Two League of Ireland sides are just one step away from the Europa Conference League group stages, so we’ve called in the experts.
Peter Cinnamond of the Kicking Match Irish League Podcast gives us the view from Belfast ahead of Shelbourne v Linfield II, while Kevin Fernandes from Long Ball Futebol breaks down what Shamrock Rovers can expect when they head to the Azores to face Santa Clara.
Kieran & Gary also look back on the FAI Cup last 16, including an unlucky night for Longford in Tallaght. No BTS kebab review this week, but there’s chat about McDonald’s Arch Burger and spicy nuggets—plus plenty more serious (and not-so-serious) business on another bumper pod.
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1:38:07
S9 Ep26: S9EP26 Gary in flying form
Gary Reilly is in flying form on this week’s show, letting loose on a few topics – including the worrying surge in yellow and red cards across the LOI this season.
Kieran’s mood is less upbeat following Shelbourne’s gut-wrenching European exit, while the lads dig into the reported rift between Jack Byrne and Stephen Bradley.
We break down all the latest action from the Premier and First Divisions, and the BTS Predictions League heats up with the last 16 of the FAI Cup.
Plus, the BTS Hotline delivers plenty of lively listener input.
Brought to you by QuinnAv.ie.
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1:20:35
S9 Ep25: Reds Reign in Rijeka!
Red Reign in Rijeka🔴
Kieran & Gary are back with almost-instant reaction to Shelbourne’s massive win away to Rijeka — one of the best Irish results in Europe? The lads break it all down and chat about where it ranks among the great Irish club results.
There’s also post-match audio from Joey O’Brien, plus a look ahead to Rovers’ trip to Kosovo and Besiktas visiting Dublin to take on St Pat’s.
And in a bit of a fiery debate, the lads discuss Stephen Bradley’s comments on the length of the LOI season and whether First Division clubs really hold too much sway.
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S9 Ep24: S9EP24 Brandywell violence, Cork condemned and Enda Curran
We kick off this week’s show by addressing the disgraceful scenes of violence in Derry on Friday. On the pitch, Cork City’s decline comes under the microscope after last week’s dramatic live TV clash with a resurgent Sligo Rovers.
Old friend of the pod, Enda Curran, drops by to chat about his return to Salthill Devon and the looming FAI Cup showdown with Galway. The former LOI striker also weighs in on the great summer vs winter football debate.
There’s plenty more too – from the latest European action and First Division updates to the BTS Hotline and the always-competitive Predictions League!
Sponsored by QuinnAv.ie
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S9 Ep23: S9EP23 with Dean George
After breaking a 630+ day goal drought in the FAI Cup, Longford Town forward Dean George joins us for an honest and emotional chat. But this isn’t just about a long-awaited goal — it's a raw look at life in the First Division: battling injuries, mental struggles, and moments where walking away felt easier than carrying on. A powerful insight into the realities of part-time football.
Elsewhere, Kieran and Gary review the FAI Cup weekend and look ahead to the return of league action and the latest European ties.
Sponsored by QuinnAv.ie
Between the Stripes LOI podcast coming your way each and every week with the very best in debate, big name interviews, and fixture previews/reviews from our co-hosts Kieran Burke, Jonathan Brier and Gary Reilly. Subscribe now on Apple podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast app. For more BTS content visit our website BetweenTheStripes.net.
Ireland