RTÉ GAA Podcast

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.

Rossies run riot | Kerry too smart for Cork | Westmeath plot great shock | RTÉ GAA Podcast 13.05.2026 55min

Brian Fenton and Enda McGinley join Cathal Mullaney to reflect on Roscommon's epic Connacht final triumph.Kerry looked professional in dispatching old foes Cork, but the Rebels lacked a real game plan, according to the panel.This weekend, Westmeath will try to stop the Dubs at Croke Park, while Armagh might finally land an Ulster title, two years after much of their squad collected their Celtic Crosses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brilliance of Barry Nash | Cork testing tweaks | Dublin-Wexford niggle 06.05.2026 53min

Shane McGrath dials in to chat with Cathal Mullaney and Rory O'Neill ahead of another weekend of provincial hurling action.Rory is quick to remind Shane of all the Cork teams in action this week, with Barry Walsh set to line out for the Cork Under-20s and seniors this week - is there fear of burnout (3:00)?There is a mea culpa from Shane (5:00) for his Clare prediction. He accepts Limerick very good without two hurlers of the year - the fact two spots were up for grabs spurred on the fringe players. But Clare weren’t ready to hurl that match at 2 o’clock Sunday.The brilliance of Barry Nash is well discussed (11:00). His involvement in so many crucial moments drew comparisons to Ollie Canning.Shane was reminded of the coaching of Eamon O’Shea watching Limerick's comfort playing in tight spaces, the Tipp coach used to have the panel play a possession game between the 14 and 21-yard lines, which left no space to breathe. This gave you an appreciation of how big the pitch is. Limerick have that approach.This weekend Cork's depth to be tested against Waterford (24:00) with Ciaran Joyce and Rob Downey absences. Rory calls for subtle changes, not an overhaul. Shane is tipping Waterford, much to the anguish of their fans. He is encouraged by how they hurled in the second half against Tipp.To Leinster and Wexford v Dublin (33:00). Time for Wexford to stand up and if the Dubs lose they could be haunted by that draw with Offaly. Tie down Lee Chin and Shane predicts a Dublin win, that could be a job for Eoghan O’Donnell.It's time for Offaly to stop being so deferential to Kilkenny (43:00). Shane says they were more direct against Wexford, which suits them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westmeath boom is back, early noughties reminiscing and the higgledy piggledy All-Ireland structure 06.05.2026 51min

Dessie Dolan and Ciaran Whelan join Cathal Mullaney to discuss the latest Gaelic football news and look ahead to the provincial finals.First up (2:00) the lads give their thoughts on the All-Ireland SFC draw being held before the finals. Whelo reckons it changes the direction of the conversation and raises the question of whether the "higgledy piggledy" structures should be flipped? Provincials a little bit lost between league and All-Ireland series.Dessie says the draw is causing confusion, with Westmeath bandwagon fans wondering why they're playing Cavan in the Leinster final.On Westmeath, Dessie and Whelo recall the 2004 quarter-final ambush. The former Midlanders manager reckons Westmeath will be fully focussed on getting players fit for Leinster final v Dublin (8:00), with all eggs in the provincial final basket. Dessie reckons Dublin are not in their pomp and it's an opportunity for Westmeath.They look back on Monaghan's "incredible comback" against Derry, in the moment of the year so far for Whelo (17:00), as he lauds the swagger of Jack McCarron to kick that sideline after referee Noel Mooney saw the error of his ways.Whelo is convinced it would have been a replay if Mooney had not changed his mind (20:30). Dessie says the confusion added to the drama in an 'incredible' game, with Derry left scratching their heads.Whelo reckons you "have to feel for Down" (24:00) after the emotional high of the Donegal win, coming down with such a bang against a driven Armagh. Dessie says Armagh's fitness, strength and depth told against a Down side who couldn't reach the heights of a week earlier. How will they get up for Tailteann Cup game against a Leitrim side buoyed by their provincial campaign?Whelo's memories of Cork-Kerry Munster finals in Killarney (31:00) are mostly positive, and he thinks the Rebels will have belief this weekend. A settled team in good form, who have been given a gameplan by Donegal in the league final. The danger is Cork being built up too much and Kerry playing the poor mouth with their injuries.Preview of the Connacht final (42:00) as Roscommon look to build on a solid league and "top drawer" second half against Mayo - can their midfield dominate against five-in-a-row chasing Galway? Whelo asks if Padraig Joyce knows his best 15, but he knows the Tribesmen will have plenty of spirit and fight. Dessie doesn't think Galway will let Enda Smith have as much freedom as he did the last day, similarly Joyce will have a plan for Diarmuid Murtagh.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.

Stephen Bennett's tiny hurl, Cork hype train and woeful Wexford 29.04.2026 58min

Shane McGrath joins Cathal Mullaney and Rory O'Neill on the hurling edition of the RTÉ GAA Podcast to discuss the weekend's action in Munster and Leinster, look ahead to Clare v Limerick, and delving into the Antrim situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death, taxes and Clifford on the loop | Down screengrab motivation 29.04.2026 53min

Brian Fenton is back in studio with Cathal Mullaney to reflect on the weekend and look ahead to the upcoming fixtures, with Dessie Dolan dialling in from Costa del Westmeath.The lads rake over the coals of Mayo's heavy defeat to Roscommon (4:00) and the influence of a good (or bad) kickout under these rules. Can Roscommon back it up against Galway (14:00), who were less than impressive against Leitrim.Down provided the shock of the weekend with their defeat of Donegal (18:00), with Brian saying Jim McGuinness is prowling the RTÉ carpark looking for the person responsible for that graphic. There is no rest for Conor Laverty and his team as they face Armagh this weekend, with Monaghan and Derry in the other Ulster semi-final (25:00).In the wake of Munster semi-finals, the lads analyse David Clifford's effectiveness on the loop and the legality of the screen (30:00).Finally they preview the Leinster semi-finals (35:00). Ahead of Dublin's trip to Portlaoise for Louth showdown, Dessie details all of Brian's travels from Croke Park during his storied Championship career and gives us the mood in Westmeath ahead of Kildare clash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Déise's growing belief and Kilkenny woes 22.04.2026 56min

Shane McGrath, Rory O'Neill and Cathal Mullaney reconvene to look back on the opening weekend of the hurling championship and look ahead to round 2 on the RTÉ GAA Podcast.Shane rakes over the embers of Tipp's defeat to Cork (18:00).With the Premier heading to Walsh Park, Shane fears for his native county as a fired-up Waterford will fully believe they can win after an encouraging showing in defeat to Clare (18:00).Rory has faith Cork will perform well in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, as they always do, but Limerick are a formidable foe and the Rebels have questions around their long distance frees (24:00).We need to talk about Kilkenny (33:00) and Shane would have worries about the set-up there after what he observed from the stands in Pearse Stadium on Saturday evening.Finally, is it time to consider a four-point goal (45:00)? Rory thinks so after the clinker that was Dublin v Offaly last weekend, while Shane would prefer to see the handpass properly policed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leinster Championship football is back with a bang | Connacht rivalrys | Dublin's woes 22.04.2026 53min

Five-time All-Ireland winning former Kerry footballer Éamonn Fitzmaurice and Offaly football stalwart Nigel Dunne join Cathal Mullaney on the football edition of the RTÉ GAA Podcast as they reflect on the opening weekend of the Championship. There's reaction from the panel to Westmeath's hugely impressive victory over local rivals Meath along with a look back at Dublin's narrow win against Wicklow. Stand-in manager Dean Rock reflects on a tight game while Fitzmaurice looks at just how the absence of Ger Brennan will effect the Dubs during their Leinster campaign. Dunne meanwhile feels that the era of dominance from Dublin is over.There's a preview of this weekend's Ulster Championship clash between Donegal and Down along with an in depth look ahead to the big meeting between Mayo and Roscommon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryder Cup plan, media motivation and Leinster false economy 15.04.2026 52min

Cathal Mullaney is joined by Shane McGrath, Marty Morrissey and Rory O'Neill on the hurling edition of the RTÉ GAA Podcast as excitement builds ahead of the start of the provincial hurling championships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Fenton in the big chair as Dublin enter the provincial football fray 15.04.2026 56min

Seven-time All-Ireland winning former Dublin footballer Brian Fenton and Westmeath legend Dessie Dolan join Cathal Mullaney on the football edition of the RTÉ GAA Podcast to look back at the weekend's results in Gaelic football and cast an eye ahead to how the 2026 championship will play out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyrone under pressure | Provincials most exciting in memory 09.04.2026 48min

Enda McGinley and Rory O'Neill join Cathal Mullaney to look ahead to the start of the provincial championships this weekend, with Enda feeling Tyrone are under big pressure to deliver. He also explains why the competitions are the most open in years with a look to the busy start in Leinster. Watch the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Sport Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_7bF90ySEVfWLXtn9HlWA Web http://www.rte.ie/sportX: https://x.com/RTEsportFollow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

League proves Limerick still the team to beat in 2026 07.04.2026 41min

Cathal Mullaney is joined by Shane McGrath on this week's RTÉ GAA podcast, as we recap wins for Limerick and Clare in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1A and 1B finals on Sunday.The panel discuss whether Limerick's victory has laid down a mark as the Munster championship approaches, while we also look at what Cork manager Ben O'Connor will take from the campaign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Limerick v Cork, league finals barometer and Duignan's rugby sidequest 02.04.2026 37min

Offaly great Michael Duignan and RTÉ Sport's Damian Lawlor join Cathal Mullaney to preview the weekend's league finals in hurling, namely the clash of Limerick and Cork in Division 1A and the 1B decider between Clare and Dublin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donegal’s tactical innovation, Clifford’s quiet day, and a frustrating Division 2 finish 30.03.2026 49min

Cathal Mullaney is joined by Éamonn Fitzmaurice and Rory O'Neill to sort through the weekend's Allianz Football League finals. Unsurprisingly there were two somewhat disappointed men in Éamonn and Rory, with both Kerry and Cork missing out in their respective finals, but as will be revealed, in very different ways.  Éamonn explained that Kerry's 13-point loss to Donegal will not have much bearing on the county's championship season. He also reflects that the manner of the defeat may sting but there will be no panic in the Kingdom over the coming weeks. The panel considered the differences in Donegal's play compared to last year's All-Ireland final, and the ex-All-Ireland winning manager is relishing the "tactical innovation" to come in the championship, given the glimpses show by the Tír Chonaill men on Sunday. Rory calls on Éamonn's FRC knowledge to discuss the refereeing of tackling and the hooter issues he saw in Cork v Meath, where he felt there was an unsatisfactory finish to the Division 2 clash. Joe Murphy’s remarks about keeping his coaching and backroom team local were noted, and Éamonn added that people will now be sitting up and taking notice after the Barrowsiders claimed their first League title since 1971.Watch the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Sport YoutubeWeb http://www.rte.ie/sportX: https://x.com/RTEsportFollow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does winning the league matter? | New SFC structure explained 26.03.2026 38min

Ciaran Whelan and Rory O'Neill join Cathal Mullaney in studio to look ahead to this weekend's Allianz Football League finals.First Whelo recalls his one and only league final appearance, which took place in Cork... for some reason. He hasn't dwelt on it much in the 30-odd years since.The league finals mean different things to different teams (04:00), with the likes of Wexford, Longford and Carlow placing more emphasis on it than a Donegal or a Kerry.As to that Division 1 final (06:00), Whelo expects both teams to hold a little back ahead of Championship, with Kerry's lack of Paudie Clifford giving them a perfect excuse should things not go their way.The Division 2 decider could be a clinker (16:50), with both Meath and Cork free to throw off the shackles, their primary goal of promotion already secured. Meath's familiarity with Croke Park and Cork's celebration of Tyrone win may play a part.The most significant final is the third tier meeting of Down and Wexford (23:00) with Sam Maguire football likely on the line. Can the Model men come down from their Roy of the Rovers escapades against Westmeath, and even if they do, are Down a level above?Carlow and Longford in Division 4 (26:45) have achieved their objective of escaping the basement dungeon but the carrot of a trophy for such counties cannot be discounted.Finally Rory, the king of a championship format discussion (28:30), takes us through the new All-Ireland football structure, with slides for those of you watching on YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Lyster memories | Blockbuster Football Leagues | Hurling final Croker snub | RTÉ GAA Podcast 23.03.2026 1h 15min

Cathal Mullaney is joined by Enda McGinley, Shane McGrath and Damian Lawlor to reflect on an exhilirating final round of Allianz League games over the weekend.They also pay tribute to Michael Lyster following the death of the legendary The Sunday Game presenter over the weekend (00:30).The football chat starts with divisions 3 and 4 (5:30), where Wexford pulled off the heist of the weekend to gain promotion ahead of Westmeath, while in Division 4, Wicklow threw away the chance to escape the basement, with Longford benefiting.In the top tier, Dublin were relegated while Donegal and Kerry will meet in the final, with the Kingdom's draw in Armagh capturing Enda McGinley's attention.Meath and Cork hinted at an interesting summer ahead with their promotion to the top tier, while Kildare's hopes of progress stunted once more by relegation.In hurling (41:45), Shane fancies Cork as the All-Ireland favourites but has lots of Limerick men in his team of the league.The Munster pair will meet in the league final in the Gaelic Grounds, with Shane strongly advocating for a Croke Park decider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.