The new TG4 six part series, ‘Ceol na nOileán’, examines the musical history of the various islands dotted around Ireland.
The series is produced and directed by Máirín Seoighe and makes use of archive material and interviews with Island natives who hark from the Aran Islands, Inishbofin and Ceantar na nOileán in Galway, The Great Blasket in Kerry, Achill in Mayo and Tory Island in Donegal. “Each programme aims to give an insight into the musical history of the various islands, how it has evolved over the years and the strength of that tradition at present.” Máirín tells IFTN
As well as contributions from musicians, singers and dancers native to the various islands the programmes feature people with particular interest in and knowledge of the musical tradition of the islands such as Deirdre Ní Chonghaile, Treasa Ní Mhiolláin, Clann Ui Mhaoilchiaráin, An Dr Ríonach Ui Ógain, Maidhc Deainín O Sé, Áine Ui Laoithe agus Eilín Ní Chearna, The Keel Pipe Band, Des Mc Cafferky and Noel O Grady, Dessie O Halloran, Sharon Shannon, Máirtín Tom Sheáinín, Nan Tom Taimín, Máire Áine Ní Iarnáin as well as the late Ciarán Ó Con Cheanainn.
The episode on Sunday, October 4th, will be set on Tory Island and will centre around the following words from Pól Mac Ruairí “If there was a great gale blowing from the West and you were in the house playing music, you would not hear any wind.’’ And will see Pól describing the advantages of being a musician on Tory island. Other participants include Dr. Lillis Ó Laoire, Treasa Nic Laifeartaigh, Noel Ó Dúgáin, Peatsaí Dan Mac Ruairí and young dancers and singers from the island.
‘Ceol na nOileán’ show on TG4 on Sunday, October 4th at 8.00pm.
