John Duggan, Shane Keegan and Owen Heary take the mic for Off the Ball on 7 November 2026

On Saturday 7 November 2026, the Off the Ball studio returns for a fresh episode of its coverage, with programming being fed over Newstalk 106-108FM and the Off the Ball channel. For readers following along, the key moment is slotted at 13:00 UK time, when the presenters and pundits gather to break down the week's action ahead.

The team is led by John Duggan, the familiar face who has hosted the studio's weekly Football Saturday-style sessions for years. Joined here by three of the more prominent pundits, the programme is shaping up to be a lively one, with plenty of room for debate as well as analysis.

The pundits on hand

Alongside John Duggan are three guests who have been featured regularly across the programme's recent episodes. Shane Keegan is back once more, having joined the studio in earlier weeks to discuss everything from the "tough week" for the FAI and Republic of Ireland to pressure off Kenny and chat about the League of Ireland.

Johnny Ward rounds out the group, having been a regular presence in the studio too. In previous episodes he has appeared alongside John Duggan and Shane Keegan to cover the return of the League of Ireland "in full swing", as well as discussing Shane Duffy, striking issues, and favourite sporting memorabilia.

The third guest is Owen Heary, who brings the weight of a long and distinguished career in the League of Ireland to bear. According to his profile, Owen Heary was born on 4 October 1976 and is a professional football player and manager who spent most of his playing career with Shelbourne, the club with which he won five league titles and one FAI Cup. He made his debut against Finn Harps at Tolka Park in September 1998.

What to expect

The three-way races and the various clubs of the League of Ireland have been a recurring theme across recent episodes, and with Owen Heary on hand there is every prospect of rich, veteran-led commentary. Fans of the programme will recall that Owen Heary has previously opened up about kicking Pat Dolan in the shins and other moments from his time with Shelbourne and Bohemians.

For those who want to follow the programme's background and the wider coverage, the episodes are archived at OffTheBall, where earlier sessions featuring John Duggan, Shane Keegan and Johnny Ward can be revisited.

Where to watch

The episode airs over Newstalk 106-108FM and the Off the Ball channel, with the main studio segment due to begin at 13:00 UK time on Saturday 7 November 2026. Tune in ahead of the hour to catch the full rundown from John Duggan, Shane Keegan, Johnny Ward and Owen Heary.

Article generated: 7 November 2026, 10:53 GMT