Favourites – 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”.

“There was a lot of men making their starts” – The Donegal footballers’ season in review

June 15, 2022 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in Buncrana GAA, Cavan, Championship, Connacht, Croke Park, Donegal, Donegal GAA, Dublin, Favourites, football, inter-county, interview, Kerry, Kildare, leinster, Mayo, Munster, Ulster

By Patrick Sharkey,

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

They bring a whole new meaning to pride in the jersey. Na Gaeil Aeracha teams are busy preparing.

The GAA is experiencing an unprecedented demand for tickets for the forthcoming All-Ireland senior football and hurling quarterfinals. Donegal will not be competing, but many Donegal fans would have enjoyed their team’s run to the Dr. McKenna cup final, and Donegal Tik Tok star Ethan Kelly would have looked back at it saying: “Going back on it now because it was the second or third week of January, that probably wasn’t our main team. There were a lot of men making their starts you know, and I did see a few like Aaron Doherty coming on there during the championship. It was a good kind of staging ground for a lot of boys. Seeing how Monaghan’s year kind of went, it was a wee bit parallel to our own now. You would like to believe we ourselves are a little bit higher than Monaghan in the current standings. At the end of the year, they are bringing back silverware, we are not. They won the McKenna cup from us. We were a little bit fresher, greener is the better word for it than Monaghan were but at the end of the day, what can you do? The legs are well off that Monaghan team with their experience. Even with their new boys, they are playing a lot more”.

It’s getting harder for those with children and full-time jobs to commit to the inter-county scene.

The All-Ireland SFC quarter-final draw has thrown up some interesting ties after a weekend of intriguing qualifiers. Mayo and Donegal drew in their opening league game but it is only Mayo who made it to the quarter-finals and Mr.Kelly looked at the January game saying: “It was a very stereotypical Donegal and Mayo match in that there is very little separating the two sides. Very early on, I thought in the match we controlled their forward line very well. You know I thought they didn’t get a whole lot of space to do that which was very good to see but at the end of the day looking at where they are now in the year, we realize they probably have a problem in their forward line. You know it is not firing on all cylinders at the minute. Listen, there were probably gaps there. They were very much reliant on their outfield players, whereas we ourselves during that match probably should have had them away. I would say fifteen minutes into the second half there when they had their purple patch and started coming into it big time again but in the first match of the league you draw with Mayo who let’s be realistic here, Mayo in many people’s eyes are favorites going into it.”

Dublin vs Cork as well as Derry vs Clare will be live on Sky Sports Arena on Saturday, June 25. If Donegal won, the Ulster championship they would have played Clare but one of the high points for the hills was the first league win against Kildare and Mr>Kelly reflected on it saying: “Kildare to me would have the opposite problems of what Mayo would have I fins this year anyway. They have a problem with their back line it is just not as strong as you know the great forward line, they have in Kildare with the front six. The back six will probably be where they are lacking, and I feel we really did do damage against them, you know 2-11 to 1-9. I could be wrong here but it was 20 games since we last lost at MacCumhail park. I think there was a big gap between the one we had this year and the last one we had. So, it was looking to be a bit of a fortress in the Northwest. You know I feel like we really did push on. We did a lot of damage there against Kildare. I mean they only came up this year, didn’t they? I suppose they went straight back down again. Still, somebody must go down.”

Eight games are down for decision across the All-Ireland senior and minor hurling championships.

Rory Grugan served notice of Armagh’s intentions with a goal after just 10 seconds of their All-Ireland SFC qualifiers round two clash with Donegal in Clones on Sunday – by the full-time whistle they were 3-17 to 0-16 ahead and well worthy of their place in the quarterfinals when Galway await.

Donegal 0-13 Monaghan 1-11 – Monaghan get pre season bragging rights.

January 23, 2022January 23, 2022 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in Donegal, Donegal GAA, Favourites, football, inter-county, Monaghan, Tyrone, Ulster

May be an image of 5 people and people standing — The presentation. Photo Credit; Ulster GAA

By Patrick Sharkey at Healy Park,

May be an image of 3 people — Ryan Wylie. Photo credit: Monaghan GAA

Monaghan is back on familiar ground, celebrating another title success after lifting the DR. McKenna Cup for the 15th time though Seamus McEnaney’s crew were pushed hard by a determined Donegal. The presence of Jack McCarron was vital for Monaghan as he hit over four points, with two of them going from open play and the other two coming from a free-kick for the Farney men.

May be an image of 9 people, people standing and outdoors — The huddle. Photo Credit; Monaghan GAA

Led by experienced stars Colin Walsh and Ryan McAnespie, the Ulster finalists battled with all 15 starters playing a key role to establish a nine-point lead. It was Donegal who made better use of substitutes with the addition of Buncrana man Caolan McGonagle who helped bring the game back down to a one-point game. Caolan McGonagle was never afraid to drop back into the hole and allow the Donegal half-backs to attack in the second half. Many of the Donegal half-backs were helped in possession thanks to the efforts of Caolan McGonagle. However, Caolan McGonagle may not get the credit due to being overshadowed by more brilliance from Ciaran Thompson. Many Monaghan men struggled to win any battles whenever it came to catching the ball. Everything fell into place for Donegal in the second half but it may have been a case too little too late but that does not take credit away from Caolan McGonagle and Ciaran Thompson taking advantage of their towering presence in the midfield. That is the kind of second-half performance that would have alarm bells ringing for Monaghan.

May be an image of 2 people, people standing and outdoors — Ryan Wylie speaks to the BBC. Photo Credit; Ulster GAA

The scores were tied only in the first five minutes, but the favorites dug deep in the second half to see off Declan Bonner’s side with a point to spare. Key to both teams going neck and neck in the first five minutes was Patrick McBrearty who Scored within the first 20 seconds for Donegal led to him scoring 0-3 with one of them coming from a free-kick. However, Donegal can thank Patrick McBrearty for many other things.

May be an image of 2 people — The man of the match. Photo Credit; Monaghan GAA

Dessie Ward’s early goal for Monaghan gave them a cushion throughout and ultimately separated the sides while McCarron and captain Wylie – winning in their first-ever pre-season decider – had important influences on the game as well. However young Aaron Mulligan was vital to Monaghan and barely let the ball drop.

May be an image of 1 person and playing a sport — Micheál Brannigan. Photo Credit; Monaghan GAA

There were impressive cameos too from 2020 Sigerson Cup winner David Garland while Clones player James Mealiff was the latest player to be used by McEnaney in the competition. Monaghan however certainly can give praise to Shane Carey scored 0-2, with one of them being the last score of the first half which gave Monaghan a six-point lead at halftime. However, Shane Carey had a lot more than just points, as he was constantly controlling the sidelines and was always available for a pass. Shane Carey was involved enough in the play for Donegal to throw a few extra men upon him.

May be an image of 6 people, people playing sport, people standing and outdoors — Half-time walkout. Photo Credit: Monaghan GAA

Monaghan’s first Dr. McKenna Cup win since 2003 sets them up nicely for next Sunday’s Allianz League opener against Tyrone at Healy Park while Donegal will open their division one account against Mayo.

May be an image of 3 people, people playing sport and outdoors — Chase is on! Photo credit: Monaghan GAA

Donegal outscored Monaghan by 0-09 to 0-01 from the 45th minute onwards though will reflect on a positive pre-season overall as they bounced back impressively from conceding two goals to Down.

May be an image of 2 people, people playing sport and outdoors — Peadar Mogan gets the ball ahead of Karl O’Connell. Photo Credit; Ulster GAA

Monaghan went with a mixture of new and experienced again, starting 11 players – Rory Beggen, Kieran Duffy, Ryan Wylie, Ryan Mcanespie, Dessie Ward, Darren Hughes, Killian Lavelle, Michéal Brannigan, Aaron Mulligan, Jack McCarron, and Conor McCarthy – that lined out against Tyrone in last July’s Ulster final defeat. One of those players who looked most championship fit would have been Kieran Duffy.

May be an image of 2 people and people playing sport — Ward looks on. Photo Credit; Ulster GAA

Monaghan: R Beggan; S Hanratty, K Duffy, R Wylie; R McAnespie, C Walsh (0-01), C McCarthy; D Hughes, K Lavelle; S Carey (0-02), M Bannigan (0-05, 3f), D Ward (1-00); A Mulligan, J McCarron (0-02, 2f), A Woods (0-01).

May be an image of 4 people, people playing sport and outdoors — Dessie Ward. Photo Credit; Ulster GAA

Subs: N Kearns for Lavelle (h-t), D garland for Carey (h-t), K O’Connell for McCarthy (43), F Kelly for Walsh (43), C Boyle for Wylie (54), D Wylie for Hughes (54), G Mohan for Woods (57), Mealiff for Mulligan (70)

Donegal: M Lynch; C Ward, B McCole, E Ban Gallagher; R McHugh (0-01), P Brennan, T McClenaghan; J McGee, C Thompson (0-01); O McFadden Ferry, P Mogan, S O’Donnell; P McBrearty (0-03, 1f), C McGuinness (0-01, f), C O’Donnell.

May be an image of 2 people, people playing sport, outdoors and text that says "Pod-Ta evanlogan PHOTOGRAPHY" — The attack is on! Photo credit: Evan Logan

Subs: M Murphy (0-06, 5f) for McGuinness (h-t), E O’Donnell for O’Donnell (h-t), C McGonagle for Brennan (h-t), N O’Donnell for C O’Donnell (48), M Langan (0-01) for McGee (51), J McKelvey for McClenaghan (53), E Doherty for McFadden Ferry (57)

Referee: P Hughes (Armagh).

Dessie Ward of Monaghan (R) evades Eoghan Bán Gallagher. — Ward and Ban Gallagher. Photo credit: RTÉ

Man of the Match: Micheal Lynch and Ódhrán McFadden Ferry certainly made both Gwedore and Donegal proud and the same could be said for the Monaghan duo of Conor McCarthy and Aaron Mulligan but the man of the match award has to go to Micheál Brannigan who scored 0-5, 0-3f and was tantalizing in a very dominant Monaghan display. However Brannigan also was the key player in the transition from defense to attack. Micheál was always present on the forty. Micheál Brannigan was elusive.

Buncrana 0-10 Cloughaneely 0-12 – Buncrana get first home championhsip defeat since 2018!

October 3, 2021 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in 2021, Buncrana GAA, Championship, Donegal, Donegal GAA, Favourites, football, inter-county, Ulster

By Patrick Sharkey,

Cloughaneely breezed past Buncrana for the third time in the championship in the last four years, in what was likely their most convincing performance yet. Buncrana was better set up this time.

Jason McGee hit 0-04 from play as the West Donegal men had two points to spare come full-time.

Micheal Lynch’s side were two points to the bad after just the first quarter. This was due to a strong start from Buncrana with Oisin Crawford pulling the strings for Buncrana in his first championship.

The game got off to the perfect start for them when Paul Sweeny hit the ball over the net following a fine pass from Martin Ó hÉarlaigh after just 10 minutes. Buncrana knew how to attack Cloughaneely however.

Jason McGee scored from a free kick, before McFadden pointed from the right flank. Cloughaneely was well set up and keeping the score down at the water break and Paul Sweeny was a good help.

Sweeny was the only Cloughaneely player on song in the first 15 minutes before McFadden slipped over his first point.

McGee,Fitzgearld and Sweeny further exemplified Cloughaneely’s dominance with Sweeny hitting 0-01 from play in the opening quarter. However Bunrana were leading 0-4 to 0-2 during the first quarter for good reason with Darrach O’Connor opeing the scoring but being much more important in other areas.

Jason McGee soon spun his new marker Bruce Waldron to make his tally 0-02, but some shots from John Campbell and a superb strike from Donegal midfielder Caolan McGonagle kept Buncrana ticking over. Caolan McGonagle was superb for Buncrana today showing why he started every game in 2021 for Donegal scoring 0-3 but doing much more as he was never afraid to run, punch holes in the defence and give his support to the inside forwards. The midfielder showed that he was strong enough for every challenge.

Micháel MacFhonnghaile saved well from a Darach O’Connor effort, as it was 16 minutes before the Green, White and Gold registered from play, courtesy of a John Campbell score. At half time, the sides were level, and value for such an advantage. Cloughaneely show great strength to come back.

Sean Parker made a great save to deny ConcobharMcCumhail early into the second period.

Jason McGee clipped over three unanswered scores, two dead balls and superb free kick and score from his hands.

It was 0-6 to 0-9 going into the final quarter, and Fitzgearld and McFadden again tormented Buncrana with each of them getting scores either side of points from Paul Sweeny and Ciaran McFadden again.

Ciaran Fiotzgearld and Jason mcGee traded once more, before substitutes played good for Cloughaneely which added the icing to the cake for the Gaeltacht men, 0-9 between the pair as the West Donegal side motored home as the machine keeps purring. The attackers did Cloughaneely proud scoring today but nobody could overlook how tight Cloughaneely were able to keep things at the back with Lee O’Brien never being afraid to bomb forward and not afraid to drop back either.

Buncrana scorers: Darach O’Connor (0-1), John Campbell (0-4), Caolan McGonagle (0-4), Adrian McColgan (0-1)

Cloughaneely scorers: Jason McGee (0-5),Ciaran McFadden (0-4), Paul Sweeney (0-2), Michael Fitzgerald (0-1)

Referee: Sean McDaid (Urris)

Man of the Match: Caolan McGonagle and Sean Parker defintley used height as an advantage for Buncrana, while Concobhar MacCumhaill and Lee O’Brien kept things tight for Cloughaneely, but the MOTM award goes to Darach O’Connor for Buncrana who was an asset for the losing side.

Tyrone turn up the Music for the All Ireland football final!

September 10, 2021 by Patrick Sharkey, posted in 2021, Championship, Connacht, cork, Donegal, Favourites, football, Hurling, inter-county, leinster, mayo, Mayo, Podcast, Tyrone, Ulster, Wexford

By, Patrick Sharkey,

To close out season three of the GAA Zone Podcast, unless the All Ireland senior men’s football final goes to a replay, it will be finished by looking at all the best tunes produced by counties ahead of going to an All Ireland final. A special shoutout is given to the first song Chrissy Mac: “Back Home to Tyrone”. Country singer Chrissy Mac is delighted to release his latest single “Back Home To Tyrone”.

The song writers Jimmy and Brendan Hendry thought Chrissy Mac was the perfect man for the song.

Chrissy Mac was beginning to become a household name before the dreaded pandemic hit and has like every other musician has struggled over the past 18 months not being able to do what they love.

Chrissy is also the only country singer to have released a song this year to support the Tyrone footballers in the All Ireland final .Many a well-known amazing artists have recorded singles in the past and Chrissy is delighted to be following in their footsteps and hoping that this song will be played for years to come with a great result for Tyrone this Saturday. There has also been a song released in support of Mayo which you can listen to in the podcast.

3:03 – Back Home to Tyrone – Chrissy Mac (Tyrone)

7:40 -Jimmy’s winning matches – Rory and the Island (Donegal)

11:15 – Give us back Sam Maguire – GMC (Cork)

16:28 – Fight for Sam – David Howley (Mayo)

20:30 – Dancing at the Crossroads – The wild swans (Wexford)

25:28 – The banks of my own Lovely Lee-Sean O’Se (Cork)

30:05 – When I play for the county – The 2 Johnnies (Tipperary)

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

Patrick Sharkey

Editor of GAA Zone