"I've just been diagnosed with cancer" Eoin McNicholl, Derry goalkeeper

"I've just been diagnosed with cancer" Eoin McNicholl, Derry goalkeeper

Author: BBC Radio Ulster May 19, 2026 Duration: 59:51

Eoin McNicholl, 41, is a former Derry goalkeeper. More importantly, he's one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He’s always been that guy. He played in the All-Ireland winning team of 2002, won a MacRory & Hogan Cup with St Patrick's College Maghera and he progressed into the Derry senior setup. He now works for the GAA in sports science, specialising in statistics. He's just been diagnosed with cancer and has agreed to come on this podcast. Between chemotherapy cycles, he sits down with Thomas and Oisin to emphasise the importance of checking yourself. Despite the subject, this is a beautiful listen. Emotion, laughter, full-on craic and considered thoughts. Eoin is from Glenullin, green and gold to the core, just like all the McNicholls. He's married to Sinead and they have three kids. The McNicholls have travelled this road before. Eoin lost his younger sister Clodagh to cancer, when she was just 6. The former goalkeeper is determined to get better and continue to live life to the full. A powerful listen. The magnificent Eoin McNicholl 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: 50

The GAA Social
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