The Echo Sport Podcast

What a weekend of club hurling!

There's a cohort out there who feel the inter-county season is too short when the box-office action ends in July, but Cork GAA's brilliant programme of matches across five grades never fails to deliver.

Kanturk were the story of the last phase of group games, blasting past Blackrock to eliminate the city side and grab top spot ahead of Glen Rovers. It was a magnificent team performance, from Darren Browne tagging Alan Connolly in defence to the power and ball-winning of Colin and Alan Walsh up top. Brian O'Sullivan, on the fringes of the Cork panel all year, was lethal from placed balls but also heavily involved from play.

Midleton got held off Bride Rovers to grab top seeding and a semi-final berth but Sars remain the team to beat, their quarter-final with Kanturk will be epic.

Injuries continue to cast a shadow though, with Darragh Fitzgibbon missing Charleville's loss to Newtown and unlikely to feature in the quarter-final with Glen Rovers. Brian Hayes and Jack Cahalane were notable absentees for the Barrs and they'll be under pressure against Imokilly without them.

Another standout team display came from Na Piarsaigh, who outgunned Killeagh and are now one of the form teams in Senior A.

Carrigaline shot the lights out against Kilworth to snatch a place in the Premier Intermediate knockout phase. Their late blast of 1-1 in round two to draw with Ballymartle, who are now out despite beating Valleys, saved their season.

Bishopstown head into their third consecutive relegation final, against Lisgoold, after a poor display against Éire Óg. Can they stop the slide?

Aghada eliminated Kilbrittain at Intermediate A while Cloughduv clawed their way into the Premier Junior quarter-final with a monster win over Milford, who ended up in relegation trouble after Mayfield pulled off an upset against Barryroe. Scoring difference was the common thread there.

The Echo podcast crew look at what hurlers put their hands up for inclusion in Ben O'Connor's panel after the three group games. In his most recent column, Patrick Horgan suggested continuity is what Cork are lacking, on and off the field. Is he right?

There's also a preview of the football action this weekend.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.

Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The big news on the Cork GAA front was the impending appointment of Cian O'Neill as the new hurling coach, following the departure of Ronan Curran as a selector.

The vastly experienced Kildare native seems like a left-field selection, given he just departed the Kerry set-up and also worked with Mayo and Galway, as well as the Cork footballers under Ronan McCarthy. He did build his reputation on the hurling front with Liam Sheedy's Tipperary side that ended Kilkenny's five-in-a-row bid in 2010.

More importantly, he had been operating as a trainer before then with Newtownshandrum when they last captured the Cork and Munster titles, which forged his connection with Ben O'Connor.

The Echo Podcast crew discuss what we can expect from O'Neill, how he could influence the hurlers' style and whether there will be a new sports psychologist coming in to replace Gerry Hussey. Ben O'Connor no doubt learned an awful lot from a first season at the helm that started positively but ended on a low in Croke Park against Galway.

Could Cork look to replicate the Tribe's counter-attacking tactics? The only issue with that is Limerick dismantled them in the All-Ireland.

At club level, there's a massive weekend of hurling action coming up, after a break weekend where Éire Óg's footballers blitzed Clyda Rovers in a refixed match and Imokilly eased past Seandún to reach the PSHC quarter-final again.

We look at the major matches coming up and whether there will be any upsets before the pairings are set for the knockout matches across the five grades.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show. Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a frenetic weekend of Cork club hurling action, the big guns across the major grades, with the exception of last year's Senior A runners-up Castlelyons, remain in the mix for silverware.

Glen Rovers came closest to an early exit with a Brian O'Sullivan-inspired Kanturk up by two points coming down the stretch in their blockbuster battle in Castleltownroche. Tomás Mulcahy's side held their nerve though, clipping over four scores without replay to save their season.

St Finbarr's and Sars were far more dominant in their must-win matches, William Buckley again showing his accuracy with a haul of 0-7 from play for the Barrs against Bride while Daniel Kearney was restored to the starting 15 as Sars prevailed after an eight-goal thriller with Newtown.

Castlelyons were eliminated by rivals Watergrasshill in the SAHC, paying the highest of prices for being beaten by a last-gasp goal in their opener with Blarney, who cruised through against Ballyhea.

Carrigtwohill delivered one of the best displays of the weekend in hammering Courceys while Ballinhassig remain unbeaten after promotion following a win over Inniscarra in a group that's now finely poised.

Na Piarsaigh welcomed back Ross O'Sullivan from the States and he shot the lights out as they coped with an early 11-point deficit against Fermoy.

At Premier Intermediate, Aghabullogue, Valleys, Ballincollig and Cloyne all have two wins on the board so have are the leading contenders at that grade. Dungourney have also shown serious form.

TUNE IN

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show. Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew on moving weekend in Cork club GAA, the fallout from the second round of football games and what to expect next week on the hurling front.

As expected leading contenders Nemo Rangers and St Finbarr's bounced back from their surprise defeats to put themselves in strong positions to qualify for the knockout stages.

However, Newcestown, who beat Nemo previously, fell short against neighbours Valley Rovers to leave that group delicately balanced. It's the same in the toughest group at Premier Senior. Knocknagree got their first victory at that level against Ballincollig, who must now try and avoid a relegation playoff, while the Carbery derby between Castlehaven and Clonakilty ended up all square.

It means wins for Knockagree and Clon next month would see the Haven eliminated.

St Michael's, Mallow and the Collig are under pressure, having lost both their matches.

There was an upset at Senior A when a last-gasp Ryan O'Keeffe free saw Newmarket take down Cill na Martra. Carbery Rangers beat O'Donovan Rossa so Newmarket could end up knocked out on scoring difference despite their two wins after their last match.

Kilshannig had a statement win when they blitzed Bishopstown but Clyda versus Éire Óg was postponed due to a bereavement.

In Premier Intermediate, Macroom are on a roll after a couple of seasons battling relegation while Kilmurry's comeback against Buttevant at Intermediate A leaves them on two wins, same as Mitchelstown and Adrigole.

Next weekend's hurling should be terrific, with Glen Rovers, the Barrs and Sars are facing an unexpected early exit unless they can emerge victorious.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show. Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break down a thrilling All-Ireland camogie final, look at the future of divisional teams after the latest championship withdrawal and pick the matches to catch in the second round of football group games.

Cork captured the O'Duffy Cup for the 31st time after a gripping game in Croke Park against their fierce rivals Galway. Goals were the key, Saoirse McCarthy and Orlaith Cahalane burying two in the second half, but also the Rebels' second-half attitude when they pushed up the pitch more and tackled with far greater intensity to turn around a two-point deficit.

Sorcha McCartan and Laura Hayes were also magnificent but this was a triumph for the collective as the young guns fired on the big stage. Cork lost five of the starting 15 from 2025 but newcomers like Isobel Sheehan, Meabh Murphy, Millie Condon and Ava Fitzgerald rose to the occasion.

There was just one divisional/colleges match played as UCC had to give a walkover to Carbery, who now progess into the last seven of the Premier SFC proper. Seandún beat Muskerry to earn the right to face Imokilly in the hurling equivalent but serious questions have to be raised about the merits of including representative sides in a competition where clubs are pushed to the pin of their collars.

The clubs are back in the spotlight next weekend when the stakes couldn't be higher, particularly for the teams who were beaten in their opening fixtures.

Among the standout fixtures are St Finbarr's against Douglas, Ballincollig v Knocknagree and Clon-Haven in the same PSFC group, Carbery Rangers and O'Donovan Rossa in a Senior A derby, Uibh Laoire and Bantry at Premier Intermediate and Kilmurry versus Buttevant at Intermediate A.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show. Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break reflect on a cracking opening weekend of club hurling action that featured a host of Cork stars back in action for the first time since the disappointment of their All-Ireland semi-final loss to Galway.

Mark Coleman certainly came up with a big moment for Blarney when he smashed home a free in the 64th minute for Blarney to beat Castlelyons by a point. Niall O'Leary marked Shane Barrett in a gripping game where former Cork defender Colm Spillane was immense. 

Darragh Fitzgibbon's powerful display at midfield for Charleville in their upset over champions and favourites Sarsfields was the standout game. Dominic Foley's side had pushed Sars hard in last year's quarter-final but they showed they're contenders now.

Blackrock's come-from-behind victory over the Glen was also a sensational result, given they were reduced to 14 men when they trailed 0-11 to 0-6 in the first half. Alan Connolly clipped two points from play in added time to secure an unlikely win and he also sniped an opportunistic goal. A big response to the recent criticism.

Robbie Cotter and Tadhg Deasy also impressed and it was notable that Eoin Downey nailed 0-3 from distance for the Glen, who are now under pressure when they meet Kanturk later this month. 

Alan Walsh scored a goal and set up two more as Kanturk hammered Fr O'Neill's while Robbie O'Flynn had 0-5 in Erin's Own's Senior A success against Na Piarsaigh. Tommy O'Connell was centre-back as Midleton had a surprisingly comfortable win over a St Finbarr's side that didn't get enough of a return from play from Brian Hayes, Ben Cunningham and William Buckley.

Barry Walsh's 1-4 was key as Killeagh got the better of Fermoy and Bride Rovers' return to the top tier saw them outgun Newcestown, with Brian Roche landing 0-4 but former Cork U20 Cillian Tobin also excelling as sweeper.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show. Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break down the opening weekend of Cork GAA championship action where upsets for Carrigaline and Newcestown grabbed the headlines as last year's finalists St Finbarr's and Nemo were beaten.

Carrigaline were mauled by the Barrs in the opening last season and despite trailing early in the second half last Friday night, they pushed on to a win that gives them a great chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Cork footballer Brian O'Driscoll contributed heavily but Éanna Desmond was the star turn to the tune of 0-9 from play.

Newcestown, beaten after extra time by Nemo in last year's semi-final, made no mistake this time. Seamus O'Sullivan nabbed 0-7 while their best-known players Luke Meade and David Buckley were to the fore as always.

There's still plenty of time for the city sides to get back on track and the other member of the Premier Senior 'big three', Castlehaven, got the job done against a youthful Ballincollig despite conceding three goals.

Douglas were emphatic winners over Mallow, Séan Coakley highlighting his Cork potential, and Clon, dark horses in recent years, beat newcomers Knocknagree.

Cill na Martra took down Carbery Rangers in the collision between the two favourites at Senior A, while Éire Óg and Kanturk also underlined their title credentials. The performance of the weekend came from Fermoy, who were six points down with five minutes left against Naomh Abán and kicked seven without reply to win. Dohenys also roared from 11 down to draw with Aghabullogue while Newmarket put up an impressive tally in defeating Skibb.

Can the hurling action across the August Bank Holiday weekend match the entertainment? With Midleton against the Barrs and Glen taking on Blackrock, there are some crackers on the horizon.

We also salute Mayo, All-Ireland champions for the first time in 75 years who ended their final curse, despite going 1-5 to 0-1 down after 16 minutes. Unreal.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don't forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo's Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew head into club championship mode but first, there's a look at the All-Ireland hurling final.

Limerick returned to the top of the pile in emphatic fashion, easily dismantling the Galway system of counter-attacking that derailed Cork in the semi. The Tribe's lack of nous and experience against Limerick's intensity and high press was telling. So how did Cork not keep their eyes on the sliotar to have another crack off the green machine? It's all about intensity, attitude and hurling to your strengths.

The All-Ireland football final takes place next Sunday, where it's difficult to look past yet another Kerry victory over Mayo. However, the focus on Leeside will be on the club scene.

It's the first round of the club football championships and we look at the teams to beat in each grade. 

St Finbarr's, so narrowly beaten by Dingle in the Munster final last winter, have to be favourites but they did endure a fairly indifferent league. The key for the holders is how fresh their inter-county contingent, particularly Steven Sherlock, Ian Maguire, William Buckley and Brian Hayes will be.

Do Castlehaven have another kick in them? They edged out Knocknagree, a quality addition to the top tier, in a brilliant league final recently. Clon remain the dark horses but all three of those clubs, along with Ballincollig, semi-finalists last year, are in one stacked group.

Carbery were impressive in the divisional section while Douglas had a solid league and Carrigaline have the physicality and firepower, highlighted by their Division 2 league triumph, to impact. Newcestown pushed Nemo all the way to extra time last season. Can they push on from that outstanding campaign?

Outside of the Premier Senior Championship, we look at the matches to catch on the opening weekend.

The most likely county champions are picked across all the levels, Premier Senior, Senior A, Premier Intermediate, Intermediate A and Premier Junior.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don't forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo's Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew reflect on how the inter-county season panned out across both codes before we launch into a bumper three-and-a-half months of the best club action in the country.

With just one All-Ireland final reached, even if it did see the minor footballers rally from nine points down to wrestle the Tommy Markham Cup from Tyrone in a stone-cold classic, the 2026 campaign has to be classed as a disappointment.

Keith Ricken's U17 side were also the only Cork team to lift a Munster title, with the minor and U20 hurlers losing provincial semi-finals and the two senior teams falling to their great rivals Limerick and Kerry. It's no coincidence that those two counties are now in the All-Ireland final and firm favourites to return with the biggest prizes of them all.

The most galling disappointment was the hurlers' heavy defeat to Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final. Here on the podcast, we were extremely wary of the Tribe threat, given their excellence in the Munster final and how fortunate Cork had been to beat them in the league, but certainly it was a massive upset and particularly cruel on the Rebel faithful who had to witness another second-half fadeout.

On this show, we ask the key questions that Cork will have to answer from here. We look at what young players could be brought in to add further depth to the squad, with Timmy Wilk and Jack Leahy among the standouts. We also discuss how the Rebels can change their tactical approach and if there's an outside coach Ben O'Connor could add to his backroom.

On the football front, reaching an All-Ireland quarter-final and gaining promotion was certainly progress but there's a feeling of a missed opportunity after seeing Mayo power past Louth into a showdown with Kerry. John Cleary's side had enough chances to defeat the Connacht side two weeks ago.

At the same time, they still need to mix up their approach on the pitch, look to feed their forwards a bit quicker when they're on top in midfield and a find a couple of scoring options for an attack that relies too heavily on Steven Sherlock and Chris Óg Jones.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don't forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo's Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew go from the high of an epic All-Ireland minor final victory to the low of another Croke Park hurling collapse on the show this week as the inter-county season, from a Cork perspective, concludes.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or where you get your podcasts.

The minor footballers gave the whole county a badly needed lift with a sensational comeback on Sunday. Down by nine points early in the second half at Newbridge and being outplayed by a slick Ulster side who landed the title last season, they gritted their teeth and delivered the massive scores to get them over the line.

A massive Cork crowd more than played its part as a three-point salvo from Joe Miskella and a goal by sub Alex O'Herlihy sparked the Rebel revival. Keeper Rory Twohig and wing-back Éanna Lynch made goal-saving stops and an injury-time 1-1 from Eoin Ahern and Tom Whooley saw Cork snatch the title. Gabriel Oronsaye also had a stormer off the bench.

It was a masterclass from manager Keith Ricken, whose experience ensured the young guns never stopped firing even when the cause looked lost.

On another bitterly disappointing outing to Croker, the hurlers certainly didn't shoot the lights, aside from Brian Hayes, as they failed to build on a 1-12 to 1-7 advantage against a ravenous Galway.

The Leinster champions got on top just before half-time and squeezed the life out of Cork in the second half, where Ben O'Connor's side managed just six points, even if they did chase goals late on.

Their inability to win long puck-outs, losing nine of the 11 they attempted in the second half, meant they had no platform at all to get in behind Galway's defensive structure and they took just six shots outside of the 45. In the first half, a patient approach paid off but when Galway gathered momentum, Cork fell apart, not helped by Darragh Fitzgibbon's red card.

It leaves huge questions now for the players and management, with supporters particularly bewildered by William Buckley falling down the pecking order.

The big question is, where to from here after being leading contenders for three years running without landing the big prize?

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The Echo Sport Podcast crew has a bumper show this week as the inter-county season builds to a gripping conclusion.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or where you get your podcasts.

The Cork footballers' campaign ended on a low note. Not just that they were beaten by Mayo in a game they were slight underdogs in but it represented a superb chance to make the All-Ireland semis for the first time in 14 years, but because they had the chances to deliver.

They hit 14 wides to Mayo's seven, went in level at half-time having had a spell of real dominance in the first half, and coughed up three points because of technical frees. They were stronger on kick-outs, grabbing 14 of Mayo's 30 but just couldn't turn quality possession into a match-winning tally.

A haul of just 0-18 won't win a match at the business end of championship, under the new rules and there was a sense Cork fell back into some of their old habits. They certainly didn't kick enough into the inside line and there wasn't enough dynamic movement from Steven Sherlock and co up top.

Cork worked the ball around the arc looking to land two-pointers, their trademark in beating Meath and Donegal, far too often. Mayo had their homework done, tackled ferociously, but John Cleary and his players will know they should have been more urgent in their attacking approach. 

It means Cork haven't won a championship game on Jones Road since 2013 and have lost in three of the last five All-Ireland quarter-finals. Without disrespecting Louth, who would have had no fear of Cork, it was an incredible opportunity to make the final.

The football season still has one more game to go, with Cork meeting Tyrone in Newbridge. The Red Hand are an underage powerhouse but Keith Ricken's young Rebels have every chance in the county's first minor All-Ireland final in seven years. 

Both U17 teams are unbeaten across the campaign and it should be a terrific match that goes all the way to the wire.

The Cork hurlers are back in Croker next Saturday in what will be a sell-out All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Leinster champions Galway. Naturally, chasing a third successive appearance in the decider, the Rebels are favourites but on no level will Ben O'Connor's management be taking this game lightly.

In the modern era, Cork's record against the Tribe is very poor, going out at their hands in 2009, 2011, 2015 and '22, since the last win over them in 2008 when O'Connor and selector Ronan Curran were playing.

Cork have some selection headaches, depending on the fitness of Tim O'Mahony and Tommy O'Connell, particularly after Alan Walsh's two-goal first start in the Offaly win. 

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The Echo Sport Podcast crew is back to discuss another bumper weekend of Cork GAA action.

Now in its fourth season, the podcast sees the Echo team discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. In the wake of the Cork hurlers reaching the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals for the third straight year and the minor football team producing another fine display to get to an All-Ireland final, Denis Hurley is joined by Barry O’Mahony and Rory Noonan.

As Rory and Barry pointed out, Cork were caught between a rock and a hard place in terms of their All-Ireland quarter-final against Offaly – a big win would not necessarily give much insight whereas a tight battle would have raised plenty of questions.

In the event, Cork got the job done in a professional fashion, scoring six goals as they won by 26 points, and a semi-final with Galway looms as Ben O’Connor’s side aim to reach a third straight All-Ireland final – something Cork last did during the manager’s own playing days, 2004-06.

Four changes to the starting team meant a chance for players to stake their claims and Rory and Barry assess how they fared while also discussing the use of the Cork bench.

Cork’s win, and that of Clare against Limerick, mean that the All-Ireland semi-finals will once again feature three Munster teams – while the state of hurling is part of a wider discussion, the dominance of southern sides is something worthy of consideration.

For now though, the Cork journey continues while the last-four tie against the Leinster champions on Saturday, July 4 is again set to be close to a sell-out: at a time when it is so expensive to bring a family to a match, the dedication of the Cork support again comes in for praise from the panel.

The Rebel supporters will be on the road again this weekend, with Mayo the opponents for the Cork football team in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park.

Barry O’Mahony believes that it is as good a draw as Cork could have hoped for, with the westerners not the force they were when they were regularly reaching All-Ireland finals.

Both he and Rory expect a tough battle but with Cork given a great chance to reach the semi-finals for what would be the first time since 2012.

The big-ball code is on a roll on Leeside, with Keith Ricken’s side through to the All-Ireland final following a great win over Derry. Barry O’Mahony feels that the strength of the collective unit has come to the fore, with Rory Noonan singling out Ricken’s man-management skills and ability to develop young players.

You can listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Rebels flying high after Donegal win

The Echo Sport Podcast crew is back to discuss another bumper weekend of Cork GAA action.

Now in its fourth season, the podcast sees the Echo team discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. In the wake of Saturday’s incredible All-Ireland SFC win over Donegal, Denis Hurley is joined by Barry O’Mahony and John Horgan.

Going in as outsiders in the round 2A clash in Ballybofey, Cork were given little chance of taking the direct route to the quarter-finals, especially when they trailed at half-time, but a flurry of two-pointers swung the game the way of John Cleary’s men.

All things considered, Barry O’Mahony reckons that it was the county’s biggest football championship win since the 2010 All-Ireland, with the county board’s decision to sanction a flight to Derry vindicated.

Cork now have the luxury of a gap until the quarter-finals at the end of June, with the round 3 fixtures this weekend set to eliminate four of Monaghan, Westmeath, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Armagh, Mayo and Meath. Waiting along with Cork for the last-eight ties in Croke Park are Galway, Louth and Derry, underlining the sense that it is the most open football championship in years.

In the recent past, Cork have been guilty of following a good result with a poor one and the challenge now is to change that record and reach a semi-final, something that has not happened since 2012.

That year, both the Cork hurlers and footballers made the last four of their respective championships and the hurlers can complete the first leg of such a double this Sunday if they beat Offaly in the All-Ireland SHC quarter-final in Thurles.

Despite the expected absences of Tommy O’Connell and Tim O’Mahony, Cork will be strong favourites to get the better of the Faithful County, though Offaly did impress in qualifying from the Leinster round-robin.

Notwithstanding Limerick’s defeat to Dublin last year, the panel expect Cork to respond strongly to the Munster SHC loss to the Shannonsiders. Also in action this weekend are Keith Ricken’s minor football side, who take on Derry as they seek to build on an impressive campaign to date.

While the minor hurlers lost their semi-final to Tipperary, it was their seventh championship game and laid a foundation for the further development of the players involved.

You can listen at https://www.echolive.ie/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.a

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The Echo Sport Podcast crew is back to discuss another bumper weekend of Cork GAA action.

Now in its fourth season, the podcast sees the Echo team discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. In the wake of Sunday’s Munster SHC final, Denis Hurley is joined by Barry O’Mahony and John Horgan.

They assess what might have gone differently, both from a Cork point of view and in terms of the officiating of the game, and what effect it might have.

Cork had only one wide but fell short of their opponents in terms of shots taken while the panellists discuss whether or not the bench could have been used more.

Referee James Owens’ performance came in for plenty of attention and John and Barry give their view as to how much of a factor that was, as well as acknowledging the brilliance of Limerick in bouncing back following last year’s penalty shootout loss to Cork.

In the wake of that defeat, Limerick were then eliminated by Dublin and that is a pitfall Cork must avoid as the reset and refocus before facing Offaly in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

Also in action this weekend were the Cork minor footballers, who had an impressive win over Meath to reach a first Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC semi-final in five years. Champions Derry await but it has been a hugely positive year for the team, with John rightly pointing out the impact of manager Keith Ricken, renowned as a top developer of young talent.

The minor hurlers are in action this weekend, with Munster champions Tipperary lying in wait in the All-Ireland semi-final in Limerick. Donal Mulcahy’s side have improved since a seven-point loss to the Premier County in the provincial round-robin and will be keen to show their wares with a final at stake.

That game is on Saturday and so is the senior football round 2A meeting with Donegal in Ballybofey.

Cork are massive outsiders against a side that put Kerry to the sword in Killarney but Barry O’Mahony feels that they have to approach this in a positive frame of mind despite the size of the challenge, with no thought given to a potential round 3 tie. Hopefully they will be in ‘flying’ form.

You can listen at htps://www.echolive.ie/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

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It's the calm before the storm as The Echo Sport Podcast crew previews the Munster hurling final.

If it's a case of familiarity breeding contempt, then we are in for a fiery battle by the Lee on Sunday as Cork and Limerick collide for the fifth time this season, going back to the preseason Munster Hurling League. The Treaty had the upper hand in the first three meetings while Cork snatched a narrow win in April when the absence of Aaron Gillane and the dismissal of Cian Lynch were major factors.

This time, Cork have home advantage again but are without Ciarán Joyce and captain Darragh Fitzgibbon against a full-strength Limerick. On that basis, John Kiely's charges are favourites, even if Cork haven't lost a game in league or championship in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in two years.

The Rebels have an excellent record against Limerick, with four championship wins across the last three seasons but Fitzgibbon was Man of the Match in three of those, which underlines what a loss he is. In contrast, Dan Morrissey is back and will be tasked with outmuscling Brian Hayes.

Still, Cork will tear into it with the pressure off in many ways, as the losers will still be expected to beat Offaly to reach the All-Ireland semi-finals.

KEY QUESTIONS:

Can the younger guns like William Buckley, Barry Walsh and Diarmuid Healy fire in Fitzie's absence though? Who will be able to handle Gillane, who smashed two goals against Waterford? Can in-form Mark Coleman, Rob Downey, Tim O'Mahony and Shane Barrett offer match-winning leadership?

There's also a discussion on Patrick Horgan's reaction to Ben O'Connor's comments on Cork's work-rate.

At minor level, the U17s were brilliant at times in their All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Kilkenny. They now join Tipp, Limerick and Galway in the last four.

At club level, there's a look at the stage of play across the hurling leagues, with Midleton and Sars on course to meet in the Division 1 decider.

The minor footballers are back in action this weekend, taking on Meath in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

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The Echo Sport Podcast crew are in high spirits to discuss a memorable run of hurling and football games with the footballers roaring back to beat Meath, the minors lifting the Munster title and hurling wins at minor and senior level.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Keith Ricken's minor footballers didn't get any help from the weather gods as they overcame driving rain and a Kerry side determined to show their heavy loss in the round-robin was a freak result. It wasn't always pretty but it was certainly gutsy for the young Rebels, who held on in extra time at rain-swept Páirc Uí Rinn.

To cap it off, captain Joe Miskella delivered his speech as Gaeilge. Ar fheahas!

The seniors also had to dig deep, albeit in sun-sorched conditions, in the opening round of the All-Ireland series, gaining a modicum of revenge for the league final loss to Meath. Eight points down at half-time and then reduced to 14 men after a harsh red card for Colm O'Callaghan, the backing of the home support definitely made a difference as Steven Sherlock shot the lights out.

Defenders Tommy Walsh and Daniel O'Mahony were also magnificent and now the summer opens up for John Cleary's side, who are one win away from a first quarter-final in three seasons.

The late Johnny Carroll, a Munster-winning Cork footballer, county-winning player with Dohenys and Carbery and county-winning selector with Ballincollig, would have enjoyed those two games.

The hurlers return to the Munster final as defending champions after becoming the first county since Tipperary in 2019 to win all four group games. We expected a classic in the Páirc on Sunday but despite the glorious weather, we got nothing of the sort.

Clare couldn't replicate the intensity they brought to their victory over Tipp a week earlier, with the Downeys, Niall O'Leary, William Buckley and Brian Hayes leading Cork's charge. Next up is yet another Limerick showdown.

The minors had to come from six points down with time running out to beat Wexford and make the All-Ireland quarter-final, as Bobby Power top-scored, captain Eoin Considine swapped from wing-back to full-forward to snatch a goal and sub Sam McCarthy, son of Timmy, grabbed 1-2.

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The Echo Sport Podcast crew is back to discuss another bumper weekend of Cork GAA action.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

While neither of the senior teams were in action over the weekend, it didn't prevent the hurlers from hogging the headlines.

The news that Darragh Fitzgibbon will miss the rest of the Munster series due to an operation is just the latest blow after injuries to Rob Downey and Ciarán Joyce and another hamstring issue for the luckless Robbie O'Flynn.

Results over the weekend which saw Limerick beat Waterford and Clare put Tipp to the sword probably didn't lift the mood either, as it reinforced what a disaster the All-Ireland final loss last July was while keeping the Banner in the mix for the provincial silverware.

If Cork are beaten by four points or more against Clare next Sunday and Limerick get the better of already eliminated Waterford, then it's a Limerick-Clare Munster final. Now some fans would argue it would be benficial to avoid another showdown with the Treaty, Cork have won three games on the bounce and will be keen to preserve their unbeaten record in the Páirc going back to the Clare loss in April 2024.

Barry Walsh is the obvious option to start with Darragh Fitz out but could Cork go with Eoin Downey centre-back to restore Tim O'Mahony at midfield and bring Cormac O'Brien in on the wing? How the players fared in last Saturday's A v B game at Fota Island will dictate the management's approach.

At club level, Declan Dalton offered a reminder of his class by nailing 0-12 in Fr O'Neill's win over St Finbarr's. Has he a chance of forcing his way back into the match-day 26?

On the football front, Cork host Meath in Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday evening, where they'll need to perform better and more consistently across the 70-plus minutes than they did in Killarney. A fully fit Dara Sheedy would add some needed creativity to the half-forward line.

Even if they lose, John Cleary's side will have another shot at the qualifiers in the losers round but beating Meath is essential if they're to make a realistic push for the latter stages of the All-Ireland series.

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The Echo Sport Podcast crew is back to discuss another bumper weekend of Cork GAA action.

Starting on the front foot, the hurlers got the job done away to Waterford, in a tough and tight battle down east.

It makes it three wins on the bounce for the hurlers and given they were without defensive pillars Rob Downey and Ciarán Joyce, the victory in Walsh Park was hugely satisfying, even if it took all their grit and experience to prevail.

The black cards had a huge bearing on the game and there's no doubt the Déise had every right to feel aggrieved. The first against Mark Fitzgerald on Brian Hayes was a marginal call though probably worked out well for them, given Alan Connolly's goal was ruled out for a penalty that he then missed. Plus Waterford scored Cork in the next 10 minutes.

The decision against Jack Fagan also looked harsh, given there was a covering defender and the penalty, buried by Mark Coleman, opened up the four-point gap that stood at the final whistle.

Cork though, could only worry about themselves and had they failed to win would have been left to rue the wide count of 12 to just three, and none in the second half, for Waterford.

Cork have one foot in the Munster final before the last group game with Clare but we outline the scenario where the Rebels finish third on scoring difference, however unlikely that looks.

Unfortunately, the Munster football final went the way of so many disappointing days in Fitzgerald Stadium since the last success, way back in 1995.

It's now 14 years and counting since Cork collected the provincial title and they simply didn't make enough to the strong wind in the first half in Killarney to upset the odds this time.

Goal-scorer Brian O'Driscoll was superb but none of the other Rebels were in the Man of the Match conversation. To have any hope, they needed the core of the team to catch fire.

Up front Mark Cronin and Chris Óg Jones combined for 0-6 but there wasn't enough creativity in a front six missing Dara Sheedy and Brian Hurley. At the other end, not alone did David Clifford slam over 1-6, Tony Brosnan popped off the bench to shoot five points.

The challenge now is to park it up and reset for Meath on Saturday week.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

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It's a bumper weekend ahead for Cork GAA and The Echo Sport Podcast crew discuss the key games against Waterford and Kerry.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more, to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

First up on Saturday evening, the hurlers travel to Walsh Park, where they were beaten two years ago, looking to seal their spot in the All-Ireland series with a game to spare. 

The loss of Ciarán Joyce and Rob Downey to injury destablises the defence and poses a few selection headaches for Ben O'Connor and his selectors. Do they rejig the team, bringing Tim O'Mahony to the half-back line and Darragh Fitzgibbon to midfield, given they have stronger forward options in reserve? Or do they look to the experience of Damien Cahalane and Ger Millerick to fill in?

There's also Daire O'Leary and Micheál Mullins in reserve, who featured in the league, or Cormac O'Brien who started last year's league and Munster finals.

Having beaten Tipp and Limerick, the Rebels are moving well but their hosts this weekend will also fancy their chances and must win to save their season.

On Sunday, the footballers travel over the county bounds looking for a first victory on enemy territory in 31 years and to land an overdue Munster title, bridging a gap to 2012.

John Cleary must plan without veteran forward Brian Hurley but the vibes are good coming out of the camp before the clash.

Kerry have a pile of injuries of their own but they still possess two of the deadliest forwards in the game in David and Paudie Clifford. Getting the match-ups right here will be crucial to Cork's prospects.

The Echo panel also discuss the latest underage action, including fine performances by the minors in both codes and a cracking Munster U20 final which saw Cork come up just short. 

For the U20 hurlers, Barry Walsh was electric in beating Clare but now they must face them again in the provincial semi-final and he could be tied up with the seniors... Which game is more important and if he's out how will the U20s adapt?

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The Cork hurlers two from two to start the round robin series for the first time since its inception in 2018 and the footballers into a first Munster final in five years... a good weekend's work.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break down the action from Thurles and SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and access the state of play with time to take a breath before the action resumes after the May Bank Holiday. 

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

On the hurling front, Cork emptied the tank to pull off a victory against Limerick, who, despite losing Aaron Gillane to a training-ground injury and Cian Lynch to a second-half red card, came very close to winning on Leeside. For the hosts, it's now 11 games in league and championship without defeat since two years ago when going under to Clare left them on the brink.

It's been an incredible run, as Man of the Match and captain Darragh Fitzgibbon told RTE: "It’s just unbelievable here, these are the best days of our lives.”

Now look we all know it's an All-Ireland we crave but that shouldn't take from the effort this group of players are putting in to try and end the famine. They had a ropey start on Sunday and didn't manage the last quarter as effectively as we'd have liked with an extra man but Limerick haven't hoovered up 15 major trophies in nine years for nothing.

They remain a phenomenal outfit but Cork are in an extremely strong position to make it into the All-Ireland series with plenty to work on as well. Injuries to Ciarán Joyce and Rob Downey are a concern, the puck-outs remain a work in progress and some of the younger guns are still learning. But there are no shortage of positives either, with the goal threat to the fore once more and huge leadership being shown by the more experienced hurlers. 

On the football front, Cork got going after a sluggish opening half at sun-sorched Semple Stadium before powering to a 15-point victory over Tipp. Being able to call on Ruairí Deane, Colm O'Callaghan and Brian Hurley from the bench highlighted the gulf in class between the sides but Cork are as well set as they've been in a while to rattle Kerry in Killarney.

Getting a first win in Fitzgerald Stadium in 31 years will be another sceál of course but there's big interest in the game and John Cleary's charges deserve massive support. Look what difference it makes to the hurlers...

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Cork hurlers were fully deserving winners in their Munster opener in Thurles. 

The Echo Podcast crew break down the big game and look ahead to round two against Limerick.

After a tight first half on Sunday, they dominated the second period, scored more from play and had better balance up front than a Tipp side who didn't fire at all in comparison to the electric All-Ireland final efforts. 

For Cork, it doesn't atone for losing in Croke on any level really, but it puts them on the front foot for 2026, which is all that matters right now.

Debutants Barry Walsh and William had 0-10 between them but the defensive solidity provided by the likes of Rob Downey, Niall O'Leary and Seán O'Donoghue, who have been heavily questioned in recent weeks, was just as important. Patrick Collins varied his puck-outs well and was another who is often doubted inside the county bounds.

Of course, as Ben O'Connor pointed out afterwards at the weekend, there's no benefit in getting too excited about a single victory when you could still fail to even make it out of the provincial bearpit: "Limerick are the best team in the country for the last 10 years and we know that we'll have to do our best to put it up to them next weekend.”

We preview the second showdown with the Treaty in the space of three weeks. Who marks Aaron Gillane, Gearóid Hegarty and Cathal O'Neill and will Cork get anything like the space they were afforded by the Tipp half-back line, who coughed up 0-12 from play? It only gets tougher from here on!

There's also the latest on the Cork minor and U20 games and a round-up of the club hurling leagues, with Midleton and Erin's Own out in front in the top two divisions.

There's a review of the Cork U20s' terrific win over Kerry in the Páirc. It was no classic but a significant result given their underage struggles against the rivals and given Dara Sheedy went off injured in the first half.

The seniors have a Munster semi-final next Saturday, up in Thurles again in what will be a low-profile affair but where a strong performance will be expected to set up a trip to Kerry at the start of May.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

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The wait is over, hurling championship returns this Sunday with an All-Ireland final rematch in Thurles.

The Rebel pain from the defeat in Croke Park won't go away with a victory over Tipp on their turf but it would give them with a great chance of progressing from Munster again. While lifting Liam MacCarthy is the aim, all that matters over the coming weeks is that Cork do enough to escape the provincial bearpit.

Ben O'Connor had a strong start to his tenure during the league but two recent defeats to Limerick, including the final on Easter Sunday, have left the supporters worrying the hurlers are vulnerable. Injuries to Diarmuid Healy and Seán O'Donoghue are a concern but in Barry Walsh, who is withheld from the U20s this week ahead of his debut, and William Buckley, they've unearthed two lively and direct forwards.

There are plenty of talking points going into the clash at Semple Stadium that the Echo Podcast crew discuss, starting with Walsh prioritising the senior clash when Tipp tyro Darragh McCarthy balanced both grades in 2025. There were puck-out issues in the Gaelic Grounds but were Cork holding back options for the championship? Will the half-back line man-mark Tipp's dangerman, particularly Jake Morris, and risk getting pulled out of position like they were by Limerick?

What tricks does Liam Cahill have up his sleeve? Will Tipp try a sweeper again?

There's also a look at the minors' opening round win over Waterford.

On the football front, Cork strangely performed far better against the wind in their win over Limerick than with the gale at their backs. Up 15 points at the break, they were outscored by six in the second half by a Treaty side relegated from Division 3.

It was a very disappointing second half in the Páirc so they've plenty to work on before tackling Tipp. Kick-outs were the major talking point as Cork replaced Patrick Doyle with Micheál Aodh Martin in goal and still struggled on restarts, losing 10 out of 25.

There's also a look back at the U20 footballers' draw in Clare as they've Kerry next up.

The ladies footballers had a great comeback against Galway, lifting the Division 1 league for the first time in seven seasons.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How concerning was that league final loss to Limerick on Sunday?

Well, and it would have been the same if Cork had completed an unlikely comeback from 10 points down in TUS Gaelic Grounds last weekend, it will all be framed by the Munster championship and especially the opening two games, up in Semple Stadium and against the Treaty in the Páirc.

If Ben O'Connor's side are on the back foot after that pair of matches in the space of eight days, everything they've done this year so far will be questioned.

A couple of good performances and relinquishing the league crown to the Treaty will be viewed as a learning curve. 

However, for the moment, there are some real issues after the action on Shannonside. 

Cork only managed 0-3 from play from their half-forward line, a key sector in their previous defeats of Limerick. Three-time midfield All-Star Darragh Fitzgibbon's redeployment to number 12 didn't reap a reward here, even if Tommy O'Connell and Tim O'Mahony held their own.

Cork's half-back line opted to man-mark but there was no protection in front of Aaron Gillane, who did wreck. That tactic only works if Cork snare sufficient dirty ball and move the sliotar quickly out of the crowded middle third.  

Ciarán Joyce fared well in his new full-back berth but Cork missed his pace and surges from the wing. Like the Fitzgibbon switch, does his placement benefit the team?

William Buckley repaid the selectors' faith in him with 0-3 while Brian Hayes was a menace but Alan Connolly was peripheral. With Diarmuid Healy injured, they might need to star U20 Barry Walsh against Tipp for his energy. 

The Echo Podcast crew also discuss the U20 hurlers' victory over Limerick and preview the minors' opener in Waterford. 

There's also a look at the weekend league action, where a number of the Rebels who didn't feature in the squad for the league final showed their quality, particularly Ben Cunningham and Shane Kingston.

In football terms, there's a preview of another Cork-Limerick clash, with John Cleary's side raging favourites in their Munster quarter-final and a look at the U20s, who are deep in the heart of Clare on Thursday night.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a disappointing few days of missed opportunities between Ireland's penalty shootout loss in the World Cup playoff and the Cork footballers' narrow defeat in Croke Park.

You could make the case that Meath deserved their Division 2 success but John Cleary's side, like Ireland, were in a strong position to end their 16-year wait for national silverware. The Rebels haven't won at Croker since 2015 and when Chris Óg Jones hit the net early in the second half to build on a two-point half-time lead, they looked well set.

However, Meath hit eight unanswered points in a nightmare period where Cork lost eight out of their nine kick-outs and failed to score for 16 minutes. Questions will be answered about the Rebels' set-up on restarts and Patrick Doyle's deliveries. Meath had clearly learned their lessons from the Páirc Uí Rinn meeting.

There were positives though. Jones, notwithstanding a couple of missed goal chances in the first half, impressed as he bagged 1-3 while Steven Sherlock was sublime, nailing 0-9. Daniel O'Mahony was a powerhouse again.

The refereeing performance of Kerry man Brendan Griffin certainly didn't endear him to Cork fans, as he failed to award any frees to Cork inside the scoring zone for fouls. Sherlock's only placed ball came from dissent following a sideline.

The weakness of the new hooter rule was also exposed, with Meath able to foul with impunity in the last minute, though Cork were also guilty of failing to get a shot off coming down the stretch with they trailed by two points after a great Brian Hurley goal.

On the football front, the Echo Podcast crew also look at the weekend action in the local leagues.

The hurlers head to TUS Gaelic Grounds for a sell-out Division 1 league final on Easter Sunday. The holders arguably have a free shot given last year they ended a 27-year wait to lift that title but seeing as it's Limerick they're facing, no quarter will be given.

If there's any pressure, it's on Limerick who won't want a repeat of last year's Munster final loss on their own turf. John Kiely's side will be pumped to the last and look to test Cork's young hurlers like Barry Walsh and William Buckley as well as Ciarán Joyce's capability as a full-back.

We all know, of course, verything hinges on championship and Cork have a very difficult eight-day start where they face Tipp and Limerick.

The U20s got their campaign up and running away to Tipp and put up a fine display as underdogs though a red card ultimately cost them.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pressure was on Cork to secure promotion to Division 1 for the first time since 2016 and they rose to the challenge in Omagh.

A great start meant they were up by a point having played into the strong breeze and, after a nervy spell midway through the second half they kicked on, helped by the introduction of Brian Hurley.

Hurley, Ruairí Deane, Ian Maguire and Brian O'Driscoll were in action when the Rebels last competed at the top grade and have stayed the course. Going up is a massive boost before the Munster championship and a great achievement by John Cleary and his management team, who were heavily questioned in recent seasons.

Can they now beat Meath in Croke Park to add a bit of silverware? Hopefully but it doesn't matter, because the hard work has been done in coming out of a very competitive division and gives Cork football a platform next season and beyond.

The Cork ladies football are also into a league final. With a game to spare to boot.

On the hurling front, we wondered if Cork would experiment at the weekend given Offaly were already relegated. Instead, they picked a championship-level line-up and smashed the visitors for six goals. 

Barry Walsh, despite the U20 game coming up away to Tipp this week, was given a half and raised a green flag while the return of Padraig Power from injury to rifle two points was a boost. 

Ciarán Joyce was redeployed at full-back as we predicted but hardly tested. Eoin Downey continues to look the part at wing-back though and Mark Coleman was full of energy on the other flank.

There wasn't a lot learned from a facile victory but the crowd of nearly 20,000 is a testament to the incredible backing the hurlers have. They'll pack out TUS Gaelic Grounds for the league final in what will be a belter with a Limerick side who looked terrific at times against Galway but also could have been caught late on.

There's also a round-up of the latest league action with Charleville grabbing their second victory in a row as they look to build on an impressive championship in 2025.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cork footballers' destiny is in their own hands after their nine-point victory over Kildare combined with Louth's defeat of Derry.

Division 1 is beckoning for the Rebels who are guaranteed to go up if they get a draw or a win away to Tyrone. They could actually go up even if they lose if Cavan, who are battling relegation, upset the odds against Derry, combined with a Meath win over Offaly, as Cork have the head-to-head against Louth.

The Echo Podcast crew go through the permutations heading into the last round of Division 2 fixtures, as well as breaking down the performance in Páirc Uí Rinn where the groundwork was laid in a blistering first half. John Cleary's side nailed eight two-pointers with the wind but ended up surviving a nervy fourth quarter.

A black card for Patrick Doyle and a penalty heaped the pressure but Micheál Aodh Martin appeared from the bench to not only save the spotter but also pull off a series of super stops. Up front, Chris Óg Jone and Steven Sherlock landed 1-19 between them but it was a strong collective effort. The return of Mark Cronin, Tommy Walsh, Ian Maguire, Seán Brady and Brian O'Driscoll made a difference from the Derry hammering, while Luke Fahy and Colm O'Callaghan continue to deliver stand-out displays.

The only concern is how Cork have faded in a few of their outings but it's a huge positive that they've put themselves in a position to make a first top-flight return for the first time in a decade. There's a feelgood factor about Leeside football for the first time in a while.

The hurlers are back from their warm-weather training camp for what should be a guaranteed win over Offaly in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night which would put them into a league final. The winner of Limerick and Galway would join them in what would be a cracking league decider on Easter Sunday.

It'll be interesting to see how experimental Ben O'Connor and his selectors go with their line-up.

On the local front, we look at the club football action where a number of Cork squad players, including Brian Hurley, togged out for the second round of fixtures. David Buckley showed his potential with a clinical showing for Newcestown

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the nonsense talk about the Cork hurlers as the leading contenders for Liam MacCarthy that has been spouted by pundits and supporters from outside the county bounds can be put to bed for now.

Limerick, who after a sluggish opener when losing to Waterford picked up a head of steam in the league, were worthy eight-point winners over the Rebels in TUS Gaelic Grounds last weekend.

Granted, Ben O'Connor and his selectors mixed it up with their team selection while the Treaty, who were shorn of Darragh O'Donovan, Peter Casey and Dan Morrissey through injury, were far closer to full strength. However they showed just why they're the team to beat for championship with their classic blend of power, pace and support play.

Cork actually battled very well for three quarters of the contest, especially as Shane O'Brien raised an early green flag. Their work-rate was decent and while every score was hard-earned they went toe-to-toe with the hosts for long spells.

There were plenty of positives, including Tommy O'Connell's snarling efforts at midfield and U20 forward Barry Walsh's energy on the wing.

Eoin Downey slotted into centre-back effectively and was strong in the air while the management were able to look at Shane Barrett as a roving corner-forward, Ciarán Joyce at midfield and Tim O'Mahony in the 11 geansaí.

There were a few concerns.

Limerick stuck three goals, even if the penalty call on an Aaron Gillane-Seán O'Donoghue tangle was as dubious as the championship decision in 2023. Cork's full-back line looks unsettled despite Dáire O'Leary doing well across the campaign.

At the other end, there weren't any clear-cut goals chances.

Even after bringing on experienced heads like Darragh Fitzgibbon, O'Donoghue and Seamus Harnedy, a blast of 2-5 without reply sunk Cork.

Plenty of work on at warm-weather training this week before a likely league final rematch with Limerick at the start of April.

Also on the podcast this week there's a look at the league action over the weekend and a preview of a huge Cork-Kildare Division 2 football joust at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cork hurlers secured only their second league win at Nowlan Park since 1987 after an impressive showing in desperate conditions.

In what was arguably the Rebels' most impressive performance and result this spring, they returned from a mid-league game with the right attitude and a serious goal threat. The three green flags raised by Brian Hayes and rookies Barry Walsh and Alan Walsh (no relation!) were decisive and Cork could afford a missed penalty by Alan Connoly and another handful of chances wasted.

The new faces included goalkeeper Paudie O'Sullivan and Hugh O'Connor, in his first start, but the likes of Seán O'Donoghue, Tim O'Mahony, Ciarán Joyce and Tommy O'Connell were powerful in an arm-wrestle on Noreside.

Cork were short a host of regulars, including Shane Barrett, Seamus Harnedy, Diarmuid Healy, Mark Coleman, Declan Dalton and Rob Downey, but competition for places is clearly starting to intensify.

They're off to Limerick on Saturday night but the chances are the rivals will collide in the league final and before their April Munster championship showdown at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Don't expect either side to give too much away next weekend at the Gaelic Grounds!

Unfortunately, the footballers' trip to Derry ended in a disastrous 20-point hammering. It means Cork, Meath and Derry are now deadlocked in the Divison 1 promotion race but the Rebels' scoring difference is far worse.

If they beat Kildare and Tyrone in the last two games they could still go up but it's all to play for again now. We look at what went wrong in Celtic. At least they have a warm-weather training camp to reset before they return to action at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Thankfully, the ladies footballers kept their league final drive on track with a one-point win over Waterford. Katie Quirke again came up with the big scores, including the late winner, for Joe Carroll's unbeaten charges.

We also look at the start of the local leagues and break down the major decisions taken at GAA Congress and how they'll impact Cork teams.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The good times keep on rolling for the Rebels, after a brilliant and nail-biting victory over Meath at Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday.

It means John Cleary's side are in pole position for promotion from Division 2, 10 years after falling out of the top flight. It was the footballers' fourth win on the bounce and against one of their rivals to go up, which could prove crucial if head-to-head standings come into play.

Most importantly, it was a game in which Cork coped with the weight of expectation, in front of a crowd of over 6,000, and despite losing captain Ian Maguire to a red card in the last quarter.

Now they needed a few last-ditch tackles, from Daniel O'Mahony, Seán Meehan and Luke Fahy, in the last play, to deny Meath a match-winning goal.

Chris Óg Jones hit the net and led the scoring but rookie Dara Sheedy, Mark Cronin, Seán McDonnell and Steven Sherlock all chipped in as well. The Cork forward line is looking the most balanced it has for quite some time, especially when you consider Brian Hurley was injured.

Cork's mettle will be fully tested up in Derry next Sunday though, as the Ulster side have been on song since a surprise loss in their opening game. They still have Kildare at home before finishing the campaign away to Tyrone and just one win could be enough to secure a top-two finish.

The big thing is Cork now have genuine momentum and got the public behind them. That could be significant come championship.

On the ladies football front, Cork are also unbeaten. They beat Kerry on the road and take on Waterford next weekend in a battle of the table-toppers. Emma Cleary is captaining Joe Carroll's side, who have adapted well on their return to Division 1.

The hurlers had a couple of weekends off but return with a bang to start March, as Ben O'Connor's charge are away to Kilkenny and then six days later go to Limerick, who blew Tipp away in Thurles.

A victory in Nowlan Park would near guarantee a league final appearance, given Cork have Offaly at home to come. It looks like Cork and Limerick are on a collision course.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The only way is up for the Cork footballers... The Echo Podcast looks at the Rebels' terrific start to the league after a third successive league victory leaves them in a strong position to gain promotion back to Division 1, bridging an 11-year gap.

John Cleary's side were heavy favourites in Tullamore but haven't always handled that tag well, which allied to their inconsistency in recent years, meant the trip to Offaly was loaded with danger.

A brilliant first half was crucial to the result, with Cork leading by nine points at the break, thanks in no small part to a Colm O'Callaghan brace of goals from midfield.

A third green flag raised by Mark Cronin in the third quarter effectively sealed it but the hosts, despite being against the wind in the second half, battled until the end and had the gap down to five points at the finish.

Ultimately, the result was all that mattered and it was never in doubt.

Cork are at home to Meath in Páirc Uí Rinn next where a victory would be huge given the Royals are also unbeaten with three wins on the board.

With genuine momentum, having won the McGrath Cup on Kerry turf in January, it's time for the supporters to get out in force for the Meath clash. The footballers deserve and need their backing.

There's also a look back at the Sigerson Cup final where missed goal chances cost UCC though a handful of Leesiders in UL colours did collect the cup at Croke Park.

On the hurling front, with the hurlers off until March 1, the podcast crew discuss the trends from the first three games, who from the extended squad deserves a go in the remaining matches and whether Ben O'Connor will continue to go all-in at every interview.

His fiery approach is delighting the national media while also taking the heat off the Cork players who are still trying to escape the shadow of last year's All-Ireland final nightmare.

Plus, after an excellent showing for UL in the Fitzgibbon Cup final where he was in contention for Man of the Match, is Jack Leahy hard done by not to be in the Cork hurling squad?

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were no shortage of talking points on the Echo Podcast after an early-season All-Ireland final rematch.

Cork were deserved winners in a game that, as captain Darragh Fitzgibbon told RTÉ when collecting his Man of the Match prize after, the home side needed to win more. Tipp have the Liam MacCarthy Cup tucked away for now, so won't lose any sleep about this result, especially when the priority is mid-April when the rivals collide in the opening round of the Munster series.

The first half was pretty lively in front of a record Páirc crowd of 30,910 as Cork, with a stronger starting 15 selected, had the edge. There was a bit of needle, and a harsh black card that led to a Declan Dalton penalty which Rhys Shelley saved, before a massive scrap coming up to half-time.

It kicked off when Willie Connors and Alan Connolly collided off the ball and when it was over, Shane Barrett and Jason Forde paid the price for getting involved by seeing red. Linesman Johnny Murphy had a big say in Liam Gordon's decision and Barrett and Forde were unlucky to be singled out.

Ben O'Connor reckoned it was nothing but a bit of pushing and shoving and refs are under too much pressure from accessors to flash cards. Does he make a strong case? Whether or which, the sting was taken out of the second half and while Tipp didn't seem too bothered about the result, they still brought in some high-calibre subs to stay in the hunt.

Eoghan Connolly landed some boomers from distance. Darragh McCarthy came on to a chorus of boos from Cork fans and whatever about his slow free-taking style, it was totally unfair on the gifted Tipp tyro.

Fitzgibon and Alan Connolly are on the placed balls for Cork ahead of Dalton but the jury is out in terms of their reliability in comparison to the retired Patrick Horgan.

Cork have three wins on the bounce but there are still plenty of places up for grabs. William Buckley is looking lively in attack while Eoin Downey is settling at wing-back but is Daire O'Leary the answer in the number three geansaí? And where does Ciarán Joyce slot in?

The half-forwards are shooting the lights out under O'Connor but Cork do have less of a goal threat. They drew a blank on Saturday night having raised at least one green flag per game for the previous 18 competitive fixtures.

There's also a discussion on the idea being pushed by the national media that Cork are now a 'nasty team' under O'Connor's watch. It's pure nonsense argue the Echo Podcast crew.

There's also plenty on football, with Cork away to Offaly next Sunday and UCC in Croke Park for the Sigerson Cup final as they look to emulate their camogie side that captured the Ashbourne Cup for the first time since 2003.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two from two again as the hurlers survived a snarling battle with Galway in Salthill while the footballers beat the Leinster champions Louth on the road.

The Echo Sport Podcast crew reflect on a brilliant weekend for the Rebels, particularly the footballers who made it back to back wins in their opening two Division 2 games for the first time. They'd lost twice in recent years in the league in Louth, along with an All-Ireland qualifier exit, so this was a significant result which puts John Cleary's side in a strong position for promotion.

Having Steven Sherlock up front along with Brian Hurley, Mark Cronin and goal-scorer Chris Óg Jones gives Cork a balanced scoring threat up front and storming into an eight-point lead at half-time put the visitors in control.

They've now got a weekend off before visiting Offaly and they're at home to Meath at the end of the month. If they can build on this momentum they'll be well set before trips to Derry and Tyrone in March.

Most importantly they'll get the Cork public back behind them if they can put a winning streak together and we saw how crucial the crowd was to their late rally in the opening round victory over Cavan in the Páirc.

The hurlers up against a fired-up Galway who made all the early running on Saturday night. Down seven points and way well the mark in terms of intensity, Cork showed a lot of experience and character to turn it around at Pearse Stadium.

They hurled on the edge at times but were far more clinical than the Tribe and were able to get through for goal chances in the second half with Brian Hayes finishing two of them. The introduction of Hayes and Tim O'Mahony added heft but also showed how seriously Ben O'Connor and his management team are taking the league.

They'll certainly be fully tuned in on Saturday night in front of 25,000 at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for an All-Ireland final rematch against Tipp, who have also won their first two league matches. It'll be the Rebels' third game in 13 days and while the mid-April Munster championship meeting is the priority, Cork won't want to give any quarter here.

With a gap of three weeks until an away game with Kilkenny, victory this weekend would put defending champions Cork in a strong position to return to the league final.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two from two at a cold but sunny Páirc, Cork fans can't have too many complaints after the opening round of the league and the Echo Podcast crew review the action.

The Ben O’Connor era got off to an ideal start as the Cork hurlers eased to a 3-25 to 1-17 victory over Waterford.

In front of a bumper crowd of 20,464 at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the Rebels were in clinical form against an inexperienced Déise in the opening quarter as they led 0-11 to 0-3.

Alan Connolly and Declan Dalton raised first-half green flags, and newcomer William Buckley added a third goal in the second half before picking up the TG4 Man of the Match. Buckley was a star underage attacker for Cork and showed his potential at the top level, as his touch, movement and accuracy stood out.

The more experienced crew of Seán O'Donoghue, Niall O'Leary and Mark Coleman didn't put a foot wrong while Rob Downey and Shane Barrett were terrific in the first half and Tommy O'Connell had a stormer in the second.

Still, it's only the league, Waterford were understrength and there's the matter of a free-taker, post-Patrick Horgan.

In the footballers’ league opener, they rallied from seven points down to squeeze out Cavan 0-24 to 2-17 with Steven Sherlock nailing the crucial injury-time two-pointer.

What a boost it is to have him back in situ.

Mark Cronin, Chris Óg Jones, and Seán McDonnell clipped the scores to set up the grandstand finish. There were a few standout performers, and with Derry losing and Tyrone drawing their opening league games, Cork are in a strong position heading to Louth.

However, questions will be asked about coughing up two goals on home turf even if it did set the stage for the comeback.

In ladies football, Katie Quirke’s late free gave Cork a 1-10 to 2-7 draw against Kildare at MTU, while Rochestown College made a disappointing exit in the Corn Uí Mhuirí semi-final.

At third level, UCC are in Fitzgibbon Cup and Sigerson action on the road while MTU Cork will be eager to make home advantage count in their Fitz quarter-final.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Podcast crew return just in time for the throw-in of the national hurling and football leagues.

Cork footballers take on Cavan before the hurlers host Waterford in an attractive double-header in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where both teams need a winning start to the campaign.

John Cleary's charges got a boost with a first competitive victory in Killarney since 1995 over Kerry, albeit in the McGrath Cup final, which won't be causing the old enemy to lose any sleep.

Still, late points from Brian Hurley and Chris Óg Jones gave the Rebels the narrowest of victories in a game where the contentious new rules that lead to frees being advanced 50 metres worked in their favour.

Cork have been in the lower leagues since 2016 and haven't really looked like returning, largely down to slow starts to the season. With four away games, they'll need to pick up points on home turf.

Clearly and his management team are vastly experienced at this stage but the vibes are more positive at this stage than they were last year, with a decent blend of youth and experience.

The hurlers won't be prioritising the secondary competition after ending a 27-year wait for silverware last term but Ben O'Connor will be eager to get wins on the board early to allow them to look at their options in the coming weeks. The new bainisteoir has already stated there won't be radical change but tactically there will be tweaks from the long-ball style of last year.

It's a hectic time of year, with UCC and MTU Cork, who have impressed to date, busy with the Fitzgibbon Cup.

There's a look at the form of both Cork teams in preseason, as well as a breakdown of the recent Fitzgibbon and Sigerson action and the Corn Uí Mhuirí and Harty matches.

There's a discussion of the appointment of Ian Maguire and Darragh Fitzgibbon as Cork captains, replacing Brian Hurley and Rob Downey. Plus they flag up the young players to watch in the coming weeks and examine the prospects of the rookies who are on the hurling and football squads.

Now in its fourth season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Podcast crew wrap up on the Cork GAA season with a look back on the highs and lows of 2025.

The focus is on club action, with the Reardens All-Star teams announced in ladies football, camogie, hurling and football. They break down the 15 picks in each code and reveal some of the players who were very lucky not to make the cut.

The county champions, St Finbarr's, in camogie and football, Éire Óg in ladies football and Sarsfields in hurling, are understandably to the fore in the All-Star line-ups.

A big effort was made to take in those who performed impressively without lifting silverware as well, even if their teams didn't get past the quarter-final stages or even ended up in relegation battles.

As has been the case since the first Reardens All-Stars in 2012, there is a blend of marquee inter-county players and unsung club heroes in the teams.

A weekend washout impacted the local matches and saw the Tom Creedon Cup final and U21 games postponed but the All-Ireland camogie final double bill in Croke Park went ahead.

Ballincollig couldn't build on a strong run midway through the first half and a Leah Hannigan goal in their intermediate decider against Camross. The Laois said had that bit more in the second half to win by four points.

The Collig didn't have any major complaints after and while they missed out on an All-Ireland, they laid down a marker by being the first team in the club to reach that stage.

St Finbarr's were left more frustrated as, though they'll have another chance in the January replay, they were in a superb position coming down the stretch in the senior final against Athenry. After performing so well for so long, they conceded 1-3 without reply.

The Barrs had twice needed extra, extra time on their journey to Croker, so they appreciate the fine margins at this level.

They simply have to dust themselves down and go again after Christmas.

What was definitely a huge plus from the action on Jones Road was the quality of both finals, which reflected very well on Cork camogie

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Podcast crew discuss the main issues impacting Cork GAA fans after a packed weekend of action for December, which included three Munster finals, two schools finals in the Páirc and a pair of U21 hurling semis.

The major talking point was St Finbarr's loss to Dingle at Semple Stadium where a very harsh call by the ref saw a decision on a free go against Ian Maguire and then the ball advanced by 50 metres because Dylan Quinn picked it up as the whistle sounded.

The result was a monster two-point free as time elapsed to see the Barrs beaten the minimum.

While Brian Roche's side know they should have been more clinical in the last quarter, as they only scored one point after the 40th minute, they were still aggrieved with how the game was decided. It won't be any consolation for them but it was one of the most enthralling Munster club football finals of all time, lit up by an incredible 16-point haul from Steven Sherlock.

In the other provincial finals, Buttevant and Aghabullogue were well beaten by their Kerry opponents, confirming the Kingdom's utter dominance of the intermediate and junior grades.

Clonakilty Community School produced an excellent display on Friday night to defeat Coláiste Choilm and capture their first Simcox Cup while Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG retained the Dr O'Callaghan Cup after a belter with Christians. A brilliant decision by the Cork County Board to stage the games on the big stage in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Midleton and Shandrum will contest the U21 A hurling final after their victories on the 4G and while the Magpies will be favourites.

For hurling fans, the spotlight this week was on the new senior management after coach Niall O'Halloran departed Ben O'Connor's set-up in preseason. Cork are training extremely hard since their return but it was very unusual to see a chance in the backroom at this stage.

There's also a preview of the All-Ireland camogie club finals coming up at Croke Park, with St Finbarr's and Ballincollig in their first national finals on Jones Road.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we enter the home stretch of the Cork GAA season, the Echo Podcast crew look at the major action at club, schools and third level.

There was Junior A joy for the hurlers of Kilshannig and the footballers of Kilmacabea. In a double-header at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the two clubs with that bit more experience got the job done and will move up to Premier Junior for 2026.

There was an extra incentive for Kilshannig as they paid tribute to jockey and former player Michael O'Sullivan, who tragically lost his life following a racecourse fall. Wing-back Kieran Twomey was Man of the Match in the decider but it was a collective effort as they dominated a Ballinora outfit bidding to complete the double.

Kilmac pushed for home in the last quarter of their clash with a youthful Donoughmore unit, turning their West Cork dominance into county glory after a series of disappointments in recent seasons.

At Munster level, Kilbrittain are closing in on a trip to Croke Park after an emphatic Munster Junior Hurling final showing. In camogie, St Finbarr's and Ballincollig secured their All-Ireland final trips with terrific semi-final showings up the country, the Barrs prevailing after extra, extra time for the second time in recent weeks.

Closer to home, Midleton outgunned the Collig in one U21 A quarter-final but the Valley Rovers hurlers pulled off a massive shock in the other by defeating a Glen Rovers unit that looked the part in the City Division.

It's now Midleton v Newcestown and Valleys-Shandrum in the last four, with the Magpies aiming to retain the county.

We preview the Munster football finals, as Buttevant, Aghabullogue and St Finbarr's can on the best sides from Kerry, eager to improve on Cork's recent record in the competition, especially in the junior and intermediate grades.

The knockout stages of the Corn Uí Mhuirí are set while Coláiste Choilm and Clonakilty collide in the Simcox Cup final. In the Dr O'Callaghan Cup decider there's a Harty Cup group stage rematch when Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG face Christians.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Echo Podcast crew review the Cork GAA action and look at the major issues impacting clubs and supporters.

All three Cork football clubs got the job done in their Munster semi-final, with Buttevant, Aghabullogue and St Finbarr's meeting Kerry opposition next month.

The Leeside winners lived up to their billing as favourites, though Aghabullogue, perhaps understandably, a week after a hurling county final, needed to dig deep in the last quarter of their game.

Once again, Matthew Bradley was in deadly scoring form, even though he'd been in soccer action 24 hours earlier.

Now they'll take on An Ghaeltacht for Munster silverware. A daunting prospect with Cork powerhouse Aidan Walsh a serious addition for the Kerry kingpins.

Brian Hayes grabbed a headline-worthy hat-trick for the Barrs in their semi-final. There's huge depth in the Togher squad, with a host of strong bench options, and they'll need those if they are to defeat Dingle in what will be a cracking Munster showdown.

Buttevant will take on Ballymacelligott in the junior final and with an eye for goal and the ability to range orange flags will be confident of lifting the trophy.

They also look at the major talking points in Cork GAA, including the new rules regarding amalgamations between clubs at underage level.

Ibane Gaels fell just short against a powerful Douglas team, spearheaded by Sean Coakley, in the U21 A football final at the weekend.

The combination of Barryroe and Argideen Rangers has been very successful in recent years, competing in the top tiers at minor in both codes, but the Cork County Board have stricter rules now in place.

The aim is to encourage clubs to field separate teams in lower grades to protect their identity but is it the right move given rural depopulation?

Ballinora continue their double bid after making the Junior A hurling final and Donoughmore and Kilmacabea are into the JAFC decider.

There are still five game left in the U21 A Hurling grade, with Midleton and the Collig retaining their divisional crowns over the weekend.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're deep into November and despite the biblical rain, but a host of huge games still took place on the Cork GAA front.

Ballinora secured their first Intermediate Football title after an absolutely epic showdown with Ilen Rovers. They couldn't be separated in their first meeting and it took extra time in the rematch, Kevin Werner's goal eventually deciding a pulsating battle where Ilen rallied from eight points down.

Soaring two-pointers and brilliant goals mean the IAFC final was a showcase for the best of the new rules.

Ballinora are still in with a shout for a double, with Kilshannig in the Junior A final after Éanna Hanlon's goal saw off Newmarket, while the Muskerry champions meet Cobh next weekend.

Aghabullogue secured their second double in three seasons, a staggering achievement, when Matthew Bradley landed another county final winner, this time after an IAHC classic with Bandon. The West Cork side were underdogs but came very close to pulling off an upset, powered by former Cork hurler Michael Cahalane.

In Munster action, Sarsfields failed to fire in their loss to Ballygunner. The Waterford side were in ruthless form and despite a wonder goal from Daniel Hogan, Sars never look like coming away from Walsh Park with a win. Cork's wait for a first All-Ireland club winner at senior level since Newtownshandrum in 2004 goes on.

At intermediate, Ballinhassig couldn't replicate their brilliance from the PIHC when going down to Tipp's Upperchurch Drombane. The Tipp team grabbed two goals while keeping a clean sheet, which was critical.

The one bright spark for Cork hurling was Kilbrittain's victory over Knockaderry in the junior semi-final. Luke Griffin's goal and Mark Hickey's haul of 0-12 kept the favourites in control. Next up are Waterford’s Kilrossanty in the provincial decider.

The Echo Podcast crew also preview the weekend action, including the U21 football decider where Douglas will face Ibane Gaels, who are contesting their first final at that level, a reflection of the great underage work going on in Barryroe and Argideen Rangers.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All-Stars were dished out on Friday night with Darragh Fitzgibbon earning his third, and Brian Hayes, Ciarán Joyce and Seán O'Donoghue their first each.

That haul was a fair reflection of how the season panned out for the Rebels, the league and Munster titles secured but Liam MacCarthy wrestled from their grasp at Croke Park by Tipp.

It could have been very different if Cork had landed the big prize, Mark Coleman, Patrick Collins, Alan Connolly and Tim O'Mahony all looked set to be honoured until that second half.

The Echo Podcast crew look at how Cork have fared at the awards in recent years and which hurlers have picked up the most All-Stars overall, with John Fenton, Jimmy Barry Murphy and Tony O'Sullivan leading the way on five each.

The new hurling management is headed up by Ben O'Connor, who collected two All-Stars, and Ronan Curran, who has three.

Also on this week's podcast, there's a review of the weekend action, which included Munster football victories for Aghabullogue and Buttevant, junior quarter-final wins for the Ballinora hurlers and Charleville footballers, and an U21 semi-final success for Douglas.

Aghabullogue and Buttevant laid down impressive markers but the Mid Cork side have a hurling final with Bandon to negotiate next Sunday before they turn their focus back to the big ball.

Premier Senior champions St Finbarr's are in Munster action next weekend, facing a tough trip to Clonmel Commercials, while it doesn't get harder for Sars than an away game against Ballygunner, who are on a revenge mission.

Kilbrittain and Ballinhassig fly the Cork hurling flag and, after a decent break since their county final successes, they should be in a strong position to deliver in the province.

All the games are previewed, as well as the Intermediate A Football final replay between Ilen Rovers and Ballinora.

The Junior A Championships are down to the last four. Nemo's third team meet Donoughmore and it's Charleville against Kilmacabea in football and on the hurling front, Cobh take on Ballinora while Kilshanning face Newmarket.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The clocks have gone back and the countdown to Christmas has begun but the big games keep coming on the Cork club scene.

The Echo Podcast crew reflect in this week's episode on the Premier Intermediate and Intermediate A Football finals and the Senior A Hurling decider, along with the divisional and U21 action.

All the marquee matches ended in a welter of excitment, with Ballinora grabbing a draw against Ilen Rovers when Neil Lordan held his nerve to bomb over a two-point free. While Ballinora were hugely relieved to force a replay, they had some standout performers, including former All-Ireland winning Cork U20 hurler Shane Kingson who was named as Man of the Match after kicking 0-4 from defence.

Ilen, led by Dermot Hegarty at midfield, raised two green flags and appeared to be heading to glory coming down the stretch in their first adult county since 2008. Instead they'll meet again in two weeks.

Agabullogue and Uibh Laoire looked to be heading to a rematch as well in the PIFC final until Matthew Bradley landed the late winner. The Mid Cork side atoned for their loss last season and have a busy few weeks ahead with a Munster campaign and the delayed Intermediate A Hurling clash with Bandon. They're now favourites for a second double in three seasons.

After a dour draw, Bride Rovers and Castlelyons served up a classic in the Senior A Hurling final, only decided in additional time when David Barry's point capped off a run of 1-3 without replay for Bride. There no shortage of excellent individual displays and a fascinating duel between Cork hurlers Brian Roche and Niall O'Leary but Cillian Tobin offered a reminder of his underage pedigree in Rebel red with a magnificent showing from centre-back.

At divisional level, Donoughmore lifted the Mid Cork crown for the first time since 2011 after a late burst of 2-2 to deny Aghinagh, young gun Seán O'Hanlon grabbing both goals.

There was county action at U21 and Junior A, with Douglas' U21 footballers beating Ballincollig and Ibane Gaels surviving a penalty shootout to defeat Kinsale. Nemo's third team and Kilmacbea are into the JAFC semis alongside Donoughmore, while the hurlers of Cobh, Newmarket and Kilshanning are also through to the last four. 

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another bumper weekend of action saw football silverware handed out at Premier Senior, Senior A and Premier Junior level though the Senior A hurling decider will have to be replayed and the Echo Podcast crew reviews the action.

Buttevant ended 99 years of hurt to collect an adult county title with a terrific display that left underdogs St Nicks too much to do in the Premier Junior final. The Avondhu outfit had been favourites for glory before a ball was thrown in but it was still admirable how slick they were in the Páirc.

Their ability to nail two-pointers, clipping four, was a crucial difference while Conor Hanlon and Mark Lenahan nailed the big scores and former All-Ireland winning Cork minor Michael O'Neill grabbed the goal.

Knocknagree completed their remarkable rise from Junior A in 2017 to the top tier as their blistering start left Cill na Martra with too much to do. Defeat in two previous Senior A deciders no doubt had John Fintan Daly's charges tuned in from the off.

In the marquee match on Sunday afternoon, St Finbarr's recovered from the concession of a first-half goal to end their county final hoodoo against Nemo, with Brian Hayes' green flag vital to their cause. Hayes offered another reminder of what a loss he is to Cork football by collecting Man of the Match.

The finish was nail-biting. Conor Horgan landed a boomer to level, sub Cillian Meyers Murray clipped the lead score and only the post denied Horgan, condemning Nemo to a third defeat in a row when it looked like a replay was on the cards.

In the SAHC final, Bride Rovers and Castlelyons will meet again next Saturday night after a tense 0-14 apiece stalemate.

Also on the hurling front, Ben O'Connor and his management team have been reshaping their training panel, with the likes of Luke Meade and Conor Lehane, who is injured anyway, making way for some fresh blood in Jack Leahy, Daire O'Leary, Hugh O'Connor, Brian O'Sullivan and more..

The Echo Podcast crew also look at how the action is progressing at divisional level.

There's a bit to run in terms of county finals as well, with another busy schedule of games coming up as we head into November.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three trophies were handed out on Leeside over the weekend while torrential rain forced the postponement of the Intermediate A and Senior A deciders.

Kilbrittain got the sliotar rolling with a gritty win over Glen Rovers, whose second team represented the club superbly in the Premier Junior decider.

Just a point separated the sides at full-time, with Kilbrittain lifting the cup on the same day Oisín Gillain would have turned 19. The gifted youngster died tragically and his team-mates honoured him in fitting fashion under Friday night lights.

Mark Hickey was picked as Man of the Match with Ronan Crowley and Philip Wall also nailing big scores.

Saturday's double-header was put back at short notice due to the orange weather warning but Sunday's two games went ahead.

Ballinhassig were outstanding in the Premier Intermediate final against a Ballincollig team that came in with huge momentum after winning four games on the bounce. Hassig took over midway through the second half when the sides were level at 0-16 apiece, ramming in two goals and finishing six points in front, the same margin they defeated Collig by in the opening round.

Patrick Collins' nous in goal, Ger Collins' deadly free-taking, the poise of Darragh O'Sullivan and impact of second-half sub Evan Cullinane were critical factors. Ballincollig were allowed hit full stride though Brian Keating landed some sensational points from play.

John O'Sullivan's side will be strong contenders for Munster success now, especially if they can get their injured hurlers fully firing.

Senior Munster champions Sars lived up to their billing as favourites against Midleton in what was a disappointing Premier Senior final. The loss of Conor Lehane and Eoin Moloney to injury was too much for the Magpies to bear, with James Sweeney raising two white flags and Jack O'Connor selected as Man of the Match.

Incredibly, Sars veterans Craig Leahy, Daniel and William Kearney and Conor O'Sullivan captured the Seán Óg Murphy Cup for the sixth time since their breakthrough in 2008. The aim now for Johnny Crowley and Diarmuid O'Sullivan's charges is to return to the All-Ireland stage in January, having lost last season's final.

The Echo Podcast crew also break down the action at divisional level, with a number of Junior A finals across the weekend.

They preview the five county finals next weekend, a mix of hurling and football, headlined by a classic St Finbarr's v Nemo Rangers showdown on Sunday.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All five Cork county football finals are set after a largely brilliant weekend of club action on Leeside, as the Echo Sport Podcast reviews the games.

Newcestown came close to pulling out a massive upset against Nemo when they charged into a seven-point lead midway through the second half, only to fall short by the minimum after extra time. David Buckley's ability to raise orange flags and a magnificent showing from Cork hurler Luke Meade lit up Páirc Uí Chaoimh but Mark Cronin continued his excellent form for the Trabeg side, who grabbed two crucial goals.

St Finbarr's overcame a slow start against Ballincollig with Steven Sherlock (who else?) guiding them back to the main event. The Barrs, whose camogie team retained their county over the weekend, are capable of more but know how difficult Nemo are to beat in finals.

Knocknagree and Cill na Martra both excelled in the Senior A semis and the potency of their forward units suggests their showdown in two weeks will be a belter.

At Premier Intermediate level, it'll be Aghabullogue, last year's runners-up, against Uibh Laoire in a Mid Cork derby. New Cork U20 football manager Ray Keane has Aghabullogue, in the hunt for a double, producing some superb stuff.

Uibh Laoire, coached by Niall Allen, are ripping it up as well, with Chris Óg Jones as the spearhead of their exciting attack.

Ballinora, under the guidance of former Cork keeper Ken O'Halloran, are the surprise finalists at Intermediate A, though they are drawing from their U21 crop that lifted divisional silverware last spring. They can call on Cork senior Neil Lordan but have a very balanced team.

Ilen Rovers made their first county final since they lost to Nemo at the top grade 17 years ago when they squeezed out Adrigole after extra time. Dan Mac Eoin boomed over a pair of two-pointers to rescue them when four down in normal time.

At Premier Junior, brilliant Buttevant outgunned Canovee and will now be hot favourites against fearless St Nick's, who rallied to edge out Cobh.

The Echo Podcast crew also preview the five county hurling finals this weekend, which have been overshadowed by injuries to some marquee players including Conor Lehane.

They discuss the success of Éire Óg in ladies football and St Finbarr's in camogie, with three Cahalane sisters winning two counties in 24 hours.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're down to the last 10 clubs hunting the major trophies on Leeside after a cracking weekend of semi-finals and the Echo Sport Podcast crew review all the action.

The Premier Senior games were absolutely riveting, both decided by a puck of a sliotar to leave us with a repeat of the East Cork derby two years ago when Sarsfields beat Midleton.

Both clubs came from behind in the semis, Midleton reeling in Blackrock before Conor Lehane's clutch free from deep in added time of extra time, and Sars using all their experience to shut down the Barrs late on. Lehane grabbed the headlines for the Magpies but Pa White nailed a staggering 0-7 from play. Sars had their usual spread of scorers but Jack O'Connor, top-scorer from play across the whole campaign, clipped 0-4.

The Rockies were left frustrated and came agonisingly close to victory on a day when they were paying tribute to their former goalie Trevor Barry, who tragically died earlier in the week.

It'll be an Eastern affair in the Senior A decider as well, after Castlelyons upset the odds by putting four goals past Blarney, including a David Morrison hat-trick, and Bride Rovers edged out Carrigtwohill. Rovers had been knocked out at the semi-final stage for the previous four years, making it a hugely significant win for the club.

At Premier Intermediate, Ballinhassig take on Ballincollig in a rematch of their opening group game, where the Carrigdhoun side won comfortably. Injuries have been an issue for both teams across the last two months, which makes reaching the final more commendable.

In the IAHC, it'll be Aghabullogue, on a mission to bounce back after relegation, against a Bandon side spearheaded by former Cork senior Michael Cahalane.

In Premier Junior, Kilbrittain will take on Glen Rovers' second team, who defied expectations by eliminating Cloughduv.

On this week's podcast, we also preview the football semi-final weekend, including Nemo v Newcestown, Barrs-Ballincollig, Cill na Martra against Éire Óg and Uibh Laoire and Aghada.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Castlehaven's reign as champions is over after St Finbarr's blasted a remarkable six goals in their Premier Senior Football Championship quarter-final clash.

Steven Sherlock stitched three of them and the margin of victory now makes the Blues the favourites for Andy Scannell Cup. They're still in the hunt for the double too, with a semi-final against Sars on the horizon.

There was no shortage of drama in the other football quarter-finals, Newcestown surviving a penalty shootout with Carrigaline and Ballincollig grabbing the last three scores against Duhallow to win by a point. Cork hurler Luke Meade and super subkeeper Christopher White were the Newcestown heroes while Dara Dorgan, Seán O'Neill and Tadhg O'Connell raised the white flags the Collig.

There were some upsets in the lower grades, including Ballinora's victory over previously unbeaten Gabriel Rangers while Ilen Rovers, who have dropped down the tiers in recent years, defeated Mitchelstown despite the return of Mark Keane.

Kanturk and Knocknagree produced an absolute belter in the SAFC, John Fintan Daly's side moving on after extra time.

There were some brilliant individual displays. Sherlock hit a hat-trick and Ian Maguire was the Barrs' standout performer. Éire Óg beat Bishopstown and former Cork U20 All-Ireland winner Jack Murphy was immense.

Adam Walsh Murphy got three points from wing-back for Valleys Rovers as they drew with Carbery Rangers in the PSFC relegation playoff.

In the PIFC decider to avoid the drop, Pa Lucey nailed the key penalty as Macroom survived for the third year running after a 10-point comeback against Bandon. Lucey also clipped a remarkable five two-pointers from placed balls.

We also pay tribute to Patrick Horgan after he called time on his Cork hurling career after 18 seasons. What does it mean for the Rebels in 2026, in terms of free-takers, attacking line-up and experience in the squad.

There's a preview of next weekend's hurling semi-finals, toplined by Sars-Barrs and Blackrock-Midleton.

In Senior A, Bride Rovers contest their fifth consecutive semi. Has their time finally come?

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cork club hurling quarter-finals and relegation playoffs didn't disappoint with the Barrs taking the headlines by dethroning Imokilly.

Ger Cunningham's side had shown mixed form in the group stages but with Brian Hayes back as their attacking spearhead, they produced their best when it mattered. Ethan Twomey was superb at the heart of the midfield and their defence was collectively brilliant to neuter Imokilly's top guns.

Next up is a clash with favourites Sars who shook off a dogged Charleville, helped by Jack O'Connor's 0-5 from play.

On the other side of the draw Blackrock, the top seeds, will face a Midleton outfit who produced a storming fourth quarter to reel in Glen Rovers. Cormac Beausang's two goals were crucial while Patrick Horgan, with 2-9, shoot the lights out yet again for the northsiders but they'll be disappointed to have missed a great chance to reach the semis.

At Senior A, there were no upsets with Bride Rovers and Blarney powering into the semi-finals. Carrigtwohill and Castlelyons await and all four clubs will feel they've the talent and form to land the title.

In the lower grades, Ballincollig and Cloyne, after a 24-hour delay, secured passage to the Premier Intermediate semis, Aghabullogue and Bandon are through in Intermediate A, and at Premier Junior, Cloughduv and Ballygarvan, are into the last four.

Erin's Own and Newtown will have to do it again in the Premier Senior relegation playoff while Castlelmartyr, Courceys, Youghal and Barryroe all won their deciders to stay up.

There was no shortage of contenders for Hurler of the Week, including Turlough O'Neill, whose scores helped Newtown avoid the drop against Erin's Own, Damien Cahalane for his defensive prowess for the Barrs, and Conor Cahill, who nailed 0-5 for Cloyne.

It’s a huge weekend on the club football front with the knockout stages taking place and we pick out the matches to catch in the various grades, with Castlehaven v St Finbarr's the main attraction, along with Éire Óg against Bishopstown and Kanturk-Knocknagree in Senior A.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcestown shook up the Premier Senior Football Championship in Cork after beating three-in-a-row chasing Castlehaven in the last group game.

Jim O'Sullivan's side secured their first victory over the Haven at senior level with a strong finish as Tadhg Twomey and David Buckley shared 0-10 between them. It means Newcestown now face Carrigaline for a place in the semi-finals while Castlehaven must get past their great rivals St Finbarr's.

Two from Newcestown, Carrigaline, Duhallow and Ballincollig will be in the last four, though Nemo Rangers were the big winners over the weekend as their hammering of St Michael's granted them top seed on scoring difference.

The Barrs shot the lights out themselves on Sunday with the major news afterward that ace marksman Steven Sherlock will rejoin the Cork panel for 2026, having opted out this season. Sherlock only started two of Cork's 13 games in his last year in Rebel red but will surely be a key figure for John Cleary's side now he's back, especially as his kicking ability is well suited to the new rules.

He even landed a two-point sideline at Páirc Uí Rinn against Carrigaline.

Nemo's marquee forward Mark Cronin grabbed 1-7 against Michael's and it'll be interesting to see him link up with Sherlock next season.

Another brilliant forward Cathail O'Mahony grabbed 1-6 for Mitchelstown at Intermediate A level in a winner-takes-all derby with Kildorrery. Kiskeam qualified to the PIFC quarter-final after just their first championship win in two years against Castletownbere.

St Nick's powered straight into the Premier Junior semis after finishing the group stages with eight goals scored and none conceded, though Buttevant are the team to beat in that grade.

There were plenty of contenders for Club Footballer of the Weekend, including Kiskeam's David Scannell, Newcestown's Tadhg Twomey, Éire Óg keeper Chris Kelly made some big saves and kicked 0-5, and Aghabullogue's Luke Casey. He clipped 1-4 from play against Aghada, less than 24 hours after helping Coachford soccer team to a victory over Ringmahon Rangers at Turner's Cross.

It's a huge weekend on the club hurling front and we pick out the matches to catch in the various grades.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team, including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're down to the knockout stages of the Cork club hurling championships after a bumper three days of brilliant matches with a mix of superb performances and some shocks.

Glen Rovers and Sarsfields served up a top-class Premier Senior encounter live on TG4 despite both teams being qualified beforehand, with young gun Barry O'Flynn's two goals proving critical. Sars now progress to a showdown with Charleville.

Patrick Horgan offered a reminder of his brilliance with a haul of 2-10 and the Glen take on Midleton in the quarter-finals.

Carrigtwohill continue to be the form team in the Senior A tier after stitching four first-half goals to end Killeagh's campaign. Brothers Sean and Patrick Walsh are lifting for Denis Walsh's side.

There was an upset where high-flying Bride Rovers were grounded by their near-neighbours Watergrasshill, who missed on the knockout stages on scoring difference despite two wins in the group.

At Premier Intermediate, Dungourney are the only unbeaten club after Jack Leahy led their comeback in a cracking derby with Lisgoold. Ger Collins and Darragh O'Sullivan clipped the late points for Ballinhassig to beat Kilworth and snatch the other semi-final berth at that level.

Aghada are on song at Intermediate A with Kilbrittain straight into the semis at Premier Junior. Huge credit must go to Sars and Glen Rovers' second teams, who also secured seeding at Intermediate A and Premier Junior respectively.

It's a huge weekend on the club football front with the last group games taking place and we pick out the matches to catch in the various grades.

Douglas and Ballincollig collide for qualification in the Premier Senior Football grade, Carbery Rangers and Clon will meet to avoid a relegation playoff, and all four teams in the Senior A group with Éire Óg, Kanturk, Kilshannig and Newmarket are tied on a win apiece.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team, including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of The Echo Women's Mini Marathon on September 21, Mary Corcoran meets representatives from some of the charities taking part, including a special Cork lady who completed the marathon to mark her 80th birthday. The Echo Women's Mini Marathon brand-ambassador, Brenda Dennehy joins us in studio to talk about how she first started running, and the unforgettable experience of taking part in the event with her mum by her side. Ken Smyth from Cork Athletics and Bill Allen, Race Director and Chair of the Cork Athletics Board have all the details on registration and the route, while Sarah Brereton with Naturalife has advice around nutrition and hydration. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's podcast, the Echo crew discuss his appointment.

The former All-Star forward with Newtown and Cork built up an impressive CV in recent years, coaching Charleville and Midleton to county success, as well as overseeing the Cork U20s' All-Ireland victory in 2023.

O'Connor was one of the greatest Cork hurlers of the modern era, winning an All-Ireland as captain in 2004 and Man of the Match in '05.

He was just 20 in 1999 when a young, fearless Rebel side captured Liam MacCarthy and we look at the new faces he will call up for Cork duty next season.

A host of brilliant young hurlers in their early 20s are ready to stake a claim. Will some of the veterans step away to usher in a new era?

O'Connor will have Ronan Curran in his backroom team and they'll be tasked with adding an edge to a Cork team that came agonisingly close to glory in back-to-back All-Irelands.

When tuned in and firing, the Rebels took down the all-conquering Limerick but their collapse against Tipp in July showed the pressure they're under to edge the long wait for ultimate glory.

How will O'Connor and his backroom team handle the mental side of their preparation?

We also look at Ray Keane's prospects as Cork football manager and Kevin Murray's addition to the senior football set-up.

There's a look at Imokilly's victory in the Premier Senior Hurling Divisional final, despite the brave efforts of Muskerry. Can the Seán Óg Murphy Cup winners retain their crown?

It's a huge weekend on the club hurling front with the last group games taking place and we pick out the matches to catch in the various grades.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team, including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Ryan has opted not to take up another term as Cork hurling manager.

We review his three-year stint as Rebel bainisteoir, picking out our favourite moments and reflect on how close he came to guiding Cork to All-Ireland glory. We discuss the list of possible replacements, including options outside the county bounds.

What next for Cork hurling and how well are they placed for 2026?

Plus an in-depth review of the club championships after the second round of football group games and our Club Footballer of the Week choice.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cork GAA club championships are picking up steam and on this week's podcast, we review the second round of hurling and preview a critical three days of football action.

At Premier Senior, Blackrock controlled their derby with St Finbarr's, limiting the Barrs' big guns and driving towards an 11-point win while Newcestown dug out a draw. Charleville continue to motor under former Irish soccer international Dominic Foley as they knocked out neighbours Newtownshandrum and Glen Rovers are into the knockout phase with a game to spare on their return to the top tier.

The biggest upset was in Senior A as Fermoy defeated Killeagh, where their status as huge underdogs fuelled a brilliant showing. Carrigtwohill and Bride Rovers backed up their first-round victories but Na Piarsaigh are under pressure having lost twice.

We look at the controversy at Intermediate A with Aghada appealing to the Munster Council after a scoreline controversy saw their opener with Kildorrery deemed a draw when they believed they should have won by two points.

We also pick a Hurler of the Week.

Anthony Spillane was the front-runner as the standout club hurler across the weekend in burying an incredible 4-4 from play as Castlelyons defeated Ballyhea. There were other star turns as well though.

Mark Coleman ran the show for Blarney in their bounce-back victory over Watergrasshill, finishing as top-scorer but also playmaker supreme in an emphatic victory. Micheál Mullins is adapting to life at Glen Rovers smoothly as he clipped 0-4 from play against Fr O'Neill's.

Blackrock's success was based on work-rate, balance and strength in depth but Niall Cashman's power at midfield was critical. Sars hit Erin's Own for 4-30 but Cork panellist Jack O'Connor contributed 1-8 from play of that.

We pick the matches to catch from round two of the football championships.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just like the hurlers, the Cork camogie team couldn't add the All-Ireland to their haul of Munster and league titles this season.

They also missed a penalty and were reduced to 14 at Croke Park but Ger Manley's side gave a far better performance on the big stage, reflecting the fact they were a puck of a sliotar away from three in a row.

We break down the loss to Galway, from the flat first half to the heroic comeback where they rallied from five points in arrears to level late on. We discuss the controversial refereeing decisions, particularly the push in the back on Amy Lee that wasn't spotted before a first-half point and failure to award a free at the death for a foul on Clodagh Finn.

The dismissal of Hannah Looney was hard to argue with but the Tribe repeatedly pulled down Cork's marquee playmaker Saoirse McCarthy.

The Rebels had some terrific performers, including Laura Treacy, Libby Coppinger, Ashling Thompson and Laura Hayes but they struggled in the opening period to cope with Galway's intensity and swarm tackling.

There was a narrative beforehand that Cork only had to turn up to collect the cup. It was similar to the hype on the hurlers, much of it pushed by those outside the county bounds. What is fuelling the anti-Cork agenda?

There's a discussion of the reappointment of John Cleary as Cork football manager. What can he bring to the management team to make the Rebels contenders again? And how will he shake up the squad for 2026?

Hurling boss Pat Ryan's future is also up in the air.

There's a big preview of the second round of the club championships.

Which clubs are under the most pressure? Who can lay down a marker?

At Premier Senior level, it'll be Imokilly against Muskerry in the final to decide who joins the clubs in the knockout stages. The champions from East Cork looked the part in sweeping past Avondhu but is their path to the quarter-finals too easy?

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The top dogs all showed their class in the opening round of the Cork club hurling championship, highlighted by the fact St Finbarr's were always in control against Douglas despite missing Brian Hayes, who picked up an injury on football duty.

Ethan Twomey offered a reminder of his quality, as a playmaking centre-back rather than his customary midfield role, and William Buckley, on the fringes of the Cork team recently, clipped seven points.

The Roche twins were immense for Bride Rovers in gaining a modicum of revenge against Blarney who beat them in the last two Senior A Championship meetings, the 2023 encounter after a controversial replay. Eoin Roche limited the influence of Cork vice-captain Shane Barrett while Brian sniped 0-7 from the half-forward line.

The Glen had Micheál Mullins in championship action for the first time and with Patrick Horgan, Eoin and Rob Downey all eager to push on with the club after Cork's defeat, Erin's Own couldn't match them.

In Senior A, Seán Desmond once again caught they eye as Watergrasshill beat Courcey Rovers in their first game at the grade while Killeagh edge out Na Piarsaigh in a classic where Cork U20s Barry and Ben Walsh and Ross O'Sullivan were the fore and Daire Connery was excellent too.

Cloyne managed a Premier Intermediate upset by taking down favourites Carrigaline and Ballinhassig were clinical to beat Ballincollig, but overall the favourites won the majority of the games.

We pick a Hurler of the Weekend, with Daire Connery, Darragh O'Sullivan and a clutch of Bride Rovers players at the forefront of the conversation.

Looking ahead to next weekend, the podcast crew preview the divisional section finals and discuss if Cork can make it three-in-a-row against Galway in the All-Ireland camogie final.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cork club championships are back, which offers some respite from the fallout since the hurlers' calamitous second-half collapse to Tipperary.

As if the pain of that defeat at Croke Park wasn't enough for Rebels, the aftermath saw a series of WhatsApp messages circulate claiming to explain the performance away through a bust-up between the players.

Everyone seemed to overlook the fact Cork were six points up against Tipp at the break. And that any county team that makes it to consecutive All-Ireland finals has to be united.

On this week's podcast, we talk about the damage done by the rumours and look at how the hurlers who featured in club football action fared, including Brian Hayes and Damien Cahalane.

We review all the weekend football action, from Premier Senior, where Ballincollig, Mallow and Clon missed out on opportunities to upset the big three of Nemo, Castlehaven and the Barrs, all the way down to Premier Junior, where Canovee lived up to their billing of favourites.

Plus a shoutout to Cork All-Ireland winners Donncha O'Connor and Pearse O'Neill, still delivering for Ballydesmond and Aghada in their mid-40s.

There's a preview of all the club hurling action which throws in this Thursday with the Premier Intermediate Hurling clash of Castlemartyr and Kilworth. They're in a ferocious group with Ballinhassig and Ballincollig but there are cracking clashes across all the grades.

The spotlight will be on the Glen Rovers in the top tier as they return to the mix for the Seán Óg Murphy Cup with Mícheál Mullins added to the squad. Sars are the form team on the basis of the league while Imokilly are the holders.

Then you've St Finbarr's, Midleton and more.

At Senior A, Blarney and Bride Rovers renew their modern rivalry in another competition where it's very hard to pick a victor.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We thought it couldn't get any worse than the 2021 hammering at the hands of Limerick but Cork's second-half meltdown against Tipp will leave lasting scars on the Rebel faithful.

It was Cork's fifth defeat on the biggest day of the season at Croke Park since their last victory and by far the most devastating. Despite a six-point half-time advantage, Cork wilted in the face of serious Tipp heat, the pressure of ending a long wait without Liam MacCarthy no doubt playing a major part in the implosion.

We look at the issues surrounding the All-Ireland that contributed to the team's failure to perform.

Why were they not better prepared to cope with a sweeper when it was well flagged up in advance that Liam Cahill could throw a tactical curveball to cut out the goal threat?

Did Pat Ryan and his selectors make the right calls on the line, especially when Eoin Downey picked up a yellow card coming up to the break and was subsequently sent off?

Is there a mental weakness there that means Cork can't deliver when they're heavy favourites? After all their statement wins over Limerick in the Munster final and in 2024 were when they were underdogs?

The Echo Podcast also discuss Pat Ryan's future, now his three-year term is officially over. They examine any potential changes to the panel and team, including the status of veterans Patrick Horgan, Seamus Harnedy, Conor Lehane and Damien Cahalane.

Which young hurlers are best placed to push into the team for 2026? William Buckley, Darragh O'Sullivan, Micheál Mullins and Jack Leahy are among the rookies with great potential.

Clare and Tipp have both landed two All-Irelands apiece since they last lifted the Munster trophy, which takes the shine off the victory in the Gaelic Grounds back in June. But a bit of perspective is needed.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All-Ireland hurling final week is here and The Echo Sport Podcast has you covered ahead of the eagerly-awaited showdown between Cork and Tipperary at Croke Park.

The Rebels are favourites, having wrestled the Munster title from Limerick before their shock quarter-final exit at the hands of Dublin and back on the big stage after last summer's agonising one-point extra-time loss to Clare.

The Premier were well beaten by Cork in the Munster series this year and in 2024, along with the league final in April, but they're a very different animal now. We look at how they reshaped the team and went on a five-game run of victories to carry them into their first All-Ireland final since 2019.

The podcast team pick out the hurlers Cork will have to shut down and discuss Liam Cahill's strong record against the Rebels at underage level and if that will have a bearing on July 20.

The marquee match-ups are analysed along with three Rebels who need to hit the heights to end a 20-year wait for All-Ireland glory.

Plus the scramble for tickets, with the Cork hurlers as popular as they were in their last dominant era in the mid-noughties, and all the focus on the 'hype train'.

How can the manic support for Pat Ryan's side be viewed as a negative nationally?

We also round up the league final action across Rebel county, headlined by Sarsfields completing three in a row at Division 1 level with a strong second half against St Finbarr's. It's been a remarkable return to the helm for Johnny Crowley, having also won a county and reached last January's All-Ireland club final in Croker.

They are front-runners for the Seán Óg Murphy cannister, as are Midleton, who beat Killeagh in a fiery Division 2 decider. Elsewhere, Bride Rovers saw off Newcestown after extra time and Aghabullogue's five-goal victory over Ballyhea, two grades above them in championship, also caught the eye.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you improve on a near-perfect performance?

That is the question the Echo Sport Podcast crew tried to answer this week, as they looked back at Cork’s 20-point win over Dublin in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final on Saturday evening.

With regular presenter Eamonn Murphy still away – but expected to be fit for the final-preview episode next Monday – sports editor John McHale took the reins, joined by Denis Hurley, Jack McKay and John Horgan.

Naturally, there was praise for how Cork came out so strongly after a four-week lay-off in the wake of the Munster final win against Limerick – especially given that Dublin had produced such a good performance in themselves seeing off the Shannonsiders – and the guest felt that there was little in living memory to compare with it.

Of course, Cork manager Pat Ryan felt that the display fell short of absolute perfection and highlighted a few areas that can be improved for the final; this was discussed by the panel in studio, as well as any potential changes to the Cork lineup for the final.

There was also a stout debate as to the management’s willingness or reluctance to make big changes during games and the status of Cork’s veteran superstar Patrick Horgan was examined.

John Horgan, who has been covering Cork hurling for the bones of a half-century, was asked if he had ever seen anything like the sea of red that enveloped Croke Park on Saturday evening – conservative estimates put it at at least 60,000 Rebels in place – and his simple answer was, “No.”

The symbiosis between a team on a mission and a fanbase keen to be there every step of the way has been almost unprecedented but the flipside of that is that tickets for the final will be like gold-dust. The decider will be the ninth Cork hurling championship game in a row played before a sellout crowd, something never seen before, while even in this year’s Allianz Hurling League campaign they were drawing more than 20,000 for home games.

That level of demand will mean a lot of disappointed Rebel supporters for the final, not least because so many tickets end up in the hands of those who may not have shown the same dedication but will have benefited from the corporate events that offer admission to the game as part of the not-insignificant financial outlay involved.

The balance in maximising earning potential from reaching the final and also looking after the real fans is something that the two Johns, Jack and Denis try to parse.

In a bumper episode, Sunday’s semi-final between Tipperary and Kilkenny – and the scoreboard issues from late in that match – are also looked at as the All-Ireland fervour moves up a gear.

Catch the podcast every week at https://www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pressure on the Cork hurlers certainly isn't letting up after the dominant force of the modern game was sent crashing out against Dublin.

In one of the biggest shocks in the history of hurling, the third-place team in Leinster, 12-1 complete outsiders with the bookies, beat Limerick and did so despite getting a red card after 15 minutes.

The stunning reversal means Cork now take on the Dubs on July 5 in the All-Ireland semi-final instead of Tipp, with the expectation now they'll go all the way and finally regain Liam MacCarthy.

The podcast crew break down Dublin's victory and discuss how Cork can keep focused for the trip to Croke Park on Saturday week. Tipp take on Kilkenny in the other semi and you can be sure both of those counties are just as thrilled Limerick have been taken out early.

On the football front, there's a reflection on the footballers' very strong showing against Dessie Farrell's Dublin that didn't yield the reward it deserved. It was a familiar sceál for the Cork football faithful, a good game against an All-Ireland contender but not a knockout victory.

John Cleary's term is now officially ended but he wouldn't say after the loss in Croker if he'd be seeking another season in 2026. There is a shortage of viable replacements but Cleary might not want another year dealing with the stress and expectation on Leeside.

There were highs and lows across the past four seasons and a mixed championship record which featured a few very close calls against the bigger guns, especially Kerry.

Plus the Echo team pick out the winners and losers after the final round of the Cork football leagues, albeit with Clon v Castlehaven on hold to decide the Division 1 finalists.

Walkovers were a disappointing aspect to the concluding weekend, with another round of hurling to go as well.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cork footballers saved their season with a gritty performance in Portlaoise to beat Roscommon over the weekend but their reward is a very tough preliminary quarter-final against Dublin.

While Meath and Armagh have beaten the Boys in Blue already this summer, John Cleary's charges will need to produce a season-best to progress to the last eight.

We reflect on the victory over the Rossies which was spearheaded by Colm O'Callaghan, Ian Maguire, Mark Cronin and Seán McDonnell, who kicked 0-4 in a tight game. Keeper Micheál Aodh Martin came up with some big plays as well, saving a goal chance at a critical stage and pushing out a dangerous dropping ball for a 45 in the dying minutes.

It was heart-stopping stuff, with Roscommon hunting a two-pointer to knock Cork out as time elapsed as Brian O'Driscoll, Seán Brady and Daniel O'Mahony defended brilliantly.

What can they improve on for their Croke Park trip though?

Plus we reflect on a disappointing All-Ireland minor hurling semi-final exit for Cork against Clare.

Fergal McCormack's side had beaten the Banner en route to a Munster title but a four-week break since that provincial success might have been an issue with Clare far sharper throughout. More tellingly, the underdogs showed greater hunger and work-rate around the middle third.

Cork were expected to reach what would only have been the county's third All-Ireland final appearance at the grade in the modern era, with the Rebels winning the title in 2021 and losing the 2017 decider to Galway.

Still, there were some excellent performers in red over the course of their six matches and we pick out the young players to watch out for in the coming seasons.

Plus there's a look at the local action as the club hurling leagues head towards their conclusion.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No one gave them much of a chance beforehand but Cork defied the odds and completed a stunning turnaround from a 16-point beating 20 days earlier to land the Munster title.

The majority of Rebels were travelling to Shannonside more in hope than expectation but Pat Ryan had promised his side would make it worth their while with a battling performance and that carried them all the way to a first provincial crown since 2018.

We look back on the game itself and the memorable occasion at TUS Gaelic Grounds where both sets of supporters and a ferocious contest led to an electric atmosphere.

It was a rollercoaster of emotion across the near 100-minute war before penalties decided it. Limerick had no shortage of regrets, which sums up what an incredible team they've been, going for seven in a row and still leaving everything on the field.

Cork hurled outstandingly well in normal time where their sloppy shooting meant it finished level. Then Limerick missed more chances before a Darragh Fitzgibbon deep into added time forced a shootout.

We break down the key areas where Cork turned the tide from their humiliating loss in the group game. Subs made a critical impact, with Conor Lehane and Shane Kingston deservedly taking all the plaudits.

Limerick haven't gone away of course. They'll be raging favourites to bounce back and beat Dublin or Kildare, and then Kilkenny, to reach the All-Ireland final.

Cork have to look after their own house with a month-gap before their semi-final in Croke, most likely against a Tipperary side who feel they owe their rivals. For now, we can enjoy the beautiful feeling of being Munster champs.

We also preview Cork's knockout football clash with Roscommon, a 50-50 match where John Cleary's side will be hoping to bring the form they showed against Kerry, rather than in a loss to Meath.

Plus a round-up of the club football action and the minors' All-Ireland semi-final exit at the hands of Tyrone.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's back to the scene of the crime on Saturday, when the Cork hurlers must face Limerick in their first Munster final since 2018.

Pat Ryan's side were torn apart in the meeting last month when sweet revenge was exacted for last summer to the tune of 16 points. Cork will hardly be as bad again while Limerick were so tuned in across the first half they fired 2-18 from their 25 first-half shots.

We discuss where Cork can improve as they bid to end the Treaty's provincial dominance, raging favourites for a seventh title in succession. Will the restoration of Darragh Fitzgibbon to midfield and Shane Barrett to centre-forward make a difference? Or could they shake it up by using Seamus Harnedy or Tim O'Mahony on Kyle Hayes?

Can Ciarán Joyce fare better on Cian Lynch than he did three weeks ago? Or would a fully-fit Rob Downey be given the job?

What match-ups will go for across the full-back line? Seán O'Donoghue is surely needed for Aaron Gillane.

Injuries will be a major factor too. And Cork are really struggling with a busy casualty ward.

Limerick had the luxury of resting their marquee men in the last group game. They outmuscled and outsmarted Cork in the last game and it's going to take absolutely everything going right for Downey to pick up the Mick Mackey Cup.

The footballers came up short again in their latest clash with Kerry, the 13th defeat in a row across minor, U20 and senior for the Rebels at the hands of their old foe.

John Cleary's side performed very well in the first half but were undone by their missed goal chances and not helped by some awfully fussy refereeing around the kick-out mark. Those calls gifted Kerry six points straight after half-time.

All is not lost, Cork can beat Roscommon and finish third in the group and reach a preliminary quarter-final. We also reflect on the controversial situation when Castlehaven were able to utilise Cork players Rory Maguire and Conor Cahalane in a league game six days before the Kerry match.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork are through to their first Munster final since 2018 after bouncing back from the Limerick hammering by beating Waterford on Sunday.

It was a patchy performance overall where they impressed more in the first half against the wind than they did with the gale to their backs. Pat Ryan's side won by six points but had 10 more wides than the Déise, so there can no debate about the result, but it certainly wasn't a vintage display.

In the great scheme of things, it won't really matter, especially with Limerick coming down the tracks again. What can we take from the performance at a packed Páirc?

Ger Millerick's finger injury is a concern as he had superbly slotted in for Niall O'Leary. Diarmuid Healy showed well off the bench though, with Darragh Fitzgibbon and Shane Barrett more impressive when restored to their 2024 positions.

Cork will need everyone firing for the Treaty but had the luxury of changing half their line-up for the dead rubber group game with Clare.

On the football front, Cork were beaten in a vital All-Ireland group game in Navan. Meath were the better team throughout and only their poor finishing kept John Cleary's side in contention.

Do the Rebels now have any chance when they host Kerry on Saturday?

They might have left the win behind them in the Munster semi-final but that only means Jack O'Connor will have his side fully focused.

Brian Hurley missed the Meath loss through injury but clearly there are deeper issues. With three teams making it out of the round-robin phase, Cork are still in the mix but the omens aren't positive right now.

Plus there's a look at the minor footballers' loss in the provincial final in Tralee. Keith Ricken's young guns still have an All-Ireland quarter-final on the horizon but will be underdogs.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cork hurlers suffered one of their worst defeats of the modern era at the hands of Limerick on Sunday.

Their display at TUS Gaelic Grounds was miles off the required level in the Munster Championship, especially when John Kiely's side were always going to be wired to the moon against the team that ended their five-in-a-row bid.

There were very few positives, if any, given Cork lost by a staggering 16 points, coughing up three goals and being outclassed in every line of the field. Now, they can still make the Munster final if they get the better of Waterford at home next Sunday, which you'd have taken at the outset of the campaign.

The manner of the loss though leaves them in a very vulnerable position for the visit of the Déise and going forward...

Declan Dalton, Rob Downey and Niall O'Leary are injury doubts and we reveal who we would bring into the starting 15 to replace them.

Were Cork complacent after landing the league and blitzing Tipp? Did the three-week break have an impact? Or was it just a bad day they can recover from? We certainly hope so.

The Cork footballers head to Navan on Saturday afternoon in the opening All-Ireland football series group game. Meath were devastated to be beaten by Louth in the Leinster final, especially when they'd take down Dublin, and will have no fear of the Rebels.

They've Kerry at home the following weekend and then face Roscommon in a neutral venue, so getting a victory against Meath is hugely important.

On the camogie front, the vote on skorts or skirts takes place this Thursday, while divisional teams have been given a reprieve to feature in the Cork senior camogie championship again this season.

We also look ahead to the Cork-Kerry minor final in football and reflect on the minor hurlers' provincial success.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork versus Limerick, the two favourites for Munster and All-Ireland glory, in the Gaelic Grounds with the hosts desperate to inflict a modicum of revenge for last summer... it doesn't get more appealing.

On this week's Echo Podcast we preview the provincial hurling showdown in detail. John Kiely's comments after his side were back to their best in beating Waterford reflected his motivation for next Sunday.

The Treaty will be keen to lay down a marker but should Cork beat Waterford in their last group game the teams will still meet again in the Munster final, again on Shannonside due to the home and away agreement. So how important is it for the Rebels to secure another victory? The only thing that matters this season is who succeeds Clare as All-Ireland champions.

The U20s' narrow loss to Clare in the Munster semi-final is also reviewed, a game they could and probably should have won.

There's also a discussion on Louth and Meath's epic Leinster final and Cork's prospects when they travel to Navan to meet the Leinster runners-up at the end of the month. We also look at the league action over the weekend with Clonakilty maintaining their terrific form by hammering the Barrs.

Plus Cork camogie team's stand on skorts versus shorts pays off and a look at the latest club league action.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork footballers are heading for a rematch with Kerry in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh after the draws were made for the All-Ireland group stages.

Whatever happens on the June Bank Holiday weekend, or away to the losers of Meath-Louth in the Leinster final and Roscommon, which will be at a neutral venue, Cork football isn't in a very strong position on the basis of recent underage results.

On this week's podcast we discuss the state of football on Leeside.

Keith Ricken's minors host Kerry this week in the Munster opener, with both counties moving to the semi-final anyway, hoping to fare better than last season's U17 crop. The U20s were outclassed by Kerry in their provincial final and the Rebels have failed to trouble their rivals at all since they last picked up Munster underage silverware.

Corn Uí Mhuirí action has highlighted how dominant Kerry are and you have to ask what is being done to arrest the slide? Cork haven't replaced Conor Counihan as Director of Football and given their financial issues are unlikely to do so while the lack of viable options if current senior manager John Cleary moves on at the end of the summer just shows how bleak the situation is.

There's also a chat about Limerick's impressive display in beating Waterford away and they clearly mean business despite being surprisingly held to a draw in Thurles last month. 

The Cork U20 hurlers have improved across the campaign and will the chance to reach the Munster final against a fancied Tipp if they can beat Clare in the Páirc. The Banner beat them in the minor equivalent three years ago.

This year's minors face Waterford in the Munster final, having completed the group with four wins from four and looking like very strong All-Ireland contenders.

We also look at how the leagues are panning out in hurling and football across the divisions, with the availability of Cork hurling squad players a great reflection of the management team and their positive attitude.

Plus a discussion of the Cork camogie and ladies football teams seasons so far and the skort versus shorts debate.You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

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A great week for Cork hurling saw the minors, U20s and seniors victorious but what was expected to be a belter against Tipp on Sunday afternoon was overshadowed by the belting off the ball.

Darragh McCarthy got a red card in the first play and his departure meant there was only going to be one winner. There was a lot of niggly nonsense going on, just as there had been in the draw with Clare. 

Cork still hurled up a storm across the first quarter at the weekend, banging in three goals but the game was lifeless for long spells after. Ref Johnny Murphy gave the visitors a few soft frees for a while and Cork lost their focus.

They have a couple of weeks to breathe now before heading up to Limerick. Keeping the head with all the red card madness around will be crucial.

The U20s take on Waterford this week with a chance to set up a Munster semi-final, most likely against Clare, while the minors have been terrific in their three games, qualifying for the provincial decider with a game to spare. Joe Deane's son Cormac has been a standout in every outing but there's a great balance to the squad.

On the football front, the seniors are waiting to find out who they'll face in the All-Ireland group phase but Meath's victory over Dublin just reinforces the feeling they missed a great chance in their extra-time loss to Kerry.

The minors have their first outing this week but the U20s will be really up against it in the Munster final with Kerry.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a weekend of GAA action, even if Cork fans were left wondering how they didn't get one over Clare after storming into a 12-point lead on enemy turf.

An incredible game at Cusack Park ended in a welter of excitement as a red card to Shane Barrett and the Banner's ability to land ball on Peter Duggan at the edge of the square saw Cork lucky to escape with a draw in the end.

In the long term, provided Cork can get a win over Tipperary at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this Sunday, the result might not derail the hype train but it shows the difference between league and championship.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork have ticked every box so far this year, building up significant momentum on their way to a first league title since 1998.

They overwhelmed Tipp in the decider on Leeside, bringing their total of green flags in the last three games to 13, which included six up in Ennis where they head this Sunday.

The harsh reality is that league and championship are very different animals and All-Ireland champions Clare will unleash hell on Easter Sunday after getting hammered last month.

In our hurling special, we discuss the latest Cork-Clare showdown in detail with Denis Hurley, John Horgan and Jack McKay, and they offer their verdicts on the round-robin series while selecting their top three to qualify from Munster.

Can Brian Hayes build on his sensational spring form? Remember he wasn't in the starting line-up for the first round this time last year in Waterford.

Is Darragh Fitzgibbon's best position at 11 or will we see him back in midfield again over the coming weeks?

Cork's backs have been mean and tight lately and that improved defensive effort will be integral to bridging the gap to 2005, or even reach a first Munster final since 2018.

Our guests also discuss their personal Munster championship highlights over the years, the games and goals that stand out.

Barry O'Mahony joins us to preview Cork v Kerry in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Kingdom were pushed all the way by John Cleary's side in their last two meetings but the new rules suited Kerry's attack in their Division 1 league victory.

Rory Noonan reports from the league finals over the weekend, which saw Cork lose to Galway in football but win the camogie crown for the first time since 2013. How are both sides fixed for championship?

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Cork, league champions again at last. It's not the big prize we all crave so badly but Pat Ryan's side bridged the gap to 1998 in style over the weekend.

All the pressure was on the Cork hurlers in the final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and they rose to the occasion, delivering a first-half display on par with their efforts against Limerick last May. This time there was no dramatic fightback, with the Rebels comfortable winners.

There was a cracking atmosphere as Cork stitched three goals in the second quarter though the second half was a strange affair, with the Rebels making a host of mistakes. Clare will have watched on with interest, particularly how Ronan Maher shielded his full-back line by dropping in front of the D.

The major question now is if Cork will carry their momentum and form into the summer, starting with that trip to Ennis on Easter Sunday. They blitzed the Banner for six goals in the league but as we all well know, championship is a very different animal.

The interest in the team is incredible with tickets for the provincial action being snapped up during the week. The scene is set for a thrilling Munster campaign.

On the football front, the Cork seniors and U20s had solid victories in the last week, but both now face very difficult games against Kerry.

Ray O'Mahony's charges are in Tralee on Monday night, curtailed by injuries to key forwards Dara Sheedy and Ed Myers. The seniors host Kerry on Easter Saturday in a straight knockout Munster semi. Did they show anything up in Limerick to suggest they could knock the league champions out of their stride?

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

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 It's a massive weekend in Cork GAA with the hurlers hosting Tipperary in a sold-out league final.

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will be packed but was it the right call to make it a double-header with Offaly v Waterford in Division 1B, given the interest in the Faithful County? Home advantage might help the Rebels on the pitch come Sunday but it hasn't proved much use in terms of securing tickets.

It's hard to be overly critical of GAA for putting the Páirc in the spotlight in a contest that will generate an electric atmosphere but that's scant consolation to the fans who won't get to go. The Munster Championship matches also go on sale this week and all four games with Cork will most likely sell, out. Stand tickets are being distributed through the clubs but interest is at its highest since the mid-noughties.

We preview the final and make the case for Cork bridging a long gap since their last league success in 1998.

We also discuss the minor and U20 action last week and how regularly red cards are now being flashed for what looks like minimal contact, which saw Barry O'Flynn and Ben Walsh dismissed against Clare.

The footballers are in championship action on Saturday, heading to Limerick to face Division 4 league winners Limerick who will relish the underdogs tag. Cork ended their league with a decent bit of momentum though and should have enough to set up a Munster semi-final in the Páirc on Easter Saturday with Division 1 champs Kerry.

We look at the U20 football squad ahead of their provincial opener and round up the latest in the league after three games across the seven divisions.

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Cork delivered across the board over the weekend, the hurlers brushed Galway aside, the footballers took down Cavan to protect their position in the All-Ireland series and the camogie and ladies footballers moved into the league final with a game to spare.

For the hurling faithful, it was another excellent performance, Pat Ryan's side building up a head of steam but the knee injury that forced Brian Hayes off was a major downside. 

Next up is a league final against an equally in-form Tipp and while it's 'only the league', Cork badly need a trophy.

Cork are being hyped up nationally now as the team to beat but they well know that Clare, Limerick and more are waiting in the long grass with little interest in how the league panned out.

For John Cleary's footballers, they've ended the league after a couple of very good showings but again just outside the promotion places. It's only two weeks until championship throws in, against a Limerick team they'll be expected to beat but had a good league themselves.

Unfortunately, away from the playing fields, a darkness has been cast by a host of tragic deaths, including the passing of Midleton and Cork All-Ireland winning forward Ger Fitzgerald after illness and the sudden loss of 18-year-old tyro from Kilbrittain and Hamilton High School Oisín Gillain. Like Sars' Ray Ryan and Midleton U21 county winner Darragh McCarthy, they'll be hugely missed by family, friends, club members and the wider Cork GAA community.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

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The Echo Sport Podcast takes in all the latest GAA action. This week we discuss the state of Cork football.

Barry O'Mahony analyses a strong performance at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh against the Louth team that knocked them out of last year's All-Ireland series. Mark Cronin and Chris Óg Jones led the line with aplomb while Colm O'Callaghan grabbed the critical goal.

It was a welcome reprieve for John Cleary's side who gave themselves a good chance of escaping relegation and if they beat Cavan away they'll secure a top-four finish and avoid a possible Tailteann Cup appearance.

However, the state of Cork football is still a major concern for all Rebels. The U20s taking a heavy beating, albeit in a challenge, from Louth didn't help, especially as underage results in recent years have been a disappointment outside of Munster minor titles in '21 and '22.

Where can improvements be made? The geographical spread of Cork football strongholds and the hurling preference in many areas certainly aren't helping...

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The Echo Sport Podcast takes in all the latest GAA action. 

This week we break down the Rebel rout of All-Ireland champions Clare on Sunday afternoon. Pat Ryan's side up to target the inside line and the reward was six goals, with Cork finally converting the chances they've been creating throughout the league.

Brian Hayes was the official TG4 Man of the Match but Declan Dalton was also unstoppable and Shane Barrett showed his best All-Star form. 

However, was it a case of going too well, too soon? Did the Rebels show too much? The weather and the crowd made it feel like championship but Clare now know exactly what to expect on Easter Sunday in the Munster Championship opener.

The other major talking point from the game, and across the hurling weekend, was the flurry of red cards shown. 

On the local front, Fr O'Neills had a fine win in Division 1 over champions Sars while Charleville impressed against Blackrock.

William Buckley was electric as St Finbarr's defeated Glen Rovers and Colin Walsh excelled for Kanturk in their loss to Douglas, while in Division 2, Daire Connery and Kevin Moynihan were superb for Na Piarsaigh in their draw with Ballincollig

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

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Éamonn Murphy is joined by Barry O'Mahony and Denis Hurley to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

This week we pay tribute to Ray Ryan to former Cork hurler, Glanmire footballer and Sars legend, who won four counties and guided their U21s to glory. His death shocked everyone on Leeside but the GAA community rallied around his family and club.

His brother Pat spoke superbly at his funeral and carried himself with his customary class as he managed the Cork hurlers on Saturday night to a fine victory over Kilkenny.

We break down the Rebels' performance at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh with rookie forward Diarmuid 'Duds' Healy shooting the lights out to the tune of 1-5. 

There's still a lot of play for over the last couple of rounds, though wins over Clare and Galway would send Cork into the league final.

The Cork footballers suffered a 14-point hammering at the hands of Roscommon, which now makes relegation a concern and rules out promotion once more.

It was a disappointing night in the Páirc in every sense as a massive portion of the fans opted to depart after the hurling and more again at half-time when John Cleary's side were under pressure.

Closer to home the leagues threw in over the weekend as we finally got a break from the wet weather and Steven Sherlock caught the eye for St Finbarr's, firing 0-15 away to Cill na Martra.

Plus Celtic and Cork City line up glamour friendly for July in the Páirc, with a trophy made by Gerald McCarthy up for grabs...

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

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Every week Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Here we examine the February window for club U21 football, which was washed out before the finals could be completed.

Do inter-county managers have too much control over underage players? Is there an alternative time of the season when it can be held?

Where do the Cork footballers stand in the pecking order after shipping three goals in a loss against Monaghan? Despite two defeats from four Division 2 league outings, they could still get back to the top flight but in their current guise, they're probably not strong enough to survive in that tier anyway.

Defensive frailties were a concern even when they edged out Westmeath in a thriller and they'll need to tighten up at the back with Roscommon in the Páirc this Saturday night.

Pat Ryan's side will be desperate to show more than they did up in Thurles when they face Kilkenny. Tipp were four-point winners but, aside from the first quarter, the livelier, harder working and more clinical outfit.

Cork have a bit of an injury crisis at the moment but that doesn't excuse a lack of intensity and bite though. Especially when Cork need a couple of young guns to force their way into the championship first 20.

We'll know a bit more about where the hurlers and footballers are at after the Super Saturday triple-header.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

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The Echo Sport Podcast takes in all the latest GAA action. 

We discuss the ongoing Cork County Board media ban, which was brought in 13 months ago and prevents reporters from attending monthly delegate meetings. Information about commercial developments is still emerging but some clubs would rather journalists were allowed attend to ensure transparency.

There's a massive weekend on the horizon for the Cork hurlers and footballers.

John Cleary's side are off to Monaghan in what is a vital game if they're to have a shot at Division 2 promotion, though the hosts will be eager to bounce back from a loss to high-flying Roscommon. It took a Chris Óg Jones hat-trick to snatch a one-point win over Westmeath, which doesn't suggest the Rebels have to tools to make the step up to the top flight.

However, are we expecting too much from Cork football?

They're effectively a top-12 side on the basis of league and championship results over the past few seasons so why what right do Cork have to get the better of the likes of Westmeath? There's a SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh factor too where games are higher scoring and more open on such an expansive pitch, which other counties love to sample.

On the football front, we also discuss the latest U21 action and preview the divisional finals.

The hurlers had an extended break since the facile win over Wexford and the battling draw with Limerick and are in Thurles on Saturday night. Tipp lost to Limerick in their last game but do look on a mission to atone for a poor championship last year.

UL and DCU denied us an all-Cork Fitzgibbon Cup final, taking out UCC and MTU Cork. UL did have a Cork contingent on their winning team in Jack Leahy, Brian O'Sullivan and Ciarmhac Smyth. 

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast

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The Echo Sport Podcast takes in all the latest GAA action, with a focus on the 37-man squad picked by Pat Ryan and his selectors for the hurling league.

Now in it's third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

The hurlers have another weekend off before their next league game, away to Tipp, but revealed the panel they'll use for the rest of the spring with some of last year's squad cut. That included Seán Twomey, who started the Munster championship game in Waterford in 2024, and Conor Cahalane, who has significant championship experience.

Could a dark horse come into the set-up between here and the provincial campaign, like Power last summer? Jack Leahy perhaps, given his excellent form with UL on the back of a county title for Imokilly?

A number of Rebels are involved in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final with UCC and MTU Cork hoping to set up an all-Leeside final. We preview their chances against DCU and UL.

The Cork footballers are back in league action at home to Westmeath. They'd a thrilling victory over Meath in the opener but lost on the road to Down in their second outing, a significant blow to their promotion hopes.

They've proved adept at kicking two-pointers but their defence will need to be tighter as they build for championship.

In the Cork U21 club championships, the new rules helped serve up some extremely entertaining games.

On the camogie front, there was more heartbreak for UCC. Since capturing a 32nd Ashbourne Cup in 2003 they've now lost nine finals. The Cork ladies footballers made it two wins from three league games as they bid to escape from Division 2. Joe Carroll's charges hit Tipp for three goals with the return of Erika O'Shea from Aussie Rules a major boost for the Rebels.

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The Echo Sport Podcast takes in all the Bank Holiday weekend GAA action, toplined by the hurlers draw with Limerick and the footballers' trip to Down.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

Few league games were as hyped beforehand as Saturday night in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, between the controversy over the lack of TV coverage and talk of a 30,000-plus crowd, which ended up being a still incredible 23,402. The game wasn't as high-scoring as expected but the weather was a factor and it still finished in a whelter of excitement.

What did Cork learn? Tim O'Mahony was the standout performer but Ger Millerick, Niall Mellerick and Ciarán Joyce were prominent too. Apart from leaving too much space for Will O'Donoghue's goal, the defence was solid.

Darragh Fitzgibbon did damage in the half-forward line but is he a championship option as free-taker? And what about the rest of the forward line, which only hurler in fits and starts.

Up in Newry, the footballers were sickened after failing to build on a 10-point lead in their Division 2 defeat against Down.

The result means they simply have to beat Westmeath in their next league fixture to stay in the race for an overdue return to Division 1.

This week the Echo Podcast crew also discusses the financial issues from the Páirc rebuild that continue to generate unwanted headlines and the Fitzgibbon Cup knockout stages which involve UCC and MTU Cork.

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The Echo Sport Podcast is back for a third season to cover every puck of a sliotar and bounce of a football in Cork GAA.

The league threw in up in Wexford and the interest in the Cork hurlers is as strong as ever, the electric summer of 2024 still fresh in the memory, though the pain of that All-Ireland final loss to Clare still hasn't abated.

The Rebels have been hit and miss in the league in the modern era and haven't lifted the trophy since 1998. Is it important to bridge that gap? Limerick and Clare have secured doubles in recent years.

The footballers beat Meath in what was a crunch clash in promotion terms. It ended their awful run of failing to win a first-round Division 2 fixture.

There was a winter exodus from the panel which cranked up the pressure on John Cleary and his selectors. With some new faces and embracing the new rules, the Rebels hit 2-19.

UCC and MTU Cork are off to impressive starts in the Fitzgibbon Cup. Are either of them in contention to collect the Fitz? Both sides are into the knockout phase with a game to spare with the likes of Ben Cunningham, Brian Keating, Diarmuid Healy and Alan Connolly on song.

In the Harty Cup, the AG got to a first semi-final in 29 years, despite having a very young team. It was a remarkable run from the Mon, considering the bulk of their team is underage again next season.

On the Corn Uí Mhuirí front, Hamilton High School from Bandon were the last Cork school standing but breaking the Kerry monopoly proved impossible. Críost Rí were the last from Leeside to manage that feat, way back in 2011.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast/

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley, Barry O'Mahony and Rory Noonan join Éamonn Murphy to celebrate a weekend to remember for Cork hurling teams.

Russell Rovers and Watergrasshill lived up to their billing as favourites in the Munster finals junior and intermediate finals while Sarsfields produced one of the greatest displays in club history to take down four-in-a-row chasing Ballygunner. Shane O'Regan was the MVP with 2-3 from the bench but this was a ferocious collective performance, led by veterans Daniel Kearney and Conor O'Sullivan.

It was a landmark weekend in football too but off the field with a host of new rules voted through to revamp the game. How will that impact Cork underage and junior teams?

They then break down the Reardens Club All-Star selections in hurling, football, camogie and ladies football. Who made the final 15s and which players were unlucky to miss out?

There's also a wrap up of the Junior A and U21 action, including Tracton's triumph under Kieran Kingston.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to discuss the major talking points from a busy weekend of Cork GAA action despite the issues caused by Storm Bert.

Kilshanning suffered a disappointing home defeat to a very strong Austin Stacks outfit, favourites for the All-Ireland intermediate title, but a shadow was cast across their preparations after one of their players was involved in a serious accident in the days beforehand. 

Sport was put into stark perspective by events off the field.

Also away from the pitch, the Cork County Board ordered a replay of the Junior B Hurling semi-final between Aghabullogue and Kilbrittain. 

We look into that decision and what issues in the first game meant the West Cork club's victory didn't stand. 

We break down the latest U21 action in hurling and football. 

There are two Junior A football semi-finals on the horizon, delayed due to the Cork footballers' post-All-Ireland team holiday in Miami, where Castlemartyr meet Ballygarvan and Inniscarra take on Kilmacabea. 

For hurling fanatics, Russell Rovers, Watergrasshill and Sarsfields all have Munster finals to look forward to, showing what an unseasonably busy December it is.

We're at the knockout phase of the Harty Cup and the final group games in the Corn Uí Mhuirí. Are Midleton CBS, Christians or the AG genuine Harty contenders and could a Cork school end the Kerry monopoly in the football?

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to look at a great weekend for Cork hurling clubs in the Munster championships.

Russell Rovers, Watergrasshill and Sarsfields are all through to provincial deciders, extending their campaigns into December. Russell Rovers and Watergrasshill will be favourites to land the Munster titles, keeping up Cork's great tradition in those competitions.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and John Horgan join Éamonn Murphy to discuss East Cork's dominance of the club hurling championships this season.

Will we see changes to the rules on player availability for the Imokilly squad?

What next for Lisgoold and Watergrasshill as they make the step up for 2025, with the Hill still in Munster action as well?

At Junior A level can Killeagh's second team capture the cup ahead of Tracton, Ballinora and Killavullen?

There's also a preview of the upcoming Sars-Feakle clash in the Páirc and analysis of the Cork football clubs' efforts in the provincial arena, with Kilshannig and Kilmurry moving on but Castlehaven knocked out.

In the U21 hurling championship, Glen Rovers collide with St Finbarr's in what will be a brilliant City Division decider.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to discuss the Cork hurlers' change of captaincy and their haul of five All-Stars.

Does it bode well for their revenge mission in 2025 and what changes can we expect in the squad when Pat Ryan gets his troops back together next month?

They discuss the county final action over the weekend, with Russell Rovers and Kilshanning capturing the cups and Erin's Own-Lisgoold heading to a replay. Plus there's a breakdown of the U21 and divisional action and a preview of Carrigaline v Watergrasshill in the Premier Intermediate final and the IAHC replay.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to reflect on a packed weekend of club football finals, with four new county champions and one game heading to a replay.

They discuss Castlehaven's Munster prospects, Jack Cahalane's chances of making a breakthrough with Cork and if Kilmurry can make it third time lucky in the provincial arena.

Plus there's a focus on the Junior A divisional action including overdue victories for Killavullen and Tracton.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to reflect on Imokilly and Glen Rovers' dominant county final victories.

They pick the young hurlers likely to step up to the Cork panel for 2025, including Timmy Wilk, Jack Leahy and Diarmuid Healy, and analyse the Glen's prospects when they return to the top flight.

They discuss the future of divisions in the club championship, given how impressive East Cork were, and look at the argument that their path to the knockout stages is too easy.

There is a breakdown of the divisional action, including Whitechurch's memorable first Seandún success.

On the football front, the new rules are discussed and they pick what should be kept.

Plus there's a county football final preview, looking ahead to the five games across the Bank Holiday weekend.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy as we head to the business end of championship.

Castlehaven met St Finbarr's for the fifth semi-final in a row and the county champions were worthy winners this time, led by Brian Hurley who landed an incredible 0-7 from play. Nemo Rangers were far too good for Mallow but will still be underdogs for the county final. They'll be delighted by that!

It'll be Knocknagree versus Carrigaline at Senior A, after a dominant display by the Duhallow side against Dohenys and penalty-shootout drama in Carrigaline against Kanturk.

They pick a Player of the Week, with Castlehaven's talisman Hurley, Carrigaline penalty shootout hero Ryan Delaney and Nemo veteran Paul Kerrigan, the leading candidates.

There's a big preview of the two huge county finals next weekend: Sars v Imokilly and Glen Rovers v Blarney. Where will those deciders be won and lost and who are favourites?

Plus, they look ahead to the Rebel Óg Premier Minor Football finals, where it's Ballincollig v Mallow and Castlehaven-Donoughmore.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy after a cracking weekend of Cork club GAA action where the torrents of rain didn't impact on the quality of the games.

It's Imokilly against Sarsfields in the Premier Senior final, a repeat of last year's semi which the club side won after a dramatic late Luke Elliot goal. The divsion look unbeatable right now but Sars are going for consecutive doubles.

It'll be Blarney versus Glen Rovers at Senior A as the favourites lived up to their billing but only after two armwrestles in the Páirc.

Carrigaline showed their fortitude to stave off a Ballincollig comeback in PIHC and Denis Walsh's St Catherine's are back in the Premier Junior decider. 

On the football front, Nemo Rangers head into a semi-final with Mallow but only after Ross Corkery's penalty knocked out Clon, with Gabriel Rangers getting past Mitchelstown at Intermediate A.

They pick a Player of the Week, with St Catherine's Rory Galvin, Imokilly's Brian Lawton, Mark Coleman and Conor Lehane, as mercurial as ever for Midleton even in defeat, the leading candidates.

Plus they look ahead to the Rebel Óg Premier Minor Hurling finals, where it's Glen Rovers v Sars and St Finbarr's-Shandrum.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to review the football action and preview the hurling semi-finals.

They look at St Finbarr's victory over Ballincollig and ask if they're better placed coming in against county champions Castlehaven now they've had a tough test. The other side of the draw is on hold, after the board postponed four games on Sunday.

In Senior A, Dohenys delivered one of the best performances of the weekend but how can you pick between the Dunmanway side, Knocknagree, Kanturk and Carrigaline as champions-elect?

They also discuss the state of Northside football with St Nick's, Na Piarsaigh and St Vincent's contesting relegation finals and the future of Kerry legend Aidan O'Mahony as Macroom manager.

They select a Player of the Week, with Rhys Coakley, Keith White, Blake Murphy and Cian Dorgan the leading candidates.

There's also a big preview of the hurling matches you need to catch. Who will fall short in Midleton-Sars and Imokilly-Blackrock? Do Carrigaline have the momentum and ideal venue to beat Ballincollig in Premier Intermediate? Can Bride Rovers get their revenge on Blarney?

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to reflect on a packed weekend of hurling action.

They detail the game of the year in Castlelyons' shootout thriller with Na Piarsaigh, where it took 13 penalties apiece to separate them, and only after Alan Fenton twice levelled with the season on the line.

They look ahead to the Premier Senior semi-finals, after the favourites all delivered to leave us with Midleton-Sars and Blackrock-Imokilly.

Carrigaline were arguably the team of the weekend after a brilliant display against rivals Ballinhassig.

They pick a Player of the Week, with Matthew Bradley, Pearse O'Neill, Darragh Flynn, Fenton and Eoin Davis the leading candidates.

There's also a big preview of the matches you need to catch in the football quarter-finals and relegation playoffs. Can Clon live up to their billing as dark horses against Nemo? Who will surive Éire Óg against Carbery Rangers?

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to review a cracking weekend of Cork club action.

They look at the winners and losers from the football group stages with St Finbarr's offering us a reminder of their quality by hitting Valleys for four goals. Castlehaven remain the Premier Senior leading lights, straight into the semis, but Nemo having been quietly taking care of business as well.

Are Clon the dark horses about to blow open the knockout stages? Can Ballincollig push on after beating their neighbours?

Relegation battles loom for some big clubs, like Éire Óg, Clyda Rovers, Carbery Rangers, St Nicks, Ilen Rovers and Macroom.

We pick a Player of the Week, with some sharpshooting forward displays including Steven Sherlock, Aaron Berry, Donncha O'Connor and Blake Murphy.

Plus a big preview of the matches you need to catch in the upcoming hurling quarter-finals and relegation playoffs. Fr O'Neills and Imokilly will draw a bumper crowd to Midleton but will there be an upset in one of the three PSHC clashes.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to review a bumper weekend of Cork club hurling action.

They look at the winners and losers from the group stages. Relegation battles loom for some big clubs, including Charleville, league finalists, who must now defeat Bishopstown to save their Premier Senior status after an epic battle with Kanturk.

They discuss the game of the weekend, where Éire Óg and Mallow shared eight goals and it took points scored overall to decide who progressed to the PIHC knockout stages. Killeagh also pulled off a great escape, beating Inniscarra by enough to get out of their group having had no points on the board after the first two rounds.

A Hurler of the Week is chosen with a number of strong candidates. Alan Walsh had a remarkable 3-3 from play for Kanturk while Conor Lehane was imperious for Midleton, lancing over 0-14. Patrick Collins made a string of critical saves for Ballinhassig who sent Kilworth, last year's PIHC runners-up, into a relegation playoff. Sean Desmond was electric for Watergrasshill as they topped a tricky group while James Masters continues to reel in the years for the Nemo hurlers.

Plus a preview of the matches you need to catch in this weekend's last round in the football championships, with one of the favourites St Finbarr's under pressure to get a result and Mallow looking to build on their upset last month.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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Cork hurling stars Shane Kingston and Patrick Horgan join Éamonn Murphy in the studio for a special Echo Sport Podcast, brought to you in association with Blackwater Motors Group.

They look back at injury issues and controversial All-Ireland refereeing decisions as well as taking the positives from an epic campaign in Rebel red this summer. The connection with the supporters was a major element and they explain how the Cork-Limerick game in the Páirc was the loudest they'd ever experienced, even more than the All-Ireland final.

Horgan and Kingston tell us about their favourite boots, why they opted for the helmet colours they use and what pre-match rituals they have. What makes a hurley special? How much gym work is required in-season? How long can you put the hurley down for in the off-season?

The Blackwater Motors Group brand ambassadors explain what it's like dealing with the fame and pressure that comes with playing for Cork. They talk about the other sports they most enjoy watching, and how they unwind away from the pitch, from music to the cinema, including Horgan's love of Coldplay and Kingston's trip to see Deadpool & Wolverine.

This special episode was brought to you by Blackwater Motors Group, made up of the Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands, at locations in Cork city, Skibbereen, Fermoy and Tralee. 

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

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On The Echo Sport Podcast this week, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony join Éamonn Murphy to preview the last round of Cork hurling matches, with places in the quarter and semi-finals up for grabs, as well as the relegation playoffs.

There's a review of the victories for the Imokilly hurlers and Muskerry footballers and Kanturk's impressive draw with Midleton.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barry O'Mahony and Denis Hurley join Éamonn Murphy to reflect on the weekend hurling action, which included a huge upset as Fr O'Neills beat the Barrs, a Blarney versus Courceys classic and some huge displays from the Watergrasshill, Na Piarsaigh, Bride Rovers and Erin's Own.

There was no shortage of contenders for our Hurler of the Week, from sharpshooters like Shane Barrett, Liam O'Shea, Ger Collins and Daniel Hogan to man-marker supreme Ger Millerick.

Plus we preview the Muskerry-Imokilly and Duhallow-Muskerry Premier Senior divisional finals.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barry O'Mahony and Denis Hurley join Éamonn Murphy to reflect on the weekend football action, which included a huge upset as Mallow beat the Barrs, a Cill na Martra versus Beál Áthan Ghaoirthaidh classic and some huge displays from the Haven, Kanturk and Knocknagree.

We pick our standout club football from the second round.

Plus a hurling preview about the matches you need to catch next weekend, including Ballinhassig versus Ballymartle, St Finbarr's against Fr O'Neills and Ballincollig-Éire Óg.

You can find us every week on Echoline.ie/podcast and all the major podcast platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.