Reality TV and Referees: Celebrity Bainisteoir – The Rivals Starts This Sunday

Top Irish models, reality TV stars, and a husband and wife pairing all getting down and dirty on the GAA pitches of Ireland?

It can only mean one thing… Celebrity Bainisteoir is back!

This time out the GAA reality series is even more competitive, with Celebrity Bainisteoir - The Rivals pitting rival celebrities against each other. Mary Byrne of X Factor fame will take on another celeb more used to singing on a stage than shouting on a sideline, Richie Hayes from The Voice. Celebrity Big Brother winner Paddy Doherty takes on the star of too many reality TV shows to mention, Calum Best. WAG Jessica Lawlor takes on another beauty, model Roz Purcell – and the one we’re most looking forward to… Pippa O’Connor takes on her husband Brian Ormond.

 

The cast of this year's Celebrity Bainisteoir - The Rivals

The losing bainisteoir in the initial matches must then go on to become the winning bainisteoir’s assistant for the semi-finals, so there’s much more than club pride at stake! 

In fact, things are tougher all-round for the celebs this year, as it will be up to the celebrity to win home advantage for their team through a series of tasks.

The clubs who are lucky enough, (ahem!), to have the celebs mentoring them this year are:

Paddy Doherty - Scoil Ui Chonaill GAA Club, Clontarf, Dublin

Calum Best - Moy Davitts GAA Club, Foxford, Mayo

Mary Byrne - St. Patrick’s GAA Club,Tullow, Carlow

Richie Hayes - Tramore GAA Club, Waterford

Jessica Lawlor - Ballinora GAA Club, Cork

Roz Purcell - Newtown Cashel, Longford

Pippa O’Connor - Naomh Brid GAA Club, Donegal

Brian Ormond - St Mary’s GAA Club, Rochfordbridge, Westmeath

Once again, Her.ie columnist Mairead Farrell will be on hand as presenter, while GAA legends Ciaran Whelan and Liam Kearns will provide support to the wannabe coaches.

 

Celebrity Bainisteoir – The Rivals begins this Sunday 9^th September at 6.30pm on RTÉ One