The Short Grass Kildare Nationalist Sports Podcast

This week's episode of The Short Grass Kildare Nationalist Sports Podcast reflects back on a disappointing weekend for Kildare GAA, and a disappointing 2026 season as a whole for the Kildare senior footballers. The pundit question where the Kildare team are positioned at the end of Brian Flanagan's second season in charge and discuss what must be improved if the team is to bounce with a vastly improved season in 2027.

There is also a discussion surrounding the capacity numbers at Cedral St Conleths Park and how the matchday experience for supporters at the venue can be improved.

This week's panel of host Pat Costello, Ger McNally, Seamus Dillon and Tommy O'Connell starts with a look back at a history making win over Kerry for the Kildare minor football team.

That was the first of three clashes between the two counties in the space of seven days and the podcast moves on to discuss the huge double header of action in Newbridge when the mens and ladies teams face off against Kerry.

Kildare have been drawn to face Al-Ireland champions Kerry in Newbridge in a knockout Championship tie. This feature podcast gives our panel's initial reaction to draw for Round 2B of the All-Ireland Football Championship.

It's a reflective Episode 36 of the Short Grass Kildare Nationalist Sports Podcast as the panel look back on a disappointing defeat for the senior footballers, the end of the season for the Kildare hurlers and the incredibly dramatic success for the minor footballers in the Leinster Final.

It's a bumper edition this week as the panel look back on Kildare GAA games for the U20 footballer, the senior hurlers and the ladies footballers.

There's plenty to look too as well with the opening round of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and also a Leinster Minor Football Final to be played this weekend.

0:00 Under 20 Review

It was a complete mixed bag this week in Kildare GAA and the conflicting emotions of this week's podcast reflects that. The utter despair of Sunday's Leinster SFC exit was followed by a superb week for underage football in the county, culminating in a Leinster U20 title.

This week's podcast also reflects on the three young ladies teams who lifted silverware in the last week.

It's one of the biggest weeks of the year in Kildare sport.

There's Leinster semi-finals this coming week for the U20 and Senior Footballers, and another big Leinster Championship game for the ladies after a superb win last weekend.

The hurlers continue to battle and scrap and show that they can be competitive in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.

Then of course, there's the small matter of the Punchestown Festival.

There's lots for the panel Pat Costello, Ger McNally and Tommy O'Connell to get through.

The Short Grass Kildare Nationalist Sports Podcast returns after a short break ahead of a huge weekend for Kildare teams. 

The panel of Pat Costello, Ger McNally and Seamus Dillon look ahead to what is coming with the Kildare Senior Footballers, Hurlers and camogie team all due to start their Championships this weekend.

There's also a look at how the Kildare underage teams are progressing, the local Kildare Senior Football Leagues and all the other hot topics in Kildare sport.

Neasa Dooley was a star forward for Kildare before being enticed down under to sign for AFLW side Brisbane Lions ahead of the 2025 season.

After a huge impact for the club, she has already signed a contract extension that will keep her at the club into a third year in 2027.

At the moment, she is preparing for pre-season ahead of her second year with the club and she took time out to speak to Pat Costello and Ger McNally about her time so far in Brisbane and her hopes for the future.

This week's podcast reflects back on the disappointment of relegation for the Kildare Senior Footballers.

There's also talk on the Kildare hurlers and the ladies football team, as well as a look at the U20 and minor Leinster Championships, and the club GAA scene in Kildare.