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
Mickey Harte steps down as Derry manager [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:41
Less than a year into the role, Mickey Harte has stepped down as Derry manager. It was a controversial appointment in September 2023 and after a successful league- Derry in championship fell apart.Thomas & Oisin are join…
Niall Devlin. Tyrone star, losing my brother in March [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:43
Niall Devlin is one of the top performers for Tyrone this season. He's only 22. He captained his county to an All-Ireland U20 title two years ago and has made the successful step up into senior level. It's his third seas…
Alan O'Mara. New York manager. Living life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
A former Cavan goalkeeper, for Alan it was trying to fit in when he moved from Dublin as a child "Tractors or football." It turns out, he was pretty good at football and after playing Cavan minors and U21's, Alan found h…
Mayo & Tyrone gone. Last 8 revealed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:27
It's packed, the All-Ireland minor final has been decided and the case for the All-Ireland quarter-finals to be played outside Croke Park
Peter McGinnity. Fermanagh & still coaching at top [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:10
This was a lovely hour with former BBC Co-commentator Peter McGinnity. Winning Championship titles with his native Roslea and St John's Belfast, a player/ manager for Fermanagh and still coaching with Tyrone champions Tr…
Pete McGrath. His life. Down legend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:45
Pete McGrath is a Gaelic football legend. He won Sam Maguire in 1991 & 1994 with his native Down. A lifetime coaching at the great Down/ Armagh nursery St Colman's College, he's coached some of the best players to wear t…

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