LAOCHRA GAEL
Programme 3 - NOEL LANE - Galway
16th February at 17.55pm on TG4

The 12th season of the popular GAA documentary series Laochra Gael returns to TG4 this February with ten episodes in all.
The third episode features goal poacher Noel Lane who was a starring member of the Galway hurling team at the height of their dominance winning three All Ireland medals in 1980, 1987 and 1988.

Noel didn't make his name at underage level with Galway but it didn't take long for him to make an impact at senior level and in 1979 his goal in the All Ireland final was named 'Goal of the Year'. Galway lost that final but they and Noel returned a year later in 1980 to play Limerick. Noel nearly didn't make it to the throw in though after he was accidently hit by in the head by a hurley running out onto the pitch. Unfazed and several stitches later Noel was ready to play a full part in the game that would see Galway seize All Ireland victory for the first time in 57 years.

A few lean years followed and Noel's confidence was hurt after they lost two All Irelands in a row in 1985 and 1986. He started the 1987 All Ireland final on the sideline but made an incredible impact when he joined the fray as a substitute scoring the sides winning goal. Back to his best in 1988 Galway fans were shocked when he was dropped for the 1988 All Ireland final. Noel recalls the disappointment and anger he felt when Cyril told him the news at training. However once again Noel would have a big impact on the game when he was substituted on.

Later Noel would bring his hurling knowledge to bear on the sideline when he became Galway manager and guided them to an All Ireland final in 2001. As well as Noel himself they are contributions from Cyril Farrell, Joe Connolly and Pat Fleury.

Laochra Gael on TG4 every Sunday after GAA Beo starting the 2nd February and is produced by Nemeton TV, An Rinn, Co Phortláirge Tweet

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