John McAreavey. Moving forward after Michaela. Living life as best you can.

John McAreavey. Moving forward after Michaela. Living life as best you can.

Author: BBC Radio Ulster February 17, 2026 Duration: 1:05:21

We don't say this lightly, but this podcast sits with the very best on the GAA Social. "Moving forward" that's what John McAreavey calls it, not "moving on." There's a difference. In his mid-twenties the world of John McAreavey collapsed after his wife Michaela, daughter of All-Ireland winning manager Mickey Harte, was murdered on honeymoon. The search for justice continues. Hope flickers dimly at times, but it remains alive. This podcast is about moving forward with life after something unspeakable. How do you do that? Can you meet someone? Will people judge if you do? How do I tell my friend Mickey Harte that i've met someone else? John McAreavey is married to Tara now. They have two beautiful children. Happiness has smiled at them both. Their journey started at a point, most of us just couldn't possibly contemplate. “I’m lucky.” This is John's story. Life 15 years after the death of Michaela, struggling with guilt but knowing the importance of making the most of time. It’s an extraordinary story of resilience, faith, struggles and love.


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]

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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…