Cork GAA heroes to come under the spotlight in TG4 'Laochra Gael' series

Three of Cork’s most decorated GAA players are to be featured in the latest series of the award winning TG4 documentary, Laochra Gael, when it commences on the Irish language station shortly.

Newtownshandrum brothers Ben and Jerry O’Connor, who were key players on the Cork senior hurling team when the Liam McCarthy Cup came home to Leeside after back-to-back triumphs in 2004 and 2005, and Bríd Stack, who is just one of a handful of footballers to win 11 All-Ireland senior medals, will be spotlighted in two episodes of the eight-part series which begins airing on TG4 this week.

The 23rd series in the award winning strand was launched this week at an event in Dublin where the guest of honour was GAA president Jarlath Burns.

Innovative

The Armagh man said the series had showcased some of the finest exponents of Gaelic games over the years and he was delighted to be launching the latest series which is produced by Nemeton, the Waterford Gaeltacht-based company.

“Away from their innovative live match day coverage, Laochra Gael adds greatly to their offering promoting both the language and our games and all through the prism of great scéalta and great storytelling,” Mr Burns said, referring to TG4.

“The celebration of a 23rd series speaks for itself in terms of longevity, and I look forward to seeing the latest hour-long offerings.”

TG4 ard stiurthóir/director general Alan Esslemont said Laochra Gael had become “must see television” over the years as it had captured some of the greatest exponents of Gaelic games.

“It is must-see television successfully capturing the excellence of so many stars of the games while reminding us of all their exquisite skills and the fantastic matches they played in.

“Its success is a further indication of the strong relationship TG4 has with Gaelic games promoting both our games and the language and I look forward to many more programmes in this long-running series.”

The series begins with a documentary on Tipperary hurler Pádraic Maher at 9.30pm on Thursday, January 23. Bríd Stack will feature on the programme to be broadcast on February 27 while the O’Connor brothers will be in the spotlight on Thursday, March 6.