Second Captains @ The Irish Times

Shane Curran has written one of the books of the sporting year - he joins us to talk about his life in football, the League of Ireland, and how he can lead Roscommon back to All-Ireland glory, as manager. Shane Horgan is on hand to discuss Johnny Sexton's concussion setback, and Ken Early sings out the show as our special Christmas gift to you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Jose Mourinho's 11-man circle of magic, Falcao's neck power and why coach Rodgers isn't getting enough credit. Jonathan Wilson watched Sunderland's historic fourth win in a row over Newcastle. Tim Vickery explains why South American strikers are simply better. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s our equivalent of the Late Late Toy Show as we take a look back at the sports books of the year, review a few all time classics and talk about the art of sportswriting with Malachy Clerkin and Lawrence Donegan.Eoin Ken and Murph discuss Frozen, the worry eater, over parenting, the BOD Paul O'Connell relationship and Jose's cocktail of cruelty, vanity and lies. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph discuss the legacy of Thierry Henry, and managers' bosses signing players they don't want.Dion Fanning analyses the success of committee-based transfer dealings. Philippe Auclair explains the significance of the resignation of FIFA Ethics Committee chair Michael Garcia. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Andy Lee became the first Irishman since the 1930's to win a world title in America. Himself and his trainer Adam Booth join us to discuss Andy's future and the importance of their friendship.Gerry Thornley and Bernard Jackman look at how serious issues are for Leinster and Munster. Plus there's coach Brian, finishing the job, and Ken's gripe with SPOTY celebs. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Van Gaal's managerial masterpiece, and whether Liverpool will follow Spurs template all the way to the end.John Brewin tries to make sense of events at Old Trafford and we ask Jonathan Wilson if dropping an underperforming keeper can jolt him back into form. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Manchester City stepping up, Liverpool stepping off and the Craicageddon that ultimately engulfed Jack Charlton's Ireland team.Miguel Delaney was in Rome to see City shush the Curva Sud.And Alan McLoughlin joins us to talk about his excellent new memoir, A Different Shade Of Green. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the Paul Kimmage drugs in rugby story, postmen, Rodgers and Suarez energy, and what makes Ken happiest.US Murph joins us to discuss activism among American athletes and 49ers woe. Andy Lee has a shot at superstardom on Saturday night - Darren O'Neill and Richie Woodhall join us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ken has been in Los Angeles all weekend getting to the heart of Robbie's American dream and interviews him after the MLS final. Sid Lowe discusses marginalised Suarez and hat trick mania in Spain. Plus theres Mourinho's ballboy excuses, the importance of family and locker room aromas. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Padraig Harrington is in upbeat form as he talks to us about learning to not be so hard on himself.Munster and Leinster both lack a Plan B ahead of season-defining return games next weekend - Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan discuss. Plus there's Robbie Keane MVP, and how to call in sick to your boss. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph grab their pom-poms and dance for the King of US soccer, Robbie Keane.John Brewin sees rays of hope for Liverpool. And Hugo Borst discusses his new book on Louis van Gaal - "O, Louis". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's nothing in life more annoying than multi talented sportspeople and their obscene abilities - US Murph on some American legends.Andy Lee ahead of his world title fight in Las Vegas. Also Epstein v Gladwell, magic number of greatness, the mudlark and Ireland's 1984 LA tracksuits. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin and Ken discuss John Delaney's silence, Roy Keane's departure from Villa, and Van Gaal's Christmas break.Jonathan Wilson considers the question of whether the Premier League as a whole needs to be ashamed of itself this season. Raphael Honigstein explains why Borussia Dortmund are bottom of the league. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ahead of the Champions Cup Munster have 7 wins in a row, while Leinster lack a spark - Gerry Thornley and Denis Hickie discuss.Also renewed Connacht optimism, a new TG4 documentary series on the Galway Races, flop haired Englishmen and Stephen Hunt V GAA. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin and Ken discuss John Delaney's masterclass in crisis management, and how Anthony Daly's book sheds light on the career of Pep Guardiola.Richie Sadlier joins us to discuss Balladgate. And Miguel Delaney was impressed by what he saw at the Emirates. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph discuss sports administrator bling, THE catch and the FAI's bungled PR strategy.We talk to Michael Foley about his book The Bloodied Field: Croke Park - Sunday 21 November 1920. And there's a Thanksgiving special with US Murph See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin and Ken talk about saying the unsayable and the tragedy of Dave Whelan's 78-year old frame of reference.Dion Fanning analyses Liverpool's latest Premier League surrender. And Philippe Auclair wonders whether Arsenal are ever going to change. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jonathan Sexton talks to us about progress, Ireland's kick heavy strategy and hype. Gerry Thornley and Mattie Williams look at next step for Ireland. Katie Taylor was crowned World champion for a fifth time - London 2012 team captain Darren O'Neill reckons she's our greatest ever athlete. Plus there's Ken's appendicitis, Shane Lowry top 50, McDevitt's Monday. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Ireland's mauling of USA, discontent on the stands of the Aviva, and Van Gaal's need for precision. John Brewin fills us in on the adventures of the English travelling fans at Celtic Park. Jonathan Wilson looks ahead to Saturday's match between Arsenal and Man United. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Wallabies are in town with Michael Cheika and his wayward stars - we hear the Australian viewpoint. It turns out Tiger Woods does care about what is written about him - we speak to Dave Hannigan in America.Plus there's Darren O'Neill on Katie's grudge match, bad tippers, Tommy Timber, and Henning Berg's autobiography. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.