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

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

Author: BBC Radio Ulster February 24, 2026 Duration: 59:31

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


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
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