Over The Bar

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.

How did Offaly grow into a hurling superpower in the 1980s and 1990s? In Part 1 of this three-part mini-series, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara trace a quieter, more organic revolution — driven not by sweeping reforms, but by people.This episode explores how a committed group of players, coaches and administrators gradually reshaped attitudes, standards and ambition within the county, bringing Offaly from the margins to the forefront of the hurling world. Long before the famous victories, the seeds were being planted — patiently, persistently, and with purpose.

What’s the longest run ever to win an All-Ireland? The answer lies in Tyrone’s epic 2005 campaign. Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara are joined by Peter Canavan to relive a championship journey that went the distance — physically, mentally, and emotionally. A marathon season that redefined what it took to reach the summit.

After Dublin’s 1977 All-Ireland win, Tony Hanahoe became the biggest name in the GAA — but the seasons that followed were anything but straightforward. In Part 2, Michael Foley and Ciaran O’Hara uncover the pressures, setbacks and flashpoints that shaped Hanahoe’s post-glory years and tested the Dubs like never before.

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.