Hell for Leather: RTÉ’s landmark documentary series chronicles the heart & history of Gaelic football

A new five-part documentary series, Hell for Leather – The Story of Gaelic Football, is set to captivate audiences with an in-depth exploration of one of Ireland’s most cherished sports.

Produced by Crossing the Line Productions, the series premieres on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Monday, 9 June 2025, at 9:35pm.

Filmed in stunning 4K, this ambitious project, five years in the making, offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of Gaelic football and its profound impact on Ireland’s sporting, cultural, and social landscape.

The series, commissioned by RTÉ’s Head of Specialist Factual Content, Colm O’Callaghan, and supported by Coimisiún na Meán and incentives from the Government of Ireland, alongside sponsorship from Collen Construction, is the first major television history of Gaelic football.

It traces the sport’s journey from its rough-and-tumble origins to its modern-day prominence, celebrating its role as a cornerstone of Irish identity.

A Game Woven into Ireland’s Fabric

Gaelic football, a sport born out of a nation’s desire for a distinct social identity, has grown into a cultural phenomenon that resonates in every corner of Ireland.

“Hell for Leather 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 producers explain.

From its early days amidst rebellion and civil war to its establishment as an all-island passion, the series captures how Gaelic football became “a game of and for the Irish people.”

Featuring over 80 interviews with players, managers, and commentators, the series brings together voices from across the sport’s history.

Notable contributors include GAA icons like Michael Murphy, David Clifford, Jack McCaffrey, Juliet Murphy, Shane Walsh, Brian Fenton, Mick O’Connell, Cora Staunton, Joe Brolly, Tony Hanahoe, Colm Cooper, and Briege Corkery.

The documentary also includes poignant final interviews with legends such as Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Seán Murphy, Mick O’Dwyer, Jimmy Gray, and John O’Mahony, adding a layer of historical gravitas.

A Journey Through Time: Episode Breakdown

Each episode of Hell for Leather delves into a distinct era of Gaelic football, blending archival footage, expert commentary, and breathtaking visuals to tell a compelling story.

• Episode One: The Renaissance

The series opens with modern stars like Brian Fenton, who “fights back tears as he details his love of the game,” alongside David Clifford’s mesmerizing footwork and Shane Walsh’s vivid childhood memories of kicking a ball against a gable wall.

This episode traces the sport’s origins, highlighting how it “exploded like a prairie fire” to become Ireland’s most played game during times of rebellion and civil war.

• Episode Two: Reformation

Cork’s Juliet Murphy and Kerry’s Dara Ó Cinnéide describe “the primal lure of a leather ball” as the series explores the radio era, when commentator Michael O’Hehir brought the game to life for listeners.

The episode also covers a controversial All-Ireland final in New York and the rise of Northern Ireland teams, marking the first time the Sam Maguire trophy crossed the border.

• Episode Three: Age of Empires

This episode celebrates Kerry legend Mick O’Connell, known as “The Fetch,” who “would row ashore, dominate All Irelands and be on his currach home almost before the crowds had left Croke Park.”

It also highlights the emergence of women’s Gaelic football in the 1970s, driven by pioneers like Sister Pauline Gibbons, and the dominance of Kerry under manager Mick O’Dwyer, alongside Mayo’s resurgence.

• Episode Four: True Leaders

Stars like Cora Staunton, Jim McGuinness, and Jack McCaffrey reveal the personal and community-driven passions behind their careers, noting how “the parish first roared them all on.”

The episode examines Gaelic football’s deeper significance in Northern Ireland, where it became “deeply enmeshed in identity and tribalism” amidst a century of strife.

• Episode Five: The Days of Our Lives

The final episode reflects on greatness, with players like Eoin Liston, David Clifford, and Shane Walsh sharing “the pleasures and pain of success.”

It explores defining moments, such as Oisín McConville’s recovery from a missed penalty to help Armagh secure their first All-Ireland, and Cork’s women’s team, led by Juliet Murphy, who believes “teamwork triumphed” to win 11 championships in 12 years.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Hell for Leather is more than a sports documentary; it’s a tribute to a game that has shaped Ireland’s cultural and social history. From village pitches to Croke Park, Gaelic football has fostered community spirit, resilience, and pride.

The series also underscores the sport’s inclusivity, showcasing the rise of women’s Gaelic football and the contributions of players and managers from both sides of the border.

With its rich storytelling and cinematic quality, Hell for Leather promises to resonate with both GAA enthusiasts and those new to the sport.

As RTÉ and Crossing the Line Productions bring this landmark series to screens, it offers a timely reflection on a game that continues to unite and inspire.

Tune in to Hell for Leather – The Story of Gaelic Football on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, starting Monday, 9 June 2025, at 9:35pm, for a journey through the heart of Ireland’s sporting soul.