AIB, proud sponsors of both Club and County, announced today alongside Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea that they will be re-releasing their much talked about GAA series ‘The Toughest Trade’ on Virgin Media Television this summer.

Four episodes from the series will air in total, with each one going out every Monday beginning with Episode One on June 1st at 9pm. The series features four celebrated GAA stars including Mayo and Breaffy footballer Aidan O’Shea, Donegal and Glenswilly footballer Michael Murphy, Wexford and Faythe Harriers hurler Lee Chin and Tipperary and Borris-Ileigh hurler Brendan Maher. Throughout the series, the players are challenged with swapping their GAA skillsets to learn the ins and outs of American Football, Rugby, Ice Hockey and Cricket.

Mayo star Aidan O’Shea was one of the players to take on the Toughest Trade, facing some of the best young athletes at the NFL combine. The combine is a test of speed, strength and agility which truly pushes the few to their limits as they try to beat the odds and make it to the NFL.

Commenting on his experience with the Toughest Trade, O’Shea said: “I’m delighted that AIB are bringing the series back to TV as it was such a memorable experience that I enjoyed sharing with the rest of the country. To see GAA sport and culture introduced to athletes from other parts of the world is something truly unique. And, at the same time, the challenge of learning a new sport as a lifelong GAA player was a very humbling yet rewarding experience. The show highlights the importance of strength, support and togetherness that I believe is evident in GAA communities throughout Ireland. I’m thrilled to have been a part of the series and can’t wait to re-live it.”

Michael Dargan, Head of Consumer Marketing said: "AIB has a long-standing relationship with GAA that stretches back almost 30 years. In normal circumstances we would recently have celebrated our association with the 2020 GAA All Ireland Senior Football Championships. The impact of Covid-19 has prevented us from doing so for the time being, but we in AIB are as proud as ever of our involvement with the GAA. The essence of GAA is that it equips its players, coaches, clubs and communities rise to whatever challenges they face. The players involved in AIB's The Toughest Trade demonstrated this proving their resilience when transplanted as amateur sportspeople into a professional environment. AIB sees The Toughest Trade as a celebration of the ethos of GAA and are delighted to re-release the series at a time when we are all missing the games that should have been."

While O’Shea was in America, former Miami Dolphin Roberto Wallace came to Mayo to try and master Gaelic Football and to immerse himself in the parish and club. His steep learning curve culminates in a match against Breaffy’s rivals Parke in which he featured as full forward and captain.

O’Shea’s episode of The Toughest Trade is set to air on Monday, June 8th. Meanwhile, Episode One, airing on June 1st, will see Tipp hurler Brendan Maher swap roles with former England cricketer Steve Harmison. The final two episodes will feature Donegal’s Michael Murphy and Wexford’s Lee Chin, airing on June 15th and 22nd, respectively.

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