Shane McGrath

RTÉ Hurling Analyst

'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

'Some have even wondered how Limerick would cope without Caroline Currid this year. Well I think we got our answer last Sunday'

Clare steel to edge Cork change in April knockout clash

Hurling columnist Shane McGrath expects Clare to bounce back from throwing away a lead against Limerick when they come up against a Cork team that needs new blood in what is close to a knockout Munster SHC encounter this weekend.

Hurling • 24 Apr 24

Limerick v Clare or the Masters? It's an easy choice

Limerick's bid for greatness begins with toughest test

Shane McGrath expects fireworks when the form team Clare meet champions Limerick in Sunday's Munster SHC opener.

Hurling • 17 Apr 24

Shane McGrath: 'I'm backing Clare to prevail. I feel they need it, and they know it too. Now it's time now to start delivering on the great talent they have at their disposal, and I think they will on Saturday.'

For thirsty Clare, the need for silverware is greater

Shane McGrath is backing Clare to get the better of Kilkenny in this weekend's Allianz Hurling Division 1 final as he feels the Banner need for victory is greater than that for the Cats.

GAA • 03 Apr 24

'The winner of the league should be just that: the top team at the end of the group games'

Scrap league final or give table-toppers just rewards

Shane McGrath believes finishing the hurling league without a final would allow for a longer break before championship and mean better quality games.

Hurling • 20 Mar 24

'I've been from Machu Picchu in Peru to the Iguazu Waterfalls and none of it compared to the rush when the final whistle went in Croke Park and Liam MacCarthy was ours'

Enjoyment fading on and off the pitch?

Are more and more players at inter-county level now choosing to live life rather than sacrifice so much for a slight chance of winning the ultimate prize?

GAA • 13 Mar 24