Eight more legends feature in 24th series of Laochra Gael

The definitive GAA sports series returns to TG4 this spring for a 24th 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.

Conor McManus
The Series opens with Conor McManus, one of the modern greats of Gaelic football and one of the greatest ever to wear a Monaghan jersey — A player for the big moments, the pressure points, the impossible scores. But greatness demands more than talent. It demands sacrifice — and a price. A step ahead is where McManus lived for so long.

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... and 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.

Grace Walsh

A three time All-Ireland and All Star winner, nominated for player of the year in 2020, one of the most decorated and respected former camogie players from Kilkenny, Grace Walsh was renowned for her versatility all over the pitch. Hailing from the Walsh hurling dynasty, Her tactical thinking & versatility has resulted in her name entering the conversation as one of camogie’s greats. Grace burst onto the scene in 2011 and After a long and stellar 14-year journey with Kilkenny, balancing club, county and her nursing career in Dublin, she stepped away from inter-county camogie in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, leadership and dedication — not only through her trophies and honours, but as a role model for younger players coming through the ranks.

Marty Clarke

Marty Clarke became a household name in Ulster long before he put on a senior jersey for Down. He won a Minor All-Ireland in 2005 and caught the eyes of Australian Football scouts, moving to Melbourne to play for Collingwood at just 17 years old. He returned to Ireland in 2009 and played a key role in Down’s run to the All-Ireland Final in 2010, picking up an All-Star for his efforts. Marty went back Down Under in 2011 but towards the end of his 3 year contract, he discovered that he was suffering from Addison’s disease and would no longer be able to play professionally. It was a trying time for Marty as he returned to Ireland once
again and settled back to life in Down.

Pádraig Horan

Pádraig Horan was captain when Offaly won the All-Ireland championship for the first time in 1981 - an achievement that marked a turning point for Offaly hurling and cemented his place in the county’s sporting history. Admired for his determination and influence both on and off the field, he remains one of Offaly’s most respected hurling figures.. He played the game fearlessly, doing everything he could to overcome any challenges that came his way on the field, but in recent years, off the field, he has been battling a much
different challenge, Parkinsons Disease.

Neil McManus

Neil McManus is one of Antrim’s most distinguished hurlers, widely admired for his power, consistency, and leadership over a career that spanned more than a decade and a half. A prolific scorer and commanding presence in the forward line, he became a central figure for both the Antrim senior team and his club, Ruairí Óg Cushendall. Known for his exceptional work rate, accuracy from placed balls, and commitment to the promotion of hurling in Ulster, McManus helped inspire a new generation of players while representing Antrim with pride. His influence extended beyond the pitch as well, where he has been an articulate advocate for
developing and strengthening the game across the province.

Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh

Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh is widely considered one of the greatest ever ladies footballers, Her career is studded with individual honours: she earned five TG4 All Star Awards and was named TG4 Senior Players’ Player of the Year in 2023. Her crowning achievement came in 2024 when she helped Kerry end a 31-year wait for the Brendan Martin Cup, delivering a standout performance in the final and finally claiming the All-Ireland senior medal she had long sought. Beyond the accolades, Ní Mhuircheartaigh became a symbol of dedication, resilience, and leadership — someone whose influence transcended the pitch and inspired a new generation of players across Kerry and beyond.

Kevin McManamon

Kevin McManamon - a key figure in the Dublin senior football team during their dominance across the 2010s. McManamon’s claim to fame came in the 2011 All-Ireland final when, coming off the bench, he scored a critical goal that helped end Dublin’s 16-year wait for the Sam Maguire Cup. Over a 12-year inter-county career, he amassed eight All-Ireland titles. Although often labelled a “supersub,” McManamon’s impact was far greater than that tag suggests — many of his goals came at crucial moments, and his ability to change games from the bench is widely celebrated. Since retiring, he has remained active in sport — using his background in sportspsychology and high-performance coaching to support athletes.

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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.
The new Laochra Gael season will air on TG4 at 9:30pm on Thursday evenings starting January 22nd

Ahead of the new Laochra Gael Series Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns said: “Laochra Gael has become a mainstay on the GAA broadcasting landscape – a series that is 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 for itself, bringing the stories behind the games and the players to life in such a vivid and engaging way.

"If anything, the offerings in recent years have gone from strength to strength and it is testimony to Nemeton and TG4 and their love of our games and our language that the series continues to thrive.
I wish them continued success and look forward the latest instalments.”

Laochra Gael Series:

Programme 1: Conor McManus, 9.30pm, Thursday 22nd January

Programme 2: Cyril Farrell, 9.30pm, Thursday 29th January

Programme 3: Grace Walsh, 9.30pm, Thursday 5th February

Programme 4: Marty Clarke, 9.30pm, Thursday 12th February

Programme 5: Pádraig Horan, 9.30pm, Thursday 19th February

Programme 6: Neil McManus, 9.30pm, Thursday 26th February

Programme 7: Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, 9.30pm, Thursday 5th March

Programme 8: Kevin McManamon, 9.30pm, Thursday 12th March