The GAA Social

BBC Radio Ulster
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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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Mayo flying, Derry too, Dublin are back. Donegal & Galway grit. Congress protest

    All the games analysed on a brilliant weekend of Gaelic football. Oh, and happy birthday Martin O'Neill. 74 years young

    33 min
  2. Dr Eugene Young. A lifetime in coaching & how it's changed. What is a coach?

    FEB 24

    Dr Eugene Young. A lifetime in coaching & how it's changed. What is a coach?

    Ahead of Railway Cup final, Down great Sean O'Neill was lining up the coke bottles at dinner "I want you there, him there and you back there." Tactics in the 70's. It Blew the mind of Eugene Young. Different phrases, keeping wide, shape. From then, the former Ireland basketball player tuned into coaching. At 66, he retired last month from his role within the GAA as Director of coaching and Games development. 25 years at the coalface. It's changed, massively. This podcast concentrates on coaching. What makes a good coach? How do you improve? Is it too much? Eugene represents a lifetime involved in the sport- learning from outside the tent. From Mickey Linden to John Morrison and the great Páidí Ó Sé. He would like to see the Railway Cup reintroduced and believes the Sigerson Cup should be played before Christmas. It's the best place for it, where teams can access their players. How did a man destined to become a car mechanic, become one of the great thinkers in Gaelic Games. Dr Eugene Young on the GAA Social

    1 hr
  3. Relegation woes for Armagh? Tyrone too? "Roscommon could win Connacht" Kobe debut

    FEB 22

    Relegation woes for Armagh? Tyrone too? "Roscommon could win Connacht" Kobe debut

    All the games reviewed on a significant weekend of Gaelic Games

    41 min
  4. John McAreavey. Moving forward after Michaela. Living life as best you can.

    FEB 17

    John McAreavey. Moving forward after Michaela. Living life as best you can.

    We don't say this lightly, but this podcast sits with the very best on the GAA Social. "Moving forward" that's what John McAreavey calls it, not "moving on." There's a difference. In his mid-twenties the world of John McAreavey collapsed after his wife Michaela, daughter of All-Ireland winning manager Mickey Harte, was murdered on honeymoon. The search for justice continues. Hope flickers dimly at times, but it remains alive. This podcast is about moving forward with life after something unspeakable. How do you do that? Can you meet someone? Will people judge if you do? How do I tell my friend Mickey Harte that i've met someone else? John McAreavey is married to Tara now. They have two beautiful children. Happiness has smiled at them both. Their journey started at a point, most of us just couldn't possibly contemplate. “I’m lucky.” This is John's story. Life 15 years after the death of Michaela, struggling with guilt but knowing the importance of making the most of time. It’s an extraordinary story of resilience, faith, struggles and love.

    1h 5m
  5. Donegal Top, Armagh struggling & Darragh Canavan off to Australia? Galway fight & a big Derry win

    FEB 15

    Donegal Top, Armagh struggling & Darragh Canavan off to Australia? Galway fight & a big Derry win

    All the games reviewed, plenty happening in the company of Thomas & Oisin. Can you win the All-Ireland from division two?

    39 min
  6. Jamsie O'Connor. Hurling, punditry, Maurice Fitzgerald

    FEB 10

    Jamsie O'Connor. Hurling, punditry, Maurice Fitzgerald

    This felt like the quickest ever hour. The great Jamsie O’Connor. Player of the Year, four Allstar's, double All-Ireland winner and a teacher. Clare to the bone. We talk phone calls to Kerry great Maurice Fitzgerald, The influence of Ger Loughnane and a surprising one from Tipperary. We talk Cork, are they just not liked? And his run-in with Ronan Curran, now with Ben O’Connor in charge. Teaching Tony Kelly and now working alongside him. Clare “won’t be far away” this year and we also talk punditry, really interesting. The Sky Sports years, how RTE has changed and now enjoying life with the BBC (we think) Colum Flynn passed away two weeks ago, a physio but so much more. Lovely tribute to a great man. Speaking of great men, Hurling, life, Jamsie.

    1 hr
  7. Inside the MacRory Cup final. Pure joy. Ben O'Connor refreshing the post-match interview with Cork

    FEB 8

    Inside the MacRory Cup final. Pure joy. Ben O'Connor refreshing the post-match interview with Cork

    Three-time All-Ireland winner Ciaran Gourley along with his Centre half forward Aodhan Quinn Joined Thomas and Oisin on the Podcast. Former Down great Kevin McKernan and the Abbey full-back Conor Laverty also joined the lads after one of the great MacRory Cup finals. 8,000 people in the Athletic grounds for one of the most incredible comebacks. Everything left on the pitch and it finished a draw, the replay will take place on Friday night. It's a great insight into young people driving the sport forward. The boys also reflect on a weekend of hurling (And one league football match, Oisin had an eye on) Ben O'Connor calling it how it is for Cork Hurlers.

    30 min
  8. Aidan Forker- Armagh captain. Lowest moments, winning Sam, faith & what 2026 looks like

    FEB 3

    Aidan Forker- Armagh captain. Lowest moments, winning Sam, faith & what 2026 looks like

    This is great stuff. A dive into the life of an inter-county captain. Aidan Forker missed much of 2025 and is on the brink of returning to play for Armagh soon. They're as good as anyone. There's a deep thoughtful side to Forker. He's married with a third child just arrived, a career change and has always enjoyed leadership. He's been reared in the blue of Maghery and the orange of Armagh. It's in the blood. There's fun in there too. Forker is now able to laugh at the Michael Murphy incident last year calling it a "silly act" in Ballybofey. Kieran Donaghy has left Armagh to return home, but he will always remain a "Friend for live" and there's a debate into the allegiance of Kieran’s children. Do they support Armagh or Kerry? There remains ambition, in life and football. Faith plays a key role. Andrew Murnin continues to light up football, he's one of the best Forker has ever seen. The MacRory Cup final this weekend, his old school. Paddy Burns dedication, the best bit about winning the All-Ireland and the importance of good coaching- even at the lowest of times. There's Kieran McGeeney too. Aidan Forker on the GAA Social

    56 min
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Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio Ulster
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    The GAA Social

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