Legendary Offaly hurling manager to feature on new TG4 series of Laochra Gael
Michael Bond stepped in to manage the Offaly hurlers after the departure of Babs Keating in 1998, going on to lead them to a famous All-Ireland win
All-Ireland-winning Offaly hurling manager Michael Bond will feature among a line-up of GAA legends on the newest series of TG4's Laochra Gael programme.
The latest instalment of the popular show will hit our screens next week with Michael Bond set to feature on the episode going out on TG4 on February 20.
In a statement on his episode, producers said: "The nineties were a glorious, romantic era for hurling. The Offaly hurlers were central to this revolutionary period.
"However, by 1998 the establishment was beginning to fight back and Offaly players were on their last legs, without a manager. They surprised everyone when they took a chance on a total stranger, Michael Bond.
"He led Offaly through a challenging championship, including a controversial semi-final against Clare that featured a premature whistle and a historic protest, followed by a replay victory. He pulled off a great victory when he won the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny.
"He left a lasting impact on Offaly hurling, creating lifelong friendships and being remembered for his leadership, humility, and the dramatic success of the 1998 championship."
The episode was directed by Hugh Walsh and will feature interviews from Michael Bond himself, as well as Gerard Bond, Vincent Hogan, Michael Duignan, Pat Fleury, Seán Bán Breathnach, Jamesie O’Connor, Jim Wall, Liam Ó Ríordáin and David Burke.