Music of Mayo islands on TG4

The music, song and dance of Clare Island and Inishturk will be featured on TG4 on Sunday, October 16th, as part of the Ceol na nOileán series. The series, which explores the rich musical traditions of this country’s many offshore islands, features Rathlin, Arranmore, Cape Clear as well as the two Mayo islands.

In each programme the musical tradition of the featured islands is enhanced by evocative images of the natural environment heightening the sentiment of songs and music and providing an effective dramatic backdrop.  

Archive material adds to the narrative, which includes contributions from natives musicians, singers and dancers. The programmes also features experts who have an interest in these aspects of island culture.

The upcoming programme on Clare Island and Inisthruk features the box playing of Clare Island natives, Billy Gallagher and Michael McNamara and the O’Toole family of Inishturk. Myles Ruddy, Patrick O’Toole and Anne O’Toole and Niall McCabe demonstrate the rich singing ethos, both traditional and contemporary, on the islands. The Clare Island half-set is also featured.

This Ceol na nOileán  programme will be aired on Sunday, October 16th at 10pm and repeated on Friday 21st, at 8.30pm.