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

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”.

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Dublin GAA announces 16 a-side club games

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.

“I think the league was a massive success” – Sambo believes division one is crucial for Antrim hurling.

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

1. Episode 56: Westmeath aim to raid Orchard and send Saffrons packing 30:44
2. Episode 55: Wyane McNamara 30:52
3. Episode 54: David Dempsey 31:09
4. Episode 53: Managerial Merry Go Round 31:24
5. Episode 52: Antrim hurling 2022 31:38

Plans for a live referee mic at next Sunday’s Wexford County senior hurling final as part of the TV coverage, have had to be shelved due to a directive from the GAA at the national level. The novel initiative was trialed last Sunday for the Kerry senior hurling final on TG4 and was praised by viewers as an innovative development. A TG4 spokesperson confirmed to The42 today that they were set to employ the live referee mic again in next Sunday’s decider in Wexford, but the GAA has stepped in.

Dan Quirke gave a moving tribute to his son as over 1,000 mourners gathered in the Tipperary village of Clonoulty for the 24-year-old hurler’s Requiem Mass.  Dylan Quirke played in the league.

Hundreds of people have attended a vigil for Dillon Quirke as his local GAA club Clonoulty-Rossmore led the tributes. Antrim had a solid league campaign until the final day when they lost out to Quirke’s Tipperary with former Antrim senior hurler Terrance ‘Sambo’ McNaughton talking about the league campaign saying: “You know, the past league was fantastic, we got what we set out to do, the biggest thing was to stay in that league. To get exposed to that level of hurling for another year for them young lads, I think the league was a massive success for us and it wouldn’t have taken a whole lot more to be a whole lot better.” People attended the GAA grounds of the Tipperary club.

Cork suffered All-Ireland senior camogie final heartache for the second year in a row as a late Sophie O’Dwyer goal and a Denise Gaule point pushed the title beyond their grasp and into grateful Kilkenny hands with a 1-13 to 1-12 win at Croke Park on Sunday. Since then, Davy Fitz has left Cork.

On the Friday after Kerry’s All-Ireland triumph, Jack O’Connor hit the road home from Dingle to St Finian’s Bay in south Kerry and the official homecoming in Dromid. Someday Antrim could have similar celebrations and Mr.Naughton sees division one as important to achieving that saying: “It’s the most important thing. It’s premier, it’s ahead of everything. To me really, that is the way that we’re going to be able to close the gap and get exposed to that level and a consistent regular basis”.  

Flo Roche, from Poppin tree in Ballymun, has vowed to make the most of every day she has left with her youngest son Calvin (22), who was born with a mental and physical disability. Dublin GAA helped his birthday celebrations and just like Antrim, they benefited from a full league campaign with McNaughton saying: “Yeah, I think this year was an important year. It’s every year, there is pressure like management is a results-based game like and he got some very good results and probably come towards the end of the year we were a wee bit start, stop. Eh, I have been on record it says that I thought that we had a real chance to take a skeleton in Cork. But it came a week after the Joe McDonagh which wasn’t ideal for us. And that there like the first half against Cork we were the better team. We missed a lot of simple chances. We could have been in six, seven points up.”

With the majority of top-tier hurling counties set to have a new manager in place for 2023, it has been an intercounty off-season of change. It won’t be a season for Antrim however who are coming back.

Erin’s Own GAA will hold their Golf Classic on Friday, August 19th in Castle comer GC. Antrim won the Joe McDonagh cup last year from the funding of clubs and Sambo talked about it saying: “I think we were favorites to win. Eh and we did win it obviously but the final like we started off If we were going to carry apart and McKenna then stopped. That is what it is meaning about the start”.

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

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)

Kerry 1-7 Meath 3-10 – Royal ladies demolish the Kingdom

By Patrick Sharkey in Croke Park,

The old master Eamonn Murray continued his astonishing All-Ireland final record at Croke Park this evening as his Meath side put Kerry to the sword in ruthless fashion. Kerry had plenty of fights in them.

Murray’s Meath had triumphed in three out of four All-Ireland finals including the upset against Westmeath.

But in 2022 the Royal lost their Midas touch against Dublin, falling to them in league and Leinster.

However, two-time All-Ireland winning manager Murray was back on form again this evening. Kerry weren’t exactly pushovers as they were powered by the ever-reliable Louise NI Mhuireachtaigh who scored a total of 1-2 and brought more than her shooting boos with her to Croke Park as she was always there for a Monica McGuirk kick out. Ni Mhuireachtaigh was then able to act as a decoy runner or a break ball magnet, depending on which is necessary. Louise was also able to link up the half-backs.

Murray once again showed his mastery of the lengthy gap between games which so many other counties complain about. However, one player Meath struggled to handle was the Kerry wingback Murphy.

Not a man for whinging, his side just went out and obliterated Darragh Lang and Declan Quill’s Kerry.

The first half was an absolute disaster for Kerry. Kerry was unable to handle the Meath half-forward Duggan.

Bar a few notable exceptions in their under-pressure defence, the Kingdom were literally second to every ball. One Kerry player who was quick enough to get to most balls was the halfback, Emma Costello.

Nothing before the throw-in disrupted them. The Munster side just found it very difficult to break down Meath.

Paris McCarthy came in on the corner, but she found Katie Newe far too hot to handle as the Rathoath woman only didn’t allow McCarthy to hit any first-half points. There were no excuses.

Emma Troy was also on fire in the first half, firing a point and a goal from play and having a hand in nine of the first 11 points – four of them direct assists – as Meath rocketed out into a 1-8 to 1-5 half-time lead. Katie Newe also deserves a lot of credit for her role as a cornerback for Meath.

Troy was on her third marker by the start of the second half, with Paris McCarthy taking over from Síofra O’Shea, with Anna Galvin having started on the Royal legend. Emma Troy brought more than her shooting boots though, as the half-back got the raw end of the deal as her half-backs were attacking and she was left to hold the centre. The Boardsmill woman had all the qualities needed for Meath to push on. The primary school teacher showed a good reading of the game and the ability to stop runners without drawing the dreaded yellow card. The 27-year-old won every individual battle.

The Kerry forwards bar Paris Mccarthy was awful, but some of the high, straight deliveries did them no favours with Aoibhín Cleary, Shauna Ennis and co lapping it up magnificently. Emma Duggan didn’t have much of her opportunities lapped up by the Kerry backs as she scored 0-1 but brought more than scores as she was the key player in the transition from defence to attack. Duggan was always present on the 40. Emma is elusive, can maximise space and is a great passer. Kerry was confused about whether to follow her or lay in the space that she vacated. That was the key to Meath.

Meath scorers: N O’Sullivan 1-2, E Troy 1-1, B Lynch 1-0, V Wall (2f), S Grimes (2f) 0-3 each, E Duggan 0-1 (f).

Kerry scorers: L Ní Mhuircheartaigh 1-2 (0-2f), S O’Shea 0-2, C Murphy, L Scanlon, P McCarthy 0-1 each.

Meath: M McGuirk; S Ennis, MK Lynch, K Newe; A Leahy, E Troy, A Cleary; M O’Shaughnessy, O Lally; M Thynne, E Duggan, K Nesbitt; V Wall, S Grimes, N O’Sullivan.

Subs: O Byrne for Leahy (22), B Lynch for Nesbitt (42), O Duff for Newe (57), E White for Grimes (57), S Wall for Thynne (57).

Kerry: C Butler; J O’Sullivan, K Cronin, E Lynch; A O’Connell, A Costello, C Murphy; L Scanlon, C Lynch; N Carmody, S O’Shea, A Galvin; P McCarthy, D O’Leary, L Ní Mhuircheartaigh.

Subs: N Ní Chonchuir for Carmody (44), E McGlynn for McCarthy (45), A Dillane for O’Sullivan (55), C Evans for O’Leary (57), M O’Connell for A O’Connell (58).

Referee: Maggie Farrelly (Cavan).

Player of the match: Kerry looked at the real deal with Danielle O’Leary and Síofra O’Shea. but the player of the match has to be Niamh O’Sullivan for Meath