The GAA Social

For this year- he's the best. Paul Conroy is thriving in midfield and believes Galway are good enought to win Sam Maguire. This podcast is packed with insights into the mindset of one of the top performers in modern day Gaelic football. Breaking his leg against Sean O'Shea, his annoyance when people pick on teachers and what's next in 2025. One of the genuine great guys in Gaelic Games.

*This podcast was recorded before Paul Conroy picked up 2024 Player of the Year

Former Tyrone gaelic footballer, Successful manager, but managing death as a young man. This is the remarkable story of Jody Gormley. As strange as it may sound, a hugely uplifiting podcast. Perhaps the most powerful we've ever recorded (we don't say that lightly). He revealed to his Trillick players he has terminal cancer after losing the county final on Friday night. Jody has three children and an amazing wife Deirdre. The night before recording this podcast, Jody had a living Wake in Belfast with teammates, friends and former sporting enemies. He calls it "A gathering." Jody Gormley is a lesson in life. A beautiful man

Shane O'Donnell is expected to be named Hurler of the Year 2024. His performances this year, one of the main reasons why Liam MacCarthy resides in Clare over the winter. Shane considered giving up the game after a serious concussion in 2021. He didn't, Clare thrived and there's more to come. This podcast is hugely insightful into O'Donnell, his thinking, the thorny issues of image rights and he explains very clearly who the greatest player in Clare history is.

It's another facinating conversation with one of the great hurlers, and decent people of our times.

Shane O'Donnell on the GAA Social with Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville

Sometimes podcasts just stop us in our tracks. This is one of them. Niall Grimley from Madden county Armagh. He didn't play a minute in Ulster championship and League- yet is now in the running for an All-star. It's a remarkable sporting journey that reached its climax on Sunday winning his first All-Ireland- and he's been crucial. Niall also broke his neck and tore his MCL. Unfortunately, there’s more. In November last year, Niall lost his brother Patrick and his wife Ceira in a road traffic accident enroute home from Patrick's 40th birthday party. Children left without mummy and daddy. Kiera McElvanna also lost her life in that accident, the wife of former Armagh All-Ireland winner Kevin McElvanna who made such an impact of us all when he appeared on this podcast earlier this year. It's an immeasurable loss to a community, even one as strong as Madden. Sunday was a mixed day, but a very special one. Niall Grimley is a very special person as we reflect on the summer that was. The championship that ten teams could have won, but it was Armagh who took Sam Maguire home.

We also pick our player of the Year! Not easy

Ronan Clarke- a former teammate of Oisin and a previous housemate with Thomas at University. Three great friends, sitting down for a chat on the week of the All-Ireland final. Memories flooding back. Ronan was 18 when he got the better of Kerry great Seamus Moynihan and collected an All-Ireland. He also won 'Young Player of he year' at the GAA All-stars. Ronan Clarke was some footballer- an even better person

Injury, then a collision that had serious consequences. It's a packed life, family, coaching and now back at college because he wants to help people.

Ronan Clarke, in a very very very rare interview. Very!

The best game we've ever seen. Ever! The reaction

We look ahead to the All-Ireland hurling final this weekend with an icon of the sport. Davy Fitzgerald will be in Croke Park as a supporter, in an All-Ireland final this weekend- for the first time! There is so much great stuff in this podcast and Davy answers the questions around his future- it is interesting! He's on of the greats, enjoying life, valuing health and driven to be the best. Liked or not.

Davy Fitzgerald on the GAA Social Podcast with Thomas & Oisin

The boom is back

Where do you actually begin with Aidan O'Shea?

He’s one of the biggest names in Gaelic games- but many, don’t seem to like him?

He’s one of the greatest footballers in Mayo history, maybe even this generation, but he’s never won an All-Ireland.

Mayo have failed in their quest for Sam Maguire for more than half a century, but the embodiment of that failure, for some, is Aidan O’Shea. Why?

In a revealing episode of the GAA Social, Thomas & Oisin dive into who is Aidan O’Shea.

8 Connacht senior championships, Minor and U21. Two Allianz League titles and he’s played for Ireland in 2013 and 2015. He’s also three All-stars. That’s more than Willie Joe Padden, Dermot Flanagan, Kenneth Mortimer, Alan Dillon, James Nallen, James Horan, David Clarke & Andy Moran. But is he valued as highly?

There was the controversy in 2015/16 which led to a change of Mayo management with Noel Connelly & Pat Holmes in charge for one season. It remains a sore point.

He’s lived most of his life, to some degree in the public eye. An Irish Times column when at School studying the leaving Cert, cost him a place at DCU. There’s been harsh learnings along the way

What comes out in the podcast is the progressive modern voice Aidan O’Shea presents. He is hugely interesting, comfortable in his skin and doesn’t really care if he’s liked.

There’s been low points. Doubts, struggles and hand written letters to his parents home. His house too. Those closest have learned to intercept these ‘notes’ before they land. Dealing with social media and saying no, more than many would realise.

His devotion to Mayo is clear. What is the Mayo problem and do we as a Gaelic Games public come down too heavy on an amateur sportsman, doing his best for his county. He's getting married next month, he's a daughter and life is good but will be be back in red and green- definitively?

We examine success and scrutinise failures and above all, get to know one of the great footballing talents of our time. We also remember 'Three phone' John O'Mahoney. A man, exceptional at being decent. He also was the man who brought Aidan O'Shea into the senior squad- when he as still at school. O'Shea provides a fine tribute.

It’s a 90 minute special with Aidan O’Shea. We think you’ll enjoy