The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast

Six All-Irelands. Three All-Stars. One of the greatest goalkeepers hurling has ever seen.
But the medals only tell part of Nickie Quaid’s story.
Nickie joins Mark Brandon on The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast for a conversation about where he comes from, what he’s overcome and the people who have made it all possible.
From childhood All-Ireland finals in the back garden in Effin to winning them with Limerick, he takes us through a remarkable journey. He speaks about losing his father Tommy at just nine, and the strength of a mother who raised three boys and made sure they never felt they were missing out.
We get into the tough years when he wondered whether an All-Ireland would ever happen, the breakthrough in 2018, that famous flick against Cork and the friendships behind Limerick’s extraordinary success.
And if you’ve ever watched Nickie in goal and wondered how he stays so calm, his answer might surprise you.
We talk nerves, mistakes, self-belief and his return from a serious cruciate injury - including the faith his teammates and management showed in him when he wasn’t yet sure himself.
There’s plenty of laughter too: the homecomings, the celebrations, and coming home from an intercounty match only to be sent straight into another one in the back garden with the kids.
Then there’s life beyond hurling. Nickie explains why he stepped away from teaching for a new challenge with Re-turn, and how clubs, schools and businesses can turn everyday bottles and cans into funds for their communities.
An honest, warm and revealing chat with a great of the game who never forgets where he came from.
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The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect.
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A county final won at the death. More misery at Old Trafford. And a friend of the show bringing home two belts.
Mark Brandon and Michael Meehan get stuck into a weekend that had plenty to argue about—and a few performances worth celebrating.
Michael takes us inside the Galway football final from the commentary box, where Tomo Culhane came off the bench, scored 1–6 and delivered the goal that won Salthill-Knocknacarra the title. How do you keep your head when a whole season comes down to one chance?
In rugby, we unpack Connacht’s eight-try win over Zebre, Leinster’s comeback against Munster and Ulster’s battle with the Bulls, alongside the Premiership roundup and a tough day for Creggs.
There’s plenty to discuss in the Premier League too: Bournemouth’s 3–0 win at Old Trafford, Villa beating City and Spurs taking the derby honours against Chelsea. We also check in on the League of Ireland and Troy Parrott.
And we celebrate Shauna Browne’s brilliant response to an early knockdown to win two titles, plus Christina Desmond’s European success.
Then comes the difficult bit: picking our Sports Star of the Week and making The Big Calls for the next round of URC and Premier League fixtures.
Who deserves the award - and whose predictions are going to age badly?
Follow the show, leave us a rating and share this episode with the friend you always end up arguing about sport with. Every bit of support helps us keep it going.
The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect.
Download the app:
https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806
Website: https://thesportingclub.ie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/

From a family farm in Roscommon to the very top of world boxing, Aoife and Lisa O'Rourke have an extraordinary story to tell.
In this episode of The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast, we sit down with two of Ireland's most accomplished boxers, and two sisters who continue to make history together.
Aoife, a two-time Olympian and multiple European champion, and Lisa, a world champion at just 20, join us fresh from their incredible European Championship gold medal successes.
We talk about growing up on the family farm, their introduction to boxing, the influence of family and coaches, the sacrifices behind the medals, dealing with injuries and disappointment, and the pressure of competing at the highest level.
We also discuss their success in HYROX, life outside the boxing ring, their remarkable bond as sisters and what the future might hold.
Two world champions, two European champions, one family. A brilliant conversation with two incredibly grounded and inspiring Irish sportswomen.
Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast on Spotify, leave us a rating and share the show with a friend.
The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect.
Download The Sporting Club Ireland App:
https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806
Website:
https://thesportingclub.ie
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, review and share it with someone who loves sport.
Every bit of support is genuinely massively appreciated.

What a weekend of sport! Connacht produce a sensational performance against Saracens, European rugby delivers some incredible drama, the Premier League title race heats up, county championships reach boiling point and Daniel Dubois makes a brutal statement in the heavyweight division.
Mark Brandon and former Galway football star Michael Meehan are back for another packed edition of The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast Weekend Review.
Champions Cup Drama: Connacht light up the Dexcom Stadium with a thrilling victory over Saracens. We discuss Ciarán Frawley's outstanding form, Cian Prendergast's leadership and why Stuart Lancaster's side could be building something special. Leinster and Munster also start their European campaigns with victories, while Toulouse and Exeter serve up a classic.
Rugby Remembers: We reflect on the heartbreaking death of Lions player Hyron Andrews and pay tribute to Munster legend Anthony Foley on the tenth anniversary of his passing.
Premier League: Manchester City keep winning, Brighton are flying, Arsenal remain in pursuit and Manchester United's problems continue. We discuss Lisandro Martínez's outspoken criticism, Liverpool's resilience and the mounting pressure on the managers.
Club GAA: County finals, dramatic finishes and celebrations across Ireland. From St Brigid's and Cuala to the extraordinary stories of Maynooth and Tommy Larkins, we cover the biggest talking points. Plus, is the AFL becoming an increasingly serious threat to Gaelic football's brightest talents?
Dubois v Wardley: Daniel Dubois delivers a devastating performance, but should the fight have been stopped much earlier?
The Time Machine: Michael takes us back to Croke Park in 2008, when he scored ten points against Kerry in a memorable All-Ireland quarter-final played in torrential rain. A remarkable personal performance, a heartbreaking defeat and some brilliant behind-the-scenes memories.
The Big Call: Leinster v Munster, Connacht v Zebre, the Galway senior football final and a huge weekend of Premier League fixtures. Mark and Michael put their predictions on the line.
Sports Star of the Week: Ciaran Frawley gets the nod after another outstanding Connacht performance, with Cian Prendergast, Mona McSharry and Ellen Walsh also in the conversation.
Plus, Troy Parrott Watch, international rugby, League of Ireland action and plenty of laughs along the way.
Two sports fans. Plenty of opinions. No shortage of big calls.
Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast on Spotify, leave us a rating and share the show with a friend.
The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport and Business Connect.
Spotify: Follow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast so you never miss an episode.
Download The Sporting Club Ireland App:
https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806
Website:
https://thesportingclub.ie
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, review and share it with someone who loves sport.
Every bit of support genuinely is massively appreciated.

What happens when you're born into one of the most famous families in horse racing, but still have to prove you belong at the very top?
This week on The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast, Mark Brandon sits down with top Irish jockey Danny Mullins for a brilliant, honest and entertaining conversation about racing, family, pressure, failure, resilience and success.
The son of Tony and Mags Mullins and nephew of the legendary Willie Mullins, Danny grew up surrounded by racing greatness. But carrying the Mullins name doesn't guarantee success, and his journey has been anything but straightforward.
From struggling with the transition to jump racing and losing his first major job to becoming a multiple Cheltenham Festival winner, Danny shares the highs, lows and lessons from a remarkable career.
One of the most powerful moments comes when Danny recalls being at a crossroads in his career after losing his first big job, before riding two unforgettable winners for his mother and father at Galway.
We also get a fascinating insight into the genius of Willie Mullins, what makes Paul Townend such an exceptional jockey, the physical and mental demands of racing, and why Danny believes failure should never define your future.
And, of course, there's plenty of craic along the way!
In this episode:

Growing up in the legendary Mullins racing dynasty.
The Cheltenham Festival victories that changed Danny's career.
Losing his first major job, rebuilding his career and proving himself.
Two emotional Galway winners for his mother and father.
The genius of Willie Mullins and what makes him such an extraordinary trainer.
Why Danny believes Paul Townend is the most naturally gifted jockey he's ridden against.
The danger, pressure, fitness and relentless schedule of a professional jockey.
Building the Danny Mullins brand and creating opportunities beyond racing.
What business leaders can learn about resilience, leadership, teamwork and making decisions under pressure.

One of Danny's standout messages is simple:
"Fail fast."
Learn from your mistakes, don't let setbacks destroy your confidence, and always be ready to go again.
Whether you're a racing fan, a business owner or simply someone who enjoys a great sporting story, there's plenty to take from this conversation.
A fantastic chat with one of Irish racing's great characters.
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Download The Sporting Club Ireland App:
https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/the-sporting-club-ireland/id6788445806
Website:
https://thesportingclub.ie
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSportingClubIreland
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thesportingclub_ireland
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sporting-club-ireland/
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, review and share it with someone who loves sport.
Every bit of support genuinely helps us grow The Sporting Club Ireland Podcast and our wider business community.
The Sporting Club Ireland - Where Sport Opens Doors to Business.