If it is some sport on TV you are after this Christmas, then TG4 are the answer to your prayers. SPORTS PROGRAMMES ON TG4 - Christmas 2004 SATURDAY 18 DECEMBER 11:10pm All-Ireland Gold Another chance to see Cork v Galway in the 1986 All-Ireland Hurling Final. Introduced by Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. SUNDAY 19 DECEMBER 8:30pm Laochra Gael - Jack Lynch Jack Lynch is a true GAA legend, the only player to win a Senior All-Ireland medal six years in a row - five hurling, 1941-4 and 1946, and 1 in football in 1945. A true Corkman, he was a pupil of North Mon and played hurling for Glen Rovers and football for St Nicholas'. He always acknowledged that hurling was the better game by far! His skill on the field stood him in good stead in his political career as TD, Fianna Fáil leader and Taoiseach. He was a sweet singer too. In this programme, contributors include his brother, Finbarr Lynch, Con Murphy, Liam Ó Tuama, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Brendan Fullam and Dave O'Brien. 9:25pm Cogar - Saol a'Mhadra The greyhound racing industry is worth ?240 million annually to the Irish exchequer. This documentary examines this phenomenon through the personal stories of greyhound owners and looks at the astonishing changes which have taken place regarding the training of dogs. The documentary also looks at the measures put in place by Bord na gCon to eliminate the cruelty suffered by retired greyhounds in the past. MONDAY 20 DECEMBER 10:35pm Laochra Gael - Jimmy Keaveney As part of Heffo's Army in the 1970s, Jimmy marched with Dublin to three All-Ireland titles in 1974,1976 and 1977. An uncle introduced the young Jimmy to GAA and persuaded him to join St. Vincent's, then the powerhouse of Dublin GAA. His early intercounty experience was not a happy one and Jimmy retired at the age of 28. In 1974, Kevin Heffernan was made Dublin Manager, Jimmy was invited back to the County scene and he returned. Thus was to begin one of Dublin's most successful periods. Jimmy was renowned for his free taking ability and was the most accurate free taker of his time. Jimmy retired in 1979. He is best remembered for his scoring ability and as a roaming full forward. He will forever be etched as one of the darlings of the hill. TUESDAY 21 DECEMBER 7:30pm Greyhound View Highlights from the week's racing including the final of the Ted Hegarty Marathon Final at Harolds Cross, the O'Grady Bar & Restaurant & Pallas Foods 525 Final from the Galway Greyhound Stadium, the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Final and the Banbury Bookmakers Open 550 Final from Shelbourne Park, the Blackjack Tom Champion Bitch Stake 525 Final from Thurles. Introduced by Tracy Piggott, Michael and Ian Fortune. 8:00pm Saol a'Mhadra (Repeat) The greyhound racing industry is worth ?240 million annually to the Irish exchequer. This documentary examines this phenomenon through the personal stories of greyhound owners and looks at the astonishing changes which have taken place regarding the training of dogs. The documentary also looks at the measures put in place by Bord na gCon to eliminate the cruelty suffered by retired greyhounds in the past. FRIDAY 24 DECEMBER 6:05pm Film - Escape to Victory In World War II, a group of Nazi officers come up with a propaganda event in which an all star Nazi team will play a team composed of Allied Prisoners of War in a soccer game. The Prisoners agree, planning on using the game as a means of escape from the camp. Directed by John Huston, starring Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone, Pelé, Bobby Moore, John Wark, Co Prins, Mike Summerbee, Laurie Sivell and Robin Turner. SATURDAY 25 DECEMBER 4:55pm GAA Cúil 2004 A complete review of the 2004 Gaelic Year with highlights and action >from all the top games in the past year. From Kerry's All-Ireland title win to Corks All-Ireland hurling triumph this programme includes all the top goals and exciting moments from the Hurling and Football Championships as well as Ladies Gaelic Football and Camogie - don't miss this Christmas afternoon hourlong special! Presented by Micheál Ó Domhnaill. (**Repeated at 11:10pm) 5:50pm Ringy Hour-long documentary on Cork's Hurling Legend - the programme's researchers located colour film of Christy Ring scoring in the 1954 All-Ireland final, black and white footage from the 1947 All-Ireland, footage from a Cork and Tipperary match and other interesting on and off the field sequences. Christy Ring had a remarkable lengthy career in senior hurling from his début with Cork in 1939 to his final game with Glen Rovers in 1967. He won 8 All-Ireland medals, 4 National Hurling League medals,18 Railway Cup Championships and 14 Cork County Senior Hurling championships with his beloved club, Glen Rovers. Former Cork players Con Murphy, John Clifford, John Lyons, Willie John Daly, Terry Kelly, Gerald McCarthy and Jimmy Barry Murphy give their assessments as do opponents like Jimmy Smith (Clare), Paddy Buggy (Kilkenny), John and Jimmy Doyle (Tipperary), Ned Power (Waterford) and Martin Codd (Wexford). Others contributing to the programme are author and columnist Eoghan Harris, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, historian John A Murphy and broadcaster Donncha Ó Dúlaing. SUNDAY 26 DECEMBER 12:00pm Grand Prix (Film - 1966) American Grand Prix driver Pete Aron (James Garner) is fired by his Jordan-BRM racing team after a crash at Monaco that injures his British teammate, Scott Stoddard (Brian Bedford). While Stoddard struggles to recover, Aron begins to drive for the Japanese Yamura team, and becomes romantically involved with Stoddard's estranged wife. 4:30pm Cluiche Ceannais Iomána 2004 Corks sweet revenge on Brian Cody's Kilkenny who were seeking a three-in-a row - this years All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final between Cork and Kilkenny >from Croke Park. Commentary by Garry Mac Donncha. 9:55pm Curachaí i New Orléans The Currach Regatta in New Orléans is the highlight of the currach racing year, involving the Irish and US champions pitted against one another for the world title. This year's october festival almost didn't happen, thanks to 'Thunderstorm Matthew' which lashed torrential rain down on the Louisiana capital during it's traditional dry month. But determination overcame the elements and the final was run, but not as it was planned. This programme looks at the festival and at the preparations before it. MONDAY 27 DECEMBER 10.20pm Rásaí Capall 2004 Seán Bán Breathnach presents an hour long special on the top ten races of the 2004 racing year. The programme will highlight the biggest races in England and Ireland including the Grand National in Aintree, the Epsom Derby, the Irish Champion Stakes and the Irish Derby. Featured races >from Cheltenham, Fairyhouse and Punchestown will also be shown. We will see the following victories: Amourallis in the Michael McNamara & Co. Builders Handicap at Galway Racecourse Banasan in the Guinness Kerry National from Listowel Vinnie Roe's in the The Irish Field St. Leger from the Curragh Hardy Eustace in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy from Cheltenham Florida Pearl in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup from Leopardstown Beef or Salmon in the Heineken Gold Cup from Punchestown Granit D'estruval in the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National Chase at Fairyhouse Best Mate in the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase Grey Swallow in the Budweiser Irish Derby at the Curragh Azamour in the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown North Light in the Vodafone Derby Stakes at Epsom Downs Amberleigh House in the Martell Cognac Grand National H'cap Chase at Aintree WEDNESDAY 29 DECEMBER 9:05pm Dubs! Mná na Life The dramatic inside story of the Dublin Women's football team's quest for the All-Ireland title. Dubs! Mná na Life is an account of Dublin's 2004 Championship campaign as they aim for their first All-Ireland Senior Women's Football title. There is pressure on Dublin this year. They are one of the favourites and much is expected of them. Plus the fact that they have a new manager - the legendary Dublin goalkeeper John O'Leary. The makers of this documentary were given access to training, match team-talks and to the lives of the players themselves in a gruelling and uniquely Irish sport that is every bit as competitive as the men's game. 10:05pm Cluiche Ceannais Peile na mBan 2004 Another chance to see Galway v Dublin in this years TG4 All Ireland Ladies Senior Football Final from Croke Park. Commentary by Brian Tyers with analysis by Kerry manager Robbie Ó Grifín. SATURDAY 1 JANUARY 2005 9:00am Film - The Story of Seabiscuit Horse trainer Shawn O'Hara and his lovely niece, Margaret, come to America to escape the memory of an accident involving Margaret's brother, Danny. Working with thoroughbreds in Kentucky, Shawn takes a liking to a yearling named Seabiscuit, and fights to convince the horse's owner that the tiny horse with big knees will become a top-notch racehorse. Meanwhile, Margaret begins a tentative relationship with jockey Ted Knowles, but is haunted by her brother's death in a steeplechase spill. Starring Shirley Temple and Barry Fitzgerald (1949 film). SUNDAY 2 JANUARY 2005 4:30pm Cluiche Ceannais Peile 2004 Kerry v Mayo in the 2004 All-Ireland Senior Football Final from Croke Park. Commentary and analysis by Garry Mac Donncha and Finín Mac a'Bháird. TUESDAY 4 JANUARY 2005 7:30pm FBD Milk Rás Highlights from the 2004 FBD Milk Rás 8 Day International Cycle Race, an excellent race, with the route, the riders, the weather, the drama and the action all making for a great spectacle. The race, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and FBD Insurances is now in its 52nd year. The Rás has developed into a much sought after event by professional and amateur teams from many parts of the world. Ireland-Thornton's Recycling rider David McCann finished safely in the main bunch in the Phoenix Park to win his first FBD Milk Rás, crossing the line ninth in a mass sprint won by former Tour of Spain sprint king Malcolm Elliott. Narrated by Roy Willoughby. Tweet

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