Legendary Offaly Hurling manager to feature on TG4's Laochra Gael this week

Legendary All-Ireland-winning Offaly hurling manager Michael Bond will feature on the newest series of TG4's Laochra Gael programme this week.

Michael Bond is set to feature on the episode going out on TG4 on Thursday, February 20.

The 1998 All Ireland win for Offaly was one of the most dramatic of all time and it was Michael Bon who somehow guided them to victory.

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.

In a promo for the episode, TG4 say, "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."