The Echo Sport Podcast

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.

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 NewcestownNow 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.