The GAA Zone podcast

Join us for an exhilarating ride as we celebrate our 60th episode of the GAA Zone Podcast! During this special instalment, we dive deep into the heart of Gaelic football with a comprehensive review.

Join us on the GAA Zone Podcast as we delve into the heart-stopping action of the All-Ireland football semi-finals of 2023! Our specialist a panel of Gaelic football enthusiasts breaks down the thrilling matches that took place, providing insightful analysis, standout performances, and tactical manoeuvres that determined the finalists. It is hosted by the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey who is in discussion with the Irish Times sports journalist Eamon Donoghue who looks back at the Tailteann Cup, reviewed the All-Ireland SFC semifinals and looking ahead to the All-Ireland SFC final happening.

In this episode, we relive the most unforgettable moments from the semi-final encounters.

As of surprise strategies to impressive team dynamics, we leave no stone unturned in our comprehensive recap of the semi-finals. Join our loving hosts as they share their predictions for the upcoming All-Ireland final and provide expert insights on the strengths and weaknesses of the competing teams. However, did Eamon Donoghue get his predictions correct for the All-Ireland SHC final? Tune in to find out. It also leads to the question of who is the greatest hurling team of all time.

Whether you're a reactionary supporter or a casual follower of Gaelic football, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in to the GAA Zone Podcast for an immersive experience as we relive the excitement of the All-Ireland football semi-finals and gear up for the ultimate showdown in the All-Ireland final! 🎙️📻🌟There has been a delay to the podcast due to external problems.

Welcome to Episode 58 of the GAA Zone podcast! In this exciting episode, we have a special guest joining us—none other than the legendary Keith Higgins.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the GAA Zone Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Gaelic games legend Roisín McCafferty. Join us as we explore her inspiring story of passion, determination, and triumph. As we unravel the captivating details of Roisín's career, we gain valuable insights into the world of Gaelic games and the unwavering spirit required to excel.

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.

Welcome to a special episode of the GAA Zone podcast! In this instalment, we have the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Wayne McNamara, a prominent figure in the world of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Join us as we delve into Wayne's remarkable journey, from his noteworthy career as a player to his invaluable contributions as a pundit. With Wayne's innate insights and wealth of experience, we'll explore the current state of the sport, the challenges faced by athletes, and the strategic elements that make GAA is truly unique. This stays an episode you won't want to miss, as Wayne McNamara shares his expertise, passion, and predictions for the future of Gaelic games. So grab your headphones, get comfortable, and join us in the GAA Zone with our special guest, Wayne.  

On episode 54 of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey spoke to the Offaly and Bally Common senior footballer David Dempsey.

In episode 53 of the GAA Zone podcast the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey welcomes back Aaron Maher Prendergast of GAA Fan TV to talk about all the big news in inter-county management. The dust firmly settled on the 2022 All-Ireland races, with club championships now in full swing. Such as ever, the inter-county off-season has brought about plenty of change on the managerial front. Several county boards have appointed new managers in recent weeks. 

In episode 52 of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zon editor Patrick Sharkey welcomes back the former Antrim senior hurler Terrance 'Sambo' McNaughton'.

In episode 51 of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey is joined by Andy McEntee. Andy McEntee is a Gaelic football manager. He has been the manager of the Antrim County team since 2022. He managed his native Meath stuck between 2016 and 2022.McEntee managed Meath to the final of the 2012 All-Ireland Minor Football Competition. He led Ballyboden St Enda's to the 2015–16 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship. He was named Meath's manager in August 2016. In 2019, he led Meath back to Division one of the National Football League for the first time since 2006. He led Meath to the Leinster finals. 

With some echoes, the 50th episode special of the GAA Zone podcast is here. The GAA Zone podcast editor Patrick Sharkey welcomes back two regulars of the GAA Zone podcast in the form of the Mayo-based journalist Chloe Lynch, better known as the girl who writes about Mayo GAA, and Cork-based journalist Matthew Hurley better known as the GAA Statsman. Our journey starts at the first meeting of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) all the way back on November 1, 1884, when three of the seven men in attendance at the establishment of the GAA in Hayes Hotel in Thurles, County Tipperary in 1884 was those in the newspaper industry reporting on an organisation that was set to govern Gaelic games. This came about because of a massive boom in the sales of local newspapers in the second half of the 19th century throughout the island of Ireland. This would have been a massive help to Michael Cusack. Then three years later in 1887, different media outlets throughout the island of Ireland were able to gain a glimpse of Gaelic football at the highest level for the first time in the first All-Ireland final in either hurling or football. It was the first of two All-Ireland football titles for Limerick. In 2005, a gold medal won by the final's man-of-the-match Malachi O'Brien fetched €26,500 (three times its guide price). Shortly after the national newspapers got given a glimpse of hurling at the highest level as the 1887 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship was the first staging of the All-Ireland hurling championship. Then eight years later in 1885, the newspapers reported on a game that divided the island of Ireland, with that famous Cork and Dublin clash. Come the spring of 2022, the GAA scaled back on its streaming service GAA GO as crowd restrictions got lifted as fans flocked to the grounds for the 2022 league season after a two-year absence. The only league games available to watch from home for GAA fans would have been the game selected for a televised audience and TG4 did select some games for their online player service.  The Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) did however have games from all four divisions able to be broadcasted live on their website and different camogie county boards streamed games. Come to the 2022 championship, GAA Go did come back to showcase different exclusive games, but it was a far cry from the two years before. . The LGFA streamed games on their website for free that did not be shown on TG4 for all three championships and different camogie county boards had rights to show games that RTÉ did not show. For hurling championships below the Liam McCarthy cup, licensing laws weren’t as strict for broadcast, so some county boards did have their inter-county games streamed such as Down GAA who streamed their home Joe McDonagh cup games for €7. On July 25, 2022, the GAA Zone podcast reached the 50 episodes milestone. It's fair to say media coverage has evolved for Gaelic games. Over two years into the pandemic, the GAA is mulling over some welcome findings in a report analysing the association’s appeal to various audiences. The two most striking are the extent to which the general sports follower is interested in Gaelic games and the comparatively high proportion of women included in those numbers. With the second winter of Covid accelerated – GAA recognition came.

In episode 49 of the GAA Zone podcast, former Derry hurler Naoise Waldron returns to the podcast to talk about the club hurling. 

In episode 48 of the GAA Zone -podcast the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey welcomes the Kildare and Athy senior men's footballer Kevin Feely.

In episode 47 of the GAA Zone podcast the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to the Mayo-based journalist Chloe Lynch about the season for the Mayo senior men's footballers and looking back at the big results of the weekend including the Tailteann cup final and two All Ireland men's football semi-finals before rounding it all off with the ladies football action. This was the audio version of a Facebook Livestream.

In episode 46 of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to the former Wexford hurler Richie Kehoe about the season for the South East side and previews the All Ireland hurling final before talking about the season for the Faythe Harrier senior hurlers.

In Episode 45 of the GAA zone podcast, former Tipperary ladies football captain Samantha Lambert returns for a third time talking about the season for Tipperary ladies football and looking ahead to other games happening in the TG4 All-Ireland Senior ladies football championship.

With some connectivity issues, the GAA zone editor, Patrick Sharkey spoke to the former Cavan senior hurling manager Ollie Bellew 'Badger'. 

In episode 42 of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to 1992 Sam Maguire winning captain Anthony Molloy.

With some audio difficulties, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey looked back at the football qualifiers with Castlebar Community Radio presenter Chloe Lynch and Donegal-based Tik Tok Star, Ethan Kelly.

In episode 40 of the GAA Zone podcast, Patrick Sharkey speaks to the 2017 Liam McCarthy cup winner and founder of the GAA scores app, What's the Scór, Paul Flaherty.

With some audio difficulties, the Antrim senior footballer Declan Lynch returned to the podcast. Tickets have gone on sale for next Saturday's Tailteann Cup clash between Leitrim and Antrim in Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada with fans reminded that they must buy their tickets.  

In episode 38 of the GAA Zone Podcast, the GAA Zone editor spoke to Matthew Hurley aka the GAA Statsman about the games that happened last weekend.

In episode 37 of the GAA Zone Podcast, Patrick Sharkey speaks to the Antrim hurling legend Terrance "Sambo" McNaughton about Ulster hurling currently.

For the first episode of season four of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey spoke to the Kildare senior footballer Kevin Feely about their season in division one and looking ahead to the Louth game on Sunday. This was taking form from an earlier recorded Livestream on the GAA Zone Facebook.

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) 

Ahead of the All Ireland football final, it is time to look back at all the biggest tunes in the GAA to get you pumped up for the All Ireland football final. Country singer Chrissy Mac is delighted to release his latest hit 'Back Home To Tyrone'.This upbeat original song was written by well known long time country musician Jimmy Hendry along with his brother Brendan, who was inspired to write the song for the Tyrone football team as they make their way to the final of The All Ireland series this Saturday in Croke Park. The boys thought Chrissy Mac was the perfect man for the song.

In episode 34 of the GAA Zone Podcast, the GAA Zone Editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to the Donegal and Setanta senior hurler Gerard Gilmore.

Shortcuts: 

3:31 - David Dempsey (All Ireland semi-final preview) 

55:09 - Matthew Hurley (All Ireland hurling final Preview)

In episode 33 of the GAA Zone podcast, Offaly and Ballycommon senior footballer David Dempsey returns to the podcast to talk about the season for Offaly and a preview to the Kerry v Tyrone game followed by Matthew Hurley (GAA Statsman) previewing the All Ireland hurling final.

In episode 32 of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to Aaron Maher Prendergast from GAA Fan TV previewing the All Ireland football semi-finals. Aaron believes that the Dublin senior footballers play a more defensive brand of football with more players entering into their 30s. Maher believes that the Mayo senior footballers have brought through a sensational talent in the form of Ryan O'Donnoghue. 

Interviews:
1. Aaron Maher  and David Rispin (3m 32s) 

2. Samantha Lambert (32m 27s) 

3. Ollie Bellew (53m 2s) 

 In episode 31 of the GAA Zone podcast the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to the most frequent GAA Zone guest Aaron Maher Prendergast and many others.

On episode 30 of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey is joined by 2017 Liam Mc Carthy winner Paul Flaherty. Paul previews both the Connacht and Munster football final. How confident is Flaherty that his native Galway can pull through against their rivals Mayo?

In episode 29 of the GAA Zone Podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey spoke to Mayo fan Willie Joe McHale from Talk GAA about the weekend's action in which both the All Ireland champions won by eight-point margins and one major upset in another game of hurling on Sky Sports.

Episode 28 of the GAA Zone podcast was with the East Belfast GAA Club president Linda Irvine who talking about the GAA changing culture within East Belfast. 

In the first GAA Zone podcast episode of 2021 the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey previews the upcoming championship with former Derry and Kilkenny hurler Naoise Waldron and if that isn't enough there will also be the return of the mos[t frequent GAA Zone Podcast guest Aaron Maher from GAA Fan TV.

In the final GAA Zone podcast episode of 2020, three guests appear on it with the first guest being Aaron Prendergast Maher from GAA Fan TV followed by Michael McGeehan and Valerie Mulcahy. 

On episode twenty-five of the GAA ZOne podcast the GAA Zone editor, Patrick Sharkey speaks to the Kildare senior men's footballer Kevin Feely about their season. Kevin is also a former Waterford development hurler so he will be looking forward to the All Ireland senior hurling final on Sunday afternoon just like Brian Whelahan. 

On episode twenty-four of the GAA Zone,the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey previews the All Ireland senior football semi-finals with the 84 crew.

On episode twenty-three of the GAA Zone podcast the 8 time All Ireland winning hurler Richie Power reviews the quarter-final action last weekend and looks forward to the semi-finals.

On episode twenty-two of the GAA Zone podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to the Offaly senior men's footballer Dave Dempsey about their season. 

Tune into episode twenty-one of the GAA Zone podcast when the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey is joined by a fellow Donegal journalist Kieran Cunningham.

TO kick off November the GAA Zone podcast episode 20 is going to be over an hour with the Antrim senior men's football captain Declan Lynch talking followed by Larry O Gorman.

Episode 19 of the GAA Zone podcast sees the much-anticipated championship none with some top guests top review the action for us. First up is the Donegal hurling legend Kevin Campbell to review the two-point win for Donegal over Longford and he looks ahead to the Donegal senior hurlers playing Armagh before the return of the 84 crew. 

With the final weekend of the national football league happening this weekend it is time we decide to dedicate an episode to 100% football everybody with guests such as: 

• First up it is going to be Sean Brady who featured in the 2018 season of the hit TG4 TV series the underdogs where he talks about his career after it. 
• Followed by the return of the 84 crew where Daragh Kelly from DK sports and Aaron from GAA Fan Tv talk about all the action last weekend.
• The Donegal senior men's football goalkeeper Shaun Patton comes in to finish it off to talk about what he believes what was a disappointing season for his club team Saint Eunans but is quite optimistic about the season ahead for the Donegal senior men's footballers whenever they will finish their league campaign by making the tough trip to Tralee to play Kerry before hosting Tyrone in the first round of the championship. 

For the first time ever the GAA Zone podcast will be one at least an hour whenever the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to some guests on the podcast.  First up is the Tipperary hurling legend Ken Hogan, followed by the Galway camogie star Aoife Donohue and the 84 crew are back on it to finish the podcast where Aaron from GAA Fan Tv and Daragh Kelly go head to head in a debate to discuss the decision of the GAA to have an inter-county provincial and All Ireland season instead of an All Ireland club provincial and All Ireland Club championship. Aaron isn't happy with the decision while Daragh Kelly is. Ken Hogan, however, is quite excited for the inter-county season coming ahead for the Tipperary senior hurlers this year and the same could be said about Aoife Donohue who will have her mind focused on a big game for the Galway senior camogie team coming up.

In episode fifteen of the GAA Zone Podcast the GAA Zone editor, Patrick Sharkey discusses the weight of being favourites with two athletes who are well used to playing for club teams that would be the strongest in their county. Both these players, however, will give a humble take on the idea that both their clubs are favourites whenever they play winning their respective championships. All the best social media reaction will also be called out first. 

• Michelle Ryan - The Waterford ladies football legend will talk about the pressure of the Ballymcabry senior footballers trying to build on from winning the Waterford senior ladies football championship for an incredible 39th time in a row. Ryan talks about the favourites tag attache. 
• Gerard Gilmore - The Donegal and Setanta senior hurlers speak about a mixture of excitement and nerves heading into next Saturday whenever Setanta are favourites in the county final. 

To kick off the second season of the GAA Zone Podcast, the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey speaks to the Armagh senior hurling goalkeeper Simon Doherty.

On episode thirteen of the GAA Zone podcast the GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey is glad to announce the release of the 84 crew which is a new group of GAA content creators that will feature himself, Darragh Kelly and Aaron Maher (GAA Fan TV). Aaron and Darragh talk about the future of Leinster football going forward as the perspective of a Meath and Dublin fan would be quite interesting. The 84 crew has some big ambitions going forward.

On episode twelve of the GAA Zone podcast the GAA Zone editor, Patrick Sharkey speaks to the goalkeeper of the hit TG4 the Underdogs who featured back in the 2018 season of the Show Blake Forkan Mr.Forkan talks about getting involved with the underdog's team originally going for a trial down in Trim, County Meath. However, Blake Forkan believes that his career has not had the bounce he hoped it could have had playing for the underdogs. 

On this episode of the GAA Zone Podcas the GAA Zone editor, Patrick Sharkey sits down and talks to the administrator of one of the biggest GAA accounts on Instagram Gearóid Howley (GAA Editz) about the upcoming season for the hurlers and footballers of his home county of Clare ahead of the GAA inter-county senior championship. The GAA Zone editor Patrick Sharkey also pays tribute to the RTÉ gaelic games commentator Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh.