Fingal Ravens Podcast

In Episode 5 of the Fingal Ravens Centenary Podcast, host Carl is joined by five great characters from the club's past — Tomo Dempsey, Pat Kavanagh (Botsy), John Daly, Pat Kinsella and Leo Halpin — for a wonderful journey through the history of Fingal Ravens.

Recorded in Kettles Country House Hotel, this special conversation takes us back to the revival of the club in the 1950s, through the memorable footballing years of the 1960s and beyond.

The lads recall growing up in Rolestown and the surrounding parish, schooldays, working on local farms, the early struggles to keep the club going, and the friendships forged through football.

From fundraising for jerseys and the remarkable influence of the legendary Malachy Griffin to early cup victories, local rivalries and the famous 1969 Junior Championship success, the stories bring a fascinating chapter of Ravens history to life.

There's no shortage of laughter either, with tales of childhood nicknames, potato-picking strikes, adventures in England, dressing-room characters and unforgettable celebrations.

Leo Halpin also reflects on his extraordinary fundraising efforts for Cappagh Hospital, highlighting the generosity and community spirit that have always been at the heart of the parish.

More than just football, this episode is about the people, the friendships and the shared memories that have made Fingal Ravens what it is today.

As we celebrate 100 years of Fingal Ravens, sit back and enjoy a very special trip down memory lane with five men who have helped shape the story of our club.

Fingal Ravens – 100 Years of Football, Friendship and Community.

#FingalRavens #FingalRavens100 #Rolestown #DublinGAA #GAA #CentenaryPodcast

This episode celebrates the remarkable growth of the ladies' section of Fingal Ravens, tracing its journey from the club’s earliest girls’ teams to a thriving section that now accounts for almost half of the club.

Carl is joined by Tanya Newman Shannon, Geraldine O’Connor and Colin Kettle, who share their personal journeys into Fingal Ravens and the friendships, families and volunteers that have helped build ladies’ football within the club.

Tanya recalls discovering Gaelic football at school before eventually returning to Fingal Ravens when its first girls’ team was established. The conversation looks back at those pioneering juvenile teams, including an early championship triumph against Round Towers Lusk, when the fledgling Ravens side was still borrowing boys’ jerseys to compete.

Geraldine tells how her family became part of the Ravens community through Rolestown National School and how what began with bringing her daughters to football eventually led to years of coaching, volunteering and serving as the club’s Children’s Officer. Her story captures a recurring theme throughout the episode: once families become involved in Fingal Ravens, the club quickly becomes a major part of their lives.

Colin reflects on more than three decades of involvement in ladies’ football, from helping with the early juvenile teams to managing at adult level. Together, the guests pay tribute to the many coaches, parents and volunteers who gave their time to ensure girls had the opportunity to play and progress through the club.

In Episode 3 of the Final Ravens Podcast, host Carl O'Flaherty is joined by former Rolestown National School teachers Joe O'Toole, Tom Kelliher, Joan Kiely, and Ann Ryan for a warm and entertaining conversation about school life, community spirit, and the deep connection between education and Gaelic games in Fingal.

The panel share stories spanning more than five decades, from first arriving in Rolestown and their memorable job interviews to building successful school football and camogie teams that helped shape generations of young Ravens players. They recall the origins of school competitions, journeys to Croke Park, school tours to Dingle, and the unique partnership between the school, the club and the wider parish community.

Full of humour, nostalgia and local history, this episode captures how dedicated teachers, passionate volunteers and strong community values helped create a lasting culture that continues to influence Fingal Ravens today as the club celebrates its centenary year.

In Episode 2, we take a trip back to one of the greatest moments in Fingal Ravens history – the unforgettable 1999 Junior Championship-winning season. Joined by manager Willy McCabe, captain Kieran "Redser" McGrath, Pat Casey and Robbie Arthurs of the victorious squad, the panel relives the journey from perennial contenders to county champions.

They share stories from the dressing room, the training ground and the celebrations, reflecting on the culture that transformed the club, the friendships forged along the way, and the people who laid the foundations for future success. From the tactical changes and memorable matches to hilarious tales from the championship trip, this is a heartfelt and entertaining look back at a team that changed the history of Fingal Ravens forever.

Whether you were there in 1999 or are hearing the stories for the first time, this episode is a celebration of community, commitment and what it means to wear the Ravens jersey.

Hosted by Ian Donnelly and Carl "Mr. O" O'Flaherty, theme music "The morning thrush" performed by Clódagh Nic Eoin.

In the first episode of the Fingal Ravens Podcast, recorded as part of the club’s centenary celebrations, hosts Ian Donnelly & Declan Hannigan are joined by special guests Karl O'Flaherty, Carmel O’Brien and Peter (Desy) Kettle to explore the remarkable story of Fingal Ravens GAA Club.

The conversation traces the club’s origins back to 1926, when a group of local young men came together to establish a football club in Rolestown. Carmel shares fascinating insights from her acclaimed Golden Jubilee history book, recounting the club’s founding members, the adoption of the famous black-and-white colours, and the creation of the Fingal Ravens crest.

Listeners will hear stories of the club’s early years, the challenges of finding pitches, travelling to matches, and the dedicated volunteers who kept the club alive. The episode also revisits landmark moments in Ravens history, including the famous 1969 Junior Championship victory, the unforgettable 1999 championship success, and the rise of the club through the 2000s.

Along the way, the guests share personal memories, humorous anecdotes, and reflections on how Fingal Ravens has grown from a small rural club into a thriving community organisation with teams at every age group. Above all, the episode celebrates the people, families and volunteers whose commitment over the past century has shaped the club’s identity and ensured its continued success.

A nostalgic and inspiring look back at 100 years of Fingal Ravens, this episode is the perfect starting point for the club’s centenary podcast series.

Theme tune, "The Morning Thrush" performed by Clódagh Nic Eoin.

Teaser video of the recording of Episodes 1 and 2 of the Fingal Ravens Podcast.