The Second Captains Podcast

Eoin, Ken, Ciaran and Emmet Malone look forward to Ireland's Euro 2016 opener against Sweden, and back to the European festival or tear gas that took place in Marseille over the weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Euros are finally here, and we have the first of our daily shows throughout the tournament. Ken Early is in Marseilles, uncomfortably close to the Queen Victoria pub, the unofficial England football supporters' HQ. Dion Fanning tells us why Ireland have taken the day off today, and Michael Walker is with Northern Ireland. Plus there's a scumbag of the week, and the giant dildo UEFA had to distance themselves from. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two more All-Ireland contenders make their summer bow this weekend - Mike Quirke and Karol Mannion talk Donegal, and Kerry... and debate whether Roscommon deserve to be in that bracket too.We talk about the Muslim footballers playing in Euro 2016 and competing at the highest level while also observing Ramadan with journalist and activist Shireen Ahmed. Plus there's tedious Euros bus slogans, Ken's all-time Euros XI, and supporting Northern Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran are in the grip of Euro fever, as Jerome Boateng becomes a political football, the sportswear marketing campaigns become ever more complex, and Zlatan reveals another reason why he didn't fit in at Barcelona.We check in with Philippe Auclair to talk about the Yin and Yang of Frenchitude, on the eve of the tournament. And Oluwashina Okeleji joins us to pay tribute to his friend and interview sparring partner Stephen Keshi, aka the Godfather of Exodus, who died suddenly this week aged 54. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken has arrived in France, and reports live from his old town of Marseilles as preparations for Euro 2016 continue. Ireland have already had a couple of media storms, with Martin O'Neill's "queers" comment from last week revealed, and then apologised for over the weekend. Miguel Delaney joins us to talk about the relatively restrained reaction. Plus there's Ken's rapprochement with Basile Boli, laser hair removal with the Ireland football team, Jamie Vardy's next move and Zlatan's thoughts on Leicester. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Waterford are All-Ireland contenders, and one of us is convinced they're about to win their first Liam McCarthy since 1959. Eoin Kelly and Malachy Clerkin are in studio to talk about their convincing win over Clare on Sunday.We discuss Jim McGuinness' 5-point plan to beat the Dubs, and Eoin relays in exhaustive detail his journey with the Hill on tour. Plus there's Muhammad Ali's magic tricks, emails from scum around the country, and Murph plans a road-trip with his Dad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come and join our celebration of the life of The Greatest. Murph and Ken are ruthlessly axed from this momentous show in favour of World Champion boxer Andy Lee and Second Captains producer/Ali superfan Mark Horgan.Eoin, Mark and Andy are joined by one of America’s foremost civil rights figures, Reverend Jesse Jackson, to discuss Ali’s role in the freedom struggle and to hear Rev. Jackson’s personal recollections of moments shared with The Champ.And Eoin spends some time in the company of the incomparable Jerry Izenberg at his home in Nevada (Jerry’s home, not Eoin’s). Jerry unleashes all of his storytelling ability to get to the heart of what his friend Ali was like in the quiet moments, away from the ring and tv cameras.We also pay some audio tributes to Ali with a little help from Howard Cossell, Mike Tyson, Spike Lee and George Foreman.RIP Muhammad Ali. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Roy Keane's addiction to truth, Roy Hodgson's determination not to be remembered as Boring Roy, and the ongoing racism controversy in French footballEmmet Malone joins us in studio to analyse Keane's remarks and bring us up to speed on what's been happening down in Cork. Plus there’s Martin O'Neill's pop at Dunphy, Paul McGrath, and Matt Spiro talks to us about L'Affaire Benzema. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Armagh's manager Kieran McGeeney has been fiercely criticised since their heavy championship defeat to Cavan. His old team-mate Oisin McConville is in studio to talk about Brolly, McGeeney and the strained relationship between Armagh and his club Crossmaglen Rangers.With the NBA Finals about to tip off, a husky voiced US Murph tells us about the Golden State Warriors' thrilling comeback from 3-1 down to defeat Oklahoma City, and how his opinion of Steph Curry has changed in recent weeks. Plus there's Darragh O Se, fool's pardons, Eoin's Poems, keesters and basketball nirvana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate Ireland’s first international in Cork since 1985, we went to one of the city’s finest establishments, Crane Lane Theatre, to talk all things Euros. Brian Kerr, Stephen Hunt and Dion Fanning joined us on stage to discuss O’Neill, realistic ambitions, our group opponents, and the secret sauce that drives all Irish football teams to success at major tournaments.Plus there’s Sergio Ramos the charmer, Ronaldo’s dream and tons and tons of Cork love. Thanks everyone, we had a ball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exciting on the field, classy off it, successful, joyful noisy fans, loveable underdogs, beating old foes, saving their best performance for the final - this has been the perfect season for Connacht.Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley reflect on an amazing year for Pat Lam's team, what makes them tick, and look at what the future holds for all involved.Plus there's limp Leinster, comparing Real Madrid with Connacht, and magnificent Muldoon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken is in Milan for the Champions League final between Atletico and Real Madrid, and is so far unimpressed by the brutalist architecture of that great city's train station. Emmet Malone came straight from the Ireland camp to discuss the latest squad permutations and gives us a possible surprise inclusion when Martin O'Neill eventually names his squad next Tuesday night, after Ireland-Belarus.Plus there's Jose's intellectual property rights, Ken's goooaaals, and news of a live show in Cork next Monday for our listeners, check out http://www.irishtimes.com/competitions/secondcaptainscorkevent for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's seldom enough you can say with certainty that you are talking to a man who, however briefly, was the most famous man on the planet. Ben Johnson, the man stripped of the 100m gold medal in the 88 Olympics, joins us in studio. He give us his thoughts on Usain Bolt, his old rival Carl Lewis, mental health, his childhood, and how he has found peace in retirement.We speak to Eddie Bolger, coach to Ireland's latest boxing sensation Kellie Harrington. Plus there's Duffer poems, Scandinavian scum and news on our Cork show on Monday 30th May - check out http://www.irishtimes.com/competitions/secondcaptainscorkevent for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory McIlroy had a pretty good weekend - winning the Irish Open in thrilling style at the K Club. We reflect on how he saved the tournament, breathed new life into it, and at long last finally put together 4 good rounds on the course.Connacht were mainlining fan frenzy in Galway, while Leinster had their best game of the season - we talk to Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan about emotion, back stories, Leinster flow and the final in Murrayfield. Plus there's Cork's slide against Tipp, Pardew's premeditation, Muirfield men's lunch arrangements and Zlatan's possible arrival in England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the sacking of Louis van Gaal, the appointment of Jose Mourinho, and the path Manchester United are plotting back to the top. (It's a gold-bricked, silver-lampposted, diamante-studded Real Madrid path).Dion Fanning and Miguel Delaney join us to analyse the leaks and hatchet jobs of the weekend and give their opinion on whether United have chosen the right man. Plus there's going to an under 21 game in a Rolls Royce, Vardy's wedding, and what does Bobby Charlton even know about Instagram? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool led the Europa League final for 10 minutes, then it all fell apart - Ken forms a super group of football journalists in Basel to help explain the second half collapse, and what players should be sold off this summer.As we prepare for the FA Cup final on Saturday, we look back to Manchester United's last win in the tournament in 2004. Millwall provided the opposition that day and up against a young Cristiano Ronaldo was Irish full-back Robbie Ryan. Robbie and his old team-mate (and house-mate) Richie Sadlier give us their memories.Plus there's selfish Sturridge, how 'hand ball' isn't a thing anymore and evenings spent with the criminal underworld. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork v Tipperary in the Munster hurling championship is always a big game - but this year, it feels like Clare and Waterford are hogging the limelight. Author and journalist Michael Foley tell us why Cork are still capable of springing a surprise. Former Irish amateur boxing prodigy Jason Quigley has won all 11 professional fights in a stunning start to his career in the paid ranks - he joins us from LA. Plus there's sports emojis, Eoin's Poems, and Connacht's search for a home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk to Micheal Quirke and Karol Mannion about the injustice of forcing Dublin fans to travel outside the city, Paul Galvin's disdain for provincial titles, and who the realistic contenders are for an All Ireland title.Post Tiger was supposed to be the Rory McIlroy - Jordan Spieth era, then along came Jason Day. We talk to Sam Weinman of Golf Digest about the Australian golfing machine.Plus there's fencing fleche, golfer's gripes and justice 'Connacht Style'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss John Terry's emotional farewell speech, Carlo Ancelotti's fresh insight into "managing up" at Chelsea, and Olivier Giroud's brutal hazing of a young Irishman trying to make his way in the game.Oliver Kay was at Old Trafford on a bizarre day that started with uncertainty and tension and ended in farce. And John Brewin witnessed the passionate love of the Geordie masses for Rafael Benitez. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalya Coyle won Mixed Relay Gold at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup in Florida on Sunday and joined us in studio to talk about Olympic qualifying stress, fencing tears and staying cool under pressure.We talk to David Epstein, author of "The Sports Gene", about Caster Semenya's return to the public consciousness and the sports world's attempts to make the male/female issue a binary one.Plus there's mes que un county, Murph's forked tongue and General George Patton's Olympic pedigree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Martin O'Neill's 35-man squad, an awkward phone call between Carlo Ancelotti and Mario Götze, and the final apotheosis of Allardyce.Dion Fanning reflects on what the post-Euros future might be for Ireland's management duo. And Jacob Steinberg joins us to talk about a transformative season for West Ham United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare are League champions for the first time since 1978, thanks to the last-minute heroics of 2013 Hurler of the Year Tony Kelly. Malachy Clerkin and Eoin Kelly think this could be a good result for both teams ahead of this year's championship.Connacht are following the Glasgow blueprint, but how long can both teams sustain their Moneyball-esque balancing act? The BBC's Tom English joins us. Plus there's Eoin McDevitt's poetry, GAA pundits giving it both barrels, and the importance of banging your own drum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the Leicester title party, Vardy's nose rubbing, Kompany's misery, the difficulties of being on Pep Guardiola's medical staff, and Jurgen Klopp's Basel-invite u-turn.Jonathan Wilson thinks Sunderland are on the up after the win over Chelsea that promises Premier League redemption. And John Brewin joins us to analyse the Mancunian scramble for fourth place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The reverberations of Leicester City's Premier League win have reached the Bay Area - we talk to US Murph about the greatest shocks in US sport, Ted Cruz's downfall, movie moments, and the corn fields of Iowa.We have the Return of the Mack, Ken's boxing nickname, and the Barack Obama comedy show. And Andy Lee comes into studio to help us look ahead to Saul Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about nerd nonsense Versus mindless gut instinct, two Champions League semi-finals of contrasting quality, Sturrdige The Martian, and the golden afterglow of Leicester's title win.Raphael Honigstein joins us to discuss whether Pep has failed at Bayern. And Sid Lowe looks forward to another all-Spanish Champions League knife fight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken caught up with Kevin Keegan to discuss Leicester's triumph, drugs in football, and the time Kevin mocked a young Eoin McDevitt.We also discuss likeable football men, 50 mile runs, Fergie's self praise and Richard Keys' sixth sense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We rate Leicester's PL win alongside the all-time shocks in sport, Ken explains his Black Swan theory and we talk to the real life Jason Bourne....of BBC Radio Leicester.Davy Fitz wasn't his usual phlegmatic self in the league final, even with Donal Og alongside him. Eoin Kelly and Malachy Clerkin analyse the Clare Waterford trilogy.Plus there's Nesbitt watch, and Gerry Thornley on an angry Johnny Sexton, and how bad PR can create good rugby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken reflect on Leicester's title win. Amazing as it now seems, all of this was foretold. Richard III, pizza, dilly-ding dilly-dong. Jonathan Wilson and Gabriele Marcotti try to explain the inexplicable. Plus there's eye gouges, our friendly phone chats with Ranieri, Bayern V Mad Dogs and Ardiles hurtin'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Walsh arrived home from Australia in late 2014 with the prospect of a long and fruitful Gaelic football career ahead of him. But today he’s walked away from the Kerry panel, and we talk to his club-man and former Kerry All-Ireland winner Micheal Quirke. Stephen Ferris and Shane Horgan talk to us about the Ulster-Leinster game, and the current shambles with Munster, and there’s also the Hurling League final, Martin Castrogiovanni and invasive Aussie Rules tv pundits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin has got another one of his crackpot theories. He thinks Leicester are the best team in the Premier League. He and Ken talk about that, and the impossibly tight trousers middle-aged football managers are forcing themselves into in an effort to appear young.Jonathan Wilson talks to us about Atletico's defeat of Bayern in the Champions League semis, and barrister James Mehigan, who represented 77 of the Hillsborough families in the recent inquest, joins us to analyse the meaning of the verdict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin won their fourth League title in a row, at a canter against Kerry in front of almost 80,000 people in Croke Park yesterday - Oisin McConville and Karol Mannion paint a gloomy picture for the rest of the country as we look ahead to the summer. Who is Rassie Erasmus, the man set to become Munster's first Director of Rugby, and what does his arrival mean for the province's home-grown coaching ticket? Craig Ray joins us from South Africa. Plus - is there a credibility gap developing between Conor McGregor's twitter feed and, eh, reality? And there's on-field head coach Stephen Cluxton, bank manager music and wishing ill on the living. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Leicester's sweep at the PFA awards and Mamadou Sakho's little fat-burner problem.Tony Barrett joins us to talk about Liverpool's likely handling of the Sakho situationAnd John Brewin was at Wembley for both FA Cup semi-finals as Manchester United and Crystal Palace booked their places for the rematch of the classic final of 1990 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Leicester's run-in and Roy Hodgson's runaway sentences. Dion Fanning joins us in studio to talk about the Merseyside Derby. And Terry Daley reports from Rome on a glory night for Francesco Totti. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken has just about managed to get over his shock and dismay, and give us his considered opinion on Conor McGregor's 'retirement'. We talk about the fascinating differences of opinion in recent weeks between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic on the issue of doping in tennis. Plus we have US Murph on Kobe Bryant's retirement, and there's Acadian driftwood, Ivy League colleges and circadian rhythms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hurling world has been waiting for a really big Clare-Kilkenny match-up for three years, and when it finally came, Clare emerged convincing winners. Malachy Clerkin and Eoin Kelly give us their verdicts. Gerry Thornley was in the Sportsground to see Munster being out-gunned in every facet by Connacht on Saturday night. And there's teenage Murph's worst nightmare, Acadian driftwood, and Galway people's aversion to walking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Leicester City bandwagon lurched a little yesterday but a controversial last-minute penalty against West Ham ensured that they stay on track for their miracle league win. We discuss the continuing growth of soccer in the US with Roger Bennett of the Men in Blazers podcast in New York, and there's birch trees, birdsong... and Tom Selleck. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the last show of our week in New York, and we sent our ace reporter (and past-and-future-middleweight champ) Andy Lee to talk to Patrick Hyland, who fights Gary Russell Jnr for the WBC featherweight title tomorrow night in Connecticut. Plus there's our anti-Trump rally bloodlust, an update on ken's sunburn woes and Eoin's earnest attempts to impress Henry Shefflin with his running prowess... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a very special show from the rooftop terrace of Brass Monkey in New York as we talk to Henry Shefflin about the Sunday Game, Kilkenny's chances of a three in a row, and playing Junior B football. Andy Lee and John Duddy talk about the fight that never happened between them, the buzz of working with Robert De Niro and home town decisions. Plus there's sporting failure, points and pints, and Ken's gooooaaallls. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We made our way to the rooftop of the Brass Monkey bar in Manhattan where we were joined by ace comedian Des Bishop, American soccer supremo Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated and a crowd of mostly legal Irish emigrants.We discuss Des' Italia 90 experience, Ronaldo's majestic hat trick, the disappearance of Barcelona's magic dust and Ken's sunburn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran are absorbing New York City. They talk about Trump's likely conquest of his home state and what inspired McDevitt the cub reporter.Legendary New York Times sports columnist George Vecsey talks to us about his eight World Cups and why Italian Americans originally chose baseball over soccer. And Kevin Grogan joins us in the Brass Monkey to talk to us about his career, Fergie, and his path to his current role as technical director of a club here in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our first show from New York City, and it's already been eventful. Murph tells us of his calamitous family history in the greater New York area, while Ken relates his failed time as Henry Shefflin's movie reviewer. We hear from Galway hurler Johnny Glynn on why he's staying in New York this summer and forsaking a shot at the Liam McCarthy Cup, and author of "Win At Losing" Sam Weinman of Golf Digest talks chokes in the aftermath of Jordan Spieth at the Masters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Ken and Murph present a body shaming special featuring the physiques of Rory McIlory, Tiger Woods and Anthony Joshua. Do muscles make medals, and is it ok to punch a 75 year old in the stomach?We ask Brian Murphy if the combined marketing power of Rory, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth can fill the Tiger Woods shaped hole in our lives. Plus there's acclaimed author Donald McRae on Anthony Joshua's attempts to save boxing, posing naked, and did Tiger take up the wrong sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss some allegations regarding Zlatan and the impressive musculature he acquired in a few short months at Juventus. Meanwhile Claudio Ranieri and Thomas Tuchel offer contrasting approaches to management at the top levelMiguel Delaney joins us from La Ville Lumière to hail another wonderful performance by David Luiz. And Sid Lowe analyses Real Madrid's disastrous performance at Wolfsburg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another weekend of doping allegations, we explain to listeners why it makes sense that everyone is taking drugs in sport except footballers. Richie Sadlier joins us in studio.Shane Horgan talks about the indiscipline that plagued both Leinster and Munster's performances in the Aviva on Saturday. Plus Murph is high on life after sampling the final day of the Allianz Football Leagues, and we bring you news of a devastating live TV disaster with Jimmy Nesbitt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Real Madrid's classic team photo, Messi's Panama problem, and the doping allegations that are not really rocking football just yet.Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk more about the magical Leicester fairytale. And Dermot Corrigan reports on Real Madrid's superb win at Camp Nou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor McGregor is going back to fight Nate Diaz, at the same weight class, at UFC 200 in July - is this ballsy, or bonkers?Leinster and Munster face off at the Aviva on Saturday, and Liam Toland and Shane Horgan are on hand to look at the games that could decide Munster's medium-term future.Plus there's Tony Robbins, Jimmy Nesbitt, the black death, and an equality storm brewing in US women's football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Gary Neville and Trump, how failure brings empathy, Ken's trip to Windsor Park, murals and metaphors, and what we learned about Ireland over the international friendly week.Ed Malyon joins us to reflect on Gary Neville's brief, bitter career as Valencia coach. And Philippe Auclair is excited by what he sees from Didier Deschamps' developing French team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht grappled with wind, rain, injuries and their history to record a dramatic win over Leinster on Saturday. Gerry Thornley examines their commitment to skill and grace under pressure and why they are the best story in European rugby at the moment.It was a dark night for boxing as Nick Blackwell was left in an induced coma following his title fight with Chris Eubank Jr on Saturday. We ask Doctor Eanna Falvey if this was a watershed moment for the sport. Plus there's Oisin McConville on eye gouging in GAA, refereeing big men and what is it about Brain Cody? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Ireland's victory over Switzerland, Roy Hodgson's gloom free England and the schism between Cruyff and van Gaal.Emmet Malone joins us in studio to analyse Martin O'Neill's squad options.Plus there's fake Shay Given's missed opportunity, the Good Friday sports event booze loophole and how to insult a goalie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Johan Cruyff, the football genius who reinvented the Netherlands' image of itself.Richard Sadlier discusses the Ireland situation ahead of the upcoming friendlies, and looks at comparisons made between Roy Keane and Jack Byrne. And we talk to David Winner about the influence Cruyff has had on football worldwide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.