Programmes on TG4 Christmas 2015
Saturday 19th December
20:25 Survivor - San Juan del Sur
The Final Five compete for a spot in the last Tribal Council and the $1 million prize
on the two hour Season Finale.
The castaways reunite in Los Angeles to discuss the season. Hosted by Jeff Probst.
22:55 European Rugby Champions Cup
Highlights of Leinster v Toulon from this evenings match at the Aviva Stadium in the
4th round of the European Rugby Champions Cup.
Sunday 20th December
14:05 Cluichí na Bliana
Another chance to look back at Slaughtneil v Austin Stacks from the All-Ireland Club
Football Semi-Final which was played last February in Portlaoise. The match was a
thrilling battle between the Ulster champions and the Munster champions. The
influence of Kerry star Kieran Donaghy was huge early on and he won two penalties
for Austin Stacks.
16:55 An Nollaig Fadó
An Nollaig Fadó is a charming, nostalgic festive documentary which captures the
spirit of the past through firsthand accounts of Christmas across Ireland long ago.
From the arrival of the 'American parcel' from relatives abroad to letters to Santa
being sent up the chimney this documentary takes us right to the heart of Christmas
through tales which ring true for us all.
17:55 Foster and Allen
Foster and Allen's Christmas Show is filled with festive music and song. Mick and
Tony share some of their memories of Christmas and reflect on what this time of
year is all about. They are joined for an interview by their friend and broadcaster Sir
Terry Wogan and other featured artists include Shayne Ward, with their new videos
of 'The Galway Girl" and "One Little Christmas Tree", also Aled Jones, Louise
Morrissey, Daniel O' Donnell and Mike Denver.
19:30 Dúiche
This week Síle Nic Chonaonaigh comes from Winterval, Ireland's Christmas festival
in Waterford, which needs to be seen to be believed. While she's there she will meet
Máire Seó Breathnach who will show her all the festival has to offer, storytelling,
sampling food and seeing some unusual enterprises that are at this magical festival.
20:30 An Jig Gig
The search for the best traditional dance act in Ireland concludes. All forms of Irish
dancing are eligible for the series, from step dancing to brush dancing, from Seannós dancing to set dancers. This is the ultimate free-for-all Irish dance competition
and a celebration of all the Irish dancing traditions. But only one act can be crowned
champion and will claim the title of TG4's Best Traditional Irish Dance Act 2015.
Keeping a close eye on all the finalists are our 3 judges, Breandán de Gallaí,
Dearbhla Lennon and Labhrás Sonai Choilm Learaí. An Jig Gig finale, Sunday,
8.30pm, on TG4.
21:30 Cogar: Mo High Nelly Álainn
The High Nelly is a symbol of Ireland in former times. It revolutionised life not just in
rural areas but also in towns and on city streets. It was a means of transport to
school and to work, to sporting fixtures and to dances, to church services and to
romantic liaisons. This ode to the High Nelly features avid fans who reveal their love
and admiration for this iconic bicycle.
22:00 Hup
Hup is a new traditional music series. This week we visit Strokestown, Co.
Roscommon where the festival is in full flight. It's 30 years since Roscommon flautist
Matt Molloy, fiddler Seán Keane, both of the Chieftains, and guitarist Arty McGlynn
released their seminal album Contentment is Wealth and the three musical legends
perform for us this evening. Fiddler John Carty and his daughter Maggie perform
some reels and a song along with guitarist Francis Gaffney. Three greats of
Roscommon flute playing perform together, Patsy Hanley, Tommy Guihan, and John
Carlos.
23:30 European Rugby Champions Cup
Highlights of Leicester Tigers v Munster from Welford Road and Toulouse v Ulster in
the 4th round of the European Rugby Champions Cup. Another huge weekend of
club rugby in the European Rugby Champions Cup with teams battling it out for top
positions in each pool.
Monday 21st December
17:20 Dochreidte Gan Dabht
This is Officially Amazing! Today we will see some extraordinary official world record
attempts from around the world including a very exciting BMX attempt-the most nose
manual spins on a BMX in 30 seconds. Presented by Eoghan Ó Loideáin.
17:55 SOS
Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh: Micheál and the Cúla4 crew take to the road this
season, as they bring you a weekly instalment of SOS (Sos ón scoil). Each week
they visit a school from around the country and let the students showcase the
highlights and achievements in their school, while bringing Micheál to their favourite
nooks and crannies. This week join Micheál as he meets pupils from Gaelscoil Mhic
Amhlaigh, Galway.
20:00 Laochra Gael
Kerry have produced some of the greatest footballers ever and Seamus Moynihan is
one of their best. From 1992 till 2006 he dominated the Kerry defence winning four
All Irelands and captaining his county to victory in 2000. Features interviews with
Dara Ó Cinnéide, Peter Canavan and Seán Ó Domhnaill.
20:30 Port - An Braon Breise
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh looks back at the musical highlights from the critically
acclaimed series Port. We rejoin the musicians and singers Muireann met on her
journey with Julie Fowlis. We go on a whistle-stop journey from Dublin to Uist via
Miltown Malbay, Skye, Glasgow and Dingle. Filled with wonderful music from the
traditional music scene's finest singers and players, often meeting for the first time
and creating spellbinding performances. Artists include Daoiri Farrel, Dònal
O'Connor, Michelle Mulcahy, Cuas, Lumiere, Iain MacFarlane, The Friel Sisters and
many more.
Tuesday 22nd December
9:10 Garfield- Rodent Rebellion
The crazy rodents take over in a new action packed special! Criminal mastermind
Ratzo leads the rodents in a series of robberies. When the police discover the
hidden loot in the basement, Jon Arbuckle gets the blame. Garfield must stop ratting
around and seek help from the legend of the Pied Piper in order to clear Jon's name!
15:00 Scéal na Nollag
Scoil Éinne - An Spidéal: Scoil Éinne, An Spidéal. Enjoy the magic and joy of
Christmas as primary school children portray the Christmas story in their own
imaginative, extraordinary way.
15:30 Saol Faoi Shráid
Happy Christmas: It’s Christmas and Ribín & Glibín want to give each other a
present. Things work out for them in the end with Cicí’s help and Cicí learns that love
is the best present of all. Meanwhile, above ground, there's a beautiful choir
rehearsing for Christmas night.
17:20 WAC
Super-Est Superhero: It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's Super Tomaí! Join Éadaoin,
Caoimhe and Tomaí's alter ego as they fly around the planet in search of animals
with wondrous superpowers in this super duper episode of WAC.
17:55 Xtreme
This time on the Xtreme Collxtion. Extreme surfer Gabriel Villaran immerses himself
in the big wave culture of Hawaii’s famed North Shore. The Red Bull Cliff Diving
World Series kicks-off with a return to it’s first-ever venue - the French sea port of La
Rochelle. And there’s something a little ‘salty’ going on as freestyle kiteboarding
world champ, Bruna Kajiya, carves her sport to a whole new level off the Brazilian
coast.
19:30 7 Lá
Politics and the economy, regional, national and international affairs. Live debate on
the major issues of the day with Páidí Ó Lionáird and a panel of analysts, experts
and political pundits.
20:00 Logainm
A new series exploring the place-names of Ireland. Ireland's history is written in its
place names, they are a unique aspect of our shared culture and heritage. There are
millions of examples all over the island, and each of them has their own story to tell,
each of them with their own distinctive sense of place. The presenter, renowned
musician and member of the The Placenames Branch, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich is
joined each week by a panel of guests to discuss the Irish place names and their
meanings.
Where do the place-names come from, and what's the untold story behind them?
This week, we'll be looking at the placenames influenced by travel. On the panel this
week to discuss these placenames are Isobel Ní Riain, from University College Cork,
and Pádraig Ó Cearbhaill a researcher with the Placenames Commision. This week
we go to the most famous cross roads in Ireland, the Horse and Jockey in Co.
Tipperary, where Liam Ó Donnchú brings us on a tour. The pupils of Scoil Gharbháin
tell us about the placenames in their area. And Caoimhín de Paor sings us '' An
Spailpín Fánach".
20:30 Ros na Rún
John Joe is in complete shock when he catches Mack and his daughter Deirdre in a
steamy state of undress! Totally flabbergasted at what he has stumbled upon, his
reaction is far from calm. How will John Joe handle the news that Mack and his
daughter are in a secret relationship? David hopes his plans for an amazing
Christmas concert will impress his girlfriend Alana sufficiently to entice her back to
Ros na Rún. Mo is uncertain Alana will even turn up.
She tries to protect David's feelings from getting hurt, but David is under too much
pressure to even notice as pressure of a perfect concert is mounting, and local
blogger Caitríona's diva demands are not helping. Will drive the village nuts with
quest for nativity perfection? A merciless Tadhg will stop at nothing to push Peigí
over the edge. Peigí is out in the cold now that Eoin and Eimear are happily married,
much to Tadhg's delight! Will Tadhg's taunts derail Peigí again?
21:00 Spin
Philip King meets up with some old friends from the ranks of Moving Hearts to relive
the impact that album had on an entire generation. Contributors include Christy
Moore, Declan Sinnott, Donal Lunny and Keith Donald. The Hearts were radical,
opinionated and exciting and never shied away from the hard topics, "Each band
member had an embargo on what songs could be sung", explains Donald, "But
nobody ever exercised that embargo".
21:30 T.K. Whitaker - Seirbhíseach an Stáit
Declared the Greatest Living Irish Person by the 2002 ESB/Rehab People of the
Year Awards, TK Whitaker was one of the most influential figures in 20th Century
Ireland. His appointment as Secretary at the Department of Finance in 1956 sowed
the seeds for a new era of optimism and prosperity. But his influence was not
confined to the world of Finance. He also played a key role in shaping government
policy on Northern Ireland and Europe. Now in his tenth decade, he reflects on a
remarkable life dedicated to public service.
22:30 Fíorscéal
Sweatshop: Deadly Fashion: Documentary charting the experiences of three
young fashion bloggers from Norway who spent a month living the life of Cambodian
garment workers in Phnom Penh. Frida, Anniken and Ludwig live, breath and dream
fashion. They spend big money every month on clothes and make a living promoting
the latest catwalk trends, not giving much thought to the people who make the
clothes. Now, they’re trading their comfortable lives for those of Cambodian garment
workers. As well as working in the factories, they have to survive on $3 a day. The
programme poignantly shows the consequences of cheap fashion.
23:35 Face to Face
Pepsi vs Coke: a duel between giants which has lasted for more than a century, at a
cost of billions of dollars. Pepsi vs Coke: a hundred-years-war with unparalleled
socio-economic stakes, countless victims, spies, underhand manoeuvres, truces and
renewed attacks. Pepsi vs Coke: a war of raging thirsts opposing two ultra-rich
multinationals determined to dominate the world’s drinks business. When one
attacks, the other counter-attacks. Endless battles between the two soft drinks giants
in a war that never stops. A confrontation between two brand names that have come
to symbolize the American way More than ever, and despite the numerous twists in
the tale, Pepsi vs Coke is a unique and troubling contest riddled with cynicism,
heroism and fascinating hostility. A combat born in the South, on the ruins of the
American Civil War.
Wednesday 23rd December
19:15 Tae leis na Marbh
Frank is a gentle unassuming embalmer from Ballyconneely, a small town in
Connemara. After Frank has washed, disinfected, removed and replaced fluids,
applied cosmetics and dressed the deceased, he always makes two cups of tea.
One for him and one for the dead. The conversations Frank has with the deceased
are recordings of interviews with real Irish people.
19:30 Béaloideas Beo
Christmas is one of the biggest festivals of the year, but what was it before it became
a Christian Feast Day? And where did the traditions we now practice come from? In
studio to discuss these traditions and more are Lillis Ó Laoire, Seán Mac Philibín and
Máirín Mhéiní Uí Chonghaile and we’ll have music from Harry Bradley, John Blake
and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail. Presented by Seán Mac an tSíthigh.
20:30 Ros na Rún
TG4’s Ros na Rún’s touching tribute episode to Séamus Mhicil Tom, the Irish
language soap’s loveable rogue, played by the late actor Diarmuid Mac an
Adhastair.
The entire village of Ros na Rún comes to a standstill as they lay their beloved friend
Séamus Mhicil Tom to rest. This dedicated episode will air on Wednesday the 23rd
December on TG4 at 8.30pm.
Friends and enemies alike put aside their differences as they bid a fond farewell to
the loveable rogue at an emotional grave-side ceremony. Tadhg, renowned for his
sharp tongue and heart of stone, masks his grief with nasty retorts, struggling to
acknowledge his close relationship with Séamus over 20 years.
This poignant tribute episode will give viewers a flashback of Séamus’ best scenes
from Ros na Rún over the last 20 years. The emotional villagers gather around
Séamus's high stool in Tigh Thaidhg, where he could always be found enjoying a
pint of his beloved porter, forever causing mischief.
The late Diarmuid Mac an Adhastair, who sadly passed away in July of this year,
was an actor of the highest calibre. A natural comedian and a great inspiration, the
Irish language actor brought Séamus Mhicil Tom to life with his quick-witted replies
and gestures.
TG4 Wednesday 23rd December 20:30
22:30 Opry an Iúir
Nathan Carter: Opry an Iúir continues with Daniel O’Donnell as master of
ceremonies. In this week’s show, Nathan Carter with special guests Niamh
McGlinchey, Lisa McHugh and Ronnie Kennedy. Join Daniel as he introduces the
cream of country music artists from home and abroad, from the Town Hall in Newry,
Co. Down.
Christmas Eve
12:00 Ó Cuisine
Christmas dinner: Chef Stiofán Mac Donnchadha prepares an alternative
Christmas dinner. Salmon Gravlax, Breast of Guinea Fowl with Celeriac Purée and
Mince and Apple Pie with Baileys custard. Presented by Veronica Ní Ghríofa.
19:15 Tae leis na Marbh
Frank is a gentle unassuming embalmer from Ballyconneely, a small town in
Connemara. After Frank has washed, disinfected, removed and replaced fluids,
applied cosmetics and dressed the deceased, he always makes two cups of tea.
One for him and one for the dead. The conversations Frank has with the deceased
are recordings of interviews with real Irish people.
19:30 Sailing to an Island
On September 19th 1989, Dolores Keane and John Faulkner, with a group of
musician friends, sailed to Inisbofin, for a fund-raising concert in aid of the island
community centre. Léiriú le Emdee Productions.
20:30 Ros na Rún
Márie and Peadar are lonely this Christmas. They reminisce about their favourite
Christmas memories with their late son Liam but their feelings of loneliness are soon
forgotten when the doorbell rings. Máire and Peadar are gobsmacked at what has
been left on doorstep! What has Christmas in store for Máire and Peadar? Learning
that Alana has no plans to attend the Christmas concert, David has become the
Scrooge of his own show, punishing Áine and Réaltín for their bad behaviour.
Can a selfish David forget his feelings for his girlfriend and remember the real
importance of Christmas at Ros na Rún? John Joe's plans for a lovely Christmas in
Donegal are shattered when he learns that his ex-wife Noreen has poisoned Deirdre
against him. He is heartbroken and upset when he discovers the lies Noreen has told
Dee about him over the years, Will Noreen share the real truth with Deirdre?
22:35 Geantraí na Nollag
Another chance to see Geantraí na Nollag 2012 which celebrated The Dubliners' fifty
years in music from The Abbey Tavern in Howth, and also honoured the sad passing
of their banjo player Barney McKenna. Many musical guests joined The Dubliners
along with singers Imelda May and Karan Casey in this hour long programme
presented by musician/singer
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh.
23:40 Capercaillie in Concert
The acclaimed band Capercaillie in concert at Celtic Connections, as part of their
30th anniversary celebrations. One of the world’s foremost contemporary Celtic
bands, they have taken Gaelic music to audiences all over the world. Appearing
onstage with the band are guest singers and musicians, including: Kathleen
MacInnes, Sineag MacIntyre, Gerry O’Connor and Kris Drever and Marc Duff.
Christmas Day
8:30 Qpootle Christmas special
The 27 minute extended special will see Q Pootle 5, Oopsy, Eddi and friends
prepare for the annual Christmas pantomime. However, a mayday call interrupts the
rehearsal and the troop finds itself embroiled in an adventure to save the holiday.
Based on the best-selling book series from Nick Butterworth, the Christmas special
features a voice cast including Joanna Page, Ed Gaughan, Steven Kynman, Richard
Ridings and Ella Kenion.
9:35 The Gruffalo
Follow the little wise mouse on his walk in the deep dark wood and manages to
outwit a succession of predators. Sit back and enjoy this classic story narrated in
Irish.
16:50 Súil Siar Steip 2015
Highlights from this year's Sean-Nós dancing competition for adults at Oireachtas na
Samhna 2015 in Citywest Hotel. Presented by Joe Ó Dónaill.
17:45 Maureen O'Hara and The Quiet Man
The film unravels Director John Ford’s twenty year quest to realise his most personal
project. When it was released 'The Quiet Man' became a monster hit all across the
world, winning two Oscars and resonating with audiences’ way beyond the Irish
Diaspora. Featuring Maureen O’Hara, Martin Scorsese and a narration by Niall
Tóibín, this documentary is a celebration of Ford and his vision of Ireland on the 60th
anniversary of the release of ‘The Quiet Man’.
19:15 Na Casaidigh Beo ón Oireachtas
Two generations of Na Casaidigh bring their unique arrangement of traditional music
and song and original material to a live audience at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in
Citywest in October.
20:20 Duets Opry an Iúir
Opry an Iúir is back again on TG4 and will be presented by the King of country
music, Daniel O'Donnell. This episode is a compilation of the duets from the series.
Among the singers joining Daniel on tonight’s show are Mike Denvir, Brendan Shine,
Dominic Kirwan, Charlie Landsborough, Louise Morrissey and Jim Devine.
21:15 Hup na Nollag
This special Christmas edition of Hup comes from Kinvarra and features many of
Ireland's finest performers. Máirtín O'Connor performs with the ConTempo Quartet,
Cathal Hayden and Gary Ó Briain as well as that we will hear a song from this year's
Corn Uí Riada winner Bríd Ní Mhaoilchiaráin, while the talented Glackin family strike
up a lively set of reels. With an age gap of 80 years between them Chris and Cathal
Droney remind us what is so special about this time of year. Comedian Pat Shortt
will be on the saxophone and we will hear a Christmas song from Declan O'Rourke.
22:10 Robert Shaw - Jaws, Deoch & Deora
A new and revealing documentary about the celebrated film actor Robert Shaw, a
movie star with many demons who hid from the world in a small Gaeltacht village in
Mayo and found happiness and peace as locals warmed to him and helped him to
live again. In Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, he became a different man – but still quite a
character and the programme contains many colourful stories of his time there;
drunken escapades, his attempts to become a farmer, his love of the Irish language
and finally and tragically, his death. After his death, he was cremated and his ashes
scattered in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. In 2008, the locals erected a monument in his
memory.
Robert Shaw was a leading Hollywood star, an Oscar-nominated actor who
appeared in 56 movies. He was also an established author, the father of ten children
and husband to three wives. He battled James Bond in From Russia With Love and
a great white shark in Jaws. He won rave reviews for his performance as Henry VIII
in A Man for All Seasons and was the memorable foil for Robert Redford and Paul
Newman in The Sting.
He was a man of words and letters and was fascinated by the Irish language. He
insisted his children learn it and he enrolled them in the local school where they were
taught all subjects through Irish.
His son, Colin Shaw, remained in Tuar Mhic
Éadaigh following his father’s death and became fluent in Irish.
Location shooting,
interviews, unique access to Shaw’s personal archive and clips from his movies
combine to give an in-depth view of who Shaw was and why he came to Ireland.
Produced by Dearg Films.
23:05 Robert Mizzell Pure Country
Dolphin Records is proud to announce the release of Pure Country - Live. This
spectacular DVD captures Robert Mizzell's exciting live show for the very first time. It
was recorded in the Dunamaise Theatre in October. The DVD celebrates his 20 year
career in country music and features many of his all time hits along with some more
recently recorded songs. Enjoy the authentic sound of Robert Mizzell. It's Pure
Country Live.
Films on TG4
Saturday 19th December
23:55 Fountain
As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching
for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi.
Sunday 20th December
15:05 Free Willie Escape from Pirate's Cove
Kirra discovers a baby Orca stranded in the lagoon near her grandfather's rundown
seaside amusement park. She embarks on a quest to lead Willy back to his pod.
Monday 21st December
9:10 Laura’s Christmas Star
In the evening when Laura cannot sleep, she often gazes up at the star-studded sky.
One night something unusual happens. She sees a little star falling from the sky. It
lands on the pavement right in front of her house. That’s the beginning of a
wonderful and magical friendship between the little girl and her star.
21:30 You Can Count on Me
(2000, Drama) Starring Laura Linney, Matthew Broderick and Mark Ruffalo. Directed
by Kenneth Lonergan. A single mother's life is thrown into turmoil after her
struggling, rarely-seen younger brother returns to town.
Tuesday
9:10 Garfield- Rodent Rebellion
The crazy rodents take over in a new action packed special! Criminal mastermind
Ratzo leads the rodents in a series of robberies. When the police discover the
hidden loot in the basement, Jon Arbuckle gets the blame. Garfield must stop ratting
around and seek help from the legend of the Pied Piper in order to clear Jon's name!
Wednesday
8:25 Loopdidoo- Treassure of Captain Nem Bones
Loopdidoo, the goofy dog, has found the perfect spot to bury his bone. As he starts
digging, Loopdidoo uncovers… A treasure chest! Right there! Isn’t that a lucky dog?
Not quite… Not only does the treasure chest only contain incomprehensible clues,
but the evil pirates, Captain Coco and his sidekicks, have just moored their ship, The
Black Egg, off the island, determined to get their hands on the treasure too! Will
Loopdidoo and his friends be able to outwit the pirates, rescue Loopdidoo’s cousin
and find the treasure?
9:20 The Naughty List
When Snowflake’s mischief-loving brother Winter goes too far with a prank, they
both get stuck on the Naughty List, doing a seemingly never-ending list of chores for
Santa. Along with a spunky young reindeer named Sparkle, they try to make up for
Winter’s misdeed.
As they start to feel like they might never get off the Naughty List, Winter’s inability to
follow the rules put the North Pole in a serious jam, right before Santa’s big night.
Suddenly Christmas needs to be saved and there’s nobody else who’s up to the
task. It’s up to the trio of mischief-makers to save the holiday and make Santa proud.
Christmas Eve
9:20 Jungle Bunch An Turas Mór
(2011, Animation) At the South Pole, the walruses install a rule of terror for the
penguins. Tommy and his sister travel to the Equator, where legend says a jungle
'penguin warrior' and his six companions live, who can come rescue them. Tigerstriped bird 'tiger' Maurice is flattered and accepts the task.
10:20 The Secret of Kells
2009 Animation. With the land in the grip of a Viking invasion, a young boy living in
the monastery of his uncle, Abbot Ceallach, finds a way to turn the darkness into
light.
13:05 Father's Little Dividend
(1951, Romance) Starring Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett and Elizabeth Taylor.
Directed by Vincente Minnelli. Newly married Kay Dunstan announces that she and
her husband are going to have a baby, leaving her father having to come to grips
with the fact that he will soon be a granddad.
14:40 Shark Bait / The Reef
In an ocean ruled by big and powerful sharks who prey on the fearful, one small fish
is about to embark on an adventure that will forever change The Reef. When young
Pi (voiced by Freddie Prinze--"Freddie," Scooby-Doo films) tragically loses both his
parents to a fisherman's net, he embarks on a journey from his home in Boston to
the tropical Pacific to live with his eccentric Aunt Pearl (voiced by Fran Drescher).
There he immediately falls for Cordelia (voiced by Evan Rachel Wood); however, the
local bully, a tiger shark named Troy (voiced by Donal Logue), already plans to
marry Cordelia. Now, get ready to root for the little guy in this big blue adventure
under the sea, because for Pi to find true love and to save Cordelia from a life
married to a real shark, he's going to have to find a way to overcome the big fish who
terrorizes everyone on The Reef.
17:20 Little Manhattan
A 10-year-old and an 11-year-old find love in New York City.
Director: Mark Levin Writer: Jennifer Flackett Stars: Josh Hutcherson, Charlie Ray,
Bradley Whitford.
21:00 The Big Tease
(2000) Comedy. Starring Craig Ferguson, Chris Langham and David Rasche.
Directed by Kevin Allen. Craig Ferguson from the Drew Carey Show stars as
Crawford Mackenzie, Scotland's leading hairdresser, determined to show off his
talents for the greater glory of Scottish hair styling. Things do not turn out as he had
planned.
Christmas Day
10:05 Niko The Flight Before Christmas
(2008, Animation) Niko is a little reindeer with big dreams to be like his father: a
member of Santa's Flying Forces reindeer troupe. With the help of a flying squirrel
named Julius and a singing weasel named Wilma, he'll embark on a daring and
exciting journey to Santa's Fell: a place where dreams come true if you truly believe.
13:05 Happy Feet
(2006) Animation: Irish language version. Directed by George Miller: Into the world of
the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born
who cannot sing. But he can tap dance something fierce!
14:45 Marmaduke
A suburban family moves to a new neighbourhood with their large yet lovable Great
Dane, who has a tendency to wreak havoc in his own oblivious way.
Director: Tom Dey Writers: Tim Rasmussen, Vince Di Meglio, Brad Anderson
(comic), Phil Leeming (comic) Stars: Owen Wilson, Judy Greer, Lee Pace
00:40 The King of Comedy
(1982, Comedy) Starring Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis and Diahnne Abbott. Directed
by Martin Scorsese. Aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin wants to achieve success in show
biz by stalking his idol, a late night talk-show host who craves his own privacy.
St. Stephen’s Day
9:45 The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo tells his daughter a story about the ‘big bad mouse’, she is intrigued so
decides to sneak out of the cave and see the mouse for herself. Narrated in Irish.
14:55 Ceol ón Chlann
Muintir Keane: Ceol ón Chlann explores six musical families: the Keanes, the
Blacks, the Ó Snodaighs, the McPeakes, the Pattersons and the Sands Family
famous Irish families who have brought their music to the four corners of the world.
This series gives an insight into the musical journey that each family has taken and
the influence that previous generations have had on the rich heritage of each family.
In this programme we’ll meet the Keane family from Caherlistrane in County Galway
- Dolores and Seán Keane.
15:50 Riverdance Live from Beijing
It's been 20 years since Riverdance first tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling
millions of people around the world. The show has been seen live by more than 22
million people across 40 countries over 4 continents - it was the first international
show to tour China - this recording was filmed during a 12 city tour of China at the
Beijing Exhibition Centre with lead dancers Padraig Moyles and Aislinn Ryan".
17:30 Rugbaí Beo
Live coverage of Connacht v Ulster from the Sportsground in the 10th round of the
PRO12. Presented by Maire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill.
20:05 Matt Cunningham - Rí na Seite
In this documentary Matt takes us into his family home in Headford Co. Galway
where we get to know the husband and father in an intimate detail from his childhood
and musical memories to the popular troubadour he is today. Talking candidly as he
farms the land and then gets ready to head off to a gig, the audience will see the
multifaceted man that he is. With contributions from broadcaster Kieran Hanrahan
who has worked with Matt on numerous occasions over the years to Philomena
Begley who shares a song and recounts with great fondness the times she played
with Matt in Pontins in the UK.
21:10 Tithe na Tomatoes
In 1947 the Government began an experimental Glass House Scheme that quickly
became known as The Tomato House Scheme. Beginning as a pilot, it was aimed at
increasing the income of small landholders in Connemara and the Donegal
Gaeltachtaí. 100 glass houses for tomato-growing were erected in Connemara and
the same number in Donegal. Families were taught how to tend and grow these
exotic plants and to harvest and market their fruit. All went well until 1961 when the
devastating Hurricane Debbie struck and destroyed many of the glass houses.
21:40 An Klondike - An Scannán
A Feature length version of the popular series. An Klondike is a story that centres
around the three Connolly brothers; Tom, Séamus and Pádraig. When we first meet
them they are working in the silver mines of Montana where word reaches them of a
greater prize that has been discovered far to the North - Gold.
In 1897 Gold was discovered in the wilds of Northern Alaska and immediately the
stampede began.
Over 100,000 adventurers, gamblers, con men and fortune-
hunters struck out for the remote Klondike Valley gold fields. Amongst them were
thousands of Irish emigrants like the Connolly brothers who undertook the
dangerous journey to the heart of the Yuukon in search of gold and adventure
Klondike follows the Connolly brothers from Montana to Dominion, a town on which
they will leave a permanent mark. Dominion is a town built on greed in a land that
God, if he exists there has created in anger. The Connollys become embroiled in a
deadly feud with Jacob Hopkins the man who runs Dominion.
When Séamus
Connolly shoots Jacob's son in a duel, Jacob vows revenge.
The Connollys become powerful figures in the Klondike themselves when their claim
proves to be a goldmine but their new found wealth leads to a rift between the
brothers. Tom Connolly is slowly corrupted by his lust for power and gold to the
point that he turns his back on his own brothers. Jacob Hopkins uses this to his
advantage to turn the Connollys against one another in the hope of wiping them all
out for good.
23:40 Port
A six-part musical documentary series in which Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic
Amhlaoibh take to the road for a journey exploring their roots. Julie and Muireann
investigate the music and culture associated with particular cities and areas in
Scotland and in Ireland. In this episode Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh
explore their musical roots in Dublin. Singer Darren MacLean and piper Carole-Anne
MacKay join our musical hosts for a tour of several iconic venues.
Sunday 27th December
9:50 The Room on the Broom
The witch and her cat are flying happily but the witch keeps losing her belongings.
Luckily, they are returned by the animals she meets, but is there room on the broom
for all her new friends? Narrated in Irish.
14:55 Ceol ón Chlann
Muintir Mc Peake: Archive series about musical families in Ireland. We will hear
from the McPeakes of Belfast, a musical family who travelled the world attracting
many new listeners including Bob Dylan and John Lennon. Each story, narrated by
Padraigín Ní Uallacháin, is presented through rare footage from the archives of the
BBC, UTV and RTÉ, and previously unseen private family footage. Each programme
contains exclusive interviews with family members.
15:40 Cúil na Bliana
Featuring all the best hurling and football goals of the year from all the major Gaelic
Games competitions.
16:30 Rugbaí Beo
Live coverage of Munster v Leinster from Thomond Park in the 10th round of the
PRO12 – the biggest game of the club rugby season so far as the two provinces
battle it out (Kick-off: 17:15). Presented by Maire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill.
19:15 Liam Clancy, Mo Chara
A moving insight and loving tribute to the great Liam Clancy based in beautiful Ring,
Co. Waterford, the unspoilt and scenic Gaeltacht where he called home. The
documentary includes never seen before interviews of Liam. We chat to his son
Donal, his daughter Siobhan, Finbar Furey, Donnchadh Gough and other close
friends who have great stories of their love and friendship for Liam. The documentary
simply and beautifully gives a more personal view of the man behind the cap and
sweater. It is an absolute must see for fans of the fantastic balladeer and musician.
20:15 I mBéal na Stoirme
Filmed over eight years, I mBéal na Stoirme follows John O’Brien, a small-scale
fisherman from the island of Inis Bó Finne, as he embarks on a journey to save his
community by navigating the corridors of Brussels and the intricacies of a reform of
the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy reform.
The film is evidence of the threats faced by small-scale fishermen and coastal
communities throughout Europe today - the complexity of distant political decisionmaking and yet the impact of it on vulnerable communities. We accompany John, his
family and friends, and see how they cope with the stresses of years of meetings,
politicians promises, the anxiety of being away, but also gathering the support of
island communities across Europe and from environmental NGOs.
We witness how John, and the community, come to the realisation that they are only
a small piece of a much larger puzzle in which the growing reality of overfishing,
environmental decline, and economic pressure all compete for solutions …
22:15 Port
In this episode, Julie Fowlis and Muireann NicAmhlaoibh travel to Glasgow.
Accompanying Muireann from Ireland are renowned singer Eilis Kennedy and Edel
Fox, one of the best concertina players around. Together with Julie and Muireann,
they explore some of Glasgow’s folk music venues, including the Scotia bar and
Uisge Beatha, the popular whisky bar, famed for music sessions. They discover a
city flush with musical talent and musicians who call Glasgow home - Karen
Matheson, Linda MacLeod and Ceitlin L.R. Smith – as well as playing with folk
impresario and concertina wizard, Simon Thoumire.
Monday 28th December
14:30 Ceol ón Chlann
Muintir Black: Archive series about musical families in Ireland. We will hear from
the Black family and their musical history, history rooted in Dublin and Rathlin Island.
Featuring Mary, Frances, Shay, Michael and Martin Black Each story, narrated by
Padraigín Ní Uallacháin, is presented through rare footage from the archives of the
BBC, UTV and RTÉ, and previously unseen private family footage. Each programme
contains exclusive interviews with family members.
15:30 Rugbaí Súil Siar
Review programme looking back at the 2015 rugby year.
16:00 Cluichí na Bliana
Another chance to see Galway v Tipperary in this year’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling
Championship Semi-Final from Croke Park.
19:15 Féilte ó Londain
Caoimhe Ní Chonchoille brings music, song and story from Ireland's vibrant emigrant
community in London, at The Crown in Cricklewood.
19:45 Tír Tairngire
Cromwell in the 17th century, we are told, banished many of the Gaels living in the
eastern part of Ireland to Connacht. On the 10th of April 1934, a contingent of men
from Connemara, cycled to Dublin and demanded of the then leader of the new
state, Éamon de Valera, that they be given rich fertile land in Co. Meath, similar to
that which they believed had been taken from their ancestors.
The following year, over 80 years ago, twenty seven families left Connemara to
settle in their new promised land Ráth Cairn in Co. Meath. This programme tells the
story of the small Ráth Cairn Gaeltacht.
20:45 Moya Brennan Ag Ceol
Internationally renowned singer and musician Moya Brennan joins family and friends
to play for an invited audience in an Cultúrlann in Dublin. Joining Moya are her
daughter Aisling Jarvis and harpist Cormac de Barra. Moya sings She Moved
Through the Fair, An Crúiscín Lán, An Seanduine Dóite, Casadh mo Chroí, Seoithín
Seó, The Lass of Aughrim, Mr. O’Connor, Show Me, The Pleasure Will be Mine and
When the Morning Breaks.
21:30 Deoch an Dorais
Just how do you kill the Rasputin of the Bronx?
Mike Malloy was an Irish emigrant
from Donegal who fell on hard times in New York City during the Depression era in
the early 1930s.
He hit the bottle. Down on his luck and with no fixed abode, he
became the victim of an insurance scam - 4 reprobates took out a life insurance
policy on him. Then they tried to kill him to collect the insurance money.... but he just
wouldn't die.
Twenty attempts were made on his life: they tried to feed him alcohol, oysters dipped
in formaldehyde, horse liniment, and even rat poison but his extra-ordinary
metabolism resisted all their efforts. They even resorted to running him over in a taxi,
but he showed up some days later looking for a drink. Eventually the murder did
succeed in felling durable Mike but it was not long before they got their own comeuppance.
Now a Donegal hard man with a similar surname but of a different generation goes in
search of the legend. Anthony Molloy captained the Donegal football team to that
county’s first ever All-Ireland Senior Football victory in 1992. He was no shrinking
violet on the football pitch and considered himself the toughest Molloy on the planet.
In this programme he journeys to the Bronx in search of the most durable Irish
emigrant the city was ever to see.
His journey brings him from the Bronx County Courthouse to the watering holes of
the Bowery, from the Lower East Side to Sing Sing Prison and he uncovers a tale of
greed, murder and retribution from prohibition era New York.
Using dramatic reconstructions and often-hilarious interviews with experts in the
field, the story of the Rasputin of the Bronx is told here for the very first time in all its
glorious, gobsmacking and gory details.
This production was supported by the BAI Sound and Vision scheme. Produced by
Magamedia Teo.
00:25 Port
Muireann NicAmhlaoibh and Julie Fowlis present a musical documentary, which
explores the shared musical heritage of the friends and collaborators. The duo visit
the town of Milltown Malbay, during the world-famous Willie Clancy festival.
Accompanying Julie and Muireann are two Scottish musicians - multi-instrumentalist
Allan Henderson and revered piper, Allan MacDonald. They discover that Milltown
Malbay is brimful of musical talent during Willie Clancy week and the foursome meet
Paddy Glackin, Roisin White and the Friel Sisters for conversation and some lively
musical sessions.
Tuesday 29th December
15:10 Ceol ón Chlann
Muintir Patterson: Archive series about musical families in Ireland. We will hear
from the Patterson family from Letterkenny in Donegal, who found fame in the sixties
and seventies but later abandoned the music scene in favour of family
responsibilities. Each story, narrated by Padraigín Ní Uallacháin, is presented
through rare footage from the archives of the BBC, UTV and RTÉ, and previously
unseen private family footage. Each programme contains exclusive interviews with
family members
15:45 GAA 2015 na Scéalta
All the stories, action, highlights and news from the GAA during the past year.
16:15 Cluichí na Bliana
Another chance to see Kerry v Cork in this year’s drawn Munster Football Final from
Fitzgerald Stadium. A last minute Fionn Fitzgerald point rescued a draw for Kerry
against Cork in a pulsating Munster senior football final with the teams finishing level
after a five-goal thriller.
19:15 Súil Siar Corn Uí Riada
We take a look back at the sean-nós style singing competition, from Oireachtas
2015, where talented singers compete with each other to win the acclaimed prize
'Corn Uí Riada'.
20:15 Rúbaí
Rúbaí is an Irish language comedy set in present day Ireland which tells the story of
Rúbaí's impending first Holy Communion and her refusal to take part.
Rúbaí is an independent and spirited child, wise beyond her eight years and she is
definitely not the typical Irish girl. Her point of view is just different to everyone else's.
As opposed to playing with dolls and dresses she would rather be out satisfying her
vast curiosity. Inquisitive is an understatement for this girl!
Rúbaí is told by her teacher that the First Holy Communion, a bastion of Irish
tradition and culture, is fast approaching and Rúbaí flatly refuses to be a part of the
classroom preparation. She's an atheist and proud of it and whilst she is happy to
stand by her convictions the wider society has a problem with such an independent
girl and her crazy ideas. She then proceeds to butt heads with her mother, her
teacher and even the parish priest in her attempts to stay true to her beliefs and not
partake in the first communion but can she weather their relentless persecution? Or
will she give in and sacrifice herself for everyone's else's happiness?
Rúbaí wants to stay true to who she is but faces emotional blackmail, religious and
philosophical debate and out and out intolerance in today's supposedly diverse and
modern Ireland.
20:30 Ros na Rún
Peigí takes drastic measures to prevent Eoin from sending her packing to Athlone.
Katy anxiously awaits her cancer gene test results. She reveals the truth about
Noreen's affair to Deirdre and urges her to stop holding a grudge against John Joe.
Will she listen to Katy and forgive her father? David is shocked to learn about the
newborn baby abandoned on Peadar and Máire's doorstep on Christmas Eve, He
wants them to contact Social Services immediately. But Peadar is adamant that they
were chosen to care for this poor little baby for a reason but will Social Services
share Peadar's empathy?
21:00 Cogar: Triúr a Bádh
Documentary on Robert O'Flaherty's pioneering and compelling film, Man of Aran.
But his time in Inis Mór also resulted in the creation of Oíche Sheanchais. Naturally,
the film was of great interest to the islanders, but it was of particular interest to Máire
Uí Nuanáin. Seeing Seáinín Tom Ó Direáin on screen brought back fond memories
of the nights he spent telling stories to Máire and her family. It also brought back
memories of the tragic fate that was to befall Seáinín Tom. He drowned at sea with
his two friends Jamesy Ó Flaithearta and Seosamh Ó Flanagáin (Máire's Father) in
July 1939.
21:30 Suas
For almost six months during the early noughties, the small Cork village of
Ringaskiddy found itself the subject of news reports from all over the world and the
centre of a bidding war between two major Hollywood studios. The reason
Ringaskiddy was suddenly thrust into the international spotlight was a matter of size
and endurance and whether the local male population had experienced an increase
in both. What prompted these impertinent questions was the claim that fumes from a
nearby Viagra factory had turned its residents into red-hot lovers. The locals had
been inhaling the Viagra dust and now, love was most definitely in the air. This
documentary looks at the months of madness when things started to pick up for the
men of Ringaskiddy.
22:15 The Man who saved the World: Fíorscéal
When one night the Soviet alarms went off alerting military that US missiles were
approaching, one man saved the world from a nuclear holocaust.
The film tells the amazing story of Lt. Colonel Stanislav E. Petrov, formerly of the
Soviet Army, a man who held the fate of the world in his hands for a few crucial
minutes in history. When an alarm went off indicating that five American nuclear
missiles had been launched against the Soviet Union, he followed his gut feeling and
went against orders, convincing the armed forces that the threat was a false alarm,
hereby saving the world from a nuclear war. Two decades later, the forgotten hero
goes on a spectacular journey to the United States, where he is finally acknowledged
for his historical deed – and he gets to meet the Americans who were once his
mortal enemies.
The Man Who Saved the World is an epic tale. Focusing on a man who, by sheer
coincidence, was put to the ultimate test when he had to make a decision that could
have changed our world forever, a successful Lt. Colonel who had been chosen
especially to handle a test just like that. As Stanislav Petrov himself puts it, “No sane
man would ever be able to make such a tremendous decision to decide if we should
destroy our planet”.
00:00 BB King - The Life of Riley
B.B. King opens his heart and tells his story - how an oppressed, orphaned young
black man called Riley B. King came to earn the title of the 'King of the Blues',
influencing countless other musicians in the process. Shot all over the USA and UK,
with the full cooperation of the B.B. King Museum, the film brings the musician's
extraordinary life story to the screen. Narrated by Academy Award winner Morgan
Freeman, B.B. King - this informative and visually captivating programme features
interviews with Eric Clapton, Bill Cosby, Bono, Ringo Starr, Bruce Willis, Carlos
Santana and many more.
Wednesday 30th December
15:25 Ceol ón Chlann
Archive series about musical families in Ireland. We will hear from the Sands Family,
including: Tommy, Colum, Ben and Anne Sands, who travelled throughout the world
and had a special listenership in the former East German Republic, where they had
a number one hit for six weeks in the charts. Their story, narrated by Padraigín Ní
Uallacháin, is presented through rare footage from the archives of the BBC, UTV and
RTÉ, and previously unseen private family footage. The programme contains
exclusive interviews with family members.
16:15 Cluichí na Bliana
Another chance to see Kilkenny v Galway in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling
Championship Final from Croke Park. Commentary by Garry Mac Donncha. Would
the Cats retain the Liam MacCarthy Cup or would the Tribesmen end their 27 year
wait?
19:15 Súil Siar Steip na nÓg
We take a look back at the sean-nós dancing competition for young people, from
Oireachtas 2015 in the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.
20:15 Bocsáil i mBoston
This documentary follows the boxers from the Connemara Boxing club as they take
part in a boxing tournament in Boston hosted by Marty Walsh, the mayor of Boston.
Marty has a very strong connection with Rosmuc and Carna in Connemara. Their is
16 boxers travelling with the team and their ages range from 11 to 23. This will be
the first time for most of them to travel to America. They will be competing against
boxers from the Boston area. The tournament will be held outdoors at City Hall Plaza
in the middle of the city of Boston. This is the first time ever that a Boxing tournament
has been held here.
00:25 Port
A musical documentary presented by Muireann NicAmhlaoibh and Julie Fowlis,
which reveals their shared musical heritage. In this episode, the long time friends
and musical collaborators visit the northwest of Scotland, accompanied by renowned
musicians Michelle Mulcahy and Dónal O’Connor. They discover that Lochaber and
the Isle of Skye boast a wealth of musical talent. They meet singer Anne Martin and
top piper Angus Nicolson in Skye and the brilliant fiddle players Angus Grant and
Ewan Henderson in Lochaber for conversation and some lively musical sessions.
New Year’s Eve
15:55 Ceol ón Chlann
Archive series about musical families in Ireland. This programme focuses on the Ó
Snodaigh family. Ronán, Rossa and Colm Ó Snodaigh were raised in a creative
atmosphere in Dublin, between literature and art, that helped them form the group
Kíla who have achieved critical acclaim throughout the world. . Each story, narrated
by Padraigín Ní Uallacháin, is presented through rare footage from the archives of
the BBC, UTV and RTÉ, and previously unseen private family footage. Each
programme contains exclusive interviews with family members
16:25 Cluichí na Bliana
Another chance to see Dublin v Kerry in the All-Ireland Senior Football
Championship Final from Croke Park. Commentary by Garry Mac Donncha. This is
the defining rivalry of Gaelic football and possibly, of Irish sport as a whole.
Kerry were bidding for their 38th All-Ireland senior title while Dublin were going for
their 25th title.
TG4 New Year’s Eve 16:25
19:15 Hollywood in Éirinn
The Wind That Shakes the Barley: Series in which actor Denis Conway takes a
look at the impact that big Irish films had on the Irish people and communities where
they were filmed. In this first episode of Hollywood in Éirinn acclaimed actor Denis
Conway, travels to the west cork village of Cúil Aodha and town of Bandon in search
of the locals who helped Ken Loach produce his Palme d'Or winning film. Denis
unearths anecdotes from local people who were employed behind the scenes or
appeared, however fleetingly, as extras in this big screen landmark starring Cillian
Murphy.
TG4 New Year’s Eve 19:15
19:45 Bing Crosby - Guth
Bing Crosby: Bing Crosby’s family were Irish Catholic who lived in the
neighbourhood of Spokane, a small town in North West America. Of all America’s
biggest stars in both movies and radio, Crosby’s voice was one of the most
recognised in the world. When the United States entered World War 2, Bing Crosby
entered the peak of his career.
20:30 Ros na Rún
Social services step in to care for the baby, much to Peadar's disappointment. David
tells Máire that they can apply to foster the baby. Will Máire keep this promising
news from Peadar? Deirdre is thrilled to be assigned her first case but her delight
soon turns to shock as the assigned case presents serious implications for her
relationship with Mack. Tadhg's continues to provoke Eoin but his efforts backfire,
much to Eoin's delight. New Year's Eve celebrations in Tigh Thadhg are marred by
the two's petty dispute. What will Eoin reveal about Tadhg as they ring in the New
Year?
21:00 Gradam Ceoil TG4 2015
Another chance to see this year’s Gradam Ceoil which was broadcasting live from
the Cork Opera House where Dáithí Ó Sé and Aoife Ní Thuairisg presented a
musical feast which saw this year's recipients of Gradam Ceoil TG4 honoured by the
station. Musician of the Year Máirtín O'Connor takes to the stage with his musical
friends Dónal Lunny and Zoe Conway, along with Cathal Hayden and Brendan
O’Regan and Jim Higgins. Also performing will be innovative band Ensemble Ériú;
Maitiú Ó Casaide and The Bonny Men; Co. Down singer Róisín White; Bobby
Gardiner & friends; and Micheál Ó Súilleabháin with Liam O'Flynn, Paddy Glackin,
and Neil Martin.
22:45 Brendan Shine @ 50
Opry an Iúir is back, with Daniel O'Donnell as master of ceremonies. In this
programme, Brendan Shine celebrates 50 years in the business, with his special
guest Treasa Ní Cheannabháin. So join Daniel as he introduces the cream of
country music artists from the length and breadth of Ireland, from the Town Hall in
Newry, Co. Down.
23:55 ABBA
This is the only live concert with ABBA, now available in a restored version with
stereo sound and digitally corrected footage. ABBA blazed like a supernova at the
end of the 1970's, but their music is still very much alive today. ABBA in Concert was
shot in 1979, mainly at London's Wembley Arena, where ABBA provided their
audiences with one great hit after another.SONGS FEATURED: Waterloo , Take a
Chance on Me , Voulez-Vous , Chiquitita , I Have a Dream , Gimme! Gimme!
Gimme! , Knowing Me, Knowing You , Summernight City , Dancing Queen Does
Your Mother Know , Hole in Your Soul.
New Year’s Day
15:05 Seán Ó Sé - A Life in Song and Story
Seán Ó Sé was enlisted in 1962 by composer Seán Ó Riada for the group, Ceoltóirí
Chualann, a visionary project which catapulted Irish traditional music onto the
concert stage and into the international arena. Following the work with Ó Riada for
which he is best known, the film traces Seán's continuing development as an Irish
singer and storyteller, playing hundreds of concerts across Ireland and further afield
while simultaneously maintaining his career as a National School teacher and
principal on the Northside of Cork City.
16:30 Rugbaí Beo
Live coverage of Leinster v Connacht from the RDS in the 11 th round of the PRO12.
Presented by Maire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill. We have reached the half-way point of
the PRO12 season with teams looking ahead to 2016.
19:05 Hollywood in Éirinn
Barry Lyndon: Series in which actor Denis Conway takes a look at the impact that
big Irish films had on the Irish people and communities where they were filmed.
Denis discovers that Stanley Kubrick was far from a recluse, and more of a family
man who loved his job and kept a low profile. With exclusive behind the scenes
photographs of the production, this episode will shine a light on a time when royalty
of Hollywood spent months in Ireland. Local army men and dancers as well as
introducing legendary traditional music group The Chieftains to Hollywood are all
chronicled in this episode.
19:35 Dusty Springfield: Guth
The second programme follows Mary O’Brien as she was christened, who grew up in
West Hempstead in London to Irish and Scottish parents. She was enrolled in St.
Anne’s, a strict fee-paying Catholic school run by the Sisters of Charity. She later
became Dusty Springfield and the rest as they say is history. This episodes looks at
her life in music and how she was aware of her Irishness and her connection with
Ireland.
20:25 Lugs Brannigan
This documentary tells the story of former boxer and Dublin Garda, Jim "Lugs"
Brannigan. A son of the Liberties himself, Jim Brannigan became a Garda and was
posted to his native patch. He took no nonsense from gangs, and dealt forthrightly
with organised crime. But he also championed young boys who ended up in court
and pleaded for clemency and understanding. This is Jim's story, lugs and all. He
was a legend in his lifetime but not without his detractors, then and now. This portrait
offers a timely reassessment and tries to separate the facts from the myth.
21:25 Seán Keane Ag Ceol
Renowned singer Seán Keane is joined by friends in a special concert for an invited
audience in Paddy Coyne's Pub, in Conamara's Tullycross. Among the songs that
Seán sings tonight are; Paint me a Picture of Ireland, Man From Connemara, Killing
the Blues, Ave Maria and Fields of Gold.
He is joined by musicians, Fergus Feely-mandocello, Pat Coyne- guitar, David
Doocey- fiddle and Stephen Doherty- keyboard, flute and accordion.
00:40 Port
Musical documentary presented by Julie Fowlis and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh. Port
reveals the shared musical heritage of the long time friends and musical
collaborators. In this episode Julie and Muireann visit the Dingle peninsula.
Accompanying them from Scotland are renowned singer James Graham and the
brilliant Glenfinnan musician, Iain MacFarlane. The southwest of Ireland and Co
Kerry have long been noted for the calibre of their musicians the lads meet the
bands Lumiere and Cuas, plus Pádraig Ó Sé for some craic and lively musical
sessions.
1:10 Bruce Springsteen: The Ties that Bind
Bruce Springsteen's 1980 album The River catapulted him to arena status. This
documentary focuses on the creation of that thrilling double album that featured
Bruce Springsteen's first top 10 hit "Hungry Heart" along with such classics as
"Cadillac Ranch," "Point Blank," "Out In The Street" and the haunting, cautionary title
track. It also will include previously unreleased archival footage from the River Tour,
which raised the singer-songwriter's profile worldwide, and more than 100 recently
unearthed photos of Springsteen and the E Street Band during the recording
sessions.
Films on TG4
St. Stephen’s Day
8:30 Nollaig an Yeití
Despite repeated warnings about humans from their father, the Abominable
Snowman, two Abominable Snowkids find themselves in a sleepy Colorado
mountain town after being chased out of their hideaway by a scientist determined to
capture them.
10:15 Father of the Bride
A father of a young woman deals with the emotional pain of her getting married, and
the financial and organizational pain of arranging her wedding.
13:00 The Barretts of Wimpole Street
(1934, Drama) Starring Norma Shearer, Frederic March and Charles Laughton.
Directed by Sidney Franklin. Elizabeth Barrett's tyrannical father has forbidden any of
his family to marry. Nevertheless, Elizabeth falls in love with the poet Robert
Browning.
00:10 Guilty By Suspicion
David Merrill (Robert De Niro), a fictitious 1950s Hollywood director, returns from
filming abroad in France to find that his loyalty has been called into question by the
House Committee on Un-American Activities and he is unable to work until cleared.
Sunday 27th December
10:20 The Philadelphia Story
When a rich woman's ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her
planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself. Starring Catherine
Hepburn and James Stewart.
13:00 Adam’s Rib
The marriage of a female defence attorney and her prosecutor husband is
jeopardized during their courtroom battle involving a woman on trial for shooting her
husband.
00:15 Rock of Ages
(2012, Comedy) Starring Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta and Tom Cruise. Directed
by Adam Shankman. A small town girl and a city boy meet on the Sunset Strip, while
pursuing their Hollywood dreams.
Monday 28th December
10:00 Forever Darling
(1956, Comedy) Starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz and James Mason. Directed by
Alexander Hall. Susan and Lorenzo have been married for over five years and they
are starting to drift apart. So into her life comes an angel, which only Susan can see,
to tell her that there will be trouble ahead if they do not work out their problems.
Lorenzo is developing insecticide #383 at Finlay Vega Chemical Co. and plans to
test it on a camping trip that he takes with Susan, but the trip becomes an obstacle
course for him.
13:00 Boys Town
(1938, Drama) Starring Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney and Henry Hull. Directed by
Norman Taurog. Against all odds Father Flanagan starts "Boys' Town" after hearing
a convict's story. Whitey Marsh comes there. He runs away but, hungry, returns. He
runs away again but, when friend Pee Wee is hit by a car, returns. He runs away and
joins his brother's gang. Flanagan and the boys capture the crooks and the reward
saves the town.
17:00 What a Girl Wants
(2003, Comedy) Starring Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth and Kelly Preston. Directed by
Dennie Gordon. An American teenager learns that her father is a wealthy British
politician running for office. Although she is eager to find him, she realizes it could
cause a scandal and cost him the election.
22:30 Meet the Parents
(2000, Comedy) Starring Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro and Teri Polo. Directed by Jay
Roach. Male nurse Greg Focker meets his girlfriend's parents before proposing, but
her suspicious father is every date's worst nightmare.
Tuesday 29th December
8:25 Jungle Bunch An Turas Mór
(2011, Animation) At the South Pole, the walruses install a rule of terror for the
penguins. Tommy and his sister travel to the Equator, where legend says a jungle
'penguin warrior' and his six companions live, who can come rescue them. Tigerstriped bird 'tiger' Maurice is flattered and accepts the task.
10:00 Winter Meeting
(1948, Drama) Starring Bette Davis, Janis Paige and Jim Davis. Directed by
Bretaigne Windust. Spinster poetess Susan Grieve lives in a Manahattan apartment
where naval hero Slick Novak comes with her for a nightcap. Next morning they visit
her Connecticut farm where Novak tells her he always wanted to be a priest. After
some turmoil she advises him to follow his dream which he does. Starring Bette
Davis, Janis Paige, Jim Davis.
13:00 Spencers Mountain
(1963, Drama) Starring Maureen O'Hara and Henry Fonda. Directed by Delmer
Daves. Clay Spencer is a hard-working man who loves his wife and large family. He
is respected by his neighbors and always ready to give them a helping hand.
Although not a churchgoer, he even helps a newly arrived local minister regain his
flock after he and Clay get into a bit of trouble. If he has one dream in life it's to build
his wife Olivia a beautiful house on a piece of land he inherited on Spender's
mountain. When his eldest son, Clayboy, graduates at the top of his high school
class and has the opportunity to go to college, Clay has only one option left to him.
17:15 A Cinderella Story
(2004, Comedy) Starring Hilary Duff, Jennifer Coolidge and Chad Michael Murray.
Directed by Mark Rosman. Routinely exploited by her wicked stepmother, the
downtrodden Sam Montgomery is excited about the prospect of meeting her Internet
beau at the school's Halloween dance.
Wednesday 30th December
8:25 Niko The Flight Before Christmas
A young reindeer who suffers from vertigo learns to overcome his fear, takes flying
lessons from a clumsy flying squirrel and heads to the North pole to save a troubled
Santa and his fleet of flying reindeer. 2008 Animation: Directors: Michael Hegner,
Kari Juusonen.
10:00 Calamity Jane
(1953, Comedy) Starring Doris Day, Howard Keel and Philip Carey. Directed by
David Butler. The story of Calamity Jane, her saloon and her romance with Wild Bill
Hickok. Deadwood, Dakota is largely the abode of men, where Indian scout Calamity
Jane is as handy as any man with a gun.
13:00 The Yearling
(1946, Drama) Starring Gregory Peck, Jane Wyman and Claude Jarman Jr. Directed
by Clarence Brown. A boy persuades his parents to allow him to adopt a young
deer, but what will happen if the deer misbehaves?
17:15 Another Cinderella Story
(2008, Comedy) Starring Selena Gomez, Drew Seeley and Jane Lynch. Directed by
Damon Santostefano. A guy who danced with what could be the girl of his dreams at
a costume ball only has one hint at her identity: the Zune she left behind as she
rushed home in order to make her curfew. And with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
in front of him, he sets out to find his masked beauty.
21:15 Cloud Atlas
(2012, Sci-Fi) Starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry and Hugh Grant. Directed by Tom
Tykwer. An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in
the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an
act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.
New Year’s Eve
9:10 Nollaig an Yeití
On the run from a crazed scientist, abominable snowmen Abby and her brother
Adam must hide amongst a human family at Christmas.
10:00 Viva Las Vegas
(1964, Musical) Starring Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret and Cesare Danova. Directed by
George Sidney. Race car driver Lucky Jackson goes to Las Vegas to earn money to
pay for a new engine for his motor car. Working as a waiter, he still finds the time to
court young Rusty Martin.
13:10 The Nun’s Story
(1959, Drama) Starring Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch and Edith Evans. Directed by
Fred Zinneman. The story of a young girl who becomes a servant of god and her
withdrawal from the convent when, during World War II, she discovers her hate for
the enemy too strong for her to remain a nun.
17:25 Fantastic Mr. Fox
(2009, Oscar nominated Animation) Starring George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Bill
Murray. Directed by Wes Anderson urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm
raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation.
New Year’s Day
10:00 The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady
(1950, Comedy/Musical) Starring June Haver, Debbie Reynolds and Gordon
MacRae. Directed by David Butler. Gilded Age chanteuse Rosie O'Grady, bless her
dear departed soul, had three daughters. Maureen bubbles with teenage
enthusiasm. Poppa approves. Eldest daughter Katie is ready to settle down. And
until her long-time romantic secret gets out, Poppa again approves. Then there's
Patricia, who yearns for the vaudeville stage. Poppa is furious!
13:00 Young Cassidy
(1965, Biography) Starring Rod Taylor, Julie Christie and Maggie Smith. Directed by
Jack Cardiff. Biographical drama based on the early life of playwright Sean O'Casey,
depicting his rise from the 1910 Dublin slums to the celebrated openings of his early
plays.
22:15 Space Cowboys
(2000, Action) Starring Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones and Donald Sutherland.
Directed by Clint Eastwood. Jones Four top fighter pilots, now retired, are brought
back into service to assist NASA during a major satellite crisis. Although their cocky,
nonconformist attitudes kept the quartet out of the space program in the 1960s, their
specialized knowledge about the workings of a damaged satellite unexpectedly
enables them, late in their lives, to get another chance to go into space, if they can
pass the same physical and skill tests as the younger astronauts.