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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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32 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 33 min
English

Episodes 32

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S1 · E7
Yesterday · 11 min
Week That Was - Sept 21st to 27th
This week on The Week That Was, Michael Foley and Ciarán O’Hara travel back through the GAA history made between September 21st and 27th. We revisit 1986, when Kerry’s latest All-Ireland triumph saw some of the Kingdom’s greatest names rewrite the record books; go back 30 years to 1956, when a polio outbreak disrupted the championship and forced the postponement of the All-Ireland finals; and remember 1971, when Offaly finally broke through to claim their first ever senior All-Ireland title. 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 · E107
Tuesday · 53 min
What Happened Between Christy Ring And Galway In The 1953 All Ireland Final?
The 1953 All-Ireland Hurling Final brought Cork and Galway together in Croke Park, with Christy Ring chasing yet another chapter in an extraordinary career. But this was no ordinary final. A fiercely contested game produced incidents that would be debated for decades, with Ring at the centre of a controversy that didn't end when the final whistle sounded. Michael Foley and Ciarán O’Hara go back to the contemporary accounts to ask: what really happened between Christy Ring and Galway in that final and it's aftermath. 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 · E6
September 18 · 13 min
Week That Was - Sept 14th to 20th
In this edition of Week That Was, we head back through the GAA history books to three very different moments associated with the middle of September. We return to the extraordinary 1982 All-Ireland Football Final between Kerry and Offaly and look at the unlikely part played in the drama by the Lowry family — a story that goes beyond one of the most famous finishes in Championship history. Then we travel much further back to mark the breakthrough of the first Connacht team to bring an All-Ireland title west across the Shannon, at a time when the established order in Hurling looked very different. And finally, why did the third Sunday in September become synonymous with All-Ireland Football Final day? We trace the origins of one of the great dates in the GAA calendar and discover when the tradition really began. 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 · E105
September 15 · 35 min
Why Do Mayo Wear The Green Above The Red?
Few county jerseys are as instantly recognisable — or as closely tied to a place — as Mayo’s. Where did the colours come from, and how did the jersey evolve into the one generations of Mayo supporters know today? Michael Foley and Ciarán O’Hara dig into the archives to trace the story of the Mayo jersey, separating tradition from fact and uncovering how the green above the red became one of Gaelic football’s most enduring identities. 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 · E5
September 11 · 18 min
Week That Was - Sept 7th to 13th
In this edition of Week That Was, we turn the clock back to three remarkable chapters from GAA history. We revisit the 1947 All-Ireland Hurling Final, when Kilkenny and Cork renewed one of hurling’s great rivalries. Then it’s back to 1926 and the Munster Hurling Final — a championship encounter with a story that didn’t end when the final whistle sounded. And finally, we head to 1955, when the All-Ireland Football Championship reached the semi-final stage and neither game could separate the teams. Two semi-finals, two draws, two replays — and a remarkable route to the biggest day of the year. 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 · E103
September 8 · 55 min
How Did A Championship Game Lead To A Murder Charge?
How did a Championship match end with a Garda Sergeant standing in the dock on a charge of murder? In 1929, what should have been another summer afternoon of Gaelic football instead set in motion an extraordinary chain of events involving players, supporters, the Gardaí and, ultimately, the courts. In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciarán O’Hara go back almost a century to reconstruct a remarkable story from the Championship: the match itself, the trouble that followed, the death that transformed the affair into something far more serious, and the sensational murder charge that followed. 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 · E4
September 4 · 13 min
Week That Was - Aug 31st To Sept 6th
This week on The Week That Was, we head back through the GAA history books to revisit three memorable moments from the opening days of September. We look at the first All-Ireland final ever played on the first Sunday of September – a date that would eventually become synonymous with the biggest day in the Hurling calendar.We also revisit the unusual year when the footballers took over that slot. And we tell the story of the afternoon when one of Tipperary’s greatest characters lit up Croke Park. With his boots discarded and Croke Park at his feet, Babs Keating became the Barefoot Wonder. 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 · E101
September 1 · 1 hr 2 min
When Did Muhammad Ali Fight In Croke Park?
On 19 July 1972, the most famous sportsman on the planet stepped into a boxing ring in the middle of Croke Park. Muhammad Ali’s fight against Al ‘Blue’ Lewis has become one of the most remarkable nights in the history of the stadium — a world heavyweight superstar fighting at the headquarters of the GAA in a bout that almost seems impossible in hindsight. But how did Muhammad Ali end up fighting in Croke Park? Who brought him to Dublin? What was Ireland like during Ali’s visit, and what actually happened on the night itself? We’re joined by Dave Hannigan, author of The Big Fight: When Ali Conquered Ireland, to tell the extraordinary story of the people who made the fight happen, Ali’s time in Ireland and the night Croke Park swapped Gaelic Games for big time boxing. 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 · E3
August 28 · 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
August 25 · 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.

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