The lads are back to break down a massive opening weekend in the National Football League, covering standout results, big talking points, and the new GAA rules in action.

In this episode, we go deep into Darragh’s tough day as Fermanagh fell to Kildare, while Eoghan and Antrim secured a big win over Clare. We also break down some of the biggest matchups from across the divisions, including:

🏐 Tyrone vs. Derry – Tyrone’s dominant display and what it means for the season ahead.
🏐 Armagh vs. Galway – A tactical battle where Galway struggled to break Armagh’s defensive line.
🏐 Dublin vs. Mayo – Dublin’s pace in transition and their new-look squad after key departures.
🏐 Roscommon vs. Down – High-intensity football and some exciting goal-scoring moments.

Plus, a full discussion on how the new rules are shaping the game – from fly goalkeepers to two-point shots and everything in between.

🏆 Round 1 Recap – Key results, surprises, and standout performances.
😬 Darragh’s Tough Day vs. Kildare – What went wrong for Fermanagh?
🔥 Eoghan & Antrim’s Opening Win – A huge result over Clare.
⚖️ New GAA Rules – Are They Working? – What’s improving the game, and what’s frustrating players?
👀 Teams to Watch Going Forward – Who looks best suited to thrive this season?
🎯 Players to Keep an Eye On – Early contenders for breakout seasons.
⚠️ The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – The best and worst moments from the weekend’s action.

What did you think of the new rules in action? Who stood out in Round 1? Let us know your thoughts!

📲 Follow us for more GAA content:
• Instagram: Eoghan McCabe | Darragh McGurn | Peter Wright

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The lads are back to break down a massive start to the 2025 GAA season. From Cuala’s All-Ireland Club Final triumph to the impact of the new FRC GAA rule changes, this episode covers all the biggest talking points in Gaelic football right now.

We also dive into bold season predictions, the teams to watch, and what club players should focus on heading into the new year.

📌 TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Introduction & Kickoff to the 2025 Season
4:12 – Cuala’s Historic All-Ireland Club Final Victory
12:30 – Errigal Ciarán’s Second-Half Comeback: Where It Fell Short
18:45 – GAA’s New Rules: Game-Changer or Chaos?
24:20 – Fly Keepers: The Next Big Trend in Gaelic Football?
30:15 – The New Kickout Rules & Why They’re Shaking Things Up
38:42 – Two-Point Scores: Are Teams Using Them Properly?
45:10 – 2025 Season Predictions: Teams to Watch
51:35 – Breakout Players for the Year Ahead
58:00 – Advice for Club Players Preparing for the Season

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📢 Share this episode with a mate who loves GAA!

Peter Wright, Darragh McGurn, and Eoghan McCabe bring expert insights, sharp analysis, and plenty of banter as they break down everything happening in Gaelic football. From intercounty action to club legends, they cover it all with passion and humour.

📲 Follow Us for More GAA Content:
• Instagram: Eoghan McCabe | Darragh McGurn | Peter Wright

Thank you for tuning in to The Backdoor Cut Podcast—your home for all things Gaelic football. See you next week! 🎙️

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