Best Joe Brolly Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Israel bombed Iran (and how they will get the west to back them again) with Fintan Drury 1:07:41

Play Pause

2d ago1:07:41

1:07:41

Fintan Drury trained as a journalist before becoming a hugely significant figure in Irish corporate life, something he has talked about previously with honesty and some regret. He returned to his journalistic roots and the tragedy in Gaza compelled him to speak out. His new book Catastrophe is the story of Nakba II. On Free State today, he explains…

1
Football weekend: McGuinness' venue complaints | Kerry stunned | Dublin get on top of kick-outs 1:04:55

4d ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Colm Keys and Philly McMahon join Conan and Joe in studio to review the major talking points from the Gaelic football weekend, starting with Jim McGuinness’ comments after Donegal’s win over Mayo regarding the game’s venue. The panel also reflect on Dublin’s tactical evolution, Meath beating Kerry by nine points and what Shane Walsh brings to Galwa…

1
Kneecap and the bilingual London Magistrates 57:00

4d ago57:00

57:00

When Kneecap arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court, the scene was like Beatlemania if the Beatles’ fans were supporting a Free Palestine. Kneecap were in court for the first hearing in the case against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara. On Free State today Joe explains why he isn’t part of the legal team and what will happen next.…

1
Hurling: He slept in a bath before an All-Ireland semi-final? | Pressure is on Tipp | John Mullane & Eddie Brennan 50:32

5d ago50:32

50:32

The three amigos of Verney, Eddie and Mullane are back together for this week’s hurling hit, starting with reaction to the Waterford team bus never arriving to collect the young Déise hurlers for their trip to Wexford. There’s also memories of the things that happen in the lead-up to games, including sleeping in baths. As for the championship, the …

1
Football: Nice guys (Mayo) finish last, Donegal’s siege mentality, Kerry's Royal defeat | Pat Spillane & Dick Clerkin 47:19

6d ago47:19

47:19

Michael Verney is joined by Pat Spillane and Dick Clerkin to review an exhilarating weekend of gaelic football, as the group stages concluded. The lads discuss Mayo’s crash out of the All Ireland series, how Jim McGuinness has implemented a siege mentality within Donegal and the ‘shadow boxing’ game that was between Armagh and Galway. Elsewhere the…

1
The True History of Iran (and Mayo footballers) 52:10

6d ago52:10

52:10

The world is moving closer to annihilation and still people beat the drumbeats for war. On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at how Israel’s attack on Iran is a case of history repeating itself. Iran is the bogey man that allows warmongering to prosper and no matter how many times this has happened before, the noises are still the same and as blo…

1
Stephen Bennett interview | Crippling pain and finding it hard to say ‘I’ll stop’ 40:16

8d ago40:16

40:16

Waterford hurler Stephen Bennett joins Joe for a wide-ranging interview, where Bennett took us inside his mindset as he battles injury to stay on the field for the Déise. Bennett also breaks down why Waterford weren't good enough to get out of Munster, and what the team must do to improve. Our GAA Podcast coverage is with thanks to AIB See omnystud…

1
Famine, plague and slaughters: Ireland and The Great Hunger with historian Padraic X Scanlan 1:13:58

9d ago1:13:58

1:13:58

“Political history, not natural history, turned a potato failure into a famine.” Between 1845 and 1851, one million people on the island of Ireland died of famine-related causes. Another 1.5 million people emigrated. On Free State today, historian Padraic X Scanlan, author of the outstanding history of the Famine, Rot, joins us to discuss what caus…

1
Tomás Ó Sé | Galway's need to spark | Dublin's wides are fixable 49:58

10d ago49:58

49:58

Jeopardy is the name of this weekend’s football action as the final stage of the All-Ireland round-robin takes place. Dublin/Derry inconsistencies, Armagh’s mindset, Galway’s unfulfilled talent and Donegal’s need to gain momentum are all on the chopping block with Tomás Ó Sé Plus - where is the sweet spot with All-Ireland final dates and free-to-ai…

1
Cork get the trophy, Limerick get the fuel | Kilkenny’s depth problem | John Mullane & Michael Verney 57:51

11d ago57:51

57:51

John Mullane and Michael Verney join Joe for a review of a hurling weekend that saw Cork bring the intensity to their Munster final win over Limerick - but there’s fear that their celebrations can bite back should the two sides meet again this season. Elsewhere, Galway disappointed and Kilkenny aren’t road tested - is Leinster the right preparation…

1
Ballymena Blues. Why Ulster loyalists hate everyone (except Israel) 52:21

11d ago52:21

52:21

In Ballymena this week, those who have come from abroad to make their lives in the town were putting union jacks in the window in the hope it would prevent them being attacked. In the random and brutal rioting that saw the homes and businesses of foreigners attacked and terrorised this was they did to protect themselves and their families. On Free …

1
Football: Micko, jerseys and foreign trips | Galway should be mad to tear into Armagh | Pat Spillane & Dick Clerkin 47:59

12d ago47:59

47:59

Pat Spillane and Dick Clerkin join Michael this week, and before we preview the last week of the All-Ireland group stages, Dick’s old jerseys sends us down memory lane - Pat especially with all the ways Mick O’Dwyer used to raise funds for the Kerry team holidays. On the field, Dessie Farrell and Padraic Joyce are under serious pressure as the grou…

1
Hurling: A great final - not sure about penalties | Will Leinster weakness hurt Kilkenny? | Eddie Brennan 54:40

13d ago54:40

54:40

Eddie Brennan dials in from Italy to review a monster weekend of hurling final action - where he and Michael ask if penalties is the right way to decide a provincial final? The lads also break down whether Limerick or Cork will be more dangerous, Kilkenny’s level of hunger after not being road tested in Leinster, and why Kildare can stay in Leinste…

1
"God save Oireland ! " said the heroes feat. Conor McGregor and Tommy Robinson, be the hokey 47:18

13d ago47:18

47:18

“The kids were coming down for breakfast when these five men wearing cargo pants, big jackets arrived. They came into the third floor, stood in front of the bedroom door, took the three kids back in and told them to pack up. We heard them say: ‘You are going to be deported.’ As soon as the other children heard then they were all crying. It was such…

1
Irish not Scouse? How Liverpool became a global city and remained an Irish one 52:13

16d ago52:13

52:13

TP O’Connor was elected as MP for the Liverpool constituency of Liverpool Scotland in 1885. He represented that constituency from then until his death in 1929. TP O’Connor was an Irish Nationalist MP and he is the only Irish Nationalist ever elected to a constituency outside the island of Ireland. On Free State today, we look at the story of Liverp…

1
Mullane's red card regret & the firestorm of '98 | Munster final magic with John Mullane & Jamesie O'Connor 56:31

17d ago56:31

56:31

Joe is joined by John Mullane and Jamesie O'Connor to relive their experiences across 15 combined Munster finals. Both John and Jamesie experienced the joy of ending their county's long wait for provincial glory and they explain the emotion and celebrations behind those wins. John's red card in the 2004 Munster final - and his post-match interview …

1
Why Gerry Adams beat the BBC 48:51

18d ago48:51

48:51

When a jury found in Gerry Adams’s favour in his case against the BBC, executives from the British Broadcasting Corporation sounded like they had won. On Free State today, Joe and Dion disagree about the importance of the verdict in the libel trial. Joe explains why the jury reached that verdict and why the BBC’s evidence was flawed. They look at h…

1
Dublin slump, Mayo rise and are Kerry undercooked? | Pat Spillane & Philly McMahon 59:35

19d ago59:35

59:35

Will is joined by Philly McMahon in studio and Pat Spillane calling from the Kingdom for this review of the Gaelic football weekend. Dublin’s leadership problem, Armagh’s adaptability and Mayo’s emotional response are all on the chopping block. The team also debate whether Kerry will come into the business end of the season undercooked. Our GAA Pod…

1
London calling, Kiely’s final record, ‘Group of Death’ blown wide open? | John Mullane, Neil Rogers & Dick Clerkin 1:29:06

20d ago1:29:06

1:29:06

Fresh off the back of Christy Ring Cup glory, London boss Neil Rogers dials in with Indo GAA host Michael Verney and Waterford legend John Mullane, to discuss the celebrations that ensued after their win in Croke Park and the logistics that surround managing an intercounty GAA team overseas. (14:02) The lads also break down the latest matches, and …

1
Highway to Hell. An Irish surgeon’s journey into Gaza’s heart of darkness. With Morgan McMonagle. 49:29

21d ago49:29

49:29

“Our revenge will be the laughter of our children,” Bobby Sands famously said. But what happens in a land where children are being killed in their thousands? On Free State today, trauma surgeon Morgan McMonagle provides a harrowing insight into his time working in the Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Morgan went to Gaza for the first time in 2024 and retur…

1
Brian Dowling interview | Kildare hurlers are ‘a great story … we want it to continue’ 18:54

21d ago18:54

18:54

In this extra episode, Michael caught up with Kildare hurling manager Brian Dowling ahead of the Lilywhite county’s Joe McDonagh Cup final clash with Laois this weekend. Brian breaks down the fresh hope in the county after a strong Joe McDonagh Cup campaign, what made him take the job initially and how far the team could go. Our GAA Podcast coverag…

1
The Dublin v Armagh panel | 2002 nostalgia, Brogan vs McNulty & Cosgrove's red-hot summer 1:00:59

22d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

We are on a Dublin vs Armagh nostalgia tour today as Conan Doherty is joined by Alan Brogan, Ray Cosgrove and Enda McNulty to chat through their memorable clash in 2002 ahead of this Sunday's game in Croke Park. Alan reflects on being marked by Enda in that All-Ireland semi-final, Ray remembers his red-hot goal-scoring summer and the panel discuss …

1
Love, loss and destruction. Writer Oona Frawley on making sense of the past 42:19

23d ago42:19

42:19

How do we make sense of a world when it no longer contains the people we love? How do we make peace with the past when it’s still a mystery? On Free State today, writer Oona Frawley talked about her new memoir This Interim Time. A book about the loss of her parents and the gratitude that comes from her children.She talks about her own father’s stru…

1
The Dessie Farrell debate | What's going on in Mayo? | Wide open All-Ireland | Tomás Ó Sé & Colm Keys 51:41

24d ago51:41

51:41

Joe is joined by Tomás Ó Sé and Colm Keys to look ahead to a massive weekend of football action with Dublin vs Armagh at its centrepiece. Both Tomás and Colm think Kieran McGeeney's side will leave Croke Park with a win while the panel debate Dessie Farrell's reign as Dublin manager. Mayo's problems - on and off the field - and Tyrone's potential a…

1
The Liverpool Parade and why white nationalism is on the prowl 41:36

25d ago41:36

41:36

In a recent survey, supporters of Nigel Farage ranked ‘being English’ ahead of ‘being a parent’ as a signifier of who they are. How has it come to this? Even as the dissatisfaction with Brexit grows, Farage who drove so much of the vote by playing on the most irrational fears, is England's most popular politician. On Free State today, Joe and Dion …

1
Tyrone upsets Jim McGuinness’ plan | Leinster final: Time for Galway to peak | Pat Spillane, Dick Clerkin & Eddie Brennan 1:26:22

27d ago1:26:22

1:26:22

Pat Spillane and Dick Clerkin join Michael Verney to run the rule over another round of All-Ireland series action, where Donegal’s shooting let them down against Tyrone as Monaghan defeated the Leinster champions. The lads also wish Kevin McStay well after he has stepped aside from Mayo management. Meanwhile, Eddie Brennan is on hand after the end …

1
The Persecution of Kneecap: A legal perspective with Joe Brolly, barrister-at-law 36:16

27d ago36:16

36:16

When Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with terror offences, it made global headlines. The world reported the charge that the man had allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah in November 2024. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is better known as Mo Chara of Kneecap and he is alleged to have committed the act at a gig in Kentish Tow…

1
The Sunday Paper Review UNLOCKED: McCabe Conquers Europe 15:10

29d ago15:10

15:10

Listen in to a short snippet from today's Sunday Paper Review as John Duggan is joined by Hugh Farrelly and Ciara Trant to look over the weekend's back pages.

1
How the Northern Bank robbery changed Ireland with Glenn Patterson 56:00

1M ago56:00

56:00

On the 20th December, 2004, £26.5 million was stolen in plain sight from the Northern Bank in Belfast. This wasn't a victimless crime, but some saw it as a caper. Most believed only one organisation was capable of pulling off an operation of this scale. On Free State today, the great writer Glenn Patterson joins us to discuss his new book on the No…

1
Tomás Ó Sé | Dublin strike back, the Shane Walsh conundrum, Kerry's stock, Mayo malaise 🏐 47:49

1M ago47:49

47:49

Serial All-Ireland winner Tomás Ó'Sé makes his Indo Sport podcast debut as he reviews Dublin's statement win in Salthill, and where the result leaves beaten All-Ireland finalists Galway. We also get a heat check on Kerry 2025, and delve into which teams have adapted best to the new rules. Tomás also lays out why the ferocity of the Ulster teams has…

1
The Assassination of Gary Lineker by the coward BBC 41:58

1M ago41:58

41:58

Gary Lineker will leave the BBC this weekend but why has it come to this? On Free State, Joe and Dion look at how Lineker had a target on his back for years but when he spoke out about Gaza, the clock was ticking. As Israel’s actions in Gaza become more atrocious and babies starve, more and more people are becoming tarred. How has the western world…

1
Limerick's point to prove, Cork coldcocked, Davy Fitz ref row | Eddie Brennan & Michael Verney 52:10

1M ago52:10

52:10

Eddie Brennan (eventually) and Michael Verney join Joe after a weekend of hurling where Limerick set down a marker, Kilkenny showed spark, and Tipperary stayed confident. The team also break down Davy Fitzgerald’s comments that some referees ‘actually despise’ him, claiming that his teams are at a disadvantage. Our GAA Podcast coverage is with than…

1
Dublin’s win – sure it was only one game | Faith in Liam Cahill is paying off | Pat Spillane, Dick Clerkin & John Mullane 1:28:28

1M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Pat Spillane and Dick Clerkin join Michael Verney to run the rule over the All-Ireland series’ first weekend of games, where the Dubs are back (for this week anyway) as Galway look to bounce back. Meanwhile, Mayo’s management delegation is a big issues - as is the squeezing of all the good action. Meanwhile, John Mullane is in fine form, as are Tip…

1
Gary Lineker, the Mayo footballers and the mechanics of change 47:49

1M ago47:49

47:49

When Keir Starmer said Britain risked becoming an ‘island of strangers’, in whose interests was he speaking? When Gary Lineker left the BBC, was it because he unwittingly shared an antisemitic post - which he subsequently apologised for - or because he had been outspoken on the genocide in Gaza? On Free State today Dion and Joe look at how the worl…

1
Limerick-Cork collision course, Clare teetering on the brink | John Mullane 40:00

1M ago40:00

40:00

Waterford legend John Mullane is on hand to assess the state of play in the Munster Championship, as All-Ireland favourites Cork & Limerick get set to renew hostilities this weekend. John & Will also evaluate the potential premature end of Clare's Liam MacCarthy defence, and whether or not Kilkenny's run in Leinster can prime them for success later…

1
Go on home British soldier, go on home - The IRA & me, with Captain Jonathan Trigg of the Royal Anglian Regiment 53:16

1M ago53:16

53:16

When Jon Trigg was sent to Northern Ireland as a young officer, he was going to war. It wasn’t the Troubles or a conflict but a war. Trigg served his tour of duty in 1993 and moved on, but, unusually he returned, not as a soldier but as a writer. In an extraordinary conversation today, Jon Trigg talks to Joe and Dion about his new book on the IRA i…

1
Michael Murphy magic, Louth's revenge, melee madness | Philly McMahon & Pat Spillane 🏐 1:02:15

1M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Joe is joined by Pat Spillane and Philly McMahon to look back on a thrilling weekend of provincial final action in Ulster and Leinster. The panel start off by delving into Donegal's dramatic win over Armagh in Clones before breaking down Louth's special day in Croke Park as they got revenge over Meath in the Leinster final. Before Pat and Philly, C…

1
Are Tipp back? | McGuinness has eyes on more than Ulster | Eddie Brennan & Dick Clerkin 1:17:21

1M ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Just like the weather, the provincial championships are heating up, and Michael Verney is on hand to run you through all the latest on today’s Indo GAA podcast. Eddie Brennan kicks things off by stressing the importance of hurling IQ, and exemplifies how Tipperary, led by John McGrath, have it in spades. The pair also discuss how reigning All Irela…

1
Cocaine Nights on the Kyiv Express (feat Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer and the German guy) 38:19

1M ago38:19

38:19

When is a cocaine spoon not a cocaine spoon? When is a tissue a wrap of an illegal substance? On Free State today look at how a story spreads online as it did over the weekend when Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer and Friedrich Merz were filmed on a train going to Kyiv. Soon the idea that drug paraphernalia was in the carriage took hold online. The st…

1
Where The Wildelings Are. Writer Lisa Harding on surviving Trinity College, anxiety and the Male Gaze 45:25

1M ago45:25

45:25

Lisa Harding’s stunning new book The Wildelings is set in a fictional university in Dublin. On Free State today, Lisa talks to us about her own time at Trinity in the 90s, when students would be rated on their looks. She talks to Dion about the male gaze and their shared experiences of drink and how when she became an actress she turned to tequila …

1
McGuinness v McGeeney mystique, Louth-Meath grudge match, Camogie ultimatum 1:03:42

2M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

With packed out crowds set to flock to this weekend's Ulster & Leinster football finals, Colm Keys & Martin Breheny join Joe to look ahead to how events may unfold in Clones & Croke Park. Firstly, with news that the Camogie Association is set to call a Special Congress later this month to give players the option of wearing shorts on matchdays, form…

1
Skorts, Skirts and Shorts. What will the new pope say? 35:27

2M ago35:27

35:27

Since we launched the podcast, we have never been afraid to ask the big questions. This has sometimes come at a cost but that is the way it has to be. Today we ask one of the questions that will define this generation: what is a skort? On Free State, Joe and Dion wonder why this issue which should be so simply resolved in favour of women in sport b…

1
Limerick find their fear factor | Mayo/Leinster comparisons are unfair on Mayo | John Mullane, Pat Spillane & Dick Clerkin 1:14:50

2M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

John Mullane joins Michael Verney after a quieter hurling championship weekend, but one that saw Waterford tamed by a Limerick team who look like they are finding their fear factor again. Mullane also gives his idea for a championship re-shake, and the team break down the controversy around skorts in camogie. In football, Pat Spillane and Dick Cler…

1
“I want nothing to do with this.” Gaza & the myth of western civilisation. With the brilliant Omar El Akkad. 1:04:27

2M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

"One day, when it's safe, when there's no personal downside to calling a thing what it is, when it's too late to hold anyone accountable, everyone will have always been against this." On October 25 2023, novelist Omar El Akkad posted this message on X. On Free State today Omar El Akkad joins Joe and Dionto talk about how the world looked away. His …

1
The Revolutionary Road. Women’s Liberation Movement Founder Rosita Sweetman on divorcing her family and why Kneecap were right 44:55

2M ago44:55

44:55

Rosita Sweetman wanted to change the world. Like many of her generation, she was inspired by the civil rights movement in the US. She became a founder of the women’s liberation movement in Ireland. She was fearless and it was fun. But her life wasn’t. On Free State today Rosita Sweetman talks about her new memoir Girl With A Fork In A World of Soup…

1
Philly McMahon in studio | Dublin's big problem, Donegal's weak spot and rise of 'old school' kickouts 39:10

2M ago39:10

39:10

Joe is joined in studio by Philly McMahon to break down Dublin's shock loss to Meath and assess the football championship ahead of the provincial finals. Philly pinpoints the defensive problems that contributed to Dublin's downfall, assesses Donegal's All-Ireland credentials and then debates with Joe about whether the new kickout rules are good for…

1
The Eamonn Sweeney interview | A crippling travel phobia, a GAA summer and what happened next 57:57

2M ago57:57

57:57

Joe is joined in studio by Sunday Independent sports columnist Eamonn Sweeney to discuss his new book, The Last Ditch, and how it helped him overcome a crippling travel phobia. Eamonn explains how a terrible panic attack in the summer of 2000 grew into a condition that left him increasingly unable to venture far from his home in Skibbereen. The opp…

1
Whatever You Say, Say Nothing - Kneecap and Britain's Periodical Fits of Morality 35:42

2M ago35:42

35:42

"We know no spectacle so ridiculous as the British public in one of its periodical fits of morality,” a man once said, When it has come to the pursuit of Kneecap, the ridiculousness has extended far beyond the British public to its media and politicians too. It has reached the Irish political class and media as well. Kneecap have apologised to the …

1
The GAA weekend | Meath dethrone Dubs, Kieran McGeeney's dissent, Tipp's harsh red? 57:06

2M ago57:06

57:06

Joe is joined by Conor McKeon, Donnchadh Boyle and Michael Verney to cover a busy championship weekend that saw Dublin finally lose in Leinster and the Cork hurlers restate their All-Ireland credentials. Joe, Conor and Donnchadh react to Meath's famous win in Portlaoise, the crackdown on dissent in football and Armagh's impressive win over Tyrone. …

1
Are Armagh taken seriously? | Dubs are ‘average’ | Clare go from lively to leggy | Pat Spillane, Dick Clerkin & Eddie Brennan 1:20:09

2M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

Pat Spillane and Dick Clerkin join Conan Doherty after a weekend where Ulster threw up the game of the weekend between Armagh and Tyrone - which leaves us asking if Armagh are getting the respect they deserve? As for the result of the weekend, Dublin’s loss outside the M50 leaves questions over whether they can challenge for the All-Ireland. Meanwh…