LAOCHRA GAEL: Áine Wall 9.30pm, Thursday 23rd February on TG4

The definitive GAA sports series returns to TG4 this spring for a 21st series. The series hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to 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 acclaimed Laochra Gael returned for an 21st series, with the story of Galway Hurler, Joe Canning, with Kerry footballer, Aidan O’Mahony, Kilkenny camogie star Anne Dalton, Mayo football legend Tom Parsons and continues with Waterford Ladies Footballer Áine Wall.

Áine Wall

Laochra Gael continues with the story of Waterford footballer, Aine Wall. She came to the fore with her club, Ballymacarbry, but it was with the county that she became a star. With Áine spearheading the attack, Waterford won 5 All Irelands in the 90s, bringing unprecedented success to the Déise faithful. On top of that, as a result of the heroics of Áine and her friends, the sport , which had never even been broadcast when she started out, gained attention and respect. One of the greatest ever footballers, who revolutionised Ladies Football.

Director: Cormac Morel

Participants: Áine Wall; Marie Crotty; Michael Ryan; Michelle Ryan; Daragh Ó Conchúir; Geraldine O’Shea; Seamus Kennedy; Mary Wall; Eoin Wall; Michael Wall; Ann Dunford; Noirín Walsh; June Whyte; Catriona Casey

Along with Áine Wall – this new season’s batch of GAA legends also includes Joe Canning who became the most famous player in the country, and learned harsh lessons about the scrutiny that comes with that fame. Aidan O’Mahony who was faced the greatest challenge of his life- to rediscover his purpose and his love of the game. Anne Dalton who sought salvation in her final ever game having lost three All Ireland Finals in a row. Tom Parsons who overcame rejection, painful defeats and horrific injury to become an icon for the people of Mayo. Liam Sheedy who saved Tipperary hurling and brought an end to Kilkenny’s historic reign. Anthony Molloy who brought Sam Maguire to Donegal for the first time, and fought a drink problem in the aftermath.. And the season finale of Noel O’Leary, the hard man who overcame unthinkable tragedy and won the All Ireland with Cork in 2010.

Ahead of the new Laochra Gael Series Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy said: “Excellence in Gaelic games coverage has been a hallmark of TG4 and the Laochra Gael series has been another manifestation of this. Over many years the series has built a strong following through their diverse and compelling stories of players who have helped grow the popularity of our games. I look forward to the latest series and the profiling of more influential figures from across Gaelic games.”

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.

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For further information and viewing copies for press, please contact: Shane Walsh, Eagarthóir Margaíochta Spóirt, 087-6227603

Laochra Gael Series:

Programme 1: Joe Canning, 9.30pm, Thursday 26th January

Programme 2: Aidan O’Mahony, 9.30pm, Thursday 2nd Feburary

Programme 3: Anne Dalton, 9.30pm, T Thursday 9th Feburary

Programme 4: Tom Parsons, 9.30pm, Thursday 16th February

Programme 5: Áine Wall, 9.30pm, Thursday 23rd February

Programme 6: Liam Sheedy, 9.30pm, Thursday 2nd March

Programme 7: Anthony Molloy, 9.30pm, Thursday 9th March

Programme 8: Noel O’Leary, 9.30pm, Thursday 16th March