Donegal’s Moya Brennan will star in an upcoming TV concert celebrating some of the best of women traditional musicians and singers.

‘Ceol ó Kylemore: Ceiliúradh na mBan’ will be a musical feast in the spectacular setting of Kylemore Abbey in Connemara.

The programme will air January 31st, the eve of Saint Brigid’s Day – Lá ‘le Bríde, a day which traditionally marks the end of the long dark winter and embraces the returning of the light.

This year more than any other, the date is especially welcomed and Ceol ó Kylemore provides the perfect musical celebration of this beginning of Spring and the brighter days ahead. 

This hour-long programme was recorded at the end of 2020.

Moya Brennan of Clannad will be joined by many of TG4’s acclaimed Gradam Ceoil award winners, including Mary Bergin on whistle, Laoise Kelly on Harp, Josephine Marsh on accordion and Sharon Howley on cello, along with singers Cathy Jordan, Pauline Scanlon with Nicola Joyce and Noriana Kennedy of The Whileaways, along with up-and-coming star Sibéal – the voice behind the pivotal performance piece ‘Mise Éire’ which was the centrepiece of the 1916 Rising commemoration in 2016. Caitlin Nic Gabhann on concertina completes the all-female line-up.

Ceol ó Kylemore: Ceiliúradh na mBan’ – TG4 Sunday, 31 January 2021, 9.30pm

COUNTRY music star Daniel O’Donnell paid a moving tribute at the Funeral Mass of his number one fan, Máire Rua Gallagher.

From his Kincasslagh home, Daniel told the Funeral at St St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg: ‘Rest in peace, my darlin.”

Daniel sang an emotional version of ‘There’s a Blue Moon over My World Without You’.

“i”m very sorry that I’m not there at your funeral,” Daniel said.

“Thank you so much for all the great friendship and support. I enjoyed it every time we met. I enjoyed most the times I would sit in the house with you. We would enjoy great fund and craic.”

Daniel hoped that his own late mother, Julia, and their great friend Pio McCann would be waiting in Heaven with Lucozade.

“You’ll be greatly missed but never forgotten,” Daniel said.

Máire Rua’s devotion to Celtic Football Club was remembered by Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh and the club sent a letter, which was read by Fr Seán Ó Gallchóir.

Celtic FC Chief Executive Peter Lawwell wrote, in the letter to Máire Rua’s daughter Mary Teresa: “My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

“Although I didn’t have the privilege of knowing your mum, I knew of the lifelong passion she had and the magnificent support she gave the club throughout her life.

“I know how loved and highly regarded she was among the Celtic support. I hope that their sympathies, kind words and knowing that her loss was felt by so many gives the family some comfort. I wish you all peace, healing and comfort in each other at such a sad time.”

This afternoon’s Mass heard of a ‘woman who lived life to the full’.

The much-loved Máire Rua, late of Magheralosk, Gweedore, passed away at Letterkenny University Hospital last weekend, aged 91.

“Máire Rua was a passionate woman in so many different ways,” Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh, CC Gaoth Dobhair, said.

“She was a woman who lived life to the full. She travelled and attended concerts the length and breadth of the country.

“Country music was her life. She was country music’s greatest fan. She thoroughly enjoyed attending concerts and shows and it lifted her on a regular basis, lifted her above the routine of every day living.

“She lived her life with joy and she enjoyed every opportunity that life presented to her.”

Country music star Gary Gamble sang at the Mass. Due to Covid-19 restricts, only the limited attendance were present in the Church.

For many years, she worked as a bus conductress in Glasgow and it was during those years that her love of Celtic grew. She also worked as a tattie hawker in Scotland in her teenage years.

Fr Ó Fearraigh said: “She was a loyal and faithful Celtic fan.  We send Máire Rua to the gates of the true Paradise knowing the the message she wants us to carry is one that she belted out with pride: ‘Walk on, with hope in your heart, and You’ll Never Walk Alone.’

The Celtic anthem was played as Máire Rua’s remains were brought into the Church.

Fr Ó Fearraigh recalled Máire Rua’s devotion to her family and her deep fondness for her community.

“She was irish to the core,” he said

Máire Rua featured in several television programmes and was a regular on Highland Radio and Raidio na Gaeltachta.

Survived by her daughter Mary Teresa, her son in law Doimnic, her grandson Dominick, nieces, nephews, extended family and many loyal friends, Máire Rua will be buried in Magheragallon Cemetery.

The Rathmullan Film Festival is back, from the 18th to the 21st of February, and the great news is that you can attend from wherever you are in the world, as this year’s event is going online.

You can stream fantastic films and watch parties for free and pre-book workshop tickets on the website rathmullan.ie/filmfest.

Launched in 2018, the festival is normally held as a four-day event during the February mid-term break, featuring a programme of films, events and workshops, which are created and curated by the whole community, with all the experiences playing out in the village restaurants, bars, schools and churches.

However, these aren’t normal times, so the Film Festival team decided that if you couldn’t come to Rathmullan, then they would bring the Rathmullan Film Festival to you.

Lockdown – LoveRathmullan

This year’s festival is packed with over fifty films of all genres made by some of the most talented filmmakers in the northwest through to local schoolchildren. 

With workshop hosts teaching everything from costume make-up to flip-book animation skills and panels discussing filmmaking during the pandemic, there is something for everyone. 

Highlight events include a few trips down memory lane with local historian and photographer, Arthur Lynch showing some films from his archives, including the opening of the pier in Rathmullan and the Burtonport railway extension. 

There are short films made by LYIT and Ulster University students, early cinema soundtrack videos and a preview and Q&A event for the documentary Border Stories: Tales of the Troubles. 

There’s also a festival-themed Watch Party showing footage of Rathmullan Community Festival 2001, hosted  by local Maurice Kelly, and a Pyjama Party Gala Night where you can pass round the popcorn and watch videos made by locals during the lockdown, in your favourite PJs.

Rathmullan girl Katie McAteer who is part of the Film Festival team, will also be leading a Mobile Journalism Workshop for children 9-14 years, teaching mobile reporting techniques including how to shoot and edit on mobile devices 

As a recent media graduate, Katie is delighted to be involved in the festival and said: “Although the village of Rathmullan, its schools, restaurants, churches and bars have been the screen for our festival for the past few years, this year our screen can be watched from anywhere in the world.

“As much as we’d love for the festival to be an in-person event, it is great that this year we have the opportunity to connect with Rathmullan and Donegal diaspora who are spread across the world and give them a taste of home,  It also allows us to showcase all the film work that has taken place since the festival started and make it accessible to film fans everywhere.”

Rathmullan Film Festival programme and pre-booking system launched on Wednesday and you can now stream content for free and pre-book workshop tickets via its website: rathmullan.ie/filmfest

The border village of Muff in Donegal has gained some priceless promotion from Coronation Street.

Viewers were left in stitches at Mary’s Muff adventures which were recounted on last night’s programme.

A conversation about feminism between characters Tracy Barlow and Mary Taylor led to the hilarious mention.

#Corrie who ever wrote tonight’s episode PAY them a huge bonus- it was a fantastic hour off giggles – Mary stealing the scenes – hilarious welcome back to how Corrie should be x pic.twitter.com/hbOPjE5fNM

— Peter Starbuck (@PeterStarbuck) February 5, 2021

Tracy had told Mary (Patti Clare): “No-one’s a bigger feminist than me. I’ve slept with a woman, have you slept with a woman? No.”

That’s when Mary miffs Tracy with this line: “You obviously haven’t heard about my trip to Muff, County Donegal. But I’ll set the scene – I was wearing ski pants. And as the clock struck 12, very little else.”

Viewers everywhere praised the ‘Best line of the night’:

“The comedy was on point, well done to the writers and to the actors, nearly choked on Mary‘s muff!!!,” wrote one fan on Twitter.

Another said: “@itvcorrie have really pull out the stops with their script tonight. The best line in a soap award ever, goes to the legend @APattiClare for her tale about her trip to muff… I will never look at salopettes in the same way again!”

“@APattiClare just spat out my Prosecco when Mary stayed in Muff brilliant humour on tonight’s #corrie is it a new writer ?” said another viewer.

“Oh Mary… crying laughing at that ‘muff’ line #Corrie”

Country singer Chrissy Mac is hoping to lift spirits with his brand new single “Down South In New Orleans”.

The young musician, who is from Lurgan and now resides in Castlefin, wants to get people dancing again with his upbeat tempo track.

“Down South In New Orleans” is available to request on all radio stations and available to download on iTunes.

The song was originally recorded by a band call “The Band” in 1976 but with the help of Wayne Golden, who produced the track, they brought this classic old track into the 21st century to suit the current county music scene.

Wayne and Chrissy worked hard on bringing this track to life with a Cuban, Calipso and Irish arrangement. It is sure to be one of those songs that once you hear will have you tapping your toes and trying to stop yourself from dancing.

This is the third release from Chrissy Mac, who has done so much in the short time since he had begun his career, from touring with the great names of Irish country music including Doninic Kirwan, Philomena Begley, Kathy Durkin, Ray Lynam and Louise Morrisey to name a few as well as putting together his own lively band that had been entertaining audiences from the dance circuit to the wedding scenes before Covid struck.

Chrissy Mac has a bright future ahead as he has his dancing dates to fulfill along with the tour of Scotland and the UK and is in talks with music promoters in countries including New Zealand, Spain and France to appear at music festivals. This young entertainer is energetic and has had people compare him to the likes of the great Joe Dolan, Brendan Shine and many other showband greats.

The “Down South In New Orleans” single will be included in Chrissy Mac’s debut album to be launched in the near future. A fun music video will be available shortly after the single release.

A new series on agricultural shows will be featuring some familiar faces from the circuit in Donegal.

Beidh Aonach Amárach is back on TG4 on Wednesdays, from 24 February 8.30pm.

With 140 agricultural shows across Ireland, this scene is hugely popular with competitors and spectators. But in 2020, for the first time in history – all country shows have been cancelled.

That didn’t stop show producers from thinking outside the box to share stories from the local farming scene.

Although the show will not ‘go on’, the show-people – the winners, the losers, the bakers, the potters, the craftspeople, the florists, the artists continue their passions.

Throughout 2020, TG4 cameras and crews captured the stories of the people of all ages and backgrounds who vie for the top spots in an amazing range of competitions. 

Among local Donegal residents to feature are Chef and Musician Brian Dannie Minnie Ó Domhnaill from Annagry and Isabella Rowatt, who runs Bellaville Farm in Gortahork.

Brian Dannie Minnie Ó Domhnaill in his kitchen in his restaurant in Annagry, Co. Donegal.

In episode two, we go on a trip down memory lane with John & Eileen Gallagher, a couple from Donegal who have been dancing with each other for more than 40 years.

John, Eileen and Eimear Ó Gallchóir jiving in their shed in Donegal.

Beidh Aonach Amárach takes the viewer into the world of the rosette winners, discovering where in the world they have travelled to in their pursuit of the red ribbon, how they have progressed, or not as the case may be.

The shows may be gone in 2020 but the series aims to celebrate and share the skills, ingenuity, and innovation of the “Best in Show”.

Beidh Aonach Amárach is made by independent production company, Strident Media, with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, for BBC Gaeilge and TG4.

The cast and crew of TG4’s Ros na Rún wrapped up their milestone 25th season in a different fashion this year. 

Instead of a wrap party, the soap drama team celebrated making it through 24 weeks of filming without any Covid-related stoppages.

Managing 160 people on a TV set during a pandemic required a lot of effort, but the team successfully created 82 episodes – all free of Covid-19 storylines.

Donegal actor Pól Penrose who plays Colm, took the extra step by bubbling up in an apartment in an Spidéal with his onscreen co-star Mo, played by Marie Bheag Bhreathnach.

“Our storylines had us in close contact in every scene so we felt it made more sense and gave us peace of mind when filming, we felt safe and we felt our fellow actors and crew would be too, it certainly worked,” says Pól Penrose from Falcarragh.

Reducing numbers on set and in scenes on a daily basis was a priority for series producer Marion Ní Loingsigh when ensuring the safety of cast and crew.

“We were extremely strict from day 1 of filming season 25 with COVID19 protocols,” says Marion Ní Loingsigh, Ros na Rún Series Producer, “we appointed 3 COVID officers to the production of this season and implemented all of the necessary guidelines, maintaining daily contact and reporting procedures with the HSE and HSA, PPE Equipment, sanitisation points and mask wearing but it was the proactive commitment of each cast and crew member and mutual respect amongst the entire team which ensured that we successfully filmed an entire 82 episodes for season 25 without an COVID19 stoppages or closures of the set and we’re extremely proud of this achievement. We had other celebration plans for season 25 but this is certainly momentous.”

Ros na Rún script writers have already begun working on the stories for season 26 which will start filming in autumn. Strict COVID19 procedures will remain on set at Ros na Rún as it finishes editing its 25 season and fans wonder will Mo and Colm stay or leave Ros na Rún following Mo’s admittance of Frances’ murder. 

Ros na Rún will continue to be broadcast twice weekly on TG4 on Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm with an omnibus on Sunday at 7.30pm.

It’s also available to view on TG4 and RTE player and viewers can catch up on season 24 on RTE One. 

Donegal families are urgently being sought for a fun new family quiz for RTÉ called ‘Home Advantage’.

And, with one player in studio and the rest of the family playing along from home, this really is a team game!

You don’t need to be a hard-core quizzer either. If everyone in the family knows a little, it might be enough to win a lot… because we’ve got a top prize of €5,000 up for grabs!

So whatever your “family” is why not get in touch and find out more about taking part in the newest quiz on Irish TV!

Teams consist of two adults and two children.

Children must be between the ages of 9 and 16. One adult will be playing in studio, while the rest of the team will play from home. Teams must be members of the same household.

To apply, click on the following link: loosehorse.submit.com

Donegal people are being urged to get behind a young Ballybofey student who is set to appear on TG4’s Glór Tíre, live on Tuesday night.

Six hopeful singers battle it out with help from mentors Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Mike Denver, Lousie Morrissey, Michael English and The Sheerin Family.

One of them will be Kelan Browne (17) from Ballybofey, the show’s youngest ever contestant.

Kelan will be mentored by Robert Mizzell. Kelan is a keen soccer player who plays for his local club Ballybofey United. His musical influences are Elvis, Conway Twitty, Luke Combs, Johnny Cash, Kane Brown, George Jones and Randy Travis.

The live shows are starting this week Tuesday, March 2nd, when one contestant will leave the competition. 

Presented by Aoife Ni Thuairisg and Seamús Ó Scanláin, with help from the judges John Creedon, Caitríona Ní Shúilleabháin and Jó Ní Chéide who advise and guide the contestants. 

Viewers decide who will stay each week.

Voting lines close on Tuesday at 12 midday and go back to zero. They reopen again after the first elimination, and stay open for one week until the following weeks show. 

Kelan turns 18 next week and would really appreciate it if you gave him the perfect birthday present and kept him in the competition!

To vote for Kelan, simply download the Glór Tíre app in the App Store or on 

Google Playstore. Then, enter your email, choose a password and then choose Kelan and vote!

To hear his music all you have to do is check out kelanbrownemusic on Facebook, YouTube and all social media channels. 

DONEGAL arts venues and festivals have been allocated over €640,000 in funding, it has been confirmed.

The Arts Council has announced a round of Strategic Funding and Donegal will prosper.

An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny has been allocated €258,000 while the Earagail Arts Festival will received €191,760.

The Letterkenny-based Regional Cultural Centre is granted €150,000 and Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí, which promoted traditional fiddle music, has been given €42,360.

With its exchequer grant increased to €130 million, the government agency for funding and developing the arts said that while the sector was suffering disproportionately in the health crisis, hundreds of artists and practitioners were planning and already making great art for the public to experience in the months ahead.

The Council said that in addition in the weeks ahead, it would award around €10.7 million to arts organisations through its Arts Grant Funding programme; €2 million in smaller festivals in almost every county from its Festivals Investment Scheme; and a range of other supports for arts organisations struggling to survive the Covid-19 pandemic. For individual artists there will be some €10.5 million in bursaries; €5.6 million through a new Agility Award; as well increased funding for commissions and projects.

Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly said: “Increased public investment is enabling us to support ambitious plans throughout the country and to ensure that the core infrastructure of the arts landscape survives the most challenging period ever faced. Ireland’s key organisations are demonstrating impressive levels of imagination and adaptability in their planning and we are confident that these funding decisions will support them to build back better and to reach the widest possible audience.”

The Council said it remained committed to prioritising the two policies it highlighted in 2020. These are Paying the Artist, designed to ensure fair remuneration for artists, and Equality, Human Rights and Diversity, which aims to make the arts sector fairer and more reflective of all of Irish society.

“Both of these important policies have been integrated with our funding programmes, and everyone receiving investment from the Arts Council must agree to play their part to embed these policies in their activity’, said Maureen Kennelly.

Arts Council Chair Prof. Kevin Rafter said: “Our goal in this extremely challenging year is not just for the arts to survive the pandemic but for the creativity and work of our artists and arts organisations to be at the heart of the revival and the renewal of our society. We believe the new level of annual funding for the Arts Council from the Government of €130 million puts us in a position to do that.”

The Arts Council confirmed that its highly successful ‘Creative Schools’ programme would continue to run in 2021-22, with the number of schools participating increased to more than 250 and funding of €3 million.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, welcomed the announcement, saying that the Arts Council’s €130 million investment in 2021 will have a hugely positive impact and the funding is key to helping the arts survive and thrive in 2021.

“The pandemic has shown us just how important the arts are to all our lives. The unprecedented funding this year provided to the Council — which I secured in Budget 2021 — will help sustain artists and organisations severely impacted by the pandemic,” Minister Martin said. “The funds will not only go to those arts organisations and individual artists, but small festivals, creative schools and to a variety of applicants across the country.”

In their applications for Arts Centres and Strategic Funding, organisations said they would together sustain more than 35,000 jobs, and forecast the creation of 250,000 events or art objects with 24 million ‘engagements’ – when a member of the public experiences the work.

The Arts Council said the Strategic Funding grants would allow key organisations to stay afloat during the remaining months of the pandemic, adapt to the changing landscape, and renew their work for the future.

With continuing uncertainty around when audiences would be able to return to performances and exhibitions in person, flexibility and agility in pivoting to digital alternatives emerged as a strong theme in the programmes being proposed by the country’s key arts organisations.

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) invites you to pull up a seat, make a cup of tea and tune into Owenea FM on Sundays for a very special show. 

Radio presenter, Brian Carr, will guide listeners through this feast of songs, reminiscence, storytelling and information. Each week will have a featured guest that reflects on times gone by and give their eighteen-year-old selves three pieces of advice.

The show will start with the first of three songs that the guest will choose. And, each week, will also feature a spot for services being provided locally in the Glenties and Ardara area such as; a doctor, the Garda, Age Friendly Donegal, the ETB, gardening and much more.

Each week will have a theme, some of these will be: Heritage, services for older people, helping out in your community, environmental, sports and community participation.

The show will promote active aging and wellbeing, showcasing the very best that Donegal towns and villages have to offer. The show will highlight the need for participation, volunteering and representation from all members of our community. Above all else, the radio show will entertain!

So tune in to Sunday Stories on Owenea FM @ 100.8FM from 1pm to 2pm, or listen online at www.donegalsounds.com

There’s something fishy about a casting call for a new film in Donegal… literally!

Cameras are about to roll on a new feature film in Teelin next month.

If you’ve always dreamt of being an extra, this could be your chance.

Producers have cast their nets for local people with fishing skills to apply as background actors.

“We are particularly looking for men with fishing/boating/oyster experience and females with fish gutting/filleting skills,” said the casting call.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, producers are particularly looking for people who live close to Killybegs to apply.

Males and females of any ethnicity aged between 25-60 can resister through www.theextrasdept.com.

Filming will take place in South Donegal during April and May.

The name and plot of the movie has not yet been released, but Donegal Daily has learned that leading names in the Irish and US film industry are attached to the project.

KELAN Browne has withdrawn from Glór Tíre after admitting a breach of Covid-19 guidelines.

The Ballybofey teenager turned 18 last week and attended a party, which he says was thrown by friends.

As a result of being found in breach of Level 5 restrictions, he has now pulled out of the popular TG4 series.

“As you know I recently turned 18, and my friends, who had the best of intentions threw a small impromptu celebration for me,” he said in a statement.

“I understand that the incident was a breach of government Covid-19 guidelines.

“While I never intended to celebrate my birthday, I have breached the guidelines, and because of this I am withdrawing from the competition, and do so with a heavy heart.”

Browne was the youngest ever contestant on the show and was mentored by country music star Robert Mizzell.

In a comment under Browne’s statement on Facebook, Mizzell wrote: “We are sorry to see you go Keelan keep the chin up and you will fight again another day! You are a great talent.”

Under Level 5 restrictions, organised indoor gatherings are prohibited. New legislation means that organisers and attendees can be fined for breaches.

Browne added: “I am sorry that this happened & want to thank everyone who has, and continues to support me. I wish all of my fellow competitors the very best for the rest of the show.”

The popular Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival has been postponed for another year due to the pandemic.

The music event was scheduled to take place in Ballyshannon in June 2021.

However, organisers have decided that it is ‘ only fair and safe’ to postpone until 2022.

Ticket holders were contacted on Monday evening and given the option to get refunds or retain their tickets until next year. All Tickets purchased for the 2020 / 2021 planned festivals will remain valid for 2022.

A statement from the organising committee said: “Thankfully the vaccine roll-out has commenced however on advice from national authorities and with still so much uncertainty around the staging of Events / Festivals / Mass Gatherings in Ireland during 2021, it is only fair and safe to take the decision now to postpone the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival until next year, to 2022.”

TG4 has postponed its Glór Tíre music competition until further notice due to a Covid-19 incident.

The series, which began in January, was due to air the semi-final of the competition tomorrow night at 9:30pm.

Producers said they have received advice from the HSE to postpone the final two programmes until further notice.  Voting has been suspended but all votes that have been cast to date will be valid once the competition recommences.

Ballybofey teenager Kelan Browne withdrew from the competition last week after admitting a breach of Covid-19 guidelines. The 18-year-old was found in breach of Level 5 restrictions after attending a gathering for his birthday.

Browne’s incident has not been stated as the cause for the postponed competition.

The final contestants left in the competition are Emma Donohue who is mentored by Mike Denver, David Connor from Claremorris Co. Mayo whose mentor is Michael English, Mary Hoey from Cullyhana, Armagh who is mentored by The Sheerin Family and Tilly Dawson-Stanley from Glasson, Westmeath who is mentored by Cliona Hagan.

Glór Tíre currently in its seventeenth season is presented by Aoife Ni Thuairisg and Seamús Ó Scanláin, with help from the judges John Creedon, Caitríona Ní Shúilleabháin and Jó Ní Chéide who advise and and guide the contestants.

A Donegal-based screenwriter is being applauded today after the announcement of 2021’s Oscar nominations.

Wolfwalkers, by Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, has been nominated as best animated feature for the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards.

Cork native Will Collins, who lives in Donegal Town, is the acclaimed screenwriter behind the Apple TV feature.

Will Collins

Collins has had major success in writing for animation. He wrote the screenplay for 2015 Oscar-nominated feature ‘Song of the Sea’, also from Cartoon Saloon, and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his writing on ‘Angela’s Christmas’.

Cartoon Saloon’s ‘Wolfwalkers’ has earned worldwide praise and top award nominations already, including a Golden Globes nod earlier this year.

It is the third animated feature from two-time Academy Award-nominee Tomm Moore (‘The Secret of Kells,’ ‘Song of the Sea’) and Ross Stewart, co-produced by Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Productions.

This year’s Oscars ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on April 25th.

A young Donegal DJ has gained his first ever BBC Radio 1 airplay thanks to UK star Ellie Goulding.

DJ Ois Bosh gained a major boost at the weekend after singer-songwriter Goulding selected his latest track ‘Cover It Up’ for her exclusive dance mix on Saturday night.

The song aired to millions of listeners across BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

Ois Bosh is the alias of 19-year-old Oisin McLaughlin, a rising star from Muff.

Oisin said he was shaking with excitement at the prestigious feature on American DJ Diplo’s show ‘Diplo & Friends’.

Thus far, ‘Cover It Up’ signed to UK based record label Deevu Records has reached over 500,000 streams.

It’s no doubt a proud moment for Oisin. Over the past year, his house-dance mix has also received some incredible radio support across Ireland and the UK with plays on 2FM, iRadio and Cool FM. BBC Radio 1 will now join this impressive list.

When asked about this success, Ois Bosh said: “It is a surreal feeling for my track to be played on one of the most prestigious radio stations in the world, I was in absolute shock when I first got news that it had been played, I was shaking with excitement and disbelief.

“I can’t believe I achieved this milestone so early in my career. I feel it’s given me a huge ambition and determination to get better and better with the production side of my game, the best is yet to come!”

What is next for ‘The Bosh’?

“The follow-up to Cover It Up is coming out over the next two months. It is a collaboration with my Dublin cousin who happens to be an aspiring singer/songwriter. He goes under the name of Noah Scolard,” Oisin said.

Once the country opens up again, The Bosh promises to be back doing what he loves best; making people dance across Ireland’s dancefloors.

“Ois Bosh – Cover It Up” is out on Deevu Records & available to download and to stream on all major streaming platforms.

Visit the Apple music link here

Stream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1gXbyV9C1Qkb8nM91GAWoy?si=pp9LUBHhRnaUbgZXkHQsPw

TG4’s Bailte series heads to Donegal this week for a fascinating look at life on the Fanad peninsula.

Airing on Thursday 18^th March 8pm, the programme will focus on the people of the Seanach Dubh townland.

Here is a preview of what’s in store for the episode:

Presenter Síle Nic Chonaonaigh will begin her visit by meeting Seán Ó Beaglaoich, a local farmer and community man. Seán gives her an insight into the town, how it got its placename and how the marine sector is fostering a new generation in the area.

Next, Síle meets Eimear Ní Mhathúna. Lough Seanach sits at the foot of the Seanach Dubh valley, and it was on the shores of this lake that Eimear bought a house. Eimear is originally from Kildare but she and her family moved to Seanach Dubh several years ago. Eimear works at Fanad Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable and respected places on the coast of the country. This lighthouse, located on the Wild Atlantic Way, has a long history and is now developed as a significant tourist destination.

Síle also meets local man Seán Mac Suibhne who works at the lighthouse. Seán guides Síle around this elegant building and tells her about the 22 gold bars set on the Atlantic seabed off the Lighthouse.

Siopa Mhic an tSaoir is the living pulse of Seanach Dubh. If it’s a pint of milk, a large order, Sunday newspapers or even slate to put a new roof on your house you need – you can find it at Mac a ‘tSaoir Shop. Síle meets Seán Mac a tSaoir who is the third generation of his family to sit behind the counter, Síle is told of the connection between Seanach Dubh and the city of Belfast during World War II.

For over a century Seán Mac a ‘tSaoir and his predecessors have been providing vital business and service to this community. But shopping is not the only essential service that the family provides, they are also undertakers.

Síle met Seán’s son, Colin Mac a tSaoir, and Colin is now involved in the undertaker’s business. Colin employs a small team of workers in Seanach Dubh who produce and supply handmade and environmentally friendly coffins. Very interesting business, and Síle met one of the craftsmen, Harry Mac Reanann, and he gave Síle her first lesson in coffin weaving!

Síle ends her journey at the Gaelic GAA pitches of Fanad with the people of Seanach Dubh as they take the lead and encourage the next generation on the playing field. Leaving Seanach Dubh and the Fanad peninsula, Síle appreciates the energy of the place and the people, and that the younger generation is growing up and rooted in the place. It is clear that the former vulnerability of the area has created independence in the community while addressing the challenges facing the community.

Watch: Bailte on TG4 tomorrow, Thursday at 8pm.

A young Donegal woman is set to appear on a new TV series tonight to share her strong views on important topics.

Leanne McCafferty from Ballyshannon is one of the guests on Eating With The Enemy on Virgin Media One at 9pm.

Tonight’s episode will see Leanne paired with a stranger for a meal. The catch is that the person will have opposing views, and the programme seeks to study their conversations as a social experiment.

Leanne is a marketing manager with steadfast opinions on women’s roles and feminism, particularly on competitions such as the Rose of Tralee. Her conversation with her fellow diner, Briain Óg from Limerick, also touches on emotional topics including grief and eating disorders.

Watch a preview here:

In an age where people live in their own social media ‘bubbles’, Eating with the Enemy aims to gain a look at dialogue between people who have different opinions and see if they can find a common ground.

In each episode, four pairs are presented with a menu of thought-provoking questions designed with the series psychologist, Dr Malie Coyne and psychotherapist Richard Hogan, to break through the small talk and get to the heart of what makes us human – our differences and our commonalities. 

Tonight’s show will discover how Leanne and Briain Óg agree to disagree and learn not to judge a book by its cover. Catch the episode on Virgin Media One at 9pm, 17th March.

A special concert takes a virtual trip to Gweedore and Malin Head to share stunning songs and scenery with the world.

The whole of Ireland is a stage for the ‘Ireland in Music’ concert, which is being streamed around the world this week in celebration of St Patrick’s Day.

Donegal artists Rosie Carney and Clannad are featured among some of Ireland’s most celebrated musicians.

Gweedore’s Clannad and Limerick rapper Denise Chaila (pictured above) visited the iconic Poison Glen to film their performance in the shadow of Errigal mountain.

Singer/songwriter Rosie Carney took to the dramatic northern coastline at Malin Head to sing ‘I Dreamed That I Was The Night’.

‘Ireland in Music’ TV Show will be available for viewers outside of Ireland this March to mark St. Patrick’s Week. It will be broadcast tonight at 8PM Irish Time. Tickets can be booked from this link: https://t.co/4YjfgbCN8n
@TempleBarTradFest #IrelandinMusic pic.twitter.com/sQOLWHgS9D

— Donegal Tourism (@govisitdonegal) March 21, 2021

Other top performances in the line-up include Denise Chaila and Sharon Shannon performing along The Cliffs of Moher, Lisa Hannigan in the bandstand at Saint Stephen’s Green and The Stunning in the grounds of Trim Castle.

The concert first aired on RTE at Christmas, but the ‘world tour’ began virtually this week for viewers outside Ireland, who can tune in online until Thursday 25th March.

For event details, visit: tradfest.ie/events