Two new hurling themed young people’s programmes produced for RTÉ - ‘Ballybradden’ (Monster Animation) and ‘C’mon Camán’ (Big Mountain Productions) have been launched by Barry Andrews, T.D., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs at the G.A.A Museum, Croke Park.
Produced by Monster Animation for RTÉ, ‘Ballybraddan’ is a 20 x 13 animated series following the lives of the fifth class children of Ballybraddan Primary School where the hurling pitch is the one place that brings all children of different backgrounds together. The animated series will feature voices from children around the country and aims to be one of the world’s first “animated soaps” for younger viewers.
Producer Gerard O’Rourke said: “I always knew we could make original animation programming for an Irish audience. Following the Irish and international success of RTÉ’s ‘Fluffy Gardens,’ I am delighted to add ‘Ballybraddan’ to the list of new Irish animated series. Hopefully Irish children will enjoy this series for years to come and take ownership of it.”
Directed by Jason Tammemagi (Fluffy Gardens) and written by Noel McGee and Nora King, the series will air daily on The Den on RTE Two at 3.30pm from April 20th for four weeks with the omnibus editions being aired at the weekends on Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at 10.30am.
‘C’mon Camán,’ produced by Big Mountain Productions, will air for two weeks on weekdays from April 6th on RTÉ Two. Six of Ireland’s leading hurlers will mentor 24 young people from all over the country. Selected through an application process and provincial try-outs, the lucky 24 will be split into six teams of four and will be mentored by their top hurling hero for one very challenging week. The Mentors are Eoin Larkin, Kilkenny (Black Team); Shane McGrath, Tipperary (Red Team); Ollie Moran, Limerick (Green Team); Eoin Kelly, Waterford (Blue Team); Brendan Cummins, Tipperary (Amber Team); Mary O’Connor, Cork (Purple Team). Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody also gave a masterclass to the teams ahead of the final.
The series, produced by John Daly, executive produced by Philip McGovern and Jane Kelly from Big Mountain Productions and directed by James Kenneally, was filmed over six days in the JJB Soccer Dome, Dundalk in February.
Speaking at the launch the Minister said that “two new children’s television programmes promoting the physical and social value of our Gaelic games is to be greatly welcomed” and welcomed the two new series. He added: “The launch by RTÉ of two new children’s TV programmes promoting the physical and social value of our Gaelic games through animation and real-life coaching is to be greatly welcomed. Thankfully, our children today are amongst the most physically active in the developed world and RTÉ’s two new programmes will further encourage children to participate in sport both inside and outside school hours. Our challenge is to build on already solid foundations by supporting children to sustain their active involvement in sports through their adolescent years and beyond."
