Best Joe Brolly Podcasts (2025)

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

1h 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

3h 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
Football, Family and Most Of All, Kerry - The Marc Ó Sé Episode | The Square Ball S2 Ep6 1:28:04

20h ago1:28:04

1:28:04

Five All-Ireland medals, three National Leagues, ten Munster titles, three All-Stars and one Footballer of the Year award... Marc Ó Sé is a true legend of the game and we're delighted that he joined us on William Hill's The Square Ball this week. There was a lot to touch on in this interview ranging back to his early days with An Ghaeltacht and gro…

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

22h 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

1d 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

2d 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

4d 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

4d 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

7d 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
Football Championship: State of the Nation | The Square Ball S2 Ep5 1:07:00

8d ago1:07:00

1:07:00

In the latest episode of William Hill's The Square Ball, Dave McIntyre and Darran O'Sullivan discuss the the Footbal Championship, dark horses, storming favourites, rules changes and everything in between. Darran also discusses the epic game in Páirc Uí Chaoimh over the weekend and how he made a poor decision with his choice of seats.…

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

9d 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

10d 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

10d 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

11d 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

11d 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

14d 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

14d 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
Young Gun to Hurling Icon - The Eoin Kelly Episode | The Square Ball S2 Ep4 1:26:20

15d ago1:26:20

1:26:20

This week, William Hill's The Square Ball are delighted to have Tipperary great Eoin Kelly in studio. Two All-Irelands, five Munster titles, two National Leagues and six All-Stars, the Mullinahone man had a career most players could only dream of having. From playing u21 aged 14 to captaining Tipperary to All-Ireland success, sit back and enjoy The…

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

15d 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

16d 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

17d 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

18d 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

21d 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
An Incredible Conversation With Ciarán Whelan | The Square Ball S2Ep3 1:19:45

22d ago1:19:45

1:19:45

One of Dublin's most iconic players, Ciarán Whelan, is the guest this week on William Hill's The Square Ball. Looking back at a career of highs and near misses, Whelan shares his view of it all in a remarkably forthright interview with host Dave McIntyre and co-host Darran O'Sullivan. This is one all GAA fans will not want to miss. 00:00 - Introduc…

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

24d 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

23d 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

24d 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

25d 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

29d 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

28d 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
The Man, The Myth, The Legend - Tommy Walsh | The Square Ball S2Ep2 1:18:28

29d ago1:18:28

1:18:28

Kilkenny great Tommy Walsh is the star in the chair on The Square Ball, powered by William Hill, this week. Listening to Dave rattling off his accomplishments at the start of the interview is a firm reminder that Tommy Walsh is hurling royalty. This is The Man, The Myth, The Legend - Tommy Walsh on The Square Ball, powered by William Hill. Don't fo…

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

29d 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

30d 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

1M 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

1M 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
A Warrior, a Gentleman, and a Kildare Legend – The Johnny Doyle Story | The Square Ball S2 Ep1 1:18:13

1M ago1:18:13

1:18:13

It's Season 2 of The Square Ball, powered by William Hill, and this season is going to be bigger than ever with 20 episodes coming your way over the coming months. Our first guest is none other than Kildare legend Johnny Doyle who joined Dave McIntyre and Conor McManus to chat about his lengthy career spanning from 1995 all the way up until 2024. A…

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

1M 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…

1
Donegal’s targets, Dublin’s re-build, Armagh’s pace — what the league has taught us about the race for Sam 🏐 46:41

1M ago46:41

46:41

Conor McKeon is joined by fellow Irish Independent GAA scribes Colm Keys and Donnchadh Boyle to run the rule over the league campaign, where we learned a lot about the seven teams who are still firmly in the All-Ireland race as the competition at the top is tightening. Also on the menu is Mickey Harte’s impact in Offaly, and the gap between the qua…

1
Cork’s appetite and Tipp’s strength | The craic of the ash in training camps | John Mullane & Eddie Brennan 1:04:00

1M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Michael Verney, John Mullane and Eddie Brennan have the band back together for this week’s Indo GAA hurling review. First, Fermanagh manager Joe Baldwin joins the show to update us on the situation facing his side, who as of Tuesday morning still had not received details of their league final which is set to take place this weekend. The three amigo…

1
Remembering Giants: George Foreman and Muhammad Ali 43:23

1M ago43:23

43:23

George Foreman’s death robbed the world of one of the great sporting figures. It was also a reminder of a time when boxing ruled the world. On Free State today, Joe and Dion look back on the time when Muhammad Ali and Foreman were kings. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Fr…

1
The Truth About Stakeknife: Legendary journalist Martin Dillon on the real stories of the Troubles 1:08:00

1M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Martin Dillon knew Rosemary Nelson. He says he has only met a few people like her in his life. He describes her as someone with "overarching respect for human life". Nelson was a solicitor and in March 1999, she was blown up when a car bomb exploded as she drove to work. On Free State today, the legendary journalist Martin Dillon joins us to talk a…

1
Does anyone want to play in the league final?! | Dublin's new era | Philly McMahon in studio 🏐 41:30

1M ago41:30

41:30

Eight-time All-Ireland champion Philly McMahon joins Will to assess the state of play in the National Football League, as the FRC's new rules continue to take effect, and the top sides jostle for position to make [and avoid] the Division 1 final If you'd like to get in touch with the show, email us at [email protected] ✉️ You can subs…

1
The Battle for Adolescence: How Conor McGregor and Andrew Tate Are Shaping a Generation 40:45

1M ago40:45

40:45

The former England football manager Gareth Southgate warned this week that “callous, manipulative and toxic influencers” are having a dangerous effect on the lives of young men. The Netflix drama series Adolescence has captured the public’s imagination because of what it says about the dangers of social media and the corrupting influence of certain…

1
Stephen Cluxton back in vogue | Only fools write off Kilkenny | Dick Clerkin & John Mullane 1:18:46

2M ago1:18:46

1:18:46

Michael Verney is back from Cheltenham (as is Dick Clerkin) to break down the final football weekend of the league season, with jeopardy for table-toppers and in Divisions 2 and 3. Meanwhile, John Mullane joins to analyse Kilkenny's resilience, and remind us how lucky we are to have TG4. (00:00) Football (44:00) Hurling See omnystudio.com/listener …

1
Conor McGregor and The Burkes: Coming To America (Be Very Afraid) 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

Conor McGregor’s appearance in the White House for St Patrick’s Day was another insight into Trumpworld. McGregor was claiming to speak for Ireland while the Burkes went to Washington but were left to shout and roar outside. McGregor may seem to have no chance of running for president but Ireland would need to take heed of the forces that have brou…

1
Life and Death in the Ring. With legendary boxing writer Donald McRae 57:10

2M ago57:10

57:10

When Donald McRae was a young sportswriter, Hugh McIlvanney told him one night at a bar in Las Vegas that as he made a life covering boxing, “ambivalence will be your constant companion”. McRae found the romantic in boxing and particularly in boxers. He was drawn to fighters and trainers rather than promoters and advisers. His gifts as an interview…

1
When Trumpish Eyes are smiling. Micheal Martin goes to the White House. 53:45

2M ago53:45

53:45

Micheál Martin walked out of the Oval Office feeling triumphant. He had left the lion’s den - or the bully’s lair - without humiliation. Donald Trump demands craven obedience and while history might look differently on those who humoured him, the Taoiseach wasn’t thinking about history. On Free State today, Dion and Joe ask if Micheál Martin had an…

1
Eight reds dished out | Tipperary are purring as Cork send a message — Hurling w/ Eddie Brennan & Colm Keys 55:06

2M ago55:06

55:06

Eddie Brennan and Colm Keys join Conán Doherty for the Kilkenny post-mortem and a look at EIGHT red cards from three games this weekend. Cork steamroll Clare in their backyard, but 1998 should be a warning. And Down barge their way back into Division 1 hurling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The trouble with Simon & Micheal. The end of Irish neutrality, the RTÉ/FF/FG pact and standing with Israel. 45:58

2M ago45:58

45:58

The Irish establishment is softening people up to sacrifice the country’s neutrality. But why? On Free State today, Joe and Dion look at how countries throughout history have been organised to prepare for war. They trade on anxiety and fear to push towards increased militarisation. Joe looks at Simon Harris’s recent interview with RTÉ about Israel …

1
Colum McCann on Trump, Gaza and the secrets at the bottom of the ocean 54:27

2M ago54:27

54:27

Colum McCann won’t look back. His life as a writer has always drawn him to the edge. In an exhilarating conversation on Free State today, McCann talks about what is needed to change the world at this time of peril. He speaks about his new novel Twist and how the connected world we take for granted exists precariously in the darkness of the ocean. T…

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