New Documentary series Hell for Leather – The Story of Gaelic Football airs on RTÉ this June
RTÉ and Crossing the Line Productions today announce details of Hell for Leather – The Story of Gaelic Football– a brand-new 5-part series, delving into the role of Gaelic Football in the sporting, cultural and social history of modern Ireland, starting on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player Monday on 9 June.
Over 5 years in the making, the series is the first major television history of the game exploring the evolution of Gaelic football from its inception to the modern day, and the incalculable contribution which the sport has made to Irish life.
Filmed in cinema-quality 4K, the series also features the final television interviews conducted with GAA icons Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Kerry’s Seán Murphy and Mick O’Dwyer, Dublin’s Jimmy Gray and Mayo’s John O’Mahony.
Chronicling how the game has changed through more than a century of rebellion and revolution, bitter rivalries, triumphs, upsets and comebacks, the series is both a celebration and exploration of a unique arm of Irish life. Its powerful story is told through the testimonies of players, managers and expert commentators, captivating archive and stunning visuals.
Hell for Leather – The Story of Gaelic Football tells the story of a game born out of necessity, dreamt up by a nation in search of a social identity and an indigenous sport that could challenge the pre-eminence of foreign games. The game later took root in the northern counties and became a truly all-island proposition – a game of and for the Irish people. A sport with a presence in just about every village in Ireland, Gaelic football has a hugely important legacy – this is the story of that legacy.
The entire series consists of over 80 interviews conducted with, among others, Michael Murphy, David Clifford, Jack McCaffery, Juliet Murphy, Shane Walsh, Brian Fenton, Mick O’Connell, Cora Staunton, Joe Brolly, Tony Hanahoe, Colm Cooper and Briege Corkery. It also features contributions from managers past and present – Jim McGuinness, Padraic Joyce, Seán Boylan and Kevin McStay.
Produced by Crossing the Line Productions, the series was commissioned by RTÉ’s Head of Specialist Factual Content, Colm O’Callaghan and produced in partnership with Coimisiún na Meán and made with the support of incentives for filmmaking provided by the Government of Ireland and the generous sponsorship of Collen.
Series overview:
Episode One –The Renaissance
Brian Fenton fights back tears as he details his love of the game, while David Clifford’s magical feet are revealed in slow motion and Shane Walsh kicks the paint off the gable wall at his family home. Episode One of Hell for Leather takes us from these modern magicians on a journey back in time, to the rough and tumble origins of Gaelic Football. Through rebellion and civil war, it exploded like a prairie fire to become the most played game in Ireland.
Episode 2 –Reformation
As Cork’s Juliet Murphy and Dara Ó Cinnéide of Kerry describe the primal lure of a leather ball, Episode Two takes off through the halcyon days of radio, when Michael O’Hehir visualised scores and score-settling for those gathered around the wireless. A controversial overseas odyssey saw the All-Ireland final travel to New York while, back in Ireland, new visions from Northern Ireland sweep away the southern order and bring the Sam Maguire across the border for the very first time.
Episode 3 –Age of Empires
A phantom of Valentia Island, “The Fetch” would row ashore, dominate All Irelands and be on his currach home almost before the crowds had left Croke Park. The legend that is Mick O’Connell is alive and kicking and, in this episode, expounds on his own legacy and the future of Gaelic football. Women moved to the frontline in the 1970s and a pioneering nun, Sister Pauline Gibbons, helped to drive the charge that opened the gates for stars like Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Juliet Murphy & Noelle Healy. Another crafty Kerryman, Mick O’Dwyer, was meanwhile sharpening the tools that would lead his county to unprecedented success while the sleeping giants of Mayo finally reemerged on the national scene.
Episode 4 –True Leaders
Cora Staunton, Jim McGuinness and Jack McCaffrey reveal the deep, personal sparks that ignited their passion for the game. Doing it for the community – and with the support of numerous mentors – it was the parish that first roared them all on. For many in the south, Gaelic Football was just a game but in Northern Ireland it went further, deeply enmeshed in identity and tribalism. This episode travels across the border to hear how the game and its players fared through a century of strife.
Episode 5 –The Days of Our Lives
Some players are destined to be great. Eoin Liston, David Clifford & Shane Walsh reveal the pleasures and pain of success. But where does the magic come from? Kieran Donaghy believes in flow – time standing still – and after missing a career-defining penalty, Oisín McConville recovers his mojo to help Armagh win a first ever All-Ireland. Juliet Murphy believes teamwork triumphed for Cork’s legendary women, who won 11 championships in 12 years. Tyrone required a talisman in Peter Canavan, while Meath massaged their power game with Seán Boylan’s magic potions
Hell for Leather – The Story of Gaelic Football begins on RTÉ One | RTÉ Player, Monday 9 June 9.35pm
Hell for Leather – The Story of Gaelic Football is made with the support of Collen.
-ENDS-
Date: 27 May 2025
For more information: Jennifer O’Brien, RTÉ Communications, Jennifer.OBrien@Rte.ie | 087 4019161