Irish Football Weekly

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by Macdara Ferris, Paddy McCarthy & debut boy Stephen Kavanagh to look back at all the action the past week. Rovers stutter once again at the hands of the Saints in Inchicore, Derry go top, Drogs get their first win of the season, cards galore in Ballybofey while Dundalk complain about the Showgrounds.  Dave Donnelly and Rebecca Creagh are on to chat all things WNL as the Women's game back underway last weekend.  Finally we review the fixtures for this weekend ahead of the first Dublin Derby this Friday night in Tallaght Stadium!  Have a listen, and if you like the content why not follow, subscribe and leave a review!  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined again by Dave Donnelly and Macdara Ferris as we look back at the action from the double header weekend. Do we now have a title race on our hands after Derry securing a late victory against Rovers? Have the champions made a mistake not replacing Alan Mannus? Is Stephen Bradley the find of the season after his incredible start at Dundalk? Why are Pats stuttering and much more!  Have a listen, and if you like the content why not follow, subscribe and leave a review!  Enjoy! 

On this week's episode, Paddy Mc makes his first appearance on the podcast this season as we review the action from the first round of fixtures in the Premier Division as Damien Duff's reign gets off to false start against St. Pats. Dundalk and Derry play out a cracking 2-2 draw in Oriel while Rovers cruise to a victory against the Students.  As promised last week, we have our Sligo Rovers season preview with Sligo Champion journalist Jessica Farry. Can Sligo recover after the losses of the Two Johnnies, Mahon and Kenny in the off season?  Have a listen, and if you like the content why not follow, subscribe and leave a review!  Enjoy!   

The podcast is back for the second season as we look ahead to the 2022 League of Ireland season! To kick off the new season, we have a bumper episode (over 2 hours!) to get you in the mood for Friday night. We preview the Premier Division with football journalists around the country to try answer the questions we all want to know. Is the title a foregone conclusion? Will Derry step up to challenge? How will Pats fare this year? Who will make the top 4 and much more.  Enjoy!  Dublin Clubs preview with Dave Donnelly & Macdara Ferris - 00:48-54:15 Dundalk preview with James Rogers - 54:26 - 1:15:25 Finn Harps with Chris McNulty - 1:15:37 - 1:33:56 Drogheda United with David Sheehan - 1:34:09 - 1:54:31 Derry City with Simon Collins - 1:54:44 - 2:10:48 Predictions - 2:11:01 - 2:25:00

On this weeks episode, Luke is joined by Paul O'Hehir from the Irish Daily Mirror to look back at the latest international window as Stephen Kenny's Ireland team finished their World Cup campaign strongly with a draw against Euro 2016 champions Portugal and a comprehensive win against Luxembourg. Is it a matter of time before he's offered a new contract?  After, James Rogers is back on to discuss the exit of Peak6 as Dundalk is back in the hands of former owner Andy Connolly with the support of STATSports. Where did it go wrong? What was their biggest failing? Did they have any success? Whats the biggest challenges facing the new owners?  Finally, Dave Donnelly previews the big game this weekend as Wexford Youths take on Shelbourne in the FAI Women's Cup Final in Tallaght Stadium.  Enjoy!  Ireland MNT with Paul O'Hehir: 00:00 - 43:36 James Rogers & Dundalk: 43:37 -  1:25:44 Dave Donnelly & FAI Women's Cup Final: 1:25:45 - 1:44:29

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by the returning Niall and Portuguese Football Writer Aaron Barton to look ahead to the big game in the Aviva this Thursday night between Ireland and Portugal. Can Ireland defeat the odds and go one further than last time and topple the Portuguese? Can Portugal afford to slip up in Dublin? Are the Selecção das Quinas too reliant on CR7?  Ben from the Football in Luxembourg twitter page also joins us once again as we discuss the second game of this International break as Ireland travel to Luxembourg for our final World Cup Qualifier. Can we right the wrongs of last March?  Finally, sportswriter Cian O'Connell is on to chat all things Galway United on and off the pitch after a disappointing end to the campaign losing to Bray in the relegation/promotion playoffs. 

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by Macdara Ferris and Dave Donnelly again to look back at a busy week in Irish football. From managerial coming and goings, a cracking Dublin Derby, first division playoff games to Shamrock Rovers finally clinching number 19. We cover everything!  The lads discuss the big news of the week which is the appointment of one of the biggest names in Irish football, Damien Duff at Shelbourne F.C. Having worked under some fantastic coaches (Mourinho, Hodgson, Trap), what's a Duffer team going to set up like? Is it the biggest managerial appointment in the LOI since Johnny Giles?  We chat Shamrock Rovers after they captured their 19th league title. What's the next step for Rovers? Is European football a must next season? Does the squad need a refresh?  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke and James are joined again by Dave Donnelly from Dublin Live and Emma Duffy from the 42.ie as we look back at the Irish Women's team World Cup Qualifiers against Sweden and Finland. After a narrow defeat to the Swedes in Tallaght, the Girls in Green pulled off a fantastic result against the Finns in Helsinki to get their World Cup bid up and running. Who impressed over the two games? Is it too early to pack our bags down under for 2023?  In the second half, we discuss the FAI Cup Semi final games as Pats and Bohs get set for a Dublin Derby showdown on the 28th November in the Aviva! How good is Darragh Burns? Did Bohs get away with one? Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by Macdara Ferris and Dave Donnelly from Dublin Live as we take a look back at the real Monday night football - the Dublin Derby between Shamrock Rovers & Bohs. Who is going to drop into the relegation playoff, Waterford, Finn Harps, Drogheda, are Dundalk out of the woods yet? We preview the FAI Cup semi final clashes between Pats V Dundalk and Bohs v Waterford. Will we see an all Dublin final? Can Waterford reach their first final since 2004? Are Dundalk going to make their seventh cup final appearance in a row? Finally, we take a look ahead to the Irish WNT 2023 World Cup Qualifiers against top seeds Sweden at home then a trip to Helsinki to face Finland. Can the Girls in Green get their qualification group off to a flyer?  Enjoy!  (Apologies for the poor audio in parts of the episode this week!) 

On the episode this week, Luke is joined by The Irish Daily Mirror Football correspondent Paul O'Hehir as we look back at the latest round of Irish internationals. Two wins, seven goals, zero conceded, and some excellent football over the two games. Are we now starting to finally see progress?  Afterwards, Donegal based sports journalist Chris McNulty is back on the show again as we look ahead to Finn Harps huge game in the RSC as they face a resurgent Waterford in a classic relegation six pointer.  For the final part, Paddy and James join Luke to give their point of view on the Ireland games and of course we end with the Power Rankings (I think it's obvious who is top this week!).  Enjoy!  Paul O'Hehir & Ireland Chat 00:00 - 35:36 Chris McNulty & Finn Harps: - 35:37 - 1:10:30 General Chat and Power Rankings: 1:10:31 - 1:53:54

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are joined by Barry Worthington from the Wigan Athletic fan podcast, Progress With Unity as we chat about Ireland's new 'Keano', Will Keane. We delve into what are his best attributes, his best position, Keane's recent form and more. James Rogers is back on this week as we chat about the latest at Dundalk on and off the pitch. Has there been turning point? Who's next out the door with Duffy & McEleney? Are Peak 6 selling up? Finally, the newly revamped Wesley Hoolahan Power Rankings rankings return!  Enjoy! Opening Chat: 00:00 - 17:57 Will Keane discussion: 17:58 - 39:03 James Rogers on Dundalk: 39:04 - 1:26:07 Power Rankings: 1:26:08 - 1:42:50

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are joined by Shelbourne's Rebecca Creagh and DLR Waves Coach Laura Heffernan as we look ahead to the big day on Saturday as the first ever WNL game is shown live on TV.  Simon Collins from the Derry Journal is back on the podcast as we discuss the rise of Derry City under Ruaidhrí Higgins and talk about the signing of Dundalk's marquee player Michael Duffy (who's following the footsteps of another local man and teammate Paddy McEleney) and much more!  Finally, the Wesley Hoolahan Power Rankings will be back next week with a new format and possibly a new name... so tune in!  Enjoy!  WNL Talk: 00:00-27:31 Simon Collins: 27:32-1:10:44 General Chat: 1:10:45-1:36:31

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by Macdara Ferris from Extratime.com to take a look back at all the action in the FAI Cup Quarter Final and League of Ireland clashes the past week. St. Pats and Bohs ease through as Waterford survive the Students scare. While in the league, Rovers see off Sligo and Bohs & Derry play out a 3-3 thriller in Dalymount.  The lads then turn their attention to the huge game this Friday night as they look ahead to the biggest league game of the season as Shamrock Rovers face their Dublin rivals St. Patrick's Athletic in Richmond Park. Can Pats put pressure on their Tallaght neighbours in the title run in? Will Rovers put an end to the Inchicore's side title ambitions?  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy review the results from the weekend in the League of Ireland. We discuss the standard of refereeing in the League after another week of controversial decisions, Dundalk's woes and much more.  Maynooth University Town captain Conor Dunne joins us this week as we look ahead to their game in Dalymount Park as they take on Bohs. Can the fairytale continue? Luke and Paddy also give their predictions ahead of the other quarter final ties! Enjoy! LOI Review: 00:00 - 32:20 Conor Dunne Interview: 32:21 - 52:13 FAI Cup Preview: 52:14 - 1:15:31

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by James and Paul O'Hehir from the Irish Daily Mirror to look back at action during the international break. Are Ireland making progress? Is Stephen Kenny the right man? Is the criticism over the top? Which players impressed? Niall joins us later on (while he's sitting on the train!) to give his expert opinion as we look at what players stood out and give our final thoughts after a busy week.  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Paddy and Niall (yes no Luke for once!) chat all about Ireland's massive World Cup Qualifiers coming up. Can Ireland and Kenny turn it around? Is the Irish squad good enough? The lads also chat about the FAI Cup and what has been a dismal week for Shamrock Rovers. Who will win the cup and what have we made of some of the surprise packages so far?  Enjoy!  Shamrock Rovers and FAI Cup discussion: 00:00 - 20:30 Ireland World Cup Qualifiers discussion: 20:30 - 54:20

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy (Yes, you read that right he's back!), are joined by Extratime.com reporter Macdara Ferris to discuss the second leg between Shamrock Rovers v Flora Tallinn in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round. What happened last week in Estonia? Will Rovers progress?  We look back at the last week of action in the LOI and we finish off with the 'Wesley Hoolahan' Power Rankings.  Enjoy!  Shamrock Rovers preview: 00:00-44:09 LOI Chat + Power Rankings: 44:10-1:10:02

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by Niall and Irish Examiner sports journalist John Fallon as they discuss Shamrock Rovers UEFA Europa Conference League playoff clash with Flora Tallinn and which Irish players are the 'One's to Watch' this year as the English football season gets back underway across the pond. We also bring you the latest edition of the 'Wesley Hoolahan' Power Rankings.  Enjoy! Shamrock Rovers Preview: 00:00 - 11:27 Which are Irish players are the 'One's to Watch'?: 11:28 - 54:01 Power Rankings: 54:02 - 1:21:44

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by another special guest, former Irish international footballer Gareth Farrelly to chat about his life in football. How he transitioned from a Premier League player to a League of Ireland manager to becoming a sports lawyer and solicitor today.  Later on, Niall returns as we look back at all the action of the League of Ireland clubs in Europe as Bohs and Dundalk progress to the Europa Conference League third round while domestically Shamrock Rovers tighten their grip on the league title with a victory over St. Pats last Friday night.  And the Wesley Hoolahan Power Rankings return!  Enjoy!  Gareth Farrelly Interview: 00:00 - 1:06:38 LOI Chat & Power Rankings: 1:06:39 - 1:41:28

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by a special guest, Ben from the Football in Luxembourg Twitter page to discuss the second leg between Bohs & Dudelange in the Europa Conference League this Thursday.  Also on the episode, we were delighted to welcome on former Derby and Newport defender Mark O'Brien who discusses how he overcame adversity at just 16 years of age to make it as a professional footballer. Enjoy!  Bohs v Dudelange preview: 00:00 - 32:22 Mark O'Brien Interview: 32:23 - 1:20:57

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by Niall and James as they reflect on the LOI clubs in Europe as Bohs' European adventure continues  as Sligo crash out. While in the Premier Division, the Saints go marching on, Waterford's impressive form carries on as they creep up on Finn Harps and Vinny Perth's second reign in charge of the Town is tipping along nicely.  Finally, we finish with the prestigious Wesley Hoolahan Power Rankings. Enjoy! 

IFW does... Our Euros 2020 Tournament Review  In the final episode of this euro's series, we have a bumper episode where we discuss all things euro 2020. Paddy and James are joined by 42.ie journalist Paul Fennessy and Darragh Searing from Back Page Football. We also wrap up the show with Niall to pick our tournament 11. We chat:

A bumper episode this week! On the podcast, Luke and Paddy are joined by Niall as we have a look back at the results of the League of Ireland teams in Europe while Pats go back joint top of the league.  We have former Man City and Celtic midfielder Willo Flood on the podcast to chat about his career from making the grade at City to playing in the Champions League against Arsenal.  And of course, the Wesley Hoolahan Power Rankings returns.   Enjoy! 

IFW does... Our Euros 2020 Final Preview!  In the third episode of this series, we discuss all things Italy and England ahead of tomorrow's final We chat:

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy have a look back at the results in the League of Ireland from last weekend.  Sligo Champion journalist Jessica Farry joins us on the podcast to discuss all things Sligo Rovers after their impressive victory over Bohs.  And of course, the Wesley Hoolahan Power Rankings returns.   Enjoy! 

A two hour bumper episode this week. Luke and Paddy are joined again by Niall as they look back at the weekend fixtures in the League of Ireland. Are Bohs in the title picture? Can Pats continue their challenge? Will Shamrock Rovers find another gear?  Sports journalist James Rogers joins us on the podcast once again for an in depth chat with Luke to discuss what is going on at Dundalk, the re-appointment of Vinny Perth, the sale of Chris Shields, the transfer policy going forward, Peak 6 and their future and more.  And due to popular demand, the Wesley Hoolahan Power Rankings is back baby.  Enjoy!  LOI round-up: 00:00 - 50:43 James Rogers Interview: 50:44 - 1:42:49 Power Rankings: 1:42:50 - 2:03:23

A bonus episode this week, Luke is joined by Bohs and League of Ireland legend Kevin Hunt. We talk to Kevin about his journey which took him to Hong Kong, Singapore and then to Dublin where he spent ten years at Dalymount Park.  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke is joined by Niall, James & the Irish Sun's Football Correspondent Owen Cowzer to chat about the past two Irish games and looking ahead to the triple header in September.  Shelbourne goalkeeping coach Paul Skinner joins us to discuss Shels, his own career, and the role of a goalkeeping coach.  Enjoy! 

In the second instalment of our new mini series IFW does, Paddy McCarthy (host) is joined by James Brunton and special guest Paul Fennessy, journalist from the 42.ie. The lads preview the much anticipated Euro 2020 Championships and go through the groups, giving their opinions and thoughts on how they may play out. The lads also discuss their dark horses, the games you won't want to miss and the players to look out for during the coming weeks. Music:  Birthday by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd Creative Commons — Download / Stream: https://hypeddit.com/link/h150s6 Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy discuss their thoughts on Ireland's victory over the mighty Andorra. The lads take a look at the Ireland WNT squad that was announced for the friendlies this month while reviewing the games in the Women's National League this weekend.  Athlone Town captain Kurtis Byrne joins us on the podcast and we explain why there is no Power Rankings this week... Enjoy!  Ireland v Andorra Reaction: 00:00 - 29:24 Irish WNT and WNL roundup: 29:25 - 45:24 Kurtis Byrne: 45:25 - 1:22:03 General Chat: 1:22:04 - 1:31:23

A bonus episode this week, Luke is joined Louisville City midfielder Niall McCabe.  We talk to Niall about his journey from being overlooked by scouts as a child, to working in a factory after his Leaving Cert to becoming a professional footballer in the USL in America.  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are joined again by Niall and James as we look back at which teams have impressed so far this season in the League of Ireland. We also pick our starting XI for the upcoming game v Andorra. Peamount United forward Eleanor Ryan Doyle joins us for a chat and of course we end with the 'Wesley Hoolahan' Power Rankings.  Enjoy!  LOI Talk: 00:00 - 30:28 Irish XI: 30:29 - 51:13 Eleanor Ryan Doyle: 51:14 - 1:09:27 Power Rankings: 1:09:28 - 1:21:07

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are joined by James and Niall as they cast an eye over the Irish squad picked to face Andorra and Hungary in the June friendlies.  Former League of Ireland referee Paul Tuite joins the lads to discuss the life of a referee in Ireland.  Finally, they will decide who the player of the week is in the 'Wesley Hoolahan' Power Rankings.  Enjoy! Irish Squad Announcement: 00:00 - 26:09 Paul Tuite interview: 26:10 - 1:38:17 Power Rankings: 1:38:18 - 1:57:13

A bonus episode this week, Luke is joined by former League of Ireland great Faz Kuduzovič.  We talk about his family escaping war-torn Bosnia and relocating to England, moving over to Ireland, his time at Sligo Rovers, Drogheda United, Cork City & Dundalk, his coaching journey and much more. Not to be missed, enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy round up the action from the weekend in the League of Ireland.  Luke chatted to St. Patrick's Athletic Director of Football Ger O'Brien to discuss Pats on and off the pitch and debate the merits and issues around the League of Ireland clubs running of the academies.  And of course, we decide who will top the "Wesley Hoolahan" Power Rankings this week.  Enjoy! LOI Roundup: 00:00 - 16:18 Ger O'Brien Interview: 16:19 - 1:16:35 Power Rankings: 1:16:36 - 1:33:24

A bonus episode this week, Luke was joined by former Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk forward Ciarán Kilduff.  We talked about making the grade at Shamrock Rovers and playing under Michael O'Neill, his time at Dundalk, his relationship with current Irish manager Stephen Kenny, playing in America and much more!  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are joined by Treaty United manager Tommy Barrett to discuss the League of Ireland's newest club. Sports journalist Chris McNulty joins us again to discuss the ongoing situation between Tyler Toland and WNT manager Vera Pauw. Finally, we decide who will top the "Wesley Hoolahan" Power Rankings this week.  Enjoy!  LOI Roundup: 00:00 - 12:00 Tommy Barrett Interview: 12:01- 53:15 Chris McNulty Interview: 53:16 - 1:20:01 Power Rankings: 1:20:02 - 1:33:00

A bonus episode this week, Luke was joined by El Paso Locomotive midfielder Richie Ryan.  We chat about his early days at Sunderland under Howard Wilkinson and Mick McCarthy, the hardships of football, FAI Cup wins with Sligo Rovers, his current life in the United States and much more!  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are once again joined by James & Niall as they look back at the League of Ireland action from the bank holiday weekend while also reviewing what players have stood out so far this season. Irish international Niamh Farrelly joins us to discuss her career to date and her move to Glasgow City over the winter. Lastly, we decide who our player of the week is in the 'Wesley Hoolahan' power rankings.  Enjoy! LOI Roundup: 00:00 - 36:22 Niamh Farrelly interview: 36:23 - 1:08:08 Power Rankings: 1:08:09 - 1:20:44

A bonus episode this week, Luke was joined by ex-Irish international footballer Graham Kavanagh to discuss the highs and lows of his career in England, his time playing for Ireland, Roy Keane and much more!  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are once again joined by Niall as they look back at the League of Ireland action from the weekend.   Sports journalist Simon Collins of the Derry Journal joins us as we discuss the managerial change at Derry City. Lastly, we decide who our player of the week is in the 'Wesley Hoolahan' power rankings.  Enjoy! LOI Roundup: 00:00 - 26.02 Simon Collins interview: 26:03 - 52:22 Power Rankings: 52:23 - 1:06:30

A bonus episode this week, Luke and Paddy were joined by Sligo Rovers and League of Ireland legend Raff Cretaro to discuss his career from the highs and to the lows, his Italia 90 memories, Paul Cook's bacon butty's and more!  Enjoy! 

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are joined by Niall and James as they look back at the League of Ireland fixtures from the weekend.   We discuss the establishment of the new European "Super League" and debate will this have an affect on Irish football. Finally, we decide who our player of the week is in the 'Wesley Hoolahan' power rankings.  Enjoy! LOI Roundup: 00:00 - 27.24 The European Super League discussion: 27:25 - 59:31 Power Rankings: 59:32 - 1:11:45

On the podcast this week, Luke and Paddy are joined by sports journalist James Rogers to discuss Dundalk's woes on and off the pitch this season.  Niall returns as we cast our verdict on the Ireland WNT games, and of course we decide who are player of the week is in the 'Wesley Hoolahan' power rankings.  Enjoy! LOI Roundup: 00:00 - 11.39 James Rogers Interview: 11.40 - 37:50 Ireland WNT: 37:51 - 53:21 Power Rankings: 53:22 - 1:11:22

On this weeks podcast, Luke and Paddy are joined by Donegal based sports journalist Chris McNulty to discuss the latest news surrounding the Finn Harps new stadium project.  Niall makes his Irish Football Weekly debut as we look at what a potential All-Ireland football team would look like and lastly, we decide who are player of the week is in the 'Wesley Hoolahan' power rankings.  Enjoy!

In our first ever episode, Luke, Paddy and David look back at the International break and analyse the three Irish performances against Serbia, Luxembourg and Qatar. Is Stephen Kenny the right man for the job? We also introduce the 'Wesley Hoolahan' Power Rankings.  Enjoy! 

A new Irish Football podcast coming April 2021!