Best Joe Brolly Podcasts (2025)

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

2h 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
Tyrone upsets Jim McGuinness’ plan | Leinster final: Time for Galway to peak | Pat Spillane, Dick Clerkin & Eddie Brennan 1:26:22

8h 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 Sunday Paper Review UNLOCKED: McCabe Conquers Europe 15:10

5h 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

2h 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

6d 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

1h 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

6d 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

7d 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

2h 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

4d 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

5d 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

5d 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

14d 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

7d 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

10d 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

10d 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

12d 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

13d 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

14d 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

17d 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

17d 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

18d 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

19d 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

22d 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. …

51
Are Armagh taken seriously? | Dubs are ‘average’ | Clare go from lively to leggy | Pat Spillane, Dick Clerkin & Eddie Brennan 1:20:09

24d 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…

1
Kneecap, Louis Theroux and how the truth became Anti-Semitic 42:38

21d ago42:38

42:38

Micheál Martin has called on Kneecap ‘to urgently clarify’ their views on Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as killing Tory MPs. Why? How is society served by the Taoiseach involving himself in this confected outrage? On Free State today Joe and Dion look at the hysteria surrounding Kneecap since their Coachella appearance and their statements in suppor…

1
The Killing Fields: How the GAA survived the British murder machine... and flourished 55:00

24d ago55:00

55:00

"Each of the entries included in the book has the same ending.” Peadar Thompson wrote those haunting words in his introduction to Lost Gaels, the story of GAA members killed in Ireland during the Troubles. On Free State today Peadar Thompson is the guest and talks about his extraordinary book. It details, not just the horrific nature of how these G…

1
No Pope of Rome, no bilingual signs, no border poll. Pope Francis’s death and Micheál Martin’s impossible demand. 48:00

26d ago48:00

48:00

When Pope Francis’s death was announced by the Vatican this week, the world found the words to pay tribute. From Kings to Prime Ministers to Presidents, everyone reached for the most appropriate tribute. Even Donald Trump was looking forward to the funeral. But what does the reaction from unionist parties in the north tell us about the loyalist min…

1
Clare-Cork classic, Limerick battle Mother Nature, Galway's ailing conveyor belt | Eddie Brennan & Colm Keys 50:01

1M ago50:01

50:01

Eight-time All-Ireland winner Eddie Brennan & Indo Sport's GAA Correspondent Colm Keys are on hand to recap the weekend's hurling, as the Munster Championship again showcased it's propensity to somehow both overpromise and overdeliver. The lads also delve into what ails Galway, as Kilkenny continue to cement their status as top cats in Leinster. If…

1
Dark arts are back in Munster - the crème de la crème | John Mullane 50:11

28d ago50:11

50:11

John Mullane joins Michael Verney after a weekend that saw Munster deliver just about everything … apart from any winners. The lads break down Cork’s second-half collapse, Clare’s physicality … and why it’s always good to see a ‘bitta needle’. Our GAA Podcast coverage is with thanks to AIB See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Joe O’Connor to the rescue for Kerry | Memories of 'haymakers' | Pat Spillane & Dick Clerkin 41:29

1M ago41:29

41:29

Pat Spillane and Dick Clerkin join Michael Verney to review a weekend of football where Cork almost defeated Kerry … until Joe O’Connor came to the rescue. Meanwhile, what Monaghan’s second half against Donegal teaches us, Roscommon leaves a lot to be desired … and memories of haymakers on the field. Our GAA Podcast coverage is with thanks to AIB S…

1
High Noon: How one man retreated from the world and found his way back again 1:05:24

28d ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Eamonn Sweeney’s life changed on a June day in the year 2000. He was a sportswriter enjoying the traditional rhythm of the GAA summer as he arrived at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney. Suddenly he was hit by a bomb and couldn’t put one foot in front of the other. It was the beginning of a descent into isolation and fear. On Free State today, Eamonn …

1
This Machine Kills Fascists - Historian Padraig Óg Ó Ruairc on the return of the far right 1:21:28

1M ago1:21:28

1:21:28

The history of the far right in Ireland is long and dark. From the Blueshirts and Eoin O’Duffy to the Nazi collaborator Sean Russell and the return in modern times. On today’s Free State, historian Padraig Óg Ó Ruairc talks about his new book on the far right and how he entered into the world of conspiracy to learn more about the movement. He talks…

1
Hurling Preview | Part 2 | Where are Clare, weak Leinster, trouble for Davy? 42:01

1M ago42:01

42:01

In part 2 of our bumper hurling championship preview, Joe is joined in Langton's Hotel in Kilkenny by Michael Verney, John Mullane and Eddie Brennan to discuss Clare's All-Ireland credentials, the standard in Leinster and their favourite hurlers. Our GAA coverage on the Indo Sport podcast is brought to you by AIB. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr…

1
The Hurling Show goes to Kilkenny! — The Cork/Limerick rivalry & state of modern hurling 54:46

1M ago54:46

54:46

Joe made the journey to Langton's Hotel in Kilkenny to record our bumper hurling championship preview with Michael Verney, John Mullane & Eddie Brennan. In part one the lads discussed the Cork/Limerick rivalry, the state of modern hurling and the best post-training meals. Look out for part two will be in your feeds tomorrow. Our GAA coverage on the…

1
Arise Sir Rory and Joe Brolly says sorry 41:14

1M ago41:14

41:14

Are you still talking about Rory McIlroy? Joe has reflected on his comments on Tuesday’s episode and Dion believes his views have changed. Have they? Joe also looks at the uniformity of the celebration and what it tells us about society. Dion sees similarities with Italia 90 but Joe thinks there are echoes of Princess Diana’s death. They look at wh…

1
Dublin's flat attitude | High rocks and other fads | Pat Spillane & Dick Clerkin 47:40

1M ago47:40

47:40

Michael Verney is joined by Pat Spillane and Dick Clerkin for a preview of one of football's most exciting weekends, where Monaghan will bring their underdog status into their match-up with Donegal as Kerry prepare to face Cork. But the real high risk is on the high rocks ... and all the other sporting fads. Our GAA Podcast coverage is with thanks …

1
Rory McIlroy. Glory is forever, winning is closure. 45:10

1M ago45:10

45:10

Rory McIlrory ended his quest for the Masters on Sunday night. It was sporting drama which gripped the nation. Well, nearly all the nation. On Free State today Joe wonders if golf really can produce profound sporting drama given that it is ultimately a game of golf. Dion isn’t prepared to defend golf but argues that McIlroy transcends the game beca…

1
Edna O’Brien: The woman who defied a nation 42:07

1M ago42:07

42:07

Edna O’Brien’s early novels shocked Ireland which plotted its revenge. Her first novel The Country Girls was banned and she had to withstand the whispering of the establishment that she didn’t write her own novels. Her career would be a rebuttal to the cynics and the priests, but her life had its share of trauma and despair. In the 1970s she began …

1
iPhones, groceries & tinned cats. The truth about Trump’s tariffs. 44:08

1M ago44:08

44:08

When Donald Trump paused tariffs for 90 days after a week of chaos, once again the world tried to interpret his actions. When people tell you who they are believe them and Trump has told us plenty of times. These were not the actions of a man playing 4D chess but of an infant trying not to choke on the pieces. Trump is the idiot wind blowing throug…

1
Rory Gallagher initiates legal proceedings against GAA & Jarlath Burns — explainer 22:33

1M ago22:33

22:33

As exclusively revealed by the Irish Independent, Rory Gallagher has commenced legal proceedings against the GAA and its president Jarlath Burns. This follows Burns' intervention in the former Derry football manager's appointment as a coach to the Naas senior football team earlier this year. Gallagher is suing the Association for malicious falsehoo…

1
Cork have speed, skill, strength | Donegal’s goal problem | John Mullane, Pat Spillane & Dick Clerkin 1:00:30

1M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Michael Verney is joined by John Mullane after a hurling league final weekend that saw joy on the banks of the Lee, where Cork continue to build momentum. Meanwhile Pat Spillane and Dick Clerkin react to the first weekend of the football championship, where Donegal’s goal shyness raises some early concern, as Pat defends the talents of Aidan O’Shea…

1
Long Orgasms and Golden Years. The Secrets and Myths of Mick O’Dwyer 30:59

1M ago30:59

30:59

As the world sinks deeper into madness, Joe and Dion remember the time of wonder that was the Kerry team under Mick O’Dwyer. What was it that drove O’Dwyer on? Joe recalls his own encounters with Mick O’Dwyer. Dion tells of when his father lined up alongside O’Dwyer in a Kerry team in 1960. They look at what drove Mick O’Dwyer and that Kerry team t…

1
‘I betrayed women all over the place’. Author John Banville on hating the Catholic Church and his terror of eternity 1:02:03

2M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

“I thought I came here to talk about books.” John Banville is one of Ireland’s great writers. He won the Booker Prize for his novel The Sea and he has remained one of the foremost figures in Ireland since. John Banville will turn 80 this year. In an extraordinary interview on Free State today, he talks about life, death and why we live too long. He…

1
Mick O'Dwyer remembered — Pat Spillane & Martin Breheny pay tribute to a GAA giant 40:03

2M ago40:03

40:03

Kerry legend Pat Spillane shares his poignant memories of Mick O'Dwyer, the totemic Gaelic football manager and player, who passed away at the age of 88. Martin Breheny, who penned Micko's autobiography 'Blessed & Obsessed', also joins Joe in studio to delve into the life & times of an Irish sporting titan. If you'd like to get in touch with the sh…

1
Rebel With a Cause. How Martin Galvin galvanised Irish America 1:07:05

2M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

In 1984, the British government banned Martin Galvin from entering Northern Ireland. Galvin was a key figure in Noraid, the American organisation raising funds for Republican prisoners. In an explosive appearance on today’s Free State, Martin Galvin tells the story of his journey in the republican movement. Ahead of a brilliant new RTÉ documentary …

1
Pat Spillane & Philly McMahon — All-Ireland Football Championship Preview 🏐 1:12:22

2M ago1:12:22

1:12:22

With a shared 16 Celtic Crosses between them, serial All-Ireland winners Pat Spillane and Philly McMahon join Joe to preview the 2025 Senior Football Championship. The lads delve into which team is likely to best acclimate to the new rules, and why they don't necessarily agree on whether all of the FRC 'enhancements' will be a force for good. Also …

1
Championship begins - time for Derry to go all-in | Final the start of Tipperary’s gauntlet | Dick Clerkin & John Mullane 1:07:45

2M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

The football championship kicks off this weekend, and Dick Clerkin is on hand to deliver his predictions to Michael Verney. The balance of power between the Cliffords, whether Derry can unseat Donegal and who can stick out as All-Ireland favourites are all on the menu. Meanwhile, John Mullane is on hand to preview this weekend’s hurling finals, whe…

1
Exile On Main Street: Rosie Schaap the New Yorker who found happiness in an Antrim village 46:15

2M ago46:15

46:15

Rosie Schaap grew up leading the archetypal New Yorker lifestyle. Her mother was impossibly glamorous and her father was a sportswriter who befriended a young boxer on the way to the Rome Olympics and stayed friends with him all his life. That boxer was Muhammad Ali. Among Rosie’s most cherished possessions is a picture taken by the legendary photo…

1
Two fingers: Michael Lowry and the humiliation of Ireland 37:55

2M ago37:55

37:55

Michael Lowry giving Paul Murphy - and everybody else - the fingers has become the defining image of the controversy over speaking time in the Dail. Lowry said it was ‘an errant gesture under provocation’. It captured the headlines but it was meaningless. On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at the real power Michael Lowry now holds and what it m…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Joe Brolly Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen