The Knock On Rugby Podcast

Stephen Byrne, Tom Crotty, Paddy Browne, and James Blanchfield return to discuss all the latest results, player availability, and league standings across Carlow, Kilkenny, and Tullow.

On This Week's Episode:

• Co. Carlow RFC: Tom Crotty reflects on a second straight loss for Carlow’s 1st XV (36–14 away to Mullingar), highlighting the squad’s ongoing transition with a young, developing group low on senior experience. On a brighter note, Carlow’s J2 side put on a stellar 43–14 bonus-point performance to stay undefeated.
• Tullow RFC: Paddy Browne breaks down Tullow’s 26–13 road loss to Tullamore in Division 1A. Despite an experienced setup, Tullow has found the opening stretch of the campaign challenging, though they managed to salvage a losing bonus point on the day.
• Kilkenny RFC: James Blanchfield recaps a 31–34 thriller at Foulkstown against De La Salle Palmerston. While Kilkenny racked up 2 bonus points in a 5-try battle, late confusion in overtime saw DLSP seal the victory. James also touches on returning hurling players and a historic weekend ahead for the women’s setup.
• Looking Ahead & Bye Weekend: With all three 1st XVs taking a break in the Leinster League schedule this coming weekend, attention turns to Carlow 3s hosting CYM 1 at Oak Park on Saturday, October 3. Plus, a look down the line to October 10–11 when 1st and 2nd XV league action returns!

This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty of Co. Carlow Rugby Club and Paddy Browne of Tullow RFC to kick off a brand new season of local rugby action.

We look back at the summer break and catch up on all the news across the region, including club developments and off-the-field updates.

Paddy Browne gives us the lowdown on Tullow, including their recent Southeast Cup and Leinster League fixtures, changes in the coaching lineup and committee, and their upcoming facility plans.

Tom Crotty brings us up to speed on Co. Carlow FC, highlighting pitch and facility upgrades at Oak Park, key appointments to the background and coaching team, and how the squad is shaping up for the season ahead.

All that and more on The Knock On.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro: Season 6 Kickoff & Summer Recap
• 01:46 – Tullow RFC Update (Paddy Browne)
• 09:30 – Co. Carlow FC Update (Tom Crotty)

This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Paddy Browne of Tullow RFC to break down all the latest action from across the local rugby scene.

On This Week’s Episode:

• Derby Fever: It’s the big one! We preview the massive Towns Cup Quarter-Final as Tullow hosts Carlow. With Tullow coming off a season-best performance against De La Salle Palmerston and Carlow fresh and hungry, will match fitness or freshness win the day?
• History in the Making: We celebrate a landmark moment as the Tullow Women secure their first AIL win in two years. We look ahead to their high-stakes relegation battle against Ennis.
• Underage Excellence: A massive roundup of the youth circuit—from the U13s reaching a Leinster semi-final to the U16s' thrilling victory over Carlow.
• The Province & The Philosophy: The lads talk Leinster, the loss of RG Snyman, and the big debate: Is Jacques Nienaber’s defensive philosophy holding back Leinster’s natural attacking flair?
• Junior Rugby Roundup: Updates on the Seconds and Thirds as cup action heats up across the board.

Don’t miss the crack on the sideline! Whether you’re heading to the Black Gates or tuning in on the radio, we’ve got everything you need to know before kick-off, the game is also live on KCLR Radio.

We also bring you all the latest youth rugby news and updates from around the region.

All that and more on The Knock On.

This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty of Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, and Paddy Browne of Tullow RFC to break down all the latest action from across the local rugby scene.

This week on the pod, we are diving into one of the busiest windows in Leinster rugby.

We break down Tullow 1st XV’s high-stakes trip to Newbridge this Saturday—a must-win play-off against DLSP to keep their Division 1A status alive.

We also look ahead to the "Big One" at the Black Gates on March 29th. Tullow's Paddy Browne tells us why he’s looking over his shoulder at a surging Co. Carlow side. Can the Oak Park men pull off a heist in Tullow?

Also in this episode:

• Sean O'Brien is back on the pitch for the Tullow J3s against Navan.
• A massive AIL clash for Tullow vs Cooke, while Kilkenny Women face a top-of-the-table showdown at Foulkstown.
• SETU Head Coach John Farrell and a host of Carlow locals prepare to host UCC in the Division 1 All-Ireland Final this Wednesday. We review the SETU Ladies' brave performance against UCD under Keeva Owens and Paddy Moss.

We also bring you all the latest youth rugby news and updates from around the region.

All that and more on The Knock On.

This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty of Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, and Paddy Browne of Tullow RFC to break down all the latest action from across the local rugby scene.

Kilkenny’s Promotion Party: The Kilkenny Women are officially Division 2 bound! After a clinical 36–0 dismantling of MU Barnhall, they’ve secured the Leinster League Div 3 title with a game to spare. We also discuss the big news off the pitch as Steve Ashmore is confirmed as Director of Rugby for next season.

Carlow’s Super Sunday: Oak Park is buzzing after the J2s claimed their league title in a gritty win over Kilkenny. We also pay tribute to Wes Shirley, who looks set to hang up the boots after a legendary shift. Plus, we recap the Men’s 1st XV’s physical 21–0 win over Kilkenny and the ongoing success of the Bees’ inclusive team.

Tullow’s Tightrope Walk: It was a week of extremes at the Black Gates. After a high-scoring win over Wexford, a heavy defeat to Suttonians has left the 1sts fighting for their Division 1A survival. Can they find their form before a daunting trip to title-contenders Boyne?

Towns Cup Preview: It’s Round 2 of the Provincial Towns Cup this Sunday! We preview the massive local derbies: Tullow vs. Kilkenny at the Black Gates and Carlow vs. Wicklow at Oak Park.

We also bring you all the latest youth rugby news and updates from around the region.

All that and more on The Knock On.

This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty of Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, and Paddy Browne of Tullow RFC to break down all the latest action from across the local rugby scene.

After an absolute thriller last weekend, Tullow and Wicklow couldn’t be separated as they finished 27-all in Division 1B, a hard-fought draw that keeps both sides pushing in the Leinster League standings. This Saturday, Tullow travel to take on a tough Suttonians outfit looking to climb the table and build momentum.

On the women’s side, Tullow Ladies are back at Black Gates on Saturday afternoon, hosting Blackrock, hoping to turn recent midfield battles into points on the board.

Over in Division 1B, Kilkenny RFC head to De La Salle Palmerston on Saturday, aiming to upset the Palmerston pack and climb away from the drop zone in what’s set to be a bruising contest. Meanwhile, Kilkenny’s women’s team stay at home to face Ashbourne, where a strong performance could really boost their confidence for what’s ahead.

Back in Carlow, the Carlow men’s squad hosts Dundalk this weekend at Oak Park — a fixture that could be massive for league positioning as the season reaches its business end. And it’s a double-header as Carlow Ladies also take on CYM at home, with both sides looking to put phase pressure on their opponents and secure bragging rights.

All that and more on The Knock On.

This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty of Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, and Paddy Browne of Tullow RFC to break down all the latest action from across the local rugby scene.

Carlow delivered a dominant performance in the Towns Cup, overpowering New Ross 66–0 to book their place in the next round, where they will face Wicklow. The fixture also carried a poignant moment, with a tribute paid to the late Martin Dunphy. Martin was a former Carlow player and a central figure in the club’s golden era, playing a pivotal role in the historic Towns Cup teams that achieved an unprecedented three-in-a-row in 1992, 1993 and 1994.

The scheduled ladies’ game involving Carlow was unfortunately called off due to adverse weather conditions.

Kilkenny also progressed in the Towns Cup following a solid 27–7 victory over Enniscorthy. They now set up a next-round clash with Tullow. It was a successful outing for Kilkenny across the board, with their women’s side continuing their impressive form by defeating Navan 24–10. That result leaves the Kilkenny women with an outstanding record of nine wins from ten games this season.

Tullow, meanwhile, had a bye in the Towns Cup but came into the next round with confidence after a strong league win over Seapoint the previous week, despite finishing that match with just 13 players. Tullow returns to league action this weekend with a challenging fixture away to Wicklow.

We also bring you all the latest youth rugby news and updates from around the region.

All that and more on The Knock On.

This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty of Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC, and Paddy Browne of Tullow RFC to break down all the latest action from across the local rugby scene.

Kilkenny RFC picked up a strong home win over Mullingar, running out 28–17 victors in Leinster League Division 1B after scoring four tries to two. They’re back at home this weekend as Clondalkin come to town, while the Kilkenny women travel to face South East Lions on Sunday.

Carlow RFC enjoyed a dominant away win against Clondalkin, winning 40–17, and now turn their attention to an away trip to Gorey this weekend. It was a tougher outing for the Carlow women, who were beaten by Birr in Division 4.

Tullow RFC were edged out at home by Tullamore in a high-scoring Division 1A encounter, losing 35–28. They face a tough test away to Seapoint this weekend. Tullow women were beaten 38–10 by Wicklow in the AIL and will look to bounce back at home against UL Bohemians.

We also bring you all the latest youth rugby news and updates from around the region.

All that and more on The Knock On.

This week on The Knock On, KCLR Sport’s weekly rugby podcast, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty (Carlow Rugby Club), James Blanchfield (Kilkenny RFC), and Paddy Browne (Tullow RFC) to break down all the latest rugby action.

Co. Carlow RFC were crowned South East Premier J1 champions after edging out Tullow RFC by the narrowest of margins in a thrilling final at Black Gates.

We preview Tullow RFC v Tullamore RFC in the Leinster League; this represents a real test for Tullow at home. Tullamore’s higher league position and consistency give them the edge, but a positive home performance could see Tullow push them hard — especially if they tighten up in defence and take scoring chances. Expect a physical contest. The U18S won the South East last weekend. Tullow ladies are away to Wicklow in the AIL.

Carlow head for Clondalkin and will be the favourites for this one. Clondalkin have struggled this season and are currently at the bottom of the table without a win, making this a crucial fixture for them if they want to climb out of the relegation zone, but in league rugby, the underdog always has a chance if they can slow the game down and stay disciplined. Carlow women are also away to Birr in Division 4.

Kilkenny RFC and Mullingar RFC go head-to-head and will be looking to bounce back from mixed results and a tough run of fixtures. Kilkenny women play South East Lions on Sunday in Division 3.

Tune in for all this and more on The Knock On! 🎙️🏉

Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup hopes went up in smoke losing 37-34 to Northampton at the Aviva. The game was live on KCLR thanks to Halo Care and afterwards our commentary team of former Ireland out half Mick Quinn and Brendan Hennessy discussed what went wrong. First though here’s Leinster captain Caelin Doris and Head Coach Leo Cullen.