TG4 is proud to present GAA 70’s – Réabhlóid Shóisialta (GAA 70’s – A Social Revolution), a brand-new, celebratory, bilingual, feature-length documentary that captures one of the most defining eras in Gaelic Games and Irish society. Produced by Bankos Tales for TG4 with the support of Coimisiún na Meán, the film is shot in stunning 4K and offers unprecedented access to the legendary figures who shaped a golden decade of Gaelic Football.
In this cinematic and emotionally rich documentary, some of the greatest players from Dublin, Galway and Kerry reunite in their county colours to reflect on their friendships, rivalries, and the journey to Croke Park. The programme weaves a continuous narrative shaped by intimate interviews, rare archive footage, re-enactments, and unforgettable match moments.
It also unearths hidden stories in locations including Galway Golf Course with the Dubs and the Tribesmen close to the banks of the picturesque Galway Bay; and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, where iconic figures from the Kingdom and the Capital reflect on an era that shaped the modern GAA
Tommy Joe Gilmore (Galway): “The appointment of Kevin Heffernan was a major, major coup.”
Johnny Hughes (Galway): “We foolishly fell into the trap; it was naivety on our part.”
Pat Spillane (Kerry): “Micko came on board, we hopped on this magic carpet, and he took us on the most magical ride.”
The documentary contextualises the evolution of Gaelic Football within the broader social changes of 1970s Ireland. With unique insight, contributors recall how the sport, and the country, entered a period of profound cultural and social transformation.
Mickey Ned O’Sullivan (Kerry captain, 1975): “1974 changed everything.”
Martin ‘Major’ Joyce (St Christopher Gaels GFC): “It was all down to Kevin Heffernan, he gave an awful lot of inspiration not just to traveller people but settled people.”
Roy Curtis (journalist): “It wasn’t just a cultural revolution; it was a sociological revolution.”
The film revisits historic locations, including Croke Park, Parnell Park, Scoil Mhuire Marino, and Ballinteer St John’s GFC, one of many clubs born from the sporting renaissance of the 70s.
During the 1974 anniversary celebrations, an extraordinary coincidence unfolded: Dublin were drawn to play Galway in the 2024 Championship quarter-final. As both teams watched the game together, the Tribesmen celebrated a breakthrough moment 90 years in the making.
David Hickey (Dublin): “That Galway team of the 70’s was probably the greatest team never to win an All-Ireland.”
Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry): “There was ‘Heffo’ raising the bar and Kerry responding.”
Jimmy Barry Murphy (Cork): “It developed into one of the greatest Irish sporting rivalries of all time.”
The documentary culminates with the electrifying Dublin–Kerry rivalry that became “box office,” celebrating its golden jubilee while honouring the memory of fallen comrades.
Kevin Moran (Dublin & Irish soccer international): “Believe me there was no love lost on the pitch… we’d go through each other.”
Jarlath Burns (President of the GAA): “As a wee boy in South Armagh, it was your rivalry that defined my childhood.”
GAA 70’s – Réabhlóid Shóisialta is a documentary for everyone, those who lived through the decade and those discovering its history for the first time. It reflects on the origins of modern Gaelic Games, establishing new approaches, the social bonds formed through football, and the legacies that continue to inspire new generations.
Alan Milton (GAA): “I think that era gave the association the confidence and self-assurance to try new things and to progress in ways that might never have happened without that era.”
The film also shines a light on the landmark inaugural Ladies All-Ireland Final in 1974, offering essential context to the evolution of women’s sport in Ireland.
Paul Rouse (historian): “Man walked on the moon before women could play football in Croke Park.”
The documentary features an extensive cast of legendary players and influential figures, including:
Dublin: Tony Hanahoe, Robbie Kelleher, Bobby Doyle, Gay O’Driscoll, Alan Larkin
Galway: Colie McDonagh, Brendan Colleran, Liam Sammon, Jimmie Duggan
Kerry: Ogie Moran, Mickey Sheehy, Ger Power, Seánie O’Shea (modern-day Kerry player)
Cork: Jimmy Barry Murphy
The film also includes the last recorded interview with Seán Doherty and previously unseen footage featuring Brian Mullins.
