Do you remember TG4’s Underdogs series? It really was a must watch for all GAA folk.
The series centred on a group of players who had never represented their county at senior level coming together to take on the might of the All-Ireland champions.
What a concept! Bloody brilliant!
A true David vs Goliath scenario, and it was centred around GAA. An absolute gem.
The most well remembered series of the show took place back in 2004 when an Underdogs side managed to overcome All-Ireland champions Kerry.
That series is fondly remembered due to the strong midfield pairing of Pearse O’Neill and Kieran Donaghy, two men who went on to win All-Ireland’s with Cork and Kerry respectively.
Indeed, Donaghy is the shows biggest success story.
Back then he was just a lanky basketball player from Tralee, but as a result he went on to collect four Celtic Crosses, three All-Stars, and a Footballer of the Year award. Never mind become one of the greatest players of his generation.
So the proof is in the pudding, the show can uncover some serious talent.
Previous series seen the Underdogs management include GAA legends such as Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Brian Mullins and Mickey Ned O’Sullivan.
The re-boot will see a fresh line-up of coaches, each with serious All-Ireland pedigree as Paul Galvin, Ray Silke and Valerie Mulcahy select a group of players to go into the lion’s den.
The teams first game has been announced as the Underdogs will take on Kerry club, Killcummin this coming Sunday at 12.30pm.
We will be playing @TG4TV's 'The Underdogs' this Sun @ 12.30pm. Game will be recorded and shown later in the year. A panel of 29 players from all over Ireland will be managed by Paul Galvin, Ray Silke & Valerie Mulcahy. Enjoy this unique match & support your team. Entry Free.
— Kilcummin GAA (@KilcumminGAA) August 23, 2018
Kilcummin announced the game via their twitter page and are calling on supporters to come down and support the game, which will be televised later in the new series.
Time for these boys to show the world why they should have been playing county this whole time.
Will we find the next Donaghy among them? Only time will tell.
