Tipperary Hurling legend Pádraic Maher headlines new Laochra Gael series on TG4
The 23rd season of Laochra Gael opens with Pádraic Maher, one of Tipperary's greatest ever hurlers and one of the most dominant centre-backs of the game.
Born into the Maher dynasty - steeped in Hurling both with Thurles Sarsfields and Tipperary - Pádraic is remembered as a force in the GAA generation that raised the bar. His presence, leadership & strength on the field made him destined for greatness. Hurling was his whole identity; it consumed him, and other aspects of life suffered because of his dedication. Until it came to a dramatic close. Due to a neck injury, Pádraic was forced to retire from the game he loved, and he found it difficult to come to terms with.
Director: Sarah McCoy
Participants: Pádraic Maher, Brendan Maher, Ronan Maher, Michael Fennelly, Vincent Hogan, Seamus Kennedy, Donal O’Grady, Paul Rouse, Ken McGrath, Seamus Callanan, Helen Maher, Claire Gaynor
Laochra Gael Season Highlights
Along with Pádraic Maher this new season’s batch of GAA legends also includes:
•Marc Ó Sé: One of the Kingdom’s most reliable defenders, known for his ability to choose opportune moments to score morale-boosting points.
•Ursula Jacob: A four-time All-Ireland champion with Wexford and a four-time All-Star. Her tactical thinking and formidable scoring prowess make her one of camogie’s greats.
•Ronan Clarke: At just 19 years of age, he helped Armagh achieve All-Ireland success in his first season with the county panel and was named Young Player of the Year.
•Michael Bond: Led Offaly to All-Ireland glory during a challenging championship. His leadership and humility has left a lasting impact on Offaly hurling.
•Bríd Stack: A key figure in Cork ladies’ football during their dominant run in the 2000s, amassing an incredible 11 All-Ireland medals.
•Ben and Jerry O’Connors: Their intertwined lives on and off the field have been an integral part of GAA history for over 45 years.
•For the Series Finale of Laochra Gael comes the story of Eamon McGee, one of the country’s top defenders. However, life has not always been straightforward for Eamon, as he faced many personal battles that added complexity both on and off the field.
Broadcast details
The new Laochra Gael season will air on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting January 23rd
Ahead of the new Laochra Gael Series Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: “I warmly welcome the announcement of yet another series of Laochra Gael showcasing as it does some of the greatest players from the wider Gaelic games family.
“TG4 and Nemeton’s support of our games has been one of the hallmarks of its success story and it is something we value highly.“Away from their innovative live match day coverage, Laochra Gael adds greatly to their oDering promoting both the language and our games and all through the prism of great scéalta and great storytelling. The celebration of a 23rd series speaks for itself in terms of longevity, and I look forward to seeing the latest hour-long offerings. Well done to all involved in this latest project.”
The series is produced by NemetonTV, the independent production company from An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht which has produced much of TG4’s acclaimed sports coverage. The new Laochra Gael season will air on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting January 25th.
Laochra Gael Series 23 Episode Guide:
•Programme 1: Pádraic Maher - 9.30pm, Thursday 23rd January
•Programme 2: Marc Ó Sé - 9.30pm, Thursday 30th January
•Programme 3: Ursula Jacob - 9.30pm, Thursday 6th February
•Programme 4: Ronan Clarke - 9.30pm, Thursday 13th February
•Programme 5: Michael Bond - 9.30pm, Thursday 20th February
•Programme 6: Bríd Stack - 9.30pm, Thursday 27th February
•Programme 7: Ben & Jerry O’Connor - 9.30pm, Thursday 6th March
•Programme 8: Eamon McGee - 9.30pm, Thursday 13th March