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Over The Bar

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Over The Bar is a brand-new Gaelic Games history podcast hosted by Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara. Every week we tackle one big question about the history of Gaelic Games — from the origins of the Association, to the moments, people, and controversies that shaped our national games.

Each free weekly episode dives deep into a major story, bringing the past to life for fans in Ireland and abroad. Whether you’re steeped in tradition or just curious about the history behind the games, Over The Bar is your weekly dose of heritage, passion, and insight.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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24 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 34 min
English

Episodes 24

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S1 · E3
Yesterday · 19 min
Week That Was - Aug 24th to 30th
In the latest edition of Week That Was we're casting our eyes back to an All Ireland Semi Final on Leeside, an All Munster Semi Final in the the last four of the football championship and establishing why only one Provincial final was played in 1921. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E99
Tuesday · 36 min
When Was The First Live GAA Broadcast?
Radio was still in its infancy in Ireland when, in August 1926, the GAA took its first tentative step into the world of live broadcasting. In this episode we tell the story of the first live broadcast from a GAA match. Done with a primitive microphone, a makeshift commentary position and equipment powered by ship's batteries, it was a world away from the sports broadcasting operation we know today. We look at how the historic experiment came about, what listeners actually heard, the technology required to get Croke Park on the air and how quickly live GAA broadcasting developed afterwards. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E2
August 21 · 26 min
Week That Was - Aug 17th to 23rd
Episode 2 of Week That Was takes us back to some remarkable moments from this week in GAA history. We look at two major championship games that didn’t make it to regulation length, and the very different circumstances that brought them to an early conclusion. There’s also the story of how Kerry tamed an Ulster uprising, as the Kingdom faced a new challenge from the rapidly emerging northern counties. And we revisit Fermanagh’s extraordinary run to their first-ever All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final — a journey that took a county with no provincial title to within touching distance of the biggest day of all. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E97
August 18 · 32 min
What Is The Origin Of The Longford Jersey?
Why do Longford wear blue and gold — and what does the county jersey tell us about the turbulent early history of the GAA in Longford? In this episode of Over The Bar, we explore the origins of the Longford jersey against the backdrop of a county where Gaelic games struggled to establish themselves. Political divisions, competing loyalties and splits within the nationalist movement all played their part in disrupting the early development of the Association in Longford. Yet, out of those difficult beginnings, a county identity gradually emerged — and with it the colours that would eventually become synonymous with Longford football. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E1
August 14 · 15 min
Week That Was - Aug 10th to 16th
Introducing Week That Was, a new series from Over The Bar – The GAA History Podcast, where we turn back the clock to revisit the games, stories and controversies that made GAA history during this week in years gone by. In our first episode, we look at four remarkable Championship stories from August 10th to August 16th. We revisit the dramatic 1981 All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final replay between Galway and Limerick, go back to 1936 and Mayo’s first ever Championship victory over Kerry, examine a contentious Connacht Final in 1946, and remember 1991, when the Leinster Final was played later in the year than it had been for half a century. Four games. Four very different stories. All played during the same week in GAA history. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E95
August 11 · 55 min
How Did Antrim Qualify For The 1989 All Ireland Final?
Antrim’s appearance in the 1989 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final remains one of the most remarkable stories in modern championship history. But how did a county outside hurling’s traditional elite find itself walking behind the band on All-Ireland Final day? In this episode of Over The Bar – The GAA History Podcast, Michael Foley and Ciarán O’Hara trace Antrim’s extraordinary 1989 campaign — the championship structure that gave them their opportunity, the journey that brought them to Croke Park, and the famous semi-final victory over Offaly that sent shockwaves through the hurling world. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E93
August 4 · 39 min
Why Did It Take 30 Years To Play The First All Ireland Camogie Final?
Why did it take almost 30 years to play the first All-Ireland Camogie Final? The Camogie Association was founded in 1904, so why did the first All-Ireland Final not take place until 1933? In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara unravel the fascinating early history of camogie, revealing how political divisions within the game's administrators, the arrival of the Tailteann Games, and the financial realities of organising teams and competitions repeatedly delayed the sport's biggest occasion. It's the story of a game determined to find its place despite setbacks, disagreements and obstacles that threatened to hold it back at every turn. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E91
July 28 · 37 min
What Is The Origin Of Kildare's Jersey?
In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover the story behind one of Gaelic football's most iconic colour combinations. Why did Kildare adopt the famous all-white jersey, and what events and personalities shaped the county's sporting identity?The lads sift through the evidence, separate fact from folklore, and trace the evolution of the Lilywhites' colours from the earliest days of the GAA to the jersey recognised across Ireland today. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E12
July 25 · 16 min
Bitesize - Saturday July 25th
It's All Ireland Football Final weekend and Michael Foley and Ciaran O'Hara are taking a glance at the history of Kerry v Mayo games, a broadcasting milestone and a unique opportunity for Paul Geaney. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E89
July 21 · 1 hr 4 min
How Did Mayo Win Their First All Ireland In 1936
How did Mayo win their first All-Ireland in 1936? On the 90th Anniversary, this episode of Over The Bar sees Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara revisit the breakthrough campaign that brought Sam Maguire to Mayo for the first time. The lads trace the road to the final, the key figures who drove the team on, and the moments that turned a promising side into All-Ireland champions. A story of ambition, resilience and the victory that began Mayo’s place among Gaelic football’s great counties. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E11
July 17 · 17 min
Bitesize - Saturday July 18th 2026
As an All Ireland Hurling Final and World Cup Final collide, Michael Foley and Ciaran O'Hara explore what historically has made the difference for Galway and Limerick, how unbeaten records in finals are built, the story of the Limerick Hurler who went on to play for Ireland, and Galway's experimental byes to the big day. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E87
July 14 · 1 hr 3 min
How Did Galway Win Their Breakthrough All Ireland Against Limerick?
In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara revisit one of the defining days in modern hurling as Galway claimed the county's first All-Ireland title in over half a century. Facing a Limerick side chasing glory of their own, Galway produced a performance that changed the county's sporting landscape forever. The lads explore the long road to 1980, the key personalities, the tactical battles and the significance of a victory that sparked a golden era for Galway hurling. A story of persistence, belief and the breakthrough that transformed a county. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E10
July 10 · 17 min
Bitesize - Saturday July 11th 2026
It's All Ireland Football Semi Final weekend - so Ciaran O'Hara and Michael Foley are looking at a rare occurrence in a Dublin v Kerry semi final, Ciarán McDonalds record with Mayo in the final four and with Down and Wicklow meeting in the Tailteann Cup Final they run the rule over the Garden County's All Ireland Final experiences. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E85
July 7 · 45 min
How Did Mayo Help Louth Win The 1957 All Ireland?
In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover one of the most surprising stories behind one of Gaelic football's greatest upsets. While Louth's victory over Cork is rightly celebrated, the road to Sam Maguire included an unexpected contribution from their Connacht rivals. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E9
July 3 · 19 min
Bitesize - Saturday July 4th 2026
This week on Bitesize, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover the fascinating history behind this weekend's All-Ireland semi-finals. The lads explain why, when Cork meet Galway, history suggests it's better to arrive as the underdog. They also reveal why a championship meeting between Clare and Limerick has become almost as familiar as Limerick taking on Donegal, before turning their attention to the All-Ireland Minor Football semi-final as Cork prepare to face Tyrone. A quick-fire journey through the records, rivalries and forgotten stories that give this weekend's championship action an extra layer of intrigue. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E83
June 30 · 44 min
When Did Dunphy And Giles Play Against Galway In Tuam?
When did Eamon Dunphy and Johnny Giles play against Galway in Tuam Stadium? In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover one of the most extraordinary cross-code exhibitions ever staged in Ireland, when two of the country's greatest soccer stars lined out against Galway footballers in the heart of GAA country. The lads explore why the match was organised, how it captured the imagination of supporters, and what it reveals about a fascinating period when the barriers between Gaelic Games and soccer were beginning to soften. A remarkable story featuring some of the biggest names in Irish sport, proving that sometimes the most unlikely fixtures produce the best tales. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E8
June 26 · 19 min
Bitesize -Saturday June 27th 2026
It's All Ireland Football Quarter Final weekend and the lads are looking back at Cork and Mayo's early rivalry, recounting Jack O'Shea's diary from 1986, and seeing what the history of Louth v Monaghan and Dublin v Galway tells us about their opportunities in Croke Park. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E81
June 23 · 43 min
How Did The GAA Respond To Italia 90?
How did the Gaelic Athletic Association respond to 1990 FIFA World Cup?In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara revisit the summer when Ireland came to a standstill. As Republic of Ireland national football team captured the imagination of the nation in Italy, the GAA found itself facing a challenge unlike any before. The lads explore how Gaelic Games adapted to the wave of soccer fever that swept the country, the decisions made by administrators, and the surprising ways Italia ’90 affected attendances, fixtures and attitudes within the Association. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E7
June 19 · 16 min
Bitesize - Saturday June 20th
The biggest championship weekend of the year so far see's Michael Foley and Ciarán O'Hara reflecting on the Kingdom's record in Killarney, the centenary All Ireland final rematch we never expected, Down's dominance in the Tailteann Cup and how timekeeping altered Mayo and Meath history for ever more. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E79
June 16 · 1 hr 4 min
Who Was The First Player To Play In An All Ireland Final And An FA Cup Final?
Who was the first player to appear in both an All-Ireland Football Final and an FA Cup Final? In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara tell the story of Kevin Moran, the Dublin footballer who scaled the summit of Gaelic Games before forging a career at the highest level of English soccer with Manchester United. From Croke Park to Wembley, the lads explore how Moran navigated two sporting worlds. Along the way, they uncover the triumphs, challenges and pivotal decisions that shaped one of the most remarkable careers in Irish sporting history. For those who want more Gaelic Games History, you can join our Cairde Club for less than the price of a match programme for month - where you'll get exclusive episodes, bonus content, ad free and early release versions of the main podcast. Just visit www.overthebar.club today to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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