Sounds of the Summer: RTE Head of Sport Declan McBennett on GAA+

Sounds of the Summer: RTE Head of Sport Declan McBennett on GAA+

Author: OTB Sports August 5, 2026 Duration: 17:05

Welcome to our Sounds of the Summer podcast, a look back, and look forward, to some of the biggest GAA stories which dominated 2026.

In this episode, Eoin Sheahan was joined in studio by RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett back in July to unpack the rise of GAA Plus, what fans can realistically expect from the next rights deal, and why the “more free-to-air games” debate keeps flaring up.

They discuss overlapping throw-ins, condensed seasons, accessibility for older viewers, and whether every match should be available live – even if it’s only one camera and a commentator.

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For anyone whose week revolves around the whistle, OTB GAA is the constant companion. This isn't just a single show, but the home for all Gaelic Games coverage from OTB Sports, gathering the sharpest voices under one roof. You'll find yourself in the middle of the post-match analysis with former players who've been there, from Tommy Walsh's seasoned perspective to the inside line from The Football Pod with Paddy Andrews and James O'Donoghue. For the clash of the ash, The Hurling Pod with James Skehill and Paul Murphy breaks down the key battles and the subtle skills that decide championships. The conversation extends far beyond the weekend's fixtures, though. It's about the stories that build the culture of the games-the yarns from legendary careers, the tales from the county road, and the immediate fallouts from the biggest decisions. This podcast feed bundles the daily chatter from Off The Ball Breakfast and Off The Ball, brings you close to the action with live match coverage, and even captures the unique craic of their famous roadshows. It’s where the passion for football and hurling is dissected, debated, and celebrated every day, offering a depth of insight you simply won't find elsewhere. Tune in for the authentic sound of the GAA, straight from the source.
Author: Language: en-ie Episodes: 50

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