Grassroots and Green Shoots with Mark McChrystal

The 2025 season has come to a close and Simon and Kevin discuss what's been a successful first campaign for Tiernan Lynch, picking out some of their finest moments of the year. Derry City's outgoing skipper Mark Connolly joins the lads as he reflects back on his memorable three-and-a-half years at Brandywell, talks about the manager's decision to let him go and gives his thoughts on where the club can go from here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's show, Simon and Kevin reflect on a hugely promising finish to the 2025 season as Derry City cement second place with a win at Cork on the final day. Kevin also breaks the news that Brandywell Stadium is set to have a new grass hybrid pitch installed in the New Year while we await the outcome of Sunday's Cup Final where a place in the Europa League is on the line for Derry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon and Kevin discuss a monumental win for Derry City over Shamrock Rovers last Sunday in the final home match of the season. Featuring interviews with Tiernan Lynch and Brandon Fleming, the lads go over all the talking points of another eventful weekend in the League of Ireland and look ahead to what's sure to be a hectic final day of the campaign and the various permutations at both ends of the table. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin McLaughlin is joined by Gary Ferry who has taken some time out from his farewell tour to discuss Derry City's big win in Waterford which has edged them nearer to European qualification. The lads discuss the weekend's action and look ahead to a monumental fixture at Brandywell where Derry will be hoping to further delay Shamrock Rovers' inevitable title party. This week's episode is dedicated to the late Malachy Wilson, father of co-presenter and our Journal colleague Michael who was sadly laid to rest on Sunday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derry City's Technical Director Mark McChrystal joins us this week as a special guest to discuss the latest developments within the club's Academy structures. McChrystal talks about the Irish government's £3million investment in League of Ireland academies and how it will benefit Derry City. He also provides information on the new football pyramid and the strategy currently being implemented at Brandywell plus lots more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Duffy scored a last gasp winner against Sligo Rovers to put Derry City in full control of their European destiny with three games to go. Kevin and Simon discuss another huge result for Tiernan Lynch's side and predict how the final few matches of the campaign will go. Featuring interviews with the Derry manager Lynch and man of the moment Duffy who is dreaming of European nights back at Brandywell next year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rumour mill was in full swing ahead of Derry City's 1-1 draw in Drogheda and Simon and Kevin try to make sense of it all on this week's episode. Featuring an interview with Michael Duffy who signed a new deal with the club and Sligo Rovers defender Patrick McClean who is relishing the thought of returning to Brandywell on Friday night for another huge clash for both teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Featuring interviews with Dennis Tueart and Joey O'Brien, this week's episode takes a look back at the successful 40th anniversary Gala Night at the Everglades and the lads reflect on a decent point at home to Euro rivals Shelbourne. Simon and Kevin also discuss the situation with out of contract players and look ahead to a difficult trip to Drogheda United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a week of drama and frustrations in equal measure for Derry City who bounced back from the NI Football Fund snub with a stunning 4-3 victory over Bohemians at Dalymount Park to strengthen hopes of qualifying for Europe. Simon and Kevin discuss all the goings-on including Gordon Lyons' mystery matrix scoring system and that seven goal thriller in Dublin. Featuring interviews with Tiernan Lynch and Alan Reynolds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon and Kevin are joined by ex-Derry City striker Sean Patton in his first interview since joining Reading on a two year deal. The Drumkeen man tells us how he's settling into life with the Royals after a hectic few weeks. The lads also discuss the departure of Derry's Head of Recruitment, the launch of the new 40th anniversary shirts and the upcoming announcement on the NI Football Fund. There just so happens to be a huge top of the table clash between Derry and Bohs on Friday and the guys give their predictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.