How do you improve on a near-perfect performance?That is the question the Echo Sport Podcast crew tried to answer this week, as they looked back at Cork’s 20-point win over Dublin in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final on Saturday evening.With regular presenter Eamonn Murphy still away – but expected to be fit for the final-preview episode next Monday – sports editor John McHale took the reins, joined by Denis Hurley, Jack McKay and John Horgan.Naturally, there was praise for how Cork came out so strongly after a four-week lay-off in the wake of the Munster final win against Limerick – especially given that Dublin had produced such a good performance in themselves seeing off the Shannonsiders – and the guest felt that there was little in living memory to compare with it.Of course, Cork manager Pat Ryan felt that the display fell short of absolute perfection and highlighted a few areas that can be improved for the final; this was discussed by the panel in studio, as well as any potential changes to the Cork lineup for the final.There was also a stout debate as to the management’s willingness or reluctance to make big changes during games and the status of Cork’s veteran superstar Patrick Horgan was examined.John Horgan, who has been covering Cork hurling for the bones of a half-century, was asked if he had ever seen anything like the sea of red that enveloped Croke Park on Saturday evening – conservative estimates put it at at least 60,000 Rebels in place – and his simple answer was, “No.”The symbiosis between a team on a mission and a fanbase keen to be there every step of the way has been almost unprecedented but the flipside of that is that tickets for the final will be like gold-dust. The decider will be the ninth Cork hurling championship game in a row played before a sellout crowd, something never seen before, while even in this year’s Allianz Hurling League campaign they were drawing more than 20,000 for home games.That level of demand will mean a lot of disappointed Rebel supporters for the final, not least because so many tickets end up in the hands of those who may not have shown the same dedication but will have benefited from the corporate events that offer admission to the game as part of the not-insignificant financial outlay involved.The balance in maximising earning potential from reaching the final and also looking after the real fans is something that the two Johns, Jack and Denis try to parse.In a bumper episode, Sunday’s semi-final between Tipperary and Kilkenny – and the scoreboard issues from late in that match – are also looked at as the All-Ireland fervour moves up a gear.Catch the podcast every week at https://www.echolive.ie/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Hurlers head for Croker, forewarned and forearmed against a strong Dublin
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Pressure on Cork hurlers after Dubs shock Limerick, what next for footballers after loss in Croker?
The pressure on the Cork hurlers certainly isn't letting up after the dominant force of the modern game was sent crashing out against Dublin. In one of the biggest shocks in the history of hurling, the third-place team in Leinster, 12-1 complete outsiders with the bookies, beat Limerick and did so despite getting a red card after 15 minutes. The stunning reversal means Cork now take on the Dubs on July 5 in the All-Ireland semi-final instead of Tipp, with the expectation now they'll go all the way and finally regain Liam MacCarthy. The podcast crew break down Dublin's victory and discuss how Cork can keep focused for the trip to Croke Park on Saturday week. Tipp take on Kilkenny in the other semi and you can be sure both of those counties are just as thrilled Limerick have been taken out early. On the football front, there's a reflection on the footballers' very strong showing against Dessie Farrell's Dublin that didn't yield the reward it deserved. It was a familiar sceál for the Cork football faithful, a good game against an All-Ireland contender but not a knockout victory. John Cleary's term is now officially ended but he wouldn't say after the loss in Croker if he'd be seeking another season in 2026. There is a shortage of viable replacements but Cleary might not want another year dealing with the stress and expectation on Leeside. There were highs and lows across the past four seasons and a mixed championship record which featured a few very close calls against the bigger guns, especially Kerry. Plus the Echo team pick out the winners and losers after the final round of the Cork football leagues, albeit with Clon v Castlehaven on hold to decide the Division 1 finalists. Walkovers were a disappointing aspect to the concluding weekend, with another round of hurling to go as well. Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Cork footballers gear up for Dublin in Croker plus picking the minor hurlers who most impressed this season.
The Cork footballers saved their season with a gritty performance in Portlaoise to beat Roscommon over the weekend but their reward is a very tough preliminary quarter-final against Dublin.While Meath and Armagh have beaten the Boys in Blue already this summer, John Cleary's charges will need to produce a season-best to progress to the last eight.We reflect on the victory over the Rossies which was spearheaded by Colm O'Callaghan, Ian Maguire, Mark Cronin and Seán McDonnell, who kicked 0-4 in a tight game. Keeper Micheál Aodh Martin came up with some big plays as well, saving a goal chance at a critical stage and pushing out a dangerous dropping ball for a 45 in the dying minutes.It was heart-stopping stuff, with Roscommon hunting a two-pointer to knock Cork out as time elapsed as Brian O'Driscoll, Seán Brady and Daniel O'Mahony defended brilliantly.What can they improve on for their Croke Park trip though?Plus we reflect on a disappointing All-Ireland minor hurling semi-final exit for Cork against Clare.Fergal McCormack's side had beaten the Banner en route to a Munster title but a four-week break since that provincial success might have been an issue with Clare far sharper throughout. More tellingly, the underdogs showed greater hunger and work-rate around the middle third.Cork were expected to reach what would only have been the county's third All-Ireland final appearance at the grade in the modern era, with the Rebels winning the title in 2021 and losing the 2017 decider to Galway.Still, there were some excellent performers in red over the course of their six matches and we pick out the young players to watch out for in the coming seasons.Plus there's a look at the local action as the club hurling leagues head towards their conclusion.Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Cork hurlers deliver after another classic with Limerick.
No one gave them much of a chance beforehand but Cork defied the odds and completed a stunning turnaround from a 16-point beating 20 days earlier to land the Munster title. The majority of Rebels were travelling to Shannonside more in hope than expectation but Pat Ryan had promised his side would make it worth their while with a battling performance and that carried them all the way to a first provincial crown since 2018. We look back on the game itself and the memorable occasion at TUS Gaelic Grounds where both sets of supporters and a ferocious contest led to an electric atmosphere. It was a rollercoaster of emotion across the near 100-minute war before penalties decided it. Limerick had no shortage of regrets, which sums up what an incredible team they've been, going for seven in a row and still leaving everything on the field. Cork hurled outstandingly well in normal time where their sloppy shooting meant it finished level. Then Limerick missed more chances before a Darragh Fitzgibbon deep into added time forced a shootout. We break down the key areas where Cork turned the tide from their humiliating loss in the group game. Subs made a critical impact, with Conor Lehane and Shane Kingston deservedly taking all the plaudits. Limerick haven't gone away of course. They'll be raging favourites to bounce back and beat Dublin or Kildare, and then Kilkenny, to reach the All-Ireland final. Cork have to look after their own house with a month-gap before their semi-final in Croke, most likely against a Tipperary side who feel they owe their rivals. For now, we can enjoy the beautiful feeling of being Munster champs. We also preview Cork's knockout football clash with Roscommon, a 50-50 match where John Cleary's side will be hoping to bring the form they showed against Kerry, rather than in a loss to Meath. Plus a round-up of the club football action and the minors' All-Ireland semi-final exit at the hands of Tyrone. Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland