Seamus Darby and ‘that goal’ to feature on Laochra Gael next week

The acclaimed Laochra Gael has returned to TG4 for a 17th series and the season continues with the story of Offaly’s Seamus Darby next Wednesday night, February 27.

Seamus Darby is the man who scored what is probably the most famous goal in the history of the GAA. The Rhode man could never have known the changes that would come in the wake of that goal.

The programme will explore Darby’s story up to that defining moment, and how it came to be that it was he who went on as a substitute with a few minutes to go. The detail of the dramatic climax of the 1982 All-Ireland final that put an end to Kerry’s “five-in-a-row” dreams, will be relived. The documentary will also delve into Darby’s life since then, and will discuss the difficulties he encountered after his life changed in an instant.

Darby’s story is told by his brother and former Offaly team-mate Stephen, former Offaly manager Eugene McGee (manager of the Faithful County team that rocked the Kingdom in ’82), former Offaly footballer Sean Lowry, former Kerry star Sean Walsh, whose dreams of 5-in-a-row were dashed by Darby’s goal, and Irish Independent journalist Vincent Hogan.

The series follows last year’s new hour-long format, bringing each player’s personal stories to screen. The series features six 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.
Along with Seamus Darby - this new season’s batch of GAA legends also features the story of a trailblazer in women’s sport, Rena Buckley of Cork; Dublin's Kieran Duff, the darling of Hill 16 but subject of much controversy in his playing career; Limerick's Andrew O’Shaughnessy, an extraordinary underage talent whose career was cut short by Multiple Sclerosis; and Kerry's Colm Cooper, a once-in-a-generation talent who defied convention by showing that Gaelic football does not have to be a big man’s game.

The new Laochra Gael season began last week and will continue on Wednesday evenings until March 27 with a repeat showing on Friday nights.

The series is produced by NemetonTV, the independent production company from Ring in the Waterford Gaeltacht which has produced much of TG4’s acclaimed sports coverage.

Welcoming the new series, TG4’s Director General, Alan Esslemont said: "Part of TG4’s mission since our inception has been to give the credit that is due to our incredible Gaelic games heroes. I am delighted that we now have hour long episodes which chronicle not only the epic feats on the pitch, but also show the heartbreak and emotional journeys that these incredible men and women undertake, throughout their sporting careers. I sincerely thank all of the players who took part and Nemeton who are doing trojan work in this television genre."

Laochra Gael - upcoming episodes

Programme 2: Seamus Darby, 9.30pm, Wednesday, 27th February.
Programme 3: Rena Buckley, 9.30pm, Wednesday, 6th March.
Programme 4: Kieran Duff, 9.30pm, Wednesday, 13th March.
Programme 5: Andrew O’Shaughnessy, 9.30pm, Wednesday, 20th March.
Programme 6: Colm Cooper, 9.30pm, Wednesday, 27th March.