Shane Dowling

Former All-Star, All-Ireland and Munster-winning Limerick hurler

'When it matters most, Limerick actually don't care. It could be a challenge match, or an All-Ireland final, but with the game in the mixer, they just repeat, repeat, repeat'

From disarray to dominance - Limerick won't stop here

As a member of the Limerick team that made the breakthrough in 2018, Shane Dowling knows how far Limerick have travelled to become three-in-a-row champions and can't see them stopping now.

GAA • 22 Jul 22

'The world and his mother knew Mikey Butler was going to man mark Tony Kelly, and it really worked, again.'

Clare failed to fire but beware Cody team hitting form

Shane Dowling thought Clare were below par from before throw-in last week but there is no denying an in-form Kilkenny will be the ultimate test for a Limerick side that have found a way to win thus far.

GAA • 08 Jul 22

Shane Dowling: 'Kingston has given a serious amount to Cork hurling, remember he was the man who stood beside Jimmy Barry-Murphy in 2013, when Cork could have won the All-Ireland'

Cork potential suggests Kieran Kingston should stay

Shane Dowling says there are a couple of questions he's have asked if he was on the Cork County Board in relation to extending Kieran Kingston's term in charge of the hurlers, but wholeheartedly agrees he deserves it.

GAA • 24 Jun 22

'I have never experienced the levels of online abuse that I have been subjected to over the last 10 days'

Clare saga has ended - I wonder will the abuse end too?

The reality here is, no matter what I say or write about The Sunday Game analysis of Peter Duggan and Rory Hayes incidents, there is a certain cohort of people who will not believe me, and also just continue to abuse me.

GAA • 17 Jun 22

Shane Dowling: 'You would hope from both games this weekend, that both Kerry and Antrim do themselves justice and showcase the hard work they have done this year'

Underdogs Antrim and Kerry should attack the weekend

Shane Dowling isn't expecting any upsets in this weekend's hurling preliminary quarter-finals, but is hopeful Kerry and Antrim can put down markers for 2023 against formidable opposition.

GAA • 10 Jun 22

'When the match comes down the home stretch, Limerick's experience might just get them there'

Limerick won't change style to shut down Tony Kelly

We have a hurling bonanza to look forward to this weekend, so Shane Dowling has broken down a few key talking points ahead of three very significant games.

GAA • 03 Jun 22

'I know people are asking for drawn out inter-county campaigns, but why? Previously, when it was straight knock-out teams may only of had one game, or two games when you got a second chance'

My calendar plan: Club first and scrap Allianz League

The issue of the GAA calendar arose again last week, so Shane Dowling got to thinking about how he would shape the split season and his suggestion is quite radical.

GAA • 27 May 22

'I do believe Waterford are the second best team in the country. But is it a case that the talk of that has set into the minds of the players and they have expected things to happen, rather than making things happen?'

Form teams of league now drinking in last-chance saloon

Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Dublin caught the eye during the league, but it looks liike two of them are going out of th Championship this weekend, while the survivors will struggle to recover their form, writes Shane Dowling.

GAA • 20 May 22

"Contrary to current perceptions, Munster hurling is not as far ahead of Leinster as people imagine"

As Munster trails off, Leinster provides the drama

The Munster hurling championship has been short of drama in 2022 - it's time to take note of the much maligned Leinster. Is there really such a gulf in quality?

GAA • 13 May 22

'A principal in Tipp, living on the Tipp border, and getting involved with Limerick in a management capacity because of Tipp, John Kiely will ensure that the Limerick boys will be ready for road'

Will we see Tipp day one or Tipp day two?

According to the bookies, Limerick will win this game by nine points. If it is Tipp day one, Shane Dowling reckons it will slightly less, if it is Tipp day two, then it could be considerably more

GAA • 06 May 22