The Second Captains Podcast

Ken and Murph duke it out over how 1916 should be remembered, there's great news for our New York listeners, Eoin blows up a few myths and we discuss a huge weekend for Connacht sports fans.The GAA's influence on the 1916 Rising is the topic of conversation with Michael Foley, the author of one of our favourite sports books of all time "The Bloodied Field". And we talk about America's relationship with Cuba, and why Barack Obama attending a baseball game in the aftermath of the Brussels attacks could have been an avoidable PR mis-step. 24/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Alan Pardew's happiness for Claudio Ranieri, Big Sam's football face, Jurgen Klopp's lack of chemistry with Christian Benteke, and another unexpected, timely triumph for Louis van Gaal.Jack Pitt-Brooke compares Spurs' prospects over the next few weeks with those of Leicester. And John Brewin joins us to discuss the huge job confronting Pep Guardiola at Manchester City this summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland finish mid-table in this year's Six Nations, but what will the report card say? Shane Horgan and Mattie Williams see an Ireland team that hasn't progressed a whole lot, and a fixture list coming down the tracks that leaves little margin for error.Cork hurling has had a dark spring - 5 games in the League, and 5 defeats. Eoin Kelly describes it as a team in crisis. Plus there's rugby's moral high ground, lovely Leicester, and why twitter is now a glorified football website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Fellaini's elbows, proactive Pep, the dark side of Liverpool - Man United rivalry, PSV's shame and Klopp's confidence flower.Jonathan Wilson joins us to analyse Liverpool's win at Old Trafford and tries to figure out why Louis van Gaal keeps picking Fellaini. Plus there's a Nigerian FA update, plucky outsiders Man City and why the Champions League QF's are becoming a bit like the All Ireland Football QF's. 18/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liam Neeson's Antrim street cred, grown men with green eyebrows, the education of young Jimmy Nesbitt and Breen Bros big day out in Croker - welcome to our Second Captains Saint Podcast Day Special!Eddie O'Sullivan talks to us about the Joe Marler incident, what a farce the Six Nations disciplinary committee has been this year, and why Ireland shouldn't fear Scotland. Plus Limerick star David Breen tells us what it's like to wake up as an All-Ireland club hurling final winner, and Oisin McConville analyses the football final. 18/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Second Captains are excited to present a special edition BONUS podcast - French World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit was in Dublin today on behalf of Carlsberg and Eoin and Ken caught up with him to talk football, politics and social networking... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland finally cut loose against a terrible Italy team - what did we learn about the players and the gameplan, and how big a threat do a buoyant Scotland pose to Joe Schmidt's team? Shane Jennings and Gerry Thornley are in studio.As Cheltenham cranks up, we discuss former track cyclist Victoria Pendleton's rapid rise as an amateur jockey. Plus there's the reason why Ken can't dance, a pregnant Eoin McDevitt, and the pig farming fiascos that link Johann Cruyff and Saint Patrick. 14/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Max Kruse's bad night in Berlin, Fergie's title race predictions, FA Cup goooaals, and Real Madrid's impassioned defence of Rafael Nadal.Andrew Mangan joins us in studio to talk about a miserable run for Arsenal that even Wenger has been forced to describe as a "farce". And Miguel Delaney was at Old Trafford yesterday to see Dmitri Payet score one of the great free-kicks of recent years. 14/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three games in and Ireland are still looking for their first win in the 6 Nations - we've heard from Matt Williams and Shane Horgan throughout the competition, both of them have strong opinions on what we've been doing right, and wrong, so far, and they're on together to debate the direction we're taking under Joe Schmidt. US Murph tells us what the hell is going on with Donald Trump, and we talk live for the first time to one of our beloved scumbag emailers. Plus there's Sharapova, Kenz Friendz and Murph's beef with Sean O'Brien. 10/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran talk about the mother of all games, handsy Jurgen Klopp, Pochettino's dilemma and why everyone is blanking Blatter.Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk about the end of Chelsea's Champions League era.And Rory Smith analyses whether Newcastle really is the right move for Rafael Benitez. 10/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Everyone has a plan until they get a punch in the face", said Mike Tyson, and the Conor McGregor plan for world domination was rocked to its core by Nate Diaz on Saturday night - Jeremy Botter of Bleacher Report joins the lads.We discuss how Connacht rugby have become the Leicester City of the Pro-12, and what options Joe Schmidt has for the Italy game. Plus we talk finger-bending blood-baths, Eoin's tap-out record, Diaz's smack talk, and there's a Jimmy Nesbitt update. 7/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran are beginning to come around to the idea that Leicester might actually be about to do this. Also up for discussion - LVG's numbers game and why the money don't work. Tony Barrett joins us to talk about the takeover at Everton and Liverpool's form going into the Europa League tie against Man United.And Michael Walker talks to us about Ashley's misrule at Newcastle. 7/3/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the mindless chaos of the Premier League title race after a midweek pile-up that left Leicester looking more nailed-on than ever. Richard Sadlier has had a chance to look at Arsenal up close and he's come to some disturbing conclusions about Arsene Wenger's side.Plus there's the rich kid at the arcade, the West Ham have nots, and the end of the PL world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Murph joins us to tell us about the sports event from the last week that is 'the greatest thing that's ever happened', while Conor McGregor piles on the pounds in preparation for his first fight at welterweight.We discuss Donald Trump and his cosy relationship with the power-brokers of golf, and proposals in the UK to ban tackling in schools rugby. There's also General Haig counting his dead, stingy PBESOers, and Ken's dry eye sockets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Still no win for Ireland in the 6 Nations championship this year - Gerry Thornley and Shane Jennings are in studio to give us their verdicts on a fourth game in a row where we had chances to win, and failed to take them. The mark is now a part of Gaelic football, and we talk to Karol Mannion about how this will affect how the game is played (if at all).And there's the omnipresent James Nesbitt, the Steph Curry zone, Carl Frampton's profile 'down South', and what Gay Byrne needs to do to boost his numbers 'up North'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about promise-keeping Manuel Pellegrini, risk-taking Claudio Ranieri, and team-mate-under-the-bus-throwing Cristiano Ronaldo.Jonathan Wilson joins us to discuss Manchester United's injury-driven renaissance and whether Rashford is as good as his scoring record suggests. And Joshua Robinson of the Wall Street Journal fills us on on the implications of Gianni Infantino's election as FIFA President. 29/2/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland-England is the main event this weekend, and Ireland have given first caps to 2 of our brightest stars... but is Twickenham the place for Josh Van Der Flier and Stuart McCloskey to make a big splash? Ugo Monye and Gerry Thornley aid with the pre-match build-up.We discuss warm beer at The Emirates, boxing coaches that straight up don't like each other, good little un's, and Conor McGregor's Sports Illustrated cover story. Plus former world champ Bernard Dunne looks ahead to Carl Frampton's fight against Scott Quigg on Saturday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the Patcast, as we give you our interview with Patrick Kluivert in London before the first leg of the Arsenal-Barcelona Champions League last-16 tie this week. Ken outlines the smoke-and-mirrors with our live audience, before Kluivert tells us about being the youngest player to score in a Champions League final for Ajax in 1995, putting an end to the team that Jack built in Anfield in November 1995 and the future for Van Gaal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran ponder FIFA's presidential messaging toolkit, and give their views on who should take over the country. Does democracy even work?Gabriel Marcotti reports from Zurich as FIFA prepare to elect a new President. And Terry Daley gives his verdict on whether Antonio Conte is the right man to take over at Chelsea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland's dreams of a third Six Nations title may lie in tatters, our players may be ailling or injured, but we have the remedy for your February blues... as Shane Horgan talks us through the try that changed his life.Malachy Clerkin and 2010 All Ireland winner Shane McGrath debate whether Tipperary and Kilkenny can even be called a rivalry anymore. And we have the future of sports entertainment, Jerry Flannery potty-talk and the importance of blind panic. 22/2/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran regard the FA Cup fifth round fixtures with despondency, on a weekend when most of the talking points were provided by various teams abusing referees.Jonathan Wilson joins us to fulminate against Manuel Pellegrini's chickening out of the contest against Chelsea. And Miguel Delaney tries to make some sense of the swirl of rumours surrounding Manchester United and Jose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's on. Eoin and Ken preside over 8 Mile Audio Wars part 2. Evan Flynn is back to take another shot at Second Captains. With the stakes higher than ever who is truly strongest? Crush! Tonight.US Murphy joins us to talk about Peyton Manning's dirty little secret emerging into the full glare of the post-Superbowl media spotlight. And Louise Galvin of the Irish Women's Rugby Sevens team joins us to talk about the Rio Olympics, being talented at three different sports and the one party Irish people are late to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Dunphy's support for Ronaldo, Rooney's knee, and respond to poison pen letters from audience guttersnipes.John Brewin joins us to discuss the stories surrounding a possible move to China for Rooney. And Dermot Corrigan analyses Rafael Benitez's case for why Barcelona are better than Real Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our chances of a third Six Nations championship in a row disappeared under the weight of a French scrum, and we're joined by regular analyst Shane Horgan and former Ireland and Leinster flanker Shane Jennings to discuss whether our players need to show more initiative in big games. 15/2/16Barry Moran inspired his Castlebar Mitchels team to victory over Crossmaglen on Saturday. We ask him about the final, how much fun the club game is to play, and how it could damage his chances with Mayo. Plus there's sleeping through the last 10 minutes of a Six Nations game, musical suggestions from our listenership, and Joleon Lescott's miraculous pocket-dial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the ethics of Lionel Messi's penalty assist, Joe Hart's faulty mind games, and the likelihood of Leicester City resisting the pressure of the run-in.Jonathan Wilson was there to see Spurs' cyborg terminators storm the Etihad. And Jack Pitt-Brooke analyses Arsenal's win over the league leaders. 15/02/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland travel to France on the second weekend of the 6N, and after all the pessimism before the Wales game, we as a nation appear to be far more chipper this week for a fixture that historically has given us precious little to write home about. Eddie O'Sullivan looks at the Irish line-up, and tells us about Paul O'Connell's future in coaching, while Jamie Cudmore joins us to talk about his battles with the big man.We investigate the possibility of the Irish Open becoming the booziest stop on the European Tour with Lawrence Donegan, plus there's Shane Lowry's crowd-pleasing antics, a listener comes at the king, and Zoolander No.2's impressive running time. 11/02/16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League big four looks a little different these days, but they meet on Sunday in what could be a defining weekend for all involved. Richie Sadlier is in studio to see if he can continue his white-hot predictions run going.Tony Barrett talks to us about Liverpool's climb-down on ticket prices and whether a precedent has been set for football clubs. There's mention too for Mauricio Pochettino getting the Fergie seal of approval, Sean Dyche's laser-focus in the pub, and the toxic qualities of Ken's seat in the studio. 11/02/2016 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Given all the pre-match pessimism, Ireland's draw with Wales left many people feeling pretty positive about our chances of winning a third championship in a row. Six Nations legend Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley poke through the embers of a scintillating game. We ask Don Van Natta Jnr of ESPN if the Peyton Manning (2016 vintage) is the worst ever quarter-back to win the Super Bowl. There's also Martin O'Neill's barnstorming performance on the BBC's NFL coverage, Sergio Parisse's lust for glory, Jamie Roberts' lust for punishment and details on our live show in Dublin later this month - we want you to meet Ajax, Barcelona and Holland legend Patrick Kluivert! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken refused to jump aboard the Leicester bandwagon before this weekend, but we now declare them Premier League champions for the 2015-16 season.Emmet Malone charts the rise of Ranieri's side and questions Van Gaal's trust in his employers. We talk to Simon Kuper about the team that defied economics, the Ajax side that won the Champions League in 1995. Plus there's details on our live show in Dublin later this month - we want you to meet Ajax, Barcelona and Holland legend Patrick Kluivert! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about the rise of China as a force in the global transfer market, ticket price madness, and the peculiar perils of being a billionaire surrounded by skilled advisers who are keen to help.Richie Sadlier joins us to discuss the likelihood of Leicester holding it together for 14 more games. And Ed Malyon reports from Barcelona, where Gary Neville got caught in the Messi-Suarez crossfire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a huge weekend of sport, stretching from the start of the Six Nations to the Superbowl, which will finish up in the early hours of Monday morning. US Murph gives us the latest from the lunacy in San Francisco, host city to Super Bowl 50, while Matt Williams gives us his definition of what success looks like for Ireland over the next 7 weeks.Plus there's kabaddi and Samuel Beckett, politicians pretending to be sports fans, and a birthday return for Ken Burley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an extra-special 6 Nations Preview Podcast, with Ireland on the brink of a third Championship in a row. Its Wales first up for Joe Schmidt's team, a rivalry that brings out the absolute worst in all of us. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley tell us why there are reasons to be cheerful about Ireland's prospects despite the World Cup and European Cup woes of recent months. Two time Grand Slam winner Martyn Williams gives us the Welsh perspective, Ken compares rugby to fur coats, and we look at new old England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first weekend of the Allianz National Football League saw the issue of concussion make an unwanted reappearance - Karol Mannion and Oisin McConville join us in studio.Serena Williams was grace personified after her loss in the Australian Open, which leads us to debate what exactly is a good loser. Plus there's the Pep-Jose ecosystem, Fraggle Rock, Terry Wogan and Tony Robbins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about the confirmation of Pep's move to Man City and what it means for Man United and Jose.Emmet Malone is in studio to talk about the FAI's decision to unveil their new strategic plan out of the glare of the media.And John Brewin explains why Chelsea have decided now is the time to say goodbye to brave John Terry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why contract extensions for Irish rugby players don't always have to go to the brink and why having them played out in the media can have negative side effects. Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sulllivan thinks there has to be a better way.The Superbowl is coming to San Francisco, and US Murph is ready to welcome sport's biggest party. He talks about Beyonce, Leo Di Caprio, NFL's snuff movie and Cam Newton's plutonium. Plus there's weird dreams, Ken's huge broadcasting IQ, and the start of the Allianz Football League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin (86th in the Irish journalist Twitter power rankings), Ken (18th, second overall in sport) and Ciaran (93rd) discuss motivational speeches, Man United's tiny analyst, and Roberto Martinez's ongoing struggle against heartbreaking refereeing incompetence.Gabriele Marcotti joins us to talk about the reasons why Leicester are top of the table. And Jack Pitt-Brooke explains why Pochettino's counterintuitive brand of tough, cold, ruthless love has forged an unbreakable team spirit at Spurs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonny Sexton's histories of concussion meant there was a collective intake of breath when he went down after a clash of heads against Wasps on Saturday. Shane Horgan talks to us about communication breakdowns, good news, Marty Moore's departure and captain Hartley.The Australian Open has a new match-fixing controversy to contend with and a QF draw that includes sublime post-peak Roger Federer. Plus there's a report on the Easter Island Premier League, old men getting beaten up for our viewing pleasure in the NFL, and Maurice Fitz, Andre Agassi and the importance of longevity when defining greatness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the two big mistakes that ruined Arsenal's weekend, the conditioning regime that enables Jamie Vardy to flaunt that legendary six-pack, and Jose Mourinho's alleged six-page letter to Manchester United. Jonathan Wilson was at Old Trafford to see the home crowd turn on Louis van Gaal.And James Corbett analyses the chances of Roberto Martinez turning around Everton's disappointing form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Murph and Ken discuss the art of trash talk, the US Republican debates, Conor McGregor's oppressors, and nice guy Rory Best.Rory McIlroy started his 2016 season this week playing alongside Jordan Spieth, in what is the opening salvo of a huge year for the golf, and for the two new superstars of the sport.US Murph talks about the Harlem Globetrotters, Brady V Manning, the greatest throw in history and the NFL championship games Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the FAI's ticket allocation, Ronaldo's lats and Roberto Mancini's calling out of a Serie A colleague.Sid Lowe joins us to talk about Bale's true value, Jorge Mendes, Casillas V De Gea and the impact of Madrid's transfer ban.And Tim Vickery gives his view on Teixeira for Liverpool, Pato for Chelsea and the likely arrival of former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli in Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next up on the corruption merry-go-round... tennis. Match-fixing allegations have erupted on the eve of the Australian Open, hinting at another sport wilfully turning a blind eye to problems at its heart.Munster and Leinster got morale-boosting victories in Europe - Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan talk about the need for skillful forwards, if the academy system can beat French money and why Munster's problem isn't lack of heart. Plus there's the return of the unloved, unmourned Tommy Murphy Cup, Novak Djokovic's big reveal and a rather surprising mention of Brian McClair's 1991 form-line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran wonder why Stoke fans boo Aaron Ramsey for getting his leg broken, and why Liverpool insist on buying expensive centre-forwards who don't fit into their team.Daniel Harris gives us his view on Manchester United's win at Anfield, LVG's title talk and the recent improvement of Wayne Rooney.And Dion Fanning was there to see Roberto Martinez lash the referee out of it again as Everton lost another winning position at Stamford Bridge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second half of WADA's report into the IAAF has discovered a systemic failure throughout the organisation... but Seb Coe has managed to dodge criticism from the report's author Dick Pound. We discuss the general lack of beheadings of sports administrators.US Murph talks NFL kickers, the L.A Rams and Patriots hopes, and we speak to British boxer Tony Bellew about his role in the new Rocky movie. Plus there's a Jim Carrey boycott, Tom Brady's tomatoes, and Mrs Huxtable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph talk about Lineker's humour, the best goals of the week, Mick McCarthy's anti-passing possession football, and the implications of Real and Atletico Madrid's transfer bans. On his birthday Richie Sadlier joins us to look back on the midweek football, and examines Van Gaals' latest press conference tiff.Plus there's Messi's evolving torso, defying gravity, Ricky Gervais' monologue and the Sadlier effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Foley questioned his own future as head coach in the aftermath of a dispiriting loss away to Stade Francais yesterday - Mattie Williams and Gerry Thornley try and apportion blame as their season goes from bad to worse.On the day the Ballon d'Or winner is announced, we speak to our good friend Oluwishina Okeleji about the African Player of the Year award, which was not won by Yaya Toure, to the disgust of... Yaya Toure. And there's the history of the fighting clan McGregor, David Bowie, El Chapo and Sean Penn's flatulence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ciaran sit through Ken's interminable round-up of the weekend's FA Cup third round goals, and examine Spain's attitude to doping in sport. Dermot Corrigan joins us to talk about Zinedine Zidane's managerial debut at Real Madrid and Bale's next move.And a tuxedo'd Miguel Delaney reports from Zurich as the Ballon D'Or gala gets underway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Farrell is Ireland's new defence coach, in a move that came as a complete bolt from the blue. Shane Horgan was critical of his influence on the English coaching ticket during the World Cup, and he gives us his opinion on the possible reasons for his appointment.US Murph talks to us about Johnny Football and the NFL playoffs. Plus there's incognito superstars, Christy O'Connor Junior, the cowardly heavyweight, and Peyton Manning V Al Jazeera. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the injury epidemic at Liverpool, where Jürgen Klopp finds himself fighting a war on two fronts against an unholy alliance of Big Sam Allardyce and Big Raymond Verheijen.Gabriele Marcotti joins us to analyse how Premier League wealth has bred conservatism. And Sid Lowe gives us his view on the arrival of Zinedine Zidane as coach of Real Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a hectic Christmas period of inter-provincials, Irish rugby now turns it's attention to picking a new captain - Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan think the most suitable man isn't either of the three front-runners of Rory Best, Johnny Sexton and Jamie Heaslip.The GAA season also crept back into life this weekend, and Michael Foley of the Sunday Times has a feel-good story of where the money goes from the Leinster Council's January warm-ups. Plus there's Davy Fitzgerald's New Year's Resolution, darts fever, and Ken's celebrity rugby Christmas mass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss a weekend of phenomenal goals and whether Andy Carroll can ever overcome the challenges posed by gravity.Tony Barrett joins us to talk about Spurs' title credentials and John Stones' chilled-out penalty-box defending. And Dion Fanning was there to see West Ham complete a first league double over Liverpool in 52 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.