A Mayo man is one of the mentors on a new ground breaking eight part series on TG4 — Glaoch an Cheoil — that sets out to bring music into the lives of people who always wanted to learn to play an instrument but never had the opportunity. Fergal Ó Murchú is a native of Moygownagh in north Mayo and has the unique distinction of being an All-Ireland champion on no fewer than 11 occasions in traditional singing and is well-known as a solo performer with the Ragús show he founded.
This series celebrates the culture of volunteerism in Ireland that is alive and well in these austere times, as people with a gift and a talent share their skill with those who are eager to learn. Each mentor brings Glaoch an Cheoil to the provincial hub which has hosted an instrument amnesty, has an instrument loan library, music classes, and performances and sessions to encourage the local community to get involved. The culmination of the series will be an inspirational performance during the Christmas season at Áras an Uachtaráin, for the man who inspired the series, President Michael D Higgins. This final programme will be broadcast on TG4 on St Stephen’s Day.
Glaoch an Cheoil (Thursdays 9.30pm on TG4 and repeated on Saturday evenings ).
