The Irish News’ Neil Loughran, Andy Watters and Cahair O’Kane discuss a big week of GAA.

They assess the short and long-term implications of the decision to give GAA+ the rights to show Kerry vs Donegal ahead of RTÉ.

Ahead of this weekend’s Ulster final, there’s an in-depth look at how Monaghan might find a way to clamber over an Armagh team that has lost the last three finals on the bounce.

There is also a look at Roscommon’s gripping win over Galway that saw them complete a clean sweep of senior, U20 and minor championship titles in Connacht.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They also look back on an ‘absolutely insane’ weekend of Ulster Championship action, punctuated by Monaghan’s stunning win over Derry.

Then there was Sunday’s one-sided romp as Armagh dismantled Down in the second Ulster semi at Clones.

There’s a nod to the quality of personnel at Kieran McGeeney’s disposal, and what lies ahead for Down in the Tailteann Cup following a hugely disappointing afternoon at the office for Conor Laverty’s side.

Also on this week’s episode, what next for Antrim’s hurlers as the uncertainty surrounding Davy Fitzgerald’s position continues to unfold?

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They look at Down’s shock Ulster Championship win over Donegal and dig deep into exactly how manager Conor Laverty plotted the downfall of the Ulster champions.

The Mournemen now look forward to an Ulster semi-final with fierce rivals Armagh and the panel size up the task facing Down.

We also take a look at the other Ulster SFC semi-final between Derry and Monaghan and a glance at how the other provincial championships around the country are progressing. 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They pore over the weekend action and a shock in Leinster which could have implications for Down’s All-Ireland aspirations.

Westmeath’s win over Meath puts them one win away from a Leinster final and crucially a spot in the Sam Maguire at the expense of the Mournemen, who occupy the number 16 slot at present.

Things don’t get any easier for Conor Laverty’s men as they make the trip to Letterkenny to face reigning Ulster champions Donegal.

The panel discuss what chances Down have of pulling off an upset and what they can learn from last year’s Ulster semi-final defeat to Donegal.

There’s also a look at the other Ulster clash this weekend between Armagh and Fermanagh and why their narrow win over Tyrone might just be the perfect preparation for Kieran McGeeney’s men as they continue their quest for a first Ulster title since 2008.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The panel look at what either team can take from the game. Is it a wake-up call for Armagh? Can Tyrone bank the positive energy and help it fuel their All-Ireland campaign?

Armagh weren’t the only ones who had to dig in for victory. Rory McIlroy’s back-to-back Masters victory looked like being a procession, but ended up seeing the Holywood man showing some grit and determination to get over the line. The Monday Club team reflect on McIlroy’s historic win.

With the championship up at running, we take a look at this week’s Ulster quarter-finals involving Derry and Antrim and Cavan and Monaghan.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Old foes Armagh and Tyrone get the ball rolling in Sunday’s mouth-watering Ulster SFC preliminary clash, and that is the focus of Monday’s podcast.

Irish News GAA journalists Cahair O’Kane and Kenny Archer join Neil Loughran to pick over the history of one of Ulster football’s most enduring rivalries, as well as picking their favourite moments from those famous Noughties battles.

And then there’s the big one at the Athletic Grounds - will Niall Morgan return between the sticks? Armagh’s support is a huge factor, but why has Tyrone’s fallen away? Can the Red Hands upset the odds despite a difficult league campaign?

Kenny isn’t so sure but Cahair offers some hope after looking a little closer at what went wrong, and what went right, in Division Two.

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s subscriber-only pod is not to be missed as Neil and Cahair are joined by ex-Donegal captain Kevin Cassidy and former Armagh star – and regular Monday Club guest - Stefan Campbell for a championship preview special, considering the lay of the land in Ulster and beyond ahead of the big throw-in.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region.

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes.

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s also talk on the merits or otherwise of the hooter for timekeeping. How effective can it be when you still retain the human element of the referee?

Then, for the main event, we set about trying to pick out best football 15 from current players, with the caveat that we can only include one player from each county.

It’s a lot harder than it looks and the burning questions is who would be brave/stupid enough to leave out David Clifford?

Spoiler alert. Someone did.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The main focus this week turns to Galway, who appear to have assumed the ‘nearly men’ mantle from their Connacht rivals Mayo.

Having lost two All-Ireland finals in the space of three year and constantly featuring at the business end of All-Ireland championships over the best part of the last decade, can the Tribesmen finally end their quarter-century wait for Sam Maguire?

They also give their take on a frantic weekend of action in the National Football League, which saw Armagh stay up in Division One and Donegal book a final place with Kerry. 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They also take a closer look at Conor Laverty’s Down after the Mournemen secured promotion to Division Two with their win over Sligo on Sunday.

We look at the improvements made under Laverty and why their situation could be a mirror image of their neighbours Armagh, whose faith in Kieran McGeeney eventually paid off.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Soupy’ - who helped the Orchard County lift the Sam Maguire in 2024 - chats about his careers in the orange jerseys.

The Clan na Gael man gives unvarnished insights into his struggles, on and off the pitch and breaks down the training ground routines that came to fruition in the Orchardmen’s memorable 2024 All-Ireland final win over Galway.

Campbell also says stepping away from Armagh for a year was one of the best decisions of his career.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region.

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes.

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They discuss the fallout from this weekend’s GAA Congress at Croke Park. Andy was our man on the ground and he gives an eyewitness account of the scenes which saw anti-Allianz protestors make their way into the main hall and confront GAA President Jarlath Burns. The panel discuss the Association’s ongoing relationship with Allianz and look at the challenges facing sporting organisations when it comes to finding sponsorship.

We also cast the light on Gaelic football’s chasing pack and look at the teams who have impressed in the National League so far. 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The panel look at the success stories for Irish players Down Under, and those like Charlie Smyth who are attempting to carve out a career in the NFL.

Also on this week’s episode, we look at attempts to make players and management more visible, and there’s praise for Kieran McGeeney whose post-match performances are almost more entertaining than the games.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s also wider discussion about the merits of the split season and ask whether winning the National League is really worth it.

We also look at the future of amateur status in the GAA in the wake of the Amateur Status Review Committee’s recent report and whether the proposed ‘Inter County Certification Programme’ can be effective.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI 

Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise and trusted service across the region. 

We started here, we stayed here, and we’ve grown with the local business community — working with companies of all sizes. 

Call 08000 126 367 or visit findinsuranceni.co.uk , Facebook or LinkedIn 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Also, is it time for the GAA to ditch its sponsorship deal with Allianz?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.