The Monday Club
The Monday Club is a GAA podcast from The Irish News. Every week, the team offers honest opinion, analysis, and craic, covering all the big talking points from Gaelic games on and off the pitch.
Episodes
Armagh All-Ireland winner Rory Grugan: Triumph and tragedy
Armagh All-Ireland winner Rory Grugan is the latest guest to join Cahair O’Kane and Neil Loughran on The Monday Club podcast.The Ballymacnab playmaker talks through the recent decision to bring down the curtain on his Orchard career, following a host of others from their 2024 Sam Maguire success into retirement.A deep thinker on all aspects of the game, Grugan discusses the kind of footballer he w
Irish News Ulster All-Star awards bonus episode
It is the night when all the stars come out - and a special edition of The Monday Club captures some of the atmosphere and craic from a memorable event.Guests were whisked away from the red carpet to the podcast studio at Belfast’s ICC for a chat with Neil Loughran and Cahair O’Kane.They include Monaghan ace Stephen O’Hanlon, Armagh legend Stefan Campbell, Loughgiel camog Roisin McCormick - who wa
Kevin McKernan on Down’s chaos years and the All-Ireland final hurt that never goes away
Former Down captain Kevin McKernan is the latest guest to join Cahair O’Kane and Neil Loughran on The Monday Club podcast.With dad Brendan part of the great Burren teams of the 1980s and ’90s, as well as an All-Ireland winner with Down in 1991, McKernan describes growing up with the ambition to follow in those footsteps.The Mournemen came so close, losing out by a point to Cork in the 2010 All-Ire
Andy Moran interview: The inside story of Mayo’s long journey to All-Ireland glory
A legend as a player, and the man who eventually led Mayo back to the promised land, Andy Moran is the latest guest to join Cahair O’Kane and Neil Loughran on The Monday Club podcast.It has been a hectic couple of months since the 75-year wait for Sam Maguire was ended on the most dramatic and emotional of days at Croke Park.And, in a wide-ranging interview, the Ballaghaderreen man takes the lads
Chrissy McKaigue on leaving Derry GAA set-up, and inside the Rory Gallagher fall-out
Former Derry captain Chrissy McKaigue joins Cahair O’Kane and Neil Loughran in the latest episode of The Monday Club.In a wide-ranging conversation, McKaigue reveals that this could be his last season playing - despite helping Sleacht Néill hurlers to a 14th successive county crown, and the club’s footballers into the Derry SFC quarter-final on Sunday.A move into coaching was always on the cards b
Antrim GAA legend Jane Adams on life, loss and learning to love herself
Jane Adams is the latest guest to join Cahair O’Kane and Neil Loughran on The Monday Club.In a wide-ranging chat, the Antrim camogie legend reflects on the some of the ups and downs of her career with club and county, including O’Donovan Rossa’s remarkable All-Ireland triumph in 2009 – a year fearing their chance had gone.But there is so much more than camogie talk to the west Belfast woman. A hug
Donegal All-Ireland winner Eamon McGee on belief, and what sets Jim McGuinness apart
Donegal All-Ireland winner Eamon McGee is the latest guest to join Cahair O’Kane and Neil Loughran on The Monday Club.McGee starts as he means to go on with a not-so-subtle dig about never winning an Irish News All-Star, before widening out into a conversation that covers plenty of ground - including the time he briefly marked his own father in a club game.One of the famous “tracksuits ravers” as
Kieran McGeary on ‘imposter syndrome’, post-2021 frustration and making most of Tyrone days
Tyrone GAA star Kieran McGeary is the latest guest to join Neil Loughran and Cahair O’Kane on The Monday Club.In this week’s episode McGeary reflects on the fine margins at the top level of Gaelic football after Mayo’s All-Ireland triumph.McGeary discusses his decision to spend five months travelling the world before coming back in time for championship, conversations with Malachy O’Rourke, and wh
'It's like nothing exists outside of kicking a ball' - Antrim captain Eoghan McCabe on the demands of GAA
Antrim captain Eoghan McCabe joins Neil Loughran and Cahair O’Kane on this week’s episode of The Monday Club.Since becoming an online coach, the St Gall’s man has amassed over 40,000 followers across various social media platforms.He talks about the ups and downs of that lifestyle and how his own attitude and that of others towards it has developed over the years.McCabe also talks about his career
'I would've died for that Tyrone jersey, but today I don't have the same feeling for it'
On this week's Monday Club podcast, Neil Loughran and Cahair O'Kane are joined by Louth manager and former Tyrone All-Ireland winner Gavin Devlin.The Ardboe native gives a fascinating insight into management, a playing career that he decided to end entirely at the age of just 27 and the “rawness” that he still feels at how Tyrone ended his and Mickey Harte’s time in 2020.IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND I
Was this GAA championship season the best ever? The Irish News team look back on a sparkling summer
In a special episode of The Monday Club podcast, the Irish News sports team look back on a championship season which many are calling the best ever.Paul McConville is joined by Kenny Archer, Cahair O’Kane, Andy Watters and Neil Loughran to discuss the memorable moments, the main talking points and the individual performances which shaped this year’s championship.Mayo’s incredible All-Ireland succe
The West’s awake and Mayo are in dreamland after All-Ireland SFC final win over Kerry
Mayo’s celebrations may last a month but on this week’s episode of the Monday Club podcast, we delve deep into an All-Ireland win 75 years in the making.Paul McConville is joined by Kenny Archer, Cahair O’Kane and Andy Watters to reflect on Mayo’s win over Kerry in Sunday’s All-Ireland final in Croke Park.The team discuss the outpouring of emotion in Dublin and look at the mental fortitude shown b
Boom or bust for Mayo in All-Ireland Championship final against Kerry - will it be 12th time lucky?
On this week's Monday Club podcast, Neil Loughran is joined by Cahair O'Kane and Armagh GAA legend Stefan Campbell to look ahead to Sunday's All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final. Reigning champions Kerry take on Mayo as the battle for Sam reaches its conclusion at Croke Park. Will it be another All-Ireland success for the Kingdom? Or can Mayo finally end their barren run after losing the
The VAR debate, and how the All-Ireland Championship semi-finals were won by Kerry and Mayo
On this week's podcast, Neil Loughran is joined by Cahair O'Kane and Andy Watters to dissect all the drama (and controversy) surrounding the weekend's All-Ireland SFC semi-finals, and ask the lingering question: Is it time for VAR-type technology to be introduced to the GAA?They also give their verdict on Wicklow's incredible comeback win over Down to seal the Tailteann Cup.IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIN
Kerry vs Dublin and Louth vs Mayo: An All-Ireland semi-final weekend to relish
On this week's podcast Neil Loughran is joined by Cahair O'Kane and Andy Watters to look ahead to a huge weekend of All-Ireland semi-final action.Sunday sees a renewal of Gaelic football’s most storied rivalry - Dublin v Kerry, and a first championship meeting between these heavyweights since the 2023 final.On Saturday it’s the meeting of Louth and Mayo - with both determined to end a long search
Were Tyrone shafted? All-Ireland championship: The remarkable rise of Louth and Monaghan regret
Stefan Campbell and Cahair O’Kane join Neil Loughran on this week’s Monday Club podcast to reflect on a momentous day for Louth, an opportunity missed for Monaghan and the refereeing decisions that contributed to Tyrone’s All-Ireland exit…IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for comme
Who wins from weekend of All-Ireland chaos?
Andy Watters and Cahair O’Kane join Neil Loughran on this week’s Monday Club podcast to weigh up the All-Ireland quarter-final draw, why it all went wrong for fancied Donegal and how Armagh will look back at 2026.IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for commercial insurance expertise
Rivalry renewed: Armagh draw Kerry again
Stefan Campbell and Irish News sports journalist Cahair O’Kane join Neil Loughran on this week’s Monday Club podcast, as they pick the bones out of Monday morning’s draw and, in particular, that meeting of the last two All-Ireland champions.IN ASSOCIATION WITH FIND INSURANCE NI Find Insurance NI has been supporting Northern Ireland businesses for 50 years, building a strong reputation for com
Can Tyrone carry momentum into Mayo clash? Or will Red Hand revival fall flat?
Irish News journalists Kenny Archer and Cahair O’Kane join Neil Loughran on this week’s Monday Club podcast to pore over where Tyrone's revival sits in the wake of victory over Connacht champions Roscommon in the opening round of All-Ireland games.Mayo – comprehensively beaten by the Rossies at the provincial semi-final stage – are up next at O’Neill's Healy Park on Sunday, and the lads question w
Armagh’s patient approach, Soupy memories, and GAA’s brightest young stars
On this week’s episode Neil Loughran and Cahair O’Kane are once again joined by former Armagh forward Stefan Campbell.The panel reflect on the Orchard county’s weekend win over Derry in the All-Ireland series, and discuss the strengths of Kieran McGeeney’s side - and Derry’s flaws.Stefan and Cahair also offer differing opinions on Jason Duffy’s black card, while the lads give their verdict on who
Tyrone’s ode to the king, and one battle after another in Killarney
Paul McConville, Cahair O’Kane and Andy Watters reflect on all the main talking points from the weekend's GAA action, including the controversy that unfolded in the heated showdown between Kerry and Donegal.They discuss Jim McGuinness’ reaction - both on and off the pitch - to the angry half-time scenes in Killarney when Donegal’s Ryan McHugh was left with a nasty gash over his eye following a cla
Armagh’s ‘sweet’ Ulster success, McGeeney’s long-term goal, and Kerry vs Donegal preview
Neil Loughran is joined by Armagh legend Stefan Campbell and Cahair O’Kane to reflect on a big weekend for the Orchard county.They give their verdict on Sunday’s Ulster Championship final at Clones, with Kieran McGeeney’s side getting their hands on the Anglo-Celt Cup for the first time in 18 years.‘Soupy’ reflects on a “sweet” victory for Armagh over Monaghan, and what it means to the team after
The big TV debate, Ulster Championship final countdown, and roaring Rossies
aaaaThe Irish News’ Neil Loughran, Andy Watters and Cahair O’Kane discuss a big week of GAA.They assess the short and long-term implications of the decision to give GAA+ the rights to show Kerry vs Donegal ahead of RTÉ.Ahead of this weekend’s Ulster final, there’s an in-depth look at how Monaghan might find a way to clamber over an Armagh team that has lost the last three finals on the bounce.Ther
All-Ireland draw, the two faces of the Ulster Championship, and Antrim hurling’s ongoing crisis
In a bumper podcast, Neil Loughran, Cahair O'Kane and Kenny Archer chat about Monday’s All-Ireland draw - and a huge tie of the round. They also look back on an ‘absolutely insane’ weekend of Ulster Championship action, punctuated by Monaghan’s stunning win over Derry. Then there was Sunday’s one-sided romp as Armagh dismantled Down in the second Ulster semi at Clones. There’s a nod to the quality
Down’s tactical masterclass in dismantling Donegal and what they can expect from Armagh
On this week’s show Neil Loughran is joined by Cahair O’Kane and Paul McConville.They look at Down’s shock Ulster Championship win over Donegal and dig deep into exactly how manager Conor Laverty plotted the downfall of the Ulster champions.The Mournemen now look forward to an Ulster semi-final with fierce rivals Armagh and the panel size up the task facing Down.We also take a look at the other Ul
Down have a mountain to climb, while Armagh and Donegal wary of Ulster Championship underdogs
The Irish News’ Neil Loughran and Cahair O’Kane are joined by Armagh legend Stefan Campbell to dissect all the main talking points from the GAA.They pore over the weekend action and a shock in Leinster which could have implications for Down’s All-Ireland aspirations.Westmeath’s win over Meath puts them one win away from a Leinster final and crucially a spot in the Sam Maguire at the expense of the
Armagh and McIlroy dig deep for victory, and Ulster Championship’s land of opportunity
Neil Loughran is joined by Cahair O’Kane and Andy Watters to dissect Armagh’s epic Ulster SFC clash with Tyrone.The panel look at what either team can take from the game. Is it a wake-up call for Armagh? Can Tyrone bank the positive energy and help it fuel their All-Ireland campaign?Armagh weren’t the only ones who had to dig in for victory. Rory McIlroy’s back-to-back Masters victory looked like
Armagh v Tyrone: Are Red Hands clutching at straws?
The championship is officially upon us – and we are back with the first of two episodes of The Monday Club this week.Old foes Armagh and Tyrone get the ball rolling in Sunday’s mouth-watering Ulster SFC preliminary clash, and that is the focus of Monday’s podcast.Irish News GAA journalists Cahair O’Kane and Kenny Archer join Neil Loughran to pick over the history of one of Ulster football’s most e
Ultimate XV: Who makes our best 15 - and who left out David Clifford?
On this week’s show Paul McConville and Cahair O’Kane dissect the weekend’s National Football League finals and question whether they are still fit for purpose.There’s also talk on the merits or otherwise of the hooter for timekeeping. How effective can it be when you still retain the human element of the referee?Then, for the main event, we set about trying to pick out best football 15 from curre
Are Galway ready to shake nearly men tag and end their wait for Sam Maguire?
On this week’s show Neil Loughran is joined by Armagh legend Stefan Campbell and Irish News sports reporter Cahair O’Kane.The main focus this week turns to Galway, who appear to have assumed the ‘nearly men’ mantle from their Connacht rivals Mayo.Having lost two All-Ireland finals in the space of three year and constantly featuring at the business end of All-Ireland championships over the best par
Down GAA on the up but where do they sit among Ulster’s top teams?
Neil Loughran and Paul McConville assess the state of play across the four divisions of the National Football League and the potential fate facing Ulster teams.They also take a closer look at Conor Laverty’s Down after the Mournemen secured promotion to Division Two with their win over Sligo on Sunday.We look at the improvements made under Laverty and why their situation could be a mirror image of
'Soupy' speaks: Exclusive interview with Armagh GAA legend Stefan Campbell
On this week’s show, Neil Loughran and Cahair O’Kane are joined by special guest, Armagh GAA legend Stefan Campbell.‘Soupy’ - who helped the Orchard County lift the Sam Maguire in 2024 - chats about his careers in the orange jerseys.The Clan na Gael man gives unvarnished insights into his struggles, on and off the pitch and breaks down the training ground routines that came to fruition in the Orch
Chaos at GAA Congress, and Gaelic football’s chasing pack
On this week’s show, presenter Neil Loughran is joined by Cahair O’Kane and Andy Watters.They discuss the fallout from this weekend’s GAA Congress at Croke Park. Andy was our man on the ground and he gives an eyewitness account of the scenes which saw anti-Allianz protestors make their way into the main hall and confront GAA President Jarlath Burns. The panel discuss the Association’s ongoing rela
Are the NFL and AFL friends or foes to the GAA?
On this week’s show, Neil Loughran is joined by Cahair O’Kane and Kenny Archer to chat about the AFL and NFL, and how Australia and the United States can hold an irresistible attraction for young GAA players.The panel look at the success stories for Irish players Down Under, and those like Charlie Smyth who are attempting to carve out a career in the NFL.Also on this week’s episode, we look at att
Why moving the All-Ireland finals to August makes no sense
On this week's podcast, Neil Loughran is joined by The Irish News sports editor Paul McConville and sports reporter Cahair O’Kane to chat about moving the All-Ireland finals - and why moving them to August makes no sense.There’s also wider discussion about the merits of the split season and ask whether winning the National League is really worth it.We also look at the future of amateur status
Armagh and McGeeney under the spotlight, and can things get any worse for Antrim's hurlers?
Neil Loughran, Cahair O'Kane and Andy Watters chat about Armagh's prospects in 2026, and ask what expectations should surround Kieran McGeeney’s side. They also look at Antrim’s hurlers and what has gone wrong with the Glensmen under Davy Fitzgerald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tyrone, Derry and demographics - why geography can determine their fortunes
On this week’s show Neil Loughran is joined by Cahair O’Kane and Kenny Archer to chat about all things Derry and Tyrone. They discuss which county is closer to an All-Ireland title and how each have managed success at underage level and converted that into senior glory - or not. Also, is it time for the GAA to ditch its sponsorship deal with Allianz? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
Will Jim McGuinness and Donegal stick to their guns, and what next for Casement Park?
On The Monday Club, Neil Loughran, Cahair O'Kane and Andy Watters chat about Donegal's evolution following last year's painful All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry, and what the future holds for Casement Park. What size of stadium does the new Casement need to be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Monday Club
A brand new GAA podcast from The Irish News, launching this Monday, January 26. Join our top team every week for all the big opinions, expert analysis and main talking points from the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
