It's There! An Irish Sports Podcast

Episode 31: Who Needs the World Cup?!

In this episode - George Hamilton and Connor Phillips try to be strong. Listen as they do their very best to try and get through the fact Ireland aren't at the World Cup which starts in a matter of days. The lads look at the bright side and the Irish interest appearing at this World Cup - Pico Lopez from Shamrock Rovers will play for Cape Verde and Dublin's Richie Partridge will be on the medical team for Qatar - have they missed anyone else? The lads look ahead to Ireland Vs France in the Women's World Cup qualifier on Tuesday Night. Can Ireland actually have a team at the World Cup before the week is out? They look back the Ireland against Canada in their latest friendly. Then they address the footballing elephant in the room. Why has it fallen on the side of the players to decide who plays in the Nations Cup game against Israel in October? With news imminent that Ireland will play their fixture behind closed doors - what will this mean for the players - for those who want to play and those who dont? To contact or sponsor: itsthere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Episode 30: Conor McNamara

What a podcast! Two of Ireland's greatest voices coming together - George Hamilton and BBC commentary legend Conor McNamara! The other Connor (Phillips) got to ask two of the greatest to ever do it - what it is like to be behind the mic at some of the worlds biggest football matches? Did you know Conor McNamara is from broadcasting royalty? His dad is legendary DJ Micky Mac aka Michael McNamara. Conor talks about how his dad was an inspiration to his future career! George shares with Conor (and Connor) some of the best moments he has had behind the mic and Conor (McNamara) returns the favour. What is it like when you support a team you are commentating on - does it make it hard to stay 'impartial'? How effective are co-commentators and do they work? Have all commentators been accused of the 'Commentators Curse'? What is the difference between a radio commentator and a TV commentator? Both George and Conor (McNamara) help answer some of these questions. With the World Cup on the horizon - what a great opportunity to find out about one of the best broadcasting skills in the world. And Conor McNamara 'does' his best George Hamilton moment! To contact or sponsor: itsthere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Episode 29: Ireland, Qatar and The Champions League

After George's beloved Arsenal did not complete an historic League and Champions League Double - Connor helped console him with a look back at some of Ireland's Champions League (European Cup) winners from through the years. The most recent being Katie McCabe who has recently crossed London town for the blue of Chelsea! The lads talk about the first UK winners in Celtic, the Busby Babes at Man Utd right through to Roy Keane, John O'Shea, Steve Finnan and Caoimhin Kelleher and their success. In the conversation we find out which former Republic of Ireland International was one of the voices in the movie - Shrek! The second half sees George and Connor discussing the Ireland vs Qatar friendly match from last week and THAT red card for Jack Moylan. George is frustrated by the referee and Connor gets frustrated at the lack of game time for the debutantes but overall the lads are happy to see fresh faces in the green jersey! To contact or advertise with us - itsthere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Episode 28: Mick McCarthy RE-RELEASE

With a VERY exciting summer planned for the 'Its There!' Podcast - George and Connor wanted you to hear their conversation with Mick McCarthy. Keep your eyes on our social media platforms... we will be announcing something VERY special with Mick McCarthy in the next few weeks! Meanwhile: The man who has played for Ireland, captained Ireland and managed Ireland - Twice. The lads talk through a very successful club career which took Mick on an amazing journey. They talk about how he became a natural leader for Jack Charlton, how he was involved with historic campaigns like Euro '88 and World Cup Italia' 90 and how he ended up succeeding Jack as the Ireland manager. Of course - Mick being Mick, he is honest, forthright and funny. He talks about Saipan and how the story comes back every 10 years - this time in movie form with Steve Coogan. But it has never defined him. He is way more than that. He a fascinating interview - hear George Hamilton relive some of his big moments in the commentary box as well - even the goals Mick doesn't actually remember scoring! To sponsor the podcast contact: itsthere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Episode 27: Green Gooners

So... after a big few days for Arsenal fans (including George Hamilton) they are Premier League Champions. Connor thought it was only fitting that George got his moment in the sun. In the first part of this podcast the lads go through the greatest Irish players ever to wear the Arsenal shirt (Connor a little more hesitantly than George!). From Liam Brady, David O'Leary and Niall Quinn to name but a few. George got to pick his favourite and had a thoroughly entertaining time doing it! In the second half George and Connor asked the listeners of the podcast: Which Irish player or manager - had the best season in the English and European Leagues? Is it Moylan? Parrott? O'Shea? Have we given enough love to the likes of Aaron Drinan or Jaze Kabia? AND Who wins the title for Irish Manager of the Year? Keith Andrews or Martin O'Neill? To comment or sponsor the podcast: itsthere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]