Inside the RTÉ GAA Podcast: What league round one reveals about the season ahead

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by RTE, click this post to read the original article.

You’ll hear Peter Canavan and Shane McGrath join Cathal Mullaney to break down the opening weekend of the Allianz League. During the football segment, RTÉ Sport’s Niall McCoy weighs in on the controversial ending to the Kerry-Roscommon match, where changes to timekeeping rules influenced a critical score. Canavan shares his preference for the previous hooter system and highlights Tomás Kennedy’s standout performance. He also reassures Galway supporters, noting the team is still missing several key players, and suggests Meath are being underestimated as counties begin to adjust to the updated rules.

In the hurling discussion, Mikey Stafford joins the panel to reflect on Cork’s impressive bounce back from their difficult 2025 championship exit. McGrath points out that the top-class surface at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh may have contributed to the high winter hurling standards seen across the league. Although Galway lost to Tipperary, they’re still viewed as early league winners, even as they look to strengthen their defensive lineup—a task that may challenge manager Liam Cahill.

You’ll find that Tipperary, Cork, and Galway all made strong statements in their openers, illustrating early championship intent as the 2026 league gets underway. The panel suggests that these counties have hit the ground running and are positioning themselves as contenders in the early stages of the competition.