All About The Game

This week marks Episode 30 and the final one of Season 1! Podge, Johnny and Seán sit down to look back on a year packed with sport, stories and plenty of laughs.

The lads chat about the perks of GAA and rugby trips abroad, the taste of professionalism they give players and the bond they build within teams. They touch on Fighting Cocks’ Junior Championship victory before diving into Ireland’s recent performance against New Zealand in Chicago. Seán doesn’t hold back, calling it a poor display against an ordinary All Blacks side, with Ireland lacking their usual physical edge and intensity. He looks ahead to a fired-up Australia game over the weekend, predicting a far more competitive clash.

There’s plenty of rugby talk, from world rankings and test-match mentality to the atmosphere at games abroad. On the GAA side, Johnny shares his thoughts on the U23 competition and how overworking club players could hurt Kildare’s long-term ambitions. The lads also discuss Philly McMahon departing Naas, a big shake-up in club management, and the challenge of stepping into a squad overflowing with talent.

They wrap things up with a look back at Season 1, the highs, lows, and everything in between, before signing off until January 2026. A massive thank you to our listeners over the season, and all of the super guests who have joined in too!

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This week, Podge and Johnny are joined by Old Leighlin manager Brian Lonergan, fresh off leading his side to the Carlow championship title. Brian chats about the balance of working with dual-sport players, how the club manages both football and hurling commitments, and the mindset needed to make it work.

The lads discuss the advantage of facing one of the favourites early in the campaign, how it sharpens focus and sets standards from the start, before diving into Old Leighlin’s championship run and what drove their success. Brian also talks through his own journey into management, beginning in strength and conditioning before transitioning into the coaching side of things.

There’s also some chat around Johnny’s Dublin Marathon experience, the buzz around the city, and a look ahead at what’s next for Old Leighlin as they prepare to face some strong opposition in the future.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clinched.ie⁠⁠

This week, Podge and Johnny look back on a packed weekend of football around Kildare. The lads kick things off with Allenwood’s Oskars night, a brilliant fundraiser and community event that brought the whole club together.

They dive into the Naas v Athy senior county final, praising the hunger and togetherness that helped Athy over the line and their experienced squad that will now turn attention to the Leinster club campaign. They chat about the quality of football on display, how the same four teams have dominated Kildare semi-finals in recent years, and what could be done to make things more competitive across the county.

From the rural versus urban challenges facing clubs to the question of whether Kildare is losing top talent within bigger club setups, there’s plenty of debate. The lads also discuss the new faces stepping into the Kildare panel and the step up required at that level.

They wrap up with a look at the intermediate final, where Sallins claimed the win over St Laurence’s. Colm Dalton gets a special mention as one of the most exciting players in Kildare right now, while Johnny and Podge tip Sallins to be a real force in next year’s senior competition. There’s praise too for St Laurence’s, full of young talent and plenty of potential heading into next season, plus a nod to their ladies’ side, who are off to the Leinster championship this weekend.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clinched.ie⁠⁠

This week, Podge and Johnny are joined by Naas and Kildare legend Eamonn Callaghan ahead of a massive weekend for Kildare club football. Eamonn chats about the mindset shift that’s happened within Naas GAA, the depth and competition in their current squad, and why no one’s place on the panel is guaranteed.

He looks back on his journey with Kildare, from his breakthrough at U21 level to stepping into the senior panel during a period of transition in 2002. Eamonn reflects on how standards rose after Kildare’s new management approach, the expectations around reaching quarter and semi-finals, and the narrow margins that so often decided big games. He also opens up about being made captain, why he didn’t enjoy the role at first, and the huge sense of relief that came with finally winning a county title against Sarsfields.

The lads chat about moving into coaching after retirement, how it’s given him a new perspective on the game, and share their thoughts ahead of a huge weekend of club football, including predictions for Naas vs. Athy in the senior final and St Laurence’s vs. Sallins in the intermediate decider.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clinched.ie⁠⁠

This week, Seán, Johnny and Podge are back together, with Johnny still buzzing after his class performance last weekend, saving his club from relegation at 47 years of age and getting another big moment in the spotlight. Podge’s weekend on the sideline didn’t go quite as well, while Leinster suffered a tough loss in South Africa.

The lads dive into Rugby 360 and the Saudis’ latest interest in the sport, drawing comparisons with LIV Golf. They chat about marquee players, the money on offer, and whether blacklisting will really stop players from taking the opportunity. The conversation takes in women’s rugby too, with standout performances at the World Cup, and some of the English players already putting pen to paper with Rugby 360.

On the GAA side, they discuss player grants, the community role of county boards, and Dan Flynn’s retirement after an outstanding career with Kildare. Johnny reflects on the sacrifices of his early days under Micko, and shares advice for young players on making the most of their window to compete. They also weigh in on the new rules, why 94% of inter-county players are happy with the refresh, and how they’re affecting club football heading into winter.

The episode rounds off with predictions for the upcoming Kildare championship semi-finals and a heads-up that there’ll be no episode next week, with an exciting interview coming in the coming days.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠⁠⁠⁠clinched.ie⁠⁠

This week, Podge and Seán are joined by Kildare captain Kevin Feely. Kevin chats about growing up playing multiple sports, from hurling to a spell with Bohemians, before being picked up by Charlton Athletic and experiencing the highs and lows of professional soccer in the UK. After a good run with Newport in League 2, he eventually made his way back home to Athy and Kildare, where his GAA career really took off.

The lads talk about the challenges for young athletes juggling different sports, the cut-throat nature of professional soccer, and the small window players get to break through at the top level. Kevin also touches on injuries, how he manages his fitness as an older player, and keeping busy with his athletic therapy business.

There’s plenty of local talk too, with updates on the Carlow championship, a look at Carlow rugby club and how the league system works, as well as reflections on Kildare’s Tailteann Cup win and what’s next for Dublin as they navigate a management transition.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠⁠⁠clinched.ie⁠⁠

This week, Podge and Johnny are joined by former Kildare star and Ireland international rules player Emmet Bolton. Emmet talks about stepping away from club football on a Friday only to take over as manager the following Monday, and what it’s like managing his home club, including his own brother and the lads he grew up with.

The chat turns to whether this is just the start of a longer managerial journey for Emmet, before looking back on the great days of his Kildare career; the craic, the slagging and the friendships that stand the test of time. He also shares what it was like under Geezer, the standards he set in the dressing room, and how competitive things got when places on the team were up for grabs.

They round things off with a few thoughts on belief versus results, the importance of underage football and community in building strong clubs, and a look at the Kildare championship as it really starts to heat up.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠⁠clinched.ie⁠⁠

This week, Podge and Johnny chat about the growing role of technology in club football, with apps like Clubber making it easier for supporters to follow games nationwide and put names to the players on the pitch.

They dive into the competitiveness of Kildare club football in recent years, the twists and turns of the championship, and the players to keep an eye on. Podge also recalls the moment he walked into Paddy Power to find himself tipped as favourite for first goalscorer, and why staying grounded matters in football.

The conversation rounds off with talk of clubs and managers set to part ways in the months ahead. With change on the horizon, it’s the perfect time for clubs to think about fresh opportunities - and for managers to get themselves out there. The lads highlight how the Clinched App can make that connection, helping clubs and managers find the right fit at the right time.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠clinched.ie

This week, Podge, Johnny and Seán cover a wide mix of stories from the world of GAA and rugby. Seán gives an update on his hip surgery recovery and reflects on his four years as contact skills coach with Leinster, offering a look into life on the other side of the pitch.

The lads chat about the recent changes in GAA management and how the modern backroom team has transformed, before moving into some of the biggest issues facing rugby today. From concussion and the HIA process to ongoing legal action in the UK, they share their thoughts on how the game is handling player welfare. They also remember Shane Christie and discuss the long-rumoured New Zealand rugby report that has recently come to light.

Closer to home, they wrap up with a lively chat about the Carnew v Rathnew clash and what it says about discipline in the game today.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠clinched.ie

This week, Podge and Johnny are joined by All-Ireland football final referee Brendan Cawley. The lads chat about Brendan’s journey into refereeing, the human side of the whistle, and the crucial role positioning plays in making the right call.

They discuss the pressure of big decisions, living with the scrutiny that comes with them, and the impact of social media on referees today. Brendan shares what it’s like in the build-up to a game, the nerves and excitement of All-Ireland final day, and gives his take on the latest rule changes shaping football.

All About The Game is proudly brought to you by Clinched. Clinched is the number one app for clubs that are looking for coaches and managers. It's also the perfect place for coaches and managers to sign up for free, highlight their coaching experience, and match with clubs who share their interests. Available on both Apple and Android to download now. ⁠clinched.ie