Bring it on.
Laochra Gael returns to our television screens this spring for the programme’s 21st series and, with more legends having come and gone, the line-up is as good as it’s ever been.
As usual, the programmes will air at 9.30pm on spring Thursday nights, with the 21st season led by Galway hurling icon Joe Canning. Joe himself will feature on the programme as will family members Seán, Ollie, David, Ivan, Deirdre. Team-mate David Burke will also participate as will former manager John McIntyre, as well as opponents Michael Rice, Paul Flanagan and Pádraic Maher.
The Portumna star will have his career documented on Thursday January 26, on the first episode of the newest series and following Canning, there will be tribute episodes to Kerry footballer Aidan O’Mahony, Kilkenny camogie player Anne Dalton, Mayo footballer Tom Parsons, Waterford footballer Áine Wall, former Tipperary hurler and manager Liam Sheedy, Donegal footballer Anthony Molloy and Cork footballer Noel O’Leary.
Produced by Nemeton TV, Laochra Gael started out in 2001, with the first episode focusing on former Clare manager Ger Loughnane. The next episode was on Kilkenny hurler and manager Brian Cody.
Back then, and in the 18 seasons that followed, the programme went on for half an hour and focused mainly on games and results.
Since 2018, however, the episodes stretched to an hour and have began to focus on the personalities behind the players. Last year’s season included some very moving episodes involving Terence McNaughton and Kieran Fitzgerald for example.
Season 2021
Joe Canning – featuring Seán Canning; Ollie Canning; David Canning; Ivan Canning; Deirdre Canning-Mitchell; David Burke; John McIntyre; Michael Rice; Paul Flanagan; Pádraic Maher.
Aidan O’Mahony – featuring Kieran Donaghy; Niall “Botty” O’Callaghan; Conor McCarthy; Mark Harte; Tomás Ó Flatharta; Seán Moran; Donal Murphy; Denise O’Mahony; Lucia O’Mahony; Lilah O’Mahony.
Anne Dalton – Karen Kelly; Daragh Ó Conchúir; Grace Walsh; Ann Downey; Rena Buckley; Jane Dalton; Jim Dalton; Marie O’Connor; Imelda Kennedy; Jillian Maher; Esther Kennedy.
Tom Parons – Colm Boyle; Paul Conroy; Mark Harte; John Casey, Paul Flynn; Carol Hopkins; Tom Parsons Sr.; Carmel Parsons; Matthew Parsons; Chloe Parsons
Aine 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.
Liam Sheedy – John Sheedy; Mike Sheedy; Eoin Kelly; Noel McGrath; Eamon O’Shea; Darren Gleeson; John McIntyre; Michael Rice; Dónal O’Grady; Margaret Sheedy; Aisling Sheedy; Gemma Sheedy.
Anthony Molloy – Frank Craig; Michael Murphy; Brian McGilligan; Martin Gavigan; Catherine Uí Chinnéide.
Noel O’Leary – Eoin Cadogan; Máire Uí Laoire; Conor Counihan; Seán Moran; Tomás Ó Flatharta; Colm Ó Laoire; Clíodhna Ní Laoire; Donal Óg Ó Laoire; Eimear O’Leary; Gearóid Mac Suibhne.
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