On this week’s Arena, a weekly podcast from the Irish Examiner, Maurice Brosnan is joined by OffTheBall’s Tommy Rooney to discuss the 2026 PwC All-Stars.

How is the team selected? Who votes for Player of the Year? The lads discuss the process and what an All-Star means for a player now. They also reflect on the final 15 and some of the contenders unlikely to miss out.

You can get in touch with Maurice at Maurice.Brosnan@examiner.ie.

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On this week’s episode of Arena, the Irish Examiner’s weekly sports podcast, Maurice Brosnan is joined by Galway boxer Kieran Molloy ahead of his November 14 bout against Steve Suppan at London’s OVO Arena Wembley.

With a homecoming fight planned for 2027, Molloy discusses the challenges of making it in the professional ranks, the heartbreak of major fights falling through and the cancellation of a planned homecoming bout at Pease Stadium.

The pair also look at the future of Irish boxing, the harsh realities of the professional game and the advice Molloy has for young fighters hoping to make their mark.

You can contact Maurice at Maurice.brosnan@examiner.ie.

Read Maurice’s interview with Kieran from last year.

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On this week’s episode of Arena, the Irish Examiner’s weekly sports podcast, Maurice Brosnan is joined by Westmeath footballer Ray Connellan to examine the AFL’s recruitment of young Gaelic football talent.

The lads discuss the news that Donegal star Finnbarr Roarty has signed a two-year contract with Collingwood. Drawing on his own experience of being recruited by St Kilda, Ray explains how the recruitment process works for Australian Rules clubs and what it takes to actually 'make it' Down Under.

They also look at what the GAA can do in response. With the departures of Roarty and Kobe McDonald prompting understandable concern, is there a way to stem the flow of young talent to Australia? If not, what can the association ask for from the AFL?

You can get in touch with Maurice at Maurice.brosnan@examiner.ie.

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On this week’s Arena, a weekly podcast from the Irish Examiner, Maurice Brosnan is joined by Eamon Devlin, founder of Minute9, who works with coaches, clubs and teams to help them maximise their half-time intervals.

The Armagh native’s expertise in making the most of the interval has earned him clients across elite sport, from Real Madrid to Racing 92. He is also working with Cork GAA’s Gaelic football and hurling teams.

Devlin discusses the common mistakes coaches make at half-time and how they can use the interval more effectively. They discuss Joe Kernan’s famous half-time speech in the 2002 final and what made it so effective.

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On this week’s episode of Arena, a podcast from the Irish Examiner, Maurice Brosnan reports from Croke Park where the Expert Advisory Group held a media briefing about the upcoming rule trials.

Gaelic football just enjoyed one of its greatest championships of all time. Why are we looking at further change? We hear from Kevin McStay, the head of the EAG, about what they are trying to do and why he is asking for people to be patient.

There are nine suggested proposals that will be trialled in the college games next month. We run through all of them in detail on the show.#

You can read the report from today’s press conference here.

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On this week’s episode of Arena, the weekly podcast for the Irish Examiner, Maurice Brosnan is joined by Diarmuid O’Flynn to discuss his new book, Not a Patch on the Oul’ Fella: The Life of a Club Hurler.

Diarmuid speaks openly about his love for the sport and his deep sense of pride in his home place. They discuss his inner demons, domestic violence and why he felt the need to write about his father and mother. It is an important conversation that he hopes will prompt greater discussion and understanding of these issues in Irish society.

Diarmuid’s remarkable life is explored in this episode. From still togging out at 50 in the Cork senior championship to his time living in Iran, New York and elsewhere.

They also discuss his 20-year career with the Irish Examiner, some of the memorable interviews he has conducted and his frustration with the barriers created by modern-day access.

You can get in touch with Maurice at Maurice.brosnan@examiner.ie

The column referenced about his big brother Donal can be read here: Diarmuid O'Flynn: Laughing with my dying brother.

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On this week’s episode of Arena, the Irish Examiner’s weekly sports podcast, Maurice Brosnan is joined by the Examiner’s football correspondent John Fallon.

The lads discuss the news that Ceadach O’Neill, who has attracted interest from the FAI, has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League games.

They also look at Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill’s criticism of the FAI’s approach during his two spells in charge. While acknowledging the FAI’s right to approach eligible players, O’Neill has taken issue with the age at which some players are being targeted.

What exactly happened with Liverpool’s Conor Bradley previously? Has that signalled a change of approach?

Elsewhere, they discuss the news that all but two of Ireland’s 75 underage internationals in 2026 will be played outside the country.

To get in touch with Maurice, email Maurice.brosnan@examiner.ie.

You can read John’s column here: John Fallon: The grim reality of the lack of Irish underage games on home soil

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On this week’s Arena, a weekly podcast from the Irish Examiner, Maurice Brosnan is joined by Brendan O’Brien at Doonbeg’s Trump International ahead of the Amgen Irish Open.

The lads discuss the atmosphere at the tournament and what this week means for Irish golf. It’s been a busy buildup as we learned about Rory McIlroy’s role in securing this venue, Shane Lowry’s psychological state after some recent tough outings and Pádraig Harrington’s unrelenting enthusiasm.

To get in touch with Maurice, email Maurice.brosnan@examiner.ie

You can read Brendan’s column here.

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