TG4’s legendary traditional music series Geantraí is returning to our screens, and the comeback programme (one of 13) will begin with a recording from Ó Céilleachair’s Public House in Kilfinane on Sunday at 10.30pm.
Geantraí captures Irish traditional arts and folk music in a relaxed session setting, highlighting the vital connection between performers and listeners. The series encapsulates the essence of sessions as cultural linchpins and social spaces, documenting Irish traditional and folk musicians in their natural and often preferred environment – the session.
It also serves as a platform for both distinguished and emerging artists rooted in Ireland’s music tradition, as well as paying tribute to the musicians and publicans who have helped to keep traditional arts and sessions alive to this day.
The opening programme will feature plenty of national and local talent with Derek Hickey (Adare), Liam Flanagan, Claire O’Loughlin, Ciara Flanagan, María Ryan, Lucia McPartlin and Anita Bennis (Patrickswell), Donie Nolan (Kilcolman), Macdara Ó Faoláin and Seán Ó Fearghaíl.
Geantraí was the original showcase for traditional music on TG4 and the name and reputation of the series remains synonymous with traditional music, a reputation that will live on for future decades. The series carries an enormous legacy due to the quality of the series in days gone by, and under the directorship of Paschal Cassidy, the legacy of Geantraí continues.
“Geantraí was a pioneering series which presented Ireland’s traditional music in its most natural setting in recent times – the pub! It’s a wonderful thing that a new series of pro-grammes will be back on the air, giving a platform for traditional artists young and old. It’s an honour and a privilege for me to be part of this story,” commented presenter Ciarán Ó Gealbháin of Waterford.