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The Score NI

The Score NI

By The Score NI

The Score is Northern Ireland's #1 show for Irish League discussion, hosted by Michael Clarke.

Each week we'll bring you an hour of top Irish League news, views and debate with the help of key figures from within NI football.
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Currently playing episode

The Score with special guest Niall Currie

The Score NIJan 11, 2019

00:00
56:22
The Score - Devine Intervention

The Score - Devine Intervention

Glentoran's new caretaker manager Declan Devine joins Michael to discuss his goals between now and the end of the season.

Plus we speak to Scott Irvine about Carrick Rangers' aspirations and journalist Mark McIntosh helps us preview Northern Ireland's upcoming friendly fixtures.

Mar 22, 202401:00:46
The Score - Change Is In The Air

The Score - Change Is In The Air

Michael is joined on this week's show by Coleraine's Stephen Lowry, Loughgall manager Dean Smith, Newry City's Fra McCaffrey plus we hear from Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill.

Mar 15, 202401:01:02
The Score - BetMcLean Cup Final Special

The Score - BetMcLean Cup Final Special

Michael is joined by journalist Stuart McKinley to preview Sunday's League Cup final at Windsor Park and we also speak to players and managers from both clubs involved.

Linfield are represented by boss David Healy, Daniel Finlayson and Chris Johns, whilst Lee Chapman, Gary Thompson and Niall Currie provide a Portadown perspective.

Mar 08, 202401:00:00
The Score - Don't Write Us Off

The Score - Don't Write Us Off

Michael speaks to players from 4 Championship clubs who are preparing to face Premiership opposition for a place in the semi-finals of the Irish Cup.
Our guests this week are Aaron Hogg (Portadown), Darius Roohi (Ballyclare Comrades), Richard Gowdy (Newington) and Mikhail Kennedy (Institute).
Mar 01, 202401:01:59
The Score - Progress Report

The Score - Progress Report

Glentoran striker David Fisher joins Michael to discuss life in Belfast, their upcoming match against league-leaders Larne and his Irish Cup aspirations, we find out the inside scoop on the Coleraine takeover from journalist Damian Mullan and Annagh United boss Ciaran McGurgan is plotting a strong conclusion to the Championship season as they target a top-half finish.

Feb 23, 202401:01:12
The Score - Perfect Tens

The Score - Perfect Tens

Cliftonville assistant manager Gerard Lyttle, Carrick Rangers midfielder Andy Mitchell and journalist Mark McIntosh join Michael to discuss what should be a thrilling conclusion to the Premiership season. With just 10 games to go, any slip up could prove costly and every side still has something to strive for.

Feb 16, 202401:02:11
The Score - League Goals

The Score - League Goals

Journalist Keith Bailie chats us through Northern Ireland's Nations League draw, Ballymena United 'keeper Sean O'Neill speaks ahead of crucial bottom two clash away to Newry City and Jim O'Hanlon discusses a tough season for Warrenpoint Town, as they look to breathe life into their promotion bid when they face PIL leaders Limavady United.

Feb 09, 202401:00:11
The Score - No Quarters Given

The Score - No Quarters Given

Michael speaks to 4 of the clubs vying for a place in the Quarter-Finals of the Irish Cup. Ballymacash Rangers boss Lee Forsythe talks to us ahead of their clash with Premiership giants Glentoran, Rodney McAree discusses his cup aspirations at Dungannon Swifts, Newington boss Paul Hamilton is hoping his team can pull off a shock in Newry and Howard Beverland prepares to face a former club as Bangor go to Portadown.

Feb 02, 202401:02:09
The Score - Hungry For More

The Score - Hungry For More

Tomas Cosgrove reflects on scoring the winner as Larne won their 4th consecutive Co. Antrim Shield final, Linfield skipper Jamie Mulgrew talks about reaching 750 games for the club and maintaining standards as they try to reclaim the Gibson Cup, former NI international Danny Lafferty chats to us about signing for Institute and Glenavon's Niall Quinn assesses their hopes for a top 6 finish.

Jan 26, 202401:02:46
The Score - Silverware in Sight

The Score - Silverware in Sight

We're joined by Glentoran and Larne managers Warren Feeney and Tiernan Lynch as they prepare for Tuesday's Co. Antrim Shield final, we'll also hear from Glens skipper Marcus Kane and Larne defender Shaun Want, who are at different stages as they return from injury.

We'll continue the cup football chat with Darren Murphy as we look ahead to the Mid Ulster Cup final and reflect on this week's BetMcLean Cup semi-finals and we'll find out how things are going for him in his current role as Finn Harps boss.

Plus there's Championship discussion with the help of Dundela captain Jay Magee. The Duns are top of the table and head to third-placed Bangor later on.


Jan 19, 202401:01:29
The Score - January Sales

The Score - January Sales

In our first show of 2024, Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton discusses new faces and a departure at the Reds, we get his thoughts on a proposed salary cap for the league and if we really need VAR in Northern Irish football.
Plus Barry Gray discusses his decision to leave Warrenpoint Town for the manager's job at Newry City and Zach Barr reflects on his switch to Portadown, who have aspirations to reach the League Cup final and win the Championship this season.
Jan 12, 202401:01:34
The Score - Wrapped Up For Christmas

The Score - Wrapped Up For Christmas

Journalist Steven Crawford helps us preview a crucial period in the Premiership and offers his thoughts on some big transfer rumours swirling around ahead of the January window opening.

We catch up with former Irish League star Thomas Stewart to find out how his managerial career in Sweden is going and we also hear from the managers of Crumlin Star and Comber Rec as they prepare for the Steel & Sons Cup final on Christmas morning.

Dec 22, 202301:03:59
The Score - Festive Fun and Games

The Score - Festive Fun and Games

Jonny Tuffey helps us look ahead to Crusaders v Larne and discusses his crucial penalty save in their win over Carrick Rangers, Stephen Small discusses developing young players at Ballyclare Comrades and outlines their aims for the campaign, whilst Fra Brennan brings us an insight into life at Ballymacash Rangers as they prepare for a huge Co. Antrim Shield semi-final on Tuesday.

Dec 15, 202301:03:48
The Score - More of that Please

The Score - More of that Please

Glentoran's Daire O'Connor helps us preview their big game against Cliftonville as they seek to build on an emphatic derby win over Linfield in which he netted twice. Also on the show is Newry City boss Gary Boyle who is preparing for a bottom two battle against Ballymena Utd and Bangor manager Lee Feeney whose team left it late against Ballyclare and were inspired to victory by an Irish League legend.

Dec 08, 202301:03:50
The Score - Decisive December

The Score - Decisive December

James Singleton, Leroy Millar and Andy Hoey are our guests this week.
Glentoran have reached the Co. Antrim Shield final and are hoping to put a string of results together to climb the league table but face a stern test against Linfield tonight.
Larne face the Blues in a Bet McLean Cup QF on Tuesday but first must navigate a Premiership away day in Ballymena and Loughgall are also on their travels, with a visit to Carrick Rangers coming up before their own QF v Portadown. The Shamrock Park outfit knocked them out of the Mid Ulster Cup earlier this week so revenge is on the menu.
Dec 01, 202359:19
The Score - Positive Strides

The Score - Positive Strides

Northern Ireland internationals Isaac Price, Dion Charles and Jamal Lewis reflect on a positive end to a challenging Euro Qualifying campaign.

Danny Wallace discusses Glenavon's upturn in form under new boss Stephen McDonnell, Cliftonville's Stephen Mallon opens up about bouncing back from injury hell and Institute boss Kevin Deery chats about what has been a happy return to 'Stute.

Nov 24, 202301:02:54
The Score - Trust The Process

The Score - Trust The Process

On this week's show Michael is joined by Northern Ireland internationals Daniel Ballard, Dion Charles and Dale Taylor ahead of their Euro Qualifiers against Finland and Denmark.
Journalist Keith Bailie helps us preview those ties and assesses the injury issues that have plagued the squad.
Plus we talk to Irish League managers Rodney McAree (Dungannon Swifts) and Stuart King (Carrick Rangers).
Nov 17, 202301:01:22
The Score - Midweek Madness

The Score - Midweek Madness

The latest round of the League Cup had one of the longest ever penalty shootouts, upsets and extra-time drama so we've rounded up some of the key protagonists to share an insight into what went on.

We speak to Coleraine 'keeper Gareth Deane, Larne striker Andy Ryan and Portadown midfielder Ryan Mayse.

Plus we are joined by David Kerr from NIFL to discuss his new documentary 'Inside Cliftonville'.

Nov 10, 202301:00:29
The Score with special guest Andy Waterworth

The Score with special guest Andy Waterworth

Andy Waterworth joins Michael to discuss coaching the next generation of prospective senior internationals and the lessons learned from a very successful playing career in Northern Ireland.
Nov 03, 202301:03:58
The Score - Past and Future

The Score - Past and Future

On this week's show journalist Mark McIntosh gives his honest assessment on all 12 Premiership clubs and offers his predictions for the weekend and the season as a whole. We also catch up with former Newry City boss Darren Mullen who has helped the club set up a Past Players Association and interim Ballinamallard boss Mark Stafford shares his thoughts on a winning start in the hotseat.

Oct 27, 202301:02:21
The Score - In The Game

The Score - In The Game

Cliftonville's Rory Hale, Daniel Larmour of Crusaders and new Dergview boss Emmet Friars join Michael on this week's episode, which kicks off with some big breaking news.

Oct 20, 202301:01:51
The Score - It's Coming Home

The Score - It's Coming Home

The Euros are coming to Belfast in 2028 after the UK and Ireland won the right to host the tournament. We speak to Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson and journalist Keith Bailie about what this news means for the country, for funding prospects, qualification hopes and we discuss the decision to play games at Casement Park.

We preview Northern Ireland's next two Euro Qualifiers with the help of internationals Dan Ballard and Isaac Price, whilst Paul O'Neill of Larne and Chris Shields of Linfield help to provide a perspective on the latest round of Premiership fixtures.

Oct 13, 202301:00:08
The Score - Wins Of Change

The Score - Wins Of Change

Goals change games and they can also change seasons. Our guests this week reflect on winning their last two matches and hoping that trend can continue, in the form of Ballymena United boss Jim Ervin and Carrick Rangers forward Danny Purkis.

We also speak to Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill after he named his squad to face San Marino and Slovenia.

Oct 06, 202301:00:41
The Score - Movin' On Up

The Score - Movin' On Up

Our guests this week are all on the move. Stephen McDonnell is Lurgan-bound having landed the job as new Glenavon boss, Premiership new-boys Loughgall are represented by their captain Ben Murdock who is hoping their upward trajectory can continue and Niall Currie is in a happier place after a recent run of wins has seen his promotion-favourites Portadown climb up the Championship table.

Sep 29, 202301:00:24
The Score - Forward Thinking

The Score - Forward Thinking

NIFL CEO Gerard Lawlor discusses the league's new 5 year strategy which could see a change to the league calendar introduced, Coleraine striker Andrew Mitchell opens up about why he was out of the game for so long and the relief to be back amongst the goals and Linfield striker Chris McKee reflects on his own excellent start to the season.

Sep 22, 202301:00:47
The Score - Runs, Rants and Grants

The Score - Runs, Rants and Grants

Michael is joined by Ballymena United captain Colin Coates, Jordan Jenkins talks about hoping to make a positive impression at Dundela, journalist Keith Bailie discusses some of the big stories of the week and manager Paul Owens reflects on an impressive start to the season with Limavady United.

Sep 15, 202301:00:53
The Score - Goals In Mind

The Score - Goals In Mind

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill chats ahead of their upcoming Euro Qualifiers, we meet the new majority shareholder of Carrick Rangers Michael Smith and we're joined by Cliftonville forward Ben Wilson and Newry City boss Gary Boyle as they reflect on their starts to the season.
Sep 01, 202301:00:32
The Score - Great Expectations

The Score - Great Expectations

Glentoran winger Daire O'Connor, Larne 'keeper Rohan Ferguson and Ballymacash Rangers boss Lee Forsythe join Michael on this week's episode.

Aug 25, 202359:35
The Score - Building Something

The Score - Building Something

Carrick Rangers defender Albert Watson, Crusaders forward Adam Lecky and Bangor boss Lee Feeney join Michael on this week's show.
Aug 18, 202301:00:35
The Score - Refs, Rules and Reactions

The Score - Refs, Rules and Reactions

New referees' chief Mike Riley joins Michael to discuss some of the things officials are clamping down on, we chat to Glentoran's Warren Feeney and Dungannon Swifts boss Rodney McAree about late goals, longer games and building squads plus Caolan Loughran shares his thoughts on life at Loughgall and why he believes their win over Newry City wasn't a fluke.
Aug 11, 202301:01:15
The Score - Ready For Kick-Off

The Score - Ready For Kick-Off

It's the beginning of a new Premiership season and Michael helps get you ready for all of the action by speaking to representatives from each of the 12 top flight teams.

Aug 04, 202301:00:45
The Score - Irish Cup Final Special

The Score - Irish Cup Final Special

It's our last show of the year and we bow out with big build up to the Irish Cup Final with the help of guests from finalists Ballymena United and Crusaders, including managers David Jeffrey and Stephen Baxter, plus we do a round-up of some of the other important Irish League stories of the week with journalist Keith Bailie.
May 05, 202301:04:51
The Score - Inver A Treat

The Score - Inver A Treat

We bring you a special with some of the key figures behind Larne's title-winning campaign, chatting to owner Kenny Bruce and players Leroy Millar, Shaun Want, Fuad Sule and Jeff Hughes. We also speak to Crumlin Star boss Paul Trainor after their Intermediate Cup success.
Apr 28, 202301:00:58
The Score - Are We There Yet?

The Score - Are We There Yet?

Our guests this week all have reasons to feel a little impatient. Loughgall can't wait to play Premiership football having secured promotion as league winners, Portadown are wanting this tough season to be over but whether it ends on a high note or not remains to be seen and Bangor are bursting with excitement as they are set to be crowned PIL champions.

This week we are joined by Loughgall manager Dean Smith, Portadown boss Niall Currie and Ben Arthurs from the Seasiders.
Apr 21, 202301:01:28
The Score - 3 Games To Go

The Score - 3 Games To Go

Will this be the weekend Larne are crowned champions and who will take a step towards grabbing the other automatic European position? Journalist Mark McIntosh discusses this and offers his thoughts on the UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028. We also speak to Cliftonville captain Chris Curran about reaching 400 appearances for the Reds and Newry City shot-stopper Steven Maguire as they've boosted their survival hopes with back-to-back wins.
Apr 14, 202301:00:10
The Score - Good Friday

The Score - Good Friday

Marcus Kane, Gary Haveron and Matthew Fitzpatrick offer us an insight into how Glentoran, Larne and Glenavon are feeling heading into the post-split games this Easter weekend.
Apr 07, 202301:04:54
The Score - Irish Cup SF Special

The Score - Irish Cup SF Special

Who will be booking their place in this year's Irish Cup final? We hear from each of the four remaining teams as they attempt to plot their way to the May showpiece. David McDaid (Ballymena Utd), Andy Ryan (Larne), Dean Shiels (Dungannon Swifts) and Chris Hegarty (Crusaders) help us to preview the games, offer perspective on their seasons so far, assess the post-split fixtures and share stories about teammates from class clowns to teacher's pets.
Mar 31, 202301:00:16
The Score - Around The Grounds

The Score - Around The Grounds

We step away from the top flight this week to speak to clubs who play in the Championship and Premier Intermediate League. Paul Harbinson joins us to discuss his first season at Dundela, we speak to Richard Clarke about a challenging campaign for Ballinamallard Utd and Barry Johnston reflects on life in the dugout at Lisburn Distillery.
Mar 24, 202301:01:37
The Score - Mid Ulster Motivations

The Score - Mid Ulster Motivations

Paddy McNally opens up about a nightmare start to the season and Portadown's mission to escape the drop, we chat to Conor McCloskey about his return from injury and ask if Glenavon's fortunes are turning in time for end of season run-in and Mark Patton reflects on Integrated College Dungannon's Schools Cup final win and tells us how Loughgall are handling their title charge.
Mar 17, 202301:00:27
The Score - Decisions and Deciders

The Score - Decisions and Deciders

On this week's show Michael speaks to Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill about his squad selection for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, journalist Keith Bailie shares his thoughts on panel picked to face San Marino and Finland and helps us preview Sunday's League Cup Final and we're also joined by Crusaders' fan favourite Philip Lowry and Carrick Rangers winger Ben Tilney as we look ahead to their next games.
Mar 10, 202301:01:07
The Score - Gunning for Glory

The Score - Gunning for Glory

Jonny Frazer and Chris Ramsey join Michael to preview H&W Welders and Ballyclare Comrades ties in the Irish Cup respectively as they prepare to welcome Premiership opposition in the quarter finals of the competition.

Then we turn attention to next weekend and the League Cup final between Linfield and Coleraine. From the Blues we chat to manager David Healy, defender Daniel Finlayson and midfielder Chris Shields whilst the Bannsiders are represented by their boss Oran Kearney, Lee Lynch and top scorer Matthew Shevlin.

Mar 03, 202301:00:34
The Score - Milestones and Motivation

The Score - Milestones and Motivation

It is a 6-team tussle for the Gibson Cup. Joining us on this week's show we speak to Niall McGinn about his move to Glentoran, relationship with Rodney McAree and what he hopes to bring to the club. Ronan Hale has broken a club record already at Cliftonville, he opens up about a brilliant first season at Solitude and his aspirations for success in north Belfast plus Paul Heatley chats about hitting 200 goals for Crusaders, can the Hatchetmen keep up the pace in the title hunt? We'll get his thoughts on this highly competitive season.
Feb 17, 202301:00:47
The Score - Bigger Picture

The Score - Bigger Picture

Larne legend Jeff Hughes opens up about announcing his retirement and reflects on a brilliant career, Ballymena United's Andy McGrory gives us a perspective on a challenging season that still has rewards in reach for the Sky Blues and Darren Mullen tells us that he hopes their Mid Ulster Cup success can spur on Newry City in their bid for Premiership survival.
Feb 10, 202301:00:10
The Score - Last 16

The Score - Last 16

Who will make it through to the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup? Joining us on the show we've guests from the top 3 tiers each hoping their side can get the job done. Irish League legend Michael Halliday is on to assess Bangor's chances of staging an upset over cup holders Crusaders, Colin Coates chats ahead of their mouth-watering clash with Coleraine and Ballyclare Comrades boss Stephen Small talks about his return to management and ambitions of edging fellow Championship outfit Institute on Saturday.
Feb 03, 202301:01:14
The Score - Piece of Cake

The Score - Piece of Cake

Rodney McAree reflects on taking over the manager's role from Mick McDermott at Glentoran, Johnny McMurray opens up about his decision to leave Crusaders and why Warrenpoint Town was his preferred destination plus Stuart King tells us about the milestone he is hoping to achieve with Carrick Rangers this season.
Jan 27, 202301:00:56
The Score - Targets Acquired

The Score - Targets Acquired

On this week's show we are joined by Jordan Forsythe of Crusaders who talks about his screamer on Saturday and their hopes to continue to climb the table, Paul McElroy discusses his move to Portadown and Newry City skipper Darren King assesses their progress in the Premiership ahead of their game with Glentoran.
Jan 20, 202301:00:58
The Score - Kicking On

The Score - Kicking On

In our first show of 2023, we are joined by Josh Carson (Coleraine), Matthew Ferguson (H&W Welders) and Tomas Cosgrove (Larne). 
Jan 13, 202357:43
The Score - Festive Footie

The Score - Festive Footie

It's our final show of 2022 and on it we preview the Steel and Sons Cup final with Dunmurry Rec manager Dan Thornton and Bangor boss Lee Feeney, we find out about how a club called Borussia Newtownabbey are using football to help people open up about their mental health and journalist Mark McIntosh joins us to assess the Premiership season at the half-way stage and make some big predictions for the football yet to come.

Dec 23, 202201:06:36
The Score - Keeper Lit

The Score - Keeper Lit

With the weather playing havoc with the fixture list we decided to turn our attention to a misunderstood bunch in the football world - goalkeepers. Joining us to discuss their craft and shed a light on the highs and lows between the posts is Bam Neeson (Ballymacash Rangers), Conor Mitchell (Warrenpoint Town) and Dwayne Nelson (Dungannon Swifts).

Plus we kick off the show by revealing who has won our big Christmas competition with Connected Fitness!

Dec 16, 202201:08:20
The Score - Happy Returns

The Score - Happy Returns

Michael O'Neill joins us to discuss his decision to return as Northern Ireland manager, Keith Bailie offers a journalist's perspective on the news plus we talk to Ballymena Utd skipper Josh Kelly and Ards boss Matthew Tipton about their seasons so far.

Dec 09, 202201:06:17