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
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…