Shows
The Boys We've SeenThe Boys Interview Paul Little on Eoin Hand, Tactical Systems & World Cup 1982Send us a textIn this episode Conor sits down with Paul to discuss his new book, Shattered Dreams, Sliding Doors, The Republic of Ireland's 1982 World Cup Qualifying CampaignLink: https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/shattered-dreams-sliding-doorsSee Paul's previous book with Pitch Publishing about Dixie Dean's remarkable time in the League of IrelandLink: https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/shadow-benbulbenAnd our previous interview with Paul herehttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/paul-little-on-dixie-deans-time-with-sligo-rovers/id1598860627?i=1000682092919Follows us on those socials2025-06-231h 08The Boys We've SeenThe Boys Interview Fran Actor Darragh Humphreys about Fran the ManSend us a textOut in Cinemas Now! When an Irish football club becomes embroiled in an international match-fixing scandal, their hapless assistant manager, Fran, finds himself way out of his league.In this week's Episode Johnny and Conor sit down with actor Darragh Humphreys about his role as football coach Fran. We discuss his original role as Fran the Male in the television series on Setanta, and the revival of our favorite Irish coach. A must-listen episode.Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen o...2025-04-1455 minThe Boys We've SeenThe Boys Interview Adam Kavanagh from Diaeuro Futsal IrelandSend us a textFutsal? In Ireland?Join Conor and Adam Kavanagh from Futsal Ireland as they discuss the history and future of futsal in Ireland. More associated with the skilful one-touch passes of South America, futsal had a brief push in Ireland during the 2000s before a more recent revival. Here we examine the game itself, what skills it brings - that an Irish team might want! - and the futsal team's upcoming tournament aspirationsFollow the Team's progress @Diaeuro_ireland on Instagram. If you would like to support Team Ireland's journey...2025-04-0740 minThe Boys We've SeenThe Denis Irwin EpisodeSend us a textWhere do we begin? Along with Roy Keane and Steve Heighway, Denis Irwin is Ireland's most successful ever player. Synonymous with Manchester United, Denis Irwin is widely regardedManchester United's best ever fullback For Sir Alex Ferguson, Irwin is the only player guaranteed a spot in his all-time United XI. Join us this week as Conor and Johnny explore the highs, and at times, lows, of Denis Irwin's career for the Republic of Ireland, Take in treble-winning seasons, pinging play off goals and having to 'prove yourself' internationally.Follows us on those...2025-03-101h 02The Boys We've SeenThe Irishman Who Invented Penalty KicksSend us a textRecap Ep. Join Conor and Johnny this week as they discuss the history of penalty kicks and then Irishman who invented them! Willie McCrum from Milford Armagh proposed a penalty kick in 1890 to the English FA and, from there... history was made. This week our boys discuss the history of the penalty, the creation of the penalty shootout and Ireland's luck in shootouts. We also devote some time to saving and reforming the penalty for the better. All in a day's work for this Pod. Enjoy xFollows us on those...2025-02-031h 05The Boys We've SeenChristmas Bumper Episode: Tony CascarinoSend us a textInitially bought for a bag of of footballs and appeared 88 times for a country he believed he didn't qualify for... Ladies and Gentlemen this week we discuss the hardworking, mercurial, and at times deeply controversial Tony Cascarino. Beginning his career in the non-league, Cass worked his way to top clubs in England, Scotland and France. More importantly, he set a then record 88 caps for the Republic during his career, only to claim he didn't qualify as an Irish citizen in a tell-all biography published soon after his retirement. Join Conor and Johnny as...2024-12-231h 09The Boys We've SeenThe Young Damien DuffSend us a textFrom the archive as Johnny and Conor continue to celebrate Duffer's successes at Shels the Boys discuss the early career of one of Ireland's best, and most exciting, players. Enjoy!Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-11-041h 02The Boys We've SeenHow Many Great Players Have Ireland Produced?Send us a textReplay: As Johnny is away and Conor is snowed under with the return to University we go bac into the archive to discuss how many great footballers Ireland has produced. Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-09-231h 07The Boys We've SeenHow the FIFA Video Game Changed FootballSend us a textWere you a Lounge player? Or a Pro-Evo head? What about the all-hallowed but rarely discussed This is Football Franchise? Join Conor and Johnny this week as they discuss the FIFA videogame franchise, how it changed football and not always, as we show, for the better.See Conor's longer form article for further reading 'It’s in the game’: FIFA videogames and the misuse of history'Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17460263.2024.2343914Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on Twit...2024-07-291h 10The Boys We've SeenThe David Kelly EpisodeSend us a text9 goals in 26 games for the Republic of Ireland excluding 'THAT' goal against England in the infamous Lansdowne Riot match. This week Conor redeems himself as the Boys do a deep dive on striker David Kelly. Learn about his late start in football, opportunity to play for Bayern Munich (yes really) and his career ups and downs.Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-07-221h 11The Boys We've SeenWho is Heimir Hallgrímsson?Send us a textJoin Conor and Johnny this week as they provide a deep dive on new Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson. We explore the rise of the Icelandic National Team under his tenure, his so-so time at Al-Arabi and of course, his most recent job with the Reggae Boyz. We talk about his coaching philosophy, playing pragmatism, and his unusual way of connecting with the fans.Is this a new dawn? Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr...2024-07-1548 minThe Boys We've SeenThe First Ever League of Ireland SeasonSend us a textJoin Conor on a solo episode as we explore the first-ever League of Ireland season ... 1921/1922! This story has it all... nationalism... the War of Independence ... high-scoring games and terrible teams! Huzzah Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-07-0839 minThe Boys We've SeenThe Young Damien DuffSend us a textFrom the archive as Johnny recovers from a stag and Conor recovers from life. In light of Duffer's current successes at Shels the Boys discuss the early career of one of Ireland's best, and most exciting, players. Enjoy!Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-07-011h 02The Boys We've SeenBest and Worst Granny Rule PlayersSend us a textMore of them than you think and if anyone uses the 'plastic Paddy' moniker Conor will scream. Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-04-151h 21The Boys We've SeenWhat is Wrong with the FAI?Send us a textIs the FAI corrupt, incompetent, both or neither? Join Johnny and Conor this week as they look some of the common claims made against Irish football's governing body!Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-04-0150 minThe Boys We've SeenIreland's Worst International LossSend us a textJoin a single (but not ready to mingle) Conor this week as he explores Ireland's worst result... a 7 (SEVEN) - 0 loss to Brazil in May 1982. This is one of the worst instances of FAI mismanagement and includes canceled friendlies, an international war and not paying players. Can't imagine why they lost...Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-03-1845 minThe Boys We've SeenReplay: One Cap Wonders of the 1990s!Send us a textFrom 1990 to 2000, the Republic of Ireland featured five one cap wonders which, if we do say so ourselves, make up quite the decent 5-a-side team. Join Conor and Johnny as they discuss they five players good enough to play for the Republic of Ireland but who sadly failed to make it back for a second date. We'll discuss the cult hero goalkeeper good enough to play in a cup final, the centre back who had to fight off nationality suspicions, a cracking Premier League Caption, a Scotsman turned Irishman and a lower league...2024-03-1148 minThe Boys We've SeenWhat makes a good Irish Goalscorer?Send us a text20 goals a season? 8 goals and 2 assists? Conor and Johnny tackle some BIG chats around Evan Fergusan 'only' scoring 6 goals this season to ask what counts as success for an Irish striker in the Premiership? The history ain't great kids... Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-03-0455 minThe Boys We've SeenThe Gary Doherty EpisodeSend us a textYes its true. It's damn true. Conor's doing victory laps....Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2024-01-151h 05The Boys We've SeenShould we get a new manager? The Endless DebateSend us a textAnything to be said for another mass? Conor and Jonny run through every 'sack the manager' campaign in the press dating to Big Jack.Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2023-09-2558 minThe Boys We've SeenHoliday Replay: The Boys Interview Joe MurphySend us a textAs Conor works on his tan in Spain, enjoy our interview with the tireless Joe Murphy!Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com Episode is LivePublished: Oct. 17, 2022 @ 5AM EditFollows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2023-06-121h 47The Boys We've SeenThe Greatest Video Game of All Time?Send us a textFrom Pelé's Soccer to the FIFA Ultimate Team... €50 to play JonnyFollows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xoxboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.comFollows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2023-06-051h 10The Boys We've SeenJoe Kinnear and the Wimbledon Success Story Part TwoSend us a textWhat goes up, must come down. Alas...Follows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xoxboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.comFollows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2023-05-2943 minThe Boys We've SeenJoe Kinnear and the Wimbledon Success Story Part OneSend us a textAlex Fergusan once called Joe Kinnear the best club manager in England. Nuff saidFollows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xoxboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.comFollows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2023-05-2249 minThe Boys We've SeenThe Ronnie O'Brien EpisodeSend us a textFrom Middlesborough to Time Man of the Century .... for 12 hoursFollows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xoxboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.comFollows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2023-05-1545 minThe Boys We've SeenFather Ted and Big Sam? Samuel Allardyce at Limerick CitySend us a text"He’s always labelled a long-ball merchant but it was never just a hopeless long ball"Follows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xoxboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.comFollows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2023-05-0852 minThe Boys We've SeenBrian Kerr and Euro 2004Send us a textDo you believe in life after love? Follows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xoxboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.comFollows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com2023-05-0156 minThe Boys We've SeenReplacing Mick McCarthy: The Brian Kerr AppointmentSend us a textJoin Conor and Jonny as they go back in time to 2003. Mick McCarthy has resigned as Ireland manager and the race to replace him is an odd podge of exotic French managers, former England captains and Irish legends. Leading the race is Brian Kerr but there is significant challenge from Peter Reid, King Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Moran and many others. Here we discuss the 'what ifs', the 'why bothers', and the 'why nots?' in great detail.Follows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xox2023-04-241h 09The Boys We've SeenIreland's Classic Jersey XISend us a textJoin Conor and Jonny for a slightly later episode this week as they reflect on a successful Kit Con expedition and, more importantly, a Classic Irish XI based entirely on the jerseys that Irish footballers wore from the Premier League era to the present day. Laugh, cry, and certainly disagree with our decisions but we are driven by fashion darling and make no apologies for it.Follows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xoxboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on Twitter2023-04-171h 02The Boys We've SeenThe Bertie BowlSend us a textSpending 43 million on reports. My my my. Join Conor and Jonny this week as they discuss the ill-fated 'Bertie Bowl'. In 1999 the FAI and Irish government began planning for a new football stadium, first Eircom Park and then the 'National Stadium'. The latter became known by another name, the 'Bertie Bowl.' Pushed forward by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the Bowl's cost escalated rapidly over a three-year period and, with little fanfare, was discarded in late 2002. In the interim, the FAI attempted to bid for Euro 2008 with the Scottish FA despite having some...2023-04-101h 19The Boys We've SeenKitcon and Retro Kits BonanzaSend us a textJoin a Conor-less podcast as Jonny and Paul from Kitcon discuss the upcoming Kit Con Éire event on April 16 in Dublin. The two boys discuss their favorite retro kits, the joys of collecting, and their shared passion over esoteric 90s footballers. Tickets still available for Kit Con at http://kitconeire.com/. We'll be back next week with more from the weird and wonderful of Irish football. Follows us on those socials and don't forget to leave a review xoxboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on Twitter2023-04-0352 minThe Boys We've SeenJohn O'Shea Nutmegs Luis Figo! The 2002/2003 SeasonSend us a textOh my lucky stars and your lucky days! Join Conor and Jonny this week as they discuss the 2002/2003 season. Blockbuster doesn't even begin to describe it. On the domestic front, John O'Shea has a breakout season with Manchester United where he plays 30 odd League games and... oh yeah... nutmegs Luis Figo in the Champions League in the definition of tekkers. Elsewhere Stephen Carr has the season of the lifetime to make the PFA team of the year and Robbie Keane has begun his Spurs story. Internationally Mick McCarthy steps down from the Republic...2023-03-271h 17The Boys We've SeenThe Steve Staunton EpisodeSend us a textJoin Conor and Johnny this week as they discuss Stan the Man! Steve Staunton is a former professional football player and manager from Ireland who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. In this podcast, we delve into his career, from his early days at Liverpool to his time playing for Ireland on the international stage. We explore his World Cup records and his tasty hattricks (yes really!)Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on Twitter...2023-03-201h 17The Boys We've SeenThe Irishman Who Invented Penalty KicksSend us a textJoin Conor and Johnny this week as they discuss the history of penalty kicks and then Irishman who invented them! Willie McCrum from Milford Armagh proposed a penalty kick in 1890 to the English FA and, from there... history was made. This week our boys discuss the history of the penalty, the creation of the penalty shootout and Ireland's luck in shootouts. We also devote some time to saving and reforming the penalty for the better. All in a day's work for this Pod. Enjoy xFollows us on those socials2023-03-131h 05The Boys We've SeenIreland's Flying Dutchman? The David Connolly EpisodeSend us a textHe played abroad before it was cool... Join Conor and Johnny this week as they delve into the career of Ireland striker David Connolly. Breaking out at Watford, where he played his first game at 16, Connolly was quickly thrown into the Ireland set up where he remained from 1996 to 2005. Quick, and with a keen eye for goal, Connolly was compared with everyone from George Best to Paul Dickov. He had some great moments for the Republic, and nearly cemented his place in Irish history with 'that' miss against Spain in the 2002 World Cup...2023-03-0657 minThe Boys We've Seen"And Number Onnnne is Gary Breen... And Number Two...." The Gary Breen EpisodeSend us a textAt 18 years old Gary Breen declared that he wanted to captain Ireland. Fast forward a few years and the man is beloved by the Green Army! Join Conor and Jonny as they discuss of the hardest working, inspiration, and arguably unlucky Irish superstars in recent memory. Worked his way up from the lower leagues? Check. Had a dream and achieved it? Check. Should have joined Inter Milan but got twarted by a dodgy medical? Check. We trace Breen's rise from lower league obscurity to being the first name on the Irish team sheet...2023-02-271h 15The Boys We've SeenIreland's Greatest Ever Midfielders?Send us a textWho is Ireland's greatest-ever midfielder? We put it to the Twitter polls and the results did not disappoint... Johnny. The results did not disappoint Johnny as Roy Keane trampled over Liam Brady and John Giles. Listen as Conor makes an impassioned plea for Giles as Ireland's greatest-ever midfielder and the populist Johnny refuses to change his mind! Never a dull moment eh? Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram@boysweveseen on TwitterOr email us atboysweveseen@gmail.com F...2023-02-2038 minThe Boys We've SeenLiam 'Chippy' Brady: The Arsenal YearsSend us a textThe 2002 World Cup is in the review mirror as the boys go back. How far back? WAAAY back to one of Ireland's greatest ever players... Liam Brady. Learn how Brady forged his reputation at the Arsenal. How he nearly moved to Manchester United for a tidy little fee and, most importantly, how he led Arsenal to three FA Cup finals in year consecutive years (the results were a different story). Chippy arguably made his fame in sunny Italia but his near ten years at Arsenal in the 1970s brought joy and disbelief in...2023-02-131h 05The Boys We've SeenWorld Cup Winners and Losers: 2002 AftermathSend us a textIt's time for the post-World Cup transfer window! Join Conor and Jonny as they discuss the winners and losers from Ireland's monumental 2002 World Cup run. Whose reputation... and price tag... was enhanced? Who lost momentum? And who went on to better things domestically and why. Join Conor and Jonny as they delve into wicked transfer rumours, THAT Gary Green link and the little known transfers that could have been pulled off in the dying embers of the summer of 2002. Follows us on those socialsboysweveseen on Instagram...2023-02-0644 minThe Boys We've SeenWhat Could Go Wrong? Ireland v. Spain 2002 World Cup Part TwoSend us a textOkay not a great start... at all. Spain have scored after eight minutes and our lack of pace is exposing Mick McCarthy's men. But fear not, the tide is beginning to turn and the Irish look dangerous in this 2002 knockout match. Will the Irish score? Will we go to extra time? Will we be killed by the ill-fated Golden Boy? Join Conor and Jonny as they begin to discuss the highs, lows and middles (?) of a heartbreaking match for the Boys in Green.Follows us on those socialsb...2023-01-3046 minThe Boys We've SeenWhat Could Go Wrong? Ireland v. Spain 2002 World Cup Part OneSend us a textMick's men have made it to the knockout stages. This is it... Ireland's greatest chance of a proper run in the World Cup. Standing in our way is a Spanish side featuring a baby-faced Iker Casillas and an immense combination of Raul and Morientes. But... fret now we have Robbie Keane and Damien Duff pulling up trees in the World Cup. Join Conor and Jonny as they begin to discuss the highs, lows and middles (?) of a heartbreaking match for the Boys in Green.Follows us on those socials2023-01-2346 minThe Boys We've SeenBin Laden in Mulligar? World Cup Showcase: Ireland 3 - Saudi Arabia 0Send us a textCOME ON YOU BOYS IN GREEN... COME ON YOU BOYS IN GREEN .... COME ON YOU BOYS ... COME ON YOU BOYS IN GREEN!Get on board, the Boys are on their way to the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup. Join Conor and Johnny this week as they discuss the Republic's last group match of the 2002 World Cup. For the first time in history, the Boys hold their fate in their own hands at a major tournament. If we win, we go through. What could go wrong? Well, Mullingar is courting Bin Laden's b...2023-01-1654 min