The GAA Social

BBC Radio Ulster

The GAA Social brings to life stories from Gaelic Games. It features pundit discussions and wide-ranging interviews with the sport’s players, managers and officials.

Categories: Sports & Recreation

Listen to the last episode:

This podcast is among the most powerful the GAA Social has ever recorded. We accept that's a big statement. you can judge for yourself. Liam Hinphey played for Ulster and Derry in Hurling. He played football for his county and was the key player when Derry beat All-Ireland champions Tyrone in Omagh in 2006. He marked Sean Cavanagh that day, got the better of him too. So the focus of this podcast, was supposed to be the upcoming Ulster semi-final between Derry and Tyrone. Jim McGuinness had other ideas.

We ploughed on regardless and what a story. Liam has a young son, also called Liam. He has Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. It can be fatal. It's a constant challenge for Liam and his wife Clare. Liam also lost his father this year- an icon of Derry, Dungiven and Kilkenny hurling. He's also called Liam, apparently William III. A fine man. We explore grief, being better and challenging yourself. Don't be fooled, there are outrageous moments of laughter in this podcast, smiles, digs with nothing off limits.

It's an inspiring story of life, survival and being the best version of yourself. Being better. This is Liam Hinphey, approaching 40 and one of the best people you could meet. A great daddy