Late nights are taking a toll on World Cup duo

Their eyes may be red and their enthusiasm may be waning, but their commitment to World Cup 2026 and its unfortunate fixture schedule is as steadfast as Cabo Verde’s defence!

It’s just a week into their Up All Night vodcast and ‘Young Offenders’ stars Dominic MacHale and Shane Casey’s friendship is already being tested.

The lads have officially traded the streets of Cork for the living room couch for the new show as they break down all the late night/early morning World Cup action for those of us unwilling or unable to tune during the small hours.

“The late nights are starting to take a toll alright, and our friendship is on the line,” admitted a sleep deprived Casey.

Airing every morning on the RTÉ Player, across major podcast platforms, and daily on RTÉ2 ahead of live match coverage, the 35-episode series delivers the latest overnight highlights with a heavy dose of Leeside wit.

While the show is technically broadcast from RTÉ Cork, the pair have spun an elaborate backstory involving a holidaying homeowner named Breda and a next-door neighbour working night shifts.

Casey said: “Breda is visiting her niece in the Basque country and has given us a loan of her house and we have to mind it.

“We're keeping the noise down and tasting cereals we haven't had since we were six.”

Having worked together for years, starting out in Blackpool at the Graffiti Theatre Company, and later on ‘The Young Offenders’, the natural chemistry between the two lads is irresistible, even if their football knowledge has more holes than a hedgehog’s pillow.

“We don't know much about football,” says Casey.“This is like the anti-football football show. It's the slight outsider view. We're watching it more as neutrals.“I think most people know that our knowledge is limited enough. We end up talking about anything.”

Casey also couldn't resist a gentle dig at his co-star's screen-ready look.

“I’m mildly older than Dominic but you wouldn't know by the amount of makeup he uses. Dominic is covered in makeup,” revealed Casey.

As the tournament moves past the initial group stages, the duo are looking forward to diving deeper into World Cup nostalgia and setting a few records straight.

“I remember 1990 and the excitement around the 1990 World Cup and 1994,” said Casey.

“I really can't wait until we start talking about 1994 because Dominic's older brothers convinced him that Andy Townsend wasn't playing because Andy Townsend had dyed his hair blonde. His brothers convinced him that was his brother, Randy Townsend!”

Catch the lads on Up All Night every morning on RTÉ Player and all major podcast platforms.