Kicking Match: An Irish League Podcast

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.

Johnny McNabb of the Newsletter joins the pod to review a pivotal week in this Irish League season. We have our Irish Cup Semi-Finalists, but not without controversy. Where Glentoran hard done by again, or architects of their own downfall? We also look ahead to one of the biggest League Cup Finals in recent memory, Linfield are set to face off against Glentoran - What will be the keys to victory for either team?

Matthew Brown joins the podcast to react to the bombshell that VAR is coming to the Irish League...kinda. The League Cup final is set to be the first game in domestic football to use some form of VAR. There has been a backlash, but is it fair? If VAR is to come, what would it look like?On top of that, significant results at the top of the league and a seismic week at the bottom. Are Glenavon in prime position to make the great escape? If so, who is set to suffer in their wake?

It's on! Stewart Cherry pops by to chat all things title race.Larne defensive woes has blown the hinges off their polite trot towards another Gibson cup. With the Split in touching distance and massive games penciled in before the top 6 gauntlet, any one of Linfield, Glentoran, Coleraine or Larne could now realistically be celebrating come April. Who is hitting form at the right team? Who will run out of steam? And who will hold their nerve? The most exciting end to a season in decades could be ahead of us.

Keelan Leeper joins the podcast to recap a busy double gameweek. Linfield seemed to have bounced back from crisis on the pitch. The Glens are furious with big refereeing calls after they let a lead against Larne slip through their fingers. Plus the Invermen lose for the first time in 18th games, could any sort of title race still be on?

Are Linfield in crisis? Ross Welsh and Mark McGuiggan assemble to try and answer why this season has gone so badly for the Blues? What lessons can be learnt as fans pounder if David Healy is the right man to turn things around.

Michael Scott, former Editor at Newry Reporter and Bandbridge Chronicle, joins the podcast to react to the announcement that Glenavon is the latest club set to agree to investment. Football International Limited have agreed to a deal which will seem them acquire a majority shareholding in the Club.Could this change their fortunes? Why would Glenavon be appealing to an investor? Who are Football International Limited? Is there questions around how much they can invest? And is Glenavon agreeing to a takeover a sign all clubs are open to business?Plus, a recap of the January transfer window and a preview of the Irish Cup 6th Round.

Stephen Alexander joins the podcaster to help a big week off the pitch in the Irish League. We react to the breaking news that the much protracted Cliftonville take over has fallen through - for now - as the Toronto Investment Group pull out of the agreement. Plus, questions around sustainability in the Irish League comes to fore again as some headline transfers are rushed through the door ahead of the Transfer window shutting.

Ally McCalmont reviews a gameweek which saw the top flight games back on the schedule. Larne outlast Linfield and Glentoran to further cement their clear stride to another title. Cliftonville crumble agianist Carrick at how ahead of the two sides meeting the Co. Antrim Shield Final. Plus all the latest January transfer moves and rumours in the Irish league.

Irish League writer and reporter Barry Flynn returns to the podcast for his annual look back at the Irish Cup 5th Round. He also reflects on the early moves in the January transfer window so far.

Joel Neill joins the first pod of 2026 to look back the Inver men's success this season. With the league title theirs to lose, how did we not see this coming? Are they really as good as ever before? Or have other teams just not stood up to the mark.We also look ahead to one of the most intriguing weekends the year in the Irish Cup 5th Round.

Mark McGuiggan dusts off the turkey sandwich crumbs off his new jumper to recap one of biggest Boxing Days in recent memory. Plus, your feedback from the first outing of NIFL TV.

Stewart Cherry joins to pod as we look ahead to a busy Boxing Day schedule. Ask what Gerarld Lawlor's latest big press interview could be signalling about what is happening behind the scenes at clubs? Plus big results for Glenavon, Larne Glenavon!

Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around the Grounds NI are back to celebrate the 150th Kicking Match with the Team of the (Half) Season special episode.

There's new man in the hotseat of the Ballymena Showgrounds, and he's a familiar foe. Stuart McKinley joins the pod to ask what Oran Kearney can bring to Warden Street and what will the expectations be for his tenure?A lively Irish League weekend as Glentoran battled back to draw with Cliftonville, while Bangor, Dungannon Swifts and Portadown all grabbed big wins. Coleraine climbed to the top after a comeback against Carrick Rangers. And the much-anticipated Larne vs Linfield showdown? A scoreless stalemate.

Packed show this week as we dive into the Irish League January Transfer Window. Previewing potential key moves. Going team-by-team to breakdown each side's positional needsPlus reaction to Jim Ervin’s Ballymena United departure. Did the Sky Blues make the right call? Who’s in the frame to become the next boss at Warden Street?All that and more, joined by special guest Matthew Brown.

Big swings at the top of the table this week as Coleraine and Glentoran continue their recent stumbles. Which leaves Larne (and to a less extend Linfield) with the opportunity to take advantage in the title race stakes. There was also wins for Portadown and Cliftonville, as Ballymena and Crues are unable to be seperated in a an entertaining draw. All that and more recapped in the company of Dave Watt.

Ex-Irish League player and manager Matthew Tipton joins the pod to discuss how he views some of the big talking points in Irish League circles in 2025. Including player development, impact of full time teams and a potential international break for the league?

It's tough being a Linfield fan at the moment, or so Blues fans will tell you. Is their recent and relatively brief dry spell in the league something to be seriously concerned about or a minor blip in what will be a vicious title chase? It's good news for Larne and Coleraine on that front as they look to continue to build a head of steam.Mark McGuiggan joins the pod to look back as a big weekend of games.

The team top of the league who spent big, everything is looking rosy if you're a fan of the Bannsiders right now. But what have the done right, where others who've spent the big bucks haven't done well? Is their form bubble set to burst? Or have they cracked the code earlier than expected. Coleraine Chronicle Sports Editor Damian Mullan joins the pod in an attempt to answer those questions and more. Plus a recap of a another busy weekend in the Irish league, and a look ahead to some forthcoming key match ups.

It's never boring in the Irish League as top teams are made to work for their victories. It a weekend where we say Bangor continues their sterling start to the campaign, Glenavon still have work to do and Portadown end up playing an outfield player in goal after McCarey sees red.Writer and journalist Barry Flynn makes his welcome return to the podcast to recap the recent games and spotlight what has been happening in the Championship.

It's the annual tradition which see every teams early season offerings go under the microscope. All inspected by the luring eyes of Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion from Around The Grounds NI. n

Few games but plenty to talk about. Coleraine climbed to the top of the table with a solid win at derby foes Ballymena United. Dungannon Swifts pulled off a surprise victory against Glentoran after falling behind early on. Carrick Rangers narrowly got the better of Portadown and Bangor rounded off the weekend in style, sweeping aside Glenavon to continue their impressive run of form.Re-caped in full in the company of Stephen Alexander.

Stormy Amy blew a gust on Friday but Saturday held firm to give us an eventful weekend of games which shook up the early table. Stuart McKinley from the Belfast Telegraph joins the pod.

For the third season on the bounce there's a managerial change at Glenavon. Following a heralded start to his time in charge of the Lurgan Blues, Paddy McLaughlin follows in the footsteps of Gary Hamilton and Stephen McDonnell in leaving the club after a difficult start to a campaign. What went wrong on this occasion and what direction which Glenavon turn to in order to save their top flight status? Dave Watt joins the pod to chat all things Glenavon as well as recap the latest games.

The men from East Belfast claim their biggest scalp of the season by beating Coleraine on their own patch. Can this early momentum be maintained for Glentoran? Or is it setting up fans for another winter of discontent?Elsewhere, Linfield get back to winning ways, Bangor claim a big win at Portadown as Mid-Ulster is plunged into further relegation anxiety. All that and more, recapped in the company of Joel Neil.

PFA NI CEO Michael Carvill shares the concerns and hopes of the Irish League playing fraternity in 2025.

Aaron Vennard aka Irish League Grounds/@NIFLGrounds joins the podcast to share his reaction to the NI Football Fund's September announcement.

A howler, a shocker, a calamity?Whatever way you describe the decision to award Linfield’s second goal on Saturday, Irish League fans are almost united in outrage at the latest refereeing blunder.But what happens next? With NIFL CEO Gerald Lawlor hinting at change in his latest statement, the big question is: what will that actually look like?Ally McCalmont joins the podcast to share his thoughts, plus a full recap of all the weekend’s games.

Stewart Cherry joins the podcast to break down Linfield’s humbling European exit at the hands of Shelbourne. Why does the Irish League continue to falter on the big stage?We also recap the latest domestic action as Glentoran and Carrick Rangers play out a draw to remain unbeaten, while Glenavon and Dungannon Swifts continue to struggle, still searching for their first points of the season.

NIFL want your thoughts. They’ve launched a fan survey asking if summer football (and a new league schedule) is the way forward.Meanwhile, Linfield have it all to do at Windsor after a 3-1 loss to Shelbourne in Dublin - can they pull off a big Euro comeback on home turf?We're also asking: is it really fair to make teams play three games in one week? Portadown boss Niall Currie certainly had something to say about it!Plus, we’ve got a full round-up from a jam-packed week of action. All in the company of Mark McGuiggan who is here to help make sense of it all.

After only 10 games in charge, Nathan Rooney's time in charge of Larne FC is over. We ask why the sudden move? How did we get here? What could it signal for Larne moving forward? And who might the Inver Park board look to for their next boss? We also chat Linfield in Europe and all the latest Irish League games, all in the company of Keelan Leeper.

The Irish League is back and Matthew Brown from the Shout at the Oval podcast is here to review it all!The new Premiership season burst into life over the weekend with goals, shocks and plenty more to get us buzzing. Carrick Rangers pulled off the big comeback, edging Crusaders 4–3 in a seven-goal rollercoaster, while Ballymena United were all business in a 2–0 win away to Glenavon. On Sunday, Bangor made a dream return to the top flight by toppling Cliftonville 3–1. While Linfield flexed their title-chasing muscles with a crisp 3 goal victory over the Swifts.

The podcast is back for its fourth 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.TIMESTAMPSCliftonville - 00:09:12Crusaders - 00:22:29Glenavon - 00:34:01Linfield - 00:41:14Bangor - 00:55:26Coleraine - 01:02:50Glentoran - 01:10:46Carrick Rangers - 01:18:50Ballymena United - 01:24:40Larne - 01:31:52Portadown - 01:36:37Dungannon Swifts - 01:44:40Weekend's Games Preview - 01:52:46

The episode you’ve all been waiting for. Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion join Peter to look back at the 24/25 season, which is finally in the books. Going through each team individually, predictions from the start of the season will be faced. Good, bad and the very ugly. Plus, Dungannon Swifts topple Cliftonville to win their first ever Irish Cup, Carrick Rangers hang on their top flight status and Ruaidhrí Higgins is the brand new Coleraine boss.

Ross Welsh and Joe McCallion of Around The Grounds NI jump back onto the podcast for the first in a double header of season look backs.Covering the final gameweek of the league campaign, look ahead to the Irish cup final and share our Irish League Team of the Seasons.

Writer and reporter Barry Flynn returns to the podcast as ‘Mr Championship’ shares his insight into Bangor finally confirmed their ascension back into top flight football next season. However the future is not looking so bright for Newry City who had their relegation into intermediate football made a formality. We also discuss Cliftonville fans rubberstamping their newCanadian ownership and look ahead to the final league gameweek of the season.

Keelan Leeper returns to the podcast to give his thoughts on the NIFL Awards, the chase for 2nd/Automatic European place and shares a behind the scenes perspective on inking an Irish League kit deal.

Linfield proudly paraded the Gibson cup around Windsor Parkover the weekend after finally overcoming Glentoran in their final attempt ofthe season. Proud Blueman Mark McGuiggan joins the pod to reflect on the seasonand ponder how the Blues recent failures may have shaped this team of leaguewinners. Plus, the latest in the chase for Europe and despite a win on Saturday Loughall’stime in the top flight is essentially over, are they in a good place to bounceback next year?

Former Irish League winner and ex-Carrick Rangers manager Stuart King is this week's pod guest.He responds to some calls that Linfield's trot to the title indicates a poor overall standard in the league this term. Are those suggestions accurate? Or more of a comment on the lifeless race for Gibson this term? How does this class of Irish League talent compare to previous years?Plus, reaction to the Irish Cup semi-finals and a look ahead to the start of the split.

Linfield are champions once again. How does this team rank compared to recent Blues teams and are they already building for next term? Plus, the final games before the split are now in the books as the Crues and Bannsiders squeeze into the mix. Sports journalist Lewis Bennett joins the pod to recap it all.

Sports journalist Stephen Alexander is our guest to recap a weekend which significant shifts to tee up a final pre-split game week where four different teams could secure one of two top 6 slots. We review those games as well as go through all the potential permutations ahead of this Saturday's key showdowns.

Sports Journalist Stuart McKinley co-hosts this weeks pod with plenty to look back at. Gormley continues to cement his sterling Cliftonville legacy with another big goal in a final to secure silverware for the Reds. Dean Smith set to split from Loughgall after 8 years in the hot seat, what went wrong at Lakeview Park this season? Plus, a full recap off all the league games in the NIFL Premiership.

Businessman and Larne FC sponsor Nico Leonard (Nico van derHorst) joins the pod for an excusive audio interview about the standardof some pitches, the current financial landscape in the Irish League and his boardambitions within football in the future.Timestamp for Gameweek review : 00:33:52