It was one of the most popular GAA programmes ever made – and after its successful return last year, Underdogs is back again.
The Underdogs is a reality TV programme that sees well-known GAA coaches put a team together of footballers who have never played at senior inter-county level.
From hundreds of applications it is whittled down to a squad to take on a county team towards the end of the year.
The last time, before last year, that a men’s team was assembled was in 2004 when a team containing Kerry’s Kieran Donaghy and Cork’s Pearse O’Neill beat Kerry. The previous year a team was narrowly beaten by Dublin.
Both Donaghy and O’Neill later went on to play with their respective counties and won All Irelands with Donaghy crediting the experience with launching his career at the highest level.
Last year’s show saw Graiguecullen footballer Aaron Forbes make an appearance.
And now TG4 bosses are looking for Laois footballers to take part.
TG4 Head of Sport Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said: “We are looking forward to a new series of the Underdogs which ties in with our extensive year round GAA coverage.
“This series has always given the opportunity to club players to showcase their talent on a national stage which may result in them becoming future All-Ireland medallists as previous Underdogs have.
“This is a chance to be trained and managed by legends of the game.
“A chance for unknown players to go up against some of the country’s best gaelic footballers.”
Who can apply?
- Male players who have never played Gaelic football at a senior intercounty GAA championship level.
- All applicants must be 18 years of age on/by the 1st May 2019 to be eligible.
- Players must currently be registered with a GAA club.
TG4 and Adare Productions are now inviting applications for the new series of Underdogs. Players can apply online at www.tg4.ie/underdogs and nationwide trials will take place in April 2019.
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