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…

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. Harnedy called time on a superb inter-county hurling career after 14 seasons at elite level where he collected four Munster titles, including one as captain, was selected for three All-Stars and featured in five All-Ireland finals. Cruelly, the 2014 drawn encounter with Clare was the closest the St Ita's club man came to ultimate glory, though he had a knack of delivering in all those big games. Declan Dalton is also leaving Ben O'Connor's squad, though just turning 29, he felt he had more to offer. Could he still return to the fold if he delivered for Fr O'Neill's next year? On the club front, there's analysis from a fascinating weekend of semi-finals where Clonakilty and Carrigaline were left with huge regrets after missing chances to pull off an upset to leave us with another showdown between Nemo Rangers and St…

There's a detailed analysis of a bumper slate of Cork GAA hurling semi-finals on this week's Echo Sport Podcast. The 10 finalists are now set, with the five deciders spread across the last two weekends in October, including a first Glen Rovers versus St Finbarr’s top-level county final in Cork for 38 years. The main event was the Glen’s 2-21 to 1-18 victory over top seeds Midleton. Micheál Mullins, primarily utilised as a midfielder or wing-back by Cork teams, pilfered two goals from his half-forward berth. The Glen could even afford to miss a late penalty, which Patrick Horgan rifled wide, with the Downey brothers powerful in defence. Rob was particularly influential at full-back, keeping a tight leash on Conor Lehane before the Midleton talisman was moved further out. Food for thought for Ben O'Connor and the Cork management. Having started the season with a very sluggish display against Midleton, St Finbarr’s are peaking at the right time after a gritty victory over newcomers Kanturk. Paudie Murray’s side…

The national spotlight was on Ireland's controversial clash with Israel but here on Leeside, the Cork GAA scene was in full swing. There was a packed programme of football games, with Nemo Rangers reminding us all of their pedigree by knocking out Castlehaven in front of a huge crowd in Clonakilty. The return of young gun Bryan Hayes was a major boost while Ross Corkery also shot the lights out. They now take on Carrigaline, the top seeds, as men on a mission after their series of heartbreaking county final losses. St Finbarr's only managed a single victory in the group stages but blitzed Carbery to the tune of four goals, their Brian Hayes now fully fit along with Ian Maguire to give them a platform on primary possession. They head into a fascinating semi-final with Clon, who showed their guts by coping with a half-time red card in their win over Newcestown. The future of divisions will be up for discussion again though as both Imokilly and Carbery failed to make their quarter-finals competitive. Is it time…

The Echo Podcast crew review the quarter-final and relegation playoff weekend in the Cork GAA club hurling championships. Once again, Kanturk were the talk of Leeside as they followed up their resounding victory over Blackrock by knocking out modern powerhouse Sars. The champions hadn't hit full tilt, having lost to Charleville in the group stages, but were still favourites but the Duhallow side's haul of four goals proved decisive. Brian O'Sullivan's reputation continues to grow given his clinical shooting while Kanturk had two different goalscorers, including Cork newcomer Alan Walsh. Charleville couldn't match their exploits against Glen Rovers, but the quad injury that meant Darragh Fitzgibbon wasn't fit to start was a major setback. Patrick Horgan and Simon Kennefick raised green flags and the Glen now take on top seeds Midleton, with Kanturk v St Finbarr's in the other semi. The Barrs are building momentum slowly though Imokilly, without Duds Healy and Jack Leahy, didn't have the tools to upset the…

The Echo Podcast crew break down the final weekend of Cork GAA club football action where Carrigaline, Castlehaven and Clon showed why they're the teams to beat at Premier Senior. Nemo Rangers had to dig deep to offset their injury list and avoid being knocked out by Valley Rovers while St Finbarr's were beaten by Mallow but dragged themselves to a quarter-final on scoring difference. Valleys were eliminated despite winning two group games and the Barrs, who will be hoping to get Ian Maguire and Brian Hayes back fit and firing, move on with one win. Such are the vagaries of the round-robin format. The major talking point was at Premier Intermediate, where a disputed score in the Fermoy-Ballinora draw will be examined by the Cork County Board. The suggestion is that a Ben Twomey shot from outside the arc before half-time wasn't recorded as a two-pointer. Had that been factored in, Fermoy would have won and made the quarter-finals at Ballinora's expense. Right now Ballinora are due to face Macroom but the…

What a weekend of club hurling! There's a cohort out there who feel the inter-county season is too short when the box-office action ends in July, but Cork GAA's brilliant programme of matches across five grades never fails to deliver. Kanturk were the story of the last phase of group games, blasting past Blackrock to eliminate the city side and grab top spot ahead of Glen Rovers. It was a magnificent team performance, from Darren Browne tagging Alan Connolly in defence to the power and ball-winning of Colin and Alan Walsh up top. Brian O'Sullivan, on the fringes of the Cork panel all year, was lethal from placed balls but also heavily involved from play. Midleton got held off Bride Rovers to grab top seeding and a semi-final berth but Sars remain the team to beat, their quarter-final with Kanturk will be epic. Injuries continue to cast a shadow though, with Darragh Fitzgibbon missing Charleville's loss to Newtown and unlikely to feature in the quarter-final with Glen Rovers. Brian Hayes and Jack Cahalane…

The big news on the Cork GAA front was the impending appointment of Cian O'Neill as the new hurling coach, following the departure of Ronan Curran as a selector. The vastly experienced Kildare native seems like a left-field selection, given he just departed the Kerry set-up and also worked with Mayo and Galway, as well as the Cork footballers under Ronan McCarthy. He did build his reputation on the hurling front with Liam Sheedy's Tipperary side that ended Kilkenny's five-in-a-row bid in 2010. More importantly, he had been operating as a trainer before then with Newtownshandrum when they last captured the Cork and Munster titles, which forged his connection with Ben O'Connor. The Echo Podcast crew discuss what we can expect from O'Neill, how he could influence the hurlers' style and whether there will be a new sports psychologist coming in to replace Gerry Hussey. Ben O'Connor no doubt learned an awful lot from a first season at the helm that started positively but ended on a low in Croke Park against…

After a frenetic weekend of Cork club hurling action, the big guns across the major grades, with the exception of last year's Senior A runners-up Castlelyons, remain in the mix for silverware. Glen Rovers came closest to an early exit with a Brian O'Sullivan-inspired Kanturk up by two points coming down the stretch in their blockbuster battle in Castleltownroche. Tomás Mulcahy's side held their nerve though, clipping over four scores without replay to save their season. St Finbarr's and Sars were far more dominant in their must-win matches, William Buckley again showing his accuracy with a haul of 0-7 from play for the Barrs against Bride while Daniel Kearney was restored to the starting 15 as Sars prevailed after an eight-goal thriller with Newtown. Castlelyons were eliminated by rivals Watergrasshill in the SAHC, paying the highest of prices for being beaten by a last-gasp goal in their opener with Blarney, who cruised through against Ballyhea. Carrigtwohill delivered one of the best displays of the…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew on moving weekend in Cork club GAA, the fallout from the second round of football games and what to expect next week on the hurling front. As expected leading contenders Nemo Rangers and St Finbarr's bounced back from their surprise defeats to put themselves in strong positions to qualify for the knockout stages. However, Newcestown, who beat Nemo previously, fell short against neighbours Valley Rovers to leave that group delicately balanced. It's the same in the toughest group at Premier Senior. Knocknagree got their first victory at that level against Ballincollig, who must now try and avoid a relegation playoff, while the Carbery derby between Castlehaven and Clonakilty ended up all square. It means wins for Knockagree and Clon next month would see the Haven eliminated. St Michael's, Mallow and the Collig are under pressure, having lost both their matches. There was an upset at Senior A when a last-gasp Ryan O'Keeffe free saw Newmarket take down Cill na Martra. Carbery Rangers…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break down a thrilling All-Ireland camogie final, look at the future of divisional teams after the latest championship withdrawal and pick the matches to catch in the second round of football group games. Cork captured the O'Duffy Cup for the 31st time after a gripping game in Croke Park against their fierce rivals Galway. Goals were the key, Saoirse McCarthy and Orlaith Cahalane burying two in the second half, but also the Rebels' second-half attitude when they pushed up the pitch more and tackled with far greater intensity to turn around a two-point deficit. Sorcha McCartan and Laura Hayes were also magnificent but this was a triumph for the collective as the young guns fired on the big stage. Cork lost five of the starting 15 from 2025 but newcomers like Isobel Sheehan, Meabh Murphy, Millie Condon and Ava Fitzgerald rose to the occasion. There was just one divisional/colleges match played as UCC had to give a walkover to Carbery, who now progess into the last seven of the…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break reflect on a cracking opening weekend of club hurling action that featured a host of Cork stars back in action for the first time since the disappointment of their All-Ireland semi-final loss to Galway. Mark Coleman certainly came up with a big moment for Blarney when he smashed home a free in the 64th minute for Blarney to beat Castlelyons by a point. Niall O'Leary marked Shane Barrett in a gripping game where former Cork defender Colm Spillane was immense. Darragh Fitzgibbon's powerful display at midfield for Charleville in their upset over champions and favourites Sarsfields was the standout game. Dominic Foley's side had pushed Sars hard in last year's quarter-final but they showed they're contenders now. Blackrock's come-from-behind victory over the Glen was also a sensational result, given they were reduced to 14 men when they trailed 0-11 to 0-6 in the first half. Alan Connolly clipped two points from play in added time to secure an unlikely win and he also sniped an…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break down the opening weekend of Cork GAA championship action where upsets for Carrigaline and Newcestown grabbed the headlines as last year's finalists St Finbarr's and Nemo were beaten. Carrigaline were mauled by the Barrs in the opening last season and despite trailing early in the second half last Friday night, they pushed on to a win that gives them a great chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Cork footballer Brian O'Driscoll contributed heavily but Éanna Desmond was the star turn to the tune of 0-9 from play. Newcestown, beaten after extra time by Nemo in last year's semi-final, made no mistake this time. Seamus O'Sullivan nabbed 0-7 while their best-known players Luke Meade and David Buckley were to the fore as always. There's still plenty of time for the city sides to get back on track and the other member of the Premier Senior 'big three', Castlehaven, got the job done against a youthful Ballincollig despite conceding three goals. Douglas were emphatic winners…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew head into club championship mode but first, there's a look at the All-Ireland hurling final. Limerick returned to the top of the pile in emphatic fashion, easily dismantling the Galway system of counter-attacking that derailed Cork in the semi. The Tribe's lack of nous and experience against Limerick's intensity and high press was telling. So how did Cork not keep their eyes on the sliotar to have another crack off the green machine? It's all about intensity, attitude and hurling to your strengths. The All-Ireland football final takes place next Sunday, where it's difficult to look past yet another Kerry victory over Mayo. However, the focus on Leeside will be on the club scene. It's the first round of the club football championships and we look at the teams to beat in each grade. St Finbarr's, so narrowly beaten by Dingle in the Munster final last winter, have to be favourites but they did endure a fairly indifferent league. The key for the holders is how fresh their inter-county…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew reflect on how the inter-county season panned out across both codes before we launch into a bumper three-and-a-half months of the best club action in the country. With just one All-Ireland final reached, even if it did see the minor footballers rally from nine points down to wrestle the Tommy Markham Cup from Tyrone in a stone-cold classic, the 2026 campaign has to be classed as a disappointment. Keith Ricken's U17 side were also the only Cork team to lift a Munster title, with the minor and U20 hurlers losing provincial semi-finals and the two senior teams falling to their great rivals Limerick and Kerry. It's no coincidence that those two counties are now in the All-Ireland final and firm favourites to return with the biggest prizes of them all. The most galling disappointment was the hurlers' heavy defeat to Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final. Here on the podcast, we were extremely wary of the Tribe threat, given their excellence in the Munster final and how fortunate Cork…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew go from the high of an epic All-Ireland minor final victory to the low of another Croke Park hurling collapse on the show this week as the inter-county season, from a Cork perspective, concludes. 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 where you get your podcasts. The minor footballers gave the whole county a badly needed lift with a sensational comeback on Sunday. Down by nine points early in the second half at Newbridge and being outplayed by a slick Ulster side who landed the title last season, they gritted their teeth and delivered the massive scores to get them over the line. A massive Cork crowd more than played its part as a three-point salvo from Joe Miskella and a goal by sub Alex O'Herlihy sparked the Rebel revival. Keeper Rory Twohig and wing-back Éanna…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew has a bumper show this week as the inter-county season builds to a gripping conclusion. 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 where you get your podcasts. The Cork footballers' campaign ended on a low note. Not just that they were beaten by Mayo in a game they were slight underdogs in but it represented a superb chance to make the All-Ireland semis for the first time in 14 years, but because they had the chances to deliver. They hit 14 wides to Mayo's seven, went in level at half-time having had a spell of real dominance in the first half, and coughed up three points because of technical frees. They were stronger on kick-outs, grabbing 14 of Mayo's 30 but just couldn't turn quality possession into a match-winning tally. A haul of just 0-18 won't win a match at the…

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…

Rebels flying high after Donegal win 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 Saturday’s incredible All-Ireland SFC win over Donegal, Denis Hurley is joined by Barry O’Mahony and John Horgan. Going in as outsiders in the round 2A clash in Ballybofey, Cork were given little chance of taking the direct route to the quarter-finals, especially when they trailed at half-time, but a flurry of two-pointers swung the game the way of John Cleary’s men. All things considered, Barry O’Mahony reckons that it was the county’s biggest football championship win since the 2010 All-Ireland, with the county board’s decision to sanction a flight to Derry vindicated. Cork now have the luxury of a gap until the quarter-finals at the end of June, with the round 3 fixtures this weekend set to eliminate four of Monaghan, Westmeath, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry,…

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 Sunday’s Munster SHC final, Denis Hurley is joined by Barry O’Mahony and John Horgan. They assess what might have gone differently, both from a Cork point of view and in terms of the officiating of the game, and what effect it might have. Cork had only one wide but fell short of their opponents in terms of shots taken while the panellists discuss whether or not the bench could have been used more. Referee James Owens’ performance came in for plenty of attention and John and Barry give their view as to how much of a factor that was, as well as acknowledging the brilliance of Limerick in bouncing back following last year’s penalty shootout loss to Cork. In the wake of that defeat, Limerick were then eliminated by Dublin and that is a pitfall Cork must avoid as the reset and refocus before…

It's the calm before the storm as The Echo Sport Podcast crew previews the Munster hurling final. If it's a case of familiarity breeding contempt, then we are in for a fiery battle by the Lee on Sunday as Cork and Limerick collide for the fifth time this season, going back to the preseason Munster Hurling League. The Treaty had the upper hand in the first three meetings while Cork snatched a narrow win in April when the absence of Aaron Gillane and the dismissal of Cian Lynch were major factors. This time, Cork have home advantage again but are without Ciarán Joyce and captain Darragh Fitzgibbon against a full-strength Limerick. On that basis, John Kiely's charges are favourites, even if Cork haven't lost a game in league or championship in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in two years. The Rebels have an excellent record against Limerick, with four championship wins across the last three seasons but Fitzgibbon was Man of the Match in three of those, which underlines what a loss he is. In contrast, Dan Morrissey…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew are in high spirits to discuss a memorable run of hurling and football games with the footballers roaring back to beat Meath, the minors lifting the Munster title and hurling wins at minor and senior level. Now in its fourth season, every week 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. Keith Ricken's minor footballers didn't get any help from the weather gods as they overcame driving rain and a Kerry side determined to show their heavy loss in the round-robin was a freak result. It wasn't always pretty but it was certainly gutsy for the young Rebels, who held on in extra time at rain-swept Páirc Uí Rinn. To cap it off, captain Joe Miskella delivered his speech as Gaeilge. Ar fheahas! The seniors also had to dig deep, albeit in sun-sorched conditions, in the opening round of the All-Ireland series, gaining a modicum of revenge for the league final…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew is back to discuss another bumper weekend of Cork GAA action. Now in its fourth season, every week 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. While neither of the senior teams were in action over the weekend, it didn't prevent the hurlers from hogging the headlines. The news that Darragh Fitzgibbon will miss the rest of the Munster series due to an operation is just the latest blow after injuries to Rob Downey and Ciarán Joyce and another hamstring issue for the luckless Robbie O'Flynn. Results over the weekend which saw Limerick beat Waterford and Clare put Tipp to the sword probably didn't lift the mood either, as it reinforced what a disaster the All-Ireland final loss last July was while keeping the Banner in the mix for the provincial silverware. If Cork are beaten by four points or more against Clare next Sunday and Limerick get the better of…

The Echo Sport Podcast crew is back to discuss another bumper weekend of Cork GAA action. Starting on the front foot, the hurlers got the job done away to Waterford, in a tough and tight battle down east. It makes it three wins on the bounce for the hurlers and given they were without defensive pillars Rob Downey and Ciarán Joyce, the victory in Walsh Park was hugely satisfying, even if it took all their grit and experience to prevail. The black cards had a huge bearing on the game and there's no doubt the Déise had every right to feel aggrieved. The first against Mark Fitzgerald on Brian Hayes was a marginal call though probably worked out well for them, given Alan Connolly's goal was ruled out for a penalty that he then missed. Plus Waterford scored Cork in the next 10 minutes. The decision against Jack Fagan also looked harsh, given there was a covering defender and the penalty, buried by Mark Coleman, opened up the four-point gap that stood at the final whistle. Cork though, could only worry about…

It's a bumper weekend ahead for Cork GAA and The Echo Sport Podcast crew discuss the key games against Waterford and Kerry. Now in its fourth season, every week 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. First up on Saturday evening, the hurlers travel to Walsh Park, where they were beaten two years ago, looking to seal their spot in the All-Ireland series with a game to spare. The loss of Ciarán Joyce and Rob Downey to injury destablises the defence and poses a few selection headaches for Ben O'Connor and his selectors. Do they rejig the team, bringing Tim O'Mahony to the half-back line and Darragh Fitzgibbon to midfield, given they have stronger forward options in reserve? Or do they look to the experience of Damien Cahalane and Ger Millerick to fill in? There's also Daire O'Leary and Micheál Mullins in reserve, who featured in the league, or Cormac O'Brien who started…

The Cork hurlers two from two to start the round robin series for the first time since its inception in 2018 and the footballers into a first Munster final in five years... a good weekend's work. The Echo Sport Podcast crew break down the action from Thurles and SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and access the state of play with time to take a breath before the action resumes after the May Bank Holiday. Now in its fourth season, every week 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. On the hurling front, Cork emptied the tank to pull off a victory against Limerick, who, despite losing Aaron Gillane to a training-ground injury and Cian Lynch to a second-half red card, came very close to winning on Leeside. For the hosts, it's now 11 games in league and championship without defeat since two years ago when going under to Clare left them on the brink. It's been an incredible run, as Man…

Cork hurlers were fully deserving winners in their Munster opener in Thurles. The Echo Podcast crew break down the big game and look ahead to round two against Limerick. After a tight first half on Sunday, they dominated the second period, scored more from play and had better balance up front than a Tipp side who didn't fire at all in comparison to the electric All-Ireland final efforts. For Cork, it doesn't atone for losing in Croke on any level really, but it puts them on the front foot for 2026, which is all that matters right now. Debutants Barry Walsh and William had 0-10 between them but the defensive solidity provided by the likes of Rob Downey, Niall O'Leary and Seán O'Donoghue, who have been heavily questioned in recent weeks, was just as important. Patrick Collins varied his puck-outs well and was another who is often doubted inside the county bounds. Of course, as Ben O'Connor pointed out afterwards at the weekend, there's no benefit in getting too excited about a single victory when you could…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

The Echo Podcast crew return just in time for the throw-in of the national hurling and football leagues. Cork footballers take on Cavan before the hurlers host Waterford in an attractive double-header in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where both teams need a winning start to the campaign. John Cleary's charges got a boost with a first competitive victory in Killarney since 1995 over Kerry, albeit in the McGrath Cup final, which won't be causing the old enemy to lose any sleep. Still, late points from Brian Hurley and Chris Óg Jones gave the Rebels the narrowest of victories in a game where the contentious new rules that lead to frees being advanced 50 metres worked in their favour. Cork have been in the lower leagues since 2016 and haven't really looked like returning, largely down to slow starts to the season. With four away games, they'll need to pick up points on home turf. Clearly and his management team are vastly experienced at this stage but the vibes are more positive at this stage than they were last…

The Echo Podcast crew wrap up on the Cork GAA season with a look back on the highs and lows of 2025. The focus is on club action, with the Reardens All-Star teams announced in ladies football, camogie, hurling and football. They break down the 15 picks in each code and reveal some of the players who were very lucky not to make the cut. The county champions, St Finbarr's, in camogie and football, Éire Óg in ladies football and Sarsfields in hurling, are understandably to the fore in the All-Star line-ups. A big effort was made to take in those who performed impressively without lifting silverware as well, even if their teams didn't get past the quarter-final stages or even ended up in relegation battles. As has been the case since the first Reardens All-Stars in 2012, there is a blend of marquee inter-county players and unsung club heroes in the teams. A weekend washout impacted the local matches and saw the Tom Creedon Cup final and U21 games postponed but the All-Ireland camogie final double bill in Croke…

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…

As we enter the home stretch of the Cork GAA season, the Echo Podcast crew look at the major action at club, schools and third level. There was Junior A joy for the hurlers of Kilshannig and the footballers of Kilmacabea. In a double-header at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the two clubs with that bit more experience got the job done and will move up to Premier Junior for 2026. There was an extra incentive for Kilshannig as they paid tribute to jockey and former player Michael O'Sullivan, who tragically lost his life following a racecourse fall. Wing-back Kieran Twomey was Man of the Match in the decider but it was a collective effort as they dominated a Ballinora outfit bidding to complete the double. Kilmac pushed for home in the last quarter of their clash with a youthful Donoughmore unit, turning their West Cork dominance into county glory after a series of disappointments in recent seasons. At Munster level, Kilbrittain are closing in on a trip to Croke Park after an emphatic Munster Junior Hurling final…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…