Jack O'Shea- one of our favourite ever podcasts. The importance of family

Jack O'Shea- one of our favourite ever podcasts. The importance of family

Author: BBC Radio Ulster April 7, 2026 Duration: 1:04:03

In the eyes of many- Jack O'Shea is the greatest player of all time. It's a huge claim, his roll of honour is staggering. Seven senior All-Ireland titles, three U21 All-Ireland championships, a minor All-Ireland, six All-stars, three Leagues and 4 time Footballer of the Year. He's ten Munster championships. But there's so much more to Jack. His father had an accident in his early 30's. Growing up was tough- but he'd a home full of love and joy. The way Jack talks about his mother and his siblings is stunningly beautiful. Living in Leixlip, Co Kildare he drove the car every weekend to play for Cahersiveen. Bryan Sheehan lived across the road, Maurice Fitzgerald the next street over. Home is always home. Management in Mayo followed his playing days, John Egan is a man reading the paper 10 mins before playing an All-Ireland but 'Jacko' insisted on playing pitch & putt before every All-Ireland final. Hunting with the dogs rared him in fitness and Micháel Ó Muircheartaigh fine tuned things in the absence on Micko. In truth, the former RTE commentator was so much more. It's such a shame he's gone. Jack is a fan of the new rules, well most of them and regularay attends games of all counties in Croke Park. Golf is his thing now, the best courses reside in Kerry (apparently) The Great Jack O'Shea. A living legend, and a sound man. The plumber from South Kerry who dreamed about marching behind the Artane band on the big day. And he did.


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
Frank Diamond- Leaving the priesthood and winning an All-Ireland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:07
Winning an All-Ireland club with Lavey, captain of all his school teams, Sigerson leader at Maynooth and at one stage the only Priest, playing Gaelic Football. Times have changed, but at 40 "Fr Frank" decided the priesth…
Tommy Walsh. Kerry in the blood. Football, life and loss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:19
When Tommy Walsh burst onto the Kerry scene, he was the talk of the country. A similar trajectory to the David Clifford journey in those early days. Talented, physically developed and a year after playing in an All-Irela…
War in Killarney, Cork, Tyrone & Galway through. Tailteann Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:39
Kerry 0-16 Donegal 2-20. Where do we start? Oisin believes the GAA have backed themselves into a corner with Ger Brennan, and Jim McGuinness will face a suspension. He doesn’t believe David Clifford should have been sent…
Mikey Sheehy- the greatest goalscorer in Kerry football. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:17
He's hit the net more than any Kerry player in history. His accolades are outstanding. Clifford is chasing him down, but hasn't caught him yet. With club and County, Mikey Sheehy achieved it all. One of the greatest Gael…