The GAA Social Folgen

An Ulster GAA Icon, who shaped the lives and football careers of thousands of young men. Adrian McGuckin helped St Patrick’s Maghera win 12 MacRory Cup titles and four All-Ireland championships. This weekend it’s the 100th MacRory Cup final. He managed Derry, but regrets it now. He explains why? This all comes after a playing career where the Ballinderry man won Ulster championships, played at Wembley and was the catalyst for success at both county and club level- with a humble heart.In his mid-seventies, McGuckin reflects on life growing up on a farm, a less traditional choice of school and coaching at Jordanstown, now Ulster University. McGuckin also reflects on loss after his wife Vera died approaching 20 years ago now. It’s a familiar story for so many people in society, but explained perhaps by so few.When Thomas and Oisin started their media journey- it was Adrian McGuckin who was at the centre of those days as a co-commentator and analyst for the BBC. Reminiscing, laughter and a former Derry manager who just “can’t get his head around” the new man in charge.It’s wonderful stuff as the band comes back together, from one of the best people you could meet.It’s Adrian McGuckin on the GAA Social. The voice is epic!

It's the Monday GAA Social review of a busy weekend in the Allianz league. Oisin picks the 2024 All-Ireland winner

This is an absorbing listen.Conor Glass is the most talked about GAA player of 2024. After winning an All-Ireland club title with Glen, beating Kerry with Derry six days after, and 24-hours-later, engaged into Tyrone royalty (She obviously said yes)In a revealing GAA Social, Glass brings us into the heart of Mickey Harte taking the Derry job and exclusively reveals he asked Malachy O’Rourke to consider the vacant managers position. It’s a big moment for club and county. There are other revelations including the meaning behind the Tour de France shirt worn on Monday club (more meaningful than you’d suspect) how he, Ciaran McFaul and Ethan Doherty played for Derry just six days after winning an All-Ireland club and the fear of “The wheels coming off” after Rory Gallagher stepped back as Derry manager. Glass provides an insight into the Harte/Devlin regime and the drive to win Sam Maguire. There’s a poignant discussion on Claire Glass (Conor’s mum) who was diagnosed with cancer. Claire decided to hide the illness from Conor, because of football.There’s also the insight into winning the All-Ireland club. The TV cameras picked him up at the final whistle, the tears flowed (the first of many that day)The future, the drive, the busiest man in Ireland and the Derry captain with Thomas and Oisin on the GAA Social.