Ladies Gaelic Football on FinalWhistle

FinalWhistle

Ladies Gaelic Football on FinalWhistle is your go-to weekly podcast for all things LGFA, from Senior showdowns to Junior journeys and everything in between. Join host Diarmuid Kearney as he’s joined by two of the game’s brightest and most insightful voices, Fermanagh’s 2024 Junior champion and AFLW (Carlton & Essendon) alum Joanne Doonan, and All-Ireland winning player and manager with Antrim Emma Kelly. Each week, Joanne and Emma bring their first-hand experience so whether you’re following the Lidl National League's, Provincial Championships, Senior championship drama, rooting for your county in the Intermediate, or want the inside track on Junior surprises, you’ll find it here, with plenty of laughs, honest opinions, and the latest updates. Tune in every week for stories, analysis, and a bit of craic from some of the best voices in the game.

  1. Aug 5

    Season Finale, Three Finals, Three Champions

    Episode 27 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on an unforgettable weekend of TG4 All-Ireland Finals, as the Junior, Intermediate and Senior deciders delivered drama, emotion and three deserving champions. It also brings the curtain down on Season 2 of the podcast. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined by Emma Kelly, while Joanne Doonan misses the season finale after heading on holiday following the Intermediate Final. Together, Diarmuid and Emma break down the biggest talking points from a memorable day at Croke Park. The episode begins with the Junior Final, where Antrim edged past Carlow in dramatic fashion to reclaim the West County Hotel Cup. The panel analyses the key moments from a thrilling contest before hearing from match-winner Maria O'Neill, Player of the Match Lara Dahunsi, and captain Bronagh Devlin as they reflect on a famous victory. Attention then turns to the Intermediate Final, where Roscommon completed a remarkable championship journey by defeating Fermanagh to end a 21-year wait for All-Ireland success. Diarmuid and Emma discuss how belief and momentum transformed the Rossies' season, before hearing from captain Helena Cummins, Laura Mannion, and two goal hero Aisling Feely. Finally, the podcast reflects on the Senior Final, where Galway defeated Kerry in more dramatic fashion to claim the Brendan Martin Cup for the first time in 22 years. The panel unpacks the defining moments of a dramatic finale before hearing from captain Kate Geraghty, Hannah Noone, Bronagh Quinn, and Louise Ward as they celebrate a historic triumph. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as another unforgettable championship season comes to a close. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.

  2. Jul 31

    Ladies Football TG4 Senior All-Ireland Final Preview: Repeat Or Redemption

    Episode 26 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle is the third and final special episode dedicated to the TG4 All-Ireland Finals, with the spotlight firmly on the Senior Championship decider between Kerry and Galway, throwing in at 4:15pm in Croke Park. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined by Emma Kelly, an All-Ireland Junior winner as both a player with Antrim in 2012 and manager in 2022, alongside Joanne Doonan, a three-time All-Ireland Junior winner with Fermanagh. Together, the trio break down the key storylines, tactical battles and players to watch ahead of the biggest occasion in the LGFA calendar. It is a repeat of the 2024 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Final, when Kerry ended a 31 year wait for Brendan Martin Cup glory. This time, the Kingdom are chasing a 13th All Ireland title to extend their record as the competition's most successful county, while Galway are determined to end a wait stretching back to 2004 and claim only the second senior crown in their history. Both counties arrive at Croke Park unbeaten in this year's All-Ireland series, setting the stage for another compelling contest. Kerry's experience of getting over that line meets a Galway side that has been one of the championship's standout performers, with both teams evolving significantly since the decider two years ago. The episode also features interviews with players from both camps. Kerry defender Aishling O'Connell looks ahead to her fourth All-Ireland final in five seasons, while Olivia Divilly discusses Galway's determination to finally get over the line after recent heartbreak. The panel also hears from another Kerry defender in Aoife Dillane, who has established herself as one of Kerry's key defenders since that 2024 championship campaign, and Shíofra Ní Scanláin, who watched the 2024 final from the stands and now prepares for her own first appearance in an All-Ireland decider. Finally, the podcast hears from both captains as Síofra O'Shea looks to lead Kerry after injury denied her the opportunity to captain the side in the 2023 final against Dublin, while Kate Geraghty hopes to become the first Galway captain since Annette Clarke in 2004 to lift the Brendan Martin Cup. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as the championship season reaches its climax. Full fixtures, results and tables are available throughout the campaign on FinalWhistle.ie. Reaction, match reports and analysis from Sunday's finals will also be available across FinalWhistle's social media platforms. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.

  3. Jul 30

    Ladies Football TG4 Intermediate All-Ireland Final Preview: A 21-Year Wait Or A First Ever Title

    Episode 25 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle is the second of three special episodes dedicated to the TG4 All-Ireland Finals, with the spotlight firmly on the Intermediate Championship decider between Fermanagh and Roscommon, throwing in at 1:45pm in Croke Park. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined by Emma Kelly, an All-Ireland Junior winner as both a player with Antrim in 2012 and manager in 2022, alongside Joanne Doonan, a three time All-Ireland Junior winner with Fermanagh, who is aiming to add an Intermediate title to her collection this weekend. Together, the trio break down the key storylines, tactical battles and players to watch ahead of one of the biggest occasions in the LGFA calendar. Sunday's final pits the 2009 and 2014 finalists Fermanagh against 2005 champions Roscommon in a battle for the Mary Quinn Memorial Cup. Fermanagh are chasing their first ever Intermediate crown, while Roscommon are bidding to win the title for only the second time and end a 21 year wait for All-Ireland Intermediate success. The panel explores the contrasting journeys of the two finalists. Fermanagh arrive with a battle hardened squad rich in championship experience, while Roscommon's return to Croke Park marks the culmination of years of near misses. Since lifting the title in 2005, the Rossies have fallen at the semi-final stage on numerous occasions before finally breaking through this season to earn another shot at Intermediate glory. The episode also features interviews with players from both camps. Sinead Barrett and Niamh Feeney reflect on watching previous finals from the stands before earning the opportunity to play at Croke Park themselves. Former captains Courteney Breen and Laura Mannion also discuss their respective journeys to get here and the experience they hope to bring to Sunday's decider. Finally, the podcast hears from both captains as Shannan McQuade looks to lead Fermanagh to Intermediate glory after captaining the county to Junior honours in 2024, while Helena Cummins hopes to inspire the Rossies to their first Intermediate title since 2005. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as the championship season reaches its climax. Full fixtures, results and tables are available throughout the campaign on FinalWhistle.ie. Reaction, match reports and analysis from Sunday's finals will also be available across FinalWhistle's social media platforms. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.

  4. Jul 29

    Ladies Football TG4 Junior All-Ireland Final Preview: Newcomers Meet Veterans

    Episode 24 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle is the first of three special episodes dedicated to the TG4 All-Ireland Finals, with the focus of this episode firmly on the Junior Championship decider between Antrim and Carlow, throwing in at 11:45am in Croke Park. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined by Emma Kelly, an All-Ireland Junior winner as both a player with Antrim in 2012 and manager in 2022, alongside Joanne Doonan, a three time All-Ireland Junior winner with Fermanagh. Together, the trio break down the key storylines, tactical battles and players to watch ahead of one of the biggest days in the LGFA calendar. Antrim are chasing a fourth TG4 All-Ireland Junior title as they make their seventh appearance in the decider, having previously lifted the West County Hotel Cup in 2009, 2012 and 2022. Their experience on the biggest stage could prove invaluable, but they face a Carlow side writing history. The Barrowsiders have reached their first-ever All-Ireland final after an unbeaten campaign and will be aiming to cap a remarkable season by bringing the West County Hotel Cup to the county for the first time. The panel compares the journeys of both finalists, with Antrim's battle hardened squad looking to draw on years of championship experience, while Carlow arrive full of confidence after an unbeaten season and a memorable run to Croke Park. The episode also features interviews with players from both camps. Free scoring forwards Theresa Mellon and Clíodhna Ní Shé discuss the challenge of performing on the biggest stage, while Lara Dahunsi, preparing for her fourth All-Ireland final, and Edel Hayden, who is set to make her first appearance at headquarters after making her senior debut in 2001, reflect on very different journeys to the showpiece occasion. Finally, the podcast hears from both captains as Bronagh Devlin looks to guide Antrim back to Junior glory after last year's final defeat, while Róisín Bailey hopes to complete a historic, trophy laden season by leading Carlow to their first All-Ireland title. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as the championship season reaches its climax. Full fixtures, results, and tables are available throughout the campaign on FinalWhistle.ie. Reaction and match reports from Sunday's finals will be available across our social platforms. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.

  5. Jul 22

    Brendan Martin Awaits In A Familiar Final

    Episode 23 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on a dramatic weekend in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship, with the semi-finals producing two big results and confirming the triple header of finals at Croke Park on August 2nd. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Emma Kelly, while Joanne Doonan makes a welcome return to the podcast. Together, the trio look back on a gripping weekend of championship action, analysing the performances, tactical battles, and defining moments that booked Galway and Kerry their places in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship Final. The episode begins with Galway's impressive victory over Armagh, a performance that secured their return to the All-Ireland decider. Attention then turns to Thurles, where Kerry dethroned reigning champions Dublin to set up a repeat of the 2024 All-Ireland Final, with the Kingdom chasing another Brendan Martin Cup against familiar opposition. The panel also looks ahead to a huge day at Croke Park, where the Senior, Intermediate and Junior finals will all take centre stage, with next week seeing three specials released dedicated to all three finals. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as the championship season reaches its climax. Full fixtures, results, and tables are available throughout the campaign on FinalWhistle.ie. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.

  6. Jul 15

    Croke Park Confirmed, Survival Secured, Semi-Finals Ahead

    Episode 22 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on a dramatic weekend across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, with the Intermediate and Junior finalists confirmed, the Senior relegation battle decided, and attention now turning to a blockbuster weekend of Senior Championship semi-finals. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Emma Kelly, while Joanne Doonan is unavailable this week. Together, Diarmuid and Emma look back on two gripping weekends of championship action, analysing the performances, tactical battles, and defining moments that have shaped the road to Croke Park. The episode begins with the Intermediate Championship semi-finals, where Fermanagh booked their place in the All-Ireland final with victory over Down, while Roscommon continued their remarkable championship campaign by upsetting Westmeath to reach their first Intermediate final since 2005. Attention then switches to the Junior Championship, where Carlow created history by reaching their first-ever All-Ireland final after overcoming Derry. They will meet Antrim, who secured a second successive final appearance by defeating Sligo. The conversation then turns to the Senior relegation final, where Waterford defeated Tipperary to preserve their senior status. The panel rounds off the episode by previewing this weekend's All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-finals, with Armagh taking on Galway, before Dublin face Kerry in what promises to be a blockbuster Saturday. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as the championship season reaches one of its biggest weekends. Full fixtures, results, and tables are available throughout the campaign on FinalWhistle.ie. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.

  7. Jul 10

    Junior All-Ireland Semi-Final Preview: One Step from Croke Park

    Episode 21 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle is the third and final special episode of the week, with the spotlight firmly on the TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship semi-finals as the race to Croke Park reaches its penultimate stage. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Emma Kelly, while Joanne Doonan sits this episode out as she prepares for her own All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final. Together, Diarmuid and Emma preview both last-four clashes, analysing the key match-ups, tactical battles, and storylines that will determine who books a place in Croke Park. The episode begins with Carlow against Derry at Kingspan Breffni Park. Carlow return to the Junior semi-finals for the first time in two years and are aiming to end a run of four previous semi-final defeats, while Derry have reached their first last-four tie since 2018 after an outstanding championship campaign and arrive as underdogs with nothing to lose. Ahead of the throw-in, the panel is joined by the respective team captains, Carlow's Róisín Bailey and Derry's Annie Crozier, who preview what promises to be a compelling encounter. Attention then switches to Antrim and Sligo at St Tiernach's Park, Clones, in a repeat of last year's semi-final. The same venue, the same counties, but with renewed ambitions. Antrim will be hoping history repeats itself after reaching Croke Park last season, while Sligo return determined to overturn that result and secure a place in this year's All-Ireland final. The panel also hears from the team captains, Antrim's Bronagh Devlin and Sligo's Tara Breheny, who discuss their preparations and expectations ahead of another intriguing battle. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as the championship season reaches one of its biggest weekends. Full fixtures, results, and tables are available throughout the campaign on FinalWhistle.ie. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.

  8. Jul 9

    Intermediate All-Ireland Semi-Final Preview: The Last Hurdle

    Episode 20 of The Ladies Gaelic Football Podcast on FinalWhistle is the second of three special episodes this week, with the spotlight firmly on the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Championship semi-finals as the race to Croke Park reaches its final hurdle. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Emma Kelly, while Joanne Doonan sits this episode out as she prepares for her own All-Ireland semi-final. Together, Diarmuid and Emma preview both last-four clashes, analysing the key match-ups, tactical battles, and storylines that will decide who reaches Croke Park. The episode begins with Roscommon against Westmeath, with Roscommon appearing in their first Intermediate semi-final since 2022, while Westmeath are aiming to make the most of back-to-back semi-final appearances and finally book their place in the decider. Ahead of the 4pm throw-in at Kingspan Breffni Park on Sunday, the panel hears from Fiona Coyle and Helena Cummins, who preview what promises to be a fascinating contest. Attention then turns to Sunday's all-Ulster showdown between Fermanagh and Down at St Tiernach's Park, Clones. Down return to the Intermediate semi-finals after a two-year absence, while Fermanagh are back at this stage for the first time in 14 years. The counties famously met in the 2014 All-Ireland Intermediate Final, and the podcast features two players who were there that day, Fermanagh captain Shannan McQuade and Down midfielder Meghan Doherty, as they reflect on that meeting and look ahead to another chapter all these years later. From tactical developments to defining moments and emerging narratives, the panel brings insight from both the dressing room and the press box as the championship season reaches one of its biggest weekends. Full fixtures, results, and tables are available throughout the campaign on FinalWhistle.ie. Expert analysis, player perspective, and everything you need to stay across the TG4 All-Ireland Championships, all at the Final Whistle.

About

Ladies Gaelic Football on FinalWhistle is your go-to weekly podcast for all things LGFA, from Senior showdowns to Junior journeys and everything in between. Join host Diarmuid Kearney as he’s joined by two of the game’s brightest and most insightful voices, Fermanagh’s 2024 Junior champion and AFLW (Carlton & Essendon) alum Joanne Doonan, and All-Ireland winning player and manager with Antrim Emma Kelly. Each week, Joanne and Emma bring their first-hand experience so whether you’re following the Lidl National League's, Provincial Championships, Senior championship drama, rooting for your county in the Intermediate, or want the inside track on Junior surprises, you’ll find it here, with plenty of laughs, honest opinions, and the latest updates. Tune in every week for stories, analysis, and a bit of craic from some of the best voices in the game.

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