Radio was still in its infancy in Ireland when, in August 1926, the GAA took its first tentative step into the world of live broadcasting. In this episode we tell the story of the first live broadcast from a GAA match. Done with a primitive microphone, a makeshift commentary position and equipment powered by ship's batteries, it was a world away from the sports broadcasting operation we know today. We look at how the historic experiment came about, what listeners actually heard, the technology required to get Croke Park on the air and how quickly live GAA broadcasting developed afterwards.

Why do Longford wear blue and gold — and what does the county jersey tell us about the turbulent early history of the GAA in Longford? In this episode of Over The Bar, we explore the origins of the Longford jersey against the backdrop of a county where Gaelic games struggled to establish themselves.Political divisions, competing loyalties and splits within the nationalist movement all played their part in disrupting the early development of the Association in Longford. Yet, out of those difficult beginnings, a county identity gradually emerged — and with it the colours that would eventually become synonymous with Longford football.

Antrim’s appearance in the 1989 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final remains one of the most remarkable stories in modern championship history. But how did a county outside hurling’s traditional elite find itself walking behind the band on All-Ireland Final day? In this episode of Over The Bar – The GAA History Podcast, Michael Foley and Ciarán O’Hara trace Antrim’s extraordinary 1989 campaign — the championship structure that gave them their opportunity, the journey that brought them to Croke Park, and the famous semi-final victory over Offaly that sent shockwaves through the hurling world.

Why did it take almost 30 years to play the first All-Ireland Camogie Final? The Camogie Association was founded in 1904, so why did the first All-Ireland Final not take place until 1933? In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara unravel the fascinating early history of camogie, revealing how political divisions within the game's administrators, the arrival of the Tailteann Games, and the financial realities of organising teams and competitions repeatedly delayed the sport's biggest occasion. It's the story of a game determined to find its place despite setbacks, disagreements and obstacles that threatened to hold it back at every turn.

In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover the story behind one of Gaelic football's most iconic colour combinations. Why did Kildare adopt the famous all-white jersey, and what events and personalities shaped the county's sporting identity?The lads sift through the evidence, separate fact from folklore, and trace the evolution of the Lilywhites' colours from the earliest days of the GAA to the jersey recognised across Ireland today.

How did Mayo win their first All-Ireland in 1936? On the 90th Anniversary, this episode of Over The Bar sees Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara revisit the breakthrough campaign that brought Sam Maguire to Mayo for the first time. The lads trace the road to the final, the key figures who drove the team on, and the moments that turned a promising side into All-Ireland champions. A story of ambition, resilience and the victory that began Mayo’s place among Gaelic football’s great counties.

In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara revisit one of the defining days in modern hurling as Galway claimed the county's first All-Ireland title in over half a century. Facing a Limerick side chasing glory of their own, Galway produced a performance that changed the county's sporting landscape forever. The lads explore the long road to 1980, the key personalities, the tactical battles and the significance of a victory that sparked a golden era for Galway hurling. A story of persistence, belief and the breakthrough that transformed a county.

In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover one of the most surprising stories behind one of Gaelic football's greatest upsets. While Louth's victory over Cork is rightly celebrated, the road to Sam Maguire included an unexpected contribution from their Connacht rivals.

When did Eamon Dunphy and Johnny Giles play against Galway in Tuam Stadium? In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover one of the most extraordinary cross-code exhibitions ever staged in Ireland, when two of the country's greatest soccer stars lined out against Galway footballers in the heart of GAA country. The lads explore why the match was organised, how it captured the imagination of supporters, and what it reveals about a fascinating period when the barriers between Gaelic Games and soccer were beginning to soften. A remarkable story featuring some of the biggest names in Irish sport, proving that sometimes the most unlikely fixtures produce the best tales.

How did the Gaelic Athletic Association respond to 1990 FIFA World Cup?In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara revisit the summer when Ireland came to a standstill. As Republic of Ireland national football team captured the imagination of the nation in Italy, the GAA found itself facing a challenge unlike any before. The lads explore how Gaelic Games adapted to the wave of soccer fever that swept the country, the decisions made by administrators, and the surprising ways Italia ’90 affected attendances, fixtures and attitudes within the Association.