The third programme in the current series of TG4's Laochra Gael features Clare hurler Jamesie O'Connor and will be broadcast tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 8pm.

The Banner County's most prolific scorer during their dominant period, Jamesie 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 in 1999 to his collection.

Jamesie joined an up-and-coming Clare team in the early nineties after standing out at minor and U21 level but unfortunately they had to suffer several heartbreaking defeats before finally making the breakthrough in Munster under the guidance of Ger Loughnane in 1995.

Having lost to Limerick the previous year Clare were hungry for victory heading into the Munster final and no more so than Jamesie as he recounts how some loose words prior to the game from his Limerick opponent Davy Clarke left him determined that the title would be theirs.

After finally breaking the hoodoo in Munster Clare went onto make 1995 a truly historic year winning the All Ireland final for the first time in eighty-one years but Jamesie admits that he was unhappy with his own performance on the day and the elation of such an incredible achievement was tinged with 'a touch of personal disappointment that I hadn't played well and I'd let the side down.'

Very few would agree that Jamesie ever let Clare down but it was something that drove him to seek more success and in 1997 he proved beyond doubt his value to the Banner county when his last minute point in the dramatic final few minutes of the All-Ireland against rivals Tipperary secured Clare a treasured victory over the Premier.

Unfortunately 1998 was a difficult and controversial year for Clare and their eventual defeat to Offaly in a three game saga still sits heavily with Jamesie, 'I will always look on it as an All-Ireland that got away.'

However, the following year Jamesie achieved great success with his club St Joseph's Doora Barefield when they captured the All Ireland club title.

Clare reached the All Ireland final again in 2002 but Kilkenny saw an end to Jamesie's dreams for a third All Ireland medal that day. He retired in 2004 as surely one of the most talented and respected forwards the Banner County has ever seen.

As well as an extensive interview with Jamesie the programme also features interviews with Jamesie's fellow club and county teammate Seán McMahon, Offaly's Brian Whelahan, Clare's Cyril Lyons and Galway's Cathal Moore.  

 

 

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