Joe Brolly

[ulstergael]

Have to say I enjoy the pod - funny enough I agree with Joe on almost everything except when he starts talking about GAA itself.

His views on the genocide in Gaza, western 'democracy', British & Irish politics and the troubles are almost always bang on the money, well researched and I enjoy the dialogue except when Joe enters barrister-mode - not letting Dion finish his sentence.

Conversely, once he starts talking about the problem with outside managers in the GAA, or pining for a version of gaelic football long-gone, I begin to tune out.

On a recent episode, Joe and Dion spoke about an article which focused on the growing disconnect between club members/ players and the intercounty game - does anyone have a link to this?

[joemamas]

There mustn't be a man in Ireland whose brother, uncle or da Brolly hasn't played in a team with.

He does love Gilroy and MDMA, but there aren't many episodes where he doesn't go on about Seamus Heaney or try to recite poetry while breaking down.

Bingo, name dropper supreme.
that is why I ignore him.

[Main Street]

Have to say I enjoy the pod - funny enough I agree with Joe on almost everything except when he starts talking about GAA itself.

His views on the genocide in Gaza, western 'democracy', British & Irish politics and the troubles are almost always bang on the money, well researched and I enjoy the dialogue except when Joe enters barrister-mode - not letting Dion finish his sentence.

Conversely, once he starts talking about the problem with outside managers in the GAA, or pining for a version of gaelic football long-gone, I begin to tune out.

On a recent episode, Joe and Dion spoke about an article which focused on the growing disconnect between club members/ players and the intercounty game - does anyone have a link to this?

Not just not let Dion finish his sentence but that Joe cannot restrain himself,that he craves to be regarded as the beholder of the higher moral, to be regarded as the more intelligent and ultimately hold the truer perspective on whatever item up for discussion.

[SouthOfThe Bann]

Have to say I enjoy the pod - funny enough I agree with Joe on almost everything except when he starts talking about GAA itself.

His views on the genocide in Gaza, western 'democracy', British & Irish politics and the troubles are almost always bang on the money, well researched and I enjoy the dialogue except when Joe enters barrister-mode - not letting Dion finish his sentence.

Conversely, once he starts talking about the problem with outside managers in the GAA, or pining for a version of gaelic football long-gone, I begin to tune out.

On a recent episode, Joe and Dion spoke about an article which focused on the growing disconnect between club members/ players and the intercounty game - does anyone have a link to this?

Not just not let Dion finish his sentence but that Joe cannot restrain himself,that he craves to be regarded as the beholder of the higher moral, to be regarded as the more intelligent and ultimately hold the truer perspective on whatever item up for discussion.

Aye and Dion is actually a very interesting guy to listen to.

The man has great patience how he doesn't lose the plot with Joe

[Truthsayer]

Brolly's analysis of Israeli genocide, and the part played by the media and British & US authorities, is second to none. The legal breakdown of the case against Kneecap is hugely informative and he certainly does his homework.
Brilliant podcast albeit is all very sinister what's going on.
https://open.spotify.com/show/0D7EXr3ekAwJEaTUAofbPU

[bannside]

I enjoy Free State, mostly a good mix of subjects, and agree, on the subject of Israels attempted genocide is up there with the very best content. Joe an acquired taste, but can usually be depended on to anything between educational, informative, amusing, frustrating and brilliant. I rarely miss it.

[Jayop]

Have to say I enjoy the pod - funny enough I agree with Joe on almost everything except when he starts talking about GAA itself.

His views on the genocide in Gaza, western 'democracy', British & Irish politics and the troubles are almost always bang on the money, well researched and I enjoy the dialogue except when Joe enters barrister-mode - not letting Dion finish his sentence.

Conversely, once he starts talking about the problem with outside managers in the GAA, or pining for a version of gaelic football long-gone, I begin to tune out.

On a recent episode, Joe and Dion spoke about an article which focused on the growing disconnect between club members/ players and the intercounty game - does anyone have a link to this?

Bang on!

[ck]

Have to say I enjoy the pod - funny enough I agree with Joe on almost everything except when he starts talking about GAA itself.

His views on the genocide in Gaza, western 'democracy', British & Irish politics and the troubles are almost always bang on the money, well researched and I enjoy the dialogue except when Joe enters barrister-mode - not letting Dion finish his sentence.

Conversely, once he starts talking about the problem with outside managers in the GAA, or pining for a version of gaelic football long-gone, I begin to tune out.

On a recent episode, Joe and Dion spoke about an article which focused on the growing disconnect between club members/ players and the intercounty game - does anyone have a link to this?

Agree 100% with this.
His political contributions are insightful, articulate and educational.
His GAA contributions are egotistical, ideological and usually a pack of lies. Very hard to listen to.

[Truthsayer]

Just gave up on latest Freestate podcast as Brolly and Fanning spend most of it shouting across each other. Dreadful. Am usually very defensive of Brolly and the podcasts but it is unbearable. Could have been a good one analysing the Adams v BBC case. Fanning is definitely 'freestater' by the way... but both to blame on this one.

[tiempo]

Joe the enigma is very listenable but also unlistenable at times, not listened in months, Adams v BBC would have made for a great listen but if it as bad as you say I'm likely to give it a swerve, shame really as a bit of self awareness and they'd have a cracking podcast more consistently

[seanaglis]

Just gave up on latest Freestate podcast as Brolly and Fanning spend most of it shouting across each other. Dreadful. Am usually very defensive of Brolly and the podcasts but it is unbearable. Could have been a good one analysing the Adams v BBC case. Fanning is definitely 'freestater' by the way... but both to blame on this one.

I enjoyed this one.

I would be more on Joe's side with this one than Dions. Pretty much agreed with everything joe said.

The most thought provoking bit for me was when joe asked the question if you could imagine someone with a dissident republican background becoming head of bbc ni (comparing that scenario to Adam smyths background). When you thing about that, it is mad the double standard!

[Truthsayer]

Just gave up on latest Freestate podcast as Brolly and Fanning spend most of it shouting across each other. Dreadful. Am usually very defensive of Brolly and the podcasts but it is unbearable. Could have been a good one analysing the Adams v BBC case. Fanning is definitely 'freestater' by the way... but both to blame on this one.

I enjoyed this one.

I would be more on Joe's side with this one than Dions. Pretty much agreed with everything joe said.

The most thought provoking bit for me was when joe asked the question if you could imagine someone with a dissident republican background becoming head of bbc ni (comparing that scenario to Adam smyths background). When you thing about that, it is mad the double standard!

I'll return and finish it out. Did you not think there was far too much shouting across each other? Pitiful.
Aye Joe's correct. Dion is very irritating his FG views...

[seanaglis]

Just gave up on latest Freestate podcast as Brolly and Fanning spend most of it shouting across each other. Dreadful. Am usually very defensive of Brolly and the podcasts but it is unbearable. Could have been a good one analysing the Adams v BBC case. Fanning is definitely 'freestater' by the way... but both to blame on this one.

I enjoyed this one.

I would be more on Joe's side with this one than Dions. Pretty much agreed with everything joe said.

The most thought provoking bit for me was when joe asked the question if you could imagine someone with a dissident republican background becoming head of bbc ni (comparing that scenario to Adam smyths background). When you thing about that, it is mad the double standard!

I'll return and finish it out. Did you not think there was far too much shouting across each other? Pitiful.
Aye Joe's correct. Dion is very irritating his FG views...

There was plenty of shouting across each other, yes.

But joe was dead right to shout across dion, because he was talking shite (and I say that as someone who likes dion).

They have very different outlooks on the political situation in the North, but I think that makes the show all the more interesting. If you just listened to the one point of view, you would be a poorer person for it!

[Truthsayer]

Just gave up on latest Freestate podcast as Brolly and Fanning spend most of it shouting across each other. Dreadful. Am usually very defensive of Brolly and the podcasts but it is unbearable. Could have been a good one analysing the Adams v BBC case. Fanning is definitely 'freestater' by the way... but both to blame on this one.

I enjoyed this one.

I would be more on Joe's side with this one than Dions. Pretty much agreed with everything joe said.

The most thought provoking bit for me was when joe asked the question if you could imagine someone with a dissident republican background becoming head of bbc ni (comparing that scenario to Adam smyths background). When you thing about that, it is mad the double standard!

I'll return and finish it out. Did you not think there was far too much shouting across each other? Pitiful.
Aye Joe's correct. Dion is very irritating his FG views...

There was plenty of shouting across each other, yes.

But joe was dead right to shout across dion, because he was talking shite (and I say that as someone who likes dion).

They have very different outlooks on the political situation in the North, but I think that makes the show all the more interesting. If you just listened to the one point of view, you would be a poorer person for it!

I can listen to both views albeit Dions are hugely irritating... but not at the same time. When Dion starts waffling Joe needs to stop shouting over him and let him finish.

[ulstergael]

I think yesterday's chaotic dialogue can be more blamed on Dion's constant quest for 'balance' and dislike for SF/Gerry Adams than Joe wanting the last word, as it often is.

I like Dion and think he's an interesting guy, but his constant balancing of everything is enraging - not every discussion needs this. Joe recently called him out on this during a discussion the Gaza genocide, where I think he started talking about Hamas' role in it all. Everyone condemns the 7 Oct attack, there's no need to bring it up for balance when condemning Israel's genocide of Gaza.

Dion also needs to be more concise, he often rambles when making his point.

Yesterday, Joe spoke about the underlying sectarianism within BBC, giving examples.. Dion's response 'they've also done lots of good journalism over the years' as a caveat to Joe's point...

And I was glad to see this doing the rounds on social media after, where his distain for SF/ Gerry Adams shone through...

https://x.com/freestateirl/status/1930720327220564139