The NIFL Premiership has returned and former Irish League player and Manager Matthew Tipton joins the podcast to recap it all.

Also, what ramifications does Larne's European adventures have on the Irish League moving forward? What almost derailed the start of the league last week? And NIFL have a new TV deal and subscription offering to discuss.

The podcast is back for its fifth season. Bigger and better than ever, with our longest ever episode!

Over two hours of pure Irish League chat.

Your ultimate guide to the upcoming season of top-flight Irish League football. Every club’s prospects for the campaign ahead put under the microscope. Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI join the pod to share their predictions, including where they think every team will finish.

All that and more, right here on your latest weekly edition of Kicking Match.

In a special summer edition of the podcast, one of the most recognisable voices in modern Irish League history, Michael Clarke shares some of his favourite Irish League memories.

Plus, tickets now on sale for Kicking Match: Live 3!

Join Matthew Brown, Joe McCallion, Ross Welsh and Peter Cinnamond for our Season Preview Live Show, Friday 31st July 2026 @ The Linen Hall Bar, Belfast.

LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kicking-match-live-irish-league-season-preview-2627-tickets-1992632932742?aff=erelexpmlt

The season is finally over, which means it's time for the podcast you've all been waiting for.

Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI join Peter to atone (or bask in the kudos) of their early season predictions - in the big 25/26 review special.

Every team, every prediction, and every huge moment from the season gets the full look-back treatment as the lads revisit the calls made before a ball was kicked.

Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI jump on the pod to see off the season in style.

As an appetiser to the End of Season Review, we recap Coleraine's victory in the Irish Cup Final, Crusaders securing their top flight status after penalties against Annagh United. Plus, the traditional favourite, the Team of the Season.

Michael Scott and Dave Watt join the podcast to do the episode they've been dreading all season. After losing to Crusaders, their relegation was confirmed. What lessons can be learnt from their fall from grace and what position are they in to bounce back?

Plus, Niall Currie ousted from Shamrock Park. Plenty of fans have called out the move, but are they right?

Also , the title isn't sorted yet, but after the Glens failed to beat Larne, the Invermen have a hand on the Gibson cup.

It's the end of season (almost) everybody wanted. Two games to go and the most impactful fixtures at the top and bottom of the Premiership are primed and ready to go.

Will we see Glenavon relegated or Larne crowned champs? Or will there be a dramatic twist in the tail ahead of potentially the most dramatic final day in over a decade.

Barry Flynn is the man to prognosticate it all!

Damian Mullan jumps aboard the pod following a significant set of results in the chase for the Gibson Cup . Larne remained unmoved and Coleraine fought back, but a deadlock in East Belfast does neither of Linfield or Glentoran any favours.

We'll reflect on where this leaves us. Chat about another blow to Crusaders top flight status as well as look ahead to the Irish Cup Semis.

This is your one stop show for everything you need to know about the final games in the Irish league's top flight, known as the split.

From the title chase to relegation scrap, journalist Stewart McKinley is here to cover it all.

The Blues outlast their Belfast rivals to claim the first prime piece of Irish league silverware this season.

Can this league cup success propel them towards a strong end to the season?

For the Glens, how much will this latest cup failure derail their own title push?

We chat with former Linfield General Manager David Graham about how the cup was won and the challenges the South Belfast side face in the modern Irish League.