The archive
Every episode
Showing the most recent 50 episodes from the public feed. Members get the full back catalogue going back to 2013, plus the daily World Service podcast.
-
001 28 May 2026 · 25:24World Cup Wonder, The McGuinness Melee, The Value Of Assists
Welcome to fight week on the Second Captains world service! There was a Donnybrook in Dalyer, the McGuinness melee in Kerry and Keano and Bruno fighting on the internet. Plus we have a champions league show tomorrow and Monday, and coming very soon, the World Cup in Canada/USA/Mexico which will be really weird and really interesting. Its a fiver to join, it takes 30 seconds, you have instant access to every show we’ve ever done, and all the top stuff coming up such as Ken at the World Cup, the Champions League final, Rory’s majors quest, the URC playoffs, the hurling championship, and the fallout from the McGuinness incident. GO TO secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
002 25 May 2026 · 47:33Ep 3559: Leinster Get Dismantled, Move Fast And Win Things, Jim McGuinness Throws His Weight Around - 25/05/26
The other four Champions Cup finals Leinster lost were all close, winnable and heartbreaking for fans; this defeat to Bordeaux however was over after 20 minutes and deeply concerning for all involved. We chat to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble about all the things that went wrong in Bilbao, and what this means for Leo Cullen, Nienaber and Irish rugby. And in a weekend of massive games in hurling and gaelic football the Kerry/Donegal half-time brouhaha could yet have long-term repercussions for Jim McGuinness, if the lengthy ban for Dublin's Ger Brennan was anything to go by. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
003 25 May 2026 · 1:31:04Ep 3558: Good-Bye To All That
A day of goodbyes - Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Seamus Coleman, West Ham United. Ken gives his Premier League team of the season, and you … to be honest, you won’t be surprised by too many of his picks. Dion Fanning and John Brewin join us to talk about the end of the Premier League season. How good a season was it? Does Pep Guardiola leave Manchester City having proved himself the greatest manager of all time? And who is most likely to step up and challenge the new Arsenal supremacy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
004 21 May 2026 · 27:11Arsenal Celebrate, The Choker Fallacy, SpyFall
Welcome to winners week on the Second Captains world service! Arsenal are Premier League champions again after 22 long years, and Villa ended a 30 year wait for a trophy with their Europa League win last night. We got in touch with friend of the show Dara O’Briain and Jacob Hawley of the Screen Rot podcast, to reflect on Arsenal's journey these last few years under Arteta and to discuss the whole "choker" fallacy. We also examined the fallout from Southampton's expulsion from the Championship playoffs, we preview the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals, we grapple – not entirely successfully – with UEFA’s new format for the Nations League and European Qualifiers, and wonder if Carlo Ancelotti has done the right thing by including Neymar in the Brazil squad? Coming up tomorrow we have hurling and next week its Champions League and FIFA World Cup build up. Its a fiver to join, it takes 30 seconds, you have instant access to every show we’ve ever done, and all the top stuff coming up such as Ken at the World Cup, the Premier League and Champions League deciders, Madrid continuing to be insane, Rory’s majors quest, Leinster in the champions cup final, the munster hurling championship is getting red hot, and the football championship is getting real tasty too. GO TO secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
005 18 May 2026 · 57:18Ep 3553: Westmeath Dismantle Dubs, Armagh Take Ulster, Working Class Golf Hero - 18/05/26
After last Sunday's heroics Roscommon may have thought they had the 2026 Cinderella Team mantle all to themselves, but yesterday in Croke Park Westmeath took that title from them, and took the Leinster title for only the second time in their history. Dara Ó Cinnéide and Paul Flynn were watching an insane day of Gaelic football - a day where Monaghan even came painfully close to turning over another pre-game favourite, before Armagh finally captured their first Ulster title since 2008. Plus there's Ken on the GAA's talent drain to Love Island and we salute golf's new working-class hero, Aaron Rai. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
006 18 May 2026 · 1:29:14Ep 3552: Ken The Tim, Alonso Calling, The Four Mysteries, Ireland In Shadow, Salah Uprising, Yeats Fisherman - 18/05/26
Most of the world wanted Hearts to win on Saturday but this little corner of it was an exception. Eoin swoons at the romance of his close personal friend Martin O'Neill becoming a champion again at the age of 74 while Ken confesses that technophobia has driven him into the sweaty arms of Celtic FC, a reassuringly old-fashioned, incompetent football entity. Rory "Jambo Unchained" Smith was at Celtic Park to see Celtic win the league. We talk about the game, the glory, the SCENES, and whether Hearts can do it again. Rory also analyses "the four mysteries" of Xabi Alonso joining Chelsea. Why didn't Liverpool show any interest? And do we really believe big Arne will still be there at the start of next season? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
007 14 May 2026 · 22:58Cheat Week, Madrid Meltdown, Why Not Alonso?
Welcome to cheat week on the Second Captains world service! It all started with the Arsenal West Ham VAR fallout and got progressively murkier as the week went on with the Southampton "Spygate" saga, Celtic's questionable late penalty against Motherwell and Florentino Perez calling out all the haters and losers at Real Madrid. There was also the news this week that Chelsea are looking to get Xavi Alonso as their next manager, news that astonished Ken given Liverpool seem a better fit and given how Liverpool's season has gone with Slot in charge. Coming up tomorrow we have the latest in our series of Fiesta Fridays ™ - last week it was Seve - this week it's bullfighting culture wars. Its a fiver to join, it takes 30 seconds, you have instant access to every show we've ever done, and all the top stuff coming up such as Ken at the World Cup, the Premier League and Champions League deciders, Madrid continuing to be insane, Rory's majors quest, Leinster in the champions cup final, the munster hurling championship is getting red hot, and the football championship is getting real tasty too. GO TO secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
008 11 May 2026 · 54:33Ep 3548: The Rossies Take Connacht, Murph As Condom, 'Egomaniacs' Returns - 11/05/26
The newest member of our championship punditry team, Dara Ó Cinnéide - already getting rave reviews - was at Dr Hyde Park to see Roscommon pip Murph's Galway to their first home win in a Connacht final in a quarter-century yesterday. Dara and Paul join us to chat about a huge day for the Rossies, the first provincial finals of the summer, Jayo Sherlock, and how, for David Clifford, it's all in the eyes. Plus there's Willie Hegarty's commentary par excellence and the return of the finest barber in the west. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
009 11 May 2026 · 1:35:46Ep 3547: Arsenal So Close, Starlizard FC, Anger Farmers, Southampton Spy Ring, Madrid Psychodrama
Arsenal are nearly there. As the manager flailed wildly with random substitutions, David Raya and Martin Ødegaard stood up to make sure that when the referees stepped up to rule on the climactic, decisive melee, Arsenal already had the crucial edge. We go through the fallout, and also talk about the Southampton spying scandal, while Eoin confesses to a faux pas in the presence of an unusually glamorous and sophisticated colleague. Nick Ames and Rich Jolly join us to talk about the West Ham-Arsenal VAR drama and debate some eternal questions. Is football's tottering refereeing system in need of urgent action to save it? Or is it actually working about as well as can be expected, but being sabotaged by a poisonous alliance of the cheating players and managers who disregard the rules, the self-righteous morons who watch them, and the entrepreneurial anger-farmers who whip everything up? Oh and Real Madrid we haven't forgotten about you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
010 8 May 2026 · 23:16Arsenal Double Or Quits, Guehi's Blunder, Seve Special, Mbappe On His Holidays
Welcome to our World Service taster show. This week was dominated by Arsenal Football Club, who could now win it all, or nothing, but either way should be allowed celebrate the wins along the way? We also covered PSG's second leg defensive masterclass, Guehi's blunder, Man Utd's next manager, Leinster and Ulster making European finals, footballers taking mid season holidays and we dedicate our Friday show to one of our all time sporting heroes, Seve Ballesteros. Click the player at the top of the page to play this taster show. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. It’s 5 euro a mont, there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series’ ‘Where Is George Gibney?’ and Stakeknife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
011 4 May 2026 · 1:07:53Ep 3552: Leinster Wobble And Win, Leo's Lecture, Porter Power, Happy Ulster, Randle Reverse - 04/05/26
As Leinster eased into an 18 point lead with 12 minutes remaining in their Champions Cup semi final, everyone in the stadium could finally put that Northampton nightmare behind them, right? We chat to Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley about that late wobble and what caused it, how such a good team can also look so vulnerable, big Joe McCarthy saving the day, the blitz gamble, Leo's lecture to the media, Porter power, and the massive challenge posed by Bordeaux in the final. We also discuss power plays, Ulster finding happiness, and the Randle reverse review at Munster. Plus there's at swim two podcasters, the right runners and McDevitt's marathon wish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
012 30 Apr 2026 · 26:16What Makes Football Great?
Welcome to our World Service taster show. This week was all about PSG Bayern and what makes for a great game of football. We interviewed Harvey Vale about his decision to join Ireland, his Chelsea years and rejecting a move to the Saudi leagues. We also covered the Arsenal Atletico Madrid peno farce, the fallout from Munster's appointment of Roger Randle (a move that has since been cancelled), LBJ's presidential manners, Leinster's return to the thunderdome, and coming up we have Flynn and McConville on football, and the Champions League second legs. Click the player at the top of the page to play this taster show. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. It's 5 euro a mont, there’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series’ ‘Where Is George Gibney?’ and Stakeknife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
013 27 Apr 2026 · 56:22Ep 3537: Wall & Canning On A Wild Hurling Weekend, Marathon Goes Sub-Two, Ulster's Lambing Championship - 27/04/26
It’s the Jamie and Joe Show today, as Messrs Wall and Canning are together for the first time this summer to react to Cork’s thrilling 2-point win over Limerick in Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday, and the chaotic draw that Tipperary and Waterford played out a couple of hours later. Cork were winners but with a few question marks, Limerick are going to Ennis next week without Aaron Gillane and Cian Lynch, Tipperary are in trouble, and Wexford are going nowhere. And that’s only a taster of today’s hot takes. Eoin unleashes a vicious tirade on the sub-2-hour marathoners, Ken wants a return to barefoot running, and why feeling a little disrespected is vital when trying to win Ulster championship games during lambing season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
014 27 Apr 2026 · 58:25Ep 3536: Ifs, Buts, and LBJ's Nuts - 27/04/26
What if Robert Sanchez hadn't been able to buy Chelsea some breathing space with a possibly-imaginary injury? What if the ref last week had sent off Khusanov for fouling Havertz? What if Mikel Arteta and Daniel Farke weren't both believers in the philosophy of "you only complain when you're winning"? Pep Guardiola was buzzing throughout Manchester City's victory at Wembley though at times appeared to be struggling with his trousers: friend of the show Lyndon Johnson shows how it's done. There's news from Scotland, from Turkey and Murph transcending ancient value systems. Summer is here and everyone is getting involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
015 23 Apr 2026 · 29:51Why Arsenal, Chelsea Age Rosenior, Spain Show The Way - 23/04/26
Welcome to our World Service taster show. This week we covered Rosenior's Waterloo, Cucurella’s mouthy barber, why the haters hate on Arsenal, Spain's approach to the climate crisis and renewable energy, Katie for Croker, and coming up we have the Champions League semis, Joe Canning on hurling, Dave Hannigan on Roy Keane's early days in Cork, the Champions Cup semis and the GAA football championship is heating up nicely too. Click the player at the top of the page to play this taster show. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series’ ‘Where Is George Gibney?’ and Stakeknife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
016 20 Apr 2026 · 50:58Ep 3531: Superpundit Joe Canning Joins The Pod, Championship Hurling Is Back, What About Westmeath - 20/04/26
The hurling championship has begun and we have a brand new pundit for the summer, as Galway's greatest-ever hurler Joe Canning joins us. He had a front-row seat in Thurles for Cork-Tipperary yesterday, and he talks to us about the envy he feels watching the Munster championship. He was also watching on as his native county Galway tore Kilkenny apart in Pearse Stadium on Saturday evening. Cork were good, Tipp were flat, Galway are young, Clare are leaky... and next weekend is going to be massive. None other than Eoin McDevitt was in Aughrim for Dublin's narrow escape against Wicklow in the first round of the Leinster football championship, and we also salute Westmeath, who were full value for their shock win against Meath in Tullamore, scoring 4-18 in the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
017 20 Apr 2026 · 1:25:39Ep 3530: It's Happening Again...? - 20/04/26
It's done. Or is it? Is it done? It was hard to know how to feel at the end of that, as Arsenal played one of their best games in many weeks but still ended up ceding the title initiative to Manchester City. City still need to win six games - and even then they can't be 100% sure. We talk through a great game that concluded a great PL weekend with Jonathan Wilson and Jamie Hamilton. Did the game conform to the pre-match narratives, or defy them? Why is Rayan Cherki "the most important footballer in the world"? With teams now regularly conceding goals due to taking crazy risks in defence they're not actually equipped to handle, is it time to rethink the principles of build-up play? And if Arsenal do finish the season with nothing, where does that leave Mikel Arteta? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
018 16 Apr 2026 · 21:25Science Slot, Arteta On Fire, Orban Lit, McClean Media, Dub Doubt - 16/04/26
Welcome to our World Service taster show. This week we went deep on Liverpool's problems on and off the pitch, and in the medical room; we rejoiced in the splendour of Bayern - Madrid and recoiled at the ugliness of Arsenal Sporting. Plus there's McClean's social media output, Paul Flynn on the football championship, Arteta on fire and Sneyd & Branno on the latest young star to emerge from the Rovers academy. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series’ ‘Where Is George Gibney?’ and Stakeknife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
019 13 Apr 2026 · 1:00:46Ep 3525: McIlroy The Master All Over Again - 13/04/26
Why, asked Rory McIlroy these past few days, have one Masters title when you can have two? And why win smoothly when you can terrorise your home country instead? It was another wild and ultimately joyous weekend for McIlroy at Augusta and we're joined by The 42's Gavin Cooney live from Georgia and The Sunday Times' Michael Foley to take it all in. Plus there's old green-fingers Paul McGinley, the agony and the ecstasy of ace-shootin' Shane Lowry, and the return of Van the Man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
020 13 Apr 2026 · 1:29:19Ep 3524: Arsenal in the Underworld - 13/04/26
We're into what looks like the defining week of the Premier League season, as nine months of Mikel Arteta's careful order, structure and planning may just be about to be confounded by the spirit of pure chaos in the form of Rayan Cherki. Lars Sivertsen and John Brewin join us to talk about the weekend's football. Why did the Emirates boo at the end of Saturday's game? Have Arsenal's efforts to hype up their title run-in fixtures proved counterproductive? How have Manchester City of all people apparently been anointed as the People's Champions? Is this finally it for Spurs... and might that actually be a good thing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
021 6 Apr 2026 · 51:38Ep 3519: City Burn Liverpool, Chelsea Hammer Enzo - 06/04/26
The Champions League quarter-finals is usually one of the most exciting weeks of the football calendar and an entertaining bunch of FA Cup quarter-finals got things off to a good start, with family members of participants like Maria Guardiola and Danny Dyer adding to the gaiety, and Finn Azaz, Ryan Manning and Tomas Soucek experiencing reversals of fortune. Arsenal began "the most beautiful part of the season" with defeat at Southampton but they're still going to do it right? There's nothing to worry about... right? Meanwhile, Liverpool completed their three match series against Manchester City this season and their record reads: played three, lost three, scored one, conceded nine. How have Slot's team come to be so awful? We also speculate as to why Chelsea have come down so hard on Enzo Fernandez for giving the same "South American player would probably rather play in Spain" interview nearly every South American Premier League footballer gives on a regular basis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
022 2 Apr 2026 · 25:29Prague Comedown, Italian Football Surrenders, Tiger Tanks, Writing Rory
Welcome to our World Service taster show and this week it's all about the Prague come-down and the build-up to the Masters. As we watched on with horror as Czechia booked their place at this summer's World Cup, Ken was able to find the slimmest of silver linings; at least we're not Italian. And as Rory aims to go back-to-back at next week's Masters, we speak to some Golf writing Big Beasts as Kevin Van Valkenburg joins us to chat about the latest ignominious episode in the world of Tiger Woods and Alan Shipnuck stops by to chat Rory! To become a member and hear our shows all week it costs 5 euro a month and there’s no ads, no sign up fee, no minimum stay, no contract, and we’re independent and member led – go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
023 30 Mar 2026 · 1:15:13Ep 3514: We Can't Go On, We Must Go On, ScapeGoat Hunt, The Keys Of Navarone
Passing through the latter stages of grief today. Eoin, on the hunt for victims, puts Ken in the dock, accusing him of blaming the Ireland fans for our defeat in Prague. On the positive side, at least being out of the World Cup frees us up to talk more about the shadow of evil looming over the tournament. Elsewhere - Roberto de Zerbi might be about to take over at Tottenham, and thanks also to Richard Keys for doing his part to brighten up a depressing weekend. Dion Fanning joins us in studio to pick over the bones of our shared dreams. Does he support Ken's alleged astonishing attack on the Ireland fans? What about the listener who believes it's time to SACK Heimir? What really went wrong out there? And how are we all feeling about tomorrow night, where the next chapter begins against North Macedonia? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
024 30 Mar 2026 · 44:41Ep 3513: Donegal In Different League, Michael Murphy's Red Mist, Kick Out Central, The Wicklow Way - 30/03/26
The pain of Thursday night will last a long time in all our hearts, so let's hold hands and podcast together. Oisin McConville joins us to discuss Donegal's one sided league final win over Kerry, Michael Murphy's baffling yellow card, the huge influence kick outs now have on the game and his own heartbreak after Wicklow failed to gain promotion to Division 3. Plus there's disappearing Dresden, "Comfortably Numb", and Branno on the beat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
025 27 Mar 2026 · 35:08The World Cup Dream is Dead, Prague Week Ends
The World Cup Dream is Dead, Prague Week Ends It’s goodbye to Prague, farewell Denmark, so long Azteca Stadium. Over and out from Czechia. We reflect on the final whistle. We’re in Berlin after one of the great weeks on The Second Captains Podcast (before the extreme heartbreak took over). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
026 23 Mar 2026 · 1:09:04Ep 3506: Prague Week Beginneth, In The Studio With Kenneth, Man City Cup Winneth - 23/03/26
Prague Week starts with Kenny Cunningham joining us in studio to talk about how he wants to see Ireland approach the World Cup playoff on Tuesday night. Caution: Kenny's team may shock you. We talk about the Carabao Cup final, and whether the tactical match-up of baiting the press vs refusing to press is the worst thing ever to happen to football. While all this is happening Ken goes out to Abbottstown to hear the latest from the Ireland camp, where John O'Shea and Nathan Collins were holding court. Plus Arne Slot's use of resources, Chelsea's misbegotten alignment strategy, and whether basic overexposure to football is making Ken more irritable with the kinds of goals he sees teams giving away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
027 23 Mar 2026 · 48:26Ep 3505: National Football League Drama, Michael Lyster Memories - 23/03/26
Kerry and Donegal are in the Division 1 final, Cork and Meath have won promotion, Armagh and Galway survive, Dublin are relegated, and even that fails to tell the full story of a thrilling last day’s action in the national football league. Ger Brennan lost his composure at half-time in Salthill, and his team lost their composure thereafter; David Clifford continues to do David Clifford things; and Meath are no longer a breath of fresh air, they’re a real threat - Paul Flynn is in studio to talk us through it all. We also remember Michael Lyster, the man who presented coverage of 77 All-Ireland finals for RTE in a stellar broadcasting career with the Sunday Game, who died yesterday aged 71. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
028 19 Mar 2026 · 20:48Prague Week, Heimir Seeks Calm, Retro Mo, Pep's Legacy
Welcome to our World Service taster show and this week it's all about the build-up to the World Cup Playoff against Czechia. We will be in Prague next week, in the heart of the action, broadcasting two shows a day from our balcony. We also had retro Mo, Pep's legacy, Rosenior's notes, Saint Parrott's Day, and coming up we have Gary Breen on the Iran 2001 playoff, and next week its more build up to the match in Prague, and the fallout from Man City V Arsenal. To become a member and hear our shows all week it costs 5 euro a month and there’s no ads, no sign up fee, no minimum stay, no contract, and we’re independent and member led – go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
029 16 Mar 2026 · 1:03:14Ep 3500: Ireland's Crown, Rugby Fun, Murph's Sixth Nation Sense - 16/03/26
Thomas Ramos' kick in the 83rd minute of the last game decided the championship, broke Irish hearts, and was one of hundreds of epic moments that made up the greatest Six Nations yet. We chat to Shane Horgan and Andrew Trimble about the quality of rugby on display, Ramos' reliability, Pollock's winner/loser moment, McCloskey's massive influence on Ireland, Crowley's best performance in green, Farrell's contract situation and all the positives that have come out of this tournament for Ireland. Plus there Murph's Sixth Nations Sense, a Roscommon divided and Baloucoune showing Darcy Graham he was there for the taking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
030 16 Mar 2026 · 1:06:32Ep 3499: Chelsea Respect The Ball, Pep's Annus Mirabilis, Max Power, Anfield Slot Changed, Save Us Didzy
Is the future like a black highway at night? What does it really mean to 'respect the ball'? And is there anything in the game with such universal appeal as an implausibly aged footballer? We pick the likely player of the year candidates and discuss why Manchester United's transformation under Michael Carrick is Arne Slot's biggest problem in more ways than one. Rory Smith and Rich Jolly join us to talk about the weekend's football. Max Dowman brings joy. Has this been Guardiola's worst week? And are Liverpool really serious about backing Arne Slot all the way through to 2027? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
031 13 Mar 2026 · 25:04Spurs Spiral, ROG's Advice, Panenka Kick, The Trip To Prague
Welcome to our world service taster show. To become a member and hear our shows all week it costs 5 euro a month and there’s no ads, no sign up fee, no minimum stay, no contract, and we’re independent and member led – go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
032 9 Mar 2026 · 57:02Ep 3494: Old School Old Firm, Hell Ball, Brother Turns Against Brother - 09/03/26
Rangers and Celtic timed their run well, staging a chaotic Scottish Cup quarter-final heightened by some old-school “disgraceful scenes” on an FA Cup weekend to finally get some overdue coverage on here. But are Old Firm riots as stirring as they used to be? The archive audio suggests otherwise. But - as we bemoan the violence crackling everywhere in the air, what about journalist-on-journalist violence - or journalist-on-influencer, or ant-on-elephant, or whatever you would call the astonishing attack launched by one of the people in this studio on the world’s most famous football reporter? Ken explains why he was wielding his tiny knife Tom English was at Ibrox to see the Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic, and shares his impressions of the Day of Shame (plus a few thoughts on Scottish rugby’s Day of Pride). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
033 9 Mar 2026 · 1:02:29Ep 3493: Swashbuckling Scots Set Sail For Dublin, Making History In Rome, Perms-a-Plenty, Plans For Prague - 09/03/26
Scotland defeated France 50 points to 40 on Saturday in one of the greatest northern hemisphere performances of the professional era, and are now in the frame for the 6 Nations championship… after losing to Italy in the first round. They face Ireland in Lansdowne Road next Saturday, a team Gregor Townsend has lost to 11 times in a row. We chat to Shane Horgan and the BBC's Chris Jones about the swashbuckling Scots, Ireland's predictable but winning rugby against Wales, France's old frailties, the Italians creating history in Rome, and where to next for Steve Borthwick's shambolic England team. The Scotland rugby whisperer takes his latest victory lap, then puts on his permutations man hat ahead of the final weekend of games, and we have some exciting plans for the playoff game in Prague. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
034 5 Mar 2026 · 50:35Bonus Episode: Phantom Publics and the Reality of the Edogbo Racist Abuse
We have a special bonus World Service podcast for you all today. The show you’re about to hear caused quite a stir amongst our members over the past week, many of whom suggested it should be released free to air. So here it is. Edwin Edogbo made his debut for Ireland against Italy earlier this month. The experience was marred by online racist abuse he suffered on Irish Rugby channels, culminating in comments on X being blocked by the IRFU. The reaction to this was one of anger, outrage and despair. Since then, we’ve been taking a look at from who and from where these comments originated, and the story is a little more complicated. Mark speaks to Dr Eileen Culloty, Associate Professor in the School of Communications in DCU where she’s also Deputy Director of the DCU Institute for Media, Democracy & Society about the rise in co-ordinated online attacks, the numbers involved, and the idea that what we are now paying such attention to are ‘phantom publics’. Do these posts reflect where we are as a society and did they receive appropriate media coverage? Thanks to our members, we get the opportunity to delve a little deeper on stories like this. Please support independent journalism and join us today for just 5 euro a month at secondcaptains.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
035 2 Mar 2026 · 56:49Ep 3488: Kobe’s Star Rises, Lowry’s Latest Collapse, Allianz Sponsorship Protests - 02/03/26
The GAA weekend saw games in both the hurling and football leagues, but looming over all that was the protest at Congress in Croke Park that saw Jarlath Burns and his top table brought face-to-face with anti-Allianz protestors. Paul Flynn is with us to try and prize apart which parts of the GAA behave like a corporate entity, and which would rather remain amateur. We also discuss the Kobe McDonald phenomenon, and Cork's implosion in Derry on Sunday. Meanwhile Bundee Aki is back in the frame for Ireland selection, Stuart McCloskey is Eoin's favourite sportsman... and how Shane Lowry's late implosion at the Cognisant Classic in Florida last night will haunt him for months. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
036 2 Mar 2026 · 1:18:46Ep 3487: Slot Tunes Out, Mile High Irish, IFAB Conflab, Boehly's Minerals, Domestic Banners - 02/03/26
Chelsea’s record 24-25 loss impressed a lot of people, but today we hear from Todd Boehly’s appearance at a conference in Miami where it became clear that Chelsea is about the least interesting item in his current portfolio. Dion Fanning and John Brewin join us to talk about the weekend’s Premier League action. Arsenal ground out another crucial win, but Arne Slot, for one, wrinkles his nose in disgust at what they have done to the game. But in an age of 30-man squads and 16-man teams, is greater top-down control by coaches inevitable? Meanwhile, the IFAB meeting in Wales coincided with the worst weekend for VAR nonsense in some time - but will any of the new ideas lead anywhere good? We also are glad to see that as our national day approaches, Premier League teams are reaching out to the corduroy breeches community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
037 26 Feb 2026 · 30:22Gianni And Friends, Posting On X, Canada And USA
Edwin Edogbo made his debut for Ireland against Italy earlier this month. The experience was marred by online racist abuse he suffered on Irish Rugby channels, culminating in comments on X being blocked by the IRFU. Mark has been taking a look at where these comments originated and spoke to Dr Eileen Culloty, Associate Professor in the School of Communications in DCU where she’s also Deputy Director of the DCU Institute for Media, Democracy & Society about the rise in co-ordinated online attacks, This week on the World Service we also discussed Infantino's values, Canada's painful loss to USA in ice hockey, Snoop Dogg at Swansea, how the hell Bodo/Glimt are doing this, Everton's scrums, Ireland's win over England, plus there's hurling on Friday, Ireland Czechia build up next week, and more 6 Nations ahead of the Wales game. To become a member and hear our shows all week it costs 5 euro a month and there’s no ads, no sign up fee, no minimum stay, no contract, and we’re independent and member led – go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
038 24 Feb 2026 · 1:17:17Ep 3481: Spurs Go Arse Up, The Melancholy Of Private Rice, Skinny Legs In Libreville, Bored Of FIFA
Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk through the North London derby - a near-historic margin of victory for Arsenal, yet a victory that felt almost routine. Will this settle the nerves? Has big Vik answered the critics? Could Arsenal benefit from a night in the old Tuesday Club style? Meanwhile, have Spurs been wise to appoint a fixer-coach who favours an unfamiliar system? How has a club this rich fallen this low? And how low can they still go? We also talk about FIFA's new role in burnishing the public image of Trump's Board of Peace initiative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
039 23 Feb 2026 · 1:03:12Ep 3482: Ireland Hammer England, Gibson Park's 10, Rugby Makes No Sense - 23/02/26
Italy beat Scotland. Scotland destroy England. Ireland hammer England; the rugby punditry predictions flag is flying at half mast today. Shane Horgan, author and journalist Brendan Fanning and 3 time Six Nations winner with England, Mike Brown, join us to try and make sense of a competition that makes no sense. Ireland now score tries from deep, from transition, throw offloads, have pace on both wings, and have a scrum half who appears to have seen the exam papers before the exam. Plus there's Farrell's celebrations, Finn Russell's restart and England's total collapse of the heart Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
040 23 Feb 2026 · 1:17:36Ep 3481: Spurs Go Arse Up, The Melancholy Of Private Rice, Skinny Legs In Libreville, Bored Of FIFA
Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson join us to talk through the North London derby - a near-historic margin of victory for Arsenal, yet a victory that felt almost routine. Will this settle the nerves? Has big Vik answered the critics? Could Arsenal benefit from a night in the old Tuesday Club style? Meanwhile, have Spurs been wise to appoint a fixer-coach who favours an unfamiliar system? How has a club this rich fallen this low? And how low can they still go? We also talk about FIFA's new role in burnishing the public image of Trump's Board of Peace initiative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
041 19 Feb 2026 · 31:58Packers' Irish Punter, Arsenal's Title Tension, Jose's Blame Game
Welcome to our weekly World Service taster show! This week we spoke to Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan in studio about his journey from Greystones United to the NFL; Ken covered Arsenal's ongoing title wobble; we looked at Jose's Vini blame game; Jack Pitt Brooke gave us the skinny on Spurs' new coach ahead of the North London derby; Paul Flynn came in to chat about football in 2026, and we build up to England V Ireland in the 6N and the omission of Sam Prendergast from the match day squad. To become a member and hear our shows all week it costs 5 euro a month and there’s no ads, no sign up fee, no minimum stay, no contract, and we’re independent and member led – go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
042 16 Feb 2026 · 55:50Ep 3476: Ireland v Israel, Baden-Baden 20 Years On - 16/02/2026
Last week, while the rest of the team worked desperately to cover a series of world-shattering football stories, Ken was peacefully wintering at Baden-Baden. He returns with news of the Upper Rhine, where people are, as ever, keeping themselves to themselves. Today we talk more about the implications of Ireland’s Nations League draw against Israel. The matches currently look likely to go ahead as scheduled in late September and early October. But should they go ahead? And can such a decision be made without putting the question to another General Assembly vote? We also talk Troy Parrott, Harry Kane, and Keith Andrews finally getting the credit he deserves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
043 16 Feb 2026 · 1:07:55Ep 3475: Ireland Survive, 10 Debate Turns Ugly, McCloskey Magic, England Think Again - 16/02/26
Ireland have their first win of the Six Nations, but form and confidence are still eluding Andy Farrell's team. as the out-half debate rages on and the scrum continues to struggle. Shane Horgan and author and journalist Brendan Fanning pick through the issues at 10, the quality of Ireland's tries, and the Lynagh disallowed score. The BBC’s Tom English joins us to talk about Scotland’s astonishing win over England in Murrayfield and if it was all down to the coaching, or the 6 Nations Rugby Gods. We also discuss the racist abuse suffered online by Edwin Edogbo. Elsewhere there was Murph’s trip to Tralee, the benefits of preparation when dealing with adverse weather conditions, and an eventful post-mortem at a 40th birthday party he wasn’t invited to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
044 12 Feb 2026 · 30:25Rainy Night In Sunderland, Czechia's Change Of Fortune, Frank Failed, Korean Memories
Welcome to our weekly World Service taster show! This week we discussed the sacking of Frank and Dyche, Liverpool's rainy night in Sunderland, Ratcliffe on Britain, Winter Olympics Brannecdotes, Operation Grand Slalom, Irish rugby's reboot and Czechia's change of fortune. To become a member and hear our shows all week it costs 5 euro a month and there’s no ads, no sign up fee, no minimum stay, no contract, and we’re independent and member led – go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
045 9 Feb 2026 · 32:01Ep 3470: Bad Bunny's America, Seahawks Destroy Patriots, Melee By The Lee, Hurling Manliness - 09/02/26
The Seattle Seahawks were heavy favourites to win Super Bowl 60 last night, and that's exactly what they did - absolutely dominating the New England Patriots and their young quarter-back Drake Maye. Brian Murphy has his chest out and his shoulders back after his beloved home city of San Francisco did a bang-up job of hosting the week-long party, and he joins us for his post-game thoughts. Cork are three from three in the National Hurling League, so why is Ben O'Connor so upset about things? And are his words going to help his team win the All Ireland? And we salute Bad Bunny, who delivered the goods in the half-time show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
046 9 Feb 2026 · 54:30Ep 3469: City Reignite Title Race, VARCE, Keith Andrews' Origin Story, McClean In Midfield - 09/02/26
With two late goals at Anfield the Premier League title race went from stone cold, to flaming hot. To pick through the Manchester football revival, the VAR farce, Brentford's brains, the pep in Pep's step and James McClean's new midfield general role we chat to Mark Critchley of The Athletic and Gavin Cooney of the42. Our Dublin based LOI insider was in Lansdowne Rd yesterday for a subdued Sunday affair and Eoin takes a look at the Keith Andrews origin story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
047 5 Feb 2026 · 26:07Saudi Money, Howe Low, Jamestown Analytics, Epstein Economics
Welcome to our weekly World Service taster show! This week we discussed Ronaldo's value to the Saudis, Eddie Howe's rep, Shels using Jamestown Analytics and the ongoing fallout from the latest release of Epstein files. To become a member and hear our shows all week it costs 5 euro a month and there’s no ads, no sign up fee, no minimum stay, no contract, and we’re independent and member led – go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
048 2 Feb 2026 · 1:20:10Ep 3466: Forget it Pep, It's Artetatown - 02/02/26
Just one week after wondering if the run-in pressure might get to Arsenal we are - once again - handing them the Premier League trophy after they extended their lead at the top in a chaotic and unpredictable weekend. Lars Sivertsen and Gavin Cooney join us to talk through the action. A lot of people probably gave up on Tottenham-City with Guardiola's team 2-0 up at half-time. They missed an unexpected and glorious Spurs fightback which laid bare the identity crisis plaguing Guardiola's team. The new City is packed with powerful finishers, but lacks the masterfield midfield tempo-setters who made sure the game was played the way Guardiola wanted it. Has Pep stuck around just long enough to see his life's work slipping into ruin? We also discuss Manchester United's rediscovered sense of destiny, Cole Palmer's future, Liverpool's future-focused transfer policy, and who really deserves to win Manager of the Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
049 29 Jan 2026 · 28:11Jose Forever, Arteta's Antics, Madrid Rot, Penrose On Heated Rivalry
Welcome to our weekly World Service taster show! This week we discussed an epic end to the Champions League league phase, Arsenal's Premier League wobble, Arteta's body language, Heated Rivalry, Jose's appeal, Madrid rot, the NFL playoffs, and on Friday it's a Winter Olympics preview. To become a member and hear our shows all week it costs 5 euro a month and there’s no ads, no sign up fee, no minimum stay, no contract, and we’re independent and member led – go to secondcaptains.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-
050 26 Jan 2026 · 48:49Ep 2461: Shackle-less Gaelic Football As The League Returns, Mayo's Andy Moran Impact, Hooter Hijinks - 26/01/26
The Gaelic football season is back, and after a winter spent poring over stats sheets and risk-reward scenarios, it looks like the coaching class of 2026 decided to throw the shackles off and have some fun. Paul Flynn is in studio to talk to us about the Andy Moran impact in Mayo, the most impressive of the young guns we saw taking over games this weekend, why the hooter is an agent of confusion, and the extent to which protests over Allianz’s sponsorship materialised. Plus there’s snow-day in the NFL (the American version), and another very busy weekend in Dingle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.