RTÉ GAA Pod: Kickout piggery, maverick Meath
Cathal Mullaney is joined in studio by Niall McCoy and online by Enda McGinley to break down the third round of the Allianz Football League, a weekend that brought a somewhat unexpected Armagh defeat, a halt to Mayo's momentum, and a notably aggressive performance from Tyrone.
McGinley reflects on how managers are struggling to exert control from the sidelines amid the heightened chaos created by last year’s rule enhancements.
While the shift has been challenging for those in charge, he notes that it has made the game more enjoyable to play and watch.
The panel also digs into Kieran McGeeney’s "piggery" remarks surrounding kickout battles. Former Antrim manager McGinley explains that while possession is still central to modern football, the days of relying on intricate set plays are fading as teams become less consistent at securing their own restarts.
The conversation turns to Roscommon’s growing promise, and the group debates whether Mayo’s re-found chaos will work against tidy teams that can dominate possession for long periods.
McCoy floats the idea that Donegal legend Michael Murphy could evolve into a devastating "super sub" for Jim McGuinness in this year’s championship, with Enda imagining the lift Murphy could provide if introduced during a difficult spell.
The panel then shifts to talk of Tyrone, with McGinley praising the side’s rediscovered aggression, energy, and attacking pace. However, he believes a few more players need to elevate themselves into top-tier roles for the team to fully reach its potential.
Finally, the spotlight moves to Division 4, where, with two Ulster men on the pod, the discussion naturally lands on Antrim.
McGinley shares his view that there is little reward for competing in the division at present and suggests the league may be a tough sell in a dual-code county.
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