CRCfm Saturday Sport: Recent Episodes
Caoimhín Rowland
A weekly sports show broadcast live from Castlebar, Co. Mayo every Saturday from 2-5pm. It's available on 102.9fm locally or internationally on www.crcfm.ie The programme is presented by Caoimhín Rowland, contributors include Jack McDonald, Cathal O'Boyle, Stephen Grealis, Shane O'Donohue and Jimmy Blake.
Current Offaly boss John Maughan joined Caoimhin on the Saturday Sport Show to recap a fruitful season with the Faithful county as he speaks about promotion to Division 2, the cost of GPS trackers and importance of sport science. Stephen Grealis also joins the show to give his thoughts on the local aspect of football here in county Mayo.
Paddy Mahon spoke to the Saturday Sport Show on CRCfm about the growth of the county town club, focus on player retention and his selection by the GAA to its infrastructure committee.
Jack McDonald told Caoimhin Rowland on the Saturday Sport Show on CRCfm about a Wimbledon first since 97, marijuana smoking sprinter, Lions rugby demise and Southgate's surprising bling.
Former pro-cyclist Jay Daly told Caoimhin on the Saturday Sport Show about the issues surrounding Sam Bennett's decision to abstain from this years Tour de France and why Jay believes Bennett will be searching for a new team come the end of this calendar year.
Mayo News journalist Michael Gallagher stopped en route to Sligo for todays Connaught 1/4 final to inform the Saturday Sport Show of Mayo's chances ahead of the GAA inter-county season.
CRCfm Sport show producer Sean O'Hora joined Caoimhin to dissect the recently revealed Mayo GAA club championship draw. Beginning with the Senior draw and then rumbling through the Intermediate groups and finally filtering through to the Junior ranks.
Breaffy GAA rounders team became the toast of the town last week after beating Wexford's Glynn-Barntown to capture a momentous All Ireland victory for the suburban club. One of their players, Grainne Gavin joined Caoimhin Rowland on the Saturday Sport Show to discuss the achievement and shed light on the growing popularity of the sport in Ireland.
Manchester based journalist Damian Molloy spoke about the woes Manchester United are experiencing in the aftermath of their Europa League loss to Villareal and continuing unrest amongst its supporters due to visible upset at the Glazer ownership
Italian football expert Paddy Agnew joined the Saturday Sport Show on CRCfm to discuss the continuing fallout from the ill-fated European Super League as Juventus face a domestic row over their pivotal involvement in the project. While on-the pitch Andrea Pirlo faces an uphill battle in retaining his position at Turin. Paddy also spoke of the adoration Italians have for Jose Mourinho who has been announced as the new manager of AS Roma.
Mayo county board Vice Chairperson Con Moynihan told Caoimhín Rowland on the Saturday Sport Show about the report he conducted into player retention in the county. His findings will help us to better understand the growing population centres of Mayo and Con explains why there'll be more 'B' teams in the county this year than ever before.
Max Marek joined the Saturday Sport Show to inform us on Toulon's covid sage and French rugby players caught eating waffles in Rome. As well as a look at one of sports teflon stars, Roger Federer. Who boasts a phenomenal career and an even more impressive off-field omertà.
A tennis instructor from Killaloe coached sport to children in a refugee camp in Greece, meeting those devastated by war and unrest. He told the Saturday Sport Show about his experience of raising funds for a defibrillator as well as getting help from Rafa Nadal, Usain Bolt, Lewis Hamilton and the Mayo mens football team along the way.
GAA analyst Martin Carney spoke about the current Connaught Champions dreadful run of form on their own home pitch. Which, as Martin informs us has a longer history than many would think. Rarely a happy hunting ground for James Horan's charges, MacHale Park is slated for resurfacing and lengthening to help banish the bad run and solidify its position as a fortress for Mayo GAA.
Offaly football manager John Maughan gave the Saturday Sport Show on CRCfm his views on the debacle surrounding Dublin GAA and breaching public health guidelines. John also answers on his son Johnny being name-checked by James Horan as a potential addition to the Mayo panel for the upcoming season.
Mayo manager James Horan told the Saturday Sport Show about his understanding over the recent tranche of retirements, how Oisín Mullin is fully committed to the cause and why MacHale is in dire need of resurfacing.
Mayo Bulls Ice Hockey head coach PJ Cunningham told Caoimhín Rowland on the Saturday Sport Show about the need for a rink in this county, as there is currently no facility in the Republic of Ireland for winter sports to prosper. With many clubs having to travel outside the country to Belfast to play. As PJ mentions, Mayo has a proud sporting tradition and an ice rink in the county town would help to grow the sport of ice hockey, (which has Irish roots), here in the West of Ireland.
Former FAI coach and current podcast host of 'In The Huddle Sportstalk' spoke about his time coaching some current Mayo footballers, the FAI's targeted development in GAA strongholds and how he tipped the FAI off about a certain John Joe Patrick Finn. You can listen to Paul's excellent show on Spotify through this link -https://open.spotify.com/show/3xOfLohSr9u0HRe7FCFLE6?si=aaSYD57KQsOvkIRn-gYWww
Stephen Grealis and Jimmy Blake told the Saturday Sport Show about their thoughts on the upcoming Republic of Ireland squad, with a particular focus on Stephen Kenny's selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifier vs Serbia in Belgrade.
The Galway Advertiser's Cian O'Connell on Galway United's hope of gaining promotion from a tough First Division in the LOI this season. He spoke about the strong Connaught connection at the club, John Caulfield's rejuvenation of the club and some exciting prospects expecting to make their name this season.
Tony Stakelum and Mike Kelly told the Saturday Sport Show about hurlings standing in Mayo, the origins of the sport in the county and the joyous news of Ballyhaunis man Keith Higgins joining the ranks of the hurling set-up for the 2021 season.
CRCfms rugby correspondents Michael Gallagher and Cathal O'Boyle on Andy Farrell's first win of the tournament and the burning question as to why Connaught starting players are treated differently to Leinsters reserves?
Jack McDonald and Shane O'Donohue joined the Saturday Sport Show to debate the controversy surrounding Zlatan Ibrahimovic's comment towards LeBron James in which the Swede stated the NBA star should 'stick to basketball' and forget about social justice issues.
Castlebar skater and activist Dan Timlin told Caoimhín Rowland on the Saturday Sport Show about his excitement upon hearing this weeks news of a proposed skate park for the county town at Lough Lannagh. Dan, along with many others lobbied local councillors for over a decade and their determination has thankfully borne fruit with this development which will ensure the safety of roller sports enthusiasts in Mayo.
Caoimhín Rowland was joined by Ballycroy GAA PRO Stephen Grealis and CRCfm sport contributor Shane O'Donohue to discuss the latest GAA finances report and recent All-Star awards. Also, a discussion on the future of GAA streaming here in Mayo was had.
LOI expert Dónal Ryan joined Caoimhín Rowland on the Saturday Sport Show to preview the upcoming LOI 2021 season. They discuss some of the leagues new signings, some hot prospects coming through at the Showgrounds and how important the recently announced streaming service LOITV will be for the league.
Hungarian football expert Tomasz Mortimer told the Saturday Sport Show on CRCfm about the recent success of Hungarian football. A famed footballing nation from the 50s, the Central Eastern European country has spent considerable time in the doldrums. However, recent political will from the nations admitted football fanatic PM Viktor Orban has changed that. The Fidesz leader has invested in stadia across the country, and has since seen a rapid positive trajectory for the national team reaching Euro 2020, Ferencvaros qualification for CL group stage and the emergence of superstar Dominik Szoboszlai at RB Leipzig.
Castlebar man Peter Staunton joined Caoimhín on the sport show to look ahead to next weeks Champions League fixtures. Peter gave his views on the turbulence at FC Barcelona, the Neymar injury for PSG, Sevilla's meteoric rise and Haaland's faultering Dortmund.
Shane O'Donohue caught up with Belcarra native Róisín Hannon to chat about her participation in a rather niche sport, the canoe slalom.
17 year old Róisín talks about the influence of her brother growing up, a natural attraction to watersport and her experience testing out the canoe slalom course that will be used at the 2024 Paris Olympic games.
Connaught Telegraph's Stuart Tynan and CRCfm Sports Jack McDonald joined Caoimhín Rowland for a review of the PDC World Darts Event which saw a glorious win for Gerwyn Price, heartache for Gary Anderson and questions pondered over the future of Darts broadcasting
Paul Jordan told Caoimhín Rowland about the implications of Brexit on the English Premier League, League of Ireland and the ongoing January transfer window. As a change of rules beginning this month has transformed the way British clubs develop young players
GAA analyst Martin Carney told CRCfm about his thoughts on the upcoming All Ireland Final
Fine Gael TD and former Mayo forward spoke about his time facing Dublin, the expectations of the Mayo faithful and who his penalty takers would be
Former Shrule-Glencorrib forward Conor Mortimer told the Saturday Sport Show about his relationship with Dublin shot-stopper Stephen Cluxton, what he thinks of no-fans in Croke Park and a new role in management in Kildare
Former Mayo boss John Maughan spoke to the Saturday Sport Show on CRCfm ahead of the All Ireland senior football final between Mayo and Dublin this weekend. The Crossmolina man gave insights from management before an All Ireland Final, how best to corral Dublin and why this year undoubtedly feels different to previous final berths.
Jimmy Blake joined Caoimhín Rowland on the Saturday Sport Show to dissect the weekends talking points from the world of football. Achill woman Ann Sweeney officating the FAI Women's Cup Final, son of Ballyhaunis John Joe Patrick Finn coming off the bench for Getafe in La Liga, Ireland and Mayo's links to Portuguese football
CRCfm golf expert Aidan Crowley told the sport show about the passing of his favoured golf commentator Peter Alliss, the upcoming Irish PGA tour and the curious golf club lawsuit in Rosses Point.
Connaught Telegraph columnist Stuart Tynan joined the Saturday Sport Show to look ahead to the World Darts Championship, explain the meteoric rise of the sport as well as an update on the local town darts league.
A further excerpt from the Saturday Sport Show where current Offaly boss John Maughan spoke of his clash against Tipp earlier in the league and former Mayo captain Alan Dillon told us how Horan would have prepared his set-up for tomorrrow's crunch clash
Stephen Rochford told the Saturday Sport Show about the tactical make-up of the modern game, Tipp players to watch out for and how best to prepare for such a big game
GAA analyst Martin Carney joined the Saturday Sport Show to discuss Mayo's All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary next Sunday. The chat begins by looking back on Mayo's provincial success, then assessing Tipperary's midfield strengths and asking whether no fans actually benefits Mayo.
Knockmore's Hugh Armstrong broke into the Top 10 All-Time fastest Irish Marathon runners earlier this year and told the Saturday Sport Show about his training camp in Spain, ambitions for a 2021 Tokyo Olympics and being a classmate and club mate of Mayo GAA stars.
Cathal O'Boyle and Michael Gallagher reviewed Ireland's comprehensive 32 - 9 victory over Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup, which includes an up and coming Georgia and England in Ireland's group. The Saturday Sport show is broadcast every week from 2-5pm on CRCfm.ie
Jimmy Blake and Jack McDonald gave their thoughts on the Rep. of Ireland's woeful performance in Wembley on Thursday night and whether we Aaron Connolly truly is the no.9 Stephen Kenny believe he is.
Mike Kelly gave his views on Mayo's season so far, the evolution of Conor Loftus and the meaning of the word 'hunger' when it comes to GAA analysis
Offaly GAA football manager John Maughan spoke to the Saturday Sport Show about his thoughts on the crucial Connaught Final, Mickey Harte's legacy and how relieved he is to finally have live sport back on television
GAA.ie journalist Cian O'Connell spoke on the Saturday Sport Show about Galway's chances of continuing Connaught success and the peculiar issue of the Tribesmens' lack of minutes in the run up to the crucial Provincial clash.
Michael Gallagher joined Caoimhín Rowland and Cathal O'Boyle to discuss the controversial view that the Irish rugby team are soft as per Rassie Erasmus. A question that comes into light in the aftermath of Ireland's abject performance in Paris last weekend.
GAA pundit Martin Carney told the Saturday Sport Show about the latest Mayo GAA news, tough panel questions for Horan and whether Mayo will bring home a first Nestor Cup in 5 long years
Ahead of Mayo's Connaught quarter-final clash against Leitrim at 1.30pm tomorrow. Martin Carney and John Maughan spoke to the Saturday Sport Show to run the rule over James Horans selection, recent relegation and expected response.
John Maugans' Offaly take on Carlow tomorrow also in the Leinster championship and the former Mayo, Roscommon and Fermanagh manager spoke about the difficulties in preparing for elite level action amidst a pandemic
Michael Kelly joined us on this weeks Mayo GAA talkshop to run the rule over Mayos' emphatic victory over Galway and assess the Tyrone test this weekend.
News broke this week of the English Premier League's top six clubs proposal to create a European Super League. With supposed FIFA support, $6 billion in backing from JP Morgan assured and fervent interest from Liverpool and Manchester United owners in particular. It seems like a breakaway league may soon become reality.
However, Peter Staunton told the Saturday Sport Show that this isn't the first time the idea has been mooted, there remains many obstacles such as UEFA being undermined, smaller English clubs objections and the will of Billionaire owners trumping the thoughts of fans.
The Saturday Sport Show is on 2-5pm every Saturday, listen live online or on the Tunein Radioapp.
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PRO of Ballina Rugby Club Michael Gallagher told Caoimhín Rowland on CRCfm's Saturday Sport Show about the unheralded feat of two of its former players included in Andy Farrell's national squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
Both Doris and Heffernan spent their formative years rising through the ranks of the North Mayo rugby club, which now holds top flight status garnering a pool of players right across the Connacht county amongst its ranks.
Martin Carney and Cian O'Connell a Galway man and journalist for the GAA gave me their thoughts on Mayo's crucial Division 1 game against near rivals Galway.
Jack McDonald is here to comfort Mayo GAA fans by letting them know 'We are not alone'. Hear Jack regale about Benfica's banished manager Béla Guttman, Birmginham City FC's cursed pitch and Chicago's curse of the Billygoat. This is the first in our Halloween series of sport.
This segment was recorded during the Saturday Sport Show on CRCfm 2-5pm.
Presenter: Caoimhín Rowland
Contributor: Cathal O'Boyle
Contributor: Jack McDonald
Ben Jacobs told us about BeoutQ the Arabian Gulf pirate television station that stole intellectual property from Bein Sports, Sky Sports, BBC Sport and ESPN. The debacle involves a dispute between the Saudi Arabian government and Qatari owned Bein Sports which was banned in the lucrative Saudi Arabian market in 2016. Afterwards, a mysterious 'Netflix for sport' appeared for Saudi citizens, leading to investigation and intrigue from the WTO, EU commission, FIFA and the Premier League.
An audio bed of excellent and heart breaking commentary by Mike Finnerty during the closing minutes of the 2016 All Ireland
Historian at the North Mayo Heritage centre Derek O'Flaherty told us about a man born in Ballina in 1899 who went on to manage Dinamo Zagreb, Fenerbahce, Inter Milan as well as coaching the Turkish national team to the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin. His story has largely been forgotten but the heritage centre in Enniscoe has helped to unearth Jim Donnelly's extraordinary life.
Former cycling racemate of Tour de France winner Sam Bennett, Jay Daly spoke to the Saturday Sport Show on CRCfm throughout the three weeks of the tournament. It chronicles the journey of eventual green jersey winner Sam Bennett throughout the historic race. Jay Daly is a former pro cyclist who raced with Bennett as well as others on the tour. Hear about Jay's insights into the grueling sport and how he knew Sam Bennett was destined for glory from an early age.
FC Barcelona have hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the aftermath of the clubs humiliating 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich and subsequent absence of silverware this season.
Add in Argentine icon Lionel Messi's attempts to leave on a free amid revelations of corruption by the current board who have been exposed in a series of leaks now known as 'Barcagate' and you have an unholy mess only fit for a farce.
I spoke to Spanish football journalist Paul Reidy who explains the scenario and how there have been no winners from Messi's decision to stay.
Caoimhín Rowland spoke with Ballina town Councillor Mark Duffy about his work in proposing unity between the Northern Irish football league and the League of Ireland.
Along with former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr and Dutch sport consultancy firm Hypercube, Duffy has been instrumental in talking to stakeholders both North and South of the border. The freshman Councillor speaks about his ambitious plans for football on this island as well as his thoughts on the current turmoil at the FAI.
Saturday Sport is a CRCfm show which is broadcast live from Castlebar weekly from 2-4pm.
Paul Jordan spoke to one of Mayo's finest young MMA talents Sinead Ní Nualláin on CRCfm's Saturday Sport Show.
Sinead discussed her trajectory toward cage fighting and her recent success in the octagon.
Liam Horan of thehoranstand.com and MayoGAATV joined Caoimhín Rowland on CRCfms Saturday Sports show to discuss his experience in broadcasting GAA matches in Mayo to an international audience. With games set to be played next month to limited crowds, interest in live-streaming has peaked and Liam explains it may not be the cash cow some may think.