Mikey Ó Flatharta’s new six-part series for TG4, ‘Ar Bharr na dTonn’, which highlights the history of the Galway hookers and beauty of the Conamara landscape begins this Friday 6 February at 7.30 p.m.
Ó Flatharta focuses on six sailing festivals held in Ireland during July and September for the series and takes the viewer into the boat, thus capturing the movement colour and sheer power of this traditional craft. The series is presented by Mary Bailey (daughter of the celebrated and much-missed boatman Johnny Bailey), with race commentary by master boatmen John Darba Ó Flatharta and Johnny Shéamuis Ó Conghaile.
‘Ar Bharr na dTonn’ emphasises the rich heritage and multi-generational aspects of the hooker tradition, set against a backdrop of stunning scenery and unpredictable weather conditions.
Ó Flatharta previous credits include the short ‘An Tóstal’ and the documentaries ‘Micheal O Hehir’ and ‘The Brothers.’
Cameras for the series included Ray Mac Donncha, Micheál A. Ó Dubháin, Séamus Ó hAodha, Fionn Mac Giolla, Andy Smith, Trevor Laffey, Diarmad Goggins, Marian Ní Loingsigh, Déaglán de Paor and Gary Finnegan. The sound crew included Mary Harkin, Tomás Ó Neachtain and Trevor McKenna.
