The Echo Sport Podcast: Cork clubs frustrated with new rules on amalgamations

The Echo Podcast crew review the Cork GAA action and look at the major issues impacting clubs and supporters.

All three Cork football clubs got the job done in their Munster semi-final, with Buttevant, Aghabullogue and St Finbarr's meeting Kerry opposition next month.

The Leeside winners lived up to their billing as favourites, though Aghabullogue, perhaps understandably, a week after a hurling county final, needed to dig deep in the last quarter of their game. 

Once again, Matthew Bradley was in deadly scoring form, even though he'd been in soccer action 24 hours earlier.

Now they'll take on An Ghaeltacht for Munster silverware. A daunting prospect with Cork powerhouse Aidan Walsh a serious addition for the Kerry kingpins.

Brian Hayes grabbed a headline-worthy hat-trick for the Barrs in their semi-final. There's huge depth in the Togher squad, with a host of strong bench options, and they'll need those if they are to defeat Dingle in what will be a cracking Munster showdown.

Buttevant will take on Ballymacelligott in the junior final and, with an eye for goal and the ability to range orange flags, will be confident of lifting the trophy.

They also look at the major talking points in Cork GAA, including the new rules regarding amalgamations between clubs at underage level.

Ibane Gaels fell just short against a powerful Douglas team, spearheaded by Sean Coakley, in the U21 A football final at the weekend. 

The combination of Barryroe and Argideen Rangers has been very successful in recent years, competing in the top tiers at minor in both codes, but the Cork County Board have stricter rules now in place. 

The aim is to encourage clubs to field separate teams in lower grades to protect their identity but is it the right move given rural depopulation?

Ballinora continue their double bid after making the Junior A hurling final and Donoughmore and Kilmacabea are into the JAFC decider.

There are still five games left in the U21 A Hurling grade, with Midleton and the Collig retaining their divisional crowns over the weekend.

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