RTÉ GAA Podcast

An Bóthar go Croker - Iomáint 17.07.2026 28min

Réamhamharc ar Cluiche Ceannais Iománaíochta na hÉireann le Gráinne McElwain, Cuán Ó Flatharta agus Michael Rice. Gráinne McElwain looks ahead to the All Ireland Hurling Final with guests Cuán Ó Flatharta and Michael Rice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayo and Kerry make it to the big day | Is it time for GAA VAR | Wicklow surprise everyone | RTÉ GAA Podcast 15.07.2026 47min

Mike Quirke and Nigel Dunne join Cathal Mullaney for the RTÉ GAA Podcast.We have our All-Ireland final pairing, with Mayo to take on Kerry.The green and red impressed in dismantling Louth, but can they finally get over the line for the first time since 1951?Kerry, meanwhile, were efficient in seeing off an unlucky Dublin, but the victory did raise questions about technology and football.The story of the weekend might have been Wicklow, who pulled a Tailteann Cup victory out of the fire against Down at Croke Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All-Ireland hurling final preview | Limerick on the brink of another title | Galway looking to spoil the party | RTÉ GAA Podcast 15.07.2026 46min

Shane McGrath joins Cathal Mullaney and Rory O'Neill to preview the All-Ireland hurling final.Limerick are going for a sixth title since 2018, while Galway last won it the year before.This fourth meeting of the counties in an All-Ireland final has massive promise, but what sort of game will it be?Will the approach that Galway have used in Leinster, and against Cork, work against the greatest team of this - and possibly any - era?Do Limerick have the advantage off the bench, and can they use all of their experience against a relatively new Galway side?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Limerick and Galway advance, Clare go out with a fight, Cork collapse once more | RTÉ GAA Podcast 08.07.2026 51min

The two Shanes - McGrath and Dowling - join Cathal Mullaney and Rory O'Neill after the weekend's All-Ireland hurling semi-finals.Galway ambushed Cork to make the decider for the first time in eight years, where they'll meet Limerick - who they faced in 2018 - once more.Clare died with their boots on, but Cork once again faded away in the second half a big game at Croke Park.Limerick are on a mission to lift Liam MacCarthy once more after a couple of years away, while Micheál Donoghue's tactics are working for Galway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kerry and Dublin to renew classic rivalry | Louth and Mayo with a massive opportunity | Tailteann Cup up for grabs 08.07.2026 45min

Tomás Ó Sé and Brian Fenton join Cathal Mullaney to look forward to All-Ireland football semi-final weekend.It's Kerry and Dublin, the sport's biggest rivalry, but the Dubs cause another surprise, or will the men from the Kingdom edge closer to back-to-back titles.Before that, on Saturday, Louth are looking to reach the biggest game in football for the first time since 1957, while expectation grows in Mayo that this could finally be their year.The Tailteann Cup final, between Down and Wicklow, pits the big favourites against the side looking to make a historic breakthrough for 2027.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seasoned Louth | Frustrating Galway | High-risk Mayo | Vulnerable Kerry 01.07.2026 42min

Cathal Mullaney is joined by Ciaran Whelan and Nigel Dunne to look back on a breathtaking weekend of football action as the four semi-finalists for the All-Ireland were decided.00:30 - Best weekend of football this year? Whelo says it is definitely a forwards' game now.3:00 - Louth-Monaghan review. The story of the weekend. Monaghan like chaos and don't know what to do against 14. Missing McCaul and Beggan. Louth have every chance of beating Mayo. Gavin Devlin guarding against complacency. Sense of trepidation in Mayo. Louth the more seasoned team.11:50 - Mayo-Cork review. Mayo play a high-risk defence. Looked open in first half. Kobe McDonald hand pass under Cusack: in the old days he’d have ended up in the stands, but Whelo has to admire his confidence.16:15 - Dublin-Galway review. Importance of the midfield duo of Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne and Ciaran Kilkenny (most underrated footballer of all time, says Nigel). Galway are very frustrating. Fallen short consistently. Padraic Joyce still a great manager, says Nigel, but time to shake things up with younger players. Losing 1-08 to a point in closing stages suggests issues.30:00 - Whelo’s memories of Paul Clancy. Remarkable ball player, wand of a left foot.31:35 - Kerry-Tyrone review. Brilliant game of football, epitomised all that's good about new rules. Did Tyrone expose chinks in Kerry defence? A lot of things went against Tyrone but they maxed out their capabilities against a slightly off-colour Kerry. Missed chance for Tyrone. Why is Kerry's kick-out so good?41:00 - Ranking the four teams that remain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane McGrath and Shane Dowling on semi-finals | What tweaks can improve hurling? 01.07.2026 42min

The Shanes, McGrath and Dowling, join Cathal Mullaney to preview the All-Ireland hurling semi-finals this weekend.How do they see Limerick getting on against neighbours Clare, and does Galway's gameplan stand up to the test of Cork?While the lads also share a few ideas on how to improve the sport.0:30 - Minor hurling final review as Limerick overcame Tipperary at the death.08:10 - Limerick-Clare preview semi-final preview. Dowling reckons Clare were so poor in the round robin game against Limerick. After 13 years on the road are the Banner beginning to tire. Despite convincing scoreline, Dublin had lots of goal chances in quarter-final..12:30 - McGrath believes Limerick are as good as they've been in last few years. Competition to even make panel is pushing performances to another level this year.18:00 - McGrath describes Shane O’Donnell as unmarkable at times. Central to gameplan, but Clare need time and space out the field to deliver quality ball. Dowling says Limerick don’t worry about match-ups - defenders will play where selected and mark whoever they have to.22:50 - Galway-Cork semi-final preview. That Leinster final performance is irrelevant. How good are Galway - was Leinster that bad or are they the real deal?25:20 - Galway to stick with their blanket defence, trust their system. Cork to bring intensity and long distance shooters that Galway have not seen this year.29:16 - Dowling describes Galway as not nice to watch. But fair play if Micheal Donoghue if he gets them to a final playing this way.33:50 - Dowling insists something needs to be done with game of hurling. Keep three players inside the 45 and puck-outs go outside the 45. Try and solve the handpass problems. Increase goals to four points. McGrath talks about refereeing changes… more money to make the job more attaractive?40:50 - Dowling would love to see players trying to buy frees this weekend have frees given against them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scary Kerry | Lee the meme goes global | Jacks are back 24.06.2026 50min

Cathal Mullaney is joined by Lee Keegan and Brian Fenton to look back on the Round 3 action last week, digest the draw and look forward to this weekend's quarter-final action.The lads also touch on Lee's new-found fame as a Spanish World Cup meme and Brian catches us up on his travels - watching Dublin on his phone in a Malaga Airport queue that included Ciaran Whelan. That's a lot of Dublin midfielder for one airplane.TIMESTAMPS0:30 - Lee Keegan going global with new World Cup Twitter fame 3:10 - Everyone happy with their lot from that quarter-final draw 3:55 - Scary Kerry. Armagh brilliant for 35 mins, goal at half-time killed them. How do you mark David Clifford? Complemented by silky Dylan Geaney. 12:30 - Niall Morgan is the perfect test for Kerry. Tyrone will be fresh but this is a whole new challenge. Do they have the defence?17:20- Galway next best after Kerry says Lee, based on squad depth. Can control a game and posess excellent kickers of the ball.19:40 - Brian buzzing about Dublin. Very organised with Ger Brennan on the line. 24:35 - Both Lee and Brian pay tribute to Ciaran Kilkenny. 27:38 - Donegal burned out. Ran out of energy and momentum. Peaked too soon. did an obsession with Kerry cost them? 31:00 - Ross McGarry penalised for dropping the ball. ‘I think it’s ridiculous,’ says Brian. Black cards hurt Donegal more than Dublin, says Lee.33:20- Mayo awful at half-time against Meath and red card a huge factor. Cork and Mayo both delighted with the draw. Hard game to predict, both teams have delivered very different performances.39:35- Neither Louth nor Monaghan are ever beaten. Real belief they can make a semi-final. Stephen O’Hanlon importance going forward and in defence. Rory Beggan’s fitness is crucial. Could be the game of the weekend.45:07 - Has the new format delivered? It’s a lot very quickly… little training if you’re not winning. Exciting for spectators, more space would be ideal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurling is hard | Quarter-final review with Shane McGrath 24.06.2026 38min

Shane McGrath joins Cathal Mullaney to rake over the coals of two very disappointing hurling quarter-finals and give his own input on the debate about how to improve the standard of hurling across the country and reduce the perceived gap between Leinster and Munster.TIMESTAMPS00:20- Shane McGrath holidaying in Costa del Centerparcs02:30 - The step up for Offaly in terms of fitnes and physicality. Bigger picture is stronger counties will always be stronger07:00 - How can Cork get the best out of Alan Connolly?12:00 - How will Cork deal with Galway’s packed defence? Will Mark Coleman hold the line?14:45 - David Reidy injury. Duty of care that players must have. 19:10 - Limerick bring out the best in Clare but too many bodies missing in Banner defence?22:15 - Dublin don’t travel well. Reliance on Donal Burke. Man-on-man system doesn’t work, but they do have the personnel.25:45 - Munster just way ahead of Leinster at the minute. Jarlath Burns' comments on time needed to fix hurling nationwide.28:45 - Is hurling stronger than ever? Takes a long time to improve. Antrim example… too few clubs.31:45 - Need strong culture as hurling is so hard and improvement takes a long time.33:23 - How to improve hurling in short term? Start championship in May and look at structure of Joe McDonagh and Christy Ring. 36:20 - Looking forward to All-Ireland minor hurling final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurling Man is fearful and Dónal Burke as Dublin sweeper? | RTÉ GAA Podcast 17.06.2026 45min

This week on the RTÉ GAA Hurling podcast, Shane McGrath insists that - if Dublin want to pull one over on Clare - they need to drop Dónal Burke back as a sweeper. And Rory O'Neill explains to us why 'Hurling Man' is fearful - but he needn't be! Cathal Mullaney and the RTÉ Sport team take a look at all the biggest issues in football and hurling, plus preview and review the weekend's action with RTÉ's top GAA analysts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peak Biffo analysis and players chickening out | RTÉ GAA Podcast 17.06.2026 45min

Cathal Mullaney and the RTÉ Sport team take a look at all the biggest issues in football and hurling, plus preview and review the weekend's action with RTÉ's top GAA analysts.This week, Nigel Dunne holds his hands up over his Cork prediction following their massive win and Ballybofey. And Dessie Dolan wonders if players too often take the easy way out in front of goal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munster final delivers | Galway with a statement of intent | Queally calls time | RTÉ GAA Podcast 10.06.2026 55min

Shane McGrath joins Cathal Mullaney and Rory O'Neill after Limerick and Galway claim provincial honours.Laois are also celebrating after winning the Joe McDonagh Cup, while Waterford are on the search for a new manager.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kerry and Dublin on the brink | Quarter-final spots up for grabs | RTÉ GAA Podcast 10.06.2026 48min

Brian Fenton and Dessie Dolan join Cathal Mullaney to preview a bumper weekend of All-Ireland SFC Round 2 action.Attention starts in Salthill as high-flying Westmeath look to return to the quarter-finals after a 20-year hiatus.Can Donegal book their place in the next round as they host Cork?There's a repeat of the 2021 All Ireland Final as Mayo and Tyrone battle it out.Brian dissects the Dublin disciplinary dilemmas and form ahead of their crunch Cavan clash.Finally, Jack O'Connor brings Kerry to his old county Kildare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capital gains to be made | Who needs Munster more | RTÉ GAA Podcast 03.06.2026 49min

Brendan Cummins joins Cathal Mullaney and Rory O'Neill to look ahead to a weekend of hurling finals.Dublin beat Galway in the Leinster round robin but it's the Tribesmen who are the slight favourites ahead of their clash at Croke Park.In Munster, Limerick are heading to Leeside on a revenge mission for last year's loss to Cork on penalties.There's also the Joe McDonagh final, as Laois and Carlow look for their place in the 2027 Leinster Championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kerry content with Kildare | Louth unambitious | Éamonn's Love Island conundrum | RTÉ GAA Podast 03.06.2026 48min

Éamonn Fitzmaurice and Nigel Dunne join Cathal Mullaney to cast an eye over the All-Ireland SFC draw.Can Cavan put Dublin out of their misery and have Louth set their ambitions too low?Cork face a nightmare journey to Donegal but our panel disagree on whether that's a game to go after.Teams who are targeting Sam Maguire will need to produce their best at Croke Park, and it's a challenge to bring provincial football to the game's biggest stage.Seán Fitzgerald has made his Love Island debut, but what would Éamonn tell a player of his who wanted to appear on the show?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dublin's day comes | Kilkenny in decline | Offaly keep the faith | Cork and Limerick on collision course | RTÉ GAA Podcast 27.05.2026 57min

Shane McGrath and Rory O'Neill join Cathal Mullaney after Kilkenny failed to make the All-Ireland Championship for the first time since 1996.Is it a blip or a sign of a more terminal decline for the Cats? And what of Dublin, who are aiming for their second Leinster title of the century.It was also a massive weekend for Offaly, who secured their passage into the race for the Liam MacCarthy.Munster produced two one-sided games but the final between Cork and Limerick is full of promise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donegal have Kerry's number | Meath and Rossies disappoint | Can Westmeath deliver again? | RTÉ GAA Podcast 27.05.2026 58min

Brian Fenton and Mike Quirke join Cathal Mullaney as the fallout from Kerry v Donegal Part III continues.Has justice been served for Jim McGuinness, and was David Clifford lucky to escape punishment in Killarney, and what can done to avoid similar scenes in the future?Cork and Tyrone came good last weekend, but what of Meath and Roscommon?Westmeath are back in action after their Leinster triumph, but which version of them will show up, and is this the weekend where we finally see a performance from Mayo and Dublin?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kilkenny and Tipp trauma, 'Jesus, bubbles is class' 20.05.2026 1h 5min

Cathal Mullaney previews the last weekend of the Leinster and Munster Championship round robin on the hurling RTÉ GAA Podcast with Shane McGrath and Rory O'Neill, where this are big birthday celebrations and plenty of stories from the former Tipp hurler including one involving Cian Lynch and John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer. Our panel run the rule over the trials and tribulations of six-in-a-row Leinster champions, Kilkenny. Can Dublin score just their second ever championship victory over the Black and Amber at Parnell Park this weekend?On that note, is Leinster hurling now where it's at? Or, is Masters hurling the new crowd (or hamstring) puller?!The thorny issue of player welfare and the duty of care to each other on the field raises its head once again after a couple of late hits prompted concerns last week.Former Tipp star McGrath waxed lyrical about the skill and verve of Offaly's Eoin Cahill, made an old-school Simpsons reference and then signed off with a wonderful Cian Lynch story.A bumper edition of your RTÉ Hurling podcast for the week that's in it.Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@rtesport?sub_confirmation=1Web http://www.rte.ie/sportX: https://x.com/RTEsportFollow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westmeath plan works | Orange orchard blooms in Ulster | All-Ireland to begin | RTÉ GAA Podcast 20.05.2026 51min

Nigel Dunne and Éamonn Fitzmaurice join Cathal Mullaney after Westmeath's ambush on Dublin worked.The panel discuss how the Lake County got past the Dubs.In Ulster, an Armagh panel with plenty of Celtic Crosses finally brought their provincial drought to an end.The All-Ireland series begins this weekend. Is it open, or will Kerry defend their crown?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Offaly’s new favourite tag, Tipp’s season on the line and the 90s rivalry revival 13.05.2026 1h 2min

Cathal Mullaney is joined by Shane McGrath and Rory O'Neill to preview a crucial weekend in hurling, with Leinster taking centre stage.Shane makes the case for Offaly breaking out of Leinster, admitting he may have underestimated a side now playing to its strengths. With their fate in their own hands, the focus turns to how they’ll handle a new favourites tag ahead of their clash with Wexford (3:30).There are growing concerns for both Wexford and Kilkenny, with both counties needing results. While Shane believes Wexford are in the more precarious position, he also notes Kilkenny’s dip in standards is becoming more noticeable as the season unfolds (11:30).The panel also debate the championship format, with Shane suggesting counties like Kildare risk being caught in a yo-yo cycle between the Liam MacCarthy and Joe McDonagh cups, and argues for greater flexibility (21:50).Attention then shifts to Munster (30:00), where despite failing to register a win, Waterford have remained competitive. Shane questions whether issues lie in squad depth or a lack of trust from management (32:00).Old rivalries are stirring too, as Shane and Rory reflect on the intensity of the Tipp-Clare clashes of the 90s. Shane even notes a telling silence from the Tipp camp, something he sees as a positive sign.The episode wraps up with predictions for all of the weekend’s action (59:00).Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@rtesport?sub_confirmation=1Web http://www.rte.ie/sportX: https://x.com/RTEsportFollow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.