The Echo Sport Podcast

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.

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.

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

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

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 

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.

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

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