Darragh McGurn is one of the most impressive young footballers playing Gaelic football. During lockdown, he binned a career in Aerospace engineering to start-up an Instagram page aimed at fitness. It’s taken off. Over 80,000 followers across social media he created a business to compliment his commitment to Fermanagh Gaelic football. An active social media as an inter-county footballer is tricky ground. Darragh also opens up about abuse aimed towards him online. The full-forward believes Fermana...
Mar 02, 2023•58 min
Oisin believes Tyrone "could" go down. It's a concerning time for Tyrone supporters after a heavy defeat to Mayo over the weekend. Armagh returned from Kerry empty handed but Oisin believes they deserved more. Westmeath limbo and Where are Dublin now the big guns are back in blue? Michael Murphy says Derry & Mayo are the two in-form teams in Gaelic football- Oisin agrees! We also reflect on the impact made after the Aoife Lennon podcast- phenomenal response. All the teams, and the divisions ...
Feb 27, 2023•33 min
This is the most powerful episode of the GAA Social. Oisin McConville & Thomas Niblock take in the remarkable story of Armagh Gaelic footballer Aoife Lennon. The former NI soccer international explains how anorexia almost ended her life and continues to have an influence on her daily and sporting day-to-day. Afraid of pasta, anxiety and a menstrual cycle that's been missing for a decade. These challenges, folllowed the suicide of Aoife's father, when she was just 13-years-old. This is a stor...
Feb 21, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Oisin McConville and Thomas Niblock reflect upon week three of the Allianz leagues. Big wins for Roscommon, Dublin, Mayo and Monaghan- Derry revival continues and a clinker between Down and Fermanagh. The Podcast also reflects on Jarlath Burns election to the Presidency of the GAA and what it means moving forward. Oisin doubles down on the differences between North & South!
Feb 20, 2023•34 min
Conn Kilpatrick opens the can on Tyrone and discusses one of the most asked questions in Gaelic Games- why does everyone hate Tyrone? Oisin McConville, Thomas Niblock & Conn try to work out the answer. That's the fun bit- Rocky IV is too! With Conn there's also a serious story. An accomplished footballer, an All-Ireland winner- an addict. recovering from gambling- and failing. It's been a challenging journey for Conn, but his recent impressive form with Tyrone perhaps shows the 'Good place' ...
Feb 15, 2023•58 min
Today’s GAA Social is something different. Omagh CBS Won their 5th MacRory Cup title on Sunday. Immediately after the game, players of the team and management join Thomas Niblock for a unique insight into the biggest sporting day for young Gaelic footballers. What it takes, why it means so much and immediate reaction, recorded just moments after winning the match.
Feb 13, 2023•24 min
In a revealing episode of the GAA social- Allstar and 2022 Ulster winning captain Chrissy McKaigue reveals he was going to walk away from the Derry squad- just weeks before a first championship title in almost a quarter of a century. In a personal and brilliant episode of the podcast, McKaigue believes Derry are good enough to win an All-Ireland, his relationship with other club players, how that’s changed and relives 'that' point scored by Paddy McBrearty in 2021- dumping Derry out of the champ...
Feb 08, 2023•1 hr
The weekend reviewed- and Oisin loses the battle of Crossmaglen Felt like championship in Armagh. Natalie McNally remembered on an extraordinary day with a remarkable comeback. Worrying signals for Monaghan and Donegal- Oisin make his call on who will drop from division one. Derry going well, a great win for Down (In perhaps a strange way) Cavan for promotion, Meath & O’Rourke’s comments and Cork begin to shine. Kerry cruising- but Roscommon are top of the tree! Cork hurlers against Limerick...
Feb 06, 2023•28 min
Jarlath Burns is aiming to become GAA President. For 1 hour Thomas Niblock asks him about what changes he’d introduce, aims for the association and going again after failing to be elected three years ago. There are issues. Jarlath gives a unique insight into GAA thinking around the Glen-Kilmacud debacle. We talk about the forward mark, integration with the Camogie Association and the LGFA, amateur status and his plans to tackle those challenges. If Jarlath is elected, he becomes the first Presid...
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Emotional day in Ballybofey as the All-Ireland champions start 2023 with a defeat. There’s also no need for Tyrone to panic. When one Shane Walsh isn’t enough and the madness of modern day goalkeeping- it’s here to stay. We have all the analysis from the opening league games in the new GAA season. Also, In his first Allianz league game as manager Oisin McConville talks through his first game in charge- a draw with Carlow and looks forward (well, sort of) to meeting his old friend and teammateTon...
Jan 30, 2023•32 min
Late last year Michael Murphy shocked the GAA world by announcing his retirement. Rumours circulated. In this episode of the GAA Social, the former Donegal captain sets the record straight. He's one of the most well-known, gifted footballers of a generation- but someone we know very little about. Michael joins Thomas Niblock & Oisin McConville to talk about drive, joining the BBC team as an analyst, Donegal underachievement and becoming Donegal manager some day? We're not so sure. Benny Coul...
Jan 26, 2023•58 min
The GAA Social is back! Not one, but two episodes per week in 2023! The award winning podcast series, voted Irish Sports podcast of the year in 2022, will have Oisin McConville joining Thomas Niblock every week. The biggest names connected to Gaelic Games will be interviewed in an exciting 2023 schedule. First- it’s Michael Murphy. The former Donegal captain shocked just about everyone in announcing his retirement. In his first in-depth broadcast interview, to be published later this week he exp...
Jan 25, 2023•23 min
From child prodigy to 'Hurling player of the year' Austin Gleeson is one of the sports biggest names and he’s on the GAA Social. In an open and frank podcast, the 2016 Player-of-the-year talks openly about mental frailties in Waterford, his doubts, what went wrong in 2022, Davy Fitzgerald as the new boss and his firm belief that he will win the All-Ireland- and it could happen in 2023. He speaks openly about losing Liam Cahill to Tipperary and his relationship with the former Waterford manager (...
Nov 15, 2022•57 min
Allstar nominee Rian O'Neill joins Thomas Niblock and Oisin Mcconville. Rian talks winning an All-Ireland, reputation for being bad, what is a main man and delaing with pressure. Rian brings us into the moment for the summer defining free-kick against Galway- was it better that Sean O'Shea's? Rian also brings us into the mind of a modern day top level gaelic footballer- the aspiration and winning with Crossmaglen. It's been a busy few weeks for Oisin who is now the Wicklow manager- but didn't ge...
Sep 20, 2022•54 min
Niall Morgan & Rory Beggan are two of the best goalkeepers in Gaelic football. Rivals, fiercely competitive and for the first time the GAA Social brings them both on a podcast to talk goalkeeping. Whats changed- where it’s going and why Niall Morgan believes teams will soon start playing without a goalkeeper. It’s a fascinating listen about the most talked about position in Gaelic football- and a must listen to coaches and aspiring number 1’s! Both men also chat through the season, where it ...
Jul 05, 2022•59 min
In a deeply personal and revelaing podcast, former Offaly All-Ireland winner Michael Duignan explains the loss of his wife Edel to cancer. The decade that preceeded it and letters written by Edel, to be read after her death. The "guilt" of moving on and faith of Edel, in Michael, and his ability to raise their two sons alone. It's moving, powerful and brutually honest. The podcast also examines the challenges when a high profile former player moves into administration, Tomas O'Se has potentially...
Jun 28, 2022•59 min
It's non-stop laughter!! When Oisin McConville is questioned is he the father of his daughter? (Yes you read that correctly) you know this podcast is going to be a bit different. Benny Tierney, a unique man with a brilliant football story. Is there room in the game for craic and fun? As we approach the 20th anniversary of the only time Armagh won Sam Maguire- we bring the band back together for the lagacy of that win and look ahead to a landmark day for Armagh against Galway. Oisin has his doubt...
Jun 24, 2022•57 min
In one of the most powerful, honest and explosive episodes of the GAA Social yet- Former Meath manager Andy McEntee explains what it’s really like being an inter-county manager. There was an attempt to oust he former All-Ireland winning club coach in October 2021- but Andy survived and was backed ferociously by the clubs in Meath. This is his account of what happened, the trust that was lost, the abusive messages and letters received by him and his family and the hurt inflicted. It’s not all bad...
Jun 21, 2022•1 hr 6 min
One of the most talented gaelic footballers currently playing the sport- Daniel Flynn of Kildare reveals all to Thomas Niblock & Oisin McConville on the GAA Social. Reflections on losing to Mayo, what it's really like facing Dublin and does he really think Kildare can beat them? Why a career in AFL didn't work out and having to pick between seeing his grandfather before he died or go back for the funeral- but not both! It's a honest reflection on football, life and the future for him and Kil...
Jun 14, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Aidan Forker has made the successful transition from an inter-county into one of the star defenders in the game. Reguraly asked to mark opponents most dangeous forwards, Forker explains what Darren McCurry said to him on Sunday, marking David Clifford at Croke Park and the hurt of their "flat" performance against Donegal in the opening round of the Ulster championship. with just days to go ahead of Armaghs crucial championship qualifier against Donegal (again) Aidan sits down with Thomas & O...
Jun 07, 2022•1 hr
What a podcast. From Gingers (African sunset) to going on the session before the 2008 All-Ireland final- and lying to Mickey Harte. Owen Mulligan is brutually honest but after coaching Tyrone to the All-Ireland U20 title- there's a bit more to 'Mugsy' than many perhaps know. A facinating insight into on of sports greatest rivalries & what he really thought of Oisin McConville. The story of how his Tyrone days came to an end is incredible and how his stubborness prevented a return to red and ...
Jun 01, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Recorded in front of a live studio audience in Slaughtneil's wonderful An Carn theatre- this podcast is different. Mark McHugh was coached by rory Gallagher at donegal, in Kilcar and speak weekly (Mark called Rory for directions to Slaughtneil) it's an utterly facinating insight into a coach- that's mellowed? Tony Scullion believes people should support Tyrone- but gets caught about 1995 and Oisin has backed Logan & Dooher to win Sam Maguire (Yes that's the team who Armagh play next) The pod...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Armagh captain Kelly Mallon has spent 14 years playing for Armagh. The greatest moment for her, is having a pitch to train on. Would a male senior Armagh player say that? It's a little uncomfortable but this podcast with Thomas & Oisin shines a light on the journey travelled within the sport- still not officially recognised- and most importantly what needs to happen next. Armagh Chairperson Sinead Reel is also on the podcast and explains how Armagh became the first and only inter-county ladi...
May 17, 2022•1 hr 3 min
This one is different. Ruairi Forbes is an inter-county minor player, from the Ballinderry club and has won a MacRory. He's still in School at St Mary's Magherafelt and will still be there next year. He explains what it takes for a youngster to make it in Gaelic games. His journey continues to evolve, but he talks social media controls, quitting rugby, dedication, snowflake generation and why sport is so important. It's a rare, frank and honest insight into a 16-year-old aiming to play at the ve...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 1 min
It's a strange one. The most laughs in a single podcast- yet cancer is the topic! Former Derry gaelic footballer Mark Lynch charts his recovery from testicular cancer, the day he was told and going under the knife. Keeping positive helps and is his own unique way, Mark explains every step from diagnosis to 'the great day' Del boy & Rodney make an apperance via Oisin McConville, who remains confused about where Armagh actually are at? He does know where Banagher is- eventually! Recording was ...
May 03, 2022•1 hr 6 min
This week Ryan Murray- talks the Antrim problem. The greater Belfast area has almost 20 times the population of Leitrim, but it consistently fails to win. Ryan doscusses leaving his grilfriend in Dubai to play for Antrim, dealing with a crushing defeat, and talks about what a GAA player can and cannot say. Antrim will now play in the Tailteann Cup and we hear about his frank views on the competition. Oisin McConville also reflects on a crushing defeat for Armagh and look ahead to Derry V Tyrone ...
Apr 27, 2022•57 min
Ahead of the new championship season, BBC analysts Mickey Harte, Peter Canavan & Oisin McConville explain their predictions for the championship, thoughtful reflections from Harte on not being given the opportunity to manage Tyrone in 2022- and watching them win Sam Maguire. Managing your children and the difficulties it presents, the CCCC and Rian O'Neill. Oisin isn't happy with Jim McGuinness and Donegal and goes full Kevin Keegan. A brilliant championship opener ahead of what promises to ...
Apr 19, 2022•1 hr 1 min
In an astonishing interview, Antrim goalkeeper Chris Kerr reveals how he contemplated suicide after the death of his father. The lowest point arrived after the final game at Casement Park, when Antrim lost to Monaghan and Kerr found himself at his lowest point. Despite the trauma and pain- this podcast is an uplifting journey from rock bottom to a man who has found a wife, a new home and is about to become a father for the first time this summer. Life is good for Chris Kerr. Now living in Armagh...
Apr 12, 2022•59 min
In his first broadcast interview discussing one of the most talked about incidents at Croke Park, Darren Hughes talks in detail about the 2015 Rufflegate incident where he ruffled Tiernan McCann's hair, the Tyrone player dived and Hughes was sent-off. In 2010, Hughes played in goals against Armagh at Casement Park- we hear the detail how that event unfolded. Hughes also talks about jealousy, not supporting Tyrone in the All-Ireland last year and what All-Ireland winning hurling manager Liam Shee...
Apr 05, 2022•45 min
An incredible insight into the Allianz League top scorer. It's not Darren McCurry, David Clifford or Dean Rock- it's Sam Mulroy. In a frank and honest interview, the Louth captain brings us inside the changing room, inside Mickey Harte and the road to becoming Leinster champions. Challenged by Oisin McConville- even outside football, Sam is brutally honest and sets his sights on becoming the best Gaelic footballer in Louth- and beyond! Will Smith makes an apperance and the boys discuss the love ...
Mar 29, 2022•51 min
