The Throw-in

Armagh are All-Ireland champions, a victory our panel regard as one of the greatest managerial feats in football history. On this week’s Sam Magure decider review, Will Slattery was joined by Dick Clerkin and Conor McKeon to break down what Armagh did right in a season where they had a unique opportunity to win silverware and took it, why Shane Walsh does not deserve the harsh reaction, and on what the key difference was in the final - Galway had the ball, but Armagh had control. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has listened, followed and engaged with us over the course of the season. Be sure to keep an eye on the Irish Independent app, social channels and podcast feeds for more Gaelic football content later throughout the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the All-Ireland football final preview, eight-time All-Ireland winner and Irish Independent columnist Philly McMahon joined Colm Keys and Donnchadh Boyle to lend his insight into the mindset needed to win a Celtic Cross. In the Sam Maguire decider preview: How Kieran McGeeney has respect of his players, even if he’s divisive in his own county; Shane Walsh and Damien Comer’s contrasting styles; memories of marking the men who will star on Sunday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eddie Brennan, John Mullane and Michael Verney united for one final time to break down the fine margins that saw Clare become 2024 All-Ireland champions, the county’s fifth title in their history. The crew analyse what Brian Lohan has done for the county and how that translated on Sunday, why Tony Kelly defied expectations to ‘drag Clare to the Hogan Stand,’ and we discuss the referee’s performance on a day where some Cork fans may feel hard done by. We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has listened, followed and engaged with us over the course of the season. Be sure to keep an eye on the Irish Independent app, social channels and podcast feeds for more hurling content later throughout the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eddie Brennan, John Mullane and Michael Verney were joined by Clare legend and Sunday Independent columnist Jamesie O'Connor in this in-depth breakdown of Cork v Clare in this Sunday’s Liam McCarthy decider. The team recall their preparations for All-Ireland finals in their own careers, including the importance of getting the game out of your head and not buying into the hype. Plus, Jamesie’s memories of Brian Lohan in their youth; whether the favourites tag suits Cork; the key match-ups on Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Galway and Armagh have made it to the All-Ireland final, each showing resilience late on to power past Donegal and Kerry respectfully. Colm Keys and Dick Clerkin joined Will Slattery to discuss the key differences between the finalists and those who fell this weekend, including how David Clifford didn’t look his usual self, how Armagh have bonded under Kieran McGeeney, and we ask - could Michael Murphy ever be enticed into making a return to Donegal? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All-Ireland semi-finals are coming into view, and Dick Clerkin, Donnchadh Boyle and Will Slattery teamed up to preview Kerry’s duel with Armagh and Galway’s date with Donegal. But first, the team gave their response to the news that just months after winning a National League title, Mickey Harte has left the Derry job - and the turnaround from challengers to a series of defeats is what stands out about his reign. As for the semi-finals, Armagh need to go for the jugular; Kerry’s star forward could come alive; Galway have momentum after dethroning the Dubs; will Jimmy win more matches? Also - who will win the Tailteann Cup between Down and Laois? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It will be a Cork v Clare All-Ireland final, and the Throw-In’s regular trio of John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney teamed up to break down how each team made it over the line. Limerick’s drive for five stalled after a thriller with the Rebels - John asks if they were too slow to make the changes needed to keep pace with a Cork team who have the right pieces coming together at the right time. Meanwhile, Clare’s 16th man made their presence known as Kilkenny were toppled on Saturday, Eddie remarks that free-taking made the difference here. Elsewhere, the quality of hurling is such that we need more of it - will the GAA give it to us?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Limerick legend Ciarán Carey joined the Throw-In’s regular trio of John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney to preview this weekend’s All-Ireland semi-finals. The team break down whether Limerick can come back at Cork following the Rebels' thrilling victory over the Treaty men in the provincial series. There’s a belief that Limerick would have gone over that clash with a fine comb - after all, they ‘have a score to settle’ according to Ciarán. Meanwhile, John Mullane gives his reaction to the news that Davy Fitzgerald has stepped down as Waterford boss. Elsewhere, the pressure is on Clare to realise their potential and knock off a Kilkenny side who yearn for All-Ireland success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colm Keys and Conor McKeon joined Will Slattery after a weekend where Dublin went crashing out to a spirited Galway, who came of age to defeat the All-Ireland Champions. Dessie Farrell’s selection choices naturally came under the microscope, and the team discuss whether the Dubs front-loaded their squad too much in a game where the Tribe surged late on. Meanwhile: Post-mortem starts for Derry; Cillian Burke is Kerry’s find of the year; we rank the four remaining sides in the race for Sam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News broke this week that legendary GAA broadcaster Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh died aged 93. His legacy is one filled with kindness, grá for Gaelic games and a unique commentary style that is woven into the stories of many iconic Irish sporting moments. For this special edition of the Throw-In, Martin Breheny and Colm Keys joined Shane Brennan to recall how Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh built his respect, and why so many GAA fans loved his commentary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank Roche and Dick Clerkin joined Will Slattery in the wake of an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final round that saw Mayo crash out, Roscommon surprise and Louth make history. Dick breaks down what he sees as Mayo’s true undoing - not scoring enough before half-time, and he believes that the county can’t have too many complaints after a disappointing end to their season on penalties. Frank witnessed Roscommon shock Tyrone at the weekend, and he recounts why their first half was one of the finest displays in county history as Tyrone joined Mayo in the exit pile. Meanwhile, Derry could be Kerry’s undoing, the lads aren’t betting much on Armagh, and is Louth boss Ger Brennan worthy of winning Manager of the Year?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney teamed up again after a pair of quarter-finals that failed to get the juices flowing - but memories of food poisoning from years gone by came back in the meantime. On the pitch, Eddie wonders why Cork and Dublin seemed to play with their ‘heads still on the pillow,’ while John explains his belief that Cork are best when they have been written off. The lads also break down the impact of Clare's time off after their Munster final defeat. Plus - we rank the four semi-finalists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colm Keys and Dick Clerkin joined Shane Brennan on this week’s Throw-In football show after a slate of round-robin clashes that saw Mayo, Dublin, Galway and Armagh all go through intensive tests. Shane feels that Mayo had a missed opportunity, but Colm is quick to remind that Dublin are the masters of timing - as shown by their game-changers and their exquisite final point. Meanwhile, Dick believes that Armagh are finally earning their credit, while there is confidence in Kerry despite the quality of opposition they have defeated - and to their credit, defeated well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney engage in a wide-ranging chat around on-pitch form and off-field issues hitting some fans. On the field, Cork were a little sloppy against an Offaly team that have a bright future, as John believes the Faithful men have showed enough to challenge Leinster counties next season. Meanwhile, confusion reigns around the scheduling of All-Ireland quarter-finals as Wexford’s game could be in an inconvenient spot - Eddie asks if broadcasters are prioritising events with no Irish interest over our own national games. Plus - memory time, as Michael recalls when John played so well against him it took Verney years to get over it! The Throw-In hurling show is brought to you by eir. For the chance to play at Croke Park and win €5,000 for your club, search for details of the eir for all Poc Tapa challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s Throw-In football show, Dick Clerkin and Frank Roche joined Shane Brennan to break down the key match-ups that will decide the fate of the 16 teams left in the race for Sam Maguire. Dublin face Mayo, where the Connacht men may not have the defensive power to halt the Blues - we assess what weaknesses the Dubs may have. Elsewhere, Derry need to take ownership of torrid championship form; Galway’s ceiling is high if they keep stars fit; Kerry look to top group of death with duel against fiery Louth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney review a weekend of finals as Limerick did what may ever be done again, sealing their sixth Munster title in a row. John is quick to express his belief that Nickie Quaid could be hurler of the year, with Eddie adding that his ‘quarterback’ style has been a strong point of Limerick’s. The set-up around the Treaty men has also been a talking point, so naturally we broke down what having a 53-person backroom does to a team, and whether the mention of that just builds aura. Plus: How warm-ups matter in a power cut; Dublin gave Kilkenny too much time; stories of broken bones. The Throw-In hurling show is brought to you by eir. For the chance to play at Croke Park and win €5,000 for your club, search for details of the eir for all Poc Tapa challenge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney team up to preview a weekend of finals - Kilkenny v Dublin in Leinster, Clare v Limerick in Munster, and Offaly v Laois in the Joe McDonagh Cup. Proud Offaly man Verney was delighted to touch on the county’s under-20 All-Ireland triumph, which Mullane and Eddie highlighted as a fantastic occasion for hurling. But the sense of occasion for this weekend’s finals has been held back in the team’s view, and Mullane is also keen to highlight his views on the rising costs of being a fan as the price of attending an All-Ireland final rises. For this weekend, we chat how Clare are under pressure, the match-ups that could topple Limerick - and how Dublin have a golden opportunity to be provincial champions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s Throw-In football show, Dick Clerkin and Colm Keys join Will Slattery to pick apart Derry’s collapse from league winners at Easter time to another poor defensive performance at home. Colm remarks that poor management is to blame as Derry have not learned their lessons from their Ulster championship defeat to Donegal, while Dick asks if Mickey Harte has lost the dressing room? Elsewhere, Donegal are also leaking goals; Meath show no physicality and the team ask if the Tailteann Cup is fit for purpose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s Throw-In football show, Dick Clerkin and Conor McKeon join Will Slattery as the second round of the All-Ireland series threw up a historic victory for Louth and a worrying lack of fans in Croke Park. Donegal, meanwhile, continue their resurgence, as Conor believes Jim McGuinness’s men have leapfrogged the chasing pack in the race for Sam Maguire. Elsewhere, Dick states his belief that some are giving Armagh more credit than they have earned. The team also look ahead to the Bank Holiday action this weekend, with Mayo v Roscommon catching the eye. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the Leinster and Munster round-robin series brought no shortage of on-field drama, sideline questions and top level action in championship hurling. Michael Verney was joined by John Mullane and Eddie Brennan to break down a weekend that saw Limerick top the Munster table, Galway get dumped out and Dublin show true strength. Questions over management have begun to crop up, as John states his support for Davy Fitzgerald staying on. Meanwhile, the crew debate whether Liam Cahill gets enough credit for taking the Tipperary job, and ask whether family commitments may contribute to Henry Shefflin’s time in Galway drawing to a close.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.