Laochra Gael tells story of the Galway native who made his name in Offaly
A Galway-born hurling legend is one of the eight GAA stars of the past who will feature on the new series of TG4’s Laochra Gael – although he earns his place for his heroics with a neighbouring county!
Ardrahan’s Michael Bond had an outstanding career with his club and a good run with his native county, but he is perhaps most famously remembered for his success as a manager, leading the Offaly hurlers to All-Ireland glory in 1998.
The former secondary school principal won three county senior titles with Ardrahan and was part of the Galway senior panel from 1968, after playing minor and U21 with the county.
But in all, he made just three championship appearances for Galway and retired from inter-county hurling in 1975.
He then became involved in team management and coaching and after training the Galway minor, under-21 and junior teams, he got a call from across the county border in 1998.
The nineties were a glorious, romantic era for hurling and the Offaly hurlers were central to this revolutionary period.
But by 1998 the establishment was beginning to fight back and Offaly players were on their last legs, without a manager – and they surprised everyone when they took a chance on a total stranger.
But Michael Bond 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.
His story will be told in Laochra Gael on Thursday, February 20, when contributors – apart from the man himself – will include Vincent Hogan, Michael Duignan, Pat Fleury, Seán Bán Breathnach, Jamesie O’Connor and David Burke.
The eight-part run begins with former Tipp hurler Pádraic Maher, this (Thursday) evening; Kerry legend Marc Ó Sé next Thursday, January 30; Wexford camogie star Ursula Jacob on February 6, and Armagh’s Ronan Clarke on February 13.
Michael Bond is the fifth legend and he features on Thursday, February 20, followed by Cork ladies footballer Bríd Stack on February 27; Cork’s hurling siblings Ben and Jerry O’Connor on March 6, and finally Donegal’s Eamon McGee on March 13 – all at 9.30pm.
This is the 23rd series of the hour-long documentary which has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to the screen.
It is produced by NemetonTV, the independent production company from An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht which has produced much of TG4’s acclaimed sports coverage.
Pictured: Michael Bond....features in the new run of TG4’s Laochra Gael.