LAOCHRA GAEL returns with six more legends who performed heroics on the field and who each have a unique and extraordinary story to tell.
The Laochra Gael season returns on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting 25th March
YouTube clip: https://youtu.be/T-rD7bTT3us
#LaochraGael
The definitive GAA sports series returned to TG4 this spring for a 19th series. The hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to screen. The series which already featured six extraordinary Laochra with genuine star quality took a break from our screens in early February but is now returning with the remaining six exceptional Laochra. The series 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 Laochra Gael season returns on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting 25th March.
Laochra Gael Series:
Programme 1: Eoin Larkin, 9.30pm, Thursday 25th March
Programme 2: Pete McGrath, 9.30pm, Thursday 1st April
Programme 3: Briege Corkery, 9.30pm, Thursday 8th April
Programme 4: Bernard Flynn, 9.30pm, Thursday 15th April
Programme 5: Seán Cavanagh, 9.30pm, Thursday 22nd April
Programme 6: Liam Griffin, 9.30pm, Thursday 29th April
Eoin Larkin
Laochra Gael returns with the story of Kilkenny hurler, Eoin Larkin. Hurling has been at the core of his life since he was a boy. And the game was vital in maintaining Eoin’s bond with his father after his parents’ separation. After successful years underage, Eoin became a cornerstone of the greatest team of all time, winning 8 All Ireland medals and Hurler of the Year. But in the background he was struggling. Towards the end of his career, his mental health declined. He kept his suffering a secret, until he received a phone call from Brian Cody that changed his life.
Pete McGrath
Pete played football in the North in the seventies, a time when Gaelic Games was a dangerous pursuit. As a teacher and trainer, he instilled in young people that sport was the best way to express their nationalism. As manager of Down, he brought the Sam Maguire across the border for the first time since the sixties, inspiring an Ulster Takeover in football. The cloud of violence was always present, but for a time Pete McGrath and the Down footballers united the province, and the country.
Briege Corkery
eighteen All Ireland medals and sixteen All Stars, Dual-Star Briege has won more than anyone in the history of Gaelic Games. She accepted two Sportswoman of the Year awards with humility and shyness. She was the ultimate team player. The life and soul of the dressing room, the lynchpin on the field, Briege collected her last All Ireland six months after giving birth to her son Tadhg. In the conversation about the greatest of all time, Briege Corkery is at the centre.
Bernard Flynn
Despite being small from the day he was born, Bernard was at the centre of the Meath football revival under Seán Boylan. As part of a legendary full forward line, Bernard provided some of the greatest individual displays of any forward in his era. Unbeknownst to anyone, he was struggling the whole time. He paid dearly for it in retirement when his body completely gave up. And while he was suffering physically, his entire business collapsed overnight. It was then that Bernard learned the true meaning of survival.
Seán Cavanagh
Seán overcame his early challenges with nutrition to become one of the most accomplished athletes of his era. He put himself under incredible pressure. Insecurity became a driving force, and he came through the tragedies that were visited upon the team to win three All Ireland titles. Uncompromising on the field and in life, Seán has had his share of criticism. But nobody bothers Seán more than Seán Cavanagh, one of the most fascinating characters in modern sport.
Liam Griffin
For the Series Finale of Laochra Gael comes the story of Liam Griffin. He was inspired by the Rackards and their likes as he grew up, but Wexford hurling was in dire straits when Liam was made manager in 1995. It went from bad to worse from the start with heavy defeats and controversy. In his second year as manager, unbeknownst to anyone he would be stepping down as soon as Wexford were out of the championship because of his wife Mary’s illness. As it happened, they went all the way in 1996. He wasn’t there for long but Liam Griffin’s legacy will live forever.
Ahead of the new Laochra Gael Series Uachtarán CLG, John Horan said: “I am delighted to see the success of the Laochra Gael series continuing and for another batch of worthy heroes to be recognised. The history of the GAA has been blessed by some inspirational figures who have helped shape the games that are so popular today and mean so much to so many. This series gives us a chance to again salute that contribution. Congrats to all involved.”
TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said: “TG4 are very proud to be broadcasting another great series of Laochra Gael which marks the great achievements and stories that our Gaelic Games legends have to tell. This is the beginning of the nineteenth series of Laochra Gael which aired on TG4 for the first time in 2001 and it has continued as a long standing and popular part of our schedule bringing these amazing stories to viewers in Ireland and all over the world. I wish to thank all the participants who took part, their families, Nemeton TV, GAA, LGFA, Camogie Association and everyone in the extended Gaelic Games family for all their assistance in making this series happen in such a challenging year.”
This new season’s batch of GAA Legends already included Kevin Cassidy who lost out on an All Ireland medal because of his contribution to a book – Ryan O’Dwyer, who was on the cusp of leading the Dublin hurlers to glory, before he cost them an All Ireland title. Thérèse Maher, who finally fulfilled her destiny having lost five All Ireland Camogie Finals. Roscommon’s Shane Curran, one of football’s great characters, and the prototype of the modern playmaking goalkeeper. Johnny Pilkington, the heartbeat of the mighty Offaly hurlers of the 1990s, and one of the game’s greatest characters. And Dermot Earley, who showed extraordinary courage in the face of crippling injuries, cancer and the death of his father. These can currently be viewed on the TG4 Player.
Twelve outstanding Gaels. Twelve remarkable personal stories.
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.
Media Contact: Linda Ní Ghríofa, Communications Editor TG4, linda.ni.ghriofa@tg4.ie Mob: 087 9172864
Cumann na mBunscol provided great half time entertainment yesterday20th April 2025 - 9:45 pm
New Laochra Gael Series returns to TG4
GeneralLAOCHRA GAEL returns with six more legends who performed heroics on the field and who each have a unique and extraordinary story to tell.
The Laochra Gael season returns on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting 25th March
YouTube clip: https://youtu.be/T-rD7bTT3us
#LaochraGael
The definitive GAA sports series returned to TG4 this spring for a 19th series. The hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to screen. The series which already featured six extraordinary Laochra with genuine star quality took a break from our screens in early February but is now returning with the remaining six exceptional Laochra. The series 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 Laochra Gael season returns on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting 25th March.
Laochra Gael Series:
Programme 1: Eoin Larkin, 9.30pm, Thursday 25th March
Programme 2: Pete McGrath, 9.30pm, Thursday 1st April
Programme 3: Briege Corkery, 9.30pm, Thursday 8th April
Programme 4: Bernard Flynn, 9.30pm, Thursday 15th April
Programme 5: Seán Cavanagh, 9.30pm, Thursday 22nd April
Programme 6: Liam Griffin, 9.30pm, Thursday 29th April
Eoin Larkin
Laochra Gael returns with the story of Kilkenny hurler, Eoin Larkin. Hurling has been at the core of his life since he was a boy. And the game was vital in maintaining Eoin’s bond with his father after his parents’ separation. After successful years underage, Eoin became a cornerstone of the greatest team of all time, winning 8 All Ireland medals and Hurler of the Year. But in the background he was struggling. Towards the end of his career, his mental health declined. He kept his suffering a secret, until he received a phone call from Brian Cody that changed his life.
Pete McGrath
Pete played football in the North in the seventies, a time when Gaelic Games was a dangerous pursuit. As a teacher and trainer, he instilled in young people that sport was the best way to express their nationalism. As manager of Down, he brought the Sam Maguire across the border for the first time since the sixties, inspiring an Ulster Takeover in football. The cloud of violence was always present, but for a time Pete McGrath and the Down footballers united the province, and the country.
Briege Corkery
eighteen All Ireland medals and sixteen All Stars, Dual-Star Briege has won more than anyone in the history of Gaelic Games. She accepted two Sportswoman of the Year awards with humility and shyness. She was the ultimate team player. The life and soul of the dressing room, the lynchpin on the field, Briege collected her last All Ireland six months after giving birth to her son Tadhg. In the conversation about the greatest of all time, Briege Corkery is at the centre.
Bernard Flynn
Despite being small from the day he was born, Bernard was at the centre of the Meath football revival under Seán Boylan. As part of a legendary full forward line, Bernard provided some of the greatest individual displays of any forward in his era. Unbeknownst to anyone, he was struggling the whole time. He paid dearly for it in retirement when his body completely gave up. And while he was suffering physically, his entire business collapsed overnight. It was then that Bernard learned the true meaning of survival.
Seán Cavanagh
Seán overcame his early challenges with nutrition to become one of the most accomplished athletes of his era. He put himself under incredible pressure. Insecurity became a driving force, and he came through the tragedies that were visited upon the team to win three All Ireland titles. Uncompromising on the field and in life, Seán has had his share of criticism. But nobody bothers Seán more than Seán Cavanagh, one of the most fascinating characters in modern sport.
Liam Griffin
For the Series Finale of Laochra Gael comes the story of Liam Griffin. He was inspired by the Rackards and their likes as he grew up, but Wexford hurling was in dire straits when Liam was made manager in 1995. It went from bad to worse from the start with heavy defeats and controversy. In his second year as manager, unbeknownst to anyone he would be stepping down as soon as Wexford were out of the championship because of his wife Mary’s illness. As it happened, they went all the way in 1996. He wasn’t there for long but Liam Griffin’s legacy will live forever.
Ahead of the new Laochra Gael Series Uachtarán CLG, John Horan said: “I am delighted to see the success of the Laochra Gael series continuing and for another batch of worthy heroes to be recognised. The history of the GAA has been blessed by some inspirational figures who have helped shape the games that are so popular today and mean so much to so many. This series gives us a chance to again salute that contribution. Congrats to all involved.”
TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said: “TG4 are very proud to be broadcasting another great series of Laochra Gael which marks the great achievements and stories that our Gaelic Games legends have to tell. This is the beginning of the nineteenth series of Laochra Gael which aired on TG4 for the first time in 2001 and it has continued as a long standing and popular part of our schedule bringing these amazing stories to viewers in Ireland and all over the world. I wish to thank all the participants who took part, their families, Nemeton TV, GAA, LGFA, Camogie Association and everyone in the extended Gaelic Games family for all their assistance in making this series happen in such a challenging year.”
This new season’s batch of GAA Legends already included Kevin Cassidy who lost out on an All Ireland medal because of his contribution to a book – Ryan O’Dwyer, who was on the cusp of leading the Dublin hurlers to glory, before he cost them an All Ireland title. Thérèse Maher, who finally fulfilled her destiny having lost five All Ireland Camogie Finals. Roscommon’s Shane Curran, one of football’s great characters, and the prototype of the modern playmaking goalkeeper. Johnny Pilkington, the heartbeat of the mighty Offaly hurlers of the 1990s, and one of the game’s greatest characters. And Dermot Earley, who showed extraordinary courage in the face of crippling injuries, cancer and the death of his father. These can currently be viewed on the TG4 Player.
Twelve outstanding Gaels. Twelve remarkable personal stories.
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.
Media Contact: Linda Ní Ghríofa, Communications Editor TG4, linda.ni.ghriofa@tg4.ie Mob: 087 9172864
Cairde Liatroma CLG Committee approved among other Leitrim GAA 2021 Committees
GeneralAmong the various 2021 sub-committees of Leitrim GAA which were approved at a meeting of the Leitrim GAA Management Committee of 13.03.2021 is the newly established Cairde Liatroma Sub-Committee. This committee will be responsible for fundraising ongoing and in addition to normal activities of the Leitrim GAA Supporters Club Committee. The new committee will be making an exciting announcement on Friday night at 8pm here and on our Facebook page.
We wish the members of all the sub-committees the best of luck in their work throughout 2021.
Leitrim GAA Management Committee: Enda Stenson (Chair): Michael Quinn: Declan Bohan (Rúnaí): Martin McCartin: Noeleen McLoughlin: Barbara Loughlin Byrne: Terence Boyle: Attracta O’Reilly: PJ Meehan: John Mulvey: Pat Feely: Enda Tiernan: Laura Crossan: Paddy O Connor: Paul Murphy: Jamie Murray: Mark Heslin: Vincent O Rourke: Brian Blake.
Competitions Control Committee: Seamus McManus (Chair): Vincent O Rourke (Rúnaí): John Keenan [Rúnaí Smachta]: P. Mc Morrow: M. Doherty: S. Mc Goldrick [Underage Fixtures]: H. Phelan [Coiste Iomána]: E O Grady [Referees coordinator]. D. Bohan (Fixture Analyst)
Hearings Committee: S. Mc Govern (Chair): L. Faughnan [Rúnaí]: P. Egan: S. Murray: J. Mc Nama: K. Torsney: T. Boyle.
Finance Committee: M. McCartin [Chair]: J. Mulvey: N. McLoughlin: P. O’Connor: M. Quinn: E. Stenson: D. Bohan.
Cairde Liatroma Committee: M. McCartin (Chair): J. Mulvey: M. Feeney: N. McLoughlin: E. Duignan: P. White: S. Clarke: C. Clarke: B. Doyle: B. Blake.
Public Relations/Marketing Committee B. Loughlin-Byrne: J. Molloy: B. Doyle: D. Bohan: E. Tiernan: B. Blake.
Coiste Iomána: P. O Connor (Chair): H. Phelan(Rúnaí): E. Stenson: D. Bohan: Martin McCartin: plus one delegate of each affiliated club.
Cultural Committee: L. Crossan(Chair): G Keegan: B. Reynolds: R. Kennedy: C. Crossan: K. Butler.
Supporters Club: J. Mulvey (Chair): M. Quinn, M. Mc Cartin: J. J. Cullen: M. Feeney: N. McLoughlin: S. Mc Goldrick: G. Gallogly: J. McWeeney: T. Boyle: A. O’Reilly: B. Loughlin-Byrne: P Brown: C. McCartin (NY).
Coiste na nÓg: P. Murphy [Chair]: M. Kenny(Rúnaí): B. Loughlin Byrne: N. McLoughlin: S. McGoldrick: P. McGourty: M. McKiernan: M. Heslin.
Coaching and Games Steering Committee: P. Murphy [Chair]: T. Keenan [Rúnaí]: E. Stenson: D. Bohan: M. McCartin: B. Loughlin Byrne: M. Heslin: C. Cregg.
Páirc Seán Committee: S. Mc Goldrick (Chair) M. Doherty: R. Butler: S. Murray: E. Stenson: S. Butler: M. Diffley: A. O Reilly: M. McCartin:
Health and Wellbeing: B. Loughlin-Byrne (Chair) N. Brady (Rúnaí): K. Williams: M. Fanning: T. Boyle: D. Loftus: H. McHugh: M. Heslin.
Handball: J. Murray (Chair): J. Smyth (Rúnaí): S. Wrynn (Treasurer): N. Scollan (PRO):
Fixtures Analysts: D. Bohan: M. Quinn.
County Development and Safety: T. Boyle (Chair) M. Quinn: P. McGourty: P. Feely: PJ Meehan: H. Clinton: S. Mc Goldrick.
Dr Philomena MacManus (née O’Hagan) Manorhamilton RIP
General, RIPThe death has occurred of Dr Philomena MacManus, mother of John MacManus, loyal sponsor and long time friend of Leitrim GAA. We wish to express our deepest sympathy to her husband Desmond, children Liz, John, Maeve and Dervla, brother Fergus, sisters Leon, Norleen and Mai, daughter-in-law Maria, sons-in-law Fred, Conor and Denis, adoring grandchildren Cathal Óg, Aisling, Eoin, Garrett, Eabha, Ríona, Gavin, Desmond, Aoife, Conall, Tom and Maebh, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí.
Be Ready To Play
CoachingA Message From Cathal Cregg- Connacht GAA…..
Attached is important information on the “Be Ready to Play Programme” (https://www.gaa.ie/news/ground-breaking-be-ready-to-play-coaching-programme-launched/).
We are running a live launch webinar on Tuesday March 2nd at 7pm via Microsoft Teams. It would be great if you can join us, just click on the link below:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NmZkNDgwYTktOGI4Zi00ODFhLTg1N2EtNmZiOWQ5NDMwNzA0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22ac45bc86-afd4-42a5-9fc3-3e87e1b77fce%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a435cf56-8783-4469-b1f6-a4e18adcc9fd%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d
Speakers for the launch include:
Registration begins through the GAA eLearning site on March 3rd https://learning.gaa.ie/bereadytoplay
The GAA Be Ready to Play Programme is a Coaching and Sports Science programme, supported by UPMC Healthcare, that will be delivered via webinars, online training programmes, instructional videos and live sessions. This is a holistic programme supporting male and female youth and adult players, and coaches during their return to training post Covid and building up to playing games again, therefore encompassing the full playing season. We aim to educate coaches and players by providing an evidence informed programme. This will hopefully result in increased enjoyment, performance, participation and reduced injury risk.
The Programme will include –
Our goal is to sign up as many Gaelic Games Coaches and players as possible and support return to play while providing a lasting educational and support resource for Gaelic Games.
Fosterign Campaign
GeneralWould you like to become a Foster Parent? Please follow the link Below
Fostering Poster MS teams 10th March 2021 (1)
Virtual Scór 2021
ScórCalling on all Leitrim clubs. Its that time of year again to dust off the dancing shoes, take out those musical instruments or clear the throat for a song or a resitation. For more information contact irishculturalofficer.leitrim@gaa.ie
Irish Language & Cultural Officer Webinar (Thursday February 25th 2021)
GeneralMasonite Ireland Recruiting General Operatives
GeneralMasonite Ireland, a long-established manufacturing company in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, is seeking to recruit a number of General Operatives to start in March.
Responsibilities
As a General Operative, you will be responsible for:
Further details here
Masonite Ireland has a long association with Leitrim GAA and is currently the sponsor of the Adult Club Leagues.
50 Miles in January Prize Draw- Results
50MilesChallengeThe prize draws, associated with the Leitrim GAA 50 Miles in January Challenge, for the fundraisers and donors took place earlier this evening and were beamed out on Facebook live. The following were the lucky winners:
Fundraisers Draw
1st Prize Signed Leitrim Jersey
Ann Whitney, Keshcarrigan.
2nd Prize Leitrim GAA Jacket
Paula Mollahan, Leitrim Village.
3rd Prize Leitrim GAA Wind Cheater
Aoife Dorr, Longford.
Donors Draw
1st Prize Coaching Session for a nominated team at Leitrim COE with Terry Hyland’s Management Team
Mandy Gilmartin
2nd Prize €1,000 Brick in Wall at Leitrim GAA McGovern Aughavas COE
Marie McWeeney
3rd Prize 1 Year Subscription to Leitrim GAA TV
Patrick O Meara
While we have the contact details of the winners in the Fundraisers Draw, we do not have access to the contact details of the winners in the Donors Draw. In order to claim your prize, you need to contact secretary.leitrim@gaa.ie with factual verification of your donation receipt and we will contact you back to confirm details.
Leitrim GAA is hugely appreciative of the efforts made by almost 2,000 people across the globe towards this extraordinary success which has been contributed to and shared equally by all donors, participants and organisers.
Míle Buíochas daoibh go léir.
Leitrim jerseys everywhere, on Broadway, in the Bronx, in Queens…..
GeneralEvery five years it’s Leitrim’s turn to travel to New York and play the first game in the Connacht Championship.
Every year is different but also very special. Thousands of Supporters travel from Leitrim for the match and do the 5 day trip.
Leitrim jerseys everywhere, on Broadway, in the Bronx, in Queens, on Ellis Island, in Macy’s store, in Woodbury Common, on the New York Subway, in the yellow cabs, and on tour buses.
Manhattan Hotels choc a block with Leitrim visitors, and Rosie O Grady’s, the Playwright, JP Clarkes, Rory Dolan’s and all the pubs with any Leitrim connection bursting at the seams.
What makes the visit to NEW YORK so special every five years is the welcome given to the team and its supporters by the Leitrim Society of New York.
Leitrim people who left Leitrim warmly welcoming the family, neighbours and friends from their home place. The Society liaise with the Leitrim County Board and organise functions and get togethers for the team and the supporters during the five day trip. Leitrim Co Board really appreciate all the work the Society do for them on every visit. It is given with a heart and a half and make the county boards job so much easier.
Below is a photo taken in 2003 of Leitrim people in New York who work tirelessly on behalf of Leitrim people in the Big Apple.
The Society and the Leitrim Supporters in New York will again help the Co Board tomorrow when they will complete a fund-raising day as part of the Leitrim 50 MiIe Challenge.
County Leitrim is so lucky to have such great people always willing to lend a helping hand.
Putting in the hard miles at 93 years of age for Leitrim GAA
GeneralThe big weekend is here as over 1,250 fundraisers from around the globe finish out the 50 Mile challenge in various time zones. There have been many wonderful Leitrim themed stories shared amongst the group who assembled on Facebook. It has been a month long trip down memory lane coupled with some very touching stories. The pride of following the Green and Gold has been the common bond.
The fundraising has been magnificent and we are now in the final leg as we approach the target of €50,000 in our main account. To donate & help us get there – please click: gofund.me/2b327521
One of the participants in the challenge is 93 year old PJ McNabola – a proud Leitrim man – here is a little bit about PJ:
PJ McNabola one proud Leitrim man.
Leitrim people are proud and none prouder to be from Leitrim than PJ McNabola. PJ was born in 1927, a historic year for Leitrim football when they won the Connacht Senior Championship. He was present the next time Leitrim won the Connacht Senior Championship in 1994. When Leitrim got to the Division 4 final in 2019 against Derry in Croke Park PJ was not going to miss it. At the age of 92 PJ’s family ensured he would be in attendance and the Leitrim Observer honored him by taking his photo in the Croke Park Hotel before the match.
For a man that never played football his love of football was all consuming. In Eslin at that time they had no football team and PJ still regrets not been able to play. Down the years he has been an avid fan of his beloved Eslin, he loves to cheer on his grandchildren Kyle, Joshua, & Kayleigh who play for Fenagh and Niamh who plays for Mohill. PJ occupies the only Corporate Box overlooking Mohill GAA pitch namely his bedroom window !
PJ was an ever present at all Leitrim games over the years. Wherever the match was PJ with his nephews Padraig & Liam Higgins would be there. Limerick or Belfast, wet wind or rain the three boys would be there.
PJ, at 93 is still out and about and has participated in our 50 Challenge during the month of January.
Well done PJ and all of the participants, you are wonderful people !
If you would like to sponsor any of our participants please click here:
Leitrim Under 20 Manager Announcement 2021
County Football