The GAA Social- Championship Special

The GAA Social- Championship Special

Author: BBC Radio Ulster April 5, 2026 Duration: 1:10:01

Philly McMahon, Conor McManus and a 'kinda’ special guest, join Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville for this special recording of the GAA Social. The BBC Live championship games in 2026 is announced, with some of the punditry team. The lads pick their talking points, provincial winners, Tailteann Cup champions and who will win Sam Maguire. This episode is also on YouTube, where there's previously unseen shots of Ulster final and our filming venue. It's worth a watch.

Craic, laughs, serious analysis, Philly McMahon in lambing season and everyone looking ahead to championship 2026. We can’t wait.


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
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Rory O'Connor has made a new career out of comedy. A fun project making sketches in a GAA world is now a job. The first half of this podcast deals with mental health. It's an area where Rory has experience. ADHD, a gambl…
Niall McDonnell- winning Leinster & being a goalkeeper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:35
This is a different but hugely honest insight into goalkeeping. The picture of the summer sits in Niall's living room- a first Leinster championship in more than 60 years- his photo summed it up. He'd like changes. Four…
Joe Diver. Derry Midfielder. Alcoholic. Fighting back for life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:45
This is a remarkable podcast. Joe Diver had the world at his feet. A beautiful wife, family, talented footballer, successful job and drinking a bottle of whiskey at 10am in the morning. Wild. Ultimately, alcoholism could…
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...