LOI Central

We're quick off the block this week in reaction to the Champions League and Europa League draws, with Paul Corry – who curiously never played European football – coming in to chat about the draws and reaction to the Bohs-Rovers game over the weekend. As well as discussing that man Mandroiu, Corry discusses how life is going post-footballl but this show is mainly about the European action ahead. We talk to Ruaidhri Higgins on skype and get reaction from Stephen Bradley, John Cotter and Harry Kenny.

We were joined by two advertisements for the UCD production line on this week's pod. Shelbourne's Ciaran Kilduff discusses his move home from the US and reflects on his career in the league while offering some insights into life under Stephen Kenny and the European doors it opened. Current UCD winger Neil Farrugia should be with Kenny in Toulon this week but the 20-year-old joins us to discuss his longer term ambitions, his European hopes, and there's also an unexpected diversion into the tactics of hockey and the merits of Spanish wine. He's no ordinary footballer.

LOI WEEKLY S03 EP17 with Oscar Brennan

It's a quiet time in the League of Ireland Premier Division, with games cancelled due to Toulon, but Oscar Brennan comes in to discuss the First Division with his new club Shelbourne now top after beating Longford on Friday. Oscar has some strong views on coaching standards in Ireland at all levels, while he reveals his new part-time job, which does in-fact involve craft beer. The lads have some thoughts on Shane Ross, the Sports Minister's forum last Friday and some of the reactions to Niall Quinn's propositions. We also talk Ireland about a great start in Toulon & about the upcoming trip to Denmark.

It's a union of central defenders this week as Dundalk's multiple league winner Brian Gartland comes into the studio, joined on Skype by Bermuda captain and Sligo Rovers fans' favourite Dante Leverock, who is slowly recovering from a painful trip to Dalymount Park last Friday. Dante tells us about life in Sligo, his plans to help Bermuda create history in Costa Rica next month, and how his girlfriend's wedding planning service could help his team-mates. Gartland talks title battles and European memories, and discusses Niall Quinn's plans – and his own ideas – about the future of the league.

With Dan away on International duty, Johnny was in studio to mind the house. Dan did dial in from the Ireland camp in Portugal as the league season enters the halfway stage. Bray Wanderers boss Gary Cronin, fresh from the win over Galway, comes into studio while the man with 'BOSS' on his t-shirt, Jack Byrne, lives up to the moniker. In a packed show, betting expert Julian Canny comes in to discuss extremely worrying gambling trends in the First Division. And Jack also weighs in about the twist and turns of his career and puts the issue to bed as to what his best position is.

We went a different direction by going Stateside this week with ex LOI all-rounder Kieran Foley, who has made his way in the business world and was central to the growth of the Caribbean Cricket League, outlining his vision for football in Ireland. He is part of Niall Quinn’s group that is plotting a new vision. We also review and preview the latest games with more than a nod to Pat Mustard

Longford assistant Daire Doyle joined the lads in studio to talk about his football career, a journey which took him from talented team-mates in Tallaght and Coventry to the pint and payment culture of the English non-league and then back home to build towards his new life as a coach working with Neale Fenn. Neal Horgan also dials in to discuss Cork's changes, John Caulfield's future, and his desire to kickstart a debate around an All Ireland League.

Following the news this morning of John Caulfield's departure from Cork City, Dan & Johnny give their quick reaction on the end of his incredibly successful reign with Cork & what lies ahead for the club.

Yes we are a day early, but Punchestown Is calling. After another eventful 72 hours Dan & Johnny delve into two more busy rounds of the L.O.I, although Johnny isn’t that busy in truth. Luke Byrne was in studio to discuss why two old employers in Rovers & Bohs are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier Division, even though Dundalk have made an ominous return to form. He did also tell us about a very interesting encounter in Cobh, one that showed how the First Division created an unlikey offer to 'see the light'.

Brendan Clarke and Robbie Benson drop into studio to join the lads and digest the lessons of the Dublin Derby spectacle for the league as a whole - with Johnny's unlikely bromance with David McWilliams adding some audio to the discussion. We also get the lowdown from the lads on ongoing matters at St Patrick's Athletic and Dundalk as Johnny admits that the league race might have some life in it yet. The merits of a smaller Premier Division and the importance of facilities are also discussed.