'Laochra Gael' series returns with Tipperary hurler Pádraic Maher

'Laochra Gael', the GAA sports series returns to TG4 for a 23rd series tonight (Thursday) at 9.30pm. The series' hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to the screen. The series features eight Laochra with genuine star quality and reveals deeper, fresh and sometimes unexpected insights into the lives of these icons. While their sporting careers continue to provide the backdrop to the story, the series travels well beyond the four white lines. Gripping personal storylines will compel viewers to travel towards territory unique to the GAA television landscape.

The series 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, he is remembered as a force in the GAA generation that raised the bar. His presence, leadership and strength on the field meant he was always destined for greatness. Hurling was his whole identity, it consumed him, things suffered because of hurling, he knew nothing else. 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.

Programme two features Marc Ó Sé, stalwart Kerry defender and five-time All-Ireland winner. He grew up at a time when Kerry football reigned supreme. And one of the heroes of that team was his next-door neighbour, his uncle Paidí. It was an upbringing steeped in Kerry football, and with his brothers playing on the county team, the desire to follow them grew. Marc Ó Sé was a firm favourite with the Kingdom supporters and in typical Ó Sé tradition he was seen at his best when the chips were down rallying his teammates with some sterling defensive plays and very often choosing the opportune time to pop up for a morale boosting point.

Ursula Jacob, programme three, hails from the Jacob hurling dynasty of Oulart-The Ballagh. Her tactical thinking and formidable scoring prowess has resulted in her name entering the conversation as one of camogie’s greats. She has won four All-Irelands with Wexford and four All-Stars. She captained Wexford to glory in 2011 and spearheaded the attack in 2012 as they claimed an historic three-in-a-row. Upon retiring she took up the role of analyst on The Sunday Game and became the first regular female pundit on the panel. Online trolling stemming from her TV appearances has significantly impacted her. A leader on and off the pitch, she has taken a brave stance against online bullying which is a growing issue for many young adults in Ireland.

Ronan Clarke is regarded as one of the most talented footballers to ever play for Armagh. He helped Armagh to All-Ireland Success at just 19 years of age in his first season as part of the county panel and was also named Young Player of the Year. However, despite personal awards and winning multiple championships with Armagh, Ronan’s career was often times blighted by injury. One that put his life in complete jeopardy. He woke up in intensive care five days after suffering a head injury after colliding with goalposts, an injury which precipitated the end of his Gaelic football playing days.

The nineties were a glorious, romantic era for hurling. The Offaly hurlers were central to this revolutionary period. However, by 1998 the establishment was beginning to fight back and Offaly players were on their last legs, without a manager. They surprised everyone when they took a chance on a total stranger. Michael Bond. He led Offaly through a challenging championship, including a controversial semi-final against Clare that featured a premature whistle and a historic protest, followed by a replay victory. He pulled off a great victory when he won the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny. He left a lasting impact on Offaly hurling, creating lifelong friendships and being remembered for his leadership, humility, and the dramatic success of the 1998 championship.

Bríd Stack, a former Cork ladies footballer who played during a period when Cork dominated ladies football through the 00s. She was a central figure on that team and Bríd's number of All-Ireland medals amounted to 11. After she announced her retirement, the AFLW showed interest in her and she, along with her husband and son, decided to move to Australia to pursue another sporting career. Unfortunately, Bríd suffered a horrific injury in a pre-season competition in her first year, leaving her on the sidelines with a broken vertebra in her back. Bríd has also spoken openly about miscarriages she has suffered and the importance of sport during those difficult periods, she understands that so many women, including some of her friends, may also be struggling to conceive.

Ben and Jerry O’Connor’s lives have been intertwined with one another for over 45 years, both on and off the field. Today they live just one hundred yards down the road from one another. Ben has three kids, Jerry has three kids. It seems as if their lives have always run side by side. With a different approach, it wasn't long before Newtownshandrum was making progress and the O'Connor twins helped their club reach the ultimate pinnacle winning the Club All-Ireland in 2004. It was time their talents helped Cork reach similar success. During their playing careers, Ben’s All-Ireland medals amounted to three, and Jerry shared the successes on two of the occasions.

For the series finale of Laochra Gael comes the story of Eamon McGee, one of the country’s top defenders. McGee’s famous tenacity and strength made him a formidable presence in the Donegal backline. However, life has not always been straightforward for Eamon, and he has faced many personal battles that added complexity to his life both on and off the field. GAA was an escape for Eamon during his playing days, and his determination to get back to his best came to fruition in 2012, when he won an All-Ireland medal for his county, under Jim McGuinness’ charges.

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 23rd January.

Laochra Gael Series:

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