Former Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Celtic and Hibernian midfielder *Richie Towell*, Shelbourne stalwart and former Girls in Green international *Rachel Graham*, ex-Hoops and St Pat's goalkeeper *Barry Murphy* and RTÉ Sport's Anthony Pyne join Raf Diallo on this week's episode of the *RTÉ Soccer Podcast*. Carla Ward's Republic of Ireland is up for discussion as they look to build on the 1-0 over Turkey ahead of Tuesday's second UEFA Women's Nations League match in Slovenia. The weekend's League of Ireland news and action is reviewed, including the way in which Shamrock Rovers v Cork City was postponed shortly before kick-off, while the Hoops' European exit and the passing deadline for clubs applying to join a mooted third tier is also on the menu. *Watch/listen to the full episode: https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025/0224/1498549-first-impressions-of-ward-era-loi-chat-and-third-tier/*