The Echo Sport Podcast

The Echo Podcast crew discuss the main issues impacting Cork GAA fans after a packed weekend of action for December, which included three Munster finals, two schools finals in the Páirc and a pair of U21 hurling semis.The major talking point was St Finbarr's loss to Dingle at Semple Stadium where a very harsh call by the ref saw a decision on a free go against Ian Maguire and then the ball advanced by 50 metres because Dylan Quinn picked it up as the whistle sounded.The result was a monster two-point free as time elapsed to see the Barrs beaten the minimum.While Brian Roche's side know they should have been more clinical in the last quarter, as they only scored one point after the 40th minute, they were still aggrieved with how the game was decided. It won't be any consolation for them but it was one of the most enthralling Munster club football finals of all time, lit up by an incredible 16-point haul from Steven Sherlock.In the other provincial finals, Buttevant and Aghabullogue were well beaten by their Kerry opponents, confirming the Kingdom's utter dominance of the intermediate and junior grades.Clonakilty Community School produced an excellent display on Friday night to defeat Coláiste Choilm and capture their first Simcox Cup while Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG retained the Dr O'Callaghan Cup after a belter with Christians. A brilliant decision by the Cork County Board to stage the games on the big stage in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.Midleton and Shandrum will contest the U21 A hurling final after their victories on the 4G and while the Magpies will be favourites.For hurling fans, the spotlight this week was on the new senior management after coach Niall O'Halloran departed Ben O'Connor's set-up in preseason. Cork are training extremely hard since their return but it was very unusual to see a chance in the backroom at this stage.There's also a preview of the All-Ireland camogie club finals coming up at Croke Park, with St Finbarr's and Ballincollig in their first national finals on Jones Road.Now in its third 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 Echo Podcast crew review the Cork GAA action and look at the major issues impacting clubs and supporters.All three Cork football clubs got the job done in their Munster semi-final, with Buttevant, Aghabullogue and St Finbarr's meeting Kerry opposition next month.The Leeside winners lived up to their billing as favourites, though Aghabullogue, perhaps understandably, a week after a hurling county final, needed to dig deep in the last quarter of their game.Once again, Matthew Bradley was in deadly scoring form, even though he'd been in soccer action 24 hours earlier.Now they'll take on An Ghaeltacht for Munster silverware. A daunting prospect with Cork powerhouse Aidan Walsh a serious addition for the Kerry kingpins.Brian Hayes grabbed a headline-worthy hat-trick for the Barrs in their semi-final. There's huge depth in the Togher squad, with a host of strong bench options, and they'll need those if they are to defeat Dingle in what will be a cracking Munster showdown.Buttevant will take on Ballymacelligott in the junior final and with an eye for goal and the ability to range orange flags will be confident of lifting the trophy.They also look at the major talking points in Cork GAA, including the new rules regarding amalgamations between clubs at underage level.Ibane Gaels fell just short against a powerful Douglas team, spearheaded by Sean Coakley, in the U21 A football final at the weekend.The combination of Barryroe and Argideen Rangers has been very successful in recent years, competing in the top tiers at minor in both codes, but the Cork County Board have stricter rules now in place.The aim is to encourage clubs to field separate teams in lower grades to protect their identity but is it the right move given rural depopulation?Ballinora continue their double bid after making the Junior A hurling final and Donoughmore and Kilmacabea are into the JAFC decider.There are still five game left in the U21 A Hurling grade, with Midleton and the Collig retaining their divisional crowns over the weekend.Now in its third 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.

We're deep into November and despite the biblical rain, but a host of huge games still took place on the Cork GAA front.Ballinora secured their first Intermediate Football title after an absolutely epic showdown with Ilen Rovers. They couldn't be separated in their first meeting and it took extra time in the rematch, Kevin Werner's goal eventually deciding a pulsating battle where Ilen rallied from eight points down.Soaring two-pointers and brilliant goals mean the IAFC final was a showcase for the best of the new rules.Ballinora are still in with a shout for a double, with Kilshannig in the Junior A final after Éanna Hanlon's goal saw off Newmarket, while the Muskerry champions meet Cobh next weekend.Aghabullogue secured their second double in three seasons, a staggering achievement, when Matthew Bradley landed another county final winner, this time after an IAHC classic with Bandon. The West Cork side were underdogs but came very close to pulling off an upset, powered by former Cork hurler Michael Cahalane.In Munster action, Sarsfields failed to fire in their loss to Ballygunner. The Waterford side were in ruthless form and despite a wonder goal from Daniel Hogan, Sars never look like coming away from Walsh Park with a win. Cork's wait for a first All-Ireland club winner at senior level since Newtownshandrum in 2004 goes on.At intermediate, Ballinhassig couldn't replicate their brilliance from the PIHC when going down to Tipp's Upperchurch Drombane. The Tipp team grabbed two goals while keeping a clean sheet, which was critical.The one bright spark for Cork hurling was Kilbrittain's victory over Knockaderry in the junior semi-final. Luke Griffin's goal and Mark Hickey's haul of 0-12 kept the favourites in control. Next up are Waterford’s Kilrossanty in the provincial decider.The Echo Podcast crew also preview the weekend action, including the U21 football decider where Douglas will face Ibane Gaels, who are contesting their first final at that level, a reflection of the great underage work going on in Barryroe and Argideen Rangers.Now in its third 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 All-Stars were dished out on Friday night with Darragh Fitzgibbon earning his third, and Brian Hayes, Ciarán Joyce and Seán O'Donoghue their first each.That haul was a fair reflection of how the season panned out for the Rebels, the league and Munster titles secured but Liam MacCarthy wrestled from their grasp at Croke Park by Tipp.It could have been very different if Cork had landed the big prize, Mark Coleman, Patrick Collins, Alan Connolly and Tim O'Mahony all looked set to be honoured until that second half.The Echo Podcast crew look at how Cork have fared at the awards in recent years and which hurlers have picked up the most All-Stars overall, with John Fenton, Jimmy Barry Murphy and Tony O'Sullivan leading the way on five each.The new hurling management is headed up by Ben O'Connor, who collected two All-Stars, and Ronan Curran, who has three.Also on this week's podcast, there's a review of the weekend action, which included Munster football victories for Aghabullogue and Buttevant, junior quarter-final wins for the Ballinora hurlers and Charleville footballers, and an U21 semi-final success for Douglas.Aghabullogue and Buttevant laid down impressive markers but the Mid Cork side have a hurling final with Bandon to negotiate next Sunday before they turn their focus back to the big ball.Premier Senior champions St Finbarr's are in Munster action next weekend, facing a tough trip to Clonmel Commercials, while it doesn't get harder for Sars than an away game against Ballygunner, who are on a revenge mission.Kilbrittain and Ballinhassig fly the Cork hurling flag and, after a decent break since their county final successes, they should be in a strong position to deliver in the province.All the games are previewed, as well as the Intermediate A Football final replay between Ilen Rovers and Ballinora.The Junior A Championships are down to the last four. Nemo's third team meet Donoughmore and it's Charleville against Kilmacabea in football and on the hurling front, Cobh take on Ballinora while Kilshanning face Newmarket.Now in its third 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 clocks have gone back and the countdown to Christmas has begun but the big games keep coming on the Cork club scene.The Echo Podcast crew reflect in this week's episode on the Premier Intermediate and Intermediate A Football finals and the Senior A Hurling decider, along with the divisional and U21 action.All the marquee matches ended in a welter of excitment, with Ballinora grabbing a draw against Ilen Rovers when Neil Lordan held his nerve to bomb over a two-point free. While Ballinora were hugely relieved to force a replay, they had some standout performers, including former All-Ireland winning Cork U20 hurler Shane Kingson who was named as Man of the Match after kicking 0-4 from defence.Ilen, led by Dermot Hegarty at midfield, raised two green flags and appeared to be heading to glory coming down the stretch in their first adult county since 2008. Instead they'll meet again in two weeks.Agabullogue and Uibh Laoire looked to be heading to a rematch as well in the PIFC final until Matthew Bradley landed the late winner. The Mid Cork side atoned for their loss last season and have a busy few weeks ahead with a Munster campaign and the delayed Intermediate A Hurling clash with Bandon. They're now favourites for a second double in three seasons.After a dour draw, Bride Rovers and Castlelyons served up a classic in the Senior A Hurling final, only decided in additional time when David Barry's point capped off a run of 1-3 without replay for Bride. There no shortage of excellent individual displays and a fascinating duel between Cork hurlers Brian Roche and Niall O'Leary but Cillian Tobin offered a reminder of his underage pedigree in Rebel red with a magnificent showing from centre-back.At divisional level, Donoughmore lifted the Mid Cork crown for the first time since 2011 after a late burst of 2-2 to deny Aghinagh, young gun Seán O'Hanlon grabbing both goals.There was county action at U21 and Junior A, with Douglas' U21 footballers beating Ballincollig and Ibane Gaels surviving a penalty shootout to defeat Kinsale. Nemo's third team and Kilmacbea are into the JAFC semis alongside Donoughmore, while the hurlers of Cobh, Newmarket and Kilshanning are also through to the last four. Now in its third 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.You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Another bumper weekend of action saw football silverware handed out at Premier Senior, Senior A and Premier Junior level though the Senior A hurling decider will have to be replayed and the Echo Podcast crew reviews the action.Buttevant ended 99 years of hurt to collect an adult county title with a terrific display that left underdogs St Nicks too much to do in the Premier Junior final. The Avondhu outfit had been favourites for glory before a ball was thrown in but it was still admirable how slick they were in the Páirc.Their ability to nail two-pointers, clipping four, was a crucial difference while Conor Hanlon and Mark Lenahan nailed the big scores and former All-Ireland winning Cork minor Michael O'Neill grabbed the goal.Knocknagree completed their remarkable rise from Junior A in 2017 to the top tier as their blistering start left Cill na Martra with too much to do. Defeat in two previous Senior A deciders no doubt had John Fintan Daly's charges tuned in from the off.In the marquee match on Sunday afternoon, St Finbarr's recovered from the concession of a first-half goal to end their county final hoodoo against Nemo, with Brian Hayes' green flag vital to their cause. Hayes offered another reminder of what a loss he is to Cork football by collecting Man of the Match.The finish was nail-biting. Conor Horgan landed a boomer to level, sub Cillian Meyers Murray clipped the lead score and only the post denied Horgan, condemning Nemo to a third defeat in a row when it looked like a replay was on the cards.In the SAHC final, Bride Rovers and Castlelyons will meet again next Saturday night after a tense 0-14 apiece stalemate.Also on the hurling front, Ben O'Connor and his management team have been reshaping their training panel, with the likes of Luke Meade and Conor Lehane, who is injured anyway, making way for some fresh blood in Jack Leahy, Daire O'Leary, Hugh O'Connor, Brian O'Sullivan and more..The Echo Podcast crew also look at how the action is progressing at divisional level.There's a bit to run in terms of county finals as well, with another busy schedule of games coming up as we head into November.Now in its third 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.You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

Three trophies were handed out on Leeside over the weekend while torrential rain forced the postponement of the Intermediate A and Senior A deciders.Kilbrittain got the sliotar rolling with a gritty win over Glen Rovers, whose second team represented the club superbly in the Premier Junior decider.Just a point separated the sides at full-time, with Kilbrittain lifting the cup on the same day Oisín Gillain would have turned 19. The gifted youngster died tragically and his team-mates honoured him in fitting fashion under Friday night lights.Mark Hickey was picked as Man of the Match with Ronan Crowley and Philip Wall also nailing big scores.Saturday's double-header was put back at short notice due to the orange weather warning but Sunday's two games went ahead.Ballinhassig were outstanding in the Premier Intermediate final against a Ballincollig team that came in with huge momentum after winning four games on the bounce. Hassig took over midway through the second half when the sides were level at 0-16 apiece, ramming in two goals and finishing six points in front, the same margin they defeated Collig by in the opening round.Patrick Collins' nous in goal, Ger Collins' deadly free-taking, the poise of Darragh O'Sullivan and impact of second-half sub Evan Cullinane were critical factors. Ballincollig were allowed hit full stride though Brian Keating landed some sensational points from play.John O'Sullivan's side will be strong contenders for Munster success now, especially if they can get their injured hurlers fully firing.Senior Munster champions Sars lived up to their billing as favourites against Midleton in what was a disappointing Premier Senior final. The loss of Conor Lehane and Eoin Moloney to injury was too much for the Magpies to bear, with James Sweeney raising two white flags and Jack O'Connor selected as Man of the Match.Incredibly, Sars veterans Craig Leahy, Daniel and William Kearney and Conor O'Sullivan captured the Seán Óg Murphy Cup for the sixth time since their breakthrough in 2008. The aim now for Johnny Crowley and Diarmuid O'Sullivan's charges is to return to the All-Ireland stage in January, having lost last season's final.The Echo Podcast crew also break down the action at divisional level, with a number of Junior A finals across the weekend.They preview the five county finals next weekend, a mix of hurling and football, headlined by a classic St Finbarr's v Nemo Rangers showdown on Sunday.Now in its third 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.You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

All five Cork county football finals are set after a largely brilliant weekend of club action on Leeside, as the Echo Sport Podcast reviews the games.  Newcestown came close to pulling out a massive upset against Nemo when they charged into a seven-point lead midway through the second half, only to fall short by the minimum after extra time. David Buckley's ability to raise orange flags and a magnificent showing from Cork hurler Luke Meade lit up Páirc Uí Chaoimh but Mark Cronin continued his excellent form for the Trabeg side, who grabbed two crucial goals.  St Finbarr's overcame a slow start against Ballincollig with Steven Sherlock (who else?) guiding them back to the main event. The Barrs, whose camogie team retained their county over the weekend, are capable of more but know how difficult Nemo are to beat in finals.  Knocknagree and Cill na Martra both excelled in the Senior A semis and the potency of their forward units suggests their showdown in two weeks will be a belter.  At Premier Intermediate level, it'll be Aghabullogue, last year's runners-up, against Uibh Laoire in a Mid Cork derby. New Cork U20 football manager Ray Keane has Aghabullogue, in the hunt for a double, producing some superb stuff.  Uibh Laoire, coached by Niall Allen, are ripping it up as well, with Chris Óg Jones as the spearhead of their exciting attack.  Ballinora, under the guidance of former Cork keeper Ken O'Halloran, are the surprise finalists at Intermediate A, though they are drawing from their U21 crop that lifted divisional silverware last spring. They can call on Cork senior Neil Lordan but have a very balanced team.  Ilen Rovers made their first county final since they lost to Nemo at the top grade 17 years ago when they squeezed out Adrigole after extra time. Dan Mac Eoin boomed over a pair of two-pointers to rescue them when four down in normal time.  At Premier Junior, brilliant Buttevant outgunned Canovee and will now be hot favourites against fearless St Nick's, who rallied to edge out Cobh.  The Echo Podcast crew also preview the five county hurling finals this weekend, which have been overshadowed by injuries to some marquee players including Conor Lehane.  They discuss the success of Éire Óg in ladies football and St Finbarr's in camogie, with three Cahalane sisters winning two counties in 24 hours.  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.