The GAA Social

Louth wait is over, Monaghan comeback short. Armagh & Westmeath wins. Ger Brennan 31.05.2026 30min

A wonderful weekend of Gaelic football, hurling and now we're ready for the draw on...Tuesday?

Tommy Walsh. Kerry in the blood. Football, life and loss 26.05.2026 59min

When Tommy Walsh burst onto the Kerry scene, he was the talk of the country. A similar trajectory to the David Clifford journey in those early days. Talented, physically developed and a year after playing in an All-Ireland minor final, he was with the seniors and Kerry won Sam Maguire. In 2008 there was an All-Ireland final against Tyrone "The Twin Towers of Donaghy & Walsh." The Kerins O'Rahilly's clubman, left Ireland for a career in the AFL. First with St Kilda, then Sydney Swans. Walsh returned in 2015 and finished with three Munster titles, two All-Ireland's and lifted Sam Maguire with his brother Barry-John. Tommy's father Seán Walsh is the holder of seven All-Ireland medals. It's in the blood. Life after football has generally been good. He still resembles the big Russian out of the film Rocky IV “I get that a bit.” He's married to Dawn, they’ve a beautiful young daughter but in September 2025 their lives were hit hard. Tommy and Dawn lost twin boys and it's been a tough journey since. Blessed with good families and friends, Tommy is moving forward and comes across spectacularly well in this podcast. Coaching might be down the line, but for now it's enjoying life as best he can and reflecting on a successful career. Sport transported him to Australia, but "My mind was always in Kerry" The magnificent Tommy Walsh on the GAA Social

War in Killarney, Cork, Tyrone & Galway through. Tailteann Cup 24.05.2026 43min

Kerry 0-16 Donegal 2-20. Where do we start? Oisin believes the GAA have backed themselves into a corner with Ger Brennan, and Jim McGuinness will face a suspension. He doesn’t believe David Clifford should have been sent off. “We could chat about this game for 9 hours there’s that much stuff.” It feels like we’re now in real championship, a huge win for Donegal in Killarney.Cork beat Meath with lots of love for Steven Sherlock and equal reverance for Rob Finnerty in what he’s doing at Galway. Tyrone weren’t brilliant, but found a way, on an emotion day for the county. Frank McGuigan passed away this weekend, we did a spectacular podcast with him two years ago, we reflect on his life and response since his passing. He was the King. Tailteann Cup games, surprise for Down against Offaly, while Waterford, Limerick, Carlow and Clare say goodbye to the football championship. Cork play Clare in the Munster hurling final and Kilkenny are out! Their earliest elimination since 1996

"I've just been diagnosed with cancer" Eoin McNicholl, Derry goalkeeper 19.05.2026 59min

Eoin McNicholl, 41, is a former Derry goalkeeper. More importantly, he's one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He’s always been that guy. He played in the All-Ireland winning team of 2002, won a MacRory & Hogan Cup with St Patrick's College Maghera and he progressed into the Derry senior setup. He now works for the GAA in sports science, specialising in statistics. He's just been diagnosed with cancer and has agreed to come on this podcast. Between chemotherapy cycles, he sits down with Thomas and Oisin to emphasise the importance of checking yourself. Despite the subject, this is a beautiful listen. Emotion, laughter, full-on craic and considered thoughts. Eoin is from Glenullin, green and gold to the core, just like all the McNicholls. He's married to Sinead and they have three kids. The McNicholls have travelled this road before. Eoin lost his younger sister Clodagh to cancer, when she was just 6. The former goalkeeper is determined to get better and continue to live life to the full. A powerful listen. The magnificent Eoin McNicholl on the GAA Social

Westmeath stun everyone & Armagh win Ulster 17.05.2026 10min

Beautiful provincial madness

Mikey Sheehy- the greatest goalscorer in Kerry football. 12.05.2026 59min

He's hit the net more than any Kerry player in history. His accolades are outstanding. Clifford is chasing him down, but hasn't caught him yet. With club and County, Mikey Sheehy achieved it all. One of the greatest Gaelic footballers of all time. This is his life, his story and and what he's learned along the way. The Ups of success, the downs of missing a penalty in the 1982 All-Ireland final against Offaly. The day the dream for five died. The close connection to the Dublin team, growing up and his take on this current Kerry team. His admiration for Mick O'Dwyer and who is the greatest of them all? The great Mikey Sheehy (and Cara, the most well behaved grandchild in the world) on the GAA Social. Lovely

Kerry the kings of Munster- Roscommon glory. Ulster & Leinster preview 10.05.2026 32min

It seems the Provincials still have much to offer....

Catriona McGahan. One slip, and now in a wheelchair. Authentic positivity 05.05.2026 59min

Catriona McGahan was a superb Gaelic footballer for Tyrone. In July last year, she fell and broke her back, leaving Catriona in a wheelchair. There will always be hope, but in the meantime there's huge positivity. The authentic kind. This podcast is about facing adversity and living life. Through Catriona's wit and fun, the glass is always half full. Gaelic games has transported her all over the world. For a period of time, it was her employment at Ulster GAA. For now, she's back at home. Living life, being the best she can be and insistent there will be plenty of craic along the way. The book of gratitude is something else. An inspiring podcast

Armagh romp, Monaghan madness, the Dubs are back 03.05.2026 24min

A mad weekend in Gaelic games as we figure out all the provincial finalists.

Noel McGinn. Playing for Tyrone. Regrets in life. Living with Parkinson's disease. Being happy 28.04.2026 1h

Three Ulster championships as a player for Tyrone and starring on the biggest day. The 1986 All-Ireland final in Croke Park, didn't work out after the break against Kerry, but Noel McGinn was pure authority in a defence filled with hard men. He was a successful player, school principal and someone respected in gaelic games and in life. He managed Dromore to their first ever county championship- but he refuses to say he "led them." An infamous incident against Clonoe almost cost Noel his job and it's his one big regret. But he's owned it, hasn't hidden and in this honest account of a life in football, Noel McGinn reveals so much about who he is as a person- and there's plenty to admire and love. He's now living with Parkinson's disease, but he looks upon himself as "lucky." This is the story of positivity, life and being a good man. A man interviewing the young and old in Tyrone for TeamTalk. What's that? The great Noel McGinn from Killyclogher

Down stun Donegal. Mayo are out after Roscommon win. Glorious football 26.04.2026 40min

It was earned and it was deserved- but it’s the shock of the championship season (outside the Down camp) and it was beautiful. 10 consecutive days in each other’s company and Down knock Donegal out of the Ulster championship. It’s only the second time Jim McGuinness has lost an Ulster championship match. Where do they go from here? Armagh v Down in Clones- could the Mournemen make an Ulster final? It was a day for those on the road as Roscommon knock Mayo out of Connacht and setup a Galway showpiece. Is it their year? Louth make the Leinster final- you kinda just expect it from Louth at this stage. Leitrim were super and it not OTT to suggest, they really could have beaten Galway- or is it? Meanwhile in Munster, Cork and Kerry make it through their semi-finals. Tyrone U20’s will take on Monaghan in the Ulster final. Tyrone managed by the brilliant Paul Devlin, who previously beat the head of Oisin (fair play to him) As for Armagh and Fermanagh- a game of two halves, and the brilliance of Darragh McGurn (previous guest on the GAA Social) The glory of Cork and Limerick in the small ball, perhaps matched by the men from Down. Lovely stuff

Emma O'Byrne- Being a woman in Gaelic Games. Dublin camogie 21.04.2026 1h 6min

This one is very different, and hugely important. Talking periods, fertility and challenges for female athletes is tricky, especially with two men in the room but Emma O'Byrne displays a maturity way beyond her 26 years to engage in this powerful conversation. Emma has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), most managers in womens Gaelic games are men. So, are we in tune to have these conversations? Honest, fair and insightful, this podcast will illuminate the challenges our female athletes must overcome and hopefully, we can bring a little learning along the way. There's much more, Emma transferred to St Vincent's and explains why and there's also love. Conor Burke, Dublin hurler and by the sounds of it, a pretty decent bloke too. A lovely podcast.

Monaghan & Derry through. Meath crash out. Wicklow should have beaten Dublin 19.04.2026 30min

Westmeath land the biggest shock of the weekend, and that means Down may miss out on Sam Maguire football. We'll see what Kildare have to say. Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan and defender Cameron Dowd join Thomas, Philly & Darren Hughes on the GAA Social. Recorded live on BBC iplayer after the Cavan game and you can watch it on YouTube. We thought Wicklow did well, only losing by two. Turns out they should have won. Some effort!

Conor Whelan. Changing direction in life, no glass ceiling in Galway. 14.04.2026 59min

Conor Whelan will take the field this weekend as Galway begin another championship campaign. It seems, a two horse race for the big prize, and that doesn't include the current All-Ireland champions. Where does that leave Galway? Conor Whelan is different. A talented hurler and if Galway are to beat Kilkenny this weekend he'll be needed. He's different because he looks upon things, differently. Before playing a key match before Cork in an All-Ireland quarter-final, he arrived with no boots and no hurl. Youthful easy-going. He was a teacher, but decided to go back to college to study a PHD in mental health and wellbeing. Maybe the death of his cousin Niall Donohue was a reason. The talented Galway hurlerr died by suicide in 2013. Whelan spent time working in Cuan Mhuire treatment centre, learning his craft and that's paved a different route. Thoughtful, interesting and just a little bit different. Conor Whelan on the GAA Social

Tyrone got something- but Armagh win. Leitrim shock, Westmeath & Wicklow wins 12.04.2026 23min

What a weekend of championship football in New York, London and Ireland. Cork get their win in Munster as do Tipperary. Big win for Laois and Justin McNulty. 5-25 for Westmeath is ruthless shooting in Leinster and Oisin McConville and his Wicklow team pick-up a huge win over Carlow. Next for Wicklow is Dublin! Conor McManus called the Leitrim footballers win over Sligo "The result of the weekend" Barry McNulty continuing to do his thing. 1-6 on Sunday. Then we have the mop-up from Armagh. What a finish. Masters golf and even the BBC's Sarah Mulkerrins joined the fun. Championship is back, still feels early, but sure isn't it just great

Jack O'Shea- one of our favourite ever podcasts. The importance of family 07.04.2026 1h 4min

In the eyes of many- Jack O'Shea is the greatest player of all time. It's a huge claim, his roll of honour is staggering. Seven senior All-Ireland titles, three U21 All-Ireland championships, a minor All-Ireland, six All-stars, three Leagues and 4 time Footballer of the Year. He's ten Munster championships. But there's so much more to Jack. His father had an accident in his early 30's. Growing up was tough- but he'd a home full of love and joy. The way Jack talks about his mother and his siblings is stunningly beautiful. Living in Leixlip, Co Kildare he drove the car every weekend to play for Cahersiveen. Bryan Sheehan lived across the road, Maurice Fitzgerald the next street over. Home is always home. Management in Mayo followed his playing days, John Egan is a man reading the paper 10 mins before playing an All-Ireland but 'Jacko' insisted on playing pitch & putt before every All-Ireland final. Hunting with the dogs rared him in fitness and Micháel Ó Muircheartaigh fine tuned things in the absence on Micko. In truth, the former RTE commentator was so much more. It's such a shame he's gone. Jack is a fan of the new rules, well most of them and regularay attends games of all counties in Croke Park. Golf is his thing now, the best courses reside in Kerry (apparently) The Great Jack O'Shea. A living legend, and a sound man. The plumber from South Kerry who dreamed about marching behind the Artane band on the big day. And he did.

The GAA Social- Championship Special 05.04.2026 1h 10min

Philly McMahon, Conor McManus and a 'kinda’ special guest, join Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville for this special recording of the GAA Social. The BBC Live championship games in 2026 is announced, with some of the punditry team. The lads pick their talking points, provincial winners, Tailteann Cup champions and who will win Sam Maguire. This episode is also on YouTube, where there's previously unseen shots of Ulster final and our filming venue. It's worth a watch.Craic, laughs, serious analysis, Philly McMahon in lambing season and everyone looking ahead to championship 2026. We can’t wait.

Matty Forde. A life in football & five weeks after losing dad 31.03.2026 58min

Everyone in Gaelic football knows Matty Forde. For Leinster, Ireland, his club and Wexford he was different class. Winning an All-star in a team that didn't have much success, cemented his status as one of the best in the sport. In many ways, Wexford are the story of 2026 with two consecutive promotions. Next year they will travel to Tyrone, Derry, Dublin and Monaghan. What's happened? Matty reveals who he feels will win Leinster, Sam Maguire and his toughest opponent. He's sound too! There's also the meetings with Francie Bellew. Colourful! He'd love to be playing now and was rared on two players being the best, Peter Canavan and Maurice Fitz. Where does David Clifford fit in? When Matty sat down with Thomas and Oisin, he revealed his father died, just five weeks ago. Paddy Forde, a great man. Grief is different for us all, but talking helps. We also send our congratulations to St Joseph's Donaghmore who won the Dalton Cup. When you listen, you'll know why!

Donegal whip Kerry, Meath beat Cork, Down & Carlow win. League learnings 29.03.2026 42min

We dig into the four league finals at Croke Park, hope the hooter is sacked and review the standout talking points in a brilliant league. We're now officially in Championship season

Anthony Daly on life, winning, anxiety & reinventing himself. His love of Clare 24.03.2026 59min

This was a lovely hour with one of the most recognisable faces and voices in Irish sport. Anthony Daly is a former Clare captain, manager, leader of Dublin and has also managed in Limerick. He's a familiar face to us all as a pundit, columnist and now podcaster! He guides the ship and reinvented himself into something different. Behind the smiles and the craic is a touch of anxiety and how he's managing it. Regular health check-ups after losing his father (48) and brother (40) at a young age. Real life hits us all. But this podcast is just a brilliant hurling man- a footballer too believe it or not- enjoying life, hurling and proud of his place, county Clare. Plenty of laughs, 'the wand' and the race for Liam MacCarthy is a "Two horse race and i'm leaving out the All-Ireland champions." Early days. The great Anthony Daly on the GAA Social with Thomas & Oisin