The Second Captains Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Martin O'Neill and Ronald Koeman are at daggers drawn over the fitness of James McCarthy - Dion Fanning of SportsJoe joins us in studio to talk about the escalating war of words over our midfielder.Andrew Mangan of Arseblog discusses Mesut Ozil, Dennis Bergkamp and the greatest Arsenal goal he's ever seen.Plus there's our scumbag of the week, Daryl Horgan, Man City and the two cults surrounding Pep Guardiola. 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.

Cathal McCarron's new autobiography "Out Of Control", written with Christy O'Connor, tells an unflinching story of theft, gambling addiction, and pornography. The 3-time All-star nominee and Tyrone footballer joins us in studio. We discuss the meteoric rise of Joey Carbery as Ireland face New Zealand in Chicago this Saturday.Plus there's PBESO signs, Eoin's binge-eating, and swizzel fizzers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Sergio Aguero's plump little hamstrings, Jurgen Klopp's precision piston engineering, and John O'Shea's vain efforts to organise Sunderland's defence.Miguel Delaney joins us to talk about Spurs, who are harder to score against than anybody, yet often find it a struggle to score themselves.Plus there's Messi's mini rebellions, Jose's reds, and McDevitt's request on behalf of all hairy chested footballers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today signals the end of the most glittering amateur boxing career this country has ever seen, as Katie Taylor joins the professional ranks. Her new manager Brian Peters joins us on the show. Simon talks to Jonny Sexton about injuries, facing NZ, Schmidt, and the next month of Ireland internationals. US Murph tells us about the Curse of the Billygoat, and Hillary Clinton's bandwagon-jumping ways. Plus there's Bill Murray super-fan, Eoin's fear of US Immigration, and the awesome power of Irish away fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about homophobic fans, Zlatan in disguise and football's TV ratings problem. Is football on TV too expensive, or does it have bigger problems?Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk about Manchester United's victory in the derby.And John Brewin was at the London Stadium to document the further fraying of civilization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss "The Return". Manchester United find themselves back among the trailing pack already - do they have the cojones to deal with it?Dundalk fitness coach Graham Byrne joins us to talk about the methods that have helped the team win their third consecutive LOI title.And Dermot Corrigan reports on a fractious weekend for Spain's superstars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kieran Donaghy blew up the All-Ireland championship not once, but twice - when he first came on the scene in 2006, and then again in 2014. We talk to one of the country's most engaging sportspeople on fathers, football and fighting dyslexia.Liam Toland and Gerry Thornley talk us through an extraordinary and sometimes uplifting day in Thomond Park on Saturday, and whether Ringrose is ready for Ireland. There's also Padraig Harrington's win in Portugal, Manchester United's globality, and Bahamas high jinks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Manchester City's humbling in Barcelona and Mesut Özil's feeling for social media.Gabriel Marcotti joins us to analyse what went wrong on a tough night for Pep Guardiola.Plus there's mad li'l goalies and Hillary spin bowling Trump in the final debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken McGrath was one of the most flamboyant characters in one of the most colorful hurling teams in recent years - he talks about his hurling career with Waterford, his open-heart surgery at the age of 37, the failure of his business, and his comebacks in life, hurling management and health. John Fallon tells us how buoyant the Connacht rugby scene is in the aftermath of their 23-21 win over Toulouse in the first round of the European Rugby Champions Cup. Plus there's Munster's wake, a Pierce Brosnan Emigrant Shout-Out, and we studiously ignore the Man United / Liverpool bore-fest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran look forward to Red Monday, as Liverpool take on Manchester United amid a frenzy of voodoo and some subtle managerial goading.Simon Hughes joins us to talk about the game and his book "Ring of Fire: Liverpool into the 21st century, the Players' Stories".Plus there's calls for ruthless Mourinho, Scholes' helicopter view, Ched Evans' moral compass and Pep's thought crime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of Munster and Ireland legend Anthony Foley has shocked the entire country. Today's show is a tribute to one of the greatest figures in Irish sports.Gerry Thornley, Liam Toland, his international rival Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe, and former Munster coach Alan Gaffney share their memories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donal Lenihan is one of the smartest voices on rugby in the country, and his new book Donal Lenihan - My Life In Rugby takes us through the Triple Crowns of the early 80s, The Rose of Tralee debacle, and modern Munster's big problem. Marc O Se's retirement yesterday ended a 23-year association with the Kerry senior football team for three of the greatest footballers of all time - we rank the O Se brothers, and talk to Marc himself about what's next. Plus there's The Sash My Father Wore, Garryowen being a disgrace, and chilled out younger brothers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss book recommendations by football journalists, the limits of locker room talk, and the sad story of the agent involved in the sting that brought down Sam AllardyceEmmet Malone of The irish Times joins us in studio to talk about Daryl Horgan's chances of getting into the Ireland squad sooner rather than later.Plus there's Ken's voice-a-like, McDevitt's giggle and poor Sergio Aguero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran are spellbound by the old school charm of Seamus Coleman.Richie Sadlier joins us in studio to look back over the Moldova performance and the Irish players' challenge to the Irish media: we keep getting the results, if you don't like it turn off your station.Plus there's Ireland's faithful attack hound (Georgia), threadbare Wales, Rooney's wealth and Pique's stripes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two inter-provincial games over the course of the weekend, with Leinster and Connacht emerging victorious - Gerry Thornley and former Munster captain Damien Varley look at Connacht's resurgence, Leinster's new midfield and Munster's power shortage.We discuss Davy Fitzgerald's return to inter-county management after a full two weeks out of the media loop, with Malachy Clerkin.And there's reaction to the great debates of the last 24 hours - Donald Trump v Hillary Clinton, and Martin O'Neill v Tony O'Donoghue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our special bonus podcast looking back on how Ireland got away with it against Georgia.We look at Seamus Coleman's magic bullet goal, Shane Long's late introduction to the game of football, injuries and suspensions ahead of the Moldova game and why Ireland's best players haven't kicked on since Euro 2016.Plus there's the Harry Arter rumours, Dan Carter's TUE problem, diabetes scum and why foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2016-2017 rugby season has kept a low profile thus far, but Leinster Munster is a pretty good way to get blast things off. We talk to Mattie Williams about the importance of this fixture, and about some landmark legal cases regarding concussion and player welfare.We talk to Christine Brennan of USA Today about Maria Sharapova’s reduced ban, putting the blame on your agent and why you should always read your emails.Plus there’s Eddie the Eagle’s Superman routine, Eoin’s trip to Galway, and giving credit where its due. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran look forward to the Ireland match, and back to Italy v Uruguay and how Mario Balotelli feels about having given the worst footballing performance of all time.Seamas O'Reilly joins us from London to analyse the collected literary works of Steve Bruce.Plus there's Ozil's gaff, Shane Long's goal threat, and Vardy's port in a storm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciaran, Ken and Richie talk about Spurs' win against City, the perils of the playmaking goalkeeper, and the persistence of the bung culture in English football.Dundalk's success is the best story to come out of Irish club football in years, so why isn't everyone happy about it? Plus there's how to spend your Europa winnings, Pep glow and Jose's tricky fixture list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All-Ireland football final replay ended in familiar, devastating, fashion for Mayo - we celebrate Dublin's two-in-a-row and try and sift through the Mayo wreckage with Oisin McConville and Micheal Quirke.Lawrence Donegan tells us about a Ryder Cup victory for the US at long last, and tells us the Europeans need to be more stoic in the face of fan abuse.And there's Bubba's blubbers, Haddaway, the Oireachtas Report, and of course... The All Ireland Final 'Fair View'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the Champions League results and the latest revelations from the Telegraph's sting investigation into corruption in English football.Tom English reports from Glasgow on a glorious night at Celtic Park.Plus there's Ken's diabetes snobbery, Bilic's loose curfews, and the video game footballers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All-Ireland football final replay is finally upon us - and we have all of our big guns Karol Mannion, Oisin McConville and Micheal Quirke on analysis and ready to pick a winner. US Murph looks ahead to the Ryder Cup in Minnesota this weekend, and is mortally offended by Danny Willett's brother. Plus there's the vanity of orthodontic work, Tamangos, and, in the year of Trump and Brexit, who needs to win the Ryder Cup more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Sam Allardyce's time in charge of England lasted just 67 days, after he left the job 'by mutual consent' yesterday evening. He was undone by a sting operation organised by the Daily Telegraph, but is he a little unlucky? Ken outlines why he feels the punishment hardly fits the crime. And there's the requisite amount of greed permissible for a 'council estate lad', Eddie Howe's dealings with the superstars, and we discuss Trump-Clinton Part 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.