Shane Dowling

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

'Considering his stature, Shefflin didn't need to go into management. By doing that he is leaving himself open to fail, something that he never did. But he doesn't care about his name'

Two born competitors - Cody v Shefflin is box office

Henry Shefflin will come up against his former mentor and manager Brian Cody in Salthill on Sunday, Shane Dowling believes it could give Kilkenny fans a glimpse at their future.

GAA • 29 Apr 22

"This Saturday night I think the whole country will have a fair idea of where both Limerick and Waterford are at"

Limerick braced for Déise test after Cork's no show

Limerick will face a much truer test of their level against Waterford than they got from a Cork side who need to do some soul-searching after last week's championship opener, writes our hurling columnist.

GAA • 22 Apr 22

'At 11am, the shop was bedlam. Queues going all around the back of the shop'

Tales from frontline as GAA ticketing system struggles

Having never had to worry about tickets, Shane Dowling this week had a front row seat as the new distribution system struggled to keep up with demand on Tuesday.

GAA • 08 Apr 22

'On the Waterford front, I have constantly built them up this year, but only because I'm convinced they are on the money'

Hungry Déise to pip Cork and then push on for Munster

Both Waterford and Cork will be going full throttle with silverware on the line, writes Shane Dowling.

GAA • 01 Apr 22

League semi-finalists need to look at bigger picture

For all the teams left in the league they have to go all out and try and win it, but there is not much point in running your race too early, writes out hurling columnist.

GAA • 25 Mar 22

The GAA need to remember it's all about the players

There are no games without the players and it shouldn't take Matt O'Hanlon's very well-written statement, or Tom Parsons on Allianz League Sunday, to make the GAA understand that, writes Shane Dowling

GAA • 17 Mar 22

"I think families of loved ones are always taken aback and extremely grateful for what GAA clubs do at difficult times"

Shefflin tragedy showed the GAA is a family

The GAA world was rocked when the news starting filtering out last week about the sad and sudden death of Ballyhale clubman, Paul Shefflin.

GAA • 11 Mar 22

I have believed for the last four years Wexford have a team that's good enough to fight for top honours. When you go through their team they are seriously balanced, with some of the country's top players.

Cork's rabbit is out of hat but Limerick won't panic

Cork were impressive in their defeat of Limerick last weekend and will be keen to back it up this week against Galway, but Shane Dowling does not believe Treaty boss John Kiely has any reason to be concerned yet.

GAA • 04 Mar 22

"With all the technology that's out there these days, why can't they have a bit of support?"

Lynch red card further proof refs need video assistance

Cian Lynch's sending off swung the Fitzgibbon Cup final and Shane Dowling believes bigger decisions, in bigger matches, will be made in error if the GAA doesn't explore the potential of video assistance for referees.

GAA • 25 Feb 22

'The days of gathering a ball at you own full or half-back line and launching it 80 yards are over. Yes of course at times it will be required, but in the main, it just doesn't work'

'Tis only the league but the league is crucial now

Shane Dowling was disappointed by what he saw in the Tipperary v Kilkenny league outing and questions whether both teams will improve sufficiently by championship to compete for silverware.

GAA • 17 Feb 22