Shane McGrath

RTÉ Hurling Analyst

While the Tipp players need the win, for themselves and all they have put into this, Cork have to win this, and if they don't it will be seen as a massive failure

Will Tipperary's hope trump Cork's expectation?

The All-Ireland SHC final is truly the day of days for hurling enthusiasts around the world. However, it's also an occasion that captivates even the most casual sports fan, with its inherent interest and excitement.

Hurling • 17 Jul

'I think we will be in for goals and lots of them in the final, and the tactics will not be needed to be drawn up on any software or broken down with moving magnets or iPads'

Old-school hurling wins the day

Shane McGrath, who has just about calmed down, celebrates a weekend of thrilling full-forward play in the All-Ireland SHC.

Hurling • 11 Jul

Shane McGrath is backing Cork and Tippearary to reach this year's All-Ireland hurling final

Cork and Tipperary to prevail in festival of hurling

Forewarned Cork should be too strong for Dublin, while Tipperary could just shade their clash with Kilkenny in this year's All-Ireland SHC semi-finals, writes Shane McGrath.

Hurling • 03 Jul

A season of Sundays on a single Saturday evening

Limerick will need the three week lay-off to recover from the Munster final defeat, while Cork will need to summon the same anger and fire for the All-Ireland semi-final

Hurling • 11 Jun

'The Rebels have an abundance of talent in their forward division but they don't have that out-and-out dog who will win the dirty ball and pop it out to the shooters'

Cork must take down towering pillars of Lynch and Hayes

For Cork to have chance of dethroning Limerick as Munster champions, they simply have to curb the influence of Cian Lynch and Kyle Hayes, writes Shane McGrath.

Hurling • 04 Jun

'Limerick were class last Sunday but Cork didn't lay a glove on them'

Cork-Waterford showdown will come down to sheer desire

Cork and Waterford are fighting for their All-Ireland SHC championship survival on Sunday. Whichever team can bring the most energy to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will win the game.

Hurling • 21 May

Sunday could potentially be part one of a trilogy like we haven't seen since The Godfather

Limerick and Cork will offer a glimpse of the very best

For hurling fans, this weekend if there's only one place, one fixture to be at, it's at the Gaelic Grounds where Limerick and Cork do battle. The master versus the apprentice.

Hurling • 14 May

Shane McGrath: 'I took it all in, saying to myself "this is brilliant up here", but I would give anything to be down there on that grass pitch being the one they are cheering for.'

Clare v Tipp Munster rivalry reminiscent of 90s classic

It's 29 May in the year of 1994. Most people are getting ready for what will be an unforgettable summer in the USA for the World Cup, a tournament that some Irish went to and just never came home, for the best of reasons now.

Hurling • 07 May

Shane McGrath: 'The more I see of Cork this year the more I believe they will get over the line and end the famine they are experiencing with the absence of Liam MacCarthy on Leeside'

Hayes-inspired Cork on track to end All-Ireland famine

Shane McGrath feels Cork are on the right track to claim a first All-Ireland senior hurling title since 2005 with Brian Hayes playing a key role in the full-forward line.

Hurling • 30 Apr

'Recovery back in my playing days was in the form of elbow stretches in a public house'

Hurling gladiators must prioritise rest over relaxation

Former Tipperary hurler Shane McGrath says that while the Munster hurling championship continues to enthral, he feels some of the enjoyment away from the pitch is not where it used to be.

Hurling • 24 Apr