CHRISTMAS IS a time to relax and laze about, but while you can let the body get away with some indulgence with the biscuits and mince pies, there is no need to let the mind rot during the festive season. That’s why it’s a good idea to check out what is on TG4 for Christmas.
TG4 - based in Báile na hAbhann, Connemara, Co Galway - is far and away the best station in the country, presenting imaginative programmes, good films, fascinating documentaries, broadcasting as Gaeilge agus as Bearla, combining to give a welcome balance of top entertainment with some depth.
Among the highlights of TG4’s schedule this Christmas will be the Irish TV premiere of the award winning Irish language film Kings, directed by Oughterard man Tom Collins. Starring Colm Meaney, this is a powerful, poignant, drama looking at the lives of Irish emigrants to Britain in the 1960s and early 1970s.
A must for all music lovers will be Geantraí na Nollag on Christmas Day at 9pm. Presented by Daithí Ó Sé, and recorded in Campbell’s Tavern, Cloughanover, Headford, it will feature performances by The Sharon Shannon Big Band, Mundy (who will duet with McGowan on ‘Rainy Night In Soho’ ), Karan Casey, Caithlín Ní Chualaín, Catherine McEvoy, Liz and Yvonne Kane, and Sliabh Notes.
There will also be a special performance by Shane MacGowan of ‘The Fairytale of New York’ to mark the classic song’s 21st anniversary.
Other highlights will include a profile and tribute to Niall Tóibín; a documentary on the west coast’s sailing traditions; a profile of Gaoth Dobhair musical teacher Francie Mooney; The Tailteann Games – Ireland’s festival of sport and culture from the early decades of the Free State; Uachtarán - the definitive television history of all our nation’s presidents; Canon Goodman – the West Kerry Protestant clergyman who preserved the peninsula’s musical heritage; and of course Ros na Rún.
On January 12, TG4 will present its new dating series Eochar an Ghrá where it’s not about your looks but rather the look of your house!
Presented by TG4 babe Eibhlín Ní Chonghaile, Eochair an Ghrá contains a mix of snooping around people’s houses, psychology, and a little bit of love.
The singletons in the series are in their mid-20s to early 30s. Each week one of them is given the opportunity to discover the properties of three potential dates. With the help of our expert psychologist Kevin O hEaghra the singletons choose their favourite house - without ever meeting the owner - in the hope that they provide them with the key to their heart!
For more information and schedules go to www.tg4.ie
