Ep.25 France have won and where do we go from here? Who's happy? Who's Sad? Who's thrilled that Stand-up Comedian and 1/3 of the sketch comedy group the Cronie Bros Patrick Conlan is here to join us? WE ARE.

Are Irish Fans overly pessimistic? Will Scottish Fans ever know joy? Are headbutts now legal? It's all here.

You can follow Patrick Conlan @patrickconlan123

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan (@brostheman) for the theme music. Thank you to Becky Cheatle for the artwork (@becky.cheatle).

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok/Threads etc

If you like this please review it. If you don't go away.

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Ep 24 and Week 4 of the 2025 Six Nations was where France establish themselves as one of the most frightening teams on the planet.

Lose your captain and best player- no worries, lose a centre and have to play a flanker in the middle of the park- too easy, go to your biggest rivals for the tournament who beat you last season- completed it mate.

My god France were good. Like Soo soo good.

Joining us this week to talk about how good France were is the equally good Sinead Walsh (@sineadwalshcomedy). Sinead is a phenomenal standup, host of the "Queer as Fluich" podcast, and all round delight. You can catch Sinead's Work In Progress "Bye Bye Baby" in Sin é in Dublin at the Hysteria Comedy Club on the 19th of March.

There were also two other games on but who cares?

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan (@brostheman) for the theme music. Thank you to Becky Cheatle for the artwork (@becky.cheatle).

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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So Wales can still play...Who knew? Join us for another Six Nations 2025 recaps as we review week 3 with the fantastic Allie O'Rourke. We talk Wales resurgence, Scottish frailties, Italian pain and French ruthlessness as well as what kind of world Gatland leaves behind. Are Ireland building depth? Are they too cocky? Are we the baddies? We talk about it all.

Allie is about to bring her show " Girl Dick Energy" tour so be sure to follow her at @allie.orourke to get more details of these dates.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan (@brostheman) for the theme music. Thank you to Becky Cheatle for the artwork (@becky.cheatle).

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok/Threads etc

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We are joined by Pat Ryan (@notions_comedy), a standup comic, host of Notions Comedy Club and a behind the scenes audio-fixer-upper that has saved Jack's sanity on more than one occasion.

We discuss what a good welsh tournament looks like, why Scotland can only seem to get up for England and Ireland quietly getting down to winning. We also mention the Super Bowl. regrettably.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan (@brostheman) for the theme music. Thank you to Becky Cheatle for the artwork (@becky.cheatle).

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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This week, regular guest and charm personified Neil Green(@neilgreencomedy) joins the hosts to discuss the opening round of the Six Nations where France battered Wales, Scotland overcame Italy and Ireland turned it on against England. The audio is a little shakey in places but we're all grown ups here it'll be okay.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music (@eoinbrosnahanmusic). Thank you to Becky Cheatle for the artwork (@becky.cheatle).

Please like and share this pod with your friends/colleagues/lovers/enemies/family/acquaintances.

You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Bluesky/TikTok/Threads etc

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Friends, once every 4 years we are greeted to loads of random ass sports every hour of the day for a glorious few weeks. In 2016, Rugby joined the party. But not Rugby like you remember it, sleek, fast, shorter rugby. 7s is all the bullshit of Rugby with none of the difficult to explain set pieces or pundits complaining everytime someone kicks the ball. It's different. It's hip.

To bring us up to speed we have invited guest (and probably 30% of our listenership) Conor Fennell to catch us up to speed with what to expect as we bandwagon on to Rugby's sleek little brother.

Filled with genuine insights, 5 a-side analogies, Come Dine with me references (what a sad little life Jane) we unpack and give a road map of what to look for and which players to tell your mates you knew they were great before the olympics. It's a fun one.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. Thank you to Becky Cheatle for the cover art.

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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Well, it ends in a draw. Ireland land a killer blow right at the death and we leave it honours even as Jack's blood pressure probably couldn't hack a third test.

We talk to resident South African Neil Green and breakdown the second test in Durban. We talk Irish ferocity, South African goal kicking, Sasha's impact and Frawley's absolute balls resolve.

We could have used a third game, but we will make do with a third podcast. Who knows we may stay on topic we may not.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. Thank you to Becky Cheatle for the artwork.

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc.

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It's advantage South Africa. All that talk from Rassie was backed up by a big performance who shot out of the blocks to score early and strike a blow at Ireland's (not really a thing but people try to sell papers and get clicks say it's a thing so it might be a thing, Who's to say?) claim at being the Number 1 side in the World.

Yes in a surprise to everyone the WORLD CHAMPIONS are pretty damn good.

Join Guest Neil Green and Host's Jack Dolan and Nghia Mai as they unpack the 1st test and preview the 2nd test in this clash of the top of the table.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. Thank you to Becky Cheatle for the cover art.

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

And remember: Never. Stop. Trying.

xxx

(if you read this far text Jack as he doesn't believe anyone reads these as he writes about himself in the third person)

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In today's episode we are joined by one of our favourite guests, Mr. Neil Green, as we talk Ireland vs South Africa and the fastest rising rivalry in international rugby.

It's the World Champions vs the World Champions in Springbok minds this week as Rassie takes on Farrell in a war of words, attrition, temperament and also rugby.

In a game that is too close to call we talk about the importance of Braai's, how the countries differ their development plan, where international and club form leave us and who will come out on top. Have the Irish been disrespectful? Can Eben Etzebeth keep track of exactly how many members of the Irish team said they would see him in the final? Is it somehow Off the Ball's fault? We answer all of these questions and talk some rugby.

This one is a doozy.

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances.

You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

You can follow Neil Green at @neilgreencomedian to keep up with his shows.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan (@Brostheman) for the theme music. Thank you to Becky Cheatle (@Becky.Cheatle for the cover art)

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Join us today as Malinda Perera talks to us about his life in Rugby. Malinda is a Sri-Lankan stand-up comic based in Dublin who has performed all across Europe. He released his debut show " Not a Drug Dealer" in 2020 before releasing it in 2023 online at malindaperera.com , and is currently touring his newest show "Marinated Lamb" this year. Malinda is the resident Host of N2O comedy that has performances in Vienna and Dublin and has recently begun the process of making his own podcast "Off-Stage Tales" where he provides a behind the scenes look at touring through Europe.

We talk about Rugby in Sri Lanka, missing the Haka and the lonely endeavour of Stand-Up Comedy.

Special thanks to Patrick Ryan for the mixing (available at @ryanpa99 on instagram)

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. 

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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We talk to Sinead about their love of sport, their most recent gig supporting Ashley Gavin at Liberty Hall and how a North Dub ends up a Munster fan.

You can follow Sinead at @sineadwalshcomedy on Instagram and Tiktok.

Sinead will be bringing their Tour Big Foot on a tour of Ireland and further afield (Check their Instagram for information).

Keep an eye out for "Queer as Fluich" (@qafpodcast) premiering later this year as Sinead hosts a queer history of Ireland Podcast.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. 

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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In this episode we interview Allie O'Rourke, a stand-up/writer/hysteria comedy club founder/class giver/many more hyphener. We talk to Allie about her life in rugby from bad pitches out west, to running into Munster Rugby greats and ask the question how serious are Ireland about creating a Team of Us.

You can find Allie on all social media under the handle @allie.orourke and hear about shows hosted by Hysteria Comedy Club at @hysteriaireland

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. 

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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Don't like our choices? Head to instagram to tell us who should be there instead.

We will post a final team of the tournament soon after we see your opinions.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. 

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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Yes, the Oscars may be over but there is a new award show in town! So grab your tuxes and your frocks and lets get talking hypothetical rugby awards for hours at a time.

We crown the Best Game, Worst Game, Happiest Team, Saddest team, Best Moment, Biggest WTF moment, Best Player, Best Coach as well as giving a few cheeky runner up prises.

As the Six Nations Draws to a close and we have to find other means of talking rugby to whoever still talks to us, sit back and enjoy the first in our two parter award show.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. 

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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We're not bitter, winning a grandslam is so 2023. We're all in on Italy now anyway. FORZA!

Join us as we talk Irish Heartbreak, Italian joy, English vindication, French flair and Scottish Suffering.

Wales also played.

In this episode we reviewed what went right and wrong in a scintillating week of Six Nations Rugby.

If you read this far let Jack know as he has no clue if anyone reads these and will slowly lose his sanity in the 4000 character limit of episode summaries.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. 

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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We discuss the highs, the lows, the huhs, and everything in between this Netflix show.

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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Join us as we review Week 3 of the Guinness Six Nations and make our predictions for Week 5.

We talk heartbreak in Lyon, dull spoons in Edinburgh and irritation in Dublin before giving highly informed and educated takes that will not at all make us look like fools in the mid to near future.

Ah the Six Nations, we are all armchair pundits with Guinness stained blue jeans and awful brown leather shoes. So embrace it and enjoy our ramblings!

Thank you to Eoin Brosnahan for the theme music. (Available at @brostheman)

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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We talk about the Springboks winning yet another World Cup, being a Sharks fan, Neil's hatred of Springbok icon Habana, and the perils of telling jokes to Rugby Players. Neil shares his experience consoling Irish fans, gigging for New Zealand Rugby Players and how to properly address Eben Etzebeth. If you feel personally offended by Neil's takes on Father Ted and Flight of the Concords, be completely normal about it or go complain to him directly at one of his gigs.

You can find Neil Green at @neilgreencomedian on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

A special thank you to Patrick Ryan for the mixing, who made this episode possible.

Theme Song by Eoin Brosnahan (available at @brostheman). Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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In a week of controversies and general mediocrity Nghia and Jack apply their 'expert' analysis of the weekends Rugby as we mercifully survive the break week.

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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They give their takes on the weekends action, who performed well and who didn't and where the tournament goes from here.

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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Eoghan had to sit with the two hosts and set the whole podcast up as they were too useless to figure out how an interface works.

In the Episode, the lads talk to Eoghan about his experiences in Rugby; as a fan, as a player lining out in training against a certain Ireland Captain and more recently as the face of Guinness Ad campaign warning Ireland Fans not to jinx it (which worked clearly...).

Eoghan is doing two Work in Progress shows at the Scene and Heard festival on the 24th and 25th of February in Dublin before doing 4 days at the Brighton Fringe Festival, on his way to Edinburgh in August.

To keep up to date with Eoghan follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @eoghancollinscomedy.

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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We pick our winners, losers, overperformers and underperformers ahead of the start of the tournament.

Be sure to listen and ridicule us when we get it all wrong in a few weeks time!

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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In this Two-Parter, they review the first four episodes of the show talking about their favourite parts and whether they think it will be good or bad at getting new fans interested in the upcoming Six Nations.

The next part will be out in the coming weeks.

Please like and share this pod with your friends/lovers/enemies and acquaintances. You can follow the pod on all social media @tryingtimesrugby and keep up to date with the hosts gigs and other activities by following @nmaicomedy and @goodenoughgang on Instagram/Twitter/TikTok/Threads etc

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The guys talk about whether they believe he can make it, how transferable the two sports are, and the impact of such a decision on Wales.

If you like the show please like, share and follow us at @tryingtimesrugby on all social media platforms.

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Nghia Mai and Jack Dolan talk all things rugby with people they barely know to see if people are as obsessed with the game as they are.

In this pilot episode, the hosts talk amongst themselves. To kick us off, Jack interviews Nghia to see how his rugby life stacks up to host the pod. They discover the highs and lows of Nghia's playing days as well as the similarities between playing rugby and doing stand up comedy.

The episode lacks some of the finer tuning that will come in future episodes.

We know we don't have a theme tune.

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Coming soon… two idiots (comedians) talk rugby to anyone who stay still long enough to listen.

Introducing Trying Times with @nmaicomedy & @goodenoughgang

Premiering this Monday 22nd of January join us as we start trying to make sense and/or fun out of this silly game.

Available wherever you get podcasts.

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