Galway – GAA Zone

“I’ve got a sneaky feeling about Cork” – Fans make bold predictions for the weekend.

May 25, 2023 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in Antrim, Armagh, Connacht, Croke Park, Dublin, Favourites, football, Galway, Hurling, inter-county, interview, Podcast, Ulster

By Patrick Sharkey,

Episode 56: Westmeath aim to raid Orchard and send Saffrons packing – The GAA Zone podcast

Welcome to the GAA Zone podcast on Anchor FM! In Episode 56, we fall deep into the thrilling world of Gaelic football. Join us as we focus on an upcoming clash that implies intense competition and captivating action. In this episode, titled "Westmeath Aim to Raid Orchard and Send Saffrons Packing," we look at an exciting match on the horizon. Our expert hosts analyse the strategies, key players, and historical context surrounding the clash between Westmeath and their formidable opponents, Armagh (known as the Orchard County) and Antrim (the Saffron). With fighting discussions and insightful analysis, we provide an in-depth understanding of the game, making this episode a must-listen for both die-hard fans and newcomers to Gaelic football. Tune in to discover. — Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gaazone/message

Calling all sports enthusiasts and Gaelic football fans! Prepare to immerse yourself in the exciting world of Gaelic football with the latest episode of the GAA Zone podcast. In this thrilling instalment, we delve into the upcoming clash between Westmeath and two formidable opponents, Armagh (the Orchard County) and Antrim (the Saffron). Connect us as we uncover the strategies, key players, and intense rivalries that make this match a must-watch. The GAA have reiterated to units their rules.

In this highly anticipated episode, we bring you expert analysis, engaging discussions, and captivating insights into the world of Gaelic football. The expert this time round is Aaron Maher Prendergast.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to Gaelic football, this episode is packed with riveting content.

Don’t miss out on the latest episodes of the GAA Zone podcast. Mr Maher Prendergast gives his backing to Louth as he says: “Yeah, it’s a hard one to know to be honest with you, because Louth obviously coming in on the back of a 21-point defeat to, to Dublin, Whereas Cork is obviously coming in, I suppose, with the ehm, obviously they got beat by Clare, but Cork, Cork have probably been waiting in the, the wings, for a walk, they obviously would have known, they would have been loud, the team they would have been playing. Ehm, so yeah like I think I think it’ll be a close one”.

Maher Prendergast added: “I’ve got a sneaky feeling about Cork but I think one thing we know about Cork is that they tend to raise their game when they play better teams but when they play the likes of Louth or know clearly their levels just seem to drop and I just don’t have much confidence that Cork can do that but to be honest with you I’d fancy I’d actually fancy Clare or sorry I’d fancy Louth to get the victory ehm so I think they’re at home as well aren’t they so I think they will be too strong for ehm for four. I think Mickey Harte will get the troops back on the side. Go and see how Cork is able to deal with Sam Mulroy or some of the other lads there. So yeah, I’d fancy Louth to win it.” Subscribe.

Consolidate us on this audio journey as we explore the excitement, drama, and raw talent of Gaelic football. Aaron sees all that in the Armagh v Westmeath football clash saying: “Yeah I mean I don’t know if David Brady may be mentioned or maybe I suppose or maybe his plan was to actually mention the Westmeath hurlers and shock eh with Wexford and maybe that’s exactly what he was meant to say I don’t know but yeah I’d be very surprised to be honest with you to see you know sorry to wreck me cause any shocking and Armagh like they’re a division three side they barely won a game all year ehm won a couple of games in this mid-table threw a huge lead away versus Louth as well. Ehm they’ve been very poor all year Westmeath. They haven’t really kicked off the way we would have since eh Jack Cooney stepped away and Dessie Dolan came in. It just hasn’t been the same sort of Westmeath side so. Yeah, I just don’t see it. Like there’s a few things you could see cause a shock here or there like Sligo will come in good form against Kildare in fairness despite that kind of final off”.

“Waterford kind of set up very well” – McNamara impressed with the current state of Munster hurling.

May 19, 2023 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in Antrim, Clare, Connacht, Cork, Dublin, Galway, leinster, Limerick, Munster, Podcast, Tipperary, Ulster, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, Wexford

By Patrick Sharkey,

Episode 56: Westmeath aim to raid Orchard and send Saffrons packing – The GAA Zone podcast

Get ready for an extraordinary episode of the GAA Zone Podcast! We are thrilled to announce that Episode 55 features an exclusive interview with none other than Wayne McNamara, a revered figure.

In this riveting conversation, Wayne McNamara shares his invaluable insights, offering listeners a unique perspective on the sport we all love. This was shown when Wayne McNamara was asked about the Limerick v Waterford game saying: “Yeah, like, it was at the game, like, obviously, like you know, it was an extremely close game.”

Mr McNamara added: “I thought Waterford kind of set up very well for Limerick, you know, ehm, they prevented obviously the running, the movement from the Limerick parks in terms of Bary Nash, or, or, Sean Finn kind of moving forward and Kyle Hayes, they were checking runs a lot, so that kind of gave him, gave a bit of the Waterford defence bit of breeding space, you know.”

“But Limerick hurled well, I thought they hurled extremely hard as they always do. Eh, they’re a bit fortunate enough with I suppose with the wides from Waterford, you can see that. That was kind of evident on the last day with Waterford again. But so, there were few lucky escapes in terms of ehm scores but still no it was a good game. First down in the league. Two weeks after the league final it’s hard mentally to sustain that. I’m Limerick could have been, I had to get up for a league semi-final up for a league final, but then do you know third game in a row, up for many championships, because there’s only two weeks in difference. And then I suppose, like we’ve seen against a player game, so there’s a bit of a lull, but like it’s eh goof first win. Tough game, but ehm, like again, probably showed that the kind of false insecurity, that the league can give you.”

“You know, like, you went by whatever 10 points against in the league final, close in 10 points in the league final and two weeks later, your, you’re struggling to get those scores and that has fluidity in your game you know. Eh just probably shows where the teams are at in terms of the league.” Prepare.

As we engage with Wayne McNamara, we uncover his predictions for the future of Gaelic games.

Don’t miss out on this captivating episode of the GAA Zone Podcast! McNamara was impressed with the level of hurling on show between Clare and Limerick despite the Treaty failing to win saying: “Yeah, it is a good game of hurling. A fantastic game of hurling. I had everything, to be honest. Ehm thought like if you go back to last year, Limerick and Clare where I think, they’ve played three times and there was a waypoint in the scoring difference, so that’s the course of the three games you know? So, as you knew it was going to be a tight battle. Eh I know in the league this year Limerick and Clare played in the league; I think Clare put out a kind of a shadowboxing team, to be honest. Ehm and just played and basically gave up the on that game. But I think it was with a view to the game I just went to two weeks ago you know. Eh, Clare fine-sided. They worked extremely hard. They got the breaks. I think were the biggest where their biggest plus was shutting down Limerick, I think. Ehm Limerick didn’t have much of a platform than to get them into their strides you know. Eh and plus again let’s say then get a clear forward, worked extremely hard in preventing the runs from the Limerick backs that they were doing that were kind in coaching into the space to support the runners up forward and Limerick forward you know”.

Dublin GAA announces 16 a-side club games

April 1, 2023April 1, 2023 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in Championship, Croke Park, Derry, Dublin, leinster, Pádraig Pearse's (D), Ulster

By Patrick Sharkey,

Dublin GAA chiefs have announced their plans to have a 16-a-side club championship and leagues.

The decision was made after extensive discussions between team management and the county board.

Former Dublin football manager, Jim Gavin, spoke to reporters about the decision, saying that it was a necessary step in the evolution of the sport. “As coaches, we’re always looking for ways to improve our players and our crew. We believe that adding an added player to each side will give our players more space and more opportunities to showcase their skills. It will in addition create new challenges and opportunities for us as coaches to develop new strategies and tactics.” The new tactics mean an extra midfielder but it is believed is nothing to do with the Kilmacud Crokes and Watty Grahams Glen Maghera controversy in which photographic evidence suggested 16 men on the pitch for Kilmacud.

The push is not without its challenges, however. The teams will need to adjust to the new format.

The message has already generated buzz among fans, with many excited to see how the new format will play out on the field. Some have even speculated that other counties may follow Dublin’s lead.

The first 16-a-side game in a Dublin GAA competition is set to take place in just a few weeks, and fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season. With the impressive track record of Dublin clubs in provincial and All-Ireland competitions and the added excitement of a new format, it’s sure to be an exciting season for Dublin GAA competitions. The changes impact both football and hurling.

Cork 0-11 Galway 0-13 – Tribeswoman stop the Rebellion

August 7, 2022August 7, 2022 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in Championship, Connacht, Cork, Croke Park, Galway, Hurling, inter-county, Munster

By Patrick Sharkey in Croke Park,

Katie Gilchrist’s stunning display enabled Galway to return to the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior hurling championship after she scored five points during her side’s demolition of Cork in the sweltering heat of Drumcondra. A lot of credit has to go to Laura.

Galway opened the scoring thanks to points from Laura Loughnane and Olwen Rabbitte.

Joanne Casey then responded with a Cork point. Joanne Casey then got another point for Cork. However, Galway came back to steal the show with points from Katie Gilchrist and Niamh McPeake. Joanne Casey however bit back and got another point for the Rebelettes.

Lauren Homan then got a point to put the Leesiders a point behind. Katie Gilchrist then got herself another point to put Galway a point ahead. Joanne Casey then came out and put Cork level from a freekick. Katie Gilchrist put Galway back in the lead before Joanne leveled it for Cork again.

Cliona O’Callaghan then however got a point for the Tribeswoman. Katie Gilchrist extended the lead for the Galway side as they got their lead extended by two points.

Katelyn Hickey then managed to extend the marron and white lead. However, Cliona O’Callaghan then got another point on the stroke of halftime to keep Galway in firm control. Katie Gilchrist got back on the score sheet at halftime with a point. Lauren Homan came back then to get a Cork point. The halftime score read Cork 0-7 Galway 0-10. The battle was certainly of senior quality and many players on both teams would be assets for their counties at the senior level. A better variety of scorers has proved key for the Galway Intermediate Camogs. However, Cork was well set up in defense with their full-back Niamh.

It wasn’t until five minutes into the second half that a score was able to be recorded with Lauren Homan getting herself a point. Niamh McPeake then however responded for Galway with a point before Katie Gilchrist slotted it over the bar again. Rachel O’Shea then responded for Cork, however with a point to bring it back down to a three-point deficit with 43 minutes gone.

Joanne Casey then responded with a point from a free kick for Cork in the 50th minute.

Mullagh star Katie Manning got sent off in the 52nd minute due to a challenge on Niamh McPeake.

Joanne Casey was unable to convert her free kick in with 58 minutes gone and it all looked doom and gloom on Leeside. A yellow card was handed out to the Cork captain then.

Katie Gilchrist then got a point for Galway before she got subbed off with a minute of ordinary time left. Who else but Joanne Casey was going to get Cork the point to reduce the scoring deficit down to two points with a minute left? The full-time score read Cork 0-11 Galway 0-13. For the Rebelettes, it was a case of ever so far ever so close but they can be proud as they had a solid defense built around the fullback Niamh O Sullivan.

Cork Scorers: Joanne Casey (0-4, 0-3f), Lauren Homan (0-3), Rachel O’Shea (0-1)
Galway Scorers: Laura Loughnane (0-1), Olwen Rabbitte (0-1), Katie Gilchrist (0-2f, 0-3), Niamh McPeake (0-12), Cliona O’Callaghan (0-2), Katelyn Hickey (0-1)

“We got our tactics right” – Kildare wonders what could have been once more

July 15, 2022July 15, 2022 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in Championship, Connacht, Dublin, football, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, leinster, Leitrim, Mayo, Munster, Podcast, Tyrone, Ulster

By Patrick Sharkey,

Episode 56: Westmeath aim to raid Orchard and send Saffrons packing – The GAA Zone podcast

The GAA will allow an additional water carrier and permit water bottles to be placed around the pitch for Sunday’s All-Ireland senior hurling final. With temperatures in Croke Park anticipated to reach at least 25 degrees by 3.30pm throw-in, the Central Competitions Control Committee is taking extra measures to ensure player safety. In hurling, teams can have three water/hurley carriers, but that number will increase to four for the Kilkenny-Limerick clash. However, players must come into the perimeter of the field to take water as the carriers can only enter the field of play to replace a hurley. The counties will also be given the green light to make water bottles to be accessible in areas other than each goal mouth, the manager’s boxes, and the carriers’ areas so that players can readily hydrate. The GAA did away with water breaks in January of this year following the easing of restrictions. While they didn’t forbid their return in the future, the intervals had been used by teams to pass on tactical advice to players. In the wake of the removal of the breaks, teams were reminded that selectors, backroom team members, or players not on the match-day panel could double up as carriers. Extra details have been revealed for the big screen event taking place.

The weather could be a real factor, with temperatures of up to 30 degrees expected. This is a novelty in the championship this year because the split season started earlier with temperatures averaging at around 11oc on the first day of Kildare’s Leinster championship with their midfielder Kevin Feely talking about it on episode 48 of the GAA Zone podcast saying: “O yeah, the Louth game was very good yeah”.

A doctor has been hailed a lifesaver after a medical emergency at her local GAA club. Kildare nearly needed a similar kind of miracle when Westmeath held them on the ropes but Mr.Feely said: “That was a strange game. It was played at a very low-intensity kind of. From both sides it was quite passive. I don’t know whether it was nerves on both sides or the first game of the year in Croke Park”.

Westmeath footballer Luke Loughlin has bravely shared the story of his 10-year battle with addiction. Perhaps the bravest thing in Leinster football since Kildare played attacking football against Dublin.

Glen Emmets v Lannléire is the Division 3A title decider in Louth. It will probably be more competitive than the Leinster final when Feely said: “We had a lot of guys playing their first Leinster final in that situation, making defensive mistakes that were unusual for them that they never normally would make. You would probably put that down to nerves more so than anything else”.

Up for the Match is back! One match Kildare was up for was the Mayo game and Kevin talked about it saying: “Obviously it was a huge improvement in the performance in that game. We got our tactics right; we got our team right and our system right. We played with a lot more freedom obviously.”

Kerry defender Gavin White seems unlikely to play in the All-Ireland football final as he awaits the results of a scan on his knee. None of the Kildare players will be -playing either as they came up short.

In Louth, all the momentum appears to be with the Ardee men now as they bid to deliver back-to-back Cardinal O’Donnell Cup titles to Páirc Mhuire. The athletic therapist named players on the Kildare panel that helps their momentum saying:” I would say Ryan Houlihan and our cornerbacks”.