Best Joe Brolly Podcasts (2024)

1
Will they ever get tired of walking backwards? Kicking the Brits out, Part 2 46:07

1h ago46:07

46:07

On August 31, 1994, the Provisional IRA announced that “there will be a complete cessation of military operations. All our units have been instructed accordingly”. It was a statement that brought joy, tears and relief to so many in Northern Ireland who had endured violence. So much that would follow came from the ceasefire and the delicate negotiat…

1
The GAA World According To Joe Brolly | The Square Ball Ep 13 1:10:17

4h ago1:10:17

1:10:17

Does this week's guest need any introduction? Probably not, but we'll give one anyway. Former Derry footballer Joe Brolly is our guest on The Square Ball this week and to say we touched on many different topics would be an understatement. In typical Brolly fashion the conversation flowed from one topic to the next and the result is an incredible ho…

1
Niall Morgan: Tyrone highs and lows, the drive for success and future of goalkeeping | The Square Ball Ep14 1:27:48

5h ago1:27:48

1:27:48

Our guest this week is one of the leading goalkeepers in the GAA, an All-Ireland winner and an All-Star, it's Tyrone's Niall Morgan. Niall joined Dave and Conor in studio this week to discuss his illustrious GAA career, as well as the recent departure of Tyrone joint managers Brian Dooher and Feargal Logan, his constant desire to improve, the famou…

1
Kicking The Brits Out, Part 1 43:05

23m ago43:05

43:05

More than 30 years ago, Bill Clinton said he still believed in a town called Hope. At the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama said hope is making a comeback. Is this just a tagline for a bad movie or if Kamala Harris was elected would she make a difference in Gaza and in fixing structural inequality in the US? On Free State today, Dion a…

1
Keep a light at the window. The rise and fall of Douglas Beattie 48:03

1h ago48:03

48:03

When Doug Beattie sank a bayonet into Taliban fighter during a hellish fight for survival in Afghanistan, he could never escape his actions. Yet the trauma of killing also brought an empathy that was missing in other unionists leaders. On Free State today Dion and Joe look at the fall of Doug Beattie. Joe recalls his day with Beattie when he talked…

1
Tommy guns, car chases & All Irelands. The life and times of a great Irish man. 39:32

8d ago39:32

39:32

Funerals matter in Ireland. They are an expression of community. On Free State today, Joe recalls the extraordinary life of Colm McCusker and why his funeral told so much about the man. Colm McCusker was 91 when he died and he didn’t waste a minute during a life packed with love and family, but also car chases, tommy guns and All-Irelands. Joe also…

1
Cork legend Patrick Horgan on dealing with obsession and why he’s not retiring just yet | The Square Ball Ep 12 58:30

14d ago58:30

58:30

When you think of Cork hurling, the name Patrick Horgan won't be far from the first thing entering your mind. We were honoured to be joined in studio by one of Cork's most famous sons to discuss his extraordinary career - which isn't done yet! - and his obsession with the game of hurling, his fascination with the NFL and a lot more. It's an excelle…

1
Drinking with Loyalists, Part 2. Conor McGregor is not at war. While he sails his yacht in the Med, it’s your kids who go to prison. 54:43

5d ago54:43

54:43

As people are sentenced to years in prison for their part in the riots, what is the real purpose of the pogroms? There are those who will say it is a cry for attention from the dispossessed but what do those in control want? On Free State, Dion and Joe look at how countries are being destabilised by astroturf movements designed to seem like communi…

1
Drinking with Loyalists, Part 1. Ulster (and Coolock) says No 40:58

11h ago40:58

40:58

At their best, the Olympics represent all that is good about humanity. For Ireland the Olympics brought an outpouring of spontaneous joy and happiness, at least until the homecoming parade. But the hate and fear that is being weaponised across Ireland and Britain won’t be combated by two weeks in Paris. On Free State, Dion and Joe discuss the far r…

1
Match-ups will be key in Galway's mission to dethrone Cork 25:08

18d ago25:08

25:08

All-Ireland winners Aoife Lynskey from Galway and Gemma O'Connor from Cork joined Shane Brennan to give their views on what could be the difference in this weekend's Camogie final See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Irish Independent

1
An incredible interview with the great Kevin Cassidy | The Square Ball Ep11 1:09:14

12d ago1:09:14

1:09:14

Donegal and Ghaoth Dobhair's Kevin Cassidy is our guest in studio this week on The Square Ball and this episode dives deep into his remarkable career and story. The chat touches on Kevin's childhood, from offers of a trial with Celtic to moving to Donegal as a young fella and not being able to speak a word of Irish. We also talk about his gaelic fo…

1
The surprising truth about Pat Spillane, part 2 39:01

6d ago39:01

39:01

For Pat Spillane, the golden years with Kerry were about a lot more than winning. The game for him was, in Danny Blanchflower’s words, about glory. It was also, sometimes, about holidays. On part two of his conversation with Joe, Pat recalls the brilliance of Mick O’Dwyer, how he motivated a team of geniuses and the lock-ins across the north that w…

1
The surprising truth about Pat Spillane, part 1 39:20

8d ago39:20

39:20

This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/ and get 20% off and free shipping by using code freestate20 Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf…

1
Galway bring belief into All-Ireland final showdown with Kerry 29:56

11d ago29:56

29:56

Former Galway captain Tracey Leonard and Kerry-based journalist Dan Kearney joined Shane Brennan to look ahead to this weekend's All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship Final between Galway and Kerry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Irish Independent

1
Shane Dowling: Tasting success, injuries, filling in metrifit and being born in the wrong era | Square Ball Ep10 57:12

26d ago57:12

57:12

In this week's The Square Ball, Lee Keegan and Dave McIntyre are joined by former Limerick hurler, Shane Dowling. Shane joined Lee and Dave in studio to talk about his career with Limerick including that incredible u21 game against Cork, dealing with injuries, filling in apps for training, being born in the wrong era and breaking the narrative that…

1
Celebrating Sam with the Orangemen: Part 2 37:12

13d ago37:12

37:12

From Croke Park to the Olympics, the boys of Armagh have been making their mark. Like Daniel Wiffen, Joe is a former pupil of St Pat’s in Armagh and naturally he has his own accomplishments to add to the honours board. Including one few people felt they needed to know. Joe also explains why Armagh’s All Ireland is so important and considers how muc…

1
Cups, cops and complainers. Celebrating Sam with the Orangemen 47:15

15d ago47:15

47:15

Unforgettable things have happened here. These words were used to describe the history of West Cork but they also could be a fitting description of the history created in Croke Park by Armagh. But some people don’t see it that way. On Free State today, Joe and Dion ask why certain unionist politicians can’t lead. In Armagh a PSNI officer faces sanc…

1
Football: Armagh fairytale is Kieran McGeeney’s crowning moment 49:23

22d ago49:23

49:23

Armagh are All-Ireland champions, a victory our panel regard as one of the greatest managerial feats in football history. On this week’s Sam Magure decider review, Will Slattery was joined by Dick Clerkin and Conor McKeon to break down what Armagh did right in a season where they had a unique opportunity to win silverware and took it, why Shane Wal…

1
All-Ireland Football Final preview with Kevin Cassidy | The Square Ball Ep9 48:47

1M ago48:47

48:47

It's the biggest week in the Gaelic Football calendar and that requires a big character for the show. This week in our All-Ireland Final preview, Lee and Dave are joined by Donegal and Ghaoth Dobhair star, Kevin Cassidy. What way will the showdown between Armagh and Galway go on Sunday? Well, the lads had some things to say on the matter... The Squ…

1
The Boys from the County Armagh. Some Orangemen have culture. 48:44

20d ago48:44

48:44

Is there hope for America and the world if Kamala Harris becomes president? Or is the deterioration in the US terminal? On this episode of Free State, Joe talks to Dion about the Joe Biden he knows, how he can never forgive him for what is happening in Gaza and why Biden resisted leaving for so long because he knows no other life outside politics. …

1
Football: Blocking out noise key for Galway and Armagh - w/ Philly McMahon 54:20

22d ago54:20

54:20

For the All-Ireland football final preview, eight-time All-Ireland winner and Irish Independent columnist Philly McMahon joined Colm Keys and Donnchadh Boyle to lend his insight into the mindset needed to win a Celtic Cross. In the Sam Maguire decider preview: How Kieran McGeeney has respect of his players, even if he’s divisive in his own county; …

1
The GAA is more important than money. For everything else there’s Mastercard. 35:42

1M ago35:42

35:42

America has Donald Trump’s Republican convention; Ireland has the All-Ireland hurling final. America has Hulk Hogan; Ireland has Tony Kelly. On Free State, Dion and Joe discuss the cultural importance of the All-Ireland final. What is it that makes hurling compelling? Why is sport at its most powerful such an important unifying force? As Joe Biden …

1
Hurling: Tony Kelly and ‘our God’ Brian Lohan seal status as Clare greats 58:57

22d ago58:57

58:57

Eddie Brennan, John Mullane and Michael Verney united for one final time to break down the fine margins that saw Clare become 2024 All-Ireland champions, the county’s fifth title in their history. The crew analyse what Brian Lohan has done for the county and how that translated on Sunday, why Tony Kelly defied expectations to ‘drag Clare to the Hog…

1
All-Ireland Hurling Final preview with Shane Dowling and Alan Cadogan | The Square Ball Ep8 49:35

26d ago49:35

49:35

It's All-Ireland Final week and we're set for an incredible showdown between Cork and Clare this weekend. Lee and Dave are joined in studio to discuss what could be a game for the ages by hurling gurus Shane Dowling and Alan Cadogan. Does dethroning Limerick make Cork heavy favourites? How will Clare deal with space in front of their full-back line…

1
Big hair, bowler hats & bonfires. Can Orangemen survive the modern world? 35:17

27d ago35:17

35:17

As tricolours burned on the bonfires in the north before the Twelfth of July, the Irish far right stayed silent. What does that tell us about their allegiances? Why are there so many Israel flags flying in loyalist areas in the north? What does that tell us about their allegiances? On Free State, Dion and Joe look at what is next for unionism as th…

1
Hurling: Jamesie O’Connor joins the bumper All-Ireland final preview 1:16:28

28d ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Eddie Brennan, John Mullane and Michael Verney were joined by Clare legend and Sunday Independent columnist Jamesie O'Connor in this in-depth breakdown of Cork v Clare in this Sunday’s Liam McCarthy decider. The team recall their preparations for All-Ireland finals in their own careers, including the importance of getting the game out of your head …

1
Crosshairs and Crossbars: Trump’s Close Call & Southgate’s England Misfire 36:55

1M ago36:55

36:55

Across Ireland, people celebrated when Spain beat England in the Euros final. Even Dion was happy, but a few were appalled at the carry on. On Free State today, Joe and Dion wonder why people are still policing celebrations and examine England’s failings, cultural and sporting. The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has been called a crossroad…

1
Football: Donegal feel Michael Murphy’s absence; Armagh’s statement victory 52:55

29d ago52:55

52:55

Galway and Armagh have made it to the All-Ireland final, each showing resilience late on to power past Donegal and Kerry respectfully. Colm Keys and Dick Clerkin joined Will Slattery to discuss the key differences between the finalists and those who fell this weekend, including how David Clifford didn’t look his usual self, how Armagh have bonded u…

1
Podge Collins: Accidental retirement, early success and life as a dual player in the modern game 1:22:39

1M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

In this week's The Square Ball, Lee Keegan and Dave McIntyre are joined by Clare dual star Podge Collins. Podge joined Lee and Dave in studio to talk about his the craziness of winning two All Ireland titles in 2013, Clare's subsequent underachievement, playing intercounty football and hurling matches on consecutive days, life under Davy Fitz, coac…

1
Never say never again part 2. What we talk about when we don’t talk about Joe Biden 35:48

1M ago35:48

35:48

When Keir Starmer visited Northern Ireland, it was a moment when it was possible to believe that things will start moving again. Casement Park will be built, maybe in time for the Euros in 2028 and the childish stunts of the recent past might not be tolerated with Hilary Benn as Secretary of State. Joe talks about why it’s important to distinguish …

1
Football: Reaction to Mickey Harte’s exit; David Clifford is Kerry’s sleeping giant 35:57

1M ago35:57

35:57

The All-Ireland semi-finals are coming into view, and Dick Clerkin, Donnchadh Boyle and Will Slattery teamed up to preview Kerry’s duel with Armagh and Galway’s date with Donegal. But first, the team gave their response to the news that just months after winning a National League title, Mickey Harte has left the Derry job - and the turnaround from …

1
Never say never again, part 1. The fall of the House of Paisley (and Harte) 41:32

1M ago41:32

41:32

In France, the far right have been rejected. In Britain, the Conservatives are gone. Keir Starmer visited the north this week and there is a new hope in Ireland that change is coming. But what about Derry? In Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the fall of the House of Paisley (and Mickey Harte). What do the election results tell us about Northe…

1
Hurling: Barry Nash’s absence felt as Cork stall Limerick’s drive for five 1:01:29

1M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

It will be a Cork v Clare All-Ireland final, and the Throw-In’s regular trio of John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney teamed up to break down how each team made it over the line. Limerick’s drive for five stalled after a thriller with the Rebels - John asks if they were too slow to make the changes needed to keep pace with a Cork team who …

1
Conor McManus on his incredible career, retirement and greatest moments | The Square Ball Ep6 1:15:55

1M ago1:15:55

1:15:55

We were in the presence of footballing royalty in The Square Ball studios this week as Lee and Dave were joined by Monaghan's greatest ever footballer, Conor McManus. After unapologetically fanboying Conor for several minutes in studio, Lee and Dave dived deep into his career from bursting onto the scene at wing back to managing an injury at a youn…

1
And then there were four, part 2. The football factory - how science is replacing humans with robots. 30:59

2M ago30:59

30:59

Sport is too important to fall into the hands of cultural vandals. The death of Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh was a reminder of the role sport plays in Irish life. Nothing elevates a community like sporting joy and community is central to all that is good in Irish life. On Free State, Joe and Dion look at how sport has been turned into a commodity. From…

1
Hurling: Limerick v Cork will have a ‘spicy edge’ - w/ Ciarán Carey 1:05:03

2M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Limerick legend Ciarán Carey joined the Throw-In’s regular trio of John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney to preview this weekend’s All-Ireland semi-finals. The team break down whether Limerick can come back at Cork following the Rebels' thrilling victory over the Treaty men in the provincial series. There’s a belief that Limerick would hav…

1
And then there were four, Part 1: The last days of the Dublin empire. 45:41

1M ago45:41

45:41

What is wrong with Gaelic football? Joe insisted that Dion watch the All Ireland quarter finals last weekend and will he ever forgive him? On Free State, Joe reflects on the decline and fall of Dublin and explains what they need to do next. Joe and Dion also remember Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Joe recalls his days training with him in Dublin. The…

1
Football: Were Dublin wrong to start Paul Mannion and Jack McCaffrey? 38:35

2M ago38:35

38:35

Colm Keys and Conor McKeon joined Will Slattery after a weekend where Dublin went crashing out to a spirited Galway, who came of age to defeat the All-Ireland Champions. Dessie Farrell’s selection choices naturally came under the microscope, and the team discuss whether the Dubs front-loaded their squad too much in a game where the Tribe surged lat…

1
A life less ordinary: The incredible story of Ashling Thompson | The Square Ball Ep5 1:23:25

2M ago1:23:25

1:23:25

In this week's The Square Ball, Lee Keegan and Dave McIntyre are joined by Cork camogie star Ashling Thompson. In an extraordinary interview Ashling opens up practically every element of her remarkable life. Nothing is off limits as Ashling speaks with searing honesty and openness about her relationship with her mother, who pushed her every step of…

1
Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose. Derry, from Death Row to Croke Park. Part 2 31:44

2M ago31:44

31:44

What is your greatest fear? How much do we all dread humiliation? Derry were humiliated three times in the championship but are still alive. They’ve been to the bottom. Now, the only way is up and they have nothing left to fear. On Free State today Joe and Dion look ahead to Derry’s game against Kerry and what may be another upset. Are Derry now Al…

1
Remembering Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh 15:58

2M ago15:58

15:58

News broke this week that legendary GAA broadcaster Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh died aged 93. His legacy is one filled with kindness, grá for Gaelic games and a unique commentary style that is woven into the stories of many iconic Irish sporting moments. For this special edition of the Throw-In, Martin Breheny and Colm Keys joined Shane Brennan to rec…

1
From death row to Croke Park. Derry, Mayo and milking the cows in Killala Part 1. 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

How much credit does Mickey Harte deserve for Derry’s win over Mayo? On Free State, Joe tells Dion how Derry pulled off what many felt was the shock of the season. Was it really a shock? Joe didn’t think so and neither did the local rat catcher in Mayo. Dion wonders if Mayo are like the Scottish football team but Joe explains why they’re more like …

1
Football: Mayo find a new way to lose; Ger Brennan Manager of the Year? 47:52

2M ago47:52

47:52

Frank Roche and Dick Clerkin joined Will Slattery in the wake of an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final round that saw Mayo crash out, Roscommon surprise and Louth make history. Dick breaks down what he sees as Mayo’s true undoing - not scoring enough before half-time, and he believes that the county can’t have too many complaints after a disappo…

1
Hurling: ‘O hAilpín was like a brick wall’; Brian Lohan’s time-off masterclass 50:38

2M ago50:38

50:38

John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney teamed up again after a pair of quarter-finals that failed to get the juices flowing - but memories of food poisoning from years gone by came back in the meantime. On the pitch, Eddie wonders why Cork and Dublin seemed to play with their ‘heads still on the pillow,’ while John explains his belief that …

1
Pádraic Maher - Beating Kilkenny, never going back-to-back and coping with retirement 1:24:49

2M ago1:24:49

1:24:49

In this week's The Square Ball, Lee Keegan and Dave McIntyre are joined by three-time All Ireland winner and Tipperary legend, Pádraic Maher. Pádraic was in studio with Lee and David to his first All-Ireland victory with Tipperary, why that Tipp side never went back-to-back, avoiding a red card in the 2012 final, celebrating free kicks and the chil…

1
The Irish Elections: How the elites persuade sheep to vote for wolves. 1:06:50

2M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

At the American Ambassador’s residence in Dublin last week, there was an extraordinary event. Many of the main architects of the peace process gathered to talk about how it was done and what the world can learn from it as the horrors of Gaza continue. Joe was among the invited audience and it reminded him of a time when politicians were serious. On…

1
Jungle Book. The essential survival guide for Gaelic footballers. Featuring Brian Mullins and an All Star cast 38:51

2M ago38:51

38:51

Will Joe be wearing a half and half scarf when Mayo play Derry? On Free State, Joe explains to Dion why he will be desperate for a Derry win when the two counties play. He remembers his many memorable encounters with the great Brian Mullins, one of which ended with Joe promising to seek professional help. He didn’t follow up on this promise. This e…

1
Football: Dublin the masters of timing; Galway fail to turn the screw 48:16

2M ago48:16

48:16

Colm Keys and Dick Clerkin joined Shane Brennan on this week’s Throw-In football show after a slate of round-robin clashes that saw Mayo, Dublin, Galway and Armagh all go through intensive tests. Shane feels that Mayo had a missed opportunity, but Colm is quick to remind that Dublin are the masters of timing - as shown by their game-changers and th…

1
Hurling: Therapy time - your ‘Rory McIlroy’ moments; Are broadcasters pushing Gaelic games aside? 56:34

2M ago56:34

56:34

John Mullane, Eddie Brennan and Michael Verney engage in a wide-ranging chat around on-pitch form and off-field issues hitting some fans. On the field, Cork were a little sloppy against an Offaly team that have a bright future, as John believes the Faithful men have showed enough to challenge Leinster counties next season. Meanwhile, confusion reig…

1
Keith Higgins on Mayo's fear of winning, Dublin battles and his love of hurling | The Square Ball Ep3 1:27:40

2M ago1:27:40

1:27:40

In this week's The Square Ball, Lee Keegan and Dave McIntyre are joined by Mayo legend and four-time All Star, Keith Higgins. Keith joined Lee and Dave in studio to talk about some of the biggest moments in his career filled with incredible highs and crushing lows, as well as his love of hurling and the joy he got playing it with his brother. In an…

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