Over The Bar

How did Cork finally catch up with the great Kerry side of the 1980s? In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara explore how Cork closed the gap on a Kingdom team that had set the gold standard for a generation. From tactical evolution and hardened mentality to the emergence of leaders who refused to accept second best, the lads trace how the Rebels turned rivalry into resurgence.

What was the game of the 1990s? For Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara, the answer lies in one unforgettable afternoon: Derry v Down in the 1994 Ulster Championship.In this episode of Over The Bar, the lads revisit a match that had everything — intensity, skill, controversy, momentum swings and an atmosphere that crackled from first throw-in to final whistle. More than just a classic, it was a game that captured the edge, emotion and evolving nature of Gaelic football in the 1990s.A deep dive into a contest that still sets the benchmark for what championship football can be.

Cairde Club Exclusive: How did two of America’s biggest baseball teams end up playing in Croke Park in 1924? In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara tell the remarkable story of how the Chicago White Sox and the New York Giants crossed the Atlantic to take part in one of the most unusual sporting events ever staged at Croke Park.

As the National Leagues mark their centenary, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara go back to the very beginning to ask a simple question: how did they begin? The lads explore why the leagues were introduced, what problems they were designed to solve, and how they gradually became a cornerstone of the GAA calendar. 

Why do Carlow wear red, green and yellow? In this episode of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover the story behind one of the GAA’s most distinctive colour combinations.Tracing the origins of county colours, local identity and historical influence, the lads explore how Carlow’s jersey came to reflect more than just sporting choice — becoming a symbol of place, pride and tradition. 

In this Episode Michael and Ciarán are joined by Joe Ó Muircheartaigh to discuss the fascinating journey of how a set of Cork Jerseys ended up in Dingle and went on to Croke Park, where Kerry donned Red and White for the 1939 All Ireland Final.

Part 3 brings the Offaly story full circle — beginning with the high point of their third All-Ireland final of the 1990s, when the county stood firmly among hurling’s elite. But what followed was a long, difficult descent.Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara trace how Offaly slipped from the summit, through years of struggle and soul-searching, down to life in the Christy Ring and Joe McDonagh Cups. This final chapter explores what went wrong, what endured, and how persistence, pride and people ultimately powered Offaly’s return to senior hurling.A story of rise, fall, and renewal — and a fitting conclusion to a remarkable hurling journey.

Part 2 of our 3 part series. From the breakthrough of the 1989 Minor All-Ireland final to the epic three-game showdown with Clare in 1998, Part 2 tracks the years when belief turned into bite. Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara chart how Offaly hardened through near-misses, momentum shifts and unforgettable battles — no longer plucky outsiders, but a county ready to take on hurling’s elite.