The Second Captains Podcast
Listen to the award winning Second Captains free to air podcasts featuring The Second Captains Podcast and Second Captains Football. Join The Second Captains World Service and get access to our daily shows and much more. Become a Second Captains member at secondcaptains.com. - iTunes Podcast of the Year - iTunes Essentials Top 10 Podcasts of All-Time - The Guardian's 50 Podcasts You Need To Hear - Ireland's Most-Downloaded Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Recent Episodes
Ep 3488: Kobe’s Star Rises, Lowry’s Latest Collapse, Allianz Sponsorship Protests - 02/03/26
Mar 02, 2026The 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 wi...
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This Second Captains podcast covers three major sports stories: the remarkable emergence of 18-year-old Mayo footballer Kobe McDonald, Shane Lowry's devastating collapse at the Cognizant Classic where he led by three strokes with three holes to play but lost, and controversy at GAA Congress over the Allianz sponsorship amid protests about the company's investments in Israeli settlements. The episode also discusses Ireland's Six Nations chances, Dublin's league form, and Cork's heavy defeat to Derry.
- Kobe McDonald: An 18-Year-Old Sensation Taking Mayo Football by Storm
- The Heartbreak of Shane Lowry: Leading by Three with Three to Go
Ep 3487: Slot Tunes Out, Mile High Irish, IFAB Conflab, Boehly's Minerals, Domestic Banners - 02/03/26
Mar 02, 2026Chelsea’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 i...
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This episode covers League of Ireland action with Bohemians' victory over Shamrock Rovers amid political controversy around flares and government criticism. The main focus is Premier League football, particularly Arsenal's tactical approach and set-piece dominance in their win over Chelsea, VAR controversies, and concerns about Ireland's World Cup preparation regarding altitude in Mexico. The hosts debate whether modern Premier League football has become less entertaining due to excessive tactical control and VAR disruption.
- League of Ireland Controversy and Political Tensions
- Ireland's Altitude Problem for World Cup
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 block...
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The Second Captains podcast discusses FIFA president Gianni Infantino's 10-year tenure, featuring Tom Brady's praise and examining contradictory statements about Western colonialism. The episode also investigates racist abuse targeting Irish rugby player Edwin Adogbo, revealing coordinated online harassment patterns, and covers Canada's heartbreaking Olympic hockey loss to the USA amid rising political tensions.
- Tom Brady Praises Infantino's FIFA Leadership
- Infantino's Colonial Apology vs New Western Triumphalism
Ep 3481: Spurs Go Arse Up, The Melancholy Of Private Rice, Skinny Legs In Libreville, Bored Of FIFA
Feb 24, 2026Miguel 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? ...
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A comprehensive Second Captains Football podcast covering the North London Derby where Arsenal demolished Tottenham 4-1, raising serious questions about Spurs' potential relegation battle. The show features analysis from Miguel Delaney and Jonathan Wilson, discussing Arsenal's title race prospects, Victor Jokeres' performance, and broader issues around the upcoming World Cup in North America amid cartel violence in Mexico and FIFA's increasingly political entanglements.
- Arsenal's Comfortable Victory Over Tottenham
- Victor Jokeres Finally Shows Promise
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 tim...
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This Second Captains podcast dives deep into Ireland's stunning 42-21 victory over England at Twickenham in the Six Nations, a performance that completely reversed the narrative around Irish rugby after disappointing losses to France and a shaky win over Italy. The panel analyzes how Andy Farrell engineered this remarkable turnaround, what it means for Ireland's championship hopes, and examines England's shocking fragility. The discussion covers everything from the psychological aspects of the performance to specific player breakthroughs, particularly Rob Baloucoune and Stuart McCloskey, while questioning whether this represents a genuine reset or a one-off result.
- Ireland's Remarkable Turnaround at Twickenham
- The Breakdown Dominance and 'No Talent Required' Excellence
Ep 3481: Spurs Go Arse Up, The Melancholy Of Private Rice, Skinny Legs In Libreville, Bored Of FIFA
Feb 23, 2026Miguel 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? ...
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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 ong...
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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, w...
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Ep 3475: Ireland Survive, 10 Debate Turns Ugly, McCloskey Magic, England Think Again - 16/02/26
Feb 16, 2026Ireland 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 ...
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This episode covers Ireland's narrow victory over Italy in the Six Nations, Scotland's impressive win against England at Murrayfield, and looks ahead to the crucial England-Ireland clash at Twickenham. The panel discusses Ireland's concerning scrum issues, Stuart McCloskey's emergence as a key player, the Sam Prendergast vs Jack Crowley debate at out-half, and Scotland's ability to produce brilliant performances against England while struggling against other opponents.
- Ireland's Scrappy Win Over Italy
- Stuart McCloskey's Breakthrough Moment
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, Opera...
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This episode of Second Captains features a wide-ranging discussion about the upcoming Ireland-Czech Republic World Cup playoff, Thomas Frank's dismissal from Tottenham, Liverpool's recent form, and a hilarious detour into Brano's adventures at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang where he nearly lost his feet to frostbite.
- Czech Republic's Turnaround Ahead of Ireland Playoff
- Czech Manager's Controversial Comments and Style
Ep 3470: Bad Bunny's America, Seahawks Destroy Patriots, Melee By The Lee, Hurling Manliness - 09/02/26
Feb 09, 2026The 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. ...
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Second Captains delivers an energetic post-Super Bowl podcast covering Seattle's dominant 9-0 halftime lead over New England that turned into a championship victory. The show features live coverage from San Francisco with US correspondent Murphy, plus domestic GAA analysis of Cork hurling manager Ben O'Connor's controversial comments about physicality in the game. The Super Bowl discussion centers on Seattle's defensive masterclass, Bad Bunny's culturally significant halftime show, and the redemption story of quarterback Sam Darnold.
- Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show Spectacle
- Seattle's Defensive Dominance Secures Super Bowl Victory
Ep 3469: City Reignite Title Race, VARCE, Keith Andrews' Origin Story, McClean In Midfield - 09/02/26
Feb 09, 2026With 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'...
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A lively Premier League podcast discussion centered on Manchester City's dramatic 2-1 comeback win at Anfield against Liverpool, which has blown the title race wide open. The hosts debate VAR's controversial disallowance of a Liverpool goal in the dying moments, Manchester United's resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick, and Arsenal's continued march toward the title. The episode also touches on Keith Andrews' Brentford facing Arsenal and briefly covers League of Ireland's opening weekend.
- City's Statement Win at Anfield Breaks Historical Hoodoo
- The VAR Controversy: Chaos and Comedy at the Death
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...
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This Second Captains podcast episode covers diverse topics including Saudi Arabia's spending on sports versus geopolitical commitments, Newcastle United's struggles and Eddie Howe's future, analytics in the League of Ireland with Shelbourne's Jamestown model, and Peter Mandelson's political scandal. The hosts blend sports analysis with sharp political commentary, questioning the value of Saudi's football investments and exploring how modern politics has become an oligarchy.
- Saudi Arabia's Spending Priorities: Four Cristianos vs. Yemen's Government
- Newcastle's Decline and Eddie Howe's Security
Ep 3466: Forget it Pep, It's Artetatown - 02/02/26
Feb 02, 2026Just 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 unpred...
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Ken and Kieran deliver a Bank Holiday Monday football podcast analyzing the dramatic weekend that saw Arsenal move six points clear at the top after Manchester City's stunning collapse against Tottenham. The episode examines whether Arsenal's demolition of Leeds, combined with City's defensive fragility and questions about Guardiola's future, means the title race is effectively over. They also discuss Manchester United's resurgence under Michael Carrick, Chelsea's struggles under Liam Rossini, and Liverpool's defensive recruitment strategy.
- Man City's Collapse and the Title Race
- Guardiola's Detachment and City's Identity Crisis
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'...
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The Second Captains podcast delivers a lively discussion of Champions League drama, featuring Benfica's goalkeeper scoring a 98th-minute winner against nine-man Real Madrid, alongside debates about managerial styles and Jose Mourinho's enduring charisma. The show also features an in-depth conversation with Kevin Penrose, an openly gay GAA player, about the TV series 'Heated Rivalry' and his personal journey navigating sexuality and sports in Ireland's GAA community.
- Champions League Chaos: Benfica's Stunning Victory Over Real Madrid
- The Jose Mourinho Effect: Why We Keep Falling for the Bad Boy
Ep 2461: Shackle-less Gaelic Football As The League Returns, Mayo's Andy Moran Impact, Hooter Hijinks - 26/01/26
Jan 26, 2026The 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 som...
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The Second Captains podcast covers the opening weekend of the GAA National Football League, NFL playoff games in snowy conditions, and the ongoing controversy around Allianz sponsorship. The main focus is on exciting developments in Gaelic football under the new rules, with Mayo's impressive performance against Galway, Kerry's dramatic win over Roscommon, and Dublin's struggles against Donegal taking center stage. The panel also discusses how teams are adapting their tactics in year two of the rule changes, creating more attacking and entertaining football.
- NFL Snow Bowl: Broncos vs Patriots Championship Game
- GAA Rules Revolution: Year Two Brings Tactical Innovation
Ep 3460: Has The Arsenaling Begun? - 26/01/26
Jan 26, 2026Last night at the Emirates we saw the Premier League game of the season - but will it prove a pivotal moment? That's up to Arsenal and how they react. The one thing we can likely count on with Mikel A...
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Arsenal suffered a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United, prompting boos from their own supporters despite sitting top of the Premier League. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United delivered two stunning goals through Patrick Dorgu and secured back-to-back wins against title contenders. The episode explores Arsenal's growing attacking struggles, their over-reliance on set pieces, and the contrasting simplicity of Carrick's approach versus Ruben Amorim's failed system. Meanwhile, Liverpool's collapse continues, and the hosts debate whether Arsenal fans' anxiety is justified given their still-dominant position across all competitions.
- Arsenal's Crisis of Confidence: Booing the League Leaders
- The Dorgeu Wondergoal and United's Perfect Counter-Attacking Display
Welcome to our weekly World Service taster show! This week we discussed Davos, Greenland World Cup boycotts, the Beckhams, LIV V PGA, Arne Slot's low block mental block, Steve G's hair, Man City's slu...
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The Second Captains podcast dives into the world of football with their characteristic wit and irreverence. Main topics include the Brooklyn Beckham tell-all controversy about his father David, Liverpool's struggles against low-block defenses under Arne Slot, conspiracy theories about electromagnetic forces injuring San Francisco 49ers players, and various tangential discussions about celebrity culture, Steven Gerrard's alleged hair dye, and the state of modern Premier League football.
- The Brooklyn Beckham Family Drama
- The 49ers Electromagnetic Force Conspiracy Theory
People were calling this AFCON predictable but in the end, it showed us something we've never seen before in a major final - a walk-off that initially looked like a turning point in humanity's war aga...
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This Second Captains Football Pod covers an extraordinary weekend of football drama, from the chaotic AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal to Manchester United's revival under caretaker Michael Carrick. The hosts discuss widespread discontent across Premier League clubs, analyzing toxic atmospheres at Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace. They explore whether the era of transformative football managers is ending, debate the 'post-human' style of modern football, and examine Michael Carrick's prospects of becoming permanent manager at Old Trafford.
- AFCON Final Chaos: The Penalty That Never Was
- The Great Man Theory: Do Managers Still Matter?
Ep 3454: Munster Down And Out, Leinster's Sweet Draw, Dingle Drama, "Disaster" In Dubai - 19/01/26
Jan 19, 2026Dingle are the undisputed kings of heroic comebacks with late wins in the Munster final, the All-Ireland semi and now the final. We chat about a classic club final, Geaney's clutch kick, and codebreak...
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This podcast episode covers rugby analysis, including Munster's Champions Cup exit, Leinster's hard-fought victory in Bayonne, and preparations for Ireland's Six Nations opener against France. The hosts also discuss the dramatic All-Ireland Club Football final won by Dingle and Shane Lowry's disappointing collapse at the Dubai Invitational.
- Dingle's Dramatic All-Ireland Club Football Victory
- Mark O'Connor's Remarkable Journey from Australia