Between the Stripes LOI podcast

We’ve got some making up to do after last week’s phantom episode — and we’re back with a bang. This week features fascinating audio with Joey O’Brien and Kevin Doherty. The Shels boss admits this season has fallen short of expectations as defending champions, while Doherty hits back at criticism over his side’s style of play.

Elsewhere, the lads break down a hectic few days across both divisions, from Sligo’s revival to Galway’s decline and Waterford’s defensive woes. In the First Division, Dundalk face some harsh words after their shock defeat to Longford.

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Athlone Town’s newly-appointed CEO, Steven Gray, sits down for a frank and wide-ranging chat. The former LOI player and Shamrock Rovers academy coach gives his take on Colin Fortune’s controversial exit, the growing fan pressure on Ian Ryan, efforts to reconnect with the local community, and his plans to put the Midlanders on a sustainable financial footing.

Unfortunately, due to technical issues, we can’t bring you our usual show this week. After recording late into the night, the lads discovered their equipment had let them down even worse than Ireland did in Yerevan. If you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s fiery emergency pod from Armenia—and we’ll be back in full force next week.

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 The lads are still fuming after Ireland’s disastrous night in Yerevan. Emotions are running high, and it’s gotten so bad that they’ve had to call an emergency pod. From the performance to the tactics (or lack of them), nothing is off-limits in this raw reaction. 

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This week’s episode comes with mixed emotions as we celebrate Thursday’s historic European achievements by Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers, while also paying tribute to the late, great Ollie Horgan. 

Elsewhere on the show, Kieran and Gary clash on a few hot topics, including whether Josh Honohan deserves a place in the latest Ireland squad and Ciaran Kilduff’s comments on underage call-ups in the First Division. 

Tune in for passion, debate, and a look back at an unforgettable week in Irish football. 

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Are we about to witness the greatest week in the history of the LOI? We certainly won't be viewing it on the national broadcaster anyway, but Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers get the big game treatment on this week's Between the Stripes. 

It's a fiery BTS Hotline this week with Treaty United and Tommy Barrett coming in for plenty of flak from contributers after the Limerick men's 7-0 hammering at home to Dundalk. 

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Two League of Ireland sides are just one step away from the Europa Conference League group stages, so we’ve called in the experts.

Peter Cinnamond of the Kicking Match Irish League Podcast gives us the view from Belfast ahead of Shelbourne v Linfield II, while Kevin Fernandes from Long Ball Futebol breaks down what Shamrock Rovers can expect when they head to the Azores to face Santa Clara.

Kieran & Gary also look back on the FAI Cup last 16, including an unlucky night for Longford in Tallaght. No BTS kebab review this week, but there’s chat about McDonald’s Arch Burger and spicy nuggets—plus plenty more serious (and not-so-serious) business on another bumper pod.

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Gary Reilly is in flying form on this week’s show, letting loose on a few topics – including the worrying surge in yellow and red cards across the LOI this season.

Kieran’s mood is less upbeat following Shelbourne’s gut-wrenching European exit, while the lads dig into the reported rift between Jack Byrne and Stephen Bradley.

We break down all the latest action from the Premier and First Divisions, and the BTS Predictions League heats up with the last 16 of the FAI Cup.

Plus, the BTS Hotline delivers plenty of lively listener input.

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Red Reign in Rijeka🔴

Kieran & Gary are back with almost-instant reaction to Shelbourne’s massive win away to Rijeka — one of the best Irish results in Europe? The lads break it all down and chat about where it ranks among the great Irish club results.

There’s also post-match audio from Joey O’Brien, plus a look ahead to Rovers’ trip to Kosovo and Besiktas visiting Dublin to take on St Pat’s.

And in a bit of a fiery debate, the lads discuss Stephen Bradley’s comments on the length of the LOI season and whether First Division clubs really hold too much sway.

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We kick off this week’s show by addressing the disgraceful scenes of violence in Derry on Friday. On the pitch, Cork City’s decline comes under the microscope after last week’s dramatic live TV clash with a resurgent Sligo Rovers.

Old friend of the pod, Enda Curran, drops by to chat about his return to Salthill Devon and the looming FAI Cup showdown with Galway. The former LOI striker also weighs in on the great summer vs winter football debate.

There’s plenty more too – from the latest European action and First Division updates to the BTS Hotline and the always-competitive Predictions League!

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After breaking a 630+ day goal drought in the FAI Cup, Longford Town forward Dean George joins us for an honest and emotional chat. But this isn’t just about a long-awaited goal — it's a raw look at life in the First Division: battling injuries, mental struggles, and moments where walking away felt easier than carrying on. A powerful insight into the realities of part-time football.

Elsewhere, Kieran and Gary review the FAI Cup weekend and look ahead to the return of league action and the latest European ties.

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