Shane McGrath

RTÉ Hurling Analyst

Twists and turns still to come in the hurling league

With the Allianz Hurling League drawing to a climax, Shane McGrath gets out his crystal ball and looks at how things will wind up and how the leagues could take shape for next season, after promotion and relegation matters are settled.

Hurling • 05 Mar 25

'So here's to the Donegals, Carlows and Antrims of this world making even greater strides in 2025 and turning a few heads along the way'

Donegal and Carlow sowing seeds for hurling's future

The early-season exploits of the hurlers of Donegal and Carlow could have long-term benefits for the code in those counties, writes Shane McGrath.

Hurling • 25 Feb 25

Shane McGrath: 'The structure of the league has helped create excitement and high-quality games, coupled with the fact we had no pre-season league competitions to contend with'

Early league rounds delivered excitement and quality

Shane McGrath reflects on an entertaining opening three rounds of the league and offers reasons as to why the excitement and quality has been there for all to see.

Hurling • 11 Feb 25

'The days of moral victories are gone now for this Carlow group'

Carlow have the spirit, talent and drive to keep rising

The story of the weekend for me was in Dr Cullen Park, where Carlow defeated Waterford for the first time in their history. Tom Mullally is the perfect man to make them realise their full potential.

Hurling • 04 Feb 25

Shane McGrath: 'I'm expecting a huge home crowd at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and it will resemble the closest thing you will get to a championship game in January."

Cork & Limerick to deliver championship fare in January

Shane McGrath looks ahead to the big hurling game of the weekend where Limerick travel to Leeside with both managers looking to find out more about their respective panels.

Hurling • 28 Jan 25

Shane McGrath: 'It seems to me that management teams will select a couple of fixtures as target games, going all out with personnel and intensity'

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 25

'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