Share

cover art for How Did The GAA Respond To Italia 90?

Over The Bar

How Did The GAA Respond To Italia 90?

Season 1, Ep. 81
•

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.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 93. Why Did It Take 30 Years To Play The First All Ireland Camogie Final?

    39:35||Season 1, Ep. 93
    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.

  • 91. What Is The Origin Of Kildare's Jersey?

    37:58||Season 1, Ep. 91
    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.

  • 12. Bitesize - Saturday July 25th

    16:30||Season 1, Ep. 12
    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.

  • 89. How Did Mayo Win Their First All Ireland In 1936

    01:04:17||Season 1, Ep. 89
    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.

  • 11. Bitesize - Saturday July 18th 2026

    17:14||Season 1, Ep. 11
    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. 

  • 87. How Did Galway Win Their Breakthrough All Ireland Against Limerick?

    01:03:45||Season 1, Ep. 87
    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.

  • 10. Bitesize - Saturday July 11th 2026

    17:26||Season 1, Ep. 10
    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.

  • 85. How Did Mayo Help Louth Win The 1957 All Ireland?

    45:06||Season 1, Ep. 85
    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. 

  • 9. Bitesize - Saturday July 4th 2026

    19:07||Season 1, Ep. 9
    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.