TG4’s acclaimed documentary series Laochra Gael continues its compelling new season that shines a light on some of the most influential figures ever to grace the fields of Gaelic games. The next instalment airs this Thursday,29 January at 9.30 pm and focuses on Galway's Cyril Farrell.
Cyril Farrell is known to many for his incredibly successful time with Galway hurlers in the 1980's, but he is also a household name through his time on the Sunday Game, where his wit and catchphrases became known to all. In 1980, Cyril took over as manager of the Galway hurling team. Fifty-seven years had passed since their first All-Ireland win. He managed the Galway senior team on three separate occasions, winning the All-Ireland Final three times during those spells. When he retired as manager, his influence on the game did not fade; he continued to coach various clubs, county teams and school teams in the years that followed. For hurling fans across the country, his unique perspective on hurling emerged on The Sunday Game, where he displayed the same passion and expertise he had as a manager.
Programme 2: Cyril Farrell
Director: Cormac Morel
Trainee Director: Lia Nic Craith
Editor: Yvonne Weafer
Contributors include:
Participants: Cyril Farrell; Pat Fleury; Donal O’Grady; Tomás Mulcahy; Vincent Hogan; Joe Hayes; Pete Finnerty; Michael “Babs” Keating
Alongside with Cyril Farrell this new season’s batch of GAA legends also includes Conor McManus, one of the modern greats of Gaelic football and one of the greatest ever to wear a Monaghan jersey; Grace Walsh, a three-time All-Ireland and All-Star winner and one of camogie’s most decorated figures; and Marty Clarke, whose talent saw him win an All-Ireland Minor title before moving to Australia to play AFL with Collingwood at just 17.
Also featured is Pádraig Horan, captain of the historic Offaly team that claimed the county’s first All-Ireland hurling title in 1981; Neil McManus, renowned for his work rate, accuracy and commitment to developing hurling in Ulster; and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, widely regarded as one of the greatest ladies footballers of all time, who crowned her career in 2024 by helping Kerry end a 31-year wait for the Brendan Martin Cup. The series also includes Kevin McManamon, a key figure in Dublin’s era of dominance, forever remembered for his crucial goal off the bench in the 2011 All-Ireland final that ended the county’s 16-year wait for Sam Maguire.
Ahead of the new series, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns said:
“Laochra Gael has become a mainstay of the GAA broadcasting landscape, a series eagerly awaited by those who play and support our games. Who could have imagined when the concept was first hatched that it would carve out such a special niche, bringing the stories behind the games and the players to life in such a vivid and engaging way? The series has gone from strength to strength, and that is testament to Nemeton and TG4, and to their love of our games and our language. I wish them continued success and greatly look forward to the latest instalments.”
Laochra Gael is produced by NemetonTV, the independent production company based in An Rinn, the Waterford Gaeltacht, responsible for much of TG4’s acclaimed sports output.
Broadcast Schedule – TG4, Thursdays at 9.30pm
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Programme 1: Conor McManus – Thursday 22 January
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Programme 2: Cyril Farrell – Thursday 29 January
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Programme 3: Grace Walsh – Thursday 5 February
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Programme 4: Marty Clarke – Thursday 12 February
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Programme 5: Pádraig Horan – Thursday 19 February
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Programme 6: Neil McManus – Thursday 26 February
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Programme 7: Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh – Thursday 5 March
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Programme 8: Kevin McManamon – Thursday 12 March
