Christy O'Connor

Journalist, author, All-Ireland club winning goalkeeper with Doora Barefield and coach

'The environment has been created for the goalkeeper to become even more of a quarter-back than they already are'

Donal Óg's restart legacy continues to evolve

The days of goalkeepers staying on their line in both codes are long over and it was a former Cork custodian who started the trend.

GAA • 26 Jun 19

'The Rebels always believe they can win an All-Ireland'

Can Cork cap hurling's golden decade with All-Ireland?

Finishing in third position in Munster might actually be the golden ticket, as Limerick discovered last year.

GAA • 17 Jun 19

"In March Loughnane made a number of bold predictions, most of which have come to pass."

Glitches in round-robin may devalue provincial finals

The Leinster hurling championship has been more exciting than its southern counterpart, so far, this summer, according to Christy O'Connor.

GAA • 10 Jun 19

'Shefflin's top spot on the leader-board is certainly within hias grasp'

Red-hot Callanan on his way to smashing more records

The Tipperary forward has scored an incredible 30 goals and 191 points from play, which is all the more remarkable considering his mid-career slump.

GAA • 03 Jun 19

'As Galway hunted Limerick down in the closing stages of last year's final, Limerick felt completely exposed to those fears and insecurities'

The hunter and hunted a popular theme in modern hurling

The hunter and hunted analogy has become a popular theme of modern sport and it was one of the most common trends of last year's championship, writes Christy O'Connor.

GAA • 27 May 19

'While hurling people abhor and dread comparisons with football tactics, nobody can deny...'

Without work rate, Limerick can be beaten by anyone

Cork are a very different team to the All-Ireland champions, but they got their tactics spot on and most importantly their appetite for work was through the roof.

GAA • 20 May 19

'The key to Tipp moving forward was always going to hinge on tweaking their style, and giving their strike forwards more of an opportunity to cut loose'

Sheedy's return heralds a new freedom for Tipp

Tipperary's win over Cork was a clear indication that the sparkle had returned after two seasons where they had lagged behind their rivals, says Christy O'Connor.

GAA • 13 May 19

"One of the biggest challenges for the away team is the logistical difficulties it presents. That was one of the reasons Clare used much of this year's league as a dry logistical run for the championship"

Turning home comforts into away hell key to success

Christy O'Connor delves deep into the numbers behind home advantage which again is likely to prove crucial in this year's hurling championship.

GAA • 06 May 19

'Everyone has a better chance – and is given a much fairer chance – when a pathway is designed to look at the bigger picture.'

Time to look at bigger picture when nurturing talent

A clear developmental pathway for any county should be as much about educating young players - and their parents and coaches - than just coaching them to be better on the field of play.

GAA • 22 Apr 19

Leadership needed to end dead, lifeless club summers

Cork clubs may have rejected the idea to play championship games without inter-county players but it was a debate worth having as club players sit idle and frustrated for months at a time, writes Christy O'Connor.

GAA • 08 Apr 19