OTB Football

Waterford FC manager head coach Gary Hunt, and goalkeeper Maeve Williams sat down with Beat102103's Odhrán Johnson ahead of the new Women's League of Ireland Premier Division season. The duo spoke about building on last season, goals for 2026 and of course the opening game of the season against local rivals Wexford FC. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Wexford FC assistant manager Jess Lawton, and captain Ciara Rossiter sat down with Beat102103's Odhrám Johnson ahead of the advent of the new Women's League of Ireland Premier Division season. The girls from the sunny southeast have lost some players, including Ellen Molloy who has moved to Shamrock Rovers but will be a game for anyone and everyone this year. Here, Lawton and Rossiter outline how pre-season has gone, and what the ambitions are ahead of the 2026 season. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Galway United women's manager Phill Trill joined Stephen Doyle at the launch of the League of Ireland's Women's Premier Division which begins this weekend the 14th of March. Trill takes the reins of a Galway team who are looking to push on and compete for trophies, and have been boosted with several new arrivals this season. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

OTB’s Ben Symes chats to Pats manager Stephen Kenny and midfielder Barry Baggley ahead of their game against Drogheda on Friday night. This week's live commentary comes from Inchicore on Friday night as St. Patricks Athletic host Drogheda United at Richmond Park. Phil Egan will be joined by Richie Towell in the gantry, with build-up starting on Off The Ball on Newstalk and the GoLoud App from 7pm, and kick off at 7-45.

Ireland may have walked away with no points but the scoreline doesn't tell the full story of this international window. Kathleen McNamee is joined by Karen Duggan and Scarlett Herron to discuss the highs and the lows of the last week. They also look at the new FAI Strategy launched this week and return to their old favourite topic of why an U23s squad is so important for the development of the senior national side. The COYGIG Pod with Cadbury, a proud sponsor of the Republic of Ireland football teams. Paint March Green With Cadbury

Shelbourne captain Pearl Slattery spoke to our own Stephen Doyle at the launch of the Women's League of Ireland Premier Division ahead of the new season. 'Pearlo' who has won three FAI Cups and two league titles, will turn 37 next month and has been a stalwart for Shels over the years. Here she speaks of the ambitions for next season, blending experience and youth, and attempting to win the title back. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you all the fallout from last night's Champions League action, a look ahead to the Irish involvement tonight in Europe, and who could be in with a shout of making the Ireland squad next week. Champions League shock in Madrid – Manchester City suffer a heavy 3–0 defeat away to Real Madrid as Federico Valverde scores a stunning first career hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Pep Guardiola admits his side face an “uphill battle” to stay in the tie despite Madrid missing stars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. Holders Paris Saint‑Germain punish Chelsea 5–2 in Paris with goals from Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia despite a spirited fightback from the visitors. Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior takes responsibility for his side’s late collapse but insists there were positives against the reigning European champions. Arsenal rescue a 1–1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen thanks to a dramatic late penalty from Kai Havertz. Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must be more clinical in the second leg as the Champions League knockout stage shows its difficulty. Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt make the most of their Arctic home advantage with a dominant 3–0 win over Sporting CP. Europa League action tonight: Aston Villa host Lille OSC as boss Unai Emery demands a return to their usual structure. Relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest juggle domestic survival with Europe as they face FC Midtjylland at the City Ground. Robbie Keane leads Ferencvárosi TC into a tough Europa League tie against SC Braga in Budapest. Conference League spotlight: Troy Parrott and AZ Alkmaar take on SK Slavia Prague while Crystal Palace face AEK Larnaca. Championship roundup: Coventry City edge closer to promotion with a 3–0 win over Preston North End as the Sky Blues go eight points clear at the top. Ireland striker crisis deepens: veteran forward David McGoldrick could make a shock return to the Republic of Ireland national football team squad ahead of the World Cup play-off with Czech Republic national football team. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Stephen Doyle was joined by Gareth McGlynn and Ben Symes to dive into a huge week of League Of Ireland action The trio review previous weekend's action including St. Patricks Athletic's late win over Shelbourne last Friday. What is going on at Derry City? And is Tiernan Lynch's days numbered? Dundalk steady the ship but why can't they get a win? Shamrock Rovers' form improves but they're yet to fire on all cylinders. Bohemians continue their good form, but are Drogheda United beginning to come unstuck losing two of their last two. Sligo Rovers, a notorious tough place to take points from, whilst Galway United are hard to beat yet again. This week's live commentary comes from Inchicore as St. Patricks Athletic host Drogheda United at Richmond Park. Phil Egan will be joined by Vinny Perth in the gantry, with build-up starting on Off The Ball on Newstalk and the GoLoud App from 7pm, and kick off at 7-45. And of course they answered YOUR questions which you can send to theloipod@offtheball.com. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Sligo Rovers women's captain Emma Hansberry joined Stephen Doyle at the League of Ireland launch a few weeks ago ahead of the new Women's Premier Division season beginning this weekend the 14th of March. Hansberry speaks of the Westerners ambition ahead of the 2026 season, incorporating new faces and what experience she can bring to the group. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the Champions League, the international game and why football is so important in modern-day Iran. Champions League fallout as Tottenham lose 5–2 to Atletico Madrid, increasing pressure on manager Igor Tudor. Tudor substitutes goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after just 17 minutes following two costly errors. Tottenham Supporters’ Trust call for Tudor to be sacked after four straight defeats since his appointment. Spurs face another tough test this weekend with a Premier League trip to Liverpool at Anfield. Liverpool suffer a 1–0 defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul, with Mario Lemina scoring the winner. Arne Slot remains confident despite criticism, pointing to missed chances and a VAR-ruled-out equaliser. Newcastle denied a famous win as Barcelona score a stoppage-time penalty to draw 1–1. Bayern Munich thrash Atalanta 6–1 in Bergamo in the night’s most dominant performance. Preview of tonight’s Champions League ties featuring Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester City vs Real Madrid, and PSG vs Chelsea. Championship round-up as Millwall move close to automatic promotion and Leicester climb out of the relegation zone. FIFA confirms Iran will be allowed compete at the 2026 World Cup in the United States despite recent political tensions. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Bohemians Women's Team head coach Alan Murphy sat down with Ben Symes a couple of weeks ago at the League of Ireland launch, ahead of the new season beginning on Saturday the 14th of March. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Dr. Babak Fazooni, tutor at The Open University, joins Eoin to reflect on the power of football as both a distraction and a form of protest for the Iranian people throughout decades of authoritarian rule. With members of the Iranian Women's team currently applying for asylum in Australia, Dr. Fazooni explains how the sport is deeply entrenched in Iranian feminism, as well as looking to a Men's World Cup where it seems increasingly less likely that Iranian players will take to the pitch come June.

FAI CEO David Courell sat down with OTB's David Wilson to speak about the new FAI strategy plan for 2026-29, the Player Pathway Plan, the Aligned Calendar and the prospect of the Israeli football team coming to Dublin later this year. Republic of Ireland football on Off The Ball with Cadbury | #PaintMarchGreen #CadburySupporterAndAHalf Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news of the FAI Strategy plan, the pathways plan, action in the League of Ireland, the FA Cup and a look ahead to tonight's Champions League action. FAI CEO David Courell tells David Wilson the latest update around the Israel game, and what the vision is for the FAI over the next four years. Shelbourne FC surrender a two-goal lead as Shamrock Rovers FC fight back for a 2–2 draw in the League of Ireland Premier Division clash at Tolka Park. Early goals from Harry Wood and John Martin put Shels in control before Rovers hit back. John McGovern and Dylan Watts level the game as the Hoops salvage a point. Reaction from managers Stephen Bradley and Joey O'Brien after a dramatic Dublin derby. Preview of our live commentary as St Patrick's Athletic FC host Drogheda United FC at Richmond Park. West Ham United FC reach the FA Cup quarter-finals after a penalty shoot-out win over Brentford FC. Managers Nuno Espírito Santo and Keith Andrews react to a dramatic cup tie and a controversial Panenka attempt. Quarter-final draw details as Chelsea FC face Port Vale FC while Manchester City FC meet Liverpool FC. Arne Slot expects a “wall of sound” in Istanbul as Liverpool face Galatasaray SK in the UEFA Champions League. Big European nights also for Newcastle United FC against FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur FC away to Atlético Madrid. Kevin Kilbane joins the Football Show to discuss online abuse in football and the importance of staying in the Premier League. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Ben Symes chats to Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley and Shelbourne manager Joey O'Brien after the sides draw 2-2 in tonight's derby game The League of Ireland on Off The Ball

On Monday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news of the League of Ireland, the FA Cup and the international game. League of Ireland focus – Shamrock Rovers travel to Tolka Park to face Shelbourne in a Dublin derby with the Hoops looking to close the gap on leaders Bohemians. Stephen Bradley preview – The Rovers boss reflects on the challenge of facing Shelbourne regardless of form. Shels’ mixed start – Joey O’Brien’s side come into the game after a narrow derby defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic. Athlone claim silverware – Athlone Town defeat Shelbourne 1-0 to win the President’s Cup ahead of the new Women’s National League season. Dana Sheriff strikes – The returning American forward scores the decisive goal for last season’s double winners. Evan Ferguson injury blow – The Roma loanee is set for ankle surgery and will miss Ireland’s upcoming playoff with Czechia. World Cup hopes debate – David Sneyd and Keith Treacy discuss whether Ferguson could still feature at this summer’s World Cup if Ireland qualify. Greg Cunningham interview – The former Ireland international recalls his breakthrough at Manchester City and Carlos Tevez’s influence. Old Firm drama – Celtic defeat Rangers on penalties in the Scottish Cup quarter-final amid pitch-invasion scenes at Ibrox. FA Cup storylines – Brentford boss Keith Andrews targets progression at West Ham, while Leeds and Southampton also advance. Championship roundup – Middlesbrough strengthen their promotion push with a big win at QPR as Alan Browne gets on the scoresheet. Global football headlines – Mass red cards in a fiery Cruzeiro-Atletico Mineiro final and geopolitical issues impacting Iraq’s World Cup playoff preparations. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Welcome to a time-travel podcast diving into football’s greatest almost moments — the transfers that came within touching distance of reality, Richie McCormack's Sliding Doors. Sliding Doors goes beyond rumours and gossip to uncover deals that were genuinely on the table Each episode explores how one decision could have reshaped clubs, careers, and the entire football landscape From whispered negotiations to official bids, this is the anatomy of football’s biggest “what ifs” Think Michael Laudrup to Liverpool, Robert Lewandowski to Blackburn… and yes, Ronaldo to Rangers In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Alfredo Di Stéfano, the man who transformed Real Madrid into the dominant force of European football. From his early days in Buenos Aires to starring in Colombia with Millonarios, Di Stéfano’s path to greatness was anything but simple. In one of football’s most controversial transfer sagas, he came within touching distance of joining FC Barcelona before political drama intervened. We unpack the chaos, the rivalry it ignited, and how Di Stéfano went on to lead Madrid to five straight European Cup triumphs. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Off The Ball’s Ben Symes was in Athlone Town Stadium for the President’s Cup final, as Athlone Town earned their first piece of silverware of the season, beating Shelbouren 1-0. Ben spoke with Athlone manager John Sullivan as well as a returning Dana Scheriff, who scored their winning goal, after the match.

OTB's Kathleen McNamee caught up with 3 of the Republic of Ireland WNT's stars following a heartbreaking defeat to The Netherlands in Utrecht on Saturday night. Firstly hear from Anna Patten, who got fouled in the build-up to the penalty that gave the Girls in Green their only goal of the match. Then hear from Caitlin Hayes as she reflects on a 'gutting' defeat and lastly hear from Amber Barrett who sees the positive side as the team looks to bounce back and stay in Group A of the Nations League. Republic of Ireland football on Off The Ball with Cadbury | #PaintMarchGreen #CadburySupporterAndAHalf

Kathleen McNamee provides reaction to Ireland's defeat away to the Netherlands last night. With thanks to Cadbury's.