Celebrity Bainisteoir

Episode 5 (1x5)

Air date: Apr 27, 2008

Tonight's programme sees travel presenter Baz Ashmawy's Ballymanus GAA from Wicklow take on politician Mary O'Rourke's Maryland GAA from Westmeath in the fourth and last quarter-final of the Celebrity Bainisteoir tournament. As the two bainisteoirí take over their teams it becomes clear that their approaches to the competition are radically different. An enthusiastic and well-researched Baz takes over at Ballymanus to the delight of the Wicklow men and of Wicklow mentor, All Star and Irish International Kevin O'Brien. Meanwhile in Westmeath, Mary O'Rourke is decidedly less excited about the prospect of taking over the Maryland team. Her first training session with Maryland and the Westmeath mentor Dessie Dolan does little to win her any fans on the team. And after a less than promising start things go from bad to worse when Mary drops a bombshell. With training for the tournament well under way, Mary announces her surprise decision to pull out of the competition, leaving her team in limbo. A welcome replacement is found in the shape of broadcaster Marty Whelan, whose mother hails from Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath. Marty's enthusiasm and optimism give Maryland a much needed boost and the game is on again. Now both teams have their bainisteoirí in place, training efforts redouble and both teams focus on the prize of a semi-final place. With both Ballymanus and Maryland determined to win for parish, for community and for county, tonight's Celebrity Bainisteoir quarter-final is a nailbiting epic and unmissable viewing.