James Claffey & Graham Merrigan

Final Whistle League of Ireland

This week on the show we're joined by Cobh Ramblers first team coach James Claffey and Shamrock Rovers super fan Graham Merrigan to chat about their season so far with co-hosts Dean Zambra and Breifne Earley.

James Claffey discusses his professional experience as a Sports & Exercise Psychology Consultant and lecturer at IBAT and Kilroy College which led to his involvement with a variety of sports teams. He chats about the growing role of psychology practitioners within the sport here in the league.

He talks about helping to create a culture where players can grow and develop within the existing club structure on and off the pitch. James also discusses the "White Coat Syndrome", a stigma that still exists within the sports world about engaging with with psychology professional and the fact that most of the work with players is unseen and unmeasurable in the manner that strength and conditioning results can be recorded.

Super fan and podcaster Graham Merrigan joins the lads to talk about Rover's return to the top of the table, Graham Burke's long range goal on Tuesday evening as well as the problems the club are having replacing the creativity of Jack Byrne as they struggle to unlock defences so far this season.

He chat's about the versatility of new arrivals like Sean Hoare, Sean Gannon and Danny Mandriou and the impact they have made so far in the season. He also looks forward to the first Dublin derby next weekend.

Dean & Breifne also take a look at the many news stories of the week from around the league including managerial changes at Oriel Park and confusion and clarifying statements from Brian Murphy after rumours started circulating about his future with Waterford.

Dean also talks through the full set of fixtures set for this week's Premier Division double round with games on Tuesday and over next weekend.