RTÉ GAA Podcast

4.3 (10)
SPORTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Cathal Mullaney and the RTÉ Sport team take a look at all the biggest issues in football and hurling, plus preview and review the weekend's action with RTÉ's top GAA analysts.

1D AGO

Mayo bandwagon rolls again | Meath's hunger more apparent than Louth's

Cathal Mullaney previews the weekend's Allianz Football League action in the company of Dessie Dolan and Conor Neville. But before we get to that Dessie relives some of his favourite Sigerson memories (1:00), including togging out with a (very) young Michael Meehan in NUIG. Kerry v Galway is arguably the pick of the games (3:30), with Galway impressing Conor despite their permanent injury crisis. Arguably Kerry don't carry their usual fear factor at this time of the year, even in Tralee. Strange to think it but Dublin and Monaghan has the feel of a relegation four-pointer (12:30). Monaghan depleted through injuries, retirements and Sigerson. Dublin's possible malaise is different and Dessie believes Ger Brennan is borrowing a move out of Pat Gilroy playbook by threatening to ditch senior players. Anyway, Dessie says Brian Howard would be welcome in Westmeath. Roscommon are travelling under many's radar ahead of Armagh game (17:30), but surprising a few people, especially with no Brigid's players. Diarmuid Murtagh impresses Dessie with his efficiency. However Armagh's running power will test them this week. The hype is with us early this year as Donegal-Mayo (24:40) sees a huge crowd expected in Ballybofey. Ryan O'Donoghue is tenacious and making huge contribution from centre-forward, reckons Dessie. Meath looking buoyant (29:30) ahead of clash with Louth, with their return to centre stage last year reminding Conor of a soap opera villain. Louth dip to be expected after last summer's heroics, says Dessie, who knows a thing or two about ending a long wait for provincial glory. Tyrone's early season form a bit of a mystery reckons Dessie (34:00) ahead of clash with Cavan, with Division 2 safety and Sam Maguire status already on the table. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

38 min
4D AGO

O’Connor’s interview impresses, Dowling for Kilkenny? And Gillane’s goal of the year contender

GAA commentator and journalist Cathal Mullaney is joined on the sofa by Rory O’Neill with Shane McGrath dialling in to review the weekend's hurling action. Shane gives Darragh Fitzgibbon the nod for hurler of the year at this early stage (04:20) for his impressive performance against Tipperary on Saturday recounting the one time he was unfortunate enough to mark him once retired from inter-county duty. There is some discussion of the impact of the red cards that were given at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, particularly for Shane Barrett (07:50) with Shane saying that a match ban may mean no competitive hurling for five weeks, which should be a concern. The ex-inter-county player also states that he would be in favour of referee's having the ability to watch replays before making sending off decisions and would be in favour of more technology for referees (14:30). Attention then turned to Aaron Gillane's wonder goal for Limerick. Which the panel feel could be a goal of the year contender (29:50). Shane also praises Gillane's game awareness. The discussion of Division 1B was dominated by Kildare with Shane boldly stating he felt Brian Dowling is building a CV that may be worthy of the post of Kilkenny manager at some stage in the future (38:00). Watch the RTÉ GAA Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rtesport Web http://www.rte.ie/sport X: https://x.com/RTEsport Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

43 min
FEB 5

Cork seeking Tipp revenge, Limerick and Kilkenny to do battle | RTÉ GAA Podcast

Anthony Daly and Marty Morrissey join Cathal Mullaney to look ahead to another busy weekend in the Allianz Hurling League. We've a repeat of the All-Ireland final between Cork and Tipperary, while Kilkenny have the chance to kick Limerick when they're down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

36 min
FEB 2

Breach business, impatient Dubs and how long can Limerick old guard keep delivering?

GAA commentator and journalist Cathal Mullaney is joined on the sofa by Rory O’Neill with Ciarán Whelan and Neil McManus to discuss the weekend’s football and hurling action. FOOTBALL (0:01) (0:30) Ciarán Whelan gives his thoughts on Dublin’s loss to Mayo adding that he feels older players need to step up, he also comments that the Dubs do seem to be the most inexperienced team so far and highlights the midfield as a possible issue for Ger Brennan that may need to be resolved before Championship season. (10:30) Ciarán comments that he felt Kerry sat deep against Donegal and it was Seán O’Shea that dragged Kerry back into it. He also noticed that Donegal’s panel are operating with more of their big hitters than Kerry. (15:40) Kieran McGeeney’s comments about the lack of communication between referees and management following the three-man breach decision in the first half were discussed by the group with Ciarán stating he felt the call was incorrectly made and urges for a common sense approach going forward. (27:00) Finally Ciarán makes a big prediction that the Leinster Championship will be full revived in 2026 off the back of strong performances from Meath, Kildare and HURLING (28:20) (31:20) Neil McManus joins for part two and the panel kick off by talking about Waterford’s bounce-back performance against Limerick. Neil reflects on Waterford’s intensity and highlights several concerns for Limerick. A question from a listener is answered, on if Wexford is now a Joe McDonagh standard team having been run so close by both Down and Antrim. (52:00) Neil also adds that for smaller panels losing players to injury and illness can be a challenge at this time of year. Watch the RTÉ GAA Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rtesport Web http://www.rte.ie/sport X: https://x.com/RTEsport Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

56 min
JAN 29

Fiery football managers and Limerick in need of new-look lineup

In this episode of the RTÉ GAA Podcast, Cathal Mullaney and Rory O'Neill are joined by Dessie Dolan to chat all things football, while Michael Duignan weighs in on the hurling action. With Round Two of the Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues on the horizon, and storms brewing around the island this week, it’s shaping up to be a weekend full of twists across both codes... If the pitches cut the mustard. FOOTBALL (01:00) Unsurprisingly, Tomás Kennedy is once again a key talking point as Kerry travel to Ballyshannon for what promises to be an intriguing clash. Dessie reflects on last weekend’s comments from both managers, noting the fiery responses in post-match questioning. Mayo host Dublin, and Dessie believes this will test both defences, arguing that “the art of defending” needs to be relearned by the current crop of players. He also raises concerns about Galway’s midfield depth, with an increasing list of absentees leaving gaps hard to fill. In Division Two, Dessie feels Tyrone look capable of pushing for promotion, while Meath appear to be slipping back into old habits, particularly around midfield physicality, which could spell trouble for his own county, Westmeath. HURLING (38:00) Michael opens with his home county Offaly, discussing the physical challenges facing younger players as they transition to senior level, especially those recently introduced to the panel. He’s hopeful for a refreshed Limerick this season, suggesting that a shake‑up to their starting XV might inject new energy. Michael also gives his view on the proposed changes to the preliminary quarter‑finals, arguing that after a condensed season, they often feel like a damp squib. The team also dive into the “Davy derby” ahead of Clare v Antrim, and consider what impact a trip to Cushendall might have on proceedings. Watch this episode on RTÉ Sport Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rtesport Web: http://www.rte.ie/sport X: https://x.com/RTEsport Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 15m
JAN 26

No panic for weakened Galway | Cork double down on style

Peter Canavan and Shane McGrath join Cathal Mullaney to digest the weekend's Round One Allianz League action. FOOTBALL (01:00) Peter and Cathal are joined by RTÉ Sport's Niall McCoy where the hooter controversy from the Kerry Roscommon game is debated. Peter explains his take on the changes to the rule that had an impact on the last-minute score from standout player of the weekend Tomás Kennedy. The Tyrone legend also that Meath have been overlooked and that Counties are now getting to grips with the new rules. HURLING (29:51) Mikey Stafford is welcomed on the sofa for part two where Cork's brutal finish to the 2025 Championship seems to have had no ill effects, but Shane suggests that the top class pitch in Páirc Uí Chaoimh is partly to credit for some strong hurling in the winter season. Clare were also deemed to be the real winners in their loss to Tipp but have defensive positions that need filled. Web http://www.rte.ie/sport X: https://x.com/RTEsport Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

59 min
JAN 22

Kerry Football's magical winter ┃ Can Cork bounceback? ┃ RTÉ GAA Podcast

A new year, a new season of the podcast, a new studio and a new presenter. Commentator and broadcaster Cathal Mullaney takes over the host seat on the RTÉ GAA podcast for 2026 to discuss the Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues. FOOTBALL (0:55) Éamonn Fitzmaurice discusses a magical winter for Kerry football and how he feels despite goals for back-to-back All Ireland titles that Jack O'Connor and his team will be making their mark towards the business end of the league. HURLING (43:13) Shane McGrath considers the opportunities for some new faces in the Tipperary panel and what Cork need to do with their set-up to turn their fortunes around in final scenarios. Web http://www.rte.ie/sport X: https://x.com/RTEsport Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesport See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1h 24m
08/12/2025

Angry Galway prevail in best inter-county All-Ireland final of 2025

Jacqui Hurley and Rory O'Neill are joined by Ursula Jacob and Elaine Aylward to look back on Galway's thrilling All-Ireland Senior Camogie final triumph over three-in-a-row chasing Cork. The Tribeswomen brought a physicality and ferocity to their game which Cork struggled to get to grips with during the early stages of the most gripping All-Ireland final of the season. Ursula and Elaine agree that Cathal Murray was right to use 'disrespect' to fuel his charges, given they have now won three of the last seven All-Irelands before Sunday. As regards Cork's complaints over the refereeing decisions, our pundits agree that Justin Heffernan got the big decisions right and both teams could point to calls that went against them over the 60 minutes. Finally, Jacqui asks Ursula to reflect on her own Wexford side's achievements, as they remian the last team to achieve three All-Irelands in a row. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 min

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Mikey Stafford

Host
Rory O'Neill

Host

4.3

out of 5

10 Ratings

Cathal Mullaney and the RTÉ Sport team take a look at all the biggest issues in football and hurling, plus preview and review the weekend's action with RTÉ's top GAA analysts.