The Echo Sport Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.