Write a comment
Down footballer Marty Clarke is the subject of the latest episode of TG4's Laochra Gael documentary series, which airs this Thursday 12 February at 9.30pm.
Championship Qualifier Round 4, Cork v Down, Croke Park,
Dublin in 2011. Photograph: Brendan Moran/ Sportsfile
The programme charts Clarke's remarkable career, which saw him become a household name in Ulster before he even played senior football for his county. After winning a Minor All-Ireland in 2005, the teenage talent was snapped up by Australian Football scouts and made the move to Melbourne to play for Collingwood at just 17.
His first spell in Australia lasted until 2009, when he returned home and helped Down reach the All-Ireland final the following year. That impressive campaign earned him an All-Star award, but Clarke headed back Down Under in 2011 for another three year stint.
However, his second spell in Australia ended in difficult circumstances when he was diagnosed with Addison's disease towards the end of his contract, meaning he could no longer play professionally. The documentary explores this challenging period as Clarke came to terms with the diagnosis and settled back into life in County Down.
The programme is directed by Miriam Fitzsimons and edited by Cían O’Halloran.
Laochra Gael continues its new season on TG4 this Thursday 12 February at 9.30pm, profiling some of the most influential figures in Gaelic games.
Alongside Marty Clarke this new season’s batch of GAA legends also includes Conor McManus, one of the modern greats of Gaelic football and one of the greatest ever to wear a Monaghan jersey; Cyril Farrell, synonymous with Galway’s golden era of the 1980s and later a household name through The Sunday Game; and Grace Walsh, a three-time All-Ireland and All-Star winner and one of camogie’s most decorated figures.
Also featured is Pádraig Horan, captain of the historic Offaly team that claimed the county’s first All-Ireland hurling title in 1981; Neil McManus, renowned for his work rate, accuracy and commitment to developing hurling in Ulster; and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, widely regarded as one of the greatest ladies footballers of all time, who crowned her career in 2024 by helping Kerry end a 31-year wait for the Brendan Martin Cup. The series also includes Kevin McManamon, a key figure in Dublin’s era of dominance, forever remembered for his crucial goal off the bench in the 2011 All-Ireland final that ended the county’s 16-year wait for Sam Maguire.
Ahead of the new series, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns said: “Laochra Gael has become a mainstay of the GAA broadcasting landscape a series 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, bringing the stories behind the games and the players to life in such a vivid and engaging way. The series has gone from strength to strength, and that is testament to Nemeton and TG4, and to their love of our games and our language. I wish them continued success and greatly look forward to the latest instalments.”
Laochra Gael is produced by NemetonTV, the independent production company based in An Rinn, the Waterford Gaeltacht, responsible for much of TG4’s acclaimed sports output.
TG4, Thursdays at 9.30pm
Programme 4: Marty Clarke – Thursday 12 February
Programme 5: Pádraig Horan – Thursday 19 February
Programme 6: Neil McManus – Thursday 26 February
Programme 7: Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh – Thursday 5 March
Programme 8: Kevin McManamon – Thursday 12 March
