BBC’s new GAA podcast to bring gaelic games stories to life

The GAA Social, a new weekly GAA podcast to be part of BBC Sounds, will bring to life the stories that matter within Gaelic games. With humour as well as debate, the podcast will feature exclusive interviews with the sport’s players, pundits and officials.

The Show started on Tuesday May 11 and its ambition is to tackle what’s trending with GAA fans across the island of Ireland and around the globe.

Each week presenter Thomas Niblock will be joined by decorated Armagh legend Oisín McConville, award-winning journalist Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh and a host of big-name special guests focusing on contemporary issues that are shaping the sport.

Over 15 episodes, The GAA Social will travel to the heartlands of the GAA across the island of Ireland. From grassroots to global, each week will focus on the talking points that range from player pressures to the organisation’s role and its place in the community.

As the GAA moves out of lockdown with the start of the National Hurling and Football Leagues, five-time All-Ireland winner Marc Ó Sé of Kerry joins Thomas and Oisín at Croke Park to record the first episode exploring what 2021 holds for the GAA post-lockdown.

The following week, ahead of the titanic clash between Ulster giants Tyrone and Armagh in the National League, Oisín is joined by one of the game’s greats – Peter Canavan. The two former county players discuss which players from the noughties would make a combined Tyrone Armagh team.

Presenter Thomas Niblock said:

“The GAA Social will be discussing and exploring the issues that matter to GAA fans whether you’re in the Glens of Antrim or the Ring of Kerry. Each week we’ll be talking to the players, managers and officials across the range of GAA games who can give us the best insight that’s guaranteed to provide plenty of lively debate and discussion.”

Máire Treasa said:

“I have always found that there’s great enthusiasm among GAA fans for intelligent and insightful discussion around the big talking points. I’m looking forward to giving audiences the chance to hear the perspectives of some of the biggest names in GAA for some entertaining chats and giving fans a different view.”

Oisín said:

“I’ve been lucky enough to have been involved in the GAA at many levels over the years. I’m looking forward to bringing my knowledge to the table and to give listeners the chance to hear from the those in the GAA family about what makes it special and to share their interesting stories from across Gaelic games.”

The GAA Social is available on BBC Sounds bbc.co.uksounds . Listeners can also contact the podcast via email thegaaasocial@bbc.co.uk or use the hashtag, #thegaasocial.

Thomas Niblock, Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh and Oisin McConville are the presenters of the new BBC GAA podcast