Peter, Darragh, and Maurice Brosnan (Irish Examiner) dissect the latest GAA rule changes, debating their impact on Gaelic football. From the 12v11 rule to the 20-second kick-out, they explore how these changes are shaping the sport. Maurice provides insights on the importance of player access and media coverage in promoting Gaelic football.
Guest Information:
Episode Outline:
Host & Show Info:
Host Names: Peter Wright, Darragh McGurn, and Eoghan McCabe
Rate & Review – Support the show!
Share this episode! Tag us on social media:
This Episode Is About: GAA, Gaelic football, intercounty football, tactical breakdown, match analysis, player reactions, GAA rules, Fermanagh, Antrim, rule changes, player access, Irish Examiner, Maurice Brosnan.
Round 3 of the National Football League had it all—controversy, tactical battles, and big moments as Donegal outclassed Armagh in a heated clash.In this episode, the lads break down:🔥 Donegal’s Defensive Wall – How they shut Armagh down.🎯 2-Point Arc Debate – Is it changing the game for the better?🚨 Red Card Drama – Aidan Forker’s costly moment & online fallout.💡 Kickouts & Tactics – Why teams are still struggling to adapt.From game-winning strategies to rule controversies, we cover all the biggest talking points from the weekend!
🎧 Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction & Weekend Recap
00:00:36 - Donegal vs. Armagh Match Analysis & Red Card Impact
00:19:41 - Kickout Strategies & New Rules Discussion
00:41:14 - Player Recovery & Training Between Games
00:48:35 - The Good, Bad & Ugly of the Weekend's Games💬 What’s your take? Are the new rules working? Let us know your thoughts!🚀 Subscribe, rate & share to keep the GAA chat going!This episode is about:Donegal vs Armagh, GAA National League, 2-point arc impact, Aidan Forker red card, Donegal defense, Armagh struggles, GAA rule changes, kickouts analysis, intercounty football, National Football League Round 3, Gaelic football tactics, GAA game recap, Jim McGuinness tactics, GAA podcast, GAA team strategies, Donegal win, Armagh loss, GAA weekend highlights, GAA controversy, GAA physical demands, best GAA teams 2025.
Round 2 of the National Football League delivered goals, drama, and a game of two halves as Fermanagh edged out Antrim in a thrilling encounter. In this episode, the lads break down: 🏐 Game Analysis – How Antrim dominated the first half and where Fermanagh turned it around. ⚖️ The New GAA Rules in Action – Are they leading to more goals and attacking football? 🎯 Key Players & Performances – Who stepped up, and where did it go wrong? 📢 Post-Match Player Reactions – Exclusive interviews with Darragh & Eoghan after the final whistle. ⚠️ Tactical Battles & Kickouts Chaos – Why the midfield battle was crucial in deciding the game. A high-scoring clash, last-minute drama, and plenty to debate! 💬 Did the new rules make a difference? Who impressed you most? Let us know your thoughts! 00:00:00 - Introduction and Pre-game Analysis 00:01:30 - First Half Analysis 00:02:40 - Half-time Analysis 00:04:38 - Second Half Analysis 00:05:34 - Post-game Analysis 00:06:01 - Interview with Players 00:15:23 - Adapting to New Rules 00:16:19 - Physical Demands and Intensity 00:16:52 - Positioning and Role Changes 00:18:09 - Training and Recovery 00:18:39 - Upcoming Matches 00:19:14 - Expectations and Goals 00:19:55 - Reflections on Previous Games 00:21:57 - Closing Remarks
📲 Follow us for more GAA content:• Instagram: Eoghan McCabe | Darragh McGurn | Peter Wright
🚀 Subscribe, rate & share to keep the GAA chat going!
This episode is about: Fermanagh vs Antrim, GAA National League, GAA game analysis, Fermanagh football, Antrim football, GAA player interviews, GAA post-match reaction, Gaelic football breakdown, GAA new rules, National Football League Round 2, GAA tactics, GAA goals and highlights, Fermanagh comeback, Antrim performance, GAA match review, intercounty football, GAA podcast, Gaelic football strategies, National League analysis, Fermanagh Antrim highlights, GAA kickouts, GAA scoring trends, GAA teams to watch, GAA 2025 season, Fermanagh victory, Antrim loss, Irish football analysis, GAA sports discussion, GAA fan debate, GAA team performance
The lads are back to break down a massive opening weekend in the National Football League, covering standout results, big talking points, and the new GAA rules in action.
In this episode, we go deep into Darragh’s tough day as Fermanagh fell to Kildare, while Eoghan and Antrim secured a big win over Clare. We also break down some of the biggest matchups from across the divisions, including:
🏐 Tyrone vs. Derry – Tyrone’s dominant display and what it means for the season ahead.
🏐 Armagh vs. Galway – A tactical battle where Galway struggled to break Armagh’s defensive line.
🏐 Dublin vs. Mayo – Dublin’s pace in transition and their new-look squad after key departures.
🏐 Roscommon vs. Down – High-intensity football and some exciting goal-scoring moments.
Plus, a full discussion on how the new rules are shaping the game – from fly goalkeepers to two-point shots and everything in between.
🏆 Round 1 Recap – Key results, surprises, and standout performances.
😬 Darragh’s Tough Day vs. Kildare – What went wrong for Fermanagh?
🔥 Eoghan & Antrim’s Opening Win – A huge result over Clare.
⚖️ New GAA Rules – Are They Working? – What’s improving the game, and what’s frustrating players?
👀 Teams to Watch Going Forward – Who looks best suited to thrive this season?
🎯 Players to Keep an Eye On – Early contenders for breakout seasons.
⚠️ The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – The best and worst moments from the weekend’s action.
What did you think of the new rules in action? Who stood out in Round 1? Let us know your thoughts!
📲 Follow us for more GAA content:
• Instagram: Eoghan McCabe | Darragh McGurn | Peter Wright
🚀 Subscribe, rate & share to keep the GAA chat going!
The lads are back to break down a massive start to the 2025 GAA season. From Cuala’s All-Ireland Club Final triumph to the impact of the new FRC GAA rule changes, this episode covers all the biggest talking points in Gaelic football right now.
We also dive into bold season predictions, the teams to watch, and what club players should focus on heading into the new year.
📌 TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Introduction & Kickoff to the 2025 Season
4:12 – Cuala’s Historic All-Ireland Club Final Victory
12:30 – Errigal Ciarán’s Second-Half Comeback: Where It Fell Short
18:45 – GAA’s New Rules: Game-Changer or Chaos?
24:20 – Fly Keepers: The Next Big Trend in Gaelic Football?
30:15 – The New Kickout Rules & Why They’re Shaking Things Up
38:42 – Two-Point Scores: Are Teams Using Them Properly?
45:10 – 2025 Season Predictions: Teams to Watch
51:35 – Breakout Players for the Year Ahead
58:00 – Advice for Club Players Preparing for the Season
🎧 Subscribe to The Backdoor Cut Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.
⭐ Leave a review—your support helps us reach more GAA fans!
📢 Share this episode with a mate who loves GAA!
Peter Wright, Darragh McGurn, and Eoghan McCabe bring expert insights, sharp analysis, and plenty of banter as they break down everything happening in Gaelic football. From intercounty action to club legends, they cover it all with passion and humour.
📲 Follow Us for More GAA Content:
• Instagram: Eoghan McCabe | Darragh McGurn | Peter Wright
Thank you for tuning in to The Backdoor Cut Podcast—your home for all things Gaelic football. See you next week! 🎙️
We’re closing out this series of The Backdoor Cut Podcast with a look back at the past year’s best and toughest moments. In this episode, we share our personal highlights, reflect on some low points, and dive into our favorite memories both on and off the mic. Plus, we chat about what’s next for The Backdoor Cut and the big plans in store for the future.
Thanks for all the listens, likes, shares, for sticking with us and for all your support throughout the journey so far!
In this episode of the Backdoor Cup podcast, we welcome Barry O’Connor, who recently played in the AFL and VFL with the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants. Barry shares his experiences in Australia, comparing AFL to GAA, and discusses the topic of professionalism within the GAA. We explore ideas such as tiered payment structures, sustainable benefits for athletes, and the need for better support and financial compensation for GAA players.
Don’t miss this insightful conversation that blends Australian and Irish sports culture.
In this episode, we sit down with Vikki Wall, a multi-talented Irish sportswoman who has made her mark in ladies’ Gaelic football with Meath GAA, AFL Women’s with North Melbourne and Rugby Sevens for Ireland. We chat about Vikki’s return to Australia to rejoin North Melbourne, the challenges of transitioning between different sports and what the upcoming season holds.
Vikki is very candid about her experiences with the Irish 7s squad and how tough it was for her to miss out on Olympic selection.
Vikki also shares her experiences with Meath and how they’ve shaped her athletic journey. This conversation offers a fascinating look into the life of a top-tier athlete navigating multiple sports.
In this episode of the podcast, Conor Whelan, Galway’s star corner-forward, joins us to dive into all things hurling. We explore Galway’s season last year, discussing the team’s performance and how they build a strong sense of belonging and togetherness within the squad.
Conor also opens up about how travel has broadened his perspective and shares his thoughts on the importance of mental health in both sport and life. It’s an episode filled with insights and reflections from one of hurling’s top talents.
In this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we sit down with Declan McCusker, Fermanagh stalwart & captain.
We dive deep into the recent All-Ireland Hurling final, offering a detailed review and insights. Declan also shares his thoughts on the upcoming All-Ireland Football final, giving listeners an expert preview of the way he believes the game will go.
We also discuss the underage structures in hurling and football in smaller counties, exploring how these systems impact player development and success.
Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just curious about the inner workings of GAA, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we’re joined by Ronan Jones, captain of Meath, to chat about their season and dive into last weekend’s semi-final games.
Ronan shares his perspective on the semi-finals, talks about dealing with trolling and criticism and what it takes to be a top GAA athlete.
From game strategies to staying mentally tough, Ronan gives us a look into the life of a team leader undergoing the early stages of fatherhood.We also explore the highs and lows of the season, Meath's status in Leinster and how they stay motivated through the challenges of criticism.
In this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we sit down with one of Monaghan's marquee forwards, Stephen O’Hanlon, to take a deep dive into the Oriel County's season and how he see's the rest of the championship playing out.
We discuss Monaghan’s performance in both league and championship, make our predictions for this weekend's semi-finals and explore the landscape of inter-varsity football.
Stephen also shares his insights on how basketball has moulded him into the player he is and talks about the impact of recent injuries on Monaghan's success.
In this episode, Peter, Darragh and Daire delve into the intricacies of the inter-county game, with a focus on the upcoming All-Ireland quarter final fixture against Armagh in Croke Park.They explore key aspects of skill development, coaching strategies and the unique challenges of being a forward at the top level. The conversation highlights the importance of playing off both feet, offering insights and techniques for players and coaches aiming to elevate their game to another level.
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:30 - Discussion about recent games and results
00:05:45 - Analysis of Roscommon’s performance
00:09:20 - Importance of aggression and physicality in games
00:12:15 - Approaches to playing different teams/styles
00:15:40 - Discussion on managing momentum and flow of the game
00:18:30 - Strategies for playing against certain teams
00:22:00 - Discussing the heartbreaking loss to Anam in the Talan Cup
00:28:30 - Analyzing the contrasting emotions of success and failure
00:34:45 - Reflecting on the importance of aggression and physicality
00:40:15 - Examining the impact of shot selection on game outcomes
00:46:50 - Considering the strategic approach for upcoming matches
00:52:10 - Discussing the tendency for chaotic, end-to-end games in football
00:57:30 - Exploring tactics for playing against teams that thrive in chaos
01:03:20 - Reflecting on the evolving strategies in modern football
In this episode, Peter and Eoghan chat with Sarah Rowe, an exceptional triple code sportswoman. Sarah discusses her journey as a former Republic of Ireland women’s football international, and her achievements in ladies’ Gaelic football for Mayo and women’s Australian rules football for Collingwood in the AFLW.
While it might seem like she’s living the dream in down under, Sarah opens up about the real challenges of living abroad and the significant differences in sports resources between Australia and Ireland. She shares her take on media opinions, offers valuable advice for those starting their careers, and talks about the contrasting expectations around self-promotion for athletes in Australia vs Ireland.
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:04:30 - Discussion about Sarah Rowe’s background in three different sports
00:12:45 - Importance of resilience and personal development
00:18:20 - Transitioning between different sports
00:25:10 - Benefits of going professional in sports
00:32:15 - Comparison of facilities and resources in Australia and Ireland
00:41:50 - Branding and marketing in Australian sports industry
In this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we sit down with Richy Donnelly to discuss introspection, dealing with injuries, and the journey from club level to hitting the big time in the inter-county game. Richy provides a fresh perspective on the dedication, skills, and mindset needed for athletes to thrive and reach the top levels of GAA competition.
We also tackle the issue of how entitlement affects players and how fan reactions change when a player is injured. Whether you’re a hardcore football fan, an ambitious coach, or an athlete looking to up your game, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from someone who’s been there and won it all.
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 - Discussion on Limerick’s performance
00:05:45 - Importance of drive and motivation in Inter-county level
00:10:15 - Balancing training intensity
00:15:30 - Impact of underage success on senior level
00:20:00 - Influence of leaders in team dynamics
00:25:45 - Requirements for young players to excel at Inter-county level
00:30:10 - Influence of physical fitness and skill development
00:35:25 - The shift from focusing solely on physical fitness to overall skill development
00:40:50 - Importance of game sense and managing moments in a match
In this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we sit down with Tipperary forward, Conor Sweeney to delve into the intricacies of modern coaching and the role of the sharpshooting forward. Conor shares his insights and experiences, offering a unique perspective on the evolving game.
The conversation begins with a recap of the recent Tailteann Cup matches and Conor's experience with his current hamstring injury, detailing his rehab process. He emphasises the importance of mastering finer details in football and explains the core principles that guide his play, providing insights into their application in training and matches. Conor discusses the benefits and challenges of games-based training and the shift in coaching philosophy towards giving players more freedom to express themselves on the field.
We also explore the pressure of being a marquee forward, with Conor sharing how he handles this responsibility. The episode includes an analysis of the Down vs. Antrim match and Conor's take on the current power rankings in Gaelic football, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of teams like Kerry, Dublin, Donegal, and Galway.
Timestamps
00:35 - Introduction
00:48 - Tailteann Cup weekend
02:36 - Hamstring injury and rehabilitation
11:59 - Having clarity on the field
16:50 - Principles of play
20:18 - Games-based training
26:30 - Changing the mentality to trust players to play with freedom
31:19 - Pressure on being required to score?
36:41 - Pressure as a corner back
41:26 - Risk/Reward - Derry playing with a lot of risk
54:36 - Power rankings: Kerry, Dublin, Donegal & Galway
In this episode, we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing teams in the inter-county football championship, focusing on Dublin’s unwavering intent to score and Galway’s quality in the forward line.
We also talk about the importance of bridging the gap between fans and players, managing hamstring injuries, and prioritising recovery.
We emphasise the need for speed, execution, and practical experience to improve performance, and highlight the challenges of playing defensive football and managing load during the return to play process.
Time-stamps: 00:00:00 - Darragh's Return & Eoghan's Exit 00:30:01 - Discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of a team not being tested yet 00:30:15 - Analysis of freshness and physical benefits in relation to game exertion 00:30:43 - Observations on team exposure and training matchups: 00:31:26 - Comparison of various teams' performance levels and potential finalists: 00:32:33 - Player's experience returning to the pitch after injury: 00:40:51 - Challenges faced due to injury recovery and potential surgery: 00:48:54 - Discussion on personal brand building and leveraging opportunities:
This week we dive into the physical and mental challenges of intercounty GAA players, combining personal experiences with discussions on injury management, the role of sports psychology, and the impact of coaching philosophies. We give our take on both the Ulster & Leinster Finals.
We also examine the broader issues within GAA, such as game accessibility and fan engagement, emphasizing the need for better broadcast strategies and social media access.
Additionally, we explore the idea of 'obsession' in sports, debating whether total and complete commitment is absolutely necessary or a more balanced approach can also lead to success.
Time-stamps:
00:40 - Darragh's Injury & The Challenges of Inter-County Football
16:02 - Ulster Final, Donegal, Jim McGuinness, & Sports Psychology
25:36 - Is Balance Possible in the GAA
39:02 - Fan Expectations & Entitlement
46:42 - All-Ireland Predictions
49:02 - The Saturday Game, GAAGO Issue & Potential Resolutions
In this episode of The Backdoor Cut, the team delves into an array of topics spanning defensive strategies, a review of the fixtures last weekend, Provincial Finals previews & predictions, and principles for injury rehab and carb loading.
The discussion includes insights into playing defence, preparing for games, and optimising performance through training scenarios and recovery processes.
The episode rounds off with a Q&A session focused on practical advice for athletes at all levels.
Time-Stamps
07:28 - Defensive Strategies and Gameday Prep
35:01 - Provincial Finals Previews & Predictions
44:00 - Strength & Conditioning Q&A
52:58 - Injury Rehab and Carb Loading
This week we dive headfirst into the heartache of losing an Ulster Quarter Final as we are joined by Paddy Lynch of Cavan.
Recorded less than 24 hours after their loss to Tyrone, this episode provides a firsthand account of the emotional aftermath following a one-point loss and the silver linings that come from putting in a performance that many didn’t think was possible after a dour first half.
This conversation goes in many directions, peeling back the layers of the strategies of defence and the psychological warfare that is an integral part of the sport of Gaelic football.
From the craftiness of drawing fouls to the influence of referees on the game's tempo, Paddy brings invaluable insights into the tactics that can make or break a match. Listen in as we dissect the precision required by inside forwards and how a deep understanding of the game's intricacies can guide a player's evolution into an effective coach, as we touch on Paddy’s relationship with both Raymond Galligan and Stephen O’Neill.
We go into detail on both Ulster Championship fixtures, breaking down the fantastic encounter between Donegal and Derry, as well as Paddy’s own game in Breffni Park. We weigh in on the sweeper keeper debate, the use of stoppages to stifle momentum and how we see Donegal progressing into the next round.
We finish off by making some predictions for this weekend’s fixtures in both Leinster & Ulster Championships, weighing in on the different team dynamics and crowd factors that could sway the outcomes.
Time-stamps
0:00 - Disappointment and Thriving in Chaos
3:43 - Cuteness in Gaelic Football
10:46 - Refereeing Styles and Inside Forward Strategies
18:06 - Tactics of the Game and Momentum Swings
26:31 - Analysis of Donegal vs Derry Game
31:03 - Impact of the Crowd on Performance
40:50 - Coaching Conversations and Tactical Insights
50:22 - GAA Championship Preview and Predictions