Shane McGrath

RTÉ Hurling Analyst

Expect selective league approach from hurling managers

Shane McGrath is expecting managers to pick and choose the league games in which they go all-out for victory, mindful of bigger fish to fry later in the season.

Hurling • 22 Jan

'What Tony Kelly did on Sunday was monumental'

Kelly's symphony of brilliance lights up a magical day

Clare's epic All-Ireland SHC final against Cork was all we wanted and more - a thrilling, fascinating battle illuminated by one man's enduring class.

Hurling • 24 Jul 24

Hurling's Christmas Day has finally arrived

Shane McGrath looks ahead to the biggest hurling game of the year as Cork and Clare prepare to do battle in Croke Park and predicts just where the game could be won and lost.

GAA • 21 Jul 24

'Whoever Galway appoint, they will have to make sure he gets the culture'

Galway's guide forward should come from within

Galway need someone from within the county to take the reins and drive them back towards being All-Ireland contenders.

Hurling • 05 Jul 24

'I just don't see the common sense approach being applied to these fixtures at the weekend'

It's a joke blockbuster battles don't have top billing

Hurling's first-tier competition, in the knockout stages, has games involving four of the top six teams in the country this weekend. It should be getting top billing bar nothing and it's a joke that it's not, writes Shane McGrath.

Hurling • 21 Jun 24

'What was I thinking ever tipping against the greatest hurling team ever?'

I won't be backing against Limerick again

As I cycled my bike home from Semple Stadium on Sunday I had lots of time to think about what had just happened in between the showers and the odd bit of friendly banter from Clare & Limerick people.

Hurling • 12 Jun 24

'A Waterford victory would have to be up there with one of their greatest victories ever in championship hurling with all the consequences of the win'

Cork the team to beat if Limerick go out

Shane McGrath analyses what is set to be a thrilling weekend of hurling in the Munster and Leinster championships.

Hurling • 22 May 24

'If Galway do not beat Antrim Henry Shefflin may just have to get off the bus in Dublin on the way home'

My heart says Tipp but few home comforts in Munster

Our columnist looks ahead to another seismic weekend of provincial hurling championships.

Hurling • 18 May 24

'Limerick have proved they are not reliant on any one individual and while the loss of a player with the quality of Peter Casey could mentally cripple a group they just see it as an opportunity for someone else to step up'

Connolly key to Cork's hopes of ambushing Limerick

Our columnist believes Cork need to take a leaf out of another Páirc Uí Chaoimh performer, Elton John's book, and accept that Saturday night is alright for fightin', with Alan Connolly key to their chances of prevailing in a scrap with Limerick.

Hurling • 11 May 24

Can Tipp sing their redemption song in Walsh Park?

Tipperary need to lay it all on the line after a dispiriting no-show in Limerick has left their season hanging by a thread

GAA • 01 May 24