Noel McGinn. Playing for Tyrone. Regrets in life. Living with Parkinson's disease. Being happy

Noel McGinn. Playing for Tyrone. Regrets in life. Living with Parkinson's disease. Being happy

Author: BBC Radio Ulster April 28, 2026 Duration: 1:00:05

Three Ulster championships as a player for Tyrone and starring on the biggest day. The 1986 All-Ireland final in Croke Park, didn't work out after the break against Kerry, but Noel McGinn was pure authority in a defence filled with hard men. He was a successful player, school principal and someone respected in gaelic games and in life. He managed Dromore to their first ever county championship- but he refuses to say he "led them." An infamous incident against Clonoe almost cost Noel his job and it's his one big regret. But he's owned it, hasn't hidden and in this honest account of a life in football, Noel McGinn reveals so much about who he is as a person- and there's plenty to admire and love. He's now living with Parkinson's disease, but he looks upon himself as "lucky." This is the story of positivity, life and being a good man. A man interviewing the young and old in Tyrone for TeamTalk. What's that? The great Noel McGinn from Killyclogher


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
The quarter-final preview & being a manager [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:47
Games reviewed and a look ahead to a wonderful weekend in Croke Park. The championship has burst into life. Poor Oisin though...