Ardrahan's Michael Bond is the featured guest on tonight's (Thursday, 20th February 2025) episode of TG4's Laochra Gael.
The 1990s were a golden era for hurling, filled with drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
Offaly hurlers were at the heart of this revolution, but by 1998, they found themselves without a manager and seemingly on the brink.
Then came an unexpected appointment—Michael Bond, a total outsider.
Against all odds, he led Offaly through a turbulent championship campaign, including the now-famous semi-final against Clare, marked by a premature whistle, a historic protest, and a hard-fought replay victory.
His leadership culminated in one of hurling’s great triumphs—an All-Ireland final win over Kilkenny. Bond's impact on Offaly hurling went far beyond silverware; he forged lifelong friendships and earned enduring respect for his humility, determination, and the remarkable success of that unforgettable 1998 season.
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Director: Hugh Walsh
Participants: Michael Bond, Gerard Bond, Vincent Hogan, Michael Duignan, Pat Fleury, Seán Bán Breathnach, Jamesie O’Connor, Jim Wall, Liam Ó Ríordáin, David Burke
Laochra Gael Season Highlights
Along with Michael Bond this new season’s batch of GAA legends also includes:
- Pádraic Maher: One of Tipperary's greatest ever hurlers and one of the most dominant centre-backs of the game.
- Marc Ó Sé: One of the Kingdom’s most reliable defenders, known for his ability to choose opportune moments to score morale-boosting points.
- Ursula Jacob: A four-time All-Ireland champion with Wexford and a four-time All-Star. Her tactical thinking and formidable scoring prowess make her one of camogie’s greats.
- Ronan Clarke: At just 19 years of age, he helped Armagh achieve All-Ireland success in his first season with the county panel and was named Young Player of the Year.
- Bríd Stack: A key figure in Cork ladies’ football during their dominant run in the 2000s, amassing an incredible 11 All-Ireland medals.
- Ben and Jerry O’Connors: Their intertwined lives on and off the field have been an integral part of GAA history for over 45 years.
- For the Series Finale of Laochra Gael comes the story of Eamon McGee, one of the country’s top defenders. However, life has not always been straightforward for Eamon, as he faced many personal battles that added complexity both on and off the field.
