Show Notes
The Echo Sport Podcast crew is back to discuss another bumper weekend of Cork GAA action. Now in its fourth season, the podcast sees the Echo team discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. In the wake of the Cork hurlers reaching the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals for the third straight year and the minor football team producing another fine display to get to an All-Ireland final, Denis Hurley is joined by Barry O’Mahony and Rory Noonan. As Rory and Barry pointed out, Cork were caught between a rock and a hard place in terms of their All-Ireland quarter-final against Offaly – a big win would not necessarily give much insight whereas a tight battle would have raised plenty of questions. In the event, Cork got the job done in a professional fashion, scoring six goals as they won by 26 points, and a semi-final with Galway looms as Ben O’Connor’s side aim to reach a third straight All-Ireland final – something Cork last did during the manager’s own playing days, 2004-06. Four changes to the starting team meant a chance for players to stake their claims and Rory and Barry assess how they fared while also discussing the use of the Cork bench. Cork’s win, and that of Clare against Limerick, mean that the All-Ireland semi-finals will once again feature three Munster teams – while the state of hurling is part of a wider discussion, the dominance of southern sides is something worthy of consideration. For now though, the Cork journey continues while the last-four tie against the Leinster champions on Saturday, July 4 is again set to be close to a sell-out: at a time when it is so expensive to bring a family to a match, the dedication of the Cork support again comes in for praise from the panel. The Rebel supporters will be on the road again this weekend, with Mayo the opponents for the Cork football team in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park. Barry O’Mahony believes that it is as good a draw as Cork could have hoped for, with the westerners not the force they were when they were regularly reaching All-Ireland finals. Both he and Rory expect a tough battle but with Cork given a great chance to reach the semi-finals for what would be the first time since 2012. The big-ball code is on a roll on Leeside, with Keith Ricken’s side through to the All-Ireland final following a great win over Derry. Barry O’Mahony feels that the strength of the collective unit has come to the fore, with Rory Noonan singling out Ricken’s man-management skills and ability to develop young players. You can listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Echo Sport Podcast
The Echo Sport Podcast crew breaks down the Premier Senior and Premier Intermediate Hurling finals on this week's show, as well as previewing a busy Bank Holiday weekend as the Cork GAA season hits its thrilling conclusion. The big prizes on Sunday afternoon went to Glen Rovers and Ballincollig. Neither game fully caught fire but the Glen won't care after edging the first county final against the Barrs in 38 years thanks to a pair of Eoin O'Leary goals and a steady showing overall. O'Leary's haul of 2-2 took him to 5-13 for the season and surely on the radar of the Cork selectors. The Glen were just that bit better balanced than the Barrs, who did have a late shout for a penalty to force a draw, and it was a sweet victory after being relegated in 2023. It also atoned for county final losses in 2018, '19 and '20. Barrs were 0-12 to 0-10 up at the break having finished the first half well but O'Leary's opening goal turned the tide. Patrick Horgan finished with 0-3 from play but so too did midfielder Rhys Dunne. Ethan Twomey clipped a staggering 0-5 from play in the second half for the Barrs but it wasn't enough. Ballincollig were a point down at half-time against Dungourney after a slow start but took control in the second half to make up for losing the PIHC final 12 months ago to Ballinhassig. Adam Wills rifled the goal, his brother Stephen Willis picked up Man of the Match for his clinical shooting from play while Theo Morgan and Cian O'Driscoll nailed 0-3 apiece. In defence, James Dwyer, Ross O'Donovan, Barry Coleman and Fenton Denny were also immense. It's a blend of hurling and football next weekend, with the Premier Junior Hurling final on Friday night pairing St Catherine's and Kilshannig. On Sunday afternoon, there's a football double-header, Cobh versus Canovee at Premier Junior, followed by champions St Finbarr's against great rivals Nemo Rangers in a repeat of last year's Premier Senior decider. Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is 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 on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on their analysis including The Replay, the new highlights show anchored by Seanie McGrath, Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Echo Sport Podcast crew reflect on the career of a genuine Leeside legend, Seamus Harnedy, and look at the few faces set to feature for the Cork hurlers in 2027 on this week's episode.
There's a detailed analysis of a bumper slate of Cork GAA hurling semi-finals on this week's Echo Sport Podcast.
The national spotlight was on Ireland's controversial clash with Israel but here on Leeside, the Cork GAA scene was in full swing.
The Echo Podcast crew review the quarter-final and relegation playoff weekend in the Cork GAA club hurling championships.