The Second Captains Podcast

Welcome to our weekly World Service taster menu which this week included Ken on Canham, making football great again. Bohs beating Rovers, Paul Flynn on fabulous football, Liam Rushe and Jamie Wall on hurling's hectic draws, and we have "fun and games" coming on Friday too.Get daily shows for just a fiver a month – no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ope Francis, who died today aged 88, once told the players of Celtic FC that the essence of sport lay in 'gratuitousness', to give of yourself without expecting something in return. The idealism of his message doesn't resound widely in top-level football, where the contrasting experiences of two current stars expose the calculating self-interest that fuels the professional game.Beñat Gutierrez joins us from Bilbao, European capital of football for the next few weeks to talk about their defeat last night at the Bernabéu and what they expect from the forthcoming Europa semi-final against Manchester United.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, that was something. Rory McIlroy's Masters win rightly managed to make it into most of our conversations this week, and we're not even done yet - Lawrence Donegan is slated to do his victory lap tomorrow on the World Service after finally seeing his pre-tournament prediction line up with reality. Ken also sat down with Sol Campbell yesterday, just a couple of hours before Arsenal dumped Real Madrid out of the Champions League once and for all. And a debate raged between our listeners and Ken over whether Bob Dylan is really up to much after all. To sign up for daily, independent, member-led broadcasting, go to secondcaptains.com/join where you'll pay just €5 a month plus VAT, with no minimum contract.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Rory McIlroy’s open heart captivated the world last night, we identify the anti-McIlroy who has become the symbol of the Premier League 24-25.We survey the gallant efforts of the sports media to spin gold out of the straw of the past weekend and inspect some of the suggestions that have been put forward to revive football as a spectacle. Jonathan Wilson and Nick Ames join us to talk about the weekend’s PL action. What was the buzz at Anfield as Arne Slot’s team closes in on the title? Would Kevin de Bruyne be a good short-term signing for another of the big Premier League clubs? And… you know… what did they make of the golf?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After what must surely have been one of the most amazing days of sport any of us has ever seen, Rory McIlroy did what it often seemed he never would: won at Augusta and joined the very, very short list of golfers who've won a career Grand Slam. And he did it in the most 'Rory McIlroy at The Masters' way imaginable. We're joined in studio by Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times and Gavin Cooney of the 42.ie to breathe it all in, to bask in it, and to relive it less than twelve hours later. Plus there's Jim Nantz's Crying Game, Lawrence Donegan the occasional oracle, and where Rory goes from here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly World Service taster menu which this week includes Ken on his all-time Prem XI, Prince William's tactics masterclass before the Villa PSG game, Cork's march to an inevitable All Ireland hurling title and we ask Lawrence Donegan to take responsibility for Rory not yet winning The Masters. We also covered Munster's magic day in La Rochelle, Rice's free kick glory, Madrid in crisis and we have a pol pod coming on Friday too.Join in the fun for just a fiver a month – no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you felt some almost imperceptible shift in the world this weekend, the minutest tilting of the Earth on its axis, perhaps, there can only be one coherent explanation: it was the county of Cork and the province of Munster reclaiming their positions at the centre of the sporting universe. The first righting of the celestial wrong came in the Stade Marcel-Deflandre on Saturday evening, as Jack Crowley did what Cork-born Munster outhalves do: stepped into the pocket and slotted a drop goal to put Munster two scores ahead of ROG's La Rochelle. Twelve minutes and a whole lot of drama later, the full-time whistle blew with Munster victorious. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley join us in studio to chat through an incredible game full of heroics, emotion, atmosphere, momentum swings, 50/50 ref calls and nostalgia.On Sunday the Cork hurlers thumped Tipperary in Páirc Uí Chaoimh to seal their first league title since 1998, with a good old-fashioned pitch invasion thrown in for good measure. Plus there's Mick O'Dwyer myths busted, Coombes' block, Mick Galwey on a JCB, and Leinster's 62-0 win in Croker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken, Branno and Mark went to Dalymount Park in search of vitriol - and they found it - but also nearly all of the other emotions on an evening that veered wildly between blind rage and helpless laughter. If everyone can agree the LOI is in a good place the same is not universally said of the Premier League where most of the teams are giving the impression that they would quite like to be on holidays already.Mark Critchley and Jack Pitt-Brooke join us to talk about the weekend's PL football. Did we just witness the worst Manchester derby of all time? If so, who is to blame? Where does Kevin de Bruyne stand in the pantheon of football greatness? And what chance remains of Ange fulfilling his cursed second-season prophecy?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly World Service taster menu.Join in the fun for just a fiver a month – no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The most cinematic moment in world football this weekend happened at Dalymount Park as Moses Dyer hammered in a killer second goal for Galway United to plunge Branno, among many others, into a world of pain. Today he takes us behind the veil of darkness as we try to reckon with Bohemians' 5 defeats in their last 6 games. We also discuss Newcastle's JFK moment, the latest developments in Robbie Keane's chase for the Hungarian championship, and the reaction to a controversial tweet in which somebody claimed to have quite enjoyed their six-week stay in Dublin. Is this a shark-jumping point for Ken's favourite app? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a positive weekend for Irish rugby with the women's team getting a near flawless 8 try victory in Italy, Leinster's B / C team taking down Siya Kolisi's star studded Sharks in Durban, Ulster showing further signs of life against the Stormers, and Munster's halfbacks steering them to a win over Connacht. And even Connacht, as bad as they were at times, can feel they got something out of the game with two losing bonus points, a sellout crowd and a small footprint made in GAA territory.We chat to Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about the occasion in Castelbar, Connacht's great attack and terrible defence, Jack Crowley's contract situation, Leinster's defiance in Durban ahead of Quins in Croker, and the total transformation in the Irish women's team over the last 12 months.Plus there's "Lunnachts", Murph's Leaving Cert drinks and Munster's trip to ROG country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a special edition of the show for you today; we’re putting yesterday’s conversation with David and Chantal Sneyd about their son Dylan, out free to all. There was a phenomenal reaction from our members and we felt this one should be shared as widely as possible.When Dylan was two David and Chantal grew concerned that he hadn't yet started to speak. They spoke to their GP who referred Dylan for further assessment, and so began the Sneyds' long and still ongoing struggle to navigate the Irish healthcare system.Dylan has since been diagnosed with autism, a diagnosis which brought David and Chantal some relief, but it was hard-won: interminable HSE waiting lists meant they eventually had to opt for a private assessment, years after that initial GP visit. David and Chantal joined us in studio to describe what life over the last four years has been like for them, the huge frustration that they and thousands of other families around the country feel in trying to access basic services for their children, and what they think the future holds for Dylan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mayo and Kerry both spent time yesterday in the relegation zone, but they’ll spend this week looking ahead to a Division 1 final in Croke Park after a daft last day of the National Football League.Paul Flynn and Conor McManus look at this strange, fun, league campaign in full, with some flowers for newly-promoted Monaghan, and we go down through the divisions in search of possible championship bolters to put up a challenge to a faltering Dublin in Leinster.We also discover the truth behind Paul Flynn’s history with the shin-pad, courtesy of a listener, and Eoin tells us about the time he met the late, great George Foreman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two comeback wins in four days, new options announcing themselves all over the pitch - just a couple of months on from getting wiped out 5-0 by England, it feels as though things are going... well?Damien Delaney and Richie Sadlier join us to talk about the playoff victory against Bulgaria and where the Irish team is at, eight matches into Heimir Hallgrimsson's tenure. For Damien in particular, this is a big moment. He is ready to love again.Plus there's Evan Ferguson's parking, Good Will Hunting and have we got Ronaldo rattled? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let us take you by the hand and guide you through another week of independent, member-led broadcasting on the Second Captains World Service.This week we had Ken on victory in Plovdiv, Murph and Branno on The Moose's caboose, we discussed the ultimate "conesman" Anthony Barry and his 5,000 throw-ins, and with Ireland's recent slide in standards we asked Gerry Thornley and Chris Jones of the BBC what impact Andy Farrell's absence and Nienaber's coaching style at Leinster may be having on the national side.For all this and more, visit secondcaptains.com/join where you can sign up now for just €5 a month, with no minimum stay, no sign up fee and no ads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Burn, Eddie Howe, Yasir Al-Rumayyan: they dream the same dream, they want the same thing. At least they all did at Wembley Stadium yesterday evening. As for tomorrow, who can say... Rory Smith of the Athletic joins us to talk about the game. How did Newcastle so comprehensively get the better of the league leaders? And how does the result affect the perception of Liverpool's season, which still looks likely to end with a Premier League title? James Montague, who has a new book coming out next week on Saudi Arabia's takeover of world sport, was also at Wembley to witness Newcastle's day of destiny. We talk about what the victory meant for the Newcastle fans, the commitment of the PIF to further successes with Newcastle, and the rhetoric of human rights in the age of autocracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let us take you by the hand and guide you through another week of independent, member-led broadcasting on the Second Captains World Service. Our first stop, the port of Stockholm via Darwin Nunez's - if not unforgivable then certainly unforgettable - penalty shootout miss against PSG on Tuesday evening. After a light lunch, we'll take in a conversation with one of the great sportswriters Donald McRae about his new boxing book, The Last Bell, and finish with last night's Madrid derby, as Ken goes microscopic on another penalty: Julian Alvarez's. Oh, and there's a bonus stop off at Big Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new Manchester circus tent. For all this and more, visit secondcaptains.com/join where you can sign up now for just €5 a month plus VAT.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland only had to make four tackles in the opening 18 minutes of this game, and they were ahead against a Dupont-less France early in the second half. But it was a worrying capitulation after that as Galthie's men scored 42 points in a game that will linger long in the memory.We talk to Shane Horgan, Chris Jones of the BBC and Ruaidhrí O'Connor of the Irish Independent about what went wrong after 18 minutes, what they could have done better in those opening 18 minutes, who was at fault for the avalanche of points conceded in the second half, the impact the yellow cards had on the result, King Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Sam Prendergast's mixed performance, the long term implications of the result, and our desperate need for speed. Plus there's permutations man, Ireland's European medal rush, and why France are good for rugby.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anger stalks the land, as discontented fans rebel against owners, against prices, against the way the game is going - but is anybody listening?To answer this question we consider the case of the lesser-spotted Chelsea Football Club, with contributions from co-owner Todd Boehly and coach Enzo Maresca.If this is how things are in ‘real football’ then maybe the Sidemen vs YouTube Allstars, rather than being a portent of Antichrist, is the way of the future?Lars Sivertsen and Rich Jolly join us to talk about the games at Old Trafford and Anfield. What is people’s problem with Bruno Fernandes? On the same theme, why does Martin Odegaard also get it whenever Arsenal have a bad result? And are PSG right to be so confident ahead of tomorrow night’s second leg against Liverpool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland approach a grandchildren to tell time moment in the 6 Nations, Alisson Becker puts in a lifetimer of a performance against PSG in the Champions League last 16, Old Man Murphy likes life under Jim Gavin's rule enhancements: a small but hearty taste of our week on the World Service. If your appetite is sufficiently whetted, go to secondcaptains.com/join for member-led, ad-free broadcasting now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maybe he picked the wrong week to be away. Last week brought probably the decisive matches of the Premier League and a fight pitting Ian Harte against all the League of Ireland managers. This weekend was the FA Cup, arguments about the quality of balls, a story about a player disrespectfully bringing his dog to training. With the Champions League promising bigger things later in the week, Ken reviews his time in Miami and his trip to the really-quite-far-away Chase Stadium: did the jewel of South Florida live up to Will Smith's billing? We also talk about Manchester United's latest defeat, as is tradition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin McDevitt has been covering every corner of the island in the last couple of weeks, including a trip to Belfast on Saturday night for what turned out to be an explosive and highly controversial fight between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan.Last week Cian Healy, Conor Murray and Peter O'Mahony announced they would all retire from Irish rugby at the end of the season. We talk to Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan about how the three have evolved over the years, their relevance to this game against France, the challenge posed by Dupont and his teammates and why Ringrose is a big loss against this rapid looking French backline.New Zealander Clayton McMillan will be Munster's head coach next season, which is seen as bit of a coup by the IRFU. We look at his background, his achievements with the Chiefs in Super Rugby, his approach to management and why Munster need this one to work.Plus there's Felix Jones' return to South Africa, creating hostages to 6n fortune, and the sound of rowing silence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly world service best of show which this week includes Rory Smith and Wilson on Liverpool's seemingly unstoppable title march, Andy Lee on how he and his fighter Jospeh Parker coped with Daniel Dubois withdrawing from their title fight at such short notice, our chat down in Cork with the much decorated Olympic champion rower Fintan McCarthy and Murph and Eoin get stuck into the GAA goalie debate as Murph Lovejoy pleads "won't someone please think of the shot stoppers".Join in the fun for just a fiver a month – no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 18-10 down and a man down, against a transformed Welsh team, Ireland were heading for one of the great 6N shock losses; but thanks to some pragmatism, some brilliant kicking by Gibson Park and James "air" Lowe, Easterby's side eked out a win in Cardiff to secure the Triple Crown and keep their Grand Slam hopes alive.We chat to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble about the nature of the second half recovery, some of the errors that meant they had to come from behind, Ringrose's red, Prendergast's ups and downs, brilliant Bealham and Scotland's missed kicks.Another Sunday afternoon, another GAA golador makes a seasonal re-appearance.  7 days after Michael Murphy's return, David Clifford started his first game under the new rules and got 3-3 to fire Kerry past Tyrone.  Why are all of Gaelic football's biggest names looking so happy/enthusiastic this February?Plus there's the latest string to Jamison Gibson Park's bow, Bundee's war face, 6N permutations and the Fenton factor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While our Chief Soccer Correspondent is chasing the GOAT in Miami, the rest of the football world continues to roll on, or in the case of the English Premier League the word trundle may be better applied, as Liverpool look to have it wrapped up in February. We have Dion Fanning in the studio and Mark Critchley on the line to look back at a weekend that saw Arsenal slip up, Salah stake a claim for the Ballon d'Or and Manchester United say to their beleaguered staff it’s soup or nothing.We also reflect on the enormous outpouring of love for our chat with Charlie O’Leary on the World Service and reveal whether or not a spliff was offered to us on the DART. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly world service best of show which this week includes Charlie O'Leary meeting The Pope, Dion on Stephen Bradley taking on the FAI, Sharlene on the pressure of running the 400m relay final leg, plus we covered the 6N, Nunez's miss, City's fall and all the PL and CL stories and next week we review Man City V Liverpool and Wales V Ireland, chat to Andy Lee and will be all over the women's internationals and big GAA matches.Join the party for just a fiver a month—no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Ciarán Murphy (zero All-Irelands, zero All Stars) sidelined, Paul Flynn (six All-Irelands, four All Stars) joins us in the studio to look back at a gusty weekend of National League football, while Conor McManus (three All Stars, greatest Monaghan player in history) joins us on the line. We chat friend-of-the-show Michael Murphy's return featuring a tribute to 2006 era Zidane, Dublin's wind-assisted win in Tralee and the secret rule scenario.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look back on yesterday's supersized Dublin derby: was it a great success, did Bohemians sell out their values, and does anyone care with the moose on the loose?We also discuss whether Stephen Bradley was right to BLAST Heimir Hallgrimsson for his tactless if generally complimentary pre-Christmas remarks about Shamrock Rovers.Gavin Cooney and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk about the weekend's Premier League action. Are highly-paid modern-day footballers really entitled to be injured? Should Ruben Amorim bend or break? And when did they realise their inner reactionaries had taken control?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘All THIS?! FOR ONLY FIVE EURO A MONTH?!’, is what you’ll be saying after listening to this week’s World Service taster menu. Come see if our selection of tantalising hors d’oeuvres can’t tempt you to try our whole member-led, ad-free buffet? Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The magic of the FA Cup cast its spell as Plymouth slew the giants of Liverpool - but is it really still magic if the giants don't care?Ange Postecoglou responded to another Tottenham defeat with a harrowing speech about the chronic injury situation. Is even the injury situation also all Postecoglou's fault? And does playing more games make you more or less likely to get injured? We try to make sense of conflicting evidence.-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 points from 10, two of our three 6N rivals beaten, the three in a row still on, the slam still alive, and a young outhalf improving by the week - these are salad days for Irish rugby!We chat to Shane Horgan and Ruaidhri O'Connor about the win, a dismal Scottish display, Sam Prendergast's performance, French butchers, England finding their Fin, concussion protocols and who Easterby should select for the Wales game.Plus there's a comprehensive 6N permutations slot, the fun police are out, and ROG delivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'All THIS?! FOR ONLY FIVE EURO A MONTH PLUS VAT?!', is what you'll be saying after listening to this week's World Service taster menu. Come see if our selection of tantalising hors d'oeuvres don't tempt you to try our whole member-led, ad-free buffet? Just go to secondcaptains.com/join now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At half time on Saturday a lot was on the line for Ireland as they trailed England 10-5; there was the 2025 6N, the shot at winning an historic three in a row, and there was the fear that a great Irish team was in terminal decline. Second half tries from Bundee, Beirne and Dan Sheehan put some of those issues to bed, and sent Irish fans home happy and glorious.We chat to Ruaidhri O'Connor of the Irish Independent and Tom English of BBC Scotland about how Ireland eventually worked out England's defence, the impact of Jack Crowley, Dan Sheehan's incredible recovery from an ACL rupture, and how the Scots are shaping up ahead of the match in Murrayfield.Plus there's the performance of DJ Mark McCabe, a capella Fields Of Athenry, and Rory's battle with Lowry for prestige, and loads of cash, at Pebble Beach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly world service best of show which this week includes Ken eating humble Arsenal pie and then hitting his apology quota for the year, a monster 6N preview, US Murph's lock of the week, Villa's victory and volatility, and a whole load of permutations.Join the party for just a fiver a month—no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the dawn of a new era for Gaelic football we’ve got one of the greats of the last two decades, Conor McManus, on the show to talk about retirement and the GAA 2.0.With the Football League underway the ''New Rules'' are finally the rules. Paul Flynn and Conor chat to us about this brave new world of the tap and go, 2 point arcs, reduced shithousery and stranded keepers.Plus there's Ciaran Whelan's giant gloves, International Rules and a gloating Eagle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Oliver tried to plunge another dagger into the heart of Arsenal but his wicked plan backfired as the substitute he caused to be introduced, Riccardo Calafiori, scored the winning goal against Wolves. At least that's one popular narrative of what happened at Molineux on Saturday. We discuss whether Oliver might be the real victim of injustice here. Ruben Amorim has turned 40 and his comments on Marcus Rashford are getting more unpleasant. Is there a strategy here or is Amorim simply getting meaner with age?John Brewin and Rich Jolly join us to talk about the weekend's football. John was at the Vitality Stadium to see Andoni Iraola's Football of the Future. Rich saw Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov make contrasting debuts for Manchester City. We also argue over whether Daniel Levy is to blame for Ange Postecoglou's continuing purgatory at Tottenham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly world service best of show which this week includes Ken's Man City eulogy, hatin' on Dublin superclubs and US Murph on "the drop" and the rookie QB lighting up the playoffs.Join the party for just a fiver a month—no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack Crowley gave two brilliant try assists, kicked a touchline conversion, made big tackles, launched counter attacks, caught high kicks, geed up the crowd, and at the very end of Munster's game in Northampton, made a line break that could have secured home advantage for the Champions Cup Round of 16. It wasn't quite enough for Munster, but will it be enough to get him the Ireland 10 jersey?If Leinster wanted to stress test their blitz defence then they had just the man in Finn Russell, who put Bath into a 14-0 lead and later a 21-19 lead, forcing Leinster to go into attack mode. We learned something new about holes in Leinster's defensive system, but also about just how good they can be in attack, when they really need to be. We chat to Shane Horgan and Ruaidhri O'Connor about a weekend of thrills and spills, Munster's trip to La Rochelle, ridiculous Toulouse and the Leinster way.Plus there's Leinster's X problem, heavy metal poison and Novak's gripe with an Aussie tennis broadcaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes as a manager you have to take the opportunity to do a quick victory lap. On Saturday evening at the G-Tech, Arne Slot felt the time was right. Darwin Nunez in his occasional thrilling moments of success can have that intoxicating effect on people. We also talk about a weekend of heartbreak for Arsenal, hear about Jose Mourinho's latest commercial venture and catch up on FIFA president "Johnny" who has joined the thousands of pilgrims making their way to Washington today to kiss the feet of the god emperor. Mark Critchley and Nick Ames join us to talk about the weekend's football. What is Ruben Amorim hoping to achieve by describing his team as possibly the worst in the history of Manchester United? How is it that Brighton can keep regenerating into new forms with different players and coaches and still maintain such a consistent level? And has the Arsenal board's thinking around Arsenal's squad strength changed in line with Mikel Arteta's shifting rhetoric?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's World Service pod two of the finest footballing minds in our stable, Rory Smith and Jonathan Wilson, tried to answer an existential question: just who or what is Declan Rice as a footballer? And who should he be aiming to be? Earlier in the week, serial All Ireland club title winner Oisín McConville joined us to chat about how brilliant Peter Canavan's sons Ruairí and Darragh have been for Errigal Ciarán ahead of their club decider against Cuala this weekend. And a determined Brian Murphy joined us for our weekly NFL playoffs slot after a weekend in which he went a paltry 3 out of 6 in predictions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not even the La Rogelle fans waving half Munster / half La Rochelle flags could stop Leinster on Sunday afternoon, as a world class defensive effort led by Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier soaked up the pressure to secure a third win in a row over their old rivals. That's the battle won, but ROG wasn't long reminding us all that the war happens in May.It was an enthralling European Cup encounter in keeping with the previous evening's fare in Thomond Park; do we have our Champions Cup back? We chat to Chris Jones of the BBC and Shane Horgan about the entertainment factor, the Thomond factor, Munster playing with guts and their gut, if Leinster can and should remain in battle mode, and the simple, vital brilliance of the John Hodnett and Joe McCarthy tries.We get all the permutations for Munster and Leinster's games against Northampton and Bath, and a few unnecessary extras, Murph fills us in on Connacht’s Mayo move, while Eoin reveals a themed party featuring James Lowe cocktail sticks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I think the Arsenal team felt that maybe today is not their day." Ruben Amorim's newly resilient Manchester United had their best day so far, knocking Arsenal out of the Cup with ten men. The next question: can they do it in front of their own fans? Miguel Delaney joins us to discuss the situation at Arsenal with appropriate understanding and compassion. As it enters the sixth year, is this Arteta project still on track? Are Arsenal going to do anything in what remains of this transfer window? And who is the currently-down-on-his-luck super-striker whose signing could change everything? Ken has a Big Idea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our weekly taster of the world service which this week included TGL golf, the Buffalo Bills, Robbie's move to Hungary, Arsenal's self image, Musk's monarchy, Spurs' win over Liverpool and Var.Join the party for just a fiver a month—no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday night at the Ally Pally 17 year old Luke Littler became the youngest world champion in darts history, and he made it look easy. Given his youth, popularity and alcohol-free path to greatness, has he changed the sport forever?We chat to long time darts fan and darts journalist for The Guardian, Jonathan Liew, about the sport's moment in the sun, darts parents, Littler's talent, the historical link between pubs and darts, the "no excuses" sport, and what's with all the double 10's?We discover the “no reindeer suits in the press box” rule, and Murph is back from his holidays in New Zealand - did he meet any All Blacks while he was over there? Funny you should ask… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three weeks ago we hailed the Amad-inspired win at Manchester City as the moment when Ruben Amorim truly became the manager of Manchester United. United promptly lost the next four games in a row. Today we hail another new dawn. Amorim really is getting his feet under the table now...We also talk about the meteoric rise of a Premier League chairman of days gone by, sifting through current social media posts, AI slop and legacy media lies in search of a clear picture of the elusive Rupert Lowe. Dion Fanning and Lars Sivertsen join us to analyse the weekend's football. We need to talk about Trent (again) obviously - but we also talk about Amorim's interesting reaction to United's much-improved performance, the latest refereeing injustices visited upon Arsenal Football Club, and just what this Savinho guy thinks he is doing out there with Erling Haaland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a taster of the world service which this week included Arsenal fan feedback, Rhys McClenaghan's risk reward ratio, Leinster being fully Bokked, and the legendary Timmy McCarthy on his philosophy on life and basketball. Join the party for just a fiver a month—no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil Atkinson and John Brewin join us to talk about the weekend's football. How has Mohamed Salah unlocked his current level? What specifically do Liverpool fans find most annoying about the prospect of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid? And as Sean Dyche becomes a cultural touchstone - is he still a footballing one? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in September, the Second Captains crew flew to London for a live show at the EartH Theatre Hackney. But, as a very special added bonus, we also got to sit down with Pogues legend Spider Stacy at his very own kitchen table which, unsurprisingly, was one of our favourite episodes of the year. With that in mind, today we're making it free for everyone to listen to. Merry Christmas!--With the North London derby just a couple of days away, we decided to take the temperature on the ground with a local Arsenal fan.That fan just so happens to be the legendary Spider Stacy of The Pogues, who invited us into his home to chat about his boyhood club but more importantly, for a beautiful conversation about how he’s dealt with the passing of his dear friend Shane MacGowan, how music has been a balm for his grief, and the amazing life Shane lived.Plus there’s the Spider verdict on Ricey and a brief detour to talk tricolours of the French revolution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before our final pre-Christmas football show, Ken bought himself an early Christmas present which reveals the unsuspected parallels between Pep Guardiola and another dark brooding superhero. We discuss the continuing leakiness at Manchester United and whether Trent Alexander-Arnold should make a multimillion pound donation to the billionaire John Henry in order to make Liverpool feel better about not renewing his contract a couple of years ago.Rich Jolly joins us after covering the two biggest games of the weekend. Have City's players stopped playing for Guardiola? Which of the generation of young ex-City Academy superstars currently ripping up European football might they have been better off keeping? What is 'weird' about Angeball? And who was the pick of a pretty impressive bunch for Liverpool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Second Captains World Service we had Stephen Kenny in studio for his first major broadcast interview about his time with Ireland, we had an emotional chat with US Murph about his 2024 highlights, we spoke to Gav Cooney about Spurs' madness and Rovers in Europe, we discussed Mudryk's positive test and we hosted a quiz that was both a massive success and a massive failure.Join the party for just a fiver a month—no contracts, no sign-up fee, no minimum stay, no hidden charges, and no ads. Head to secondcaptains.com/join for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.