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So season 2009 is underway and thankfully the next few weeks of action in the Gaelic Life McKenna Cup will be a useful distraction to the post-Christmas blues that make January such a drab month. While it’s too early to make any predictions about which counties will be lifting the silverware in the major football competitions, the  first round of McKenna Cup matches will already be giving  the respective managers and selectors some food for thought. Should Down manager Ross Carr be feeling that there is little he can learn from the 15 points victory over St Mary’s?

Conversely will Tommy Carr be thinking that Cavan’s 10 point drubbing at home to Queens University is no real indicator of the winding road that lies ahead?

At Brewster Park, where Fermanagh clinched a late equalising point after Derry went in front, the draw won’t have left Damian Cassidy and Malachy O’Rourke too displeased at having to share the spoils.

However Antrim’s new manager Liam Bradley believes that the new experimental rules cost his team dearly at the Athletic Grounds where Armagh squeezed home by two points.  Bradley viewed the dismissal of Aodhan Gallagher and Micheal Magill on second yellow cards as crucial decisions.

Another new man at the helm, John Joe O’Doherty, must have been the most pleased as his side outplayed UUJ. Given the internal turmoil that Donegal has gone through in recent months in its search for a new manager, this victory will have been an important boost to morale.

All Ireland champions Tyrone have returned from a well deserved holiday in the sun and we’ll get to see what shape they are in when they go to  Parc Esler this weekend to  play Down.  Monaghan, too, get into action for the first time against  St Mary’s.

And thinking about Down’s long term prospects, I wonder if these will remain on hold in the absence of the multi talented Martin Clarke, who may return to these shores in the next few seasons.   The An Ríocht  man is now plying his trade with the professional  at AFC club Collingwood  and I for one wish him the best.  But in the week that Kyle Coney has opted to stay with Arboe and Tyrone, is it selfish to want all our best talents to remain on this island where we can admire their footballing talents from  close range? Think what it would do for the turnstiles in Newry, if those two were lining out in the Down – Tyrone  clash

Jimmy Smyth

In our first  Gaelgames podcast, we look ahead to the opening gaelic football tournament of 2009 - the Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup.

A year ago, Down won the trophy to give the Mourne men their first silverware in a long, long time.

Former Armagh football captain and well respected commentator, Jimmy  Smyth, casts his opinion on which county is likely to do well in this curtain raiser to the National Football League and then the All Ireland Championship series. 

It’s going to be a tough year, too, for debutant managers  Liam Bradley (Antrim)  and John Joe Doherty (Donegal) while  Damian Cassidy and Tommy Carr have much to prove at Derry and  Cavan.

Do you agree with Jimmy Smyth’s views on the McKenna Cup, the tasks facing the new men in charge and how the experimental rule changes will work?  

Is he right when he says that  Tyrone are going to be favourites to  retain Sam?

Let us hear what you have to say at gaelgames.com

Welcome to the Gael Games podcast - a new discussion forum for fans of all Gaelic games which is coming on line for the start of 2009.

The aim is to  let you hear from some of those who have things to say about  Gaelic games, be it football, hurling or any of the other sports associated with the Gaelic Athletic Association.

Our regular podcasts will bring the stories that are making the news in the GAA world and you will be able to play your part as well.    You can join in the debate and make your feelings known about many of the issues and dramas which will, undoubtedly, unfold as 2009 progresses.

As Tyrone prepares for the defence of its All Ireland football crown at both minor and senior level, will there be any other county able to match the champions?

What about the  experimental rules being  introduced by Croke Park? Will these work or will teams find a way to  work around them?

How will Antrim fare in the Leinster  Hurling Championship?  Does it  mark the  death knell of the Ulster Championship?

Can Down retain the McKenna Cup?   Can UUJ  hang on to the Sigerson Cup?  Will Crossmaglen triumph again in the All Ireland Club series?  Will Cushendall’s hurlers make any impact on the big stage?

I look forward to hearing from you

Padraig Coyle 

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