Over The Bar

In this edition of Over The Bar, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara explore one of the most pioneering figures in the history of Gaelic Games — the first player-manager to guide his team to All-Ireland success. How did he command a dressing room while still lining out beside the very men he was managing? What kind of tactical mind and character does it take to lead from both the sideline and the field? And why has his story been somewhat forgotten in the broader sweep of GAA history?With trademark storytelling, rich historical detail, and lively discussion, Michael and Ciaran bring listeners back to a defining moment when innovation, grit, and leadership reshaped what was possible in Gaelic Games.

It's the root cause of the great Galway and Mayo rivalry, so how were both awarded Connacht's first All Ireland Victory in 1925 and why is it Galway who retain it on their roll of honour, Michael Foley and Ciaran O' Hara reveal all in this episode.

In the mid nineties Neil Jordan finally had the opportunity to bring the story of the Big Fella to screen, but how accurate was his depiction of Bloody Sunday. In this episode Michael Foley explains all in the company of Ciaran O'Hara. 

Hill 16 is one of the best known and best loved parts of any stadium in Ireland, but how did it get its name? In this Episode Michael Foley and Ciaran O'Hara bust some of the myths about the name's origin and reveal it's complex history as a monument to the fallen.

Michael Foley and Ciaran O'Hara examine where the All Stars concept came from, how the first All Star teams were selected and how they came to play in San Francisco.

In this episode Michael Foley and Ciaran O'Hara look at the remarkable career of Dublin's Jim Stynes. They reveal how he was recruited, what he achieved and his lasting legacy in Australia.

In this episode Michael Foley and Ciaran O'Hara are joined by Cormac Moore, author of 'The GAA v Douglas Hyde' to reveal the complex story of how the GAA came to expel the first President Of The State.

In this episode Michael Foley and Ciaran O'Hara are joined by Historian, Author and Broadcaster Paul Rouse to discuss the basis of his book 'The Hurlers', that being the playing of the first All Ireland Hurling Final and the chaotic championship that preceded it.

The GAA wrestled for years with the issue of sponsorship and in particular Jersey sponsorship. In this episode Michael Foley and Ciaran O'Hara examine how that changed and ask who was the first GAA team to wear a sponsors logo, who followed and the impact that had on the association in the years since.