Second Captains

The Kerry county final should be one of the showpiece occasions of the GAA club season, but when East Kerry won their fourth title in 5 seasons yesterday, there was a hint of a cloud overhead. There is nothing more labyrinthine in the GAA than Kerry's club championship structure but our guide today is Maurice Brosnan of the Irish Examiner, as he talks to us about proud clubs getting relegated, amalgamated sides dominating, and the impact of the split season. We also discuss back-up quarter-back Josh Dobbs' heroics with the Minnesota Vikings yesterday, who used his background in aerospace engineering to show that playing quarter-back in the NFL isn't exactly rocket science.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mikel Arteta is mad as hell and he's not gonna take it any more. That much is clear. But why were Arsenal so angry on Saturday night, and what do they actually want to see changed?Miguel Delaney and Mark Critchley join us to talk about the weekend's football. What did they make of the Newcastle-Arsenal aftermath? Why does Miguel fancy Poch to slam the brakes on the Ange Express tonight?We discuss the art of the come and get me plea, and the glorious hysteria of the Libertadores final on Saturday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone's favourite World Service duo (maybe) David Sneyd and Kevin 'Branno' Brannigan were back this week to chat about "Shamrock's" record-equalling fourth league title in a row, the ethics around the guard of honour and the key to success in the League of Ireland. We also spoke to 2013 All-Star and All-Ireland Winner, Conor Ryan whose intercounty career was cruelly cut short for medical reasons. Conor talks to us about finding a life and identity away from GAA, how he managed to return to play with his club Cratloe, and what lessons he was able to bring back to his teammates. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland lost but won.. at least as far as the World Rugby’s ‘Dream Team of the Year’ selection is concerned, which is all we really wanted anyway, isn’t it?The Rugby World Cup final was a tense and compelling affair, but maybe not the showpiece we had hoped for. We chat to Shane Horgan and The Irish Independent's Rúaidhrí O’Connor about how the Springboks got it done, claiming some Irish credit and Eddie Jones’ return to Japan.Plus Ken gives us his thoughts on the Manchester derby, Antony’s antics and where Ten Hag seemed to get it so wrong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s World Service taster, we check in with Johnny Doyle, the 45-year-old man of the match who inspired his club Allenwood to their first Kildare County title since 1990. Johnny joins us live from the fabled Monday Club. We also chatted to Ciara McCormack, the Canadian-born former Ireland international who became international news after blowing the whistle on abuse within Canadian football. Ciara talks to us about channelling those experiences into her new role as the first-ever female CEO in the League of Ireland with Treaty United in Limerick. Plus, Scotty Stevenson & Ruaidhri O’Connor give us their take on World Rugby’s plans for the future which have brought with them much controversy and confusion. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Africa looked ragged and anxious against a rejuvenated England team, but once again showed they're the strongest squad, both mentally and physically. We chat to Chris Jones, the BBC's rugby union correspondent and co-host of the excellent Rugby Union Weekly podcast, and Shane Horgan, Ireland and Lions winger and veteran of two world cups, about the South African management team's triumphs and failures, allegations against SA's hooker, Bongi Mbonambi, of using racist language on the pitch, why the scrum plays such a huge (too huge?) role in some games, Pollard's amazing penalty, and who will win the final between NZ and SA.Plus there's radio silence, Matt Williams goes viral, Ken equates penalty worms with scrum laws, and we get a high-performance email.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a monster of a team Unai Emery has put together... using most of the same players the previous coach reckoned weren't up to it. After their demolition job on West Ham, the time is right to hail Villa's accomplishments - and to remember a certain somebody who hasn't been given due credit for the part he has played in their resurgence.Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal promised much and delivered... another argument over just what exactly a goalkeeper is meant to be these days. We also discuss why James Milner's managers seem to enjoy watching him suffer and look at the relationship between Bobby and Jack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly world service platter. We chat to Kenny apologists Ken and Richie about Irish football’s next step, we had our best ever Grunge Week, Ken Burley comes out fighting after Ireland’s loss to NZ and we look at the Farrell DivideJoin us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As much of a spectacle as this weekend’s quarter finals were, going out in a classic will be of little consolation to Irish players, coaches and supporters. The World Cup hoodoo lives on - and it’s probably the most painful one yet. To pick apart this carcass we’re joined by Shane Horgan, The 42’s Murray Kinsella and Scotty Stevenson from TVNZ. Did the NZ coaches outsmart us on the day? What effect did having to chase the game so early have on Ireland? Where do we go from here? And how utterly daft was the France - South Africa game? And we check in on Ken Burley who made his grand return to the NZ airwaves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Irish sporting weekend that will echo in eternity began with a dismal 2-0 defeat to Greece on Friday night. New tactics, same old outcome. "I'm going to lose the argument whatever I say here. It's not an argument I can win," Stephen Kenny admitted afterwards. The most encouraging words were provided by Greece coach Gus Poyet who was impressed by the amount Irish fans spend on official sportswear. We sift through the ashes of defeat, as is tradition, and consider the warped incentives that await Ireland in Amsterdam next month. We also discuss the limited scope of Jordan Henderson's off-field work in Saudi Arabia and the latest developments in the Manchester United takeover saga.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Service is a fairly broad church and this week was no different. Ken got around to watching the David Beckham Netflix documentary and was suitably unimpressed by what he deemed to be a 'tissue of lies'.Meanwhile, we got word from New Zealand legend Justin Marshall on how he feels his boys are set for their clash with Ireland this weekend. Interestingly for us, it's not all rosy in the garden for the All Blacks. Plus, US Murph fills us in on the most dramatic news to come out of America in ages.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At least there was one Scot who turned up on Saturday. We savour the anguish in the voice of our Stretford End correspondent, who sent a message of hopelessness late in the second half when all seemed lost. We were (mostly) spared another week of “it’s not incompetence it’s corruption” thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late deflected winner at the Emirates. Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk about the two big games of the weekend. Is it finally really happening for Arsenal? What is the problem with Lars’s boy, Erling Haaland? Why was Brighton-Liverpool one of the most interesting games Jonathan has seen in a long time? And what can Scandinavia teach us about football’s fight for Freedom?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland put in one of the best performances of the Farrell era to beat Scotland out the gate by halftime, at which stage everyone's thoughts turned to the mighty, but maybe less mighty than they used to be, All Blacks.We chat to Shane Horgan, Gerry Thornley and Scotty Stevenson of TVNZ about the level this Irish team are now playing at, the injury issues and what decisions Farrell will have to make over the next few days, whether past World Cups or the series win in NZ are relevant, the Joe Schmidt factor, and who they see as the more likely winner.Meanwhile, Ken is impressed by Ireland but is worried about the other nations, Murph says "I told you so" to Scotland and Simon caught up with Caelan Doris and Andy Farrell after the match in Paris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service we discussed André Onana's transformation into a Just Stop Oil protestor, Shane Horgan pleaded with our Permutations Man to be quiet (!), while Eamon Carr joined us in studio to tell us of his life on the road with the Horslips, which included some run ins with John Law. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All we ask of the Ryder Cup is that it be close… and if it’s not close, can we at least make sure that Rory McIlroy is picking fights in the car-park on the Saturday night?  Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times and Gavin Cooney from the 42 are back in studio to talk to us about Rory’s fightin’ talk, Patrick Cantlay’s cap, and why these things keep finishing in crushing wins for the home team. There’s also a triumphant/boring return for Permutations Man, Marcus Aurelius, and five-team groups in the Rugby World Cup.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fastest current player in the Premier League, De Zerbi De Stroyed at Villa, and the psychology of charity penalties... just some of the things we talk about today before moving on to the main event of Referees and their Video Review helpers.Miguel Delaney and Dion Fanning join us to pick through the entrails of the post-Spurs v Liverpool carnage. Is this the biggest VAR mess yet? Does it have the potential to grow from an embarrassment into a genuine scandal? Are there solutions that can improve the current situation? Or - since VAR clearly doesn't work - is the obvious fix not just to... bin it altogether? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service we discussed the joys and high farce of the Ryder Cup, Kimmage told us some home truths, we look at some scary RWC permutations and we have a football show coming up on Thursday. Are Man United back?Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thursday 21st September 2023 was Murph Day, as friends, family, colleagues and Fíor-Ghaels assembled in the Sugar Club in Dublin to celebrate the launch of his new book “This Is The Life”.Ken, having read the book, realises there was a lot he didn’t know about his old pal – and now feels bad for constantly bringing up the county final Murph lost and played so terribly in, all those years ago.Second Captains regulars Oisin McConville and Jamie Wall joined the party too to discuss the book, the GAA’s fetishisation of hardship, its use of emotional blackmail and why it is the perfect “third place”.Plus there’s young Murph, selfish Murph, talented Murph, Tony’s van, “the anywheres”, and a live rendition of Frances Murphy’s TV guide.“This Is The Life” is available in all good bookshops now, or available online here https://linktr.ee/CiaranMurphy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland showed guts and defiance in an epic battle against world champs South Africa, and while there's talk of the two teams meeting again in a final, have we all got too carried away with a win that doesn't even come close to getting us into a QF?We get reactions from And-versity Farrell on their mental toughness, Tadhg Beirne on their lineout issues, Ryan Baird on what won it for Ireland, and SA head coach Jacques Nienaber on their decision to kick at goal so often, given they didn't pick a proven goal kicker.We chat to Daily Maverick sport editor Craig Ray about some of SA's decision-making on and off the field of play and his theory on why they used their lineout and maul so rarely.Andrew Trimble tells us what most pleased him about Ireland's performance, the display of James Lowe, the bench impact, the huge impact the Irish fans are having on this tournament and why this is so much bigger than just another pool win.Plus there's permutations man and we discuss Zombie nation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland managers down the years have got used to being asked whether there is anything they can learn from Rugby, but is it time to put those same questions to Mikel Arteta? After the NLD post-mortem, we talk about why Chelsea are too big to fail and how Szoboszlai is ensuring that Jordan Henderson's reputation continues to crater. With apologies, there is a brief section about VAR.The Ireland WNT started the Nations League campaign with a 3-0 win against Northern Ireland, in front of a record crowd of nearly 36,000 at the Aviva. Ken was there to see whether the team is ready to move on from Veraball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graeme Souness joined us last week in the sold-out Olympia Theatre as part of our tenth birthday celebrations to discuss his philosophy on punditry.  We look at the many myths surrounding Mack Hansen's journey to Irish Rugby superstardom, and there's Gabriele Marcotti on how to rediscover the magic of the Champions League. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken hasn't always pulled for the team of us but the anti rugby discourse is sending him the other way. Can Irish rugby hold onto its newest fan?We chat to Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about Ireland's improved lineout, their ability to cope with South Africa's defence, Andy Farrell's bench options, Fiji's demo job on Australia and if teams should fear England in a potential semi final.Plus there's live show news, Dave Kilcoyne on Farrell's happy camp and Gloria Gaynor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"There's no new way to play football," Graeme Souness told us at the Olympia on Thursday night. But has anyone mentioned this to Roberto de Zerbi?We talk about why Brighton's way of playing football really is new, and why some kneejerk voices in the MSM (Ken) are already turning on Erik ten Hag after what was, to be clear, only his second home league defeat in a year. Then we talk to Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter), who has reported extensively on Everton's prospective new owners, 777 Partners, for Josimar magazine in Norway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland briefly stuttered before romping to a feel-good win that included some under-12's tactics, a bit of Bundee brilliance, a lap of honour and Mack in his cacks.We chat to Shane Horgan and World Cup winner Joel Stransky about how happy Andy Farrell and Sexton were afterwards, what we can learn from the Scotland SA game, why France will put the fear into the other teams and why don't more players kick drop goals, a la George Ford, especially considering they have won World Cups for SA (Stransky), England (Wilkinson) and NZ (Carter).Plus there's smooth Sexton, how Ireland can beat the Boks and tears for Fiji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things are not looking good.Stephen Kenny, the preacher of revolution, outdone once again on the European battlefield by an opposing manager with an ability to tweak in-game tactics.Ireland have lost four out of five in the group, bringing Ireland's total number of competitive defeats to 13 in 26 matches. Bare facts have begun to conspire against Stephen Kenny.On today's Football Pod we are joined by Richie Sadlier and Damien Delaney. We talk through the tactical missteps and, respectfully, look towards the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was all about the Irish national teams this week on the World Service. First up, the Irish Football team who fly into Paris for their Euro qualifier against the French as lambs for the proverbial slaughter - if Richie and the lads are to be believed.More hope, maybe, for the rugby team as the Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday with Ireland going in as slight favourites - if AI supercomputer data models are to be believed.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a new week on the Second Captains podcast, one which features both the Irish soccer team playing France, and the start of our Rugby World Cup campaign. Ken finds out today that our football team are not, in fact, playing in the Stade de France for rugby reasons - a revelation which while late in arriving, we should offer thanks for arriving at all.We talk to Caitlin Thompson of Racquet Magazine about the new wave of American tennis talent that is in danger of taking over Flushing Meadows and the US Open. They seem completely uninhibited by the baggage of American tennis' underachievement of the last 20 years (Williams sisters besides) and are electrifying the already-raucous New York crowd.There's also Carlos Alcaraz, whose AI tennis brain has bowled Caitlin over and Ken's thoughts on the 'Devil Genre'.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday evening, Evan Ferguson became the first 18 year old to score a hat trick in 25 years. This is an incredible sporting achievement, so why does it seem like everyone's first instinct now is to start babbling about money? It actually wasn't always this way..After Arsenal's late surge to victory against Manchester United we discuss Mikel Arteta's new folksy wisdom-based communication style, and wonder how Jadon Sancho thought it was a good idea to post that message disputing his coach's account of why he didn't make yesterday's squad. Andrew Mangan and Lars Sivertsen join us to talk about the weekend's football. Four games into his Arsenal Premier League career, how happy are Arsenal fans with Declan Rice? Are there worrying indications that Erik Ten Hag might be about to jump over the fence (baby)? And, when you get right down to it, is Evan Ferguson better than Erling Haaland?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the world service we covered the Vera Pauw saga, looked on in horror at the Rubiales family dynamic, built up to Bohs V Rovers with Declan Devine, and looked at the mess that's left when the worlds of American Football, the deep south, conservatorships and Hollywood collide.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another day, another Second Captains presenter making their way to a swiftcare clinic - this time it's brave Ciaran Murphy. What's the prognosis, soldier?There were no surprises in Andy Farrell's World Cup squad, but Cian Healy's omission is a blow to their chances. We talk to Andrew Trimble about the time he missed out on the 2015 RWC, how to play Joe Schmidt, the team's patchy form in the warm-ups, and, after two positive doping tests over the weekend, whether he thinks rugby has a potentially huge issue with performance-enhancing drugs.Plus there's Femke Bol's redemption and fans with typewriters.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh, Eddie. Half an hour in, Trent Alexander-Arnold was having one of the worst games of his career. At full-time he was hailing "one for the ages", as Darwin Nuñez' late double fired Liverpool to one of their best-ever Premier League wins. Ken has finally sat down to watch some of the Newcastle documentary and is wowed by the genius of the corporate titans now running NUFC. But can the show give any indication as to what might be happening with Al Ittihad's reported pursuit of Mohamed Salah?John Brewin and Dion Fanning join us to talk through the weekend's football. Where does Darwin stand after that immortal glory show? Is Eddie Howe's approach turning out to be a bit belt-braces-and-hands-in-pockets for St James' Park? Where did it all go wrong for Brighton against West Ham? And are comeback kings Manchester United building momentum - or papering over the cracks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we hit all corners of the podcast world, from brave journalism in the mixed zone to to Ken wondering if maybe a famous GAA coach is the devil .Enjoy at your leisure.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain are the women's World Cup champions - a victory for both the universally-admired Spanish coaching system and for one not-very-admired Spanish coach in particular. Mark Critchley and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk through the weekend's football. Chelsea crashed and burned at West Ham - teething problems or a portent of doom? Critch saw Manchester City defang Newcastle, with Phil Foden exceptional - where is he likely to be playing this season? Meanwhile, Wilson was at Spurs to see the liftoff of Angeball. What are the early signs of the new approach at Tottenham? Can Richarlison replace Harry Kane as the centre-forward? And why do Manchester United seem surprised to find themselves playing Premier League matches already? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland eased to a comfortable RWC warm up win over England, but the moment that had everyone cheering was Keith Earls' tumble-try which reminded us all how much he is loved, how fit he is and how good he is at rugby.We chat to Ruaidhri O'Connor of the Irish Independent about Earls' chances of making the squad, Mack and Lowe's magnificent creations, Ireland's lineout woes and Dan Sheehan's injury issues.Plus there's awful England, Rhasidat's run and Ken's 2007 Stephen Jones/Andrew Sheridan RWC memories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary broadcaster Michael Parkinson has died, aged 88. Today we re-release an interview we did with him in 2014, looking back on an unrivalled journalistic career which all started with him writing about football for his local newspaper in Barnsley. He went on to become a well respected sports columnist for The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times, and was named sports writer of the year in 1998. In his early days on the beat in Yorkshire he came across Arthur Hopcraft, who wrote one of the greatest sports books of all time, “The Football Man”, which Parkinson wrote the foreword for. The two were friends for life, sharing a similar philosophy on the game. We talked to Michael about Hopcraft, football's relevance to English society in the 50's and 60's, why it still matters, writing about the game at a time of huge upheaval, how George Best changed everything and why the modern game held little joy for him. We join all those today saluting one of the greatest broadcasters of all time.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A while back we dared to dream of Rugby World Cup semis and finals, but a proper look at the draw soon sobered us up as the reality of facing France or a fast-improving NZ in a QF hit home. Now with Scotland beating and then pushing France close in successive weekends, we're getting increasingly worried about making it out of the pool stages (and let's not even mention Tonga for now).We ask Tom English, chief sportswriter with BBC Scotland, If Scotland are now the fifth-best team in the world, and why he thinks they have a better chance of beating South Africa than of beating Ireland.France just about won the game on Saturday but lost two stars, Romain Ntamack and Cyril Baille, to injury. This is the first major blow to their long-term plan to win a home world cup - are France finally feeling the pressure?Owen Farrell has run out of "tackle school" tokens and faces a ban after his latest reckless challenge, this time on Wales' Taine Basham. We ask why so many players are losing their discipline when their RWC place depends on them keeping it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The opening weekend hasn't even finished and Ken already wants to walk back Thursday's top four predictions. Is he getting carried away by one 90 minute Newcastle demolition job? The next couple of games will tell us a lot. We talk about the continued transfer frenzy as Chelsea aim to follow up their signing of Moises Caicedo by adding Romeo Lavia - who Liverpool have forlornly gone back to - and, it says here, Michael Olise. Rich Jolly and Jack Pitt-Brooke join us to talk about the opening weekend. Do Chelsea have just the right type of squad to bring the best out of Mauricio Pochettino? Can anyone understand how Chelsea can afford what they're doing? And how do Spurs really feel about selling Harry Kane to Bayern?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you're ready for it or not, the Premier League is back with Burnley taking on the treble winners Manchester City tomorrow night. We caught up with Jonathan Wilson and John Brewin to ask all the important questions ahead of the upcoming season - Can anyone lay a glove on City? Is England's Declan Rice the man to help Arsenal kick on even further? And can anyone make as big a mess of it as Ken did with last season’s predictions?Plus, it's been a roaringly successful Synth Week on the World Service with the listener entries pouring in. Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caelan Doris was the clear man of the match for Ireland at the weekend, but the most important performance came from outhalf Jack Crowley. His season ended well with Munster, and he continued that good form against Italy. Is he now ahead of Ross Byrne?We chat to Shane Horgan about World Cup warm ups, trying too hard, the back three contenders, dangerous Scots and how Farrell, Catt and O'Connell's horrible experiences at World Cups might be shaping the easy breezy approach this time around.Johnny Sexton will play in a training match against Portugal this week but because of his ban it is most definitely not a game of rugby he is taking part in.Plus there's hat trick hero Amy O'Connor, the. battle of Bayonne and peno shootout drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have entered the individual award part of the GAA Season aka ''silly season''. Where once this was all we had to get us through the dark winter, now we have the Club Championship and sure it's not even winter! But those factors aside it seems that individualism still holds a powerful candle in the collective world of the GAA. As we saw this week when tweets and talk turned to the POTY debate.The other great culture war that is this summer tearing at the fabric of our society revolves around two blockbuster films of no semblance to each other. Barbie and Oppenheimer. We sent Ken to watch and review one of them.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland's World Cup campaign came to an end with a clean sheet, a point, and a public disagreement between the manager and captain.  Gavin Cummiskey joins us from Brisbane to report on Pauw's last press conference of this World Cup, in which she revealed details of a heated in-game exchange with Katie McCabe about who should get substituted next. As for Katie's side of this developing story - she's not giving much away...We also talk to Oluwashina Okeleji, who looks forward to Nigeria's likely second-round encounter with England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin are All-Ireland champions again, and if this was James McCarthy, Mick Fitzsimons and Stephen Cluxton's ninth medal, it was celebrated as if it was their first. Our crack analysis team of Michael Murphy and Paul Flynn talk to us about why this meant so much to Dublin, their mentality monsters, and how the day went so badly wrong for David Clifford. We also discuss Jack McCaffrey's impact, Brian Fenton's composure and Mick Fitzsimons' ultimate vindication. Plus there's the BBC's GAA outreach programme, a celeb-laden halftime show, tactile McDevitt, and taking a whack on the cheekbone for the Dubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's your man Early like? A regular question posed to the non Ken Early members of the Second Captains team. In this week's Taster episode Eoin and Murph give some thoughts on their colleague - mainly that he's a bloody Pedant.While Oisin McConville joined our front-liners Paul Flynn and Michael Murphy for a very special All Ireland final preview.We also tripped back in time to 1979 to hear how a young Ronnie Whelan - then playing for Home Farm - led out an Irish team against the Basque Country in what was a very hot political atmosphere.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Brazil defeated Panama 4-0 with lashings of jogo bonito Ken has a stat from the opening 15 WWC matches that may surprise you.Elsewhere, it's reported today that Saudi Arabia would like to spend a billion euros to have Kylian Mbappe grace the Pro League for a single season. How to make sense of this monetary madness? We talk about the Saudi bid with reference to a recent piece by the historian Quinn Slobodian which took a big-picture view of the Kingdom's bid for the future. Can those who profit from climate change.... save us from climate change? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Limerick's four-in-a-row was secured in Croke Park yesterday in thrilling style, and Jamie Wall and Malachy Clerkin are with us today to answer a question being more and more insistently asked - are Limerick the best ever?We congratulate Ken on Limerick's success while he studies the hurling history books and explains why Kilkenny's Cody era is not all it was cracked up to be.And we look at some extraterrestrial performances in the Tour de France and the madness of rain delays in cricket. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand kicked off this week, and Ireland are down but certainly not out after an opening-day loss to the hosts. Our man, Ken Early, couldn't be there in person, but he joined us from our studios, huddled around a not-so-tiny TV to watch the game. Meanwhile, Sinéad O'Carroll was on the ground in Sydney, capturing the mood music surrounding the game and the shock in the press box as news broke about Australia losing their star player.Closer to home, it's All Ireland Hurling Final weekend with Limerick and Kilkenny set to clash in what could be some inclement weather conditions. Much to the glee of our senior analyst Jamie Wall.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three more days till Ireland kick-off in the 2023 World Cup and Denise O’Sullivan looks likely to make it after Friday’s injury scare.In the meantime, there are some typical July stories. Why did Harry Maguire feel the need to comment extensively on losing the Man United captaincy? How much will PIF charge PIF for Allan Saint-Maximin?And why did Memphis Depay’s message in support of Benjamin Mendy seem to strike a chord with so many famous footballers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the height of summer so that means choices must be made; do you watch the All-Ireland semi-finals, the latest stage in the Tour de France or the epic Wimbledon Final? Thankfully, for you, both Eoin and Ken have had eyes on all events, with Eoin even managing to appear in the flesh at two of the aforementioned peak summer sporting highlights.To chat about the weekend's Gaelic Football the old-school dream team of Oisin McConville and Paul Flynn join us on the line. As we reflect and also look ahead to what could be a mic-drop final for Cluxton and co.While Ken details how he once lost €100k* on a Roger Federer Wimbledon Final, forever tainting his view of the white blazer-wearing Swiss man. He does though like this Alcaraz kid. *not real money Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a sample of the Second Captains World Service which this week includes Malachy Clerkin and Jamie Wall running the rule over a mouth-watering Hurling weekend that was, with Murph asking are Kinnerk and Kiely the best 'in-game' management duo the GAA has ever seen? With Down and Meath facing off in the Tailteann Cup Final this coming weekend, we take a trip back in time to when a Young dorky Murph and young athletic Shane Horgan had 1 thing in common – the 1991 All Ireland Final The first one either had attended. Murph was smuggled in, while Shane earned his spot by coming through a gruelling, ruthless Meath mini 7’s combine. And with the World Cup now within touching distance we continue to bring the Hype.Join us for ad-free, contract-free, member-led broadcasting for just €5 + VAT a month at secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Ireland under 20s rugby squad have achieved a lot on the field, but off it have had to deal with a series of tragedies connected to the playing group, including the sudden death of Greig Oliver, whose son Jack plays with the team. We talk to Irish Independent rugby correspondent Ruaidhri O'Connor about the team's ability to cope, the performances that have got them this far, and some of the stand-out stars who look destined for bigger things.Murph was in Croker this weekend and once again found himself juggling the hurling action with cricket updates, all in the company of some esteemed guests. With Kilkenny in the final again, and Galway left behind, did Henry back the wrong horse?Plus there's 145kg humans, some worryingly good form shown by NZ and SA, Eddie Jones' hatred of smart arses and Murph bids farewell to Hoggwatch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.