The GAA Social Folgen

The Munster Hurling championship has saved the world from doom! Packed into a big football weekend, Cork/ Clare and Limerick/Tipp shook us all. Magnificent stuff.The football was good too. Donegal will play Down in the Ulster semi-final. Cork really could have/ should have beaten Kerry, Oisin wants to bin the hooter- Monaghan might agree!Questions remain over Mayo but Galway look in a really good place. A painful weekend for Fermanagh.

When you sit down to record a podcast, you never quite know how it’s going to turn out. This was one of those. Ross Carr is one of those interesting people you come across in life and this is an intimate reflection on living and growing older. Ross Carr is just north of 60, young- but fully aware of the fragility of life. There’s been losses, Eamonn burns being one, and the former All-star has responded with a more rounded outlook on what life should be. The Mournes and the splendid Clonduff certainly helps with that direction. Two All-Ireland titles in 1991 and 1994 were magic days in Down. There’s been little since. Why? Kevin Mussen was the first to bring Sam Maguire across the border in the 1960’s- his county and club friend followed in his footsteps 30 years later. Being a good parent, questioning was he good enough, when to stop playing and when to finish coaching. Above everything, Ross Carr’s love of place and the GAA shines through. A great listen this week

Mind games and addressing the elephant in the room. Seanie Johnston has an interesting take on the flat Cavan performance in Omagh. Tyrone take on Armagh next (what a game) and Meath come from 10 down to beat Offaly. Wins for Dublin, Louth, Armagh and Kildare. Westmeath, Antrim and Wicklow lose- but there's lots of positives.