Gareth McKinless- What's happened Derry, picking up the pieces. Hope & learning.

Gareth McKinless- What's happened Derry, picking up the pieces. Hope & learning.

Author: BBC Radio Ulster April 2, 2025 Duration: 58:29

He’s one of the finest footballers in the modern game. An All-star award in November 2023, proof of the quality possessed by Gareth McKinless. Since then, it hasn’t quite worked out for Derry. Why? Paddy Tally’s team go into this weekend’s opening championship game against Donegal, with hope, good footballers, but just one win in a year. A change in management has taken place again and three All-star defenders won’t be in Ballybofey. Conor McCluskey is out, Chrissy McKaigue has retired and McKinless has suffered a dreaded ACL. His season is over. Since Rory Gallagher “stood back” as Derry manager, there’s been a decline in performance. Picking up the pieces after Rory, hoping to get back playing for Derry and All-Ireland club final against Crossmolina-in dreadful circumstances. He incredibly played that game with a torn ACL. This is a very honest podcast. McKinless was sent-off against Damien Comer, the social media reaction was hard and brutal. McKinless immediately reached out to Comer and there was some advice from the majestic Galway footballer. Keeping the head, maturing and driving on. A reflective and honest account from one of the best half-backs in the game. Gareth McKinless 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
Podcast Episodes
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…
Oliver McVeigh. Sports photographer & searching for my brother [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:41
Oliver McVeigh is known across the land. More than 40 years in sports photography and likely to turn up at any GAA event. The legendry 'Season of Sundays' annual is filled with his craft throughout the years. In this pod…
First weekend of the league - NEW RULES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:21
New rules, big omissions in playing squads (Dublin and Armagh specifically) and all the reaction to the opening weekend of the Allianz leagues
Jim Gavin - The new rules [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:45
The GAA Social is back and we have perhaps the greatest manager of all time. Jim Gavin. New year, new rules and the FRC chairman himself, to discuss how it all came about. Recorded in front of a live audience