Gaelic Games

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Presenters Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville are joined by Seamus Flanagan and Jason Forde to look ahead to the weekend's All-Ireland Hurling semi-finals on this week's GAA Social podcast on BBC Sounds and on the BBC NI YouTube , externalchannel.

Cork face Galway at 15:30 BST on Saturday 4 July and Clare play Limerick at 16:00 the following day, with both games being played at Croke Park and both being broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two NI.

Forde, a three-time All-Ireland winner with Tipperary, including last year, reflects on his county's failure to get out of the Munster Championship this year, and discusses weighing up his options whether he will continue to play inter-county hurling.

Former Limerick player Flanagan talks about adapting to life after a career in the inter-county game which yielded five All-Irelands and an All Star.

Looking ahead to the Clare-Limerick contest, Flanagan says the last-four tie represents "the last dance" for a lot of the Clare players and the outcome of the tie "depends on what Clare turns up".

"They know what Limerick are going to bring and Clare have to go to a level we haven't seen this year. The teams bring the best out of each other as the rivalry between them is massive," he said.

Forde agreed that Munster champions Limerick were favourites but did not discount Clare's chances of making the 19 July decider.

"It's hard to look past Limerick," he argued.

Forde fancies Cork to book their place in the final.

"Going by form you have to fancy Cork but Galway have been steadily progressing and have pacey young players who won't have any fear."

Jana McCabe
BBC Sport NI journalist

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Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan said his side not being able to take advantage of the extra player during their All-Ireland quarter-final exit by Louth "makes it all the more devastating".

Louth were reduced to 14 men after just seven minutes when midfielder Sean Callaghan was sent off.

However, despite scoring a goal in each half, Monaghan could not take advantage of the extra man with the Wee County booking their spot in the final four for the first time since 1957 after the 0-27 to 2-18 win.

Bannigan's outfit's All-Ireland exit means there will be no Ulster province in the semi-finals for the first time since 2016.

"I suppose it makes it all the more devastating for us that we didn't make good use of that extra man and that's on us," Bannigan said.

"We never managed to find a period in the game where we got completely on top, apart from probably the first seven minutes before the red card when we started really well.

"After that, I don't know whether we went a little bit casual or a little timid, but the energy levels just didn't seem to be there and we just weren't getting our hands on enough ball, creating enough chances and weren't putting scoring runs together. The game was very tight."

Monaghan were without experienced injured goalkeeper Rory Beggan, which handed Under-20s captain Jamie Mooney his senior inter-county debut at Croke Park.

Bannigan praised Mooney's performance between the posts but added Beggan was "a massive loss".

"Of course it impacted us, there's no point saying it didn't impact us," he responded when asked if the absence of Beggan had an influence on the team.

"Jamie is a young lad with plenty of potential and showed up very well in training during the week and his kickout range is very good. He probably didn't get to show that range as well as he could.

"Come Friday evening, with the testing that was done with Rory, it just wasn't an option to play him, and we had to get on with it."

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Dublin will face defending All-Ireland champions Kerry for a spot in the Senior Football Championship All-Ireland final.

Louth and Mayo will meet in the other semi-final with both matches to be played on the weekend of 11-12 July.

Dublin fought back in the second half against Galway to secure their spot in the last four, while Kerry edged past Tyrone 2-25 to 0-27.

Louth booked their semi-final spot for the first time since 1957 when they beat Monaghan as Mayo overcame Cork at Croke Park.

Tyrone and Monaghan's quarter-final exits mean there will be no Ulster representation in the semi-finals for the first time since 2016.

Jana McCabe
BBC Sport NI journalist

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Tyrone midfielder Conn Kilpatrick said the 2-25 to 0-27 defeat by in Saturday's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final will "take a while to get over".

Despite a strong display from Tyrone, Jack O'Connor's side booked a spot in the last four and moved a step closer to defending their title.

Red Hands boss Malachy O'Rourke was left frustrated after the match by 'really, really harsh calls' in Dublin with Kilpatrick echoing his manager's thoughts.

"It's a disappointing result and one that'll take a while to get over to be honest," Kilpatrick told BBC Sport NI.

"I felt we were right in the game for large parts of it. We had done a lot well. Just a few decisions I think didn't go our way and I feel, on another day, we would have got them.

"The boys put a massive shift in the game. Kerry are champions for a reason because they are a good team, but we still had full belief that we could take them on our day and it just wasn't to be today."

Tyrone's wait for their first Sam Maguire title since 2021 will now continue with Monaghan, who face Louth in their quarter-final on Sunday, Ulster's final team in this year's All-Ireland.

Kilpatrick added that it has been "a tough campaign" which included an Ulster Championship preliminary-round exit at the hands of eventual winners Armagh.

"It's no surprise that we obviously had a tough campaign. Everybody knows it and we were coming into the championship being completely written off, but again we had full belief in the squad," he continued.

"It's fine margins that can cost you and, look, it's very disappointing and it's hard to put into words but fair play to Kerry, they beat us on the day and we have to go again next year.

"Hopefully everybody comes back and we add to the squad again like we did this year and we'll go again. We're not finished yet."

David Mohan
BBC Sport NI journalist

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Former Tyrone manager Feargal Logan feels the Red Hands "can beat Kerry" when they meet in Saturday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final at Croke Park [18:15 BST].

The teams met at the semi-final stage last year with Kerry recording a six-point win before going on to collect their 39th title.

Jack O'Connor's side suffered defeat by Donegal i n the opening round of this year's championship, but recovered to score wins over Kildare and Armagh to reach the last eight.

There are signs the defending champions are starting to peak at the right time once again and while they will pose a significant challenge this week, Logan feels Tyrone have the capability of upsetting the odds.

"Kerry have looked bit off-beam [earlier in the season] and that's a dangerous thing to say about the Kingdom, but I had a feeling earlier in the year, maybe too many dinner dances going on and we've all lived that, so I'm not saying it in a pious way," Logan, who guided Tyrone to the 2021 All-Ireland title alongside Brian Dooher, told BBC Sport NI.

"They have clicked into gear now and have the boy wonder 'Cliffy' [David Clifford].

"It's a big task for Tyrone, but it's doable."

While Clifford is a key figure for Kerry, Niall Morgan again proved his worth for Tyrone with the goalkeeper kicking a match-winning two-point free at the death against Mayo in Round 2A.

"I could give you a number of Tyrone men who have been crucial, but Niall has been central to Tyrone for 10-plus years and we see it week-in, week-out," Logan said.

"He stays in shape and is committed to the cause, so it was brilliant he popped up with the two-pointer the last day.

"Niall also scored from over the halfway line the last time we beat Kerry [2021 All-Ireland semi-final]."

Doubts remain as to the fitness of forward Darragh Canavan.

The Errigal Ciaran suffered a hip flexor injury in Tyrone's defeat by Armagh in the Ulster Championship and only made a late cameo appearance in the win over Mayo a fortnight ago.

His return to the starting line-up this week is unlikely, but Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke will have a decision to make whether to start Darren McCurry, who scored six points off the bench in the win over Mayo.

"The more headaches the better," Logan said of that predicament.

"'Dazzler' was on fire, danced around them [Mayo defenders] and scored off right and left in an exhibition of point-taking.

"Does that mean you fire him in from the start for 70 minutes with the stop clock? I'm not sure. If it's worked in the past, a manager's tendency is to let it run again."

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Paul Clancy, a two-time All-Ireland winner with Galway, has passed away at the age of 49.

Clancy won the All-Ireland in 1998 and 2001 with Galway, and he also won five Connacht titles with the Tribesmen.

While Galway lost the 2000 All-Ireland to Kerry after a replay, Clancy's no-look pass to set up Declan Meehan is one of the most iconic goals in a final at Croke Park.

He played his club football with Maigh Cuilinn and won the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship in 2008.

After retiring, he became a coach and chairperson of his club as they won the Connacht Senior Football Championship in 2020.

He also was part of Galways management team with Alan Mulhollnad and with Laois under Justin McNulty.

Maigh Cuilinn said Clancy was "our most decorated player" and leaves a "lasting legacy".

"Paul is our most decorated player, an inspiration to a generation, remembered for having a sweet left peg, being teak tough and having an unwavering mindset but beyond the playing pitches he leaves a lasting legacy.

"He was an icon to so many in our community, so well known, so well respected and always had a word for everyone,.

"A straight shooter with the boot and, if needed, with the lip. Calm and assured, reliable and loyal."

John McGovern
BBC Sport NI Contributor at Croke Park

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Dublin manager Ger Brennan praised the character and resilience of his players in their 2-26 to 2-22 extra-time win over Donegal secured a place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

The Dubs looked set for victory in normal time before Michael Murphy's dramatic two-point free after the hooter forced an additional 20 minutes, but Brennan's side responded superbly to regain control in extra-time.

The Dublin boss felt previous experiences helped his players remain composed when the game threatened to slip away.

"Psychologically, the group managed themselves much better this time around," he said.

"We learned from previous experiences. When things are going against you, sometimes you can retreat and look more tired than you actually are, but the players showed great resilience."

Brennan also reflected on the rebuilding process underway during his first season in charge, highlighting the number of players who have been introduced throughout the campaign.

"Since November, we've looked at 163 players and more than 60 have featured across the O'Byrne Cup, National League and Championship," he outlined.

"This championship, we've given nine players debuts and three more their first starts. It's a difficult balance between established players and younger lads coming through, but it's rewarding when you see them take their opportunity."

Several newer faces featured prominently against Donegal, while substitutes Sean Guiden and Ross McGarry made significant impacts during extra-time.

Brennan also praised the commitment shown by his side in front of the Croke Park crowd.

"We have to give supporters something to believe in. That's hard work, putting bodies on the line and showing real hunger. I thought the players did that today."

The Dublin manager acknowledged the increased demands of the new rules, particularly with quick turnarounds between championship fixtures.

"Physiologically and psychologically, the demands are far greater now," he said.

"The turnarounds are very fast, and there's a massive demand on players and management, but we're delighted to still be involved."

Brennan revealed Dublin had prepared for every eventuality, including extra-time and penalties, which helped maintain calm after Murphy's dramatic late equaliser.

"We knew the game could go to 90 minutes or even penalties, and we were ready for that," he added.

"There's nothing certain in this competition, but we had confidence in our preparation."

Dublin now await their opponents in Monday's quarter-final draw, with Brennan's side set to return to Croke Park next weekend as their All-Ireland challenge continues.

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Armagh will face Kildare in the Ladies' All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals after beating Waterford 2-15 to 1-15 at the Athletic Grounds.

Lara Marsden and Aoife McCoy netted for the Ulster champions as they held off a late fightback from Waterford to reach the last eight.

Armagh led by seven points with nine minutes remaining, but Maeve Daly's goal set up a tense finish.

However, thanks to two points from Caroline O'Hanlon, Armagh had enough to progress to the last eight as the winners from Group One.

However, Tyrone exited the competition after narrowly losing 1-12 to 1-10 to Meath.

Meadhbh Byrne scored 1-2 for Meath at Healy Park as the Red Hands fell short despite Maeve Maxwell's penalty.

Donegal were also on the end of a 1-15 to 2-6 defeat by Mayo and both Ulster counties will drop into the relegation play-offs on 4 July after they finished at the bottom of their groups.

If Armagh can beat Kildare on the weekend of 4-5 July, they will face either Galway or Mayo in the semi-finals.

Holders Dublin will take on Cork and Kerry with face Meath in the other last-eight ties on the other side of the draw.

All-Ireland quarter-finals

Dublin v Cork

Kerry v Meath

Galway v Mayo

Armagh v Kildare

Semi-final draw

Dublin/Cork v Kerry/Meath

Galway/Mayo v Armagh/Kildare