The Left Wing Back Podcast

Over the past couple of weeks we sat down with Conor 'Horse' Lawlor at the Talbot Hotel in Carlow.Conor gave great service to Carlow at Senior level be it with the Hurlers or Footballers and at one point both.He was the scorer of one of the most famous goals in Carlow GAA history with they saw off Kildare in the Leinster SFC in 2018.He also played a key role in Carlow's Joe McDonagh Cup Final win over Offaly in 2023.Now a Dad to Sam and Husband to Grace, Conor sits down for this fantastic conversation with nothing off limits.He's his own man on the pitch and off it and what you see is what you get.This is Conor Lawlor - a constant in a Carlow Senior Jersey since 2011. ★ Support this podcast ★

We had the pleasure of sitting down with recently retired Carlow Hurling stalwart Jack Kavanagh in his home place for this jam packed episode.Jack came straight on to the Carlow Senior Panel after a successful stint at Minor level where he played in a Leinster Final vs Kilkenny and All Ireland Quarter Final vs Tipperary.We ask Jack about what led him to make the decision to step away from county hurling.We relive some fond memories including McDonagh & Christy Ring Cup wins, taking on and taking down some big guns at club and county level, funny dressing room stories and much more! ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we pay tribute to the monumental success of Bennekerry/Tinryland in winning a first All Ireland Club Football title for Carlow at adult level on Saturday at Croke Park.Lauren Dwyer joins us to give us a flavour of what day was like, the lead in, the celebrations and just exactly how much it means to everyone.Bernard Mullen was involved with the team back when titles were hard to come by in Carlow. He talks to us about the achievement and tears which were experienced even before full time.As current Tinryland GFC chairperson and vice-chairperson of Carlow & District Soccer League, Bernard gives us his views on the recent news of Calendar season soccer.It's a huge topic at the moment and is likely to have massive consequences for both Soccer and GAA.It's an episode that simply commands your attention.We do hope you enjoy! ★ Support this podcast ★

With Saturday fast approaching, we preview Bennekerry/Tinryland's clash with Annaghdown in the All Ireland Ladies Intermediate Club Football Final at 3pm in Croke Park.We go through the U20 Football Finals where Palatine and Ballon were victorious, with special mention to Palatine's fantastic underage season.We tee up the U20 Hurling Semi Finals.We discuss the news of Calendar Season Soccer and the challenges that it is likely to bring.All this and much more! ★ Support this podcast ★

Bennekerry/Tinryland mentor Conor Byrne joined us along with other well known Carlow coaches Maurice Browne & Mick Kehoe for a wide ranging discussion on this weeks show.B/T are on their way to Croke Park to face Annaghdown of Galway on Saturday December 14th in the All Ireland Ladies Football Final. Conor gives us a flavour of what the group is like, how special this is and how they have managed everything so far on route to the decider.Conor also stays with us as we chat to Maurice & Mick about the Carlow U20 Football Finals this weekend.As former Carlow U20 Manager, Maurice gives us great insight into the challenges of that particular grade and we ask if there is possibly a better time to play it at club level and consider a possible reshuffle structure wise.We also discuss the merits of the the County Football Divisional Championship extending into other grades following finals night at the Netwatch Training Centre in Fenagh last Friday.Again there is great discussion, debate and insight.The show is a little longer this week but well worth sticking around for! ★ Support this podcast ★

01:13 Bennekerry/Tinryland v Mullahoran All Ireland Semi Final10:20 U20 Football Championship13:39 Cental County U16 Football Championship Finals Night15:25 Competitive nature of Championship20:05 Finals Night Venue22:23 Top scorers going into Finals NightThis weeks guest is Carlow Games Manager - Robert Sansom ★ Support this podcast ★

Recently we had the pleasure of sitting down with recently retired Carlow Senior Footballer Darragh Foley at Lambert's Coffee Shop.Foley finishes up as Carlow's leading scorer of all time on the County scene.We chat to Darragh about why he retired.We do a deep dive into his time with Carlow.We chat about some funny moments and also some emotional ones which Darragh doesn't shy away from.The man exudes excellence as much off the pitch as he does on it and here we get a real flavour of that.Unmissable viewing & listening.Chapters:00:00 Intro01:48 Reason behind retirement07:58 County Underage Football - Not making u14 squad10:20 Soccer career13:25 Making Adult debut for Kilbride while u1320:00 Carlow v Dublin u21 Football Semi Final21:47 Senior debut with Carlow and up to 201227:00 Carlow v Meath 2012 a day of mixed emotions29:11 Incredible moment during a sad time34:24 2013-2015 with Carlow35:24 Carlow Footballers Fight Night39:24 Glorious times with Carlow56:20 Laois1:08:00 Post Turlough era1:11:00 Last game with Carlow1:12:00 Making sure he was going to retire1:14:40 Fatherhood1:17:30 Quick Fire questions1:31:17 A possible return to Carlow at some point?!1:32:54 Conclusion ★ Support this podcast ★

Stephen Bambrick joins us to discuss Bennekerry/Tinryland's Leinster success. We chat about Rathvilly & Burren Rangers exiting Leinster, St Mullins prepping for their opener on Sunday, the County u16 Football Championship & more ★ Support this podcast ★

Mick Kehoe joins us to discuss the following:02:05 Darragh Foley finishes up with Carlow08:09 BK/Tin prep for Leinster Final 11:52 Ballon & Fenagh bow out of Leinster 33:13 Rathvilly & Burren Rangers step up in Leinster42:43 County Championship off to a flyerAll this and much more! ★ Support this podcast ★

Mick Kehoe joins Kev for a recap on all the happenings over the past week from Rathvilly's SFC success to Myshall's extraordinary 25 in a row achievement to Minor Final headlines and much more besides.Don't forget to email your LWB Player of The Year nominees to info@leftwingback.com in association with Valhalla Sauna's00:00 Show Partner Mentions00:50 Show starts01:48 Mick on coaching Tinryland during Relegation play off 06:30 Myshall do 25 in a row - Camogie Review10:05 JFC Final - Bizarre story17:09 SFC Final Replay - Rathvilly v Pal Review32:20 Minor Final Reviews - Mad ending to MFC 'A' Final47:35 Burren Rangers play off with Carlow Town for the right to play in Leinster53:43 County Championship date change55:50 LWB Player of the Year Awards in association with Valhalla Saunas1:05:00 Wrapping Up/Thank you's ★ Support this podcast ★

Kev & BOD were once again located at the Talbot Hotel in Carlow for this week's episode reviewing the 2024 Carlow Football Finals.Details of the Camogie Finals were also given.And of course the Senior Football Final Replay is previewed.The lads also discuss possible LWB Player of The Year contenders!00:00 - Intro05:30 - Camogie Final Times06:05 - Junior B Final12:46 - Junior A Final25:24 - IFC Final34:33 - SFC Final & Replay chat1:08:39 - LWB Player of The Year Award possible contenders & how you can become involved ★ Support this podcast ★

BOD spoke to the two members of the recent winning side with Rathvilly also prepping for Senior and JFC 'B' Finals this week! ★ Support this podcast ★

BOD sat down and had the craic with his brother Jeff and James Ruth ahead of the 2024 JFC 'B' Final between Eire Og and Rathvilly. ★ Support this podcast ★

Craig Kearney is well established in the Palatine nets. He also keeps up his net keeping duty with New Oak while running a Web Design & Management business - www.Craigkearney.comWe had a great discussion and it even featured an unexpected cameo from one of Craig's team mates! ★ Support this podcast ★

Brian O'Donoghue sat down for a fantastic discussion with two of Rathvilly's finest servants.Brian Murphy and Alan 'Briar' Kelly gave many great years to club and county.This wide ranging chat is sure to have you entertained! ★ Support this podcast ★

The lads were a joy to chat to ahead of this Saturday's IFC Final! Great craic and stories from both! ★ Support this podcast ★

Richard Kearney soldiered for many years with Leighlinbridge. Paddy Byrne is still doing just that for Ballon. They meet on Sunday. We had a great chat with both lads over the weekend. ★ Support this podcast ★

Pal & Rathvilly reach SFC Final - Fenagh v K/C in the IFC - Leighlinbridge to meet Ballon in the JFC A - Rathvilly v Eire Og JFC B - Ladies Football Finals & MoreJohnny Nevin joins us to Review the action! ★ Support this podcast ★

Kev & Fisher tipped on down to the Talbot Hotel on Tuesday evening to record our 2024 Carlow Football Championship Semi Final preview show.Talbot Hotel Carlow came on board as partners with us this year and have recently opened An Bhearu Bar & Bistro along with The Recovery Room at Talbot Fitness for all your post match and pre match recovery needs.Talbot Hotel Carlow have sponsored the Carlow Intermediate and Junior Football Championships for many years and we are delighted to have them on board this season - visit www.talbotcarlow.ieWe are also delighted to welcome along a new Partner this week - Infinite Energy and you can check out their website InfiniteEnergy.ie - they are the leading provider of industrial, commercial, agricultural and residential solar PV installations, serving the South East and Midlands.Thanks also to our long standing year long partners:Curadh SportsPadraic Dunne MotorsArboretum Garden CentreRay Whelan LTDProperty Partners BuggyPat Ahern PhotographyDigiworx Marketing ★ Support this podcast ★

Robert Sansom & Mick Kehoe join us to discuss a new County Football Championship launching in October. We chat about Round 3 & indeed the upcoming Quarter Final's of the Carlow Football Championship. We get a verdict on Killeshin v Graiguecullen in the Laois SFC Quarter Final & much more ★ Support this podcast ★

Tom Dillon is a seriously impressive human being. At just 18 years of age he has Captained Carlow u20 Footballers, plays like a seasoned pro for his club Grange, and this week begins another big stage in life when he takes up a course in UL to be a PE & Maths teacher.Tom joins us for a great discussion looking back on Round 2 of the Carlow Football Championships, a look ahead to Round 3 and just an all round enjoyable conversation. ★ Support this podcast ★

Cake delivered to Carlow - 1st round Football action talking points - 2nd round heads up - Paul Byrne in top form ★ Support this podcast ★

And just like that it's time for Carlow Football Championship action! Mick Kehoe joins to discuss the runners and riders for this years Championships.While Tommy Buggy joins us to discuss St Mullins' Senior Hurling Championship success after another incredible game with MLR. ★ Support this podcast ★

We took a spin out to the new, improved and seriously impressive Knockbeg College to meet their new principal John Maye who talked us through all things Olympics and a few bits on the school also.No punches pulled on the Athletics front, raw honesty from John as always and plenty of insight to boot! ★ Support this podcast ★

Former Carlow Senior Hurler Willie Hickey joins us for as honest an assessment of Hurling Final weekend that you'll find anywhere.Not a man to mince his words, Willie breaks down the Senior Final draw with MLR and St Mullins.He feels it's great for Burren Rangers to get up Intermediate despite losing to them in the game that decided that on Saturday.We go through the IHC and Shield finals and much more.Please note at the time of recording we didn't have replay details to hand. ★ Support this podcast ★

It's Hurling Finals weekend in Carlow and we catch up with the following people to give us a flavour of what to expect:Alex Delaney - Carlow TownAlan Brennan - Naomh BrídCiaran Bolger - Burren RangersTommy Buggy - St MullinsPaul O'Brien - MLR ★ Support this podcast ★

We tipped down to the Talbot Hotel in Carlow for what initially was meant to be a brief chat over a coffee with Leo McGough in the fantastic new An Bhearú Bar & Bistro.It turned out to be a podcast for the ages.We of course did get to the Carlow Hurling Semi Final's eventually, but what transpired both before and after was just pure magic.Leo is an artist who paints pictures with words like no other.Leo eloquently describes getting what it was like witness Clare win an All Ireland with his brother Michael, who was once in a position where he couldn't attend games due to a medical condition.All Ireland Final day is passionately labelled as a day for everyone.There is so much good stuff in here that's it's simply unmissable.Enjoy it and maybe have some pocket size tissues at the ready also.Powerful stuff. ★ Support this podcast ★

Barry 'The Bowser' Doyle is once again joined by David Galway this week.The lads delve into what practically are Quarter Finals for some teams in the Carlow SHC this weekend.Early contenders for Hurler of the Year are discussed.A detailed breakdown on the All Ireland Senior Hurling Final between Cork and Clare.And much more besides! ★ Support this podcast ★

Having made it two wins from two in the IHC, we decided to go have a chat with arguably Carlow Town's most passionate young Hurler who not long ago also co-founded the famed Bush Ultras!Kev & Barry go through the weekend's games which at Senior saw Ballinkillen go seriously close to a big upset against MLR while Bagenalstown pushed on against a Naomh Eoin side who faded badly.The lads chat about all the grades' games from both last weekend and this coming weekend which see's mouth watering encounters in all three with Ballinkillen v Bagenalstown, St Mullins v Naomh Eoin, Carlow Town v St Mullins and Kildavin/Clonegal v Naomh Eoin to name but a few!We also chat about the All Ireland Hurling Semi Finals and of course; our 'Wield The Axe' section!' ★ Support this podcast ★

The Carlow SHC got underway last weekend with MLR and St Mullins drawing, while Naomh Eoin were 5 point winners over Ballinkillen.This weekend we look at Ballinkillen v MLR and Naomh Eoin v Bagenalstown.We chat about Carlow Town's resurgence, the growing interest in the Carlow Intermediate Championship and much more! ★ Support this podcast ★

With a meeting set for Tuesday night, it is becoming likely that the Carlow Senior Hurling Championship will only have 5 teams this year.Will Naomh Brid's first team have no Hurling? Will they be let go back Intermediate?What is the collateral damage?We discuss all this and indeed have great in depth chats on Inter County and club structures with David Galway, former Carlow Senior Hurler, Games Development Officer and current Kiltegan Senior Hurling Manager ★ Support this podcast ★

This week saw Ireland achieve massive 400m and 1500m success taking home gold and silver from the European Championships.400m in particular hasn't been something that Ireland have been traditionally known for in terms of success.So how was this tradition created in such a relatively short timeframe?And how can it be applied to GAA in Carlow to net the same results?Incoming Knockbeg College Principal John Maye is perfectly placed to give us the insight and voice that we need on this with his love for all things sport, but particularly athletics.John was also involved with Carlow inter county squads in the past with mindset a particular focus point and he has some real nuggets in this one.We speak about all this, the vision for Knockbeg and much more over what is a very enjoyable hour.If you enjoy the podcast and wish to support the podcast you can spot us a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/leftwingback ★ Support this podcast ★

In this detailed discussion Kev & Bowser go through the Niall Carew era in detail after he parted company with the county at the weekend.Kev has been crunching the numbers and the stats comparison between Carew & Turlough O'Brien's respective tenure's make for interesting debate and discussion.The lads trash out what the priorities should be.Mentions of possible future candidates are fired in to the mix.All this and a lot more heated debate!We also bring you up to date with Camogie and Ladies Football. ★ Support this podcast ★

Hurling legend Terence 'Sambo' McNaughton joins us for a fantastic discussion this week. We also look at the Carlow Footballers clash with Wicklow & much moreAn icon of Hurling, 'Sambo' outlines his concerns over insufficient promotion of the game. He gives us great perspective and some of the challenges and also insight on how to improve things. The conversation is broad based and one of the best Podcasts we have ever recorded. ★ Support this podcast ★

Kev has a lot to get off his chest so he has drafted in Barry 'The Bowser' Doyle for this heated episode.Topics include:* ⁠Carlow v Wexford & massive game v Antrim* Carlow v Fermanagh Tailteann Cup & Huge game v Wicklow* ⁠GAA GO statistical analysis* ⁠Media Coverage shortcomings* Jarlath Burns biggest test ★ Support this podcast ★

You won't have seen a more vocal and passionate Carlow man in Dr Cullen Park on Saturday evening than former Carlow Hurler Pat Coady. Pat joins us to discuss the famous day. We ask Pat:- Is it the biggest day in Carlow Hurling History? - Is it the biggest result in Hurling history? - Is there enough made of it in National Media and Podcast outlets?The hero of the day in O'Moore Park on Sunday was Aaron Amond as his two late goals secured Carlow a 2-17 apiece draw with Laois in the Tailteann Cup.We ask Aaron:- What was going through his mind with the late penalty- How they did recover so well from the Wexford defeat.- Did the Hurlers result 24 hours previous inspire them.All this and much more to come! ★ Support this podcast ★

In a very special episode, we bring you reaction from an historic day at Dr Cullen Park as Carlow earned themselves a draw against All Ireland Finalists Kilkenny.We hear from:Dion WallPaul DoyleNiall BolgerChris NolanKevin McDonaldJohnny NevinJack KavanaghMarty Kavanagh ★ Support this podcast ★

Stephen Attride joins us for a fantastic wide ranging discussion. Topics include:Carlow v Laois Rivalry 2018 tussles Captaining LaoisSerious Head InjuryFinding exercise away from FootballKnockbeg Running for IrelandKilleshinLife in OzAll this and much more! ★ Support this podcast ★

Former Hurler of the Year and All Ireland Winning Captain Eoin Larkin joins us today for excellent discussion.The Kilkenny stalwart chats to us about the following:Leinster SHCWorking with Brian CodyStandard in CarlowTV Coverage issuesHurling facing competitionCarlow v Kilkenny ★ Support this podcast ★

With two games played in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, Carlow have enjoyed a grand total of approximately 3 minutes of action on The Sunday Game highlights show.It's been a pet hate for years in the county and this year it has become a major talking point again.As bad as this is, how does Carlow man Peter Fortune feel?Peter is captaining the Louth Senior Hurlers this year and just a couple of months ago he appeared on RTE's League Sunday to chat about the landscape of Hurling and discussed what can be done to improve it.We discuss all of this here.We also chat Carlow v Kilkenny which does have GAA GO coverage this weekend (finally something at long last) and weekend results from Camogie, Ladies Football and Minor Hurling are given also.Please follow us on Spotify and Apple, share our content on Social Media and feel free to contact us as always by DM or email info@leftwingback.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Tommy Buggy Chats:- Carlow Minor Hurling Glory Days - Carlow Hurling Ahead of it's time in 00's - Return to St Mullins - Leinster SHC - TV Coverage & More ★ Support this podcast ★

In terms of Hurling there is very little that Michael Walsh hasn't seen or done.He has won the All Ireland with Kilkenny as a Player, Managed his county at underage level, Managed Carlow Senior Hurlers and also has worked as a pundit for KCLR for the best part of 20 years.Michael joins us for a great discussion not just on the above, but many other important facets of the game not just in Carlow but even further beyond.We also bring you up to speed with Ladies Football & Camogie Results and Fixtures. ★ Support this podcast ★

BOD is in the hot seat with Kev in for a fleeting visit.The wide ranging episode covers the following:Carlow's Leinster SHC clash v Galway - U20 Hurling & Football optimism - Minors showing potential - Ladies Football Flagships - Minor Camogie & More ★ Support this podcast ★

League Champions: Edel Hayden & Ella Molloy speak to BOD after enjoying recent Division 4 League Final success with Carlow‍ ★ Support this podcast ★

When it comes to covering all things GAA there are few that have done and seen more than Johnny Nevin.Having played both codes at the highest level and held his own with the best in the business, Johnny gives us his views on the current state of county setups from Senior right down to underage in both codes.We get his thoughts on the Senior Footballers Championship opener v Wexford. The standard of county underage squads. Where he sees GAA in the county and beyond at present. All this and much more. ★ Support this podcast ★

Carlow Ladies Footballers take on Limerick this coming Saturday at 2pm in the Lidl National Football League Final.We caught up with Clíodhna Ní Shé ahead of the clash for a good honest wide ranging discussion. ★ Support this podcast ★

It was a fantastic weekend for Carlow Ladies Footballers as they sealed promotion after a last gasp Maeve O'Neill goal. We catch up with Rachel Sawyer who talks us through it.Carlow Senior Hurlers are prepping for a League Final this Sunday. We chat to veteran Jack Kavanagh ahead of that.We also go through underage fixtures, camogie and lots more ★ Support this podcast ★

Two great characters join us for this weeks show. Brian 'Skeough' Kelly wore the Carlow jersey with distinction for a decade or so and he doesn't pull any punches in how he sees the modern game. He also shares some hilarious stories.Marty 'Mouse' Kavanagh chats to us about Carlow's promotion to Division 1 for 2025. The turnaround in fortunes in 12 months. The excitement of the Leinster Championship games and much more.Results from Camogie, Ladies Football and other ongoings to note also. ★ Support this podcast ★

When it comes to Carlow GAA there are very few people that offer better insight on both codes than James Hickey.As a player he has achieved a massive amount and he's on a great path in terms of coaching and managing teams both at underage and adult level.He joins us to talk about a wide range of topics which is sure to keep you entertained for an hour as always. ★ Support this podcast ★

Steven Miller of Laois Today joins us with Carlow and Laois on somewhat of a collision course over the past few weeks and they may indeed meet again over the coming weeks in both codes depending on what happens.We ask do Laois have a sense of entitlement that they should beat Carlow in Hurling?Are referees almost gone above criticism?A petition to bring the Down Hurlers to Bahana for the League game in a few weeks.Colm Hulton's wonder goal.Lots more good stuff also! ★ Support this podcast ★

GAA League tables is an incredible offering on Twitter!In what is his first ever interview, Niall who is the person behind the service talks us through the story of it.We hear of how it was formed.How it has grown.How people rely on it.Criticism from a well known former Monaghan player!And much more!It's a cracking listen - what a character! ★ Support this podcast ★