The Echo Sport Podcast: Cork club football upsets, hurling preview plus Mayo end the curse

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break down the opening weekend of Cork GAA championship action where upsets for Carrigaline and Newcestown grabbed the headlines as last year's finalists St Finbarr's and Nemo were beaten.

Carrigaline were mauled by the Barrs in the opening last season and despite trailing early in the second half last Friday night, they pushed on to a win that gives them a great chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Cork footballer Brian O'Driscoll contributed heavily but Éanna Desmond was the star turn to the tune of 0-9 from play.

Newcestown, beaten after extra time by Nemo in last year's semi-final, made no mistake this time. Seamus O'Sullivan nabbed 0-7 while their best-known players Luke Meade and David Buckley were to the fore as always.

There's still plenty of time for the city sides to get back on track and the other member of the Premier Senior 'big three', Castlehaven, got the job done against a youthful Ballincollig despite conceding three goals.

Douglas were emphatic winners over Mallow, Séan Coakley highlighting his Cork potential, and Clon, dark horses in recent years, beat newcomers Knocknagree.

Cill na Martra took down Carbery Rangers in the collision between the two favourites at Senior A, while Éire Óg and Kanturk also underlined their title credentials. The performance of the weekend came from Fermoy, who were six points down with five minutes left against Naomh Abán and kicked seven without reply to win. 

Dohenys also roared from 11 down to draw with Aghabullogue while Newmarket put up an impressive tally in defeating Skibb.

Can the hurling action across the August Bank Holiday weekend match the entertainment? With Midleton against the Barrs and Glen taking on Blackrock, there are some crackers on the horizon.

Joyous

We also salute Mayo, All-Ireland champions for the first time in 75 years who ended their final curse, despite going 1-5 to 0-1 down after 16 minutes. Unreal.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is 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 on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don't forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo's Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.