley join us.We talk about the issue of naming rights for Croke Park with the author of the definitive book on Croker history, Michael Foley.Plus a big day for Brand Murph, the added value in Joe Schmidt, sporting hubris and Messi's new super-friend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Raheem Sterling's moral war, Man City fans' pointless anger, and media shy John Delaney.We ask Richie Sadlier if every other team should give up now that Suarez, Messi and Neymar are all in form.And Raphael Honigstein talks about Bayern's shock loss to Porto and what Jurgen Klopp's game is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan Spieth was a universally popular winner of the US Masters and proved himself a threat to Rory's future dominance. We discuss the impact he's made, plus Tiger's return, with author/caddy/musician Lawrence Donegan.Andy Lee just doesn't do drab - another extraordinary mid-fight turnaround saw him save a draw in front of 2.5 million tv viewers in America on Saturday night. Plus there's helicopter parents, only child issues, Bubba Watson hatin' on the Louvre, David Silva hiding behind a corner-flag, and Kid Chocolate's weighing scales Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the trials of Manuel Pellegrini, the triumph of Manchester United's outcasts over adversity, and the venomous tongue of Tony Pulis.Jonathan Wilson was at Old Trafford to see Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young lead the destruction of Manchester City. And Kieran Canning joins us from Madrid to look ahead to the Champions League quarter-final between the city's great rivals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Lee's first defence of his world middleweight title is in Brooklyn on Saturday. Lou DiBella tells us why this fight will influence the rest of Andy's life.The US Masters has an unprecedented 5 Irish players in the field. Malachy Clerkin and Lawrence Donegan talk Tiger's next step, Rory's long game and ipod etiquette. Plus there's Rory's paylords, ROCKY IV, the ebb and flow of psychic energy in Wrestlemania III and Ian Poulter's massive headphones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Liverpool absolutism and Cristiano Ronaldo and Ciaran McDonald's respective scoring records. Richie Sadlier tells us why he thinks it will be insane if Tim Sherwood finishes the season with more credit than Sean Dyche. And John Brewin has a crippling case of Manchester Derby Fever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Tim Krul's sportsmanship, Mats Hummels' big decision and Raheem Sterling's favourite song.Jonathan Wilson was there to see Arsenal's biggest league win over Liverpool in the Arsene Wenger era. And Dermot Corrigan tells us how the Bernabeu greeted Real Madrid's 9-1 win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster are in a European Cup semi-final... so why is everyone so downbeat? We try and accentuate the positives and ask if they should go for broke against Toulon.The Gaels of Ireland were supposed to be attending a wake this weekend - instead there was a festival of football. Doctors McConville and Moyles hail the patient's miracle recovery.Plus we tell you why GAA beefs in January are never a good idea and why Bakkies Botha and Ali Williams are riddled with fear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph discuss Richard Keys' global reach, the What's App prison and the Seven Deadly Sins of sport. We ask Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about Leinster's identity, Bath's style, comparisons with Ireland V England and the reliance on returning 6N stars.Plus there's a Hong Kong PBESO, Leinster's holding pattern, Ken's mind palace and Nike's strange policy on superstar endorsements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Raheem Sterling's PR onslaught, and Man United reserve team coach Jim Ryan's views on workplace bullying.Richard Sadlier joins us to discuss whether Raheem Sterling is a mercenary young greedhead of startling effrontery, or a self-possessed young talent of independent mind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was Ireland / Poland the moment the Irish sports fan fell back in love with the idea of attending big football internationals? Ken defends the poor put-upon Irish footballer, and Anthony Moyles and Oisin McConville join us in studio for a requiem for Gaelic Football. Plus there's Ken's weekend of hate, and we tell you the difference between the Irish fan at home and abroad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the must-win game that Ireland didn't win last night. Ken gives his controversial players ratings, Eoin reveals his secret affection for Ireland's most underrated player.Dion Fanning gives his reaction to the performance and Brian Kerr analyses how Ireland's improvement came about and the chances of escaping the group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran reminisce about past Ireland-Poland matches, their fear of giant Polish strikers and reflect on football's insecurity in the face of Ireland's rugby glory.Richard Sadlier joins us to talk about whether Sunday's match against Poland is a must-win for Martin O'Neill's side, and if James McCarthy's personality is a help or hindrance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.