It's There! An Irish Sports Podcast

What an episode! George and Connor are joined by one of Liverpool and Ireland's most colourful characters - John 'Aldo' Aldridge. The lads dig into Johns club career. How it all began when he was 'on the tools' right through to leading the line for his boyhood club Liverpool FC. John talks about his relationship with Kenny Dalglish, how he ended up leaving the club but how he remains a massive fan. Then there is his international career. We find out how he ended up playing for Ireland and how he is responsible for Ray Houghton getting his international call up too! From struggling to score initially for Jack Charlton's side - 'Aldo' became a fan favourite and scored goals at big moments that sent Ireland on their way to the World Cup. George and Connor talk at length about the iconic moment at World Cup '94 where 'Aldo' couldn't get on the field against Mexico. Its such an fun episode - John Aldridge is a true entertainer! Hear George re-do some of Aldo's big moments as well as only he can! To sponsor the podcast: itsthere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The final part in The Jack Charlton Story - as told through the eyes of George Hamilton who was there through the entire journey. George and Connor take up the story now from Italia 90. How the nation took to Jack Charlton and how the performances on the pitch were improving. 'The Nation Holds its Breath' and big Jack just took it in his stride. From an audience with The Pope to sitting down in the Irish team hotel watching VHS footage of the entire country of Ireland in full paty mood. George recalls Euro '92 was 'the one that got away' but it set them up so well for what was to come in USA '94. Jack Charlton's stock was already high but Ray Houghton finding the back of the net in Giants Stadium took it to a whole new level. We also found out how Jack was able to take a stand for his players as shown in the touch-line incident with John Aldridge against Mexico. The lads talk about his time as Ireland manager coming to an end also meant his retirement from management. They talk about the legacy he left, the memories he created and the way he made a nation believe. What a man. Thanks Jack. Contact / Sponsorship: ItsThere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part 2 in the story of one of Ireland's greatest managers. George Hamilton brings his memories and experiences to help us relive the first bit of success Ireland had on the international tournament front. George and Connor discuss how the Irish fans began to take Jack Charlton to their heart and how the term 'Union Jack' was becoming a distant memory. Find out how Euro '88 was the benchmark to which Irish sporting success is still measured and how Jack was starting to make a bif of habit of being the thorn in the side of the country of his birth. The 'Granny' rule started to become a thing and we hear how it was received in 1986. Also - keep an ear out for a story about the Irish team hotel and how a large selection of German nudists got Jack Charlton excited for the wrong reasons! Part 3 coming next week! Contact: ItsThere@Fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Almost every episode of the 'Its There!' Podcast has had a mention of the great Jack Charlton in some shape or form! So Connor Phillips has asked George Hamilton to to play the role of historian - mainly as he lived through it and 'rode that wave for almost a decade' (George's own words!) - into the life and times of the great man. In Part 1 we talk about Jacks early life, the type of player he was and how important he was to winning England a World Cup. We find out what type of manager he was and why international football management was always his destiny. Then there was the Ireland job. How did a man from Northumberland end up getting the Irish managers job in 1985 when the entire political landscape was very different? And did you know George Hamilton knew Jack was the new manager before Jack did?! It is all in this special episode of 'Its there!'. Contact / Sponsorship: ItsThere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A big conversation with the man they call Zinedine Kilbane - Kevin Kilbane! George and Connor caught up with the 110 cap man to talk about his extensive career both club and international. Kevin talks about the moment when he got called up for England and he had to tell his then manager Sam Allardyce that he had no interest in playing for England and big Sam's very stern response! We hear about Kevin qualifying for the World Cup with Ireland and what he actually experienced with Roy Keane / Mick McCarthy in Saipan. Could Ireland have got to a World Cup Final in 2002? George helps an emotional Kevin relive one of his most memorable moments in a green jersey. Contact & Sponsorship: ItsThere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Its George Hamilton Vs Clive Tyldesley! Two of the greatest commentators to ever do it! George and Connor sit down with Clive to look at his amazing career that included having a tie bought for him from a disgruntled Brian Clough, forming an unofficial 'wine-drinkers' club with other English speaking commentators, and he explains (in detail) if commentary is better than sex! Listen out as Clive recreates George's, 'A Nation holds it breath moment' and George returns the favour with his version of what happened that night in Barcelona when Man Utd won the Champions League in 1999 - 'And Solskjaer has won it!'. Contact: ItsThere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a few days... George and Connor have had time to reflect on Ireland's loss to Czechia in the World Cup Play-off semi-final (takes a deep breath!). The lads look back on what could have been but start to look to the future. George and Connor take the time to talk about the good things that are possibly on the horizon for Irish football. And - ahead of the Mick McCarthy Episode (coming this Thursday) the lads talk about what listeners can expect from the big man on the podcast! To contact the podcast: ItsThere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George and Connor get ready for Ireland's play-off with Czechia this Thursday. Connor's nerves get the better of him and he needs uncle George to calm him down! Always the bridesmaid and only the bride a few times - Connor gets a bit wound up about Ireland always being the 'nearly' team. George pays homage to broadcasting legend Michael Lyster who passed away over the weekend and Connor talks about the joys of being a GAA fan AND and Ireland football fan in 2026. And we hope the Credit Union has enough funds available if Ireland qualify for the World Cup! Contact and Sponsorship: ItsThere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the announcement of the Ireland Squad at 11.30(ish) on the 19th of March - George & Connor try to predict the squad they think Heimir Hallgrimsson will chose! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The maker of Irish history - Packie Bonner joins George and Connor for an amazing look back at the biggest moments in Irish sport. How did it come to be that 'A Nation holds its breath'? Packie Bonner talks George and Connor through every step and make sure you still until the end where George does it all over again. From starting in Donegal where a handshake agreement to tear up his amateur contract if one of the big boys came calling to togging out for Celtic and he couldn't even tell his mummy he was playing! We find out how Packie made his way into Jack Charlton's plans having played very little under Eoin Hand and how Ireland won its ONLY international tournament in Iceland of all places. Keep an ear out for a Jack Charlton impression that you won't forget! Sponsorship enquiries: itsthere@fiocar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 62 Ireland caps and 14 goals - George and Connor are joined by Kevin Doyle! Find out how he went from the bench in the League of Ireland to leading the English Premier League goal charts in a matter of months! Who beat him to the Premier League young player of the year? Kevin talks about scoring for Ireland at the old Lansdown Road, The new Aviva as well as Croke Park AND the The RDS! Has anyone else got the 'full set'? They talk about the weird American Tour under Steve Staunton and Kevin mentions his illustrious career and how it all came to an end when he knew something wasn't right with his concussions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'And then Ray Houghton got the ball and stuck it in the net!'. George and Connor are joined by Republic of Ireland legend Ray Houghton. The lads relive two of the greatest moments in Irish Sporting history an delve into Ray's incredible career! Did you know Ray's feet never left the ground when he scored against England in Euro 88? Was he responsible for a 'considerable' rise in the Irish population 9 months after the goal?! And - it all could have been so different had he not gone that extra mile to be in Jack Charlton's plans for USA '94. Listen out as George Hamilton helps recreate the two goals that made us all dream! 'Its There!' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look ahead to a brand new Podcast with Irish commentary legend George Hamilton and presenter Connor Phillips. Dropping every Monday and Thursday - It's There is the ultimate celebration of Irish sport - with those who made history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices