As a nation of noisy GAA spectators, it's sometimes easy to forget that not everyone can "make county" and go on do be the talking point of their family forever more. That is, until the creation of 'Underdogs'.
The TG4 reality/sports series 'Underdogs' returns to screens this week, and this time the management team must assemble the best Ladies Gaelic Football players from around the country who never managed to make it to county level.
Late last year, TG4 began their hunt for the best players who were never able to play Gaelic football at a junior, intermediate or senior inter-county championship, or have won an All- Ireland at that level. And so, with a large number of players selected, who are going to be whittled down to a team of 30, will only six months of dedicated training be enough to see them take on one of the most successful intercounty teams in the country?
Taking on this exciting challenge for 'Underdogs' will be the management team made up of former Kerry Captain and Manager Mickey Ned O’ Sullivan; Gaoth Dobhair legend and former Donegal Footballer Kevin Cassidy; with former Waterford player Michelle Ryan and her 18 years of experience also watching from the sidelines.
The six-episode series will follow the trio as they choose their initial team, complete their arduous training tasks each week, before making the difficult decision of which players stay and which ones go as the series progresses.
The ultimate challenge match is waiting for the 30-strong team of Ladies Gaelic Football players at the end of the year, when the Underdogs take on one of the most successful intercounty teams. This all-important match will be broadcast live on TG4 during December 2021.
Promising to be a fun and light-hearted approach to one of our famous sports, expect plenty of drama, thrills and heartbreak along the way as the team prepare for their uphill battle towards potential glory.
The new series of 'Underdogs' begins on tonight on TG4 at 9.30 pm. Tune into the series each week, or watch it on catch up via the TG4 Player.