The Echo Sport Podcast: Cork footballers gear up for Dubs in Croker plus minor hurlers who most impressed this season

The Cork footballers saved their season with a gritty performance in Portlaoise to beat Roscommon over the weekend but their reward is a very tough preliminary quarter-final against Dublin.

While Meath and Armagh have beaten the Boys in Blue already this summer, John Cleary's charges will need to produce a season-best to progress to the last eight.

We reflect on the victory over the Rossies which was spearheaded by Colm O'Callaghan, Ian Maguire, Mark Cronin and Seán McDonnell, who kicked 0-4 in a tight game. Keeper Micheál Aodh Martin came up with some big plays as well, saving a goal chance at a critical stage and pushing out a dangerous dropping ball for a 45 in the dying minutes.

It was heart-stopping stuff, with Roscommon hunting a two-pointer to knock Cork out as time elapsed as Brian O'Driscoll, Seán Brady and Daniel O'Mahony defended brilliantly.

What can they improve on for their Croke Park trip though? 

Plus we reflect on a disappointing All-Ireland minor hurling semi-final exit for Cork against Clare.

Fergal McCormack's side had beaten the Banner en route to a Munster title but a four-week break since that provincial success might have been an issue with Clare far sharper throughout. More tellingly, the underdogs showed greater hunger and work-rate around the middle third.

Cork were expected to reach what would only have been the county's third All-Ireland final appearance at the grade in the modern era, with the Rebels winning the title in 2021 and losing the 2017 decider to Galway.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Still, there were some excellent performers in red over the course of their six matches and we pick out the young players to watch out for in the coming seasons.

Plus there's a look at the local action as the club hurling leagues head towards their conclusion.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast