Episode 3

Identity and belonging are fundamental to the appeal of Gaelic football, and this episode dives into the game’s profound connection to people and place.

In Ulster, the game is deeply intertwined with identity and tribalism. Of all the provincial climaxes, the Ulster final is the most fiercely contested; tougher and hugely physical, it both divides and unifies. But no matter which county emerges victorious from Ulster, the other eight counties rally behind them. This is perhaps a legacy of the Troubles on the game, the distraction it provided, and the direction it fostered.

Among the vast bogs of the Irish midlands, industrial peat harvesting suddenly became crucial in bringing All-Ireland victory to the tiny county of Offaly, famously denying Kerry an unprecedented five in a row with perhaps the most memorable goal of the century.

Meanwhile, Meath drew inspiration from its mythic past to finally overcome Dublin, aided by Seán Boylan’s legendary potions and lotions. Foreign money brought employment to Connacht, helping Galway’s players to stay at home and flourish.

And we meet the football evangelists. Mick O’Dwyer commits near heresy by coaching Kildare to beat his home county of Kerry - to the utter consternation of all in the Kingdom – and reach the 1998 All-Ireland final. But it's another wandering prophet, John O’Mahony from Mayo, that leads rival county Galway to All-Ireland glory.