The GAA Social

By BBC Radio Ulster

What's The GAA Social about?

The GAA Social brings to life stories from Gaelic Games. It features pundit discussions and wide-ranging interviews with the sport’s players, managers and officials.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The GAA Social episodes:

05.07.2024
Steven McDonnell- A legend
Steven McDonnell is one of the greatest Gaelic footballers of his generation. A former player-of-the year, three-time All-star, All-Ireland winner and seven-time Ulster champion. Success was a familiar path, and it’s perhaps no surprise that he made David Clifford’s dream...
05.05.2024
Kerry won't win Sam, Mayo might not qualify. Galway boom
It's a provincial title for Kerry and Galway on two very different occasions. Clare can take great encouragement from their final defeat in Munster- but the same can't be said about Mayo. Oisin believes they might not even make it...
04.30.2024
Colin Bell- a podcast almost beyond words
Colin Bell is one of those truly remarkable people you come across in life. Authentic, beautiful. Colin played with the great Sean & Kevin O'Neill for Newry Mitchel's. He also played for Down minors and U21's- he even played soccer...
04.28.2024
The GAA Social- with Ryan McHugh
Ryan McHugh joins Thomas & Oisin on the GAA Social after Donegal qualify for the 2024 Ulster final. An insight into the Jim McGuinness world and a look ahead to the Ulster final against Armagh. But first, there's two very...
04.23.2024
Liam Hinphey- a truly powerful podcast
This podcast is among the most powerful the GAA Social has ever recorded. We accept that's a big statement. you can judge for yourself. Liam Hinphey played for Ulster and Derry in Hurling. He played football for his county and...
04.21.2024
Cathal McShane on an epic weekend of GAA
Kerry and Galway win, Derry don't, Donegal do. Drama, epic entertainment and 17,000 talking points. Then, there's the clinker between Tyrone and Cavan. Cathal McShane joins Thomas & Oisin to reflect on the weekend, the GAA championship bursts into life
04.16.2024
Seamus Kennedy- Tipperary hurling star.
Seamus Kennedy was captain of Tipperary hurlers, 6 days later he was taking on the All-Ireland champions Limerick when disaster struck. Cruciate gone, season over. In his first interview since injury last month, the talented dual player brings us into...
04.14.2024
Armagh defender Paddy Burns joins Michael Murphy & Thomas Niblock
Paddy Burns was brilliant against Fermanagh, in the running for man-of-the-match. He speaks brilliantly on this Podcast- it's utterly refreshing! Michael Murphy develops the players relationships with media and how that's changed. We reflect on the weekend action and start...
04.09.2024
Charlie Smyth- from GAA to the New Orleans Saints
He’s the footballer everyone is talking about. It feels like Charlie Smyth has been everywhere over the past few weeks, but we haven’t heard a lot from him? In his first long form interview since signing for the New Orleans Saints,...
04.07.2024
The GAA Social with Michael Murphy & 1-9 hero Paddy Lynch
We look ahead to this weekend, the games and review all the matches. Michael Murphy explains where the Provincial championships should sit- and what their prize should be.
04.02.2024
Margaret McConville. The Troubles, Oisin & losing a son
When we stopped recording, videographer Tristan turned to Thomas and said 'I don't think there's many we've done as powerful as that?" We think he’s right. We've been trying to record this podcast for two years, today we finally can...
04.01.2024
Derry win league, Armagh don't- incredible day at Croke
Laois win division four, Westmeath win perhaps, the most important game of all, Donegal continue to blossom at Armagh expense and Derry v Dublin is setup for a rivalry that could define the next 24 months. We'll see. It's the...
03.26.2024
Garvan Jones- Fermanagh full-forward on the GAA Social
Garvan Jones scored 1-8 (1-7 from play) against Cavan over the weekend. It was a magnificent win for Fermanagh, but it couldn’t keep them in division two. The Allianz leagues can be cruel, but with Championship just over two weeks...
03.24.2024
The GAA Social. League winners, losers, championship
The podcast looks at all the big winners and losers from the Allianz Leagues 2024. What does it say for championship? Our Podcast winner of the week and there's a lot of love for Johnny McGrath of Galway. It's the...
03.19.2024
Diarmuid O'Sullivan-Strikes, fights, is he capable of managing Cork? A footballer, beat up by a mummy-but nailed Francie Bellew
In one of the most enjoyable podcasts since the GAA Social started it's meandering journey- Diarmuid O'Sullivan stands out. Nothing is off limits. Passed over as Cork manager- why? Rows with Kilkenny and Limerick and embracing his iconic status. Then,...
03.17.2024
Monaghan relegated, Tyrone safe & the exceptional Niall Devlin
Thomas & Oisin reflect on a bumper weekend of Gaelic Games. Wicklow earn their first win, and now play Antrim in a massive game for survival for both counties. Because of the Down/ Westmeath draw- how big is the Down...
03.12.2024
Aimee Mackin. Being the best, trying to win an All-Ireland, life in Australia, famous family, amalgamation & driving Armagh
Aimee is perhaps the greatest Gaelic footballer of her generation. There are a couple in that top bracket, but the Armagh forward has already picked up Player of the year and despite her young age, has represented the Armagh senior...
03.10.2024
The Curse of County Mayo- a Documentary from the BBC World Service on the GAA Social. Something a bit different this week
Is County Mayo’s Gaelic football team cursed? You might have heard of the “Curse of Bambino” for the Boston Red Sox in US baseball. This is the story of Ireland’s equivalent. Irish-American sports reporter Dave McKenna investigates this curious case...
03.05.2024
Jackie Tyrell- The real Brian Cody & the Shefflin handshake, crippled with doubt, obsessed, texts, punditry, mindset
This Podcast isn’t quite what you’d expect? Jackie Tyrell has won nine All-Ireland titles with Kilkenny & everything with his club. He’s one of Gaelic Games highest rated and respected TV analysts. He’s a model, assured and confident- it appears....
03.03.2024
Brian Fenton, Kerry Tyrone rivalry bursts into life, Bad day for Oisin, Cavan still there, Cork win, bigger for Galway. Mayo?
It's the Monday morning review of all the games and talking points as the Allianz Leagues burst into life
02.27.2024
20th Anniversary Cormac McAnallen - GAA Social Special. Donal McAnallen & All-Star Kevin McCloy owing his life to Cormac.
An extra-length Podcast, for a very good reason. It's 20 years since Cormac McAnallen died. At 24, the Tyrone captain already won a senior All-Ireland in 2003 and was next in line to life Sam Maguire as leader. It didn't...
02.25.2024
Unbelievable forwards, Kerry collapse, Cork can survive, Westmeath & Down in control, 100% Derry. Where are the Dubs & Galway?
All the talking points, games and the great forwards of our times.
02.20.2024
Shauna Ennis- Meath Double All-Ireland winning captain. This is why the GAA/ LGFA & Camogie Association need to amalgamate.
Shauna Ennis is a double All-Ireland winning captain. The Meath defender is also a camog, playing for the successful Na Fianna club in Meath. in 2023, the club reached All-Ireland semi-finals in Camogie and football. Despite several efforts, nine dual...
02.18.2024
The GAA Social on a Monday- Split Derry in half, Cliffords magic, Donegal improving, Wicklow & mini league, Cork & Kildare dire
It's the Monday review podcast, uploaded for your commute. Start your week with your GAA wrap and a look ahead to what's next
02.14.2024
Frank McGuigan- brutually honest. Alcohol, marriage, a car crash that cost his career, almost killed. This is his story
Frank McGuigan was one of Gaelic Games greatest footballers. An All-star award in 1984 after his historic 11-points from play during the Ulster final of the same year. An icon to this day. Football is great and life is good....
02.11.2024
Oisin owns his four-week suspension mistake & we hear from the MacRory Cup champions for a reflective podcast on making it
We hear from three MacRory Cup winning players, immediately after Omagh CBS defeat St Patrick's Academy Dungannon on the occasion of the 100th MacRory Cup final. It's immediate reaction. Manager Diarmuid McNulty joins Oisin & Thomas too. Then there's Oisin...
02.06.2024
Adrian McGuckin, former Derry manager, teacher of thousands of footballers, success, learning to live without Vera. Beautiful
An Ulster GAA Icon, who shaped the lives and football careers of thousands of young men. Adrian McGuckin helped St Patrick’s Maghera win 12 MacRory Cup titles and four All-Ireland championships. This weekend it’s the 100th MacRory Cup final. He...
02.04.2024
GAA Social Extra on a Monday. Your comprehensive review of the weekends GAA talking points
It's the Monday GAA Social review of a busy weekend in the Allianz league. Oisin picks the 2024 All-Ireland winner
01.31.2024
Conor Glass. Why I played for Derry v Kerry, winning All-Ireland with Glen, asking Malachy O'Rourke to be Derry manager
This is an absorbing listen. Conor Glass is the most talked about GAA player of 2024. After winning an All-Ireland club title with Glen, beating Kerry with Derry six days after, and 24-hours-later, engaged into Tyrone royalty (She obviously said...
01.28.2024
GAA Social Monday- Canavan brilliance, Kerry on a different path, Monaghan magic, The Watty 3, Cavan are standout- BLACK CARD!
It's the opening weekend of the Allianz leagues and Oisin McConville casts his eye over the major talking points with Thomas Niblock- and there's plenty! Monaghan stun Croke Park, Tyrone pick-up a win and Derry win in Tralee (With the...
01.23.2024
Conor McManus -The last dance, belief in Sam, Beggan to NFL, Harte & McGuinness, best point ever scored. Being Ruthless. Pain
Is it the last dance? Conor McManus explains his vision for 2024 and his future in Monaghan colours. Management is a discussion point, but this podcast brings listeners into the reality of playing top level Gaelic Games when the body...
01.21.2024
The GAA Social returns- Neil Lennon on GAA, the Irish job, helping Dublin to Sam, Jim McGuinness, threats & a changing society
This is the remarkable life and story of Neil Lennon, wrapped in the hands of Gaelic Games. Born in Lurgan in County Armagh, Lennon rose to prominence in Gaelic games. Captaining his school and club in Lurgan, winning an All-Ireland...
08.02.2023
The GAA Social- Team of the Year 2023. Season Reflections
It's been a long (short) season, with some brilliant (awful) games- but in the end, we have the best teams with the biggest prizes-a fine season. Limerick have Liam & Dublin won Sam. The Podcast will be taking an emotional...
07.31.2023
The All-Ireland final, uncut with Oisin McConville, Philly McMahon & Thomas Niblock- Player of the year picked
Dublin are back as kings of Ireland. Philly McMahon joins Oisin & Thomas to talk through the All-Ireland final, Player of the year, the 2023 season and covering the All-Ireland final for the BBC- just a little bit differently. Philly...
07.26.2023
Seamus Moynihan. The Kerry legend on coaching David Clifford a life in Green & Gold and the next Kerry manager will be....
Seamus Moynihan is one of the Kerry all-time legends. Four All-Ireland medals, three All-stars, Nine Munster championships and a lifetime in a Kerry defence. Championship arrived as a 19-year-old in midfield and finished 14 years later. Oisin always said Moynihan...
07.24.2023
A minutes silence for Jaap Stam, Thomas pinging them over the bar & the All-Ireland hurling final. Limerick magic.
Limerick join Kilkenny and Cork as the only sides to complete four-in-a-row. Will they become the first to make it five? In the immediate aftermath of a pulsating All-Ireland final, where Limerick burst into life after the break, we pick...
07.19.2023
Brendan Rogers. Semi-final heartbreak, I'll Win All-Ireland, Rory Gallagher, unsure of next Derry manager, Clifford & Kerry
In a wide ranging podcast- recorded 36 hours after a heart-breaking All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kerry- this is remarkable stuff from one of the best players in Gaelic football- in Gaelic games! Brendan Rodgers should pick-up an All star award...
07.17.2023
Dublin- Kerry final. Semi-finals revisited. Referees and big calls.
We got there in the end, the All-Ireland final most people predicted. The journey over an explosive weekend in Croke Park was less obvious. Monaghan brought Dublin to the brink and Derry 'Could have/should have' beaten the All-Ireland champions Kerry....
07.12.2023
Dion Dublin and the GAA. Manchester United, the inner Roy Keane, the real Alex Ferguson and Who will win Sam Maguire
This week, it's very different. Dion Dublin visited Croke Park for the first time. The day before, Thomas brought the former England football international to Glen where he met a former All-Ireland winner, the current Derry captain and the community...
07.10.2023
The Joy of All-Ireland Hurling semi-final weekend. Derry minors win All-Ireland & Football semi-finals preview. Oisin & Neil
After an magical weekend covering the hurling live on BBC TV- we pick through the bones of an incredible festival of joy at Croke Park. The Shane O'Donnell goal, Fogarty block and the mother of all saves "The best i've...
07.05.2023
John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer- Tipperary, Not going back, Futuure of hurling, Migraines & it's up to Kilkenny to save hurling.
John O'Dwyer is 31- no longer a Tipperary hurler. The game has moved in a different direction and players like John feel they no longer fit the modern hurling pattern. It's an interesting take on our wonderful sport- and it's...
07.03.2023
The GAA Social Extra. Quarter-finals uncut. Semi-finals are here
Quarter-finals all done. What happened and what happens next
06.28.2023
Rory O'Carroll, 5 All-Ireland's with Dublin, breaking rules, living life differently, working in prison, Jim Gavin & Concussion
Rory O'Carroll is different. 5 x All-Ireland titles with Dublin- but decided to leave the most successful team of all time and go travelling. Life is too short. That journey brought him working in a women’s prison in New Zealand,...
06.26.2023
GAA Social- Tyrone v Kerry, Dubs & Mayo- The Draw, the reaction- it's awesome!!!!
What a draw, Dublin against Mayo and Cork V Derry as a double header. That's all after Tyrone against Kerry and an Ulster derby Armagh V Monaghan. Life is great
06.21.2023
Neil McManus- the journey comes to an end
Neil McManus on the GAA Social has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. What a career. 2007 he made his debut with Antrim, he'll continue to wear the maroon of Cushendall. But there's so much more. His love of the...
06.19.2023
The draw, the final 12 and who will make the All-Ireland quarter-finals. Tailteann Cup bursts into life. Officials in the GAA
We have the draw for the final 8 for Sam Maguire and the semi-final line-up for the Tailteann cup. It was perhaps the best weekend for Gaelic football this summer and the new format seems to be working. It's a...
06.14.2023
Willie Anderson- Ireland rugby captain to playing Gaelic football. Coaching, life and why the GAA works- how it can improve?
Willie Anderson is a former Ireland rugby captain from a Protestant, Unionist background. Growing up in county Tyrone, marching on the 12th of July, Gaelic Games wasn't the jumper that fitted best. Life changes. Arrest in Argentina, threat of execution,...
06.12.2023
The Glory of hurling,Tailteann Cup quarter-finals and who will qualify (and in what position) for the Sam Maguire knockout
Hurling tops the bill as the roadtrip to Munster begins. Massive weekend of football coming up in Sam Maguire and Tailteann cup- we have all angles covered.
06.07.2023
The remarkable Sambo McNaughton- Speech impediment, won't talk, healing with hurling, improvement of the game-where is football
Sambo McNaughton is perhaps the most recognisable hurler in Ulster history. He scaled new heights with Antrim and Cushendall, managed both teams after retirement and continues to manage and coach today. His name is recognisable everywhere in Ireland- he doesn't...
06.05.2023
The state of the game- is Gaelic football in trouble?
All the games reviewed, the talking points and in general the state of Gaelic Football. It's the GAA Social Extra on a Monday

What's The GAA Social about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The GAA Social episodes:

Steven McDonnell- A legend

Kerry won't win Sam, Mayo might not qualify. Galway boom

Colin Bell- a podcast almost beyond words

The GAA Social- with Ryan McHugh

Liam Hinphey- a truly powerful podcast

Cathal McShane on an epic weekend of GAA

Seamus Kennedy- Tipperary hurling star.

Armagh defender Paddy Burns joins Michael Murphy & Thomas Niblock

Charlie Smyth- from GAA to the New Orleans Saints

The GAA Social with Michael Murphy & 1-9 hero Paddy Lynch

Margaret McConville. The Troubles, Oisin & losing a son

Derry win league, Armagh don't- incredible day at Croke

Garvan Jones- Fermanagh full-forward on the GAA Social

The GAA Social. League winners, losers, championship

Diarmuid O'Sullivan-Strikes, fights, is he capable of managing Cork? A footballer, beat up by a mummy-but nailed Francie Bellew

Monaghan relegated, Tyrone safe & the exceptional Niall Devlin

Aimee Mackin. Being the best, trying to win an All-Ireland, life in Australia, famous family, amalgamation & driving Armagh

The Curse of County Mayo- a Documentary from the BBC World Service on the GAA Social. Something a bit different this week

Jackie Tyrell- The real Brian Cody & the Shefflin handshake, crippled with doubt, obsessed, texts, punditry, mindset

Brian Fenton, Kerry Tyrone rivalry bursts into life, Bad day for Oisin, Cavan still there, Cork win, bigger for Galway. Mayo?

20th Anniversary Cormac McAnallen - GAA Social Special. Donal McAnallen & All-Star Kevin McCloy owing his life to Cormac.

Unbelievable forwards, Kerry collapse, Cork can survive, Westmeath & Down in control, 100% Derry. Where are the Dubs & Galway?

Shauna Ennis- Meath Double All-Ireland winning captain. This is why the GAA/ LGFA & Camogie Association need to amalgamate.

The GAA Social on a Monday- Split Derry in half, Cliffords magic, Donegal improving, Wicklow & mini league, Cork & Kildare dire

Frank McGuigan- brutually honest. Alcohol, marriage, a car crash that cost his career, almost killed. This is his story

Oisin owns his four-week suspension mistake & we hear from the MacRory Cup champions for a reflective podcast on making it

Adrian McGuckin, former Derry manager, teacher of thousands of footballers, success, learning to live without Vera. Beautiful

GAA Social Extra on a Monday. Your comprehensive review of the weekends GAA talking points

Conor Glass. Why I played for Derry v Kerry, winning All-Ireland with Glen, asking Malachy O'Rourke to be Derry manager

GAA Social Monday- Canavan brilliance, Kerry on a different path, Monaghan magic, The Watty 3, Cavan are standout- BLACK CARD!

Conor McManus -The last dance, belief in Sam, Beggan to NFL, Harte & McGuinness, best point ever scored. Being Ruthless. Pain

The GAA Social returns- Neil Lennon on GAA, the Irish job, helping Dublin to Sam, Jim McGuinness, threats & a changing society

The GAA Social- Team of the Year 2023. Season Reflections

The All-Ireland final, uncut with Oisin McConville, Philly McMahon & Thomas Niblock- Player of the year picked

Seamus Moynihan. The Kerry legend on coaching David Clifford a life in Green & Gold and the next Kerry manager will be....

A minutes silence for Jaap Stam, Thomas pinging them over the bar & the All-Ireland hurling final. Limerick magic.

Brendan Rogers. Semi-final heartbreak, I'll Win All-Ireland, Rory Gallagher, unsure of next Derry manager, Clifford & Kerry

Dublin- Kerry final. Semi-finals revisited. Referees and big calls.

Dion Dublin and the GAA. Manchester United, the inner Roy Keane, the real Alex Ferguson and Who will win Sam Maguire

The Joy of All-Ireland Hurling semi-final weekend. Derry minors win All-Ireland & Football semi-finals preview. Oisin & Neil

John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer- Tipperary, Not going back, Futuure of hurling, Migraines & it's up to Kilkenny to save hurling.

The GAA Social Extra. Quarter-finals uncut. Semi-finals are here

Rory O'Carroll, 5 All-Ireland's with Dublin, breaking rules, living life differently, working in prison, Jim Gavin & Concussion

GAA Social- Tyrone v Kerry, Dubs & Mayo- The Draw, the reaction- it's awesome!!!!

Neil McManus- the journey comes to an end

The draw, the final 12 and who will make the All-Ireland quarter-finals. Tailteann Cup bursts into life. Officials in the GAA

Willie Anderson- Ireland rugby captain to playing Gaelic football. Coaching, life and why the GAA works- how it can improve?

The Glory of hurling,Tailteann Cup quarter-finals and who will qualify (and in what position) for the Sam Maguire knockout

The remarkable Sambo McNaughton- Speech impediment, won't talk, healing with hurling, improvement of the game-where is football

The state of the game- is Gaelic football in trouble?

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