Dessie Dolan joins Jacqui Hurley and Rory O'Neill to look back on a bountiful provincial weekend for Donegal and Louth.

The celebrations will continue into this week, especially in the Wee County, but the All-Ireland race is only just beginning.

The battle for the Liam MacCarthy is very unlikely to include defending champions Clare, after the Banner were beaten by Tipperary at the weekend.

Shane McGrath joins to look at that game, and wonders if the Dublin hurlers might finally be about to ditch the bridesmaids tag in Leinster.

<p>Dessie Dolan joins Jacqui Hurley and Rory O'Neill to look back on a bountiful provincial weekend for Donegal and Louth.</p><p>The celebrations will continue into this week, especially in the Wee County, but the All-Ireland race is only just beginning.</p><p>The battle for the Liam MacCarthy is very unlikely to include defending champions Clare, after the Banner were beaten by Tipperary at the weekend.</p><p>Shane McGrath joins to look at that game, and wonders if the Dublin hurlers might finally be about to ditch the bridesmaids tag in Leinster.</p>

Cathal Mullaney and the RTÉ Sport team take a look at all the biggest issues in football and hurling, plus preview and review the weekend's action with RTÉ's top GAA analysts.

RTÉ GAA Podcast

Louth have their day in the sun | Clare's All-Ireland defence in tatters

Cathal Mullaney and Conor Neville from the RTÉ Sport team are joined by Éamonn Fitzmaurice to take a look at round 6 of the Allianz football league. Éamonn boldly proposes that Kerry may be entering an era similar to Jim Gavin's Dublin from 2015-2020 (4:45). 
Mayo's attacking game (7:50) against Kerry was broken down, with the ex-Kerry manager stating he felt any issues would be ironed out in time for Championship season. 
The Rossies are in flying form was another topic of discussion and Éamonn feels they look like they have preserved more energy than usual to beat their past form of not being able to produce after a strong league performance. (13:00)
Ger Brennan's post-match comments were brought up with Éamonn reflecting that the "straight shooting" manager maybe felt there was a lack of leadership in their second-half performance that allowed Armagh to control the kickouts (16:30). 
Thoughts also turned to what approach Jack O'Conor will take for the final-round clash against the Orchard county, with Éamonn stating that incentives for both sides could make for an exciting clash in the Athletic Grounds (20:10). 
As the league comes to a close the panel wonder if players are as concerned and aware of the permutations, Éamonn reflects that it depends on the player and their level of personal "nerdiness" for the intricacies of the game (26:50). 
Division 2, 3 and 4 are also discussed, with Cork's fate determined to be very much in their own hands against Tyrone, who they have a decent record against (29:50), and uniquely all seven teams remain in the mix in Division 4 (34:50). 
You can find the RTÉ Sport online team's permutations for the Allianz Football League here: https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0316/1563681-football-league-permutations-little-decided-ahead-of-r7/ 


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Cathal Mullaney and Conor Neville from the RTÉ Sport team are joined by Éamonn Fitzmaurice to take a look at round 6 of the Allianz football league. Éamonn boldly proposes that Kerry may be entering an era similar to Jim Gavin's Dublin from 2015-2020 (4:45).&nbsp;<div><br><div>Mayo's attacking game (7:50) against Kerry was broken down, with the ex-Kerry manager stating he felt any issues would be ironed out in time for Championship season.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The Rossies are in flying form was another topic of discussion and Éamonn feels they look like they have preserved more energy than usual to beat their past form of not being able to produce after a strong league performance. (13:00)</div><div><br></div><div>Ger Brennan's post-match comments were brought up with Éamonn reflecting that the "straight shooting" manager maybe felt there was a lack of leadership in their second-half performance that allowed Armagh to control the kickouts (16:30).&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Thoughts also turned to what approach Jack O'Conor will take for the final-round clash against the Orchard county, with Éamonn stating that incentives for both sides could make for an exciting clash in the Athletic Grounds (20:10).&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>As the league comes to a close the panel wonder if players are as concerned and aware of the permutations, Éamonn reflects that it depends on the player and their level of personal "nerdiness" for the intricacies of the game (26:50).&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Division 2, 3 and 4 are also discussed, with Cork's fate determined to be very much in their own hands against Tyrone, who they have a decent record against (29:50), and uniquely all seven teams remain in the mix in Division 4 (34:50).&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>You can find the RTÉ Sport online team's permutations for the Allianz Football League here: https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0316/1563681-football-league-permutations-little-decided-ahead-of-r7/&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div><div><div><div><p>Watch the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Sport Youtube</p><p>Web http://www.rte.ie/sport</p><p>X: https://x.com/RTEsport</p><p>Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesport</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Refreshed Roscommon and Cork’s Division 1 destiny decider 

Cathal Mullaney is joined by fellow Sligoman James McMahon and former Westmeath manager Dessie Dolan to preview the weekend's Allianz Football League action.

There is much excitement around Mayo's visit to Tralee to take on Kerry (2:50) and not just because it's Kobe versus Clifford. Can Mayo keep the 'Moranball' bounce going or will Jack O'Connor look to continue his impressive league record?

Also on Saturday, Armagh travel to Croke Park to take on Dublin (9:00). Neither side has enjoyed the spring they would have hoped for... can Armagh find the net and can Ger Brennan find a few more wins while minding Con O'Callaghan?

High-flying Donegal travel to Roscommon on Sunday (15:45) with the hosts looking to bounce back from a poor showing against Dublin. Dessie believes the Connacht men need to show more aggression in the tackle.

With Monaghan hosting Galway (18:40) and the drop looking inevitable, Dessie explains how the drop to Division 2 is not the end of the world... provide you bounce back up.

Things in Division 2 (21:20) continue to intrigue, as Tyrone look devoid of confidence and Dessie asks, 'Who would manage the Cork footballers?'

Finally, with Offaly struggling in the second tier and a gaggle of Division 3 sides looking to join Down in promotion, Dessie spells out the gulf between the second and third tiers.

<p>Cathal Mullaney is joined by fellow Sligoman James McMahon and former Westmeath manager Dessie Dolan to preview the weekend's Allianz Football League action.</p><p>There is much excitement around Mayo's visit to Tralee to take on Kerry (2:50) and not just because it's Kobe versus Clifford. Can Mayo keep the 'Moranball' bounce going or will Jack O'Connor look to continue his impressive league record?</p><p>Also on Saturday, Armagh travel to Croke Park to take on Dublin (9:00). Neither side has enjoyed the spring they would have hoped for... can Armagh find the net and can Ger Brennan find a few more wins while minding Con O'Callaghan?</p><p>High-flying Donegal travel to Roscommon on Sunday (15:45) with the hosts looking to bounce back from a poor showing against Dublin. Dessie believes the Connacht men need to show more aggression in the tackle.</p><p>With Monaghan hosting Galway (18:40) and the drop looking inevitable, Dessie explains how the drop to Division 2 is not the end of the world... provide you bounce back up.</p><p>Things in Division 2 (21:20) continue to intrigue, as Tyrone look devoid of confidence and Dessie asks, 'Who would manage the Cork footballers?'</p><p>Finally, with Offaly struggling in the second tier and a gaggle of Division 3 sides looking to join Down in promotion, Dessie spells out the gulf between the second and third tiers.</p>

Kobe versus Clifford | Dessie Dolan on gap between divisions

Cathal Mullaney is joined by Shane McGrath and Mikey Stafford to discuss the weekend’s Allianz League hurling action, which saw a historic loss for Kilkenny, Limerick’s return to their old set-up, and the benefits of 1B for developing teams.

Shane details how he felt nothing went right for Kilkenny in Salthill on Saturday (1:20), where a lack of energy and an issue with their puck-out resulted in the county's worst loss since the 1950s, a result Shane joked even Google wouldn’t know.

The panel also consider how Galway have risen to their current status, with Shane adding that the real measure of success for minor teams is how many make it to senior, suggesting Galway as an example (11:30).

Thoughts also turn to Kilkenny's next fixture, against Shane's own Tipp, where a heavy defeat could see relegation for the 36-time All-Ireland champions, something he feels could further motivate the Premier County for the fixture (13:00).

The lack of need for goalkeepers in Salthill was another point of discussion, with Shane noting that of the 52 points scored, not one was a shot on goal, signifying changes in the game (14:40).

Limerick v Cork was next on the list of fixtures to discuss and, despite the two-point loss for the Rebels, Shane feels that experiencing Limerick's intensity will benefit them come Championship (16:00).

Shane explained that he felt Limerick have returned to their old set-up, with diagonal ball once again at the forefront of their approach. He praises Kyle Hayes for his unpredictable play and shares his thoughts on the 27-year-old’s ideal position on the pitch (28:00).

The chat then turns to 1B, and Shane expresses his belief that the division is the perfect platform for teams in transition to develop their panels - though still some way off the level needed to succeed in the Championship (31:30).

The group discuss the Lilywhites’ weekend performance, and Shane explains that even without Jack Sheridan they were still able to turn heads, adding that he thinks a big win is coming in Leinster… Wexford? Kilkenny? A few teams are thrown around, but either way Shane predicts a big upset come the Leinster Championship (33:00).

Lastly, the Dubs are discussed, with Shane explaining how he feels a League title is on the cards, complimenting the competitive nature of 1B as perfect preparation for the Leinster Championship (38:00).




Watch the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Sport Youtube

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X: https://x.com/RTEsport

Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesport

<p>Cathal Mullaney is joined by Shane McGrath and Mikey Stafford to discuss the weekend’s Allianz League hurling action, which saw a historic loss for Kilkenny, Limerick’s return to their old set-up, and the benefits of 1B for developing teams.</p><p>Shane details how he felt nothing went right for Kilkenny in Salthill on Saturday (1:20), where a lack of energy and an issue with their puck-out resulted in the county's worst loss since the 1950s, a result Shane joked even Google wouldn’t know.</p><p>The panel also consider how Galway have risen to their current status, with Shane adding that the real measure of success for minor teams is how many make it to senior, suggesting Galway as an example (11:30).</p><p>Thoughts also turn to Kilkenny's next fixture, against Shane's own Tipp, where a heavy defeat could see relegation for the 36-time All-Ireland champions, something he feels could further motivate the Premier County for the fixture (13:00).</p><p>The lack of need for goalkeepers in Salthill was another point of discussion, with Shane noting that of the 52 points scored, not one was a shot on goal, signifying changes in the game (14:40).</p><p>Limerick v Cork was next on the list of fixtures to discuss and, despite the two-point loss for the Rebels, Shane feels that experiencing Limerick's intensity will benefit them come Championship (16:00).</p><p>Shane explained that he felt Limerick have returned to their old set-up, with diagonal ball once again at the forefront of their approach. He praises Kyle Hayes for his unpredictable play and shares his thoughts on the 27-year-old’s ideal position on the pitch (28:00).</p><p>The chat then turns to 1B, and Shane expresses his belief that the division is the perfect platform for teams in transition to develop their panels - though still some way off the level needed to succeed in the Championship (31:30).</p><p>The group discuss the Lilywhites’ weekend performance, and Shane explains that even without Jack Sheridan they were still able to turn heads, adding that he thinks a big win is coming in Leinster… Wexford? Kilkenny? A few teams are thrown around, but either way Shane predicts a big upset come the Leinster Championship (33:00).</p><p>Lastly, the Dubs are discussed, with Shane explaining how he feels a League title is on the cards, complimenting the competitive nature of 1B as perfect preparation for the Leinster Championship (38:00).</p><p><br></p><p>Watch the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Sport Youtube</p><p>Web http://www.rte.ie/sport</p><p>X: https://x.com/RTEsport</p><p>Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/rtesport</p>

Louth have their day in the sun | Clare's All-Ireland defence in tatters

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