Laochra Gael
30th March at 6.25pm on ar TG4
Martin O'Connell

One of the greatest defenders ever in Gaelic Football, Martin O'Connell was the only modern day back to be named on the Team of the Millennium. One of Seán Boylan's tough team of warriors that won two All Irelands in 1987 and 1988, O'Connell topped off an incredible career with a third All Ireland and a Player of the Year award in 1996.

However it was a rocky start for Martin and he tells us after a spell in the forwards with Meath in 1986 he grew disillusioned and left the panel. Luckily for Meath Seán Boylan persuaded him to rejoin the team and back to his best again in defense Martin was key to the Royal's success over Cork in the 1987 All Ireland final.

One of the quieter members of the Meath team Martin did his talking on the pitch. In 1988 when they faced their fiercest rivals Cork with 14 men in the All Ireland final replay, it was Martin who put in a man of the match performance to guarantee them victory.

1991 was an incredible year for Meath: they had to play four games to beat Dublin in the first round of the championship and then they continued to progress all they way to the All Ireland final. It was a match to far however and Down finally overcame them but Seán Boylan credits Martin's stamina and dedication throughout-he never missed a game that year and fought right to the very end.

Those same characteristics would see Martin finish his career with Meath on a high By 1995 Meath's fortunes had dipped and Seán Boylan had to rebuild for the future. Key to his new team in 1996 was the defensive veteran Martin O'Connell. However controversial incidents in the semi-final against Tyrone threw Martin into the limelight for the wrong reasons. Martin gives his side of the story and is adamant that no harm was intended on the day though he fears that those incidents still overshadow his career.

Martin's incredible performances that year could not be overshadowed however and he topped 1996 off with a third All Ireland medal against Mayo and a Footballer of the Year award.

As well as an interview with Martin himself the programme also features contributions from Seán Boylan, Niall Cahalane, Mick Mellet and Jarlath Burns.
Laochra Gael is produced by Nemeton TV, An Rinn, Co Phort Láirge

(Laochra Gael programme - Martin O'Connell will be repeated on Friday 4th April after 'The Western') Tweet

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