The 42 GAA Weekly
Declan Bogue, Fintan O’Toole and Ronan Early unpick the week’s biggest GAA stories to explore what they really say about the modern game.
Episodes
Time for VAR at Croke Park? All-Ireland semi-finals reaction
Fintan O'Toole and Paul Keane give their immediate reaction from Croke Park, after Kerry's narrow win over Dublin. The pair also look back at Mayo's emphatic victory over Louth, and Wicklow's incredible comeback against Down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fever pitch: Sold-out All-Ireland football semi-finals previewed
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to discuss the seismic clashes of Mayo-Louth and Dublin-Kerry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Agony and regret for Cork and Clare | Shefflin gets Kilkenny job
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to assess the two losing hurling semi-finalists. The victorious Galway and Limerick sides will be discussed in detail ahead of the All-Ireland final. For now we are looking at the Rebels and the Banner, who both seem to have reached the end of the road with their current teams, albeit in different moods and circumstance. For Cork it is yet
Limerick defeat Clare in thriller, Galway take big step, what next for Cork?
Fintan O'Toole and Declan Bogue reflect on All-Ireland hurling semi-final weekend at Croke Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Four to the floor: The big All-Ireland hurling semi-finals preview
Fintan O’Toole joins Ronan Early to look ahead to Cork-Galway and Clare-Limerick in Croke Park this weekend.From bookies paying out early, to fellas getting tattoos and pundits criticising their rivals - there is always a stick with which to beat the Cork hurlers. This week it comes in the form of Ringmahon Rangers and the FAI Cup fixtures impasse.The lads did not expect one of Cork city’s premier
Quarter-final drama: Dublin, Louth, Kerry and Mayo advance
Fintan O'Toole is joined by Paul Keane in Croke Park to look back on a brilliant and dramatic weekend of football action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘Sometimes the Championship can get a bit wild’ - All-Ireland quarter-finals preview
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to look ahead to a packed weekend of football, as the Championship is down to the last eight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More GAA+ aggro and the most exciting football weekend of the year
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to look ahead to a truly exciting round of knockout football.But first they talk about the promotional own-goal of putting the Kerry-Armagh clash on their streaming service instead of free-to-air TV. Why are the GAA hiding their jewels while interest in the World Cup booms? Or is there a counterargument, and does GAA+ really need the biggest games t
Cork-Limerick fallout | Can Galway topple the big two? | Football previews
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to debate the Munster final.Is the discussion over the final whistle contrived controversy. Did the stop-start game need a dramatic talking point at the end to elevate the spectacle?Why were Limerick so excited to win? What makes for a great hurling dynasty? To rack up All-Irelands do you need to be strong when others are weak? And with Cork now at
Limerick-Cork and Galway-Dublin provincial hurling finals review
Fintan O'Toole is joined by Paul Dollery of The Sun in Páirc Uí Chaoimh to reflect on Limerick edging out Cork in a tense Munster decider today, and Galway cruising past Dublin in last night's Leinster final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ger Brennan hits back, Derek Lyng leaves Kilkenny, Munster-Leinster final previews
Declan Bogue joins Fintan O'Toole to look at a week when GAA bosses have dominated the agenda.First Jarlath Burns had his say, then Ger Brennan hit back, as the controversy over managerial bans continues. What impact is this all having on Dublin's season?Derek Lyng has stepped down in Kilkenny, the lads reflect on his time in charge and wonder is Henry Shefflin set to take charge.And they look ahe
Is the GAA’s disciplinary system fit for purpose? | Why Davy did not work out at Antrim
Declan Bogue joins Ronan Early to discuss the fallout from the Kerry-Donegal clash.Jim McGuinness and David Clifford have avoided bans for their part in the fracas at Fitzgerald stadium, just months after Ger Brennan, the Dublin manager, received a 12-week ban for an offence not dissimilar to McGuinness’.Is the GAA disciplinary system - with its myriad committees and ruling bodies who administer j
Cork hammer Clare and Kilkenny are out - snap reaction
Fintan O'Toole is joined Syl O'Connor at Páirc Uí Chaoimh to run through the main talking points of Cork's big win against Clare and Kilkenny's early exit from the Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tipp's torrid 2026, Conlon masterclass and weekend preview
Fintan O'Toole joins Ronan Early to talk about the big hurling stories of the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Snap reaction: Tipp on the brink after emphatic Clare win
Fintan O'Toole is joined by Shane Brophy of the Nenagh Guardian to analyse Clare's 11-point win against Tipperary in Semple Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Win or bust for Tipp and Clare | How Monaghan punch above their weight
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early ahead of a decisive weekend in Munster, Ulster and Leinster. Tipperary and in particular Clare may have a route back to the All-Ireland series should they lose in Thurles on Saturday - but realistically neither will be in a healthy state following a defeat in Thurles. How have the All-Ireland champions of 2025 and 24 arrived at such a critical junct
David Clifford stars as Kerry defeat Cork in Munster final
Fintan O'Toole is joined by Paul Brennan of The Kerryman to reflect on Kerry's Munster Senior Football Championship final win over Cork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
RTÉ v GAA+ | Provincial finals undermined | Hurling previews
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early on a week when it dawned on the wider GAA public that provincial finals ain’t what they used to be. Round 2a and 2b of the All-Ireland series might have stolen a march on set-piece occasions that have stood for generations, but is that right?And who should show the plum ties from the latest new format? Do GAA+ now hold all the aces? If so, how does
It’s the summer of shocks (and shocking predictions)
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to look ahead to the weekend’s action and reflect on some of last weekend’s shocks.The lads are feeling humbled and fallible after getting a few of their big calls wrong last week, but like true inter-county stalwarts they are blocking out the outside noise and only taking feedback from within the group as they set out to make another bunch of predi
Munster hurling drama: Cork beat Limerick, Waterford draw with Tipperary
Fintan O'Toole and Denis Hurley of the Echo provide immediate reaction in the aftermath of a big day in the Munster Hurling Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The pressure builds: Tipp-Waterford, Cork-Limerick, Kilkenny-Wexford previews
Fintan O’Toole joins Ronan Early to look ahead to a huge weekend of Munster and Leinster championship hurling.Can Tipperary find the right level of energy and form to see off Waterford and avoid their All-Ireland defence being in tatters before the start of May? And what can Waterford do to improve their spread of scorers and record a valuable home win, to back up their positive performance in Enn
SNAP REACTION: Tipperary 1-22 Cork 0-29
Fintan O'Toole is joined by Shane Brophy of the Nenagh Guardian to reflect on a big win for Cork in Thurles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who will survive Munster? And six forwards who can define the Championship
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to preview the hurling Championship.What three teams can emerge from the Munster Championship, where the best laid plans go to die?And is there a surprise in Leinster, with Kilkenny coming back to the pack and Galway, Dublin and Wexford showing signs of progress.Also, we pick six forwards who can light up the spring and summer months to come. Hosted
Championship fever: Who wins Sam? And our favourite football moments from yesteryear
If you are stuck in a traffic jam behind a parked-up lorry, then this is the podcast for you.Declan Bogue, Fintan O’Toole and Ronan Early have maneuvered their way around the protests to the studio to record a 75-minute football Championship preview.The lads look back on their favourite championship moments from childhood, from going to All-Ireland finals without a ticket, to seeing Leitrim take t
League finals review: Limerick beat Cork, Clare hold off Dublin
Fintan O'Toole is joined by Denis Hurley in the Gaelic Grounds to run the rule over the hurling league finals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Limerick v Cork: The phoney war that could get feisty
Fintan O'Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to chat about the hurling league final between familiar foes which may get physical.Does Ben O'Connor need to make a statement before the championship with a big performance against Limerick?Have Limerick had the most successful league campaign in that they have a clear idea of their best team, whereas there are more questions for Cork, especially i
League finals review: Donegal-Kerry and Meath-Cork
Fintan O'Toole and Declan Bogue give their immediate thoughts from Croke Park after Donegal outclassed Kerry in the Division 1 National Football League final, and Meath got the better of Cork in the Division 2 decider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
David Clifford deep dive | Kerry-Donegal preview | Michael Lyster tribute
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early ahead of the league finals.But before the lads get into that, they are invited to defend the entire practice of watching sport. Is it a mug’s game? Are you better off playing at your own low level rather than cheering others on from the sidelines? Views are exchanged. One area of agreement is that watching David Clifford is never a waste of tim
Sunday 22 March, the best Gaelic football day of the year
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to look ahead to an action-packed weekend.Fintan argues that this will be the standout day of the intercounty football calendar. Ronan is skeptical - how can you get truly excited about a competition where a leading contender does not want to make the final.Nevertheless there is much to anticipate, including Galway and Dublin’s relegation shootout.I
Limerick power, Cork doubts, Galway resurgent and ‘unacceptable’ Kilkenny
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to review the hurling weekend.Declan explains why Cian Lynch should remain in midfield. Fintan ponders Cork’s options for full-back as the Munster championship countdown continues.The Rebels are off to Portugal now, where they may make progress on deciding their championship XV. But what happens on these training camps? Declan gives us the lowdown.G
Reaction: Limerick 3-19 Cork 0-20
Fintan O'Toole and Denis Hurley give their immediate analysis from the Gaelic Grounds as Limerick get the better of Cork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
‘This is the most selfish thing I'll ever do’ - Pádraig O’Hora interview
Pádraig O’Hora tells Declan Bogue about climbing Everest and joy and regrets with Mayo in a searingly honest conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Limerick v Cork: Will either take a backwards step?
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early ahead of a big league hurling weekend.Cork and Limerick hurlers can meet a maximum of six times in 2026. That’s a lot of familiarity to add to the already close relationship the counties have shared in recent seasons.The Rebels struggled to get close to John Kiely’s all conquering team for years, but since 2023 there has usually been little between
Is Kobe McDonald the most lamented AFL departure yet? Should GAA clubs be compensated?
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to chat about the Mayo prodigy’s debut and imminent move to Australia.Where does Kobe stand on the hype scale next to the likes of Eoin Kelly, Joe Canning and David Cliffird?What’s it like for teenagers to shoulder that level of expectation? And in McDonald’s case, how much is his talented and enigmatic father Kieran a factor in the wonder surroundi
Veterans who can’t quit | Two-point gamechangers | Piggery
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to explore what motivates players who manage to keep their intercounty careers going for almost 20 years.Also, the masters of two-point shooting and why there should be more of them.Plus, Kieran McGeeney thinks the contest for kickouts has descended into piggery. Should we be more worried if coaches, who will always seek control, like the new rules?
Interview: Wexford hurling coach Shane Keegan
Ronan Early is joined by Shane Keegan to discuss his role as the Wexford hurling coach under manager Keith Rossiter.The 42 listeners will be familiar with Shane from the Football Family podcast and How to Win at Dominos.Shane made his name as a soccer coach with Wexford Youths and has managed at Galway United and Cobh Ramblers.For the past couple of years he’s been the football and hurling manager
What’s behind Dublin’s fall? | More forthright Ben O’Connor talk
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to discuss two big personalities in two big jobs: Ger Brennan with the Dublin footballers and Ben O’Connor in Cork.Is O’Connor’s invigorating brand of straight-talking going to endure? Or will he look to curb it slightly so as not to antagonise the faceless power brokers of the game above in Dublin?Can Brennan keep his side in Division 1, win back L
Cork 0-29 Tipp 0-22: Post-match pod
Fintan O'Toole is joined by Denis Hurley from The Echo as the lads give their immediate reaction from Pairc Úi Chaoimh to Cork's League win over Tipp. Rebels boss Ben O'Connor was displeased with the red cards, one for either side. The conversation starts there . . . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cork v Tipp preview: Revenge, record crowds and potential red cards
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to consider whether revenge is ever worth it in the short or long term - and swiftly come to the conclusion that, yes, it is.But is a league game in February the right stage for acts of vengeance? Well, judging by a likely record crowd for the league, tens of thousands believe it will do, for now.Will we see a cracker between last year’s All-Ireland
Round 1 reflections, the Clifford rule, and new Dublin-Mayo era
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue look back on the first weekend of the National League campaign, before turning their attention to big upcoming battles between Donegal and Kerry, and Mayo and Dublin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
League preview: Ger Brennan's Dublin, Munster's hurling dominance and is the league important?
Ronan Early, Fintan O'Toole and Declan Bogue look ahead to the beginning of the GAA National Leagues this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
REACTION: Dingle and Ballygunner land All-Ireland titles
Fintan O'Toole and Declan Bogue provide immediate reaction to today's two All-Ireland club finals live from Croke Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The All-Ireland club finals preview pod
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to discuss whether there will be a Kerry clean sweep in football titles, or whether St Brigid’s can atone for final defeat in 2024.In hurling Ballygunner take on Loughrea, with the Munster superpower keen to add to their one All-Ireland in 2022, while the Galway champions come into the decider with a sense of grievance due to the suspension of midfi
Can Cullen Killen’s red card be overturned? And the best and worst of 2025
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue tell Ronan Early about their standout memories of 2025: best games, players, moments and also their biggest disappointments and hopes for next year. Fintan reviews Ballygunner’s win over St Martin’s. And the lads discuss the chances of a successful appeal for Loughrea’s Cullen Killen, who was red carded in the closing moments of his side’s decisive win over Sla
Willie Maher on his drive to grow hurling in every parish
Declan Bogue sits down with National Head of Hurling Willie Maher this week. The Tipperary man talks openly about the injury that prematurely ended his playing career, his enduring love of the game and his sense of mission to make sure as many people as possible have the chance to play it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The big call that led to elation and despair in Dingle-Barrs thriller
Fintan O’Toole joins Ronan Early to delve into the talking points of the weekend, the main one being the controversy over the conclusion of Dingle versus St Finbarr’s.The lads examine the letter of the law and how it was interpreted in those final frenetic moments in a thrilling Munster final in Thurles. Has there been a more stark example of the punishment exceeding the adjudged crime? Is the rul
Hurling needs a big game, and why football could do with more new rules
Fintan O’Toole joins Ronan Early to look ahead to the weekend’s big games: Ballyhale against St Martin’s, Athy v Ballyboden and the showdown of Dingle and St Finbarr’s.After a couple of hurling weekends which lacked shocks or pulsating contests, Fintan expects an improved spectacle in Croke Park as the Wexford champions try to derail Ballyhale. Awaiting the winners are Ballygunner, who gave an exh
Heavyweight club showdowns | 2026 inter-county season takes shape
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole preview Thursday’s draw for the 2026 provincial championships, and look ahead to the Munster hurling, Connacht football, and Ulster hurling club finals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is David Clifford cool enough to sell hoodies? | The GAA in boomtimes for soccer
Following David Clifford’s shimmy into the world of apparel, Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to discuss the big questions: Is Clifford cool enough to sell hoodies? If not, then which GAA players are?Is it ever acceptable to wear initialled club gear in non-club settings? Why do managers need to have their job title scrawled on their back? What would happen if they went rogue and w
Battle of the hurlers of the year, how Ballygunner do it, and when did Junior B hurling get so good?
County finals have yielded to the provincial championships as we move deeper into winter of the split season of 2025. Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue tell Ronan Early why this time of year continues to throw up interesting storylines and matches.The hurler of the year 2025 faces the hurler of the year 2024 as Éire Óg Ennis take on Loughmore-Castleiney in the Munster SHC semi-final. John McGrath an
Why are Gaelic footballers so attractive to AFL clubs? | How the All Stars are judged
The ‘Irish experiment’ began in the 1980s and continues to this day, with Kobe McDonald and Ben Murphy the latest promising young footballers to be recruited by AFL clubs.But what makes GAA athletes desirable to professional teams in a different sport? Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to consider the appeal for the Geelongs and Carltons and Brisbane Lions of this world.Plus, can GA
The GAA and amateurism: How long can the centre hold?
Declan Bogue joins Ronan Early to discuss whether the GAA’s amateur status can continue to endure a growing number of players at the top level who are not content with the status quo.For how long is it sustainable that managers are paid and players are not?But what GAA administrator wants to tackle this most delicate issue? As Declan says, nobody wants to be in that seat the day the music dies. Ho
Declan Hannon retires and Limerick’s changing of the guard
Declan and Fintan join Ronan to discuss the news that we’ll not see Limerick’s history-making captain in the green jersey again.The lads track Hannon’s career from an attacking teenage sensation to the centre back and brain of Limerick’s multiple All-Ireland winners. Why was this smiley and, at first glance, unassuming man the standout leader in this team full of big personalities?What happens now
Dual dilemma: From powerhouse clubs to those who don’t even try
The likes of Éire Og Ennis, Loughmore–Castleiney, Naas and Dunloy among many others are enjoying life on the GAA’s open dual carriageway, while countless rivals prefer to stay in their lane.Does being a dual club inhibit All-Ireland success? Or is ultimate success as many people participating in as many sports as possible?Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to debate everything dual a
Camogie final preview and will Pat Ryan stay on with Cork?
Sinead Farrell and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to look ahead to Sunday’s camogie finals at Croke Park. Can Cork succeed where they have failed previously in achieving a three-in-a-row? Can Galway gain revenge for 2024? And where will this game between the two undisputed strongest sides in the sport be won and lost? Also, was Camogie president Brian Molloy right in how he worded his call t
All-Ireland Ladies Final preview and Kerry-Donegal review
Emma Duffy and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to look ahead to the Meath-Dublin clash on Sunday, and also to try to pick a winner in the intermediate final between Tyrone and Laois and the junior decider featuring Antrim and Louth. Also, we discuss Kerry’s tour de force against Donegal and ponder what it means for both counties, and the direction of the game in the coming years as coaches see
REACTION: Kerry crowned All-Ireland winners
Declan Bogue and Fintan O'Toole provide their post-match thoughts LIVE from Croke Park after Kerry claimed their 39th Sam Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Clifford v Murphy, Jack v Jim, Kerry v Donegal: Who wins the green and gold final?
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to look ahead to an All-Ireland final full of promise and intrigue.The lads discuss the clash of the totems, David Clifford and Michael Murphy. Which one can shape the day to their will and how will both defences cope with the threat they possess?Can Kerry thwart Donegal’s hard running? Can the Ulster champions find a way to limit the supply to the
Tipperary overcome Cork to win the 2025 All-Ireland Hurling Championship
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue come to us from Croke Park, where they watched Tipperary being crowned the 2025 All-Ireland Senior Hurling champions.The lads try to make sense of how the Premier County turned a six-point halftime deficit into a 15-point victory, and how Cork managed to add just two points in the second period.Liam Cahill adds another championship to his collection of underage triu
Hurling's great rivalry reaches final destination: All-Ireland final preview
Fintan O'Toole joins Ronan Early ahead of Cork and Tipperary's All-Ireland final on Sunday.The lads chat about everything from what it was like to witness pitch invasion after pitch invasion from the wrong end of the ground in 1991, to seeing Cork claim the U21 title in 1997 but not being able to wait for the trophy presentation because your Tipp-supporting father was too vexed to hang around.On S
Donegal set up All-Ireland final clash with Kerry: Post-match reaction pod
Fintan O'Toole and Paul Keane break down both of the weekend's All-Ireland SFC semi-finals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The big All-Ireland semi-finals preview pod: Kerry v Tyrone, Meath v Donegal
Fintan O'Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to chat about the games in Croke Park on Saturday and Sunday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tipp through to All-Ireland final: Post-match reaction pod
Fintan O'Toole and Declan Bogue give their immediate reaction from Croke Park as Tipp beat Kilkenny to advance to the final. A thrilling semi-final, but there is controversy over the final score . . . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The frenzy and bite of hurling's 'festival weekend': Cork v Dublin, Tipp v Kilkenny previews
Declan Bogue and Fintan O'Toole tell Ronan Early why All-Ireland hurling semi-final weekend, introduced in 2018, has showcased the sport at its very best.What qualities from their defeat of Limerick will Dublin need to carry into their clash with Cork? How will the Rebels deal with being clear All-Ireland favourites? Has the four-week layoff been a help or could it leave them undercooked?The lads
Mayo 'relieve' McStay | Dublin v Tyrone & Kerry v Armagh previews
Fintan O'Toole and Declan Bogue look ahead to this weekend's All-Ireland football quarter-final action, the two-day Croke Park festival that for many people is the highlight of the summer's championship action.The lads also reflect on last night's breaking news from Mayo, as Kevin McStay and his management team were 'relieved' from their roles with the senior football team.If you’d like to sign up
Galway v Tipp: A rivalry rooted in thrillers | The appeasement of bandwagon fans
Tipperary-Galway conjures images of Joe Canning, Pádraig Maher and thrillers won by a single point. But how much of that is relevant to Saturday’s clash between the pair, who have been off the pace so far this decade?Also, Declan Bogue, Fintan O’Toole and Ronan Early discuss the nature of sometimes toxic relationships between supporters and players reluctant to venture out following a sub-par perf
D-Day in the Group of Death
Ciarán Kennedy, Declan Bogue and Fintan O'Toole look ahead to this weekend's two biggest Gaelic football encounters; Derry vs Dublin and Galway vs Armagh.The lads also debate whether the Munster Hurling Championship was for once underwhelming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Modern hurling dynasties | Armagh beat wasteful Dubs
On this week's episode of GAA Weekly, Ciarán, Declan, and Fintan discuss the dynastic hurling duo of Kilkenny and Limerick.With Limerick seeking their seventh consecutive Munster title, and Kilkenny looking to secure a sixth Leinster Championship, Declan and Fintan try to make sense of these dominant outfits.Can Limerick and Kilkenny get the jobs done for another year, or can Cork and Galway break
Troubled times for Mayo | The pain and joy of being a Waterford supporter
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to discuss the travails facing Mayo football - from headline-grabbing debt, to their manager Kevin McStay having to step back for health reasons and, on the field, the upcoming test of Tyrone coming off the back of defeat against Cavan.Also, rugby writer Ciarán Kennedy joins us to chat about his wonderful piece articulating the pain, but mainly joy,
Cork’s stinker, Mayo’s mire and Ciarán Kilkenny’s class
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early to chat about Limerick’s shock and awe and Cork’s no-show. The lads also discuss Tipp’s young guns, Waterford’s chances by the Lee and the de-facto Leinster semi-final between Galway and Dublin as well as Davy’s troubles in Antrim. Declan assesses the extent of Mayo’s woes and looks forward to Donegal versus Tyrone. Hosted on A
Cork v Limerick - the Sliding Doors rivalry that’s all drama
As red and green are primed to collide again, Fintan O’Toole, Declan Bogue and Ronan Early chart the small moments that have had big consequences in this duel over the past nine years.Limerick stole a march on the Rebels in 2017 and 2018 and reigned supreme until 2024, when Cork rose again.Can Limerick put the red genie back in the bottle? Can Cork drive home their advantage? We discuss another ho
Peak jeopardy for Clare and Tipp | McGeeney deep dive
The Munster hurling championship is all about peril, and we have a stark case of that on Saturday night when Clare and Tipperary face off in Ennis.A loss for either side will likely mean the end for their 2025 campaign - on May 10. As Jackie Tyrrell said, careers and seasons are on the line here.On today’s pod, Fintan O’Toole, Declan Bogue and Ronan Early get into the peril that faces both sets of
What drives John Kiely? | Croker concerts | Leinster breathes again
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to discuss whether the money from Croke Park activities such as concerts is indeed keeping the GAA financially viable, as stated by Jarlath Burns this week.To what extent should supersonic rock 'n' roll reunions take precedence over thoughts of moving All-Ireland finals into August?Also, who would be a county manager? We delve into the myriad demand
Cork v Tipperary: The GAA’s greatest rivalry . . . Or is it?
Fintan O’Toole and Declan Bogue join Ronan Early ahead of another fight-or-die weekend in the Munster championship. Fintan argues that the most storied fixture of Cork v Tipp lacks the vitality of some other head-to-heads. But this Sunday in the Páirc looks set to evoke the great days of a time-honoured duel. Declan meanwhile runs the numbers on the decline of crowds once you move away from t
How the Munster hurling championship became Irish sport’s greatest show
Declan Bogue and Fintan O’Toole join Ronan Early to explore the extraordinary growth in appeal of the Munster SHC. They discuss the format change and rivalries which have led to sellout crowds, huge TV audiences and a succession of thrilling contests. Who is primed to emerge from this fraught arena in 2025? And which proud, ambitious counties will be among the dreaded bottom two? Hosted
Can great survivor Stephen Cluxton adapt to rule changes which have blunted his game
Dublin face Wicklow on Sunday and it could be the first championship game since 2001 that a fit and available Stephen Cluxton is not selected for his county.Have age and rule changes caught up with him - or will this most diligent and obsessive player find a way to adapt and thrive in the championship of 2025?Also on today’s pod, are the Cork hurlers worth the hype, or could their manager Pat Ryan
Motivator, innovator, leader: What made Mick O’Dwyer great?
Ireland awoke this morning to the sad news of Mick O’Dwyer’s death. Few people, be it in sport or any other area of Irish life, have been as prominent and present, as discussed and celebrated, as O’Dwyer over the past half century.The 42 GAA Weekly relaunches today for the championship, and will broadcast free-to-air from now until the end of the hurling and football championships. Today our GAA j
