In 2021, Tyrone Productions produced a TG4 music series presented by Dáithí Ó Sé.
It brought some of Ireland’s best-known musical families and groups together
for performances and conversation.
About the Series
Tyrone Productions produced this TG4 music series with a clear focus on music and conversation.
Each episode centred on a musical family or group, with Dáithí Ó Sé guiding the discussion.
The series aired on TG4 on Sunday evenings at 8:30 pm, beginning on 14 March 2021.
Artists featured across the series included Sharon Shannon and Family, Altan,
Hothouse Flowers, Clann Mhic Ruairí, Téada, Danú, and The Kilfenora Céilí Band.
Episode One, The O’Connor Family
The opening episode featured my own family, The O’Connor Family.
It included me and my children Dónal, Feilimí, Siubhán, and Finnian.
We are from Ravensdale in County Louth, and the programme explored our musical upbringing.
We also spoke about my children’s mother, Eithne Ní Uallacháin, who passed away in 1999.
The episode featured music from our local area,
along with pieces originally recorded by La Lúgh,
the group Eithne and I formed together.
Later Episodes and Featured Artists
- The Kilfenora Céilí Band, active since 1909.
- Téada, reflecting on two decades of international touring.
- The Bonny Men, with siblings Maitiú Ó Casaide and Natalie Ní Chasaide.
- Hothouse Flowers, looking back from Coláiste Eoin to Wembley Arena.
- Danú, featured on 18 April 2021.
- Sharon Shannon and her family.
- Clann Mhic Ruairí from Rann na Feirste.
- Cherish the Ladies, featured on 9 May 2021.
- Altan, closing the series on 16 May 2021.
Special Guests
Special guests across the series included Moya Ní Bhraonáin, Clare Sands,
Róisín Chambers, Don Stiffe, Kate Purcell, and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh.
Watch a Clip from the Series
A video from the series is available to watch here:
Watch the video on YouTube
A Personal Note
Looking back, I value this series for what it captured beyond performance.
It recorded family stories, shared memory, and the quiet passing on of music
from one generation to the next.
That is something worth holding onto.