The Second Captains Podcast

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss 18 years of Robbie Keane, including Ken's mid life crisis, and Eoin's flirtation with idolatry in EstoniaEmmet Malone joins us to reflect on his memories of Keane's Ireland careerAnd Jonathan Wilson discusses Jurgen Klopp's extended honeymoon at Liverpool Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Kerry really lose a fourth successive championship game to Dublin? This apocalyptic vista is too much for some ex-Kerry greats, who are presuming a big response is in the offing... Oisin McConville doubts if this team has it in them however. US Murph joins us to talk about Ryan Lochte's brush with diplomatic infamy in Rio, and there's the end of Robbie Keane's glorious career in green, long goodbyes, and the freakish achievements of Katie Ledecky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss football's Olympic shame, Richard Keys' tactical newsflash, and Neymar's lack of joined-up ethical thinking.Miguel Delaney joins us to talk about the impact Antonio Conte is having at Chelsea. And John Brewin looks forward to a Premier League season that is already shaping up as a duel between the Manchester clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The jamboree has finally screeched to a halt - and we take one last lingering look at Rio, with John Delaney's passport now being requested by the Brazilian authorities.Caster Semenya won the 800m as predicted, and just as predictably, the issue of hyper-androgenic athletes also came up - Ross Tucker, South African professor of exercise physiology joins us on the line to discuss why he thinks she shouldn't have been allowed to compete.Karol Mannion and Mike Quirke are on hand to talk about Mayo winning their way through to another All-Ireland final, and there's Conor McGregor's maturation, Eoin spontaneously combusting, inmates of Keegan Island, and our crab-running marathon hero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Barr very nearly followed Annalise Murphy onto the Olympic podium today - we have reaction from Derval O'Rourke to Barr's fourth place finish in the men's 400m hurdles final earlier today. And we speak to Annalise about her brilliant performance on Tuesday which secured her the medal she so narrowly missed out on in London in 2012. Plus there's Ryan Lochte, the O'Brien Era gets an auspicious start in the OCI, and Eoin finds out he's got the right stuff to succeed in the sailing world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran reflect on Dundalk's big Champions League night before a large and quietly respectful crowd, and hear what Jurgen Klopp has been saying to Stern magazine back in Germany.Jack Pitt-Brooke talks to us about Mauricio Pochettino's efforts to get the Tottenham train back on the tracks.And Gabriele Marcotti discusses whether Pep Guardiola is right to be unimpressed by Joe Hart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about an extraordinary 24 hours in Irish sport. Pat Hickey's arrest, Annalise Murphy's silver, and the daylight robbery of Michael Conlan. Tom Hennigan joins us on the line from the police campus in Rio where OCI President Pat Hickey will be taken following the completion of medical check-ups. Plus there's Thomas Barr's amazing run, Ryan Lochte's 'whatever', and Simon explains how Annalise got it so so right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the ethics of goal celebration, the curious smell hanging over the city of Leicester, and Joe Hart's dilemma.Richie Sadlier joins us in studio to discuss that 3-4 at the Emirates. Was it Wenger's fault? Is this Liverpool's year?Plus there's Lineker and the MOTD legacy and Richie Sadlier's costume japes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two All-Ireland hurling semi-finals, the 100m men's final, Mo Farah, the start of the Premier League... all taken care of on today's show.Malachy Clerkin and Seamus Hickey break down the dramatic wins for Kilkenny and Tipperary in the hurling, while Ewan McKenna talks to us about the baffling reaction to his question to Mo Farah in the aftermath of his 10,000m men's final win on Saturday night.Plus there's Scotty Too Hotty Evans, Pat Hickey in OlympicsLand, tennis in the Olympics, and skepticism as a starting point. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the Devastation of the Nation Katie Taylor Podcast, as we try and process Katie's crushing Olympic quarter-final defeat to Mira Potkonen of Finland.Andy Lee joins us in studio to tell us about the warning signs he saw in Katie's training a number of weeks ago, and the struggles she's had to overcome in the last few months. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our first medal of the 2016 Olympics, and it comes courtesy of the O'Donovan brothers in the mens lightweight double sculls final - Ken, Eoin and Murph give their instant reaction. David Epstein, author of "The Sports Gene" talks to us about Simone Biles, the break-out star of the Games so far, and the height factor in gymnastics. There's also O'Donovan Rossa, our new hero Neville Maxwell, Lochte destroys Phelps, and Pat Hickey vs Shane Ross (behind the red button). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the adversity olympics, Simone Biles' majesty, Dj Jazzy Jeff and a great day for the rowers.World Champ and Olympian Andy Lee tells us if this bad week for Irish boxing is all down to the loss of Billy Walsh. Plus there's RTE's Timmy McCarthy on the Dream Team reality, Eoin goes deep on the wolfturn and Simon explains silly sailing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about the start of the new Premier League season. Will Pep's new-look City hit the ground running? Do Jose Mourinho's revamped Manchester United have it in them to do a Leicester?Miguel Delaney joins us to preview the forthcoming World Championship of Managers. Plus there's Ken's predictions, the new Scarface blueprint for the Premier league and Eoin's hype machine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of his shock loss we discuss Paddy Barnes' social media storm and weight issues, and we rejoice at the renewal of cold war hostilities in the Olympic pool.SBP columnist Ewan MacKenna joins us from Rio to analyse what went wrong for Barnes, and if Americans are on safe ground when accusing rivals of using PEDs.Plus there's the Amazing O'Donovan Boys from Cork, Derval O'Rourke on food and fitness and the latest episode in a bad PR week for the Olympic Council of Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about the Community Shield, the meaning of Juan Mata's punishment substitution, and the merits of standing in versus arriving in the box.Dion Fanning joins us to discuss the eruption of hostilities between the FAI and St Patrick's Athletic. Plus there's Klopp not getting too close to The Sun, Tony Hibbert's loyalty, and Jose's Van Gaal tribute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken have been watching a lot of Olympic action. Is it morally acceptable to click and watch videos that promise scenes of unmentionable horror? Does it matter either way? Meanwhile there was an epic hurling championship semi between Waterford and Kilkenny. Malachy Clerkin and Eoin Kelly join us to analyse.Keith Duggan joins us from Rio to talk about the Irish boxers' reaction to the drama and dilpomatic incidents in the pool. Plus Oisin McConville and Karol Mannion discuss Mayo's march to the semis and Dublin's win over Donegal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paddy Barnes has taken his first selfie with a sporting superstar (Rafa Nadal, on this occasion) - so it's time for us all to get excited about the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.Tim Vickery talks to us from Brazil about the societal issues tearing at the heart of Brazilian life and politics, while US Murph tells us about Michael Phelps, Bubba Watson and America's newest gymnastic sensation Simone Biles. Plus there's Hooray For Everything, GAA restructure plans, opening ceremonies, Hope Solo, what it means to be Brazilian, and leopard-print thongs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Jose Mourinho's pre-season politicking, Wayne Rooney's ever-shifting positional preference, and Everton's slow-motion pre-season. Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk about David Moyes' introduction as the new manager of Sunderland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four games last week, four games next week in the final stages of the gaelic football championship - Mayo and Donegal advance to a winner-take-all four way extravaganza this saturday, while Kerry and Tipperary move onto the semi-finals in swashbuckling style. Oisin McConville and Micheal Quirke break down the action. Brilliant author and journalist Donald McRae takes us inside Carl Frampton's dressingroom before his thrilling majority decision win over previously-unbeaten Leo Santa Cruz in New York on Saturday night. Plus there's Ken trolling Ciaran over Galway's humiliation, the latest Olympic scandal to surface, and the slow death of the Viking Thunder Clap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Murph discuss sycophantic footballers, awkward chats on the family landline, golf's murder mystery and future Pokemon Go addictions.We ask Lawrence Donegan if Spieth, McIlroy or Day can win the USPGA this weekend and if the idea of the 'big three' was just a marketing scam.According to the bookies the tightest game this weekend is Cork - Donegal, and yet no one is giving Cork much of a chance. We talk to journalist and author Michael Foley and Derek Kavanagh, who was an All Ireland winner with Cork in 2010, about what's gone wrong down south. Plus there's a PBESO from China, Bubba keepin' it real and Murph's LOCK OF THE WEEK! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Monday Football Podcast refuses to take a summer break as Dion Fanning joins Eoin and Murph to discuss medium sized Big Sam, the importance (or not) of international managers, and why England is permanently broken.Jack Pitt-Brooke joins us from the FA's headquarters to discuss Sam Allardyce's first press conference as England manager. Plus there's high farce in China, Liverpool's rider, and Moyes' return to English football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The IOC have made their decision on Russia's involvement in the Rio Olympics... which is to say, they've farmed out that decision to the individual federations governing the Olympic sports. It's being criticised as a cop-out, and Owen Gibson of the Guardian is on the line to tell us how it came to this.After a hectic weekend, Podge Collins can claim a 50% success rate - his Clare footballers were victorious on Saturday against Roscommon, before he came unstuck against the Galway hurlers yesterday. Conor Sweeney of the Tipperary footballers is on the line as well, with Malachy Clerkin in studio. Plus there's whistleblowers under the bus, Murph's ticketing scam, dependable Galway and Waterford's maths problem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin is back in the hot-seat, and we're discussing Russia's possible expulsion from the Rio Olympics and whether the 2018 World Cup is in jeopardy with author David Goldblatt.It's a big weekend for Clare, with their footballers and hurlers in action on consecutive days. How big an influence will dual player Podge Collins have, on both games? Clare's top scorer in championship hurling, Niall Gilligan joins us, along with Clare Champion journalist Peter O'Connell.Plus there's jousting in Tokyo 2020, Fergie and Mino Raiola, Big Sam, and Mountain from Game of Thrones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday was one of the wilder days of this summer of sport - three provincial finals down for decision, and possibly the greatest British Open final round of all time. Oisin McConville and Karol Mannion talk us through provincial final wins for Dublin, Tyrone and Galway, while Golf Digest's Sam Weinman joins us to discuss Henrik Stenson the gambler.Plus there's Galway's unstoppable run of success in 2016, streaker conventions, and the long-awaited kabaddi/GAA linkup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran discuss Leicester City: Act 2, Eden Hazard's unease as a new Premier League season promises a lot of work ahead, and the gymnastic qualities of Giorgino Wijnaldum. John Brewin joins us to discuss the opening weeks of the Mourinho regime at Manchester United, and brings us up to speed on the progress of Sam Allardyce as he closes in on his lifetime's ambition.Plus there's Eric Cantona the berk, Hazard's unease, Big Sam's chest, and the coming tide of Leicester City literature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ulster final between Donegal and Tyrone promises to be the most seismic collision of the football championship so far - we talk to Owen Mulligan about the rivalry, and why Tyrone need some silverware. US Murph talks to us about OJ Simpson, currently the subject of a thrilling 5-part documentary series on BT Sport.And there's Rory's regrets, the greatest goal in Croker history (Ken has a few ideas), a PBESO, and the return of #KenzFriendz.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High summer in the GAA, and we were treated to two monsoons in Limerick and Salthill - at the end of which Tipperary were crowned Munster hurling champions, and Galway and Roscommon played out an uninspiring draw.Karol Mannion, Oisin McConville, Liam Griffin and Malachy Clerkin are all on hand to pick out the highlights, including some stunning qualifier wins for Wexford and Longford. Plus there's Ciara Mageean, Podge Collins, Andy Murray, and Breakfast at Tiffanys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Portugal triumphed in the most unexpected of manners; minus their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Richie Sadlier joins us in studio to discuss Portuguese joy, French folly, and why he hates the haters.Ken examines Didier Deschamps' ridiculous selection policy and France's mental collapse and he talks to Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson about an underwhelming tournament full of amazing storylines. Plus there's Fergie hugs, moth infestations, Pogba's value, and Richie on John Giles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph discuss the second Euro semi-final with Philippe Auclair, German handballs, the grim future for the Viking Clap and why Ken is backing Portugal in the final. Griezmann is becoming an all-time legend of French football, but can we now rank him with the greats of world football? Plus there's Pogba's best position, home crowds and German gripes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken, Ciaran and Richie discuss Ronaldo's march of destiny and whether any criticism of the world's richest and arguably most famous athlete must necessarily come from a place of bitterness and begrudgery.Chris Wathan, author of Together Stronger, a book about Wales' golden generation, joins us from Lyon to reflect on last night's semi-final. And we ask Raphael Honigstein if poor underdogs Germany have a chance against the hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lionel Messi joining Real Madrid sounds like a pretty big deal, right? Well that's pretty much what has happened in the NBA, with Kevin Durant signing up for US Murph's beloved Golden State Warriors.After an epic day at Wimbledon yesterday Jonathan Liew looks forward to the possibility of a Murray-Federer men's final on Sunday.Plus there's the awkward moment when Ken met Cerys Matthews, superstars' obsession with legacy, Ronaldo worshipping false idols, and Haddaway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie Sadlier, Ken, Eoin and Ciaran focus on the weekend's quarter-finals at Euro 2016. We discuss whether underdogs are even wanted at this elevated stage of the competition and as Iceland's Euro dream pays a visit to Valhalla, we speak to star of last week's podcast Anton Ingi Sveinbjorsson.Plus there's more Danny Baker tweets, Ireland's physical problems, rooting for Ronaldo, and Ken's vote for Big Sam to be the next England manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a massive weekend of GAA action, and all denominations are catered for here - Oisin McConville and Micheal Quirke on the Ulster semi-final replays and a stroll in the summer sunshine for Kerry. Eoin Kelly tries to put himself in the shoes of a Galway team that lost again in predictable circumstances to Kilkenny in the Leinster hurling final, plus there's phantom goals, admiring Robbie Savage, fist pumps and rotator cuffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Reddan retired last Saturday, camped in the South African 22, probing for a late Irish series victory and a slice of history. He takes us back to the day he left Munster, how his dad influenced his career, and tells us the one thing he'd do differently second time round. Shane Lowry has followed Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell and pulled out of the Rio Olympics. Lawrence Donegan tells us why the golf experiment at the Games could be doomed to failure. Plus there's Eoin's brain-scoop interview technique, a busy weekend of GAA, and our continuing obsession with Eiffel 65. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Quarter Finals looming we go deep on Belgian over confidence, Ronaldo's veins, football in the groin, French pressure, and England's academy generation. Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur gives his thoughts on player power in the Belgian camp, John Brewin previews Poland V Portugal and Ken explains why he thinks Germany will finally get past Italy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a quite astonishing night of football in Nice last night - Iceland defeat England 2-1, Roy Hodgson resigns in disgrace, and the Viking thunder-clap is heard around the world. We get the Icelandic reaction from writer and historian Anton Ingi Sveinbjorsson, while Jonathan Wilson and Ken try and sift through the wreckage of another English tournament disaster. Plus there's Joe Hart's chocolate wrists, Danny Baker and Chris Waddle's righteous anger, Steve McClaren's prescient commentary and George Hamilton's finest hour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Murph are back in studio after a day-trip to Lyon to see Ireland knocked out of the Euros by the hosts - and today we discuss Ireland's inability to finish off a poor South African team, with Shane Horgan.The GAA season at least has seen a major upturn in drama in the last 8 days, and Oisin McConville is in studio to pick apart Donegal and Monaghan's thrilling draw on Saturday night. Plus there's a free-taking clinic at no extra cost, Murph's selfie game and ageing disgracefully. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland made us proud in this tournament on and off the field - we sum up an amazing few weeks for the fans, players and coaches involved. We ask Richie Sadlier, Ken and Philippe Auclair if there was much more the Irish players could have done and just how good are France.Plus there's existential dread, fun pilots, Pogba's physique and making Thierry squirm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 36 hours of ecstasy, it's time to turn our attention to France in the last 16 of the Euros. Ken advocates zero changes to the mindset and personnel that did for the Italians on Wednesday night, and we patriotically predict French victory, safe in the knowledge our predictions have been woefully incorrect thus far. Simon Kuper and Jonathan Wilson are also on hand to talk Brexit, banks, FTSE and football, and there's the Brady family being adorable, French obsession with the Henry handball, and Ken's Larry David metamorphosis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a scoreline and a performance that will live long in the memory. We discuss Shane Long's crazy eyes, Wes' redemption, and the moment between Robbie Brady and his family that will be an iconic moment for this generation of football fans.Martin O'Neill's bravery in selection was utterly vindicated. Ken talks to Jeff Hendrick, Wes Hoolahan and James McCarthy in Lille, Richie Sadlier joins us in studio and we get the thoughts of Dion Fanning and Miguel Delaney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the morning of our final group game, and the hopes and dreams of pre-tournament have been replaced by a sense of foreboding. Antonio Conte has promised no favours, our team's confidence is fragile after Belgium, and there's uncertainty over team selection... so JOIN THE PARTY HERE!! Ken, Eoin and Murph search for reasons to be cheerful, and Emmet Malone reports from the team camp ahead of tonight's do-or-die, win-or-bust game against Italy. Plus there's Eoin's Poems, NI fans and Germania. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wales march into the next round of the Euros as group winners, and their all-action style, powered by player of the tournament Gareth Bale, has comprehensively won Eoin over. We speak to Welsh legend Dean Saunders. Sid Lowe talks to us about Spain and Pedro throwing his toys out of the pram, plus there's Ken's first negative experience of the French transport infrastructure, humiliation in front of a regular contributor, our first 'Ken's gooools' of the tournament, and why Ireland need to embrace the dark side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a sporting weekend of unremitting torture for most fans - decisive defeat at the Euros, late anguish in Johannesburg, and final round heartbreak for Shane Lowry at the US Open.And yet Murph can see an upside - Galway hero Paul Conroy joins us to talk about their come-from-nowhere win over Mayo on Saturday night. Malachy Clerkin talks golf lunacy and Dustin Johnson's brain, and Gerry Thornley joins us from Port Elizabeth to look ahead to the third test next Saturday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie Sadlier joins us in studio to try and rouse some optimism ahead of Wednesday night against the Italians. We hear the 12 year old reason why Italy might have no wish to help out Sweden courtesy of Gabriele Marcotti, and we pray for the sort of Italian disrespect for the tournament's integrity by debating how many of their best players they're going to drop.Plus there's Presidential protocol, Ciaran being insufferable and debating whether a nation should now turn its hungry eyes to Daryl Murphy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a painful 3-0 defeat to Belgium, Eoin Ken and Murph wonder if Ireland were just 'beaten by the best', or can we, as a nation, find some scapegoats, hard luck stories, or a referee to hate. Plus there's false positivity, admitting you're wrong, and why Eoin McDevitt is such a great example to all the overpaid footballers out there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a huge weekend for Ireland, as we face into our game against Belgium in Bordeaux tomorrow, and the Belgians are apparently in turmoil, at war with themselves and a tactical shambles. Can we take advantage? Richie Sadlier is in studio, and has brought a new four-legged friend... Ken was in Lens for England-Wales, and we talk Rooney, Hart and Bale. Michael Walker tells us about Northern Ireland's brilliant win yesterday and, inevitably, there's Jimmy Nesbitt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England and Wales is one of the tastiest games of the group stages, and to Ken, Eoin and Murph's delight Wales know how to press the English panic button. Ahead of Saturday, we take a look at the most infamous game in Ireland and Belgium's shared history - the World Cup qualifier in 1981 that saw Ireland robbed by a Portuguese referee. 20 years later author and sports journalist Paul Howard tracked him down and brought him face to face with his mistakes. Paul joins us in studio to tell us the remarkable tale of what happened that day. Plus there's sledging Wayne Rooney, bodyswap movies and Kyle Lafferty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul McGrath joins Ken, Eoin and Murph to continue our coverage of Ireland in our daily Euro 2016 podcast, and one of Ireland's greatest ever footballers is bullish about our chances of handling Romelu Lukaku and company on Saturday. We get the Welsh view from Tom Williams of AFP as Gareth Bale channels his inner Warren Gatland and needles the English ahead of their match tomorrow, and there's also feverish Icelandic commentary, Ronaldo's poor grasp of geography and the post-masculine vibe of the Irish fan experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a positive start to the Euros for Ireland, with Wes Hoolahan's goal and performance the highlight in our 1-1 draw with Sweden. Ken is in Paris, having sampled a night with the Irish fans, which he assures us was part of a wider study on fan behaviour throughout the tournament...Richie Sadlier joins us in studio and we discuss Jeff Hendrick's coming of age, Jon Walters injury, what exactly it takes for a player to fail a pre-match fitness test, issues with Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy, and Robbie's eyes. And Richie reveals his anguish at taking on the senior analyst role in RTE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was as if the world of sport realised that it needed to up it's game to get any attention as the Euros kicked off... and both the GAA and rugby action at the weekend was pretty entertaining.14-man Ireland recorded a stunning first ever victory over the Springboks in South Africa, while our u-20s beat New Zealand in similarly emphatic style. Tipperary hammered Cork, Donegal opened up their summer, and Oisin McConville and Gerry Thornley are on hand to talk us through it all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.