Shane McGrath

RTÉ Hurling Analyst

'In Munster, the hurling championship waits for no one. Kill or be killed. It's why we love it'

Waterford v Tipperary has knockout vibes

We're only one week in, at the end of April, and already the Munster SHC has the feel of knockout hurling to it.

Hurling • 22 Apr

'Clare looked really sharp in that first half of their league final, in particular their inside line of Shane Meehan, Shane O'Donnell and Mark Rodgers'

Big treats in store on opening All-Ireland weekend

With the league done and dusted, focus turns to the opening weekend of the Championship. With some very promising games in store, Shane McGrath casts his eye over all the action to come.

Hurling • 15 Apr

'Tactically, the league gave us plenty to think about'

The league has offered strong hints of what will unfold

The Allianz Hurling League has drawn to a close, and with it comes that familiar mix of satisfaction, frustration, and anticipation that defines the inter-county season.

Hurling • 09 Apr

'If Clare and Dublin represent a rivalry in the making, the clash of Limerick and Cork is steeped in history'

Limerick and Cork won't hold back in league showpiece

The stage is set for a compelling weekend of hurling as the National League finals bring together four counties looking for success and momentum, all of whom will be eager to send out a message to the rest of the country ahead of the Championship.

Hurling • 01 Apr

'The manager with the most head scratching to do over the coming weeks will be Derek Lyng'

Plenty to ponder after mixed League campaigns

It's been an up and down league, most teams got what was needed out of it and all bar four in Division 1 will be looking to Championship in five or six weeks' time, writes Shane McGrath.

Hurling • 25 Mar

'There is nothing that compares to a competitive game in that window and a league final against Cork would be ideal preparation'

Limerick-Galway clash a semi-final in everything but name

We have come to what is essentially a league semi-final this Saturday night between Limerick and Galway, writes Shane McGrath.

GAA • 18 Mar

'To the clubs, I would say: train hard and smart for a shorter period, rather than soft and reckless for a longer one'

Club game would benefit from its own split season

Shane McGrath argues for a less is more approach in club hurling.

Hurling • 11 Mar

Shane McGrath: 'I am really not trying to down the current game, but rather highlight an area where the spectacle has lost some of its magic'

Has some hurling magic been lost to gym programmes?

Shane McGrath laments that while hurling has never been as fast as it is now, the reduced number of high fielding plays and lack of 'wildness' has resulted in the game losing some of its magic.

Hurling • 04 Mar