The 42 GAA Weekly

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 in defence?Or are Limerick more vulnerable as a result of opponents knowing what to expect?In the Division 1B final, Clare take on Dublin. Clare have wintered under the radar, are they ideally placed to take the championship by storm? And are Dublin something of an undervalued stock due to last season's All-Ireland semi-final. Are they now serious Leinster championship contenders?

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.

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 time. What makes the Fossa man such a prime Gaelic football specimen, from physical attribute to temperament and vision? And what can he go on to achieve in the second half of his inter-county career?How will Donegal seek to limit his influence in the league final? Why will Jim McGuinness’ men be keen to make a statement on Sunday?Cork and Meath are going up, the result of players buying in for a number of seasons. What motivated them to stay involved year after year when things were not going so well?Micheal Lyster’s broadcasting mastery and legacy are discussed. What made him so great? Why did audiences feel so at ease in his company over the decades?

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.In Division 2, Declan tries to get to the root of the apathy in Tyrone. Why have their supporters stopped showing up to their games?Has there ever been a promotion race like in Division 4, where two points separate the first seven teams?Also, will Galway’s hurlers beat Limerick? And why has the Munster SHC press launch gone up against Ireland v Czechia?

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.Galway’s tide continues to rise. What can this team achieve in 2026? And how worried should Kilkenny be following their heavy defeat in Salthill? Very, going by Derek Lyng’s post-game comments.Also, are Clare building nicely in 1B or could they be undercooked for Munster?Has Wexford’s league campaign been a qualified success so far, and how will Kildare do against them in two upcoming meetings?A bit of football chat is in the mix too, will we get a Kobe-Clifford shootout, and who wins the Dublin-Armagh relegation four-pointer?

Fintan O'Toole and Denis Hurley give their immediate analysis from the Gaelic Grounds as Limerick get the better of Cork.

Pádraig O’Hora tells Declan Bogue about climbing Everest and joy and regrets with Mayo in a searingly honest conversation.

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 these sides - with many of their games bestowed with instant classic status.But how desperately will either want to win on Saturday night in the Gaelic Grounds? Future meetings between the teams, some real, some possible, all more important, are stacking up: league final, Munster Championship tie, Munster final, All Ireland series.If either of these sides are to win the Liam MacCarthy in 2026 then they’ll have to go through the other, more than once. It’s not proved easy in the past.Also, are Galway building serious momentum as Micheál O’Donoghue’s second reign begins to take shape? Can they upset Kilkenny in Leinster this year? Saturday’s league game might give us an idea.And at the other end of the hurling pyramid, Fermanagh are struggling in Division 3. Declan outlines how difficult it has been for them to get to the next level following their Lory Meagher Cup triumph in 2024.