The Backdoor Cut Podcast

We’re closing out this series of The Backdoor Cut Podcast with a look back at the past year’s best and toughest moments. In this episode, we share our personal highlights, reflect on some low points, and dive into our favorite memories both on and off the mic. Plus, we chat about what’s next for The Backdoor Cut and the big plans in store for the future.

Thanks for all the listens, likes, shares, for sticking with us and for all your support throughout the journey so far!

In this episode of the Backdoor Cup podcast, we welcome Barry O’Connor, who recently played in the AFL and VFL with the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants. Barry shares his experiences in Australia, comparing AFL to GAA, and discusses the topic of professionalism within the GAA. We explore ideas such as tiered payment structures, sustainable benefits for athletes, and the need for better support and financial compensation for GAA players.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation that blends Australian and Irish sports culture.

In this episode, we sit down with Vikki Wall, a multi-talented Irish sportswoman who has made her mark in ladies’ Gaelic football with Meath GAA, AFL Women’s with North Melbourne and Rugby Sevens for Ireland. We chat about Vikki’s return to Australia to rejoin North Melbourne, the challenges of transitioning between different sports and what the upcoming season holds.

Vikki is very candid about her experiences with the Irish 7s squad and how tough it was for her to miss out on Olympic selection.

Vikki also shares her experiences with Meath and how they’ve shaped her athletic journey. This conversation offers a fascinating look into the life of a top-tier athlete navigating multiple sports.

In this episode of the podcast, Conor Whelan, Galway’s star corner-forward, joins us to dive into all things hurling. We explore Galway’s season last year, discussing the team’s performance and how they build a strong sense of belonging and togetherness within the squad.

Conor also opens up about how travel has broadened his perspective and shares his thoughts on the importance of mental health in both sport and life. It’s an episode filled with insights and reflections from one of hurling’s top talents.

In this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we sit down with Declan McCusker, Fermanagh stalwart & captain.

We dive deep into the recent All-Ireland Hurling final, offering a detailed review and insights. Declan also shares his thoughts on the upcoming All-Ireland Football final, giving listeners an expert preview of the way he believes the game will go.

We also discuss the underage structures in hurling and football in smaller counties, exploring how these systems impact player development and success.

Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just curious about the inner workings of GAA, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

 this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we’re joined by Ronan Jones, captain of Meath, to chat about their season and dive into last weekend’s semi-final games.

Ronan shares his perspective on the semi-finals, talks about dealing with trolling and criticism and what it takes to be a top GAA athlete.

From game strategies to staying mentally tough, Ronan gives us a look into the life of a team leader undergoing the early stages of fatherhood.We also explore the highs and lows of the season, Meath's status in Leinster and how they stay motivated through the challenges of criticism.

In this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we sit down with one of Monaghan's marquee forwards, Stephen O’Hanlon, to take a deep dive into the Oriel County's season and how he see's the rest of the championship playing out.

We discuss Monaghan’s performance in both league and championship, make our predictions for this weekend's semi-finals and explore the landscape of inter-varsity football.

Stephen also shares his insights on how basketball has moulded him into the player he is and talks about the impact of recent injuries on Monaghan's success.

In this episode, Peter, Darragh and Daire delve into the intricacies of the inter-county game, with a focus on the upcoming All-Ireland quarter final fixture against Armagh in Croke Park.They explore key aspects of skill development, coaching strategies and the unique challenges of being a forward at the top level. The conversation highlights the importance of playing off both feet, offering insights and techniques for players and coaches aiming to elevate their game to another level.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:30 - Discussion about recent games and results

00:05:45 - Analysis of Roscommon’s performance

00:09:20 - Importance of aggression and physicality in games

00:12:15 - Approaches to playing different teams/styles

00:15:40 - Discussion on managing momentum and flow of the game

00:18:30 - Strategies for playing against certain teams

00:22:00 - Discussing the heartbreaking loss to Anam in the Talan Cup

00:28:30 - Analyzing the contrasting emotions of success and failure

00:34:45 - Reflecting on the importance of aggression and physicality

00:40:15 - Examining the impact of shot selection on game outcomes

00:46:50 - Considering the strategic approach for upcoming matches

00:52:10 - Discussing the tendency for chaotic, end-to-end games in football

00:57:30 - Exploring tactics for playing against teams that thrive in chaos

01:03:20 - Reflecting on the evolving strategies in modern football

In this episode, Peter and Eoghan chat with Sarah Rowe, an exceptional triple code sportswoman. Sarah discusses her journey as a former Republic of Ireland women’s football international, and her achievements in ladies’ Gaelic football for Mayo and women’s Australian rules football for Collingwood in the AFLW.

While it might seem like she’s living the dream in down under, Sarah opens up about the real challenges of living abroad and the significant differences in sports resources between Australia and Ireland. She shares her take on media opinions, offers valuable advice for those starting their careers, and talks about the contrasting expectations around self-promotion for athletes in Australia vs Ireland.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:04:30 - Discussion about Sarah Rowe’s background in three different sports

00:12:45 - Importance of resilience and personal development

00:18:20 - Transitioning between different sports

00:25:10 - Benefits of going professional in sports

00:32:15 - Comparison of facilities and resources in Australia and Ireland

00:41:50 - Branding and marketing in Australian sports industry

In this episode of The Backdoor Cut Podcast, we sit down with Richy Donnelly to discuss introspection, dealing with injuries, and the journey from club level to hitting the big time in the inter-county game. Richy provides a fresh perspective on the dedication, skills, and mindset needed for athletes to thrive and reach the top levels of GAA competition.

We also tackle the issue of how entitlement affects players and how fan reactions change when a player is injured. Whether you’re a hardcore football fan, an ambitious coach, or an athlete looking to up your game, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from someone who’s been there and won it all.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:30 - Discussion on Limerick’s performance

00:05:45 - Importance of drive and motivation in Inter-county level

00:10:15 - Balancing training intensity

00:15:30 - Impact of underage success on senior level

00:20:00 - Influence of leaders in team dynamics

00:25:45 - Requirements for young players to excel at Inter-county level

00:30:10 - Influence of physical fitness and skill development

00:35:25 - The shift from focusing solely on physical fitness to overall skill development

00:40:50 - Importance of game sense and managing moments in a match