The GAA Social BBC Radio Ulster

Louth were in division four. Three short years later, they are one game away from promotion to division one. It's a tough one though- Dublin in Croke Park. We reflect on the Louth project and ask where can they go? Is Mickey Harte the greatest ever- where does he sit? We reflect on a weekend of drama across the Allianz Leagues and preview the final weekend of action- including a Tyrone/ Armagh clinker- and the game is live on BBC this Sunday. David Clifford, his new sock look, Armagh negativity- Wicklow and Fermanagh within touching distance and we ask the question 'What year will the GAA make its competitions fair? It's all crammed into your Monday GAA Social with Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville #AskOisin

Shane Walsh is one of GAA’s biggest stars. The All-Ireland final shootout between him and David Clifford will go down as one of the greatest battles of all-time. The Galway star sits down with Thomas Niblock & Oisin McConville in a reveal all podcast, providing a rare insight into one Gaelic Games most influential sportsmen.

There’s much to discuss. Shane transferred from his club Kilkerrin/Clonberne to Kilmacud Crokes after Galway's All-Ireland defeat to Kerry (although his mind was made up before the Armagh game) the transfer shocked the sport. Why?

How did he feel about the abuse aimed towards him, his new club- and will he go back home in the future, if roads lead back West?

There’s the All-Ireland club final with Glen. 17 players. Was it cheating? Would the Leinster champions fulfil a replay- if that was the Call? With nothing off-limits Shane opens up to the GAA Social about hopes for Galway in 2023, that battle with David Clifford and the influence Ronan O’Gara had on him the night before the All-Ireland final with Kerry. Oisin loves O'Gara and reveals his own admiration for the former Ireland number 10.

The importance of imagination, a lesson he learned as a six-year-old and the influence of Padraic Joyce is all packed into this podcast. Also, how did Walsh manage a substantial break during the inter-county season and could we seriously have lost him to another sport?

A mature, confident but humble young man- Shane Walsh comes across brilliantly in another exceptional episode of the GAA Social

It's the GAA Social Extra on a Monday. We look ahead to the key games across the divisions, and the #AskOisin element has grown. Will he manage Armagh someday? Thomas was stunned by his answer. Kingdom fears are tossed aside by Oisin (Good news for our Kerry listeners- bad news for everyone else) and we ask the question when will teams stop taking the Ulster championship seriously. Rian O'Neill pops in with a question, Niall Morgan kicking and Oisin could have been a rugby out-half? We talk diving and there's a giveaway to our next guest on the GAA Social.

It was the most controversial transfer in GAA history. Seanie Johnston decided to move from Cavan to Kildare. What followed was an precedented journey, reporters at home, camera crews following his every move and in July 2012, Kildare met Cavan in the championship. His parents left the country and during the huge story- there was drama at every turn.

For the first time, Seanie lifts the lid on how dark that period was, why he moved and how he reflects on the drama- a decade later!
What was he offered by Kildare? Why did he choose the Lillywhites and was he really living in Straffan? In an unrestricted interview Seanie opens up on failing relationships in Cavan, the influence of Kieran McGeeney and sickness within the family.

There is a dramatic low point and the steam room incident- all during an the most testing time in Seanie’s life. His reflections are honest, blunt and compelling. Some people in Cavan will never forgive Seanie, some have, perhaps some will through time.

Grit, despair, hurt, laughter- but is there regret? This is his story. An incredible insight.

Monday has developed into #AskOisin- so we discuss the below:

-Wicklow win promotion eliminator & Preview of Seanie Johnston podcast
-Tyrone at their best when written off
-Armagh still possibility of relegation- despite win.
-Choke Tackle
-Oisin picks who will win Sam. Top four teams.
-Dublin/ Derry review
-Oisin will remain as U12’s manager in Crossmaglen. Training starts on Wednesday.
-Which Canavan will be the best?
-United/ Liverpool
-Cavan, could they make an Uster Final?
-Are Down improving?
-Fermanagh to achieve promotion?
-Oisin is unsure about Offaly
-Sligo & Talking friendship with their manager Tony McEntee.

Darragh McGurn is one of the most impressive young footballers playing Gaelic football. During lockdown, he binned a career in Aerospace engineering to start-up an Instagram page aimed at fitness. It’s taken off. Over 80,000 followers across social media he created a business to compliment his commitment to Fermanagh Gaelic football. An active social media as an inter-county footballer is tricky ground. Darragh also opens up about abuse aimed towards him online.

The full-forward believes Fermanagh have to fight that bit harder for recognition- but ultimately it’s down to him and his teammates in green. What drives him? What does success look like and with championship just around the corner and a difficult draw against Derry- is a first ever provincial title possible in 2023?

The discussion also centres around facilities. Dublin, Kerry, Derry and Tyrone lead the way- how much of this off-field development is the responsibility of players? Should they help more?

Division three is crammed- one win can separate looking at relegation and aiming for promotion. Fermanagh have three massive games remaining that could define their season.

The brilliant Darragh McGurn, open and honest with Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville