Thank GAA It’s Friday is back on your screens for another summer packed with GAA goodness. Episode 7 comes to you on Friday, August 14th on RTÉ 2 at 8:30pm with features on the All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Final between Galway and Tipperary.
The show’s creators bring you the complete weekly GAA package; containing characters, games, fascinating stories and communities both at home and abroad.
As Galway try to reach the All-Ireland final, we take a look back at the Galway sides who flattered to deceive over the years. Former Galway hurlers Kevin Broderick, Liam Donoghue, Alan Kerins and Liam Hodgins recall past summers when the Tribesmen’s talent promised so much yet left the county disappointed. Will Galway finally have their day in the sun come September?
Donal Ryan, award-winning author of The Spinning Heart and Tipperary hurling fanatic, rekindles some memories of following his county to HQ. Donal and his home community of Burgess are fuelled by their passion for hurling passion. From the bonfires of the 1989 All-Ireland glory to last year’s hawk-eye heartache, Donal has experienced the great emotions of being a GAA fan. Now, in 2015, will this be Tipperary’s year to set the Championship alight?
The village of Lorrha in Tipperary shares a border with a Galway hurling hub in Portumna. Over the last decades, the balance of power on the club scene has hopped from Lorrha/Dorrha to Portumna, from Tipperary to Galway. But the connections between the communities are inscribed on the landscape. Former Galway manager, John McIntyre, has successfully straddled the gap between the counties. Born in Lorrha, John has played a massive role in the GAA in both counties and he brings us through the parochial rivalry between the clubs. We’ll also catch up with Lorrha’s favourite son, Ken Hogan, and double All-Ireland winner John Madden who cut their teeth with Lorrha/Dorrha.
Handball legend Paul Brady begins his campaign for a 5th World title this week and we caught up with him to chat about his dominance in the sport and his football past with Cavan. From the renowned Mullahoran GAA Club, Brady comes from a family steeped in GAA tradition. Paul’s uncle Phil ‘The Gunner’ Brady won three All-Irelands, including the 1947 final in the Polo Grounds. Brady will be hoping to create his own history in his bid for more glory in the world championships in Calgary.
So join us on Friday 14th August at 8:30pm on RTÉ 2 for another action packed show. The show will be repeated on Sunday at 4:45pm, right before the big game on RTÉ 2.
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Email: ThankGAA@loosehorse.ie