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

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

Author: BBC Radio Ulster May 5, 2026 Duration: 59:45

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


From the pitches and clubhouses across Ireland, The GAA Social captures the heartbeat of Gaelic Games. This BBC Radio Ulster podcast goes beyond the weekend's scores to explore the people and passions that define hurling and Gaelic football. Each episode sits down with the figures who shape the sport, from legendary players and sharp-tongued managers to the dedicated officials behind the scenes, weaving their personal stories into the larger tapestry of the GAA. Alongside these in-depth conversations, you'll find thoughtful pundit discussions that dig into the tactics, controversies, and sheer athleticism on display. It’s a space where the camaraderie, local rivalries, and community spirit of the games are given a voice. Tuning in offers more than analysis; it’s an auditory journey into the culture and characters that make these sports a way of life for so many. Whether you’re a lifelong follower or newly curious, this podcast connects you to the raw emotion and shared history etched into every match.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The GAA Social
Podcast Episodes
Coming out as a gay male Gaelic footballer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
Kevin Penrose has come out as gay. Something quite normal, except it's not in Gaelic Games. in Ladies football and camogie, it's more common to be gay. In men’s football and hurling- it isn’t! Why is that? This is Kevin'…
The new rules- can they stay? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:43
Massive weekend in Gaelic games- but the rules dominate. Can they stay- even if we want them?
Mary Hulgraine. Surviving addiction & faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:52
Mary Hulgraine has a remarkable story. On Sunday she will line out for Kildare against Armagh, but her life could have been very different. Addiction issues with alcohol and drugs threatened to bring her life to a premat…
Jamsie O'Connor the hurler (and footballer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:04
Can Waterford or Tipperary win the All-Ireland? Jamsie finds it difficult to understand why nobody is talking about Waterford? Jamsie O'Connor who played football for Clare- before hurling? Mad the things you find out. D…
Eugene 'Nudie' Hughes. Living through setbacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:44
We all knew it was coming, but since Conor McManus retired the question has bubbled- who is the greatest Monaghan footballer? "Well I'd say Conor is greatest Monaghan finisher" it sets the tone of this brilliant insight…
Michael Murphy is back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:32
Michael Murphy returns (so does David Clifford) it's all happening on the GAA Social. Does Oisin struggle to take off the orange tinted glasses?
Jude McAtamney- Making it in the NFL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:03
This is the fascinating story of Jude McAtamney. From a talented footballing family in Swatragh, Co Derry, Jude played for inter-county U20 for three years- destined for senior football. Then covid hit and the beginning…