Columns - Irish Examiner

Donal O'Grady

Puckout precision crucial to Limerick’s victory

This All-Ireland final was all about Limerick until the last 10 minutes.

Mon, 20 Aug, 2018

If Limerick engineer the goal chances, Gillane won’t keep missing

Limerick were behind by eight points at half-time in their league game with Galway earlier in the season. They won’t want to be in a similar situation at any time tomorrow. They will be looking for a good start and their go-to man from puckouts, particularly early in the game, is Gearóid Hegarty.

Sat, 18 Aug, 2018

Four decisive duels that will determine the outcome on Sunday

Most games are decided in favour of the side which makes the best on-field decisions, both on and off the ball.

Fri, 17 Aug, 2018

Cork must shut down Limerick’s space creation

The seats in the middle of the stand at a nice height are generally regarded as the best in which to view a game.

Sat, 28 Jul, 2018

Given freedom, Cillian Buckley can bolster misfiring Kilkenny’s scoring power

Kilkenny have had little time to recover and re-energise since last Sunday. Fatigue will be a factor this weekend and it will be easier to defend a lead rather than chase a deficit in the finishing stretch.  

Sat, 14 Jul, 2018

Fitzgibbon switch key to Cork’s turnaround

There was a delay in Cork’s return to proceedings after half-time yesterday. They had gone in four points behind, but it could have been more. Cork used the time well at the break and were a different outfit in the second period.

Mon, 02 Jul, 2018

How can Cork counter Kelly in the six-and-a-half zone?

Cork have struggled in this championship with their delivery of short puckouts to their corner-backs on the sidelines. There has been a disconnection between the man in possession and defensive colleagues, hindering the link-up and transitioning of possession to the Rebel attack.

Sun, 01 Jul, 2018

Cork must come up with new battle plan for final

Sport can be very cruel, writes Donal O’Grady. If you were to pick out Waterford’s top player yesterday, the pacy, all-action, highly industrious Tommy Ryan, scorer of 1-3, would be top of your list.

Mon, 18 Jun, 2018

Cork’s extra body can’t quench the Limerick spirit

A sending off in hurling affects a game in various ways, writes Donal O’Grady.

Mon, 04 Jun, 2018

Tipperary v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 2

Pride saved the day for Tipperary hurlers

Ciaran Fitzgerald was captain of the Ireland rugby team back in 1985 when they were going for the Triple Crown. Ireland and England were deadlocked at 10 points apiece and a draw would have ended Ireland’s ambitions. Fitzgerald famously asked his teammates “where’s your ‘effing’ pride” before an important lineout. 

Mon, 28 May, 2018