Second Captains

Was Ireland / Poland the moment the Irish sports fan fell back in love with the idea of attending big football internationals? Ken defends the poor put-upon Irish footballer, and Anthony Moyles and Oisin McConville join us in studio for a requiem for Gaelic Football. Plus there's Ken's weekend of hate, and we tell you the difference between the Irish fan at home and abroad.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the must-win game that Ireland didn't win last night. Ken gives his controversial players ratings, Eoin reveals his secret affection for Ireland's most underrated player. Dion Fanning gives his reaction to the performance and Brian Kerr analyses how Ireland's improvement came about and the chances of escaping the group.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran reminisce about past Ireland-Poland matches, their fear of giant Polish strikers and reflect on football's insecurity in the face of Ireland's rugby glory. Richard Sadlier joins us to talk about whether Sunday's match against Poland is a must-win for Martin O'Neill's side, and if James McCarthy's personality is a help or hindrance.

We're joined by Seamus Hickey, Limerick shop steward for the Union of Hurling Defenders, fresh from their celebrations after Henry Shefflin's retirement. Gerry Thornley tells us why rugby will never be the same again after last Saturday, and we discover the Second Captains Pyramid of Power, the link between Brian Cody and Humphrey Bogart, and the importance of hugging.

Eoin and Ken discuss the sports photograph of 2015, the Grealish mystery, and what modern football fans could learn from the serene positivity of Juan Mata. Tony Barrett joins us to reflect on what might have caused Steven Gerrard's meltdown. And Emmet Malone reports from the Ireland camp where the players have assembled ahead of Sunday's game against Poland.

An unprecedented weekend of celebration for Ireland as we are simultaneously crowned men's and women's 6 Nations champions for the first time ever. Ireland's brilliant centre Jenny Murphy is joined by Shane Horgan, Matt Williams and Denis Hickie to recap two days of sporting madness. Plus there's Mike Brown's thinly-veiled barb at his northern cousins, Anthony Hopkins tears, and why Phil Jones would have been handy in Twickenham on Saturday.

Shane Horgan and Shane Jennings tell us what Luke Fitzgerald 2.0 will bring to the Irish team and why an enthusiastic Cian Healy is suited to starting games. US Murph tells us about the NFL player who has walked away from a mult-million dollar contract over concussions concerns. Plus there's power plays, the link between Ronaldo and Steven Fletcher, the art of cutting people, and always betting on the tall guys.

Eoin and Ken discuss the greatness of Lionel Messi and how inadequate he must make all the other players on the pitch feel. Richie Sadlier joins us to talk about the peculiar humiliation of the nutmeg and the possible reasons for the Premier League's European failure. And Sid Lowe gives his impressions from last night's spectacular display at Camp Now.

Eoin and Ken discuss Wayne Rooney's public relations judo, Jose Mourinho's bad mood, and the scene most reminiscent of the climax of Watership Down in recent sporting history. Miguel Delaney has spent the last few days on Mourinho-watch, as the PSG fallout descends. And as Sunderland wave goodbye to their eighth manager in seven years, Jonathan Wilson wonders why they always seem to get it wrong.

The Grand Slam is gone, but we think Ireland are still in with a great chance of winning the 6N... Gerry Thornley and Mattie Williams are not so sure the sparkle will return in time for Murrayfield. Clare were All-Ireland champions in 2013, but the internal strife in Davy Fitzgerald's camp was laid clear in Saturday's Irish Times - we talk about the "isolation and humiliation" felt by one player who left the panel last week. Plus there's shamrock on the brain, Ken's Neil Francis obsessions and one Celtic captain's night on the tiles.

Ireland - Wales is the biggest rugby game since our last game in the 6 Nations, but that's just the way it is when a Grand Slam is on offer. Shane Williams, Shane Horgan and our own pocket-rocket Simon Hick are on hand to tell us why Joe Schmidt and Warren Gatland aren't about to over think this one. Johnny Ward of the Racing Post joins us to look ahead to the Gold Cup on Friday, plus there's Jeremy Clarkson, the eternal presenter/producer struggle, and AP McCoy's face in a crisp.

Eoin and Ken hail David Luiz and Thiago Silva, the kings of Stamford Bridge. Who does Jose Mourinho blame for Paris' triumph? And why does he act as though it's impossible to win a game by more than one goal? Jonathan Wilson joins us for a closer look at Chelsea's failure. And Emmet Malone is on hand to analyse Martin O'Neill's latest Ireland squad.

Eoin and Ken discuss the glitch in Messi's game, some misplaced angst about Ireland v England, and Wenger's vigilante justice. Dermot Corrigan reports from Madrid, where Messi and Ronaldo's fortunes seem linked but divergent. Raphael Honigstein joins us to discuss doping and memory in German football.

Ireland keep winning, so what's the big problem? But Matt Williams reckons our brand of rugby won't make the sort of impact our team are capable of making at the World Cup. GAA referee David Gough was told not to wear a rainbow wristband in Croke Park during the Dublin-Tyrone league game - we speak to the man himself. And there's middle-aged cheats in Lycra, Mark English's racing intelligence and poor ol' Lance.

We discuss Jose Mourinho's eternal quest for beauty, the amplifying power of football on Twitter, and tyrant body doubles. Richard Sadlier joins us to analyse the ethics of spitting and the progress of Louis van Gaal. And Emmet Malone is in to look forward to the big kick off of the Airtricity League.