The popular GAA documentary series Laochra Gael returns to TG4 in February and a host of GAA stars will feature in the new season.is series has lots in store for GAA fans around the country.

The first programme of ten features Mayo's Liam McHale, one of Ireland's greatest ever basketball players, but to Gaelic football fans Liam will be remembered as the towering Mayo midfielder that spearheaded their All Ireland campaigns in the late eighties and nineties. Although the All Ireland title remained elusive, the Ballina man collected six Connacht titles and an All Star and was a selector with Mayo in 2004 and 2005. Open and charismatic as always Liam gives us an honest account of how he dealt with the ups and downs of Mayo football including his controversial sending off in the 1996 All Ireland final replay, a decision he still struggles to see the reasoning for.

A giant of a player for Limerick during the nineties, exceptional at midfield or centre back Ciarán Carey led the charge throughout Limerick's campaigns to achieve All Ireland glory. Frank and forthright Ciarán recalls the heartbreak of losing both the 1994 and 1996 All Ireland finals but also the incredible last minute point he scored against Munster rivals Clare in 1996 one of the greatest winning scores ever in GAA history.

Clare's most prolific scorer during their reign in the nineties Jamesie O'Connor was key to their success in the All Ireland finals of 1995 and 1997. He also added three Munster titles, Hurler of the Year in 1997, four All Stars and an All Ireland club medal with St Joseph's Doora Barefield to his collection in what was a golden era for the Banner county.

Winning an All Ireland in her debut year with Monaghan in 1997 Niamh Kindlon has gone on to cement her status as one of the modern greats of ladies football as she has led her team on their quest for more All Ireland glory. Although at times it's been a tough road for Niamh; suffering cruciate injuries and losing the final on five occasions it's clear that she has loved every minute since she started out under the guidance of her father as an enthusiastic nine year old with her club Magheracloone.

The Larkins of James Stephens club in Kilkenny hold a unique distinction in hurling history: three generations of the same family have won All Ireland medals with Kilkenny. Paddy with four in the 1930's, his son 'Fan' with five All Ireland's in the 1960's and 70's and Fan's son Philly added three more with the Cats at the turn of the 21st century. Ever the character Fan regales us with tales from his playing days: from his amazing comeback after seven years in the wilderness in 1971 to missing the team photo in the 1972 All Ireland. Philly Larkin carried on the family tradition when an exciting new Kilkenny team came to the fore and began to dominate hurling under Brian Cody.

The darling of Hill 16 throughout the eighties, the Ballymun free-taker Barney Rock captured metropolitan hearts with his place-kicking and match winning scores. Barney remembers in particular the rollercoaster summer of 1983 when his crucial late goal forced a replay with Cork and thus a trip south for Hill 16 to Pairc Uí Chaoimh. He played just as an important role in the final when his vital goal helped to seize victory for a twelve-man Dublin side in a controversial and ill-tempered All Ireland.

Considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Brendan Cummins guarded the net for the Premier hurlers for nearly two decades winning two All Irelands, five All Stars and making a record 73 championship appearances for Tipperary. Straightforward Brendan talks us through the highs of winning two All Ireland finals but also how he dealt with the shock and disappointment of been dropped by manager Babs Keating at the height of his career in 2007.

One of only five men to win eight football All Ireland medals Ogie Moran has the unique distinction of been the only player to win eight All Irelands in the same position, at wing forward, and the only player to play every second of those eight victorious finals. A consistent presence on the greatest team of all time Ogie also won eleven Munster titles and captained Kerry to a famous All Ireland victory over Dublin in 1978. Despite all his success Ogie found the Kerry public unforgiving when his management tenure in the early nineties failed to produce silverware.

For over a decade Michael Duignan was a key member of the talented Offaly team that took the hurling world by storm in the nineties with their skill, flair and never say die attitude, winning two All Ireland medals and five Leinster titles. 1998 was a tumultuous year for Offaly and no more so than when the semi-final replay against Clare was blown up minutes early. Duignan reveals what really happened behind the scenes in the aftermath. He also speaks of how the GAA community helped him through the loss of his wife Edel to cancer in 2009

A tenacious defender Ryan McMenamin was vital to the success of Mickey Harte's team of champions winning three All Irelands with Tyrone in the 2000's and five Ulster titles. A player who gained a reputation for playing on the edge and a win at all costs attitude Ryan opens up about the many incidents that gained him notoriety on the field of play.

As well as the players featured in each programme, there are contributions from team mates and opponents including amongst many others; Mickey Harte, Eoin Kelly, Brian Whelahan, Tommy Drumm, Eamon Cregan, Seán McMahon, John Maughan, Tom Ryan, Donal O'Grady, Dara Ó Cinnéide and Joe Hennessey.

Laochra Gael, which returns on Tuesday, February the 3rd at 8.00pm, is produced by Nemeton TV, An Rinn, Co Phortláirge.

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