OTB Football
Welcome to OTB Football. It's where you'll get the finest football analysis with some of the sharpest minds in the game, we'll throw in some nostalgia, transfer nonsense and legends interviews too. Graham Hunter, Brian Kerr, Eoin Doyle, Keith Treacy, David Connolly, Jonathan Wilson, Miguel Delaney and much more too! The Football Show on Off The Ball with Eoin & Nathan. Saturday Football with John Duggan and guests. Football Off The Ball Breakfast, OTB Roadshows. Subscribe for all of that and much more.
FROM THE ARCHIVE: John Giles selects his greatest ever Manchester United XI
Back in the throes of Covid, Nathan Murphy was joined as ever by John Giles, and in this episode came just one week after Liverpool XI caused plenty of debate (yes, Trent again), it’s time for an even bigger task: John’s all-time Manchester United XI — with a clear cut-off point of around 1960.
From Peter Schmeichel in goal to an Irish double-act at full-back with Denis Irwin and Tony Dunne, John explains every call, including a no-nonsense centre-half pairing of Nemanja Vidić and Jaap Stam.
In midfield it’s Scholes, Keane and the “best I ever play...
FROM THE ARCHIVE: John Giles selects his greatest ever Leeds United XI
Back in the midst of Covid Nathan Murphy was joined by John Giles for a weekly Thursday night treat, but in this episode they begin with sad news as Leeds and Republic of Ireland great Trevor Cherry passes away suddenly at 72, coming so soon after Norman Hunter. John reflects on Cherry’s character, versatility and the bond within that legendary Leeds dressing room.
Then it’s into the main event: John picks his all-time Leeds United XI.
They also chat Project Restart, player safety, and why it’s “too dangerous” to rush football back.
Ahead of...
WATERFORD’S RICHY WALSH: ‘The busiest week of my life!’ | Securing Lonergan’s future | NEW FAI Cup Final kit | OTB FOOTBALL
Beat’s Odhrán Johnson spoke with Waterford FC COO and Director Richy Walsh after Waterford booked their place in the Club Orange FAI Cup Final in the Aviva on November 8th! He reveals that Waterford are releasing a special new kit for the final, which will go on pre-sale tonight at 7pm!
The League Of Ireland on Off The Ball.
FOOTBALL DAILY: Reynolds breaks Bohs silence and criticises Rovers | City cash out against PSG | Celtic back in Lisbon
Phil Egan is with you for Thursday’s Football Daily, and it’s a packed one — starting in the LOI as Bohemians boss Alan Reynolds fires back at Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley after the fallout from Monday night’s heated Dublin derby at Tallaght Stadium.
We hear why Reynolds feels Rovers’ post-match celebrations helped spark the flashpoints, and we look ahead to St Pat’s v Shelbourne with Vinny Perth on why Stephen Kenny hasn’t given up on the title race.
Plus, Champions League reaction as PSG beat Manchester City at the Etihad, Liverpool and...
THE LOI POD: Is the title race over before it started? | Derry and Waterford book FAI Cup date
Stephen Doyle is joined by Gareth McGlynn and Vinny Perth on this week’s LOI Pod as the SSE Airtricity Premier Division season heads for the finish line.
We react to a huge weekend: Shamrock Rovers’ derby win over Bohemians and what it means for their title run, plus the talking points from the full-time scenes afterwards.
There’s also plenty on the FAI Cup finalists, with Waterford and Derry City booking their Aviva date — including praise for Pádraig Amond, Michael Duffy, Ellis Chapman and the management job Graham Coughlan is doing.
Plus, we...
FOOTBALL DAILY: United at war as Lisandro goes rogue | Iraola backs Wirtz | Moylan on the mark
It’s a packed Football Daily with David Wilson as Michael Carrick reflects on a five-game winless run and a hurting dressing room, while midfielder Andrey Santos apologises to travelling fans and insists the squad still believes in the manager.
We round up a busy Champions League night, including Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Lille and Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka’s impact off the bench, plus all the other key results across Europe.
Looking ahead, Liverpool face LASK amid a growing injury list, while Manchester City prepare for PSG with the financial charges backdrop still...
What’s gone wrong for Sligo Rovers... | Jessica Farry | OTB BREAKFAST
Colm Boohig and David Wilson are joined alongside The Sligo Champion’s Jessica Farry to discuss the unsuccessful year for Sligo Rovers that resulted in relegation.
Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am with Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section!
Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.
SUBSCRIBE at OffThe...
What does Carla Ward *ACTUALLY* learn from a 12-0 win? | Julie Ann-Russell | OFF THE BALL BREAKFAST
Former Republic of Ireland Ireland international Julie-Ann Russell joins Colm Boohig & David Wilson to look back on a ruthless 12-0 aggregate win over Kazakhstan, with 11 different goalscorers lighting up the two legs.
With Poland up next in a World Cup play-off (away on December 1st, then back at the Aviva on December 5th), we dig into what Carla Ward learned from the window: squad rotation, new combinations, and standout contributions from the likes of Jessie Stapleton, Shanade Hopcroft and Abbie Larkin.
Plus, the mentality test after the Wales heartbreak, why Ireland have already had joy...
Ireland 4-0 Kazakhstan : "A really good squad performance!" | REACTION with Carla Ward and Emily Murphy
Phil Egan is joined by Ireland manager Carla Ward and player Emily Murphy to reflect on Ireland's 4-0 win over Kazakhstan at Supervalu Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork, which saw the Girls in Green win 12-0 on aggregate. Their reward is a do-or-die playoff against Poland, with the winners setting off to Brazil for next year's World Cup.
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THE COYGIG POD: ‘Jessie Stapleton was up for POTM tonight!’ | Next up: Poland | World Cup Play-Off final
The whole gang are in Cork! Kathleen McNamee spoke with Scarlett Herron immediately after full time of Ireland’s 4-0 victory over Kazakhstan in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, booking their place in the World Cup Play-off final against Poland!
She also caught up with Karen Duggan to get her thoughts after the game.
The COYGIG Pod on Off the Ball is brought to you by Cadbury, a proud sponsor of the Republic of Ireland football teams.
Idah keeps on firing as Parrott rests | Could senior experience help the 21s? | Finneran shines | THE GREEN SCENE
David Wilson and Matthew Brennan are back on The Green Scene after a crackling night in Tallaght, where Bohs v Rovers delivered the kind of Dublin derby edge that keeps the League of Ireland box office.
They also round up the weekend’s Irish storylines across the water: Dara O’Shea’s late winner for Ipswich, Adam Idah’s scoring run at Swansea, and a nod to Callum Robinson popping up again at Cardiff.
Plus there’s Under-21s hype after that huge win over England, the Thomas Lonergan/Rory Finneran chat, and whether Evan Ferguson o...
FOOTBALL DAILY: Bradley places blame firmly on Bohemians | Ireland's Kazakh clash | Carrick on the ropes already?
On Tuesday's Football Daily, David Wilson brings you news of Shamrock Rovers taking a massive step towards the League of Ireland title with a tempestuous 2-1 victory over Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium, with four red cards shown after full-time.
Conan Byrne and Owen Heary assess the damage to Bohs’ title hopes as the Hoops move six points clear at the top.
Ireland’s women welcome Kazakhstan to Páirc Uí Chaoimh with a place in next month’s World Cup playoff on the line. Denise O’Sullivan discusses the special occasion of playing in her home city...
OWEN HEARY & CONAN BYRNE | 'To be under PRESSURE from a throw-in is just CRIMINAL!' | OFF THE BALL BREAKFAST
Colm Boohig is joined by Owen Heary & Conan Byrne to discuss the League of Ireland following the heated Dublin derby last night between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers!
The lads discuss all of the needle from the aftermath of the game, where it all went wrong for Bohs, whether it is Pats or Rovers for the title and much more!
With Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section.
Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just sear...
FOOTBALL DAILY: Dublin derby showdown | City silence boo boys | Azaz assists Saints
It’s Monday’s Football Daily, with the League of Ireland title race taking centre stage as Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians go head-to-head in a massive Dublin Derby at Tallaght Stadium — live build-up from 7pm on Off The Ball, with Richie McCormick joined by Vinny Perth.
We also react to Manchester City’s 3-0 win at Anfield, their first since being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, with Maresca insisting his players are focused on football — and Virgil van Dijk holding off on comment until the appeal process plays out.
Plus: Forest v Palace fal...
The Final Whistle: "The good guys don't always win..." | Liverpool 0-3 Man City | OTB
Stephen Doyle and Eoin Doyle are on hand to bring you immediate reaction to Manchester City's first win since they were found guilty of 114 charges. The Manchester club breezed past Liverpool in the second half with 3 goals scored after Ryan Gravenberch got sent off.
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The Final Whistle: "I think they can be reasonably optimistic!" | Hull City 2-2 Everton | OTB
Dave McIntyre and Brian Kerr are on hand to bring you immediate reaction to a match that had a ferocious second half as Hull City stopped the Everton comeback to rescue a 2-2 draw at home.
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DERRY CITY THROUGH TO FAI CUP FINAL | 'We got the job done!' | Duffy, McClean, Connolly, Caulfield & Keohane
Stephen Doyle was alongside Shane Keegan for our live commentary as Derry City booked their place in the Club Orange FAI Cup Final for the 3rd time this decade as they beat Galway United 2-0 away from home thanks to a brace from Michael Duffy.
Stephen catches up with the goalscorer Duffy as well as Patrick McClean and interim manager Mark Connolly.
Stephen also speaks to Galway United manager John Caulfield and captain Jimmy Keohane on the losing side today.
The League of Ireland on Off The Ball
THE LOI WRAP-UP: The Blues book Aviva trip | Shels sink Sligo | The Hoops go top | OFF THE BALL
On this week's edition of the LOI Wrap-Up, a new series highlighting all the action, reaction and storylines of the weekend's League of Ireland Action, Ross Flanagan brings you through last night's action and beyond:
We are at the halfway point of the Club Orange FAI Cup Semi-Finals, last night Waterford shocked title chasers Bohemians with an away win to book their place at the Aviva Stadium. Hear how they did it and what it means to Graham Coughlan and Padraig Amond
Today, Galway United play Derry City in what looks to be a tense...
WATERFORD THROUGH TO FAI CUP FINAL! | ‘One of the best feelings I’ve ever had in football!’ | PADRAIG AMOND & GRAEME COUGHLAN
Off The Ball’s Ben Symes was in Dalymount Park, as Waterford shocked Bohemians to book their place in the FAI Cup Final! Ben got the thoughts of Waterford manager Graeme Coughlan as well as striker Padraig Amond!
The League of Ireland on Off The Ball.
MEABH DE BURCA: 'Some goals mean more than others!' | Jamie Finn is back! | Cruising in Kazakhstan
Former Ireland international Meabh de Burca and Off The Ball’s own Emma Carroll join Rachel Sheehan to react to Ireland’s 8-0 thrashing of Kazakhstan, ending the tie as a contest before Ireland host the return fixture in Cork on Tuesday!
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The COYGIG Pod | Goals Galore! 8-goal lead in World Cup play-off.
Kathleen McNamee and Karen Duggan give their instant reaction to Carla Ward's side thrashing Kazakhstan by 8 goals in the first leg of their World Cup play-off.
The COYGIG Pod on Off the Ball is brought to you by Cadbury, a proud sponsor of the Republic of Ireland football teams.
INSIDE THE ODDS | “I don’t think I’ve looked forward to a game more?” | What happens at Man City vs Liverpool?
Mick McCarthy is joined by David Wilson and Shane Hannon for this week’s Inside The Odds, as the Premier League returns they look ahead to what it all means as City play Liverpool and the rest of the match ups.
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FOOTBALL DAILY: Rovers go top | 21s find out Euro fate | Maresca defends Man City
Phil Egan has all the latest in Friday’s Football Daily, as Shamrock Rovers move three points clear at the top after a 3-1 win over Drogheda United — with John McGovern on building momentum ahead of a massive Dublin derby with Bohemians.
The FAI Cup semi-finals take centre stage too: Bohemians v Waterford tonight at Dalymount Park, with Galway United v Derry City tomorrow. Plus, Sligo Rovers’ relegation fears as they face Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
We also preview Liverpool v Manchester City at Anfield amid City’s financial rules verdict and appeal, hear from Enzo Mar...
JULIE-ANN RUSSELL: WC '27 hopes, Katie Taylor & Kazakhstan memories | OTB Breakfast
66-cap Ireland international, Julie-Ann Russell, joins Shane Hannon & Colm Boohig on the show ahead of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan today.
With Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section.
Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.
SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join
Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball
The Football Show | "We Definitely Have Too Much for Kazakhstan": Sue Ronan on Ireland's World Cup Playoff, Roster Calls and Brazil Ambition | OTB
Former Republic of Ireland manager Sue Ronan joins the show to preview Ireland’s World Cup qualification playoff against Kazakhstan. Sue breaks down Carla Ward’s squad management, including resting Denise O'Sullivan for the trip to Astana and navigating Katie McCabe's suspension evaluates the potential debut of Shanade Hopcroft, and reflects on the team's drive to secure back-to-back World Cup qualifications.
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FOOTBALL DAILY: Ward dealt injury blow ahead of Kazakh clash | Rovers face stiff Drogheda test | Fergie on Rooney and Ronaldo
Phil Egan brings you Thursday’s Football Daily as Ireland step up preparations for Friday’s World Cup play-off semi-final away to Kazakhstan.
There’s a major injury blow for Carla Ward with Jess Ziu ruled out of the first leg, while Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheva are suspended and Denise O’Sullivan is being rested. Jesse Stapleton also explains why Ireland won’t take Kazakhstan for granted.
Plus, Shamrock Rovers host Drogheda United in a potentially title-shaping clash at Tallaght, with Stephen Bradley leaning on hard-earned experience.
We’ve also got FAI Cup semi-fin...
‘It makes people accountable…’ - Irish football funding in 2026 | Keith Long & Vinny Perth | OFF THE BALL BREAKFAST
Keith Long & Vinny Perth joins Colm Boohig & Kathleen McNamee to chat through his new role as Academy Director at Shelbourne, and why stepping away from first-team management was a conscious move after spells with Bohs and Waterford.
They dig into what increased government funding means for League of Ireland academies: full-time roles, higher standards, and clearer pathways from U14s to the first team - with tools like Kitman Labs helping clubs benchmark talent.
They also tackle equality across boys’ and girls’ sections, the need for real accountability, and the wider grassroots picture — why the game c...
FOOTBALL DAILY: Ireland 21s book playoff after win over England | Bradley 'proud' of Bazunu | Messi and Ronaldo's differing international careers
On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news of Ireland’s U21s famous night at a sold-out Turner’s Cross, coming from behind to beat England 3-1 and book their place in the European Championship play-offs.
Jim Crawford reacts to a huge performance, while two-goal hero Tommy Lonergan and scorer Connor McManus look ahead to November’s draw and the challenge of doing it again as underdogs.
Plus, Stephen Bradley backs Gavin Bazunu after his international withdrawal, Kevin Kilbane on what’s next for Seamus Coleman, and the latest from around the football world —...
Jonathan Douglas - You Had To Be There! | OFF THE BALL BREAKFAST
Colm Boohig and Enda Coll are joined alongside former Blackburn, Brentford, Leeds and Irish international Jonathan Douglas.
Jonathan runs the lads through some of his ‘You had to be there’ moments, from his one and only Premier League goal to his beloved GAA.
Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am with Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section!
Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball...
'We are extremely proud of him' | Bradley on Bazunu's stance | Rovers chase the title | Off The Ball Football
With the Premier Division title race on a knife-edge, Stephen Bradley gives an update on Shamrock Rovers’ squad ahead of Drogheda, and explains why the focus stays firmly on “us” with five games to go and no points separating the contenders.
Bradley also addresses the fallout from the recent Ireland-Israel window, speaking about Gavin Bazunu’s decision not to play, and why he’s “extremely proud” of the courage it took — while acknowledging the situation “could have been handled better”.
Plus, Bradley on links to the vacant Hibs job, and tributes to League of Ireland stalwart Greg Bolger...
THE LOI POD: McClean's case against Derry, FAI Cup Semi-Final weekend & the Title Race pushes on | OFF THE BALL
Stephen and Gareth are back, sadly Vinny can't make it, but that makes the focus on Derry even more special.
It's a big week in Off The Ball towers as we prepare to bring you both Club Orange Men's FAI Cup Semi-Finals this weekend.
Ben Symes and Vinny Perth will be at Dalymount Park on Friday night for the final ever FAI Cup tie in the home of Irish Football, as Bohs go for the double with Waterford standing in their way of another trip to the Aviva Stadium. Listen live from 7PM on Off...
Ireland's winners and losers of the window, and reasons to be optimistic! | The Green Scene on OFF THE BALL
The Green Scene is back as Matthew Brennan, Ben Symes and David Wilson look back on a truly chaotic Ireland international window — from the flat night in Kosovo to the highs and late collapse against Austria, and the strange setting of playing Israel in both rural Serbia & Hungary...
We get into UEFA’s investigation into the alleged spitting incident, the big meeting in Berlin, and why this fixture pairing has become a mess on and off the pitch.
On the football side, there’s real optimism: Adam Idah’s impact, Jack Moylan’s rise, Conor Coventry’s...
FOOTBALL DAILY: UEFA investigate spit-gate | Ward coy on future | Messi brings curtain down on Argentina career
On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news that UEFA has opened an investigation into an alleged half-time incident during Ireland’s Nations League clash with Israel in Serbia, after a member of the Irish backroom staff claimed he was spat at by an Israeli player.
It’s also a massive evening for Ireland’s U21s at Turner’s Cross, where Jim Crawford’s side know a win over group winners England will secure a Euro play-off spot.
Plus, Carla Ward and the Ireland women arrive in Kazakhstan for Friday’s World Cup play-off fir...
The COYGIG Pod | The World Cup qualifiers are here, Arsenal and Slegers feeling the pressure
On this week's episode of The COYGIG Pod, Kathleen McNamee, Karen Duggan & Scarlett Herron begin the build-up to the Republic of Ireland's World Cup play-off double-header against Kazakhstan, and look back at the final weekend of WSL action before the first international break of the season. Man City look unstoppable, Arsenal's title hopes are already smashed and London City Lionesses are starting to click.
The COYGIG Pod on Off the Ball is brought to you by Cadbury, a proud sponsor of the Republic of Ireland football teams.
FOOTBALL DAILY: Ireland held by Israel as spitting allegation is made
Phil Egan rounds up Monday’s Football Daily as Ireland’s international window ends with a tense 1-1 draw with Israel in Serbia. Troy Parrott’s first-half penalty had the Boys in Green ahead before Dor Peretz levelled after the break, leaving Ireland third in the group.
Heimir Hallgrímsson reflects on an emotionally charged camp, an allegation of spitting involving an Ireland staff member, and why he left out Southampton’s Finn Azaz.
Plus, Ran Ben Shimon denies targeting Jason Molumby, Keith Treacy hails Jack Moylan’s rise, and there’s news on Craig Bellamy, Erli...
IRELAND v ISRAEL, Part 2 | 'I'm just glad this is over.' | Off The Ball Breakfast
Colm Boohig, Keith Treacy, John Fallon & Ben Symes react to Ireland v Israel last night, and sum up the last week in Irish football.
With Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section
Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.
SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join
Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The...
HEIMIR HALLGRIMSSON: ‘I felt they were trying to intimidate us…’ | Confirmation of spitting allegations | OTB FOOTBALL
Off The Ball’s Ben Symes was in Serbia for the second of Ireland’s Nations League B games against Israel. He confirms that a member of the Irish coaching staff alleges that an Israeli player spat at him, which sparked the incident at half time.
Heimir Hallgrimsson: "This is a nice quiet enviroment" | MD-1 before ROI vs ISL | OTB
Ben Symes spoke to Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson ahead of tomorrow's final Nations League clash of the window, a second tie against Israel, this time played in Serbia.
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FOOTBALL DAILY: Parrott magic not enough as Austria make a comeback | Heimir on Ireland's tired bodies | Dundalk and Bohs meet in crucial title clash
Phil Egan is back with Friday’s Football Daily, and it’s a night of mixed emotions for Ireland after a 2-2 Nations League draw with Austria at the Aviva.
Troy Parrott steals the headlines with a piece of pure magic before adding a second from the spot, but Ireland’s two-goal cushion disappears in a tired second half. Hear Heimir Hallgrímsson on running out of gas, plus Stuey Byrne marvelling at a goal “out of the top drawer”.
There’s also the latest on Manchester City’s appeal against the 115 charges, with Philippe Auclair explain...
Part 1: IRELAND 2-2 AUSTRIA reaction (UNLOCKED) | The greatest Lansdowne Road goal ever? | OTB Breakfast
Colm Boohig, Shane Hannon, Vinny Perth & Enda Coll run through Friday’s morning papers, as the lads react to Ireland’s 2-2 draw with Austria last night.
With Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section
Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.
SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join
Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am acros...
