Kevin Cassidy to feature as part of new Laochra Gael series

FORMER Donegal star Kevin Cassidy will be the feature of the first episode in the new series of Laochra Gael.

The definitive GAA sports series returns to TG4 next month for a 19th series.

The acclaimed series is back on January 7 with the story of Donegal footballer, Kevin Cassidy.

Born in Glasgow, the family moved to his mother’s homeplace of Donegal in his youth.

With a new language and sport to learn, Kevin embraced both eagerly. He was a star for Gaoth Dobhair and soon became a cornerstone of the county team. Under Jim McGuinness, they were on the brink of glory, with Cassidy at the heart.

But he was suddenly dropped from the panel because of his contribution to a book, and when the All-Ireland win came, Kevin Cassidy was nowhere to be seen.

The hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to screen.

The new series features twelve 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.

TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said:  “TG4 is 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.”

Programme 1:   Kevin Cassidy, 9.30pm, Thursday 7th January

Programme 2:  Ryan O’Dwyer, 9.30pm, Thursday 14th January

Programme 3:  Thérèse Maher, 9.30pm, Thursday 21st January

Programme 4:  Shane Curran,  9.30pm, Thursday 28th January

Programme 5:  Johnny Pilkington, 9.30pm, Thursday 4th February

Programme 6: Dermot Earley, 9.30pm, Thursday 11th February