Your Public Service Media Do Mheáin Seirbhíse Poiblí

An bhfuil ‘cúpla funny focal’ agat?

Tá RTÉ ag ceiliúradh Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2025

Ó sheónna nua go seanchláir, ón nGaeltacht go dtí an fheirm, bainfidh gach uile dhuine taitneamh as rud éigin le linn cheiliúradh na bliana seo ar an nGaeilge

RTÉ One, RTÉ Player, RTÉjr, RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta agus RTE.ie

Dé Sathairn an 1 Márta – De Luain an 17 Márta

www.rte.ie/gaeilge | #SnaG25

Féach ar ár promo anseo

Tabharfar tús áite don Ghaeilge ar fud RTÉ agus muid ag leanúint lenár gcomhpháirtíocht le Conradh na Gaeilge do Sheachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2025 ó Dé Sathairn an 1 Márta go dtí Lá Fhéile Pádraig Dé Luain an 17 Márta.

Tá Seachtain na Gaeilge ar cheann de na hócáidí ceiliúrtha idirnáisiúnta is mó atá againn ar an nGaeilge agus ar ár gcultúr agus i mbliana spreagtar daoine ‘cúpla funny focal’ a úsáid áit ar bith agus am ar bith is féidir leo, agus tá neart clár againne chun cúnamh a thabhairt duit feadh an bhealaigh.

Buaicphointí #SnaG25 ar RTÉ

Seo a leanas atá amach romhat ar RTÉ chun tacú le Seachtain na Gaeilge i mbliana.

>>> AR AN TEILIFÍS + AR LÍNE

Tá RTÉ ag leanúint dá chuid ábhar Gaeilge agus dátheangach a fhás ar an teilifís agus ar an RTÉ Player le rogha breá d’ábhar siamsaíochta, spóirt agus fíorasach nua-choimisiúnaithe.

AG CAINT LEIS NA RÉALTAÍ: I séasúr nua de Réaltaí na Gaeltachta cuirfear cúigear a bhfuil aithne mhór orthu go dtí ceantar álainn Gaeltachta Phort Láirge chun iad féin a thumadh sa nGaeilge. Beirfidh an cúigear foghlaimeoirí leo a gcuid foclóirí agus a gcuid málaí scoile chun seachtain a chaitheamh i gceann de na coláistí samhraidh is cáiliúla in Éirinn – Coláiste na Rinne – áit a mbeidh deis acu blaiseadh ceart a fháil de shaol an choláiste Gaeilge is iad á dtreorú ag na múinteoirí agus muintir na háite, é sin ar fad ar ndóigh trí Ghaeilge. Beidh Brendan Courtney, an láithreoir teilifíse agus Owen Colgon, an fuirseoir agus aisteoir, ag fanacht i dteach na mbuachaillí in éineacht lena bhFear an Tí, Paddy Ó Ceallaigh, iascaire atá ar scor. Beidh na cailíní, an t-aisteoir Hilary Rose, an t-amhránaí soul Toshín agus an t-imreoir rugbaí agus Oilimpeach Erin King, ag caitheamh na seachtaine tigh Bhríd Uí Fhloinn. Tumfaidh an cúigear foghlaimeoirí iad féin sa dúshlán faoi lámh a múinteora Pádraigín Ní Chadhla agus le cúnamh ó roinnt de mhuintir na háite chun an Ghaeilge a fhoghlaim arís. Ach cé air a mbronnfar an teideal mór, Réalta na Gaeltachta!

AN SAOL AR AN BHFEIRM: Leanfar le sraith nua de Saol na Feirme (príomhíomhá) oícheanta Dé Luain ar RTÉ ONE ina leantar saol seacht dteaghlach feirmeoireachta Éireannacha agus iad ag iarraidh dul i ngleic le dúshláin gan choinne le 12 mhí. Le radhairc áille as contaetha Ard Mhacha, Aontroma, an Chláir, na Gaillimhe, Laoise agus Ros Comáin le feiceáil sa gcúlra, tugtar léargas sa tsraith seo ar shaol na bhfeirmeoirí seo agus iad i mbun a gcuid gnónna curaíochta, déiríochta, mairteola, caorach agus glasraí. Feicfimid an bealach a dtéann na teaghlaigh seo i ngleic le dúshláin nach raibh súil ar bith leo agus a nglacann siad go fonnmhar leis an nuálaíocht lena gcuid feirmeacha a choinneáil ag imeacht cé go bhfuil siad fós ag obair ar na bealaí traidisiúnta céanna atá tagtha anuas acu ó ghlúin go glúin. Ó bheith ag iarraidh dul i ngleic le fíordhroch-aimsir go dtí fiontair nua a sheoladh, léireoidh aistir na bhfeirmeoirí an dúthracht, an chruthaitheacht agus an misneach a bhíonn ag teastáil chun déanamh go maith i saol nua-aimseartha na talmhaíochta.

SPÓRT NA mBAN: Níos déanaí i mí an Mhárta feicfear mná na hÉireann ag briseadh talamh nua sa spórt comhraic ar Cailíní Comhraic. Tugtar léargas sa gclár seo ar thuas seal thíos seal na mban de gach aois seo agus ar chomh ábalta is atá siad agus iad ag déanamh a ndíchill ina gcuid spóirt ar leith. Ó lúthchleasaithe a bhfuil taithí acu go lúthchleasaithe atá ag teacht chun cinn, feicfear aistear na mban iontach seo agus iad ag cur deireadh leis na steiréitíopaí, ag taispeáint misneach dochreidte, agus ag tuilleadh clú dóibh féin i saol iomaíoch an spóirt comhraic.

AN tAIFREANN i nGAEILGE: Craolfar Aifreann speisialta i nGaeilge Dé Domhnaigh an 9 Márta chun Seachtain na Gaeilge agus an chéad Domhnach den Charghas a cheiliúradh. Is é Cór Ailigh, atá lonnaithe in Ard-Eaglais Naomh Adhamhnán i Leitir Ceanainn, a bheidh i mbun an cheoil agus na bpaidreacha. Is í Áine Ní Niocaill an stiúrthóir ceoil agus is é an Moinsíneoir Caoimhín Mac Giolla Easboig a dhéanfaidh an tAifreann a cheiliúradh.

Déanfaidh A Word in Edgeways ceiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge le mír speisialta ar Rising Time ar RTÉ Radio 1 ag 6.15am Dé Céadaoin an 12 Márta.

AGUS ANUAS AIR SIN: Amach san Earrach beidh Bog Amach ar ais ar an scáileán nuair a bheidh an láithreoir Emer Mhic an Fhailí ar ais a chúnamh do shéasúr úra atá sa tóir ar theach cónaithe agus iad ag lorg bealach saoil nua i roinnt de na háiteanna is áille agus is mó tóir ar an oileán seo agus i Dance Master, beimid i gcuideachta an Damhsóra, an chóiréagrafaí agus an fhir léinn Breandán De Gallaí agus é ag ullmhú do sheó nua. Sna tráthnónta i rith na seachtaine, féachfaidh foireann an Today Show le hugach a thabhairt don lucht féachana cur leis an gcúpla focal atá acu le linn a gcuid cainte dátheangaí laethúla.

AR LÍNE

Ar leathanach baile RTÉ Player leagfar amach an t-ábhar is fearr i nGaeilge le haghaidh gach aois, agus deis á tabhairt don lucht féachana féachaint ar an taisce mór d’ábhar Gaeilge atá le fáil air.

Agus leanfaidh www.rte.ie/gaeilge d’ardán a thabhairt d’ábhar is fearr Gaeilge RTÉ a thagann chugainn ó ar fud RTÉ agus ar fud na tíre, a thugann smaointe agus cúnamh do dhaoine a bheadh ag iarraidh cur leis an ‘gcúpla focal’ atá acu, chomh maith le haird a tharraingt ar an gcuid is fearr de na himeachtaí a bheidh ar siúl le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Má theastaíonn uait feabhas a chur ar do chuid Gaeilge le linn na míosa seo amach romhainn, gheobhaidh tú neart ábhar a chuideoidh leat ar Learning Irish (rte.ie).

>>> DO DHAOINE ÓGA

Tá neart ábhar Gaeilge do pháistí ag RTÉ ar RTÉjr, agus ar chaineál YouTube RTÉjr chomh maith le rannóg na bpáistí ar an RTÉ Player, chun Seachtain na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh.

Tabharfaidh Breacaí / Doodle Girl chuig domhan aisteach agus iontach an leabhair sceitse muid. Is aoibhinn le Breacaí a bheith ag dul ar eachtaí agus ag tarraingt pictiúr.

I Scríofa sna Réaltaí cuirfimid aithne ar Sheán atá 9 mbliana d’aois agus a bhfuil a chroí istigh san aisteoireacht. Ach bíonn an deacracht foghlama ar leith atá aige á dhéanamh deacair air mar go bhfuil deacrachtaí aige leis an léamh agus cuimhneamh ar a chuid línte. Bíodh sin mar atá, éiríonn leis an phríomhpháirt i ndráma na scoile, páirt a bhfuil go leor ag faire uirthi, a bhaint amach. Ach an ngabhfaidh an dráma go maith do Sheán nó an mbeidh air cuimhneamh arís ar mhian a chroí?

Beidh tú ábalta dul ar eachtraí in éineacht le George agus Peppa i sraith nua de Peppa Muc agus féachaint ar Thomas and Friends, All Engines Go i nGaeilge. Beidh tú in ann dul ar aistear freisin in éineacht leis na cairde móra Bóín agus Beach sa Mhóinéar Fiáin.

Caith súil ar ár bpodchraoltaí go léir do Sheachtain na Gaeilge, We Love Books le Tristan Rosenstock, DJ for a Day le daltaí ó Ghaelscoil Lios na nÓg i mBaile Átha Cliath agus beidh dhá chlár an-speisialta ag Kidcast School Tour – ceann a rinne Scoil Naomh Lorcáin i mBaile Átha Í a bhfuil an scéalaí Niall de Búrca páirteach ann agus ceann eile a rinne Gaelscoil Lorgan i mBaile na Lorgan, le Peileadóir Mhuineacháin, Michael Brannigan.

>>> AR AN RAIDIÓ AGUS AR AN RTÉ RADIO PLAYER

Ar RTE Radio 1

Beifear ag ceiliúradh Sheachtain na Gaeilge ar Folk on One, South Wind Blows, The Rolling Wave agus ar neart clár eile. Beidh drámaíocht a bhfuil gradaim buaite aige ar Drama on One, Leaba An Bháis le Darach Mac Con Iomaire, agus beidh Oliver Callan beo ar an aer as Casla Dé Luain an 10 March le neart aíonna ina theannta. Beidh Ambasadóir Sheachtain na Gaeilge, Julie Fay, i dteannta Oliver an Aoine beag seo chun tús a chur le ceiliúradh na féile 17 lá seo. Beidh tuairisc speisialta ag Treasa Bhreathnach, craoltóir le Raidió na Gaeltachta, don chlár Countrywide.

Beidh neart amhránaithe i Stiúideo 1 Dé hAoine an 14 Márta ar The Ray D’Arcy Show chun amhráin mór le rá as na Cairteanna a chanadh i nGaeilge. Tabharfaidh Brian O’Connell treoir dúinn maidir leis an ngeandáil ghasta i nGaeilge Dé Luain an 3 Márta ar an gclár Today with Claire Byrne. Beidh Paul Kelly agus muintir McGrattan le cloisteáil ar chlár speisialta de Céilí House ó Áras Chrónáin, i gCluain Dolcáin.

Craolfar The Late Debate beo ónár gcuid stiúideonna i gCasla Déardaoin an 13 Márta le clár dátheangach, mar a bhíonn i gcónaí, le díospóireacht speisialta ar na deacrachtaí a chaitheann pobail Ghaeltachta ar fud na tíre aghaidh a thabhairt orthu.

Ar RTÉ lyric fm

Dé Luain an 10 Márta, cuirfidh Lorcan Murray clár speisialta Sheachtain na Gaeilge Classic Drive i láthair beo i dteannta Cheolfhoireann Coirme RTÉ agus coinneoidh an fidléir Aoife Ní Bhríain agus an t-amhránaí ar an sean-nós Saileog Ní Cheannabháin neart ceol agus amhrán traidisúnta Gaeilge libh, idir shaothar den traidisiún níos sinn agus saothair nua-chumtha ón am i láthair.

Dé hAoine an 14 Márta, rachaidh muid ar thuras ceoil leis an gclár Aedín In the Afternoon timpeall na tíre ag stopadh ar na Blascaodaí le ceol le hAilbhe McDonagh agus Colm Ó Foghlú. Tabharfaidh Emma Langford go Cuan na gCeall muid, taistealóidh muid feadh Shlí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin in éineacht le Aoife Scott, go Dún na nGall le Natalie Ní Chasaide agus Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill agus seasfaidh muid i mBaile Átha Cliath Seoirseach chun cluas a thabhairt do cheol binn Arthur Duff.

Ar Lyric Feature, beidh na filí dátheangacha Annemarie Ní Churreáin, a d’fhás aníos ag labhairt Gaeilge i nGaeltacht Dhún na nGall ach a scríobhann a cuid filíochta i mBéarla agus Louis de Paor, a d’fhás aníos ag labhairt Béarla i gCathair Chorcaí ach a scríobhann a chuid filíochta i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla le cloisteáil ar an gclár. Tugann an bheirt filí, sa dá chlár, léargas ar roinnt de na deacrachtaí a bhíonn le sárú acu mar gheall ar na cúlraí teanga atá acu.

Ar RTÉ 2FM

Cuirfear tús le clár bricfeasta dátheangach nua ag an deireadh seachtaine ón 15 Márta le Bennie agus Helen leis an aidhm normalú a dhéanamh ar an nGaeilge laistigh de stáisiún raidió náisiúnta FM lán-Bhéarla. Bí ag faire ar an Laura Fox Show agus ar ‘fhrása an lae’ gach lá agus mar is gnáth is féidir tiúnáil isteach chuig The National Chart Show le Bláthnaid Tracey idir 7.00pm agus 9.00pm gach Aoine agus beidh nuacht dhátheangach, chomh maith le tuairiscí tráchta, le cloisteáil gach aon lá le linn na dtrí seachtaine.

Ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta

Is í Seachtain na Gaeilge gach seachtain í ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, agus leanfaidh an stáisiún den cheol is fearr chomh maith le comhrá, plé, nuacht náisiúnta, idirnáisiúnta agus áitiúil a chraoladh gach lá le linn na míosa freisin.

AN BHFUIL ‘FUNNY FOCAL’ AGAT?

Is é Funny Focal téama na bliana seo do Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Bí ag éisteacht agus ag breathnú nuair a inseoidh láithreoirí RTÉ ar chainéil meán sóisialta RTÉ cén ‘Funny Focal’ is fearr leo féin agus an fáth a bhfuil áit ar leith ag an bhfocal sin ina gcroí.

Ceolfhoireann Coirme RTÉ

Roinnfidh an Clairinéadóir, Macdara Ó Seireadáin, roinnt píosaí óna dhialann ó imeachtaí a bhí ar siúl le déanaí ar chainéil shóisialta na Ceolfhoirne Ceolchoirme. Feicfear i gcuid dá chuid físeán iad ag ullmhú do cheolchoirm i Luimneach, ag taifeadadh i Stiúideo 1 in Ionad Raidió RTÉ agus ag seiceáil fuaime d’Oíche na nOscar sa Cheoláras Náisiúnta, agus tugann sin léargas don phobal ar na gnéithe éagsúla a bhaineann le hobair agus le saol éagsúil na Ceolfhoirne.

CUIR AITHNE AR CANÚINT.IE

Seolfaidh Cartlann RTÉ i gcomhar le Fiontar agus Scoil na Gaeilge DCU Canúint.ie le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge in Ionad an Bhlascaoid i gCorca Dhuibhne. Is stór nua de chanúintí Gaeilge é seo, a cuireadh i dtoll a chéile ag úsáid bailiúchán saibhir de thaifeadtaí fuaime Gaeilge a bhfuil digitiú déanta air ó bhunábhar Radió Éireann agus RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. Cuimsíonn na taifeadtaí a stóráiltear ar théipeanna maighnéadacha agus ar fhormáidí diosca optúla ó 1950-2000 raon taifeadtaí craolta i bhfad níos sine a taifeadadh sna 1920idí, 30idí agus 40idí. Rinneadh an tionscadal seo le tacaíocht ó Scéim Maoinithe Cartlainne Choimisiún na Meán.

Chun an t-eolas is déanaí ar fad a fháil ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge ar RTÉ, caith súil ar chuntais Facebook, Instagram, TikTok agus X RTÉ ag úsáid #snag25.

Agus chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi imeachtaí Sheachtain na Gaeilge ar fud na tíre, téigh chuig www.snag.ie.

*****

An bhfuil ‘cúpla funny focal’ agat?

RTÉ celebrates Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025

From new shows to returning favourites and from An Gaeltacht to the farm, there’s something for everyone in this year’s celebration of the Irish language

RTÉ One, RTÉ Player, RTÉjr, RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta agus RTE.ie

Saturday 1st March – Monday 17th March

www.rte.ie/gaeilge | #SnaG25

Watch our promo here

Irish language takes centre stage across RTÉ as we continue our partnership with Conradh na Gaeilge for Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2025, from Saturday 1st March to St. Patrick’s Day on Monday 17th March.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is one of the biggest international celebrations of the Irish language and our culture and this year people are invited to use their ‘cúpla funny focal’ wherever and whenever they can, and we have plenty to help you along the way.

#SnaG25 HIGHLIGHTS on RTÉ

Here’s what RTÉ has in store to support this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge.

>>> ON TELEVISION + ONLINE

On television and RTÉ Player, RTÉ continues to grow its Irish-language and bilingual offering, with a rich slate of newly commissioned entertainment, sport and factual content. 

AG CAINT WITH THE STARS: In a new season of Réaltaí na Gaeltachta five familiar faces travel to the stunning Waterford Gaeltacht to immerse themselves in the Irish language. Digging out their foclóirí and packing their schoolbags, our five students spend a week in one of Ireland’s most famous coláistí samhraidh – Coláiste na Rinne, where under the guidance of the múinteoirí and muintir na háite, they will live the full Irish college experience – all as Gaeilge. Staying in the boys’ house, TV presenter Brendan Courtney and comedian and actor Owen Colgan are right at home with retired fisherman Fear an Tí, Paddy Ó Ceallaigh. Meanwhile in the girls’ house, actress Hilary Rose, soul singer Toshín and rugby player and Olympian Erin King spend a week with Bean an Tí Bríd Uí Fhloinn. Under the tutelage of múinteoir Pádraigín Ní Chadhla and helped by a range of local faces, the five students immerse themselves in their quest to re – learning the Irish Language, but who will ultimately emerge Réalt na Gaeltachta!  

FARM LIFE: A new series of Saol na Feirme (main image) continues on RTÉ ONE on Monday nights, following the lives of seven Irish farming families as they try to navigate the unpredictable challenges of the past 12 months. Set against the stunning backdrops of Armagh, Antrim, Clare, Galway, Laois, and Roscommon, the series delves deep into the lives of farmers managing tillage, dairy, beef, sheep, and vegetable businesses. We witness how these families adapt to unpredictability and embrace innovation to sustain their farms while still honouring the traditions passed down through generations. From battling extreme conditions to launching new ventures, the farmers’ journeys reveal the determination, creativity, and heart it takes to thrive in modern agriculture.

FEMALE SPORT: Later in March Cailiní Comhraic follows Irish women breaking boundaries in combat sports. The series explores the highs and lows of women at all ages and abilities as they push themselves to their limits in their individual sports.  From seasoned athletes to rising stars, we capture the journeys of these remarkable women as they shatter stereotypes, show incredible grit, and make their mark in the competitive world of combat sports.

MASS AS GAEILGE: On Sunday March 9^th a special Mass in the Irish language to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge and the first Sunday of Lent. Music and prayer will come from Cór Ailigh, which is based in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny. The musical director is Áine Ní Niocaill, while Monsignor Caoimhín Mac Giolla Easboig will celebrate the mass.

A Word in Edgeways celebrates Seachtain na Gaeilge with a special contribution on Wednesday 12^th March at 6.15a.m on Rising Time.

AND THERE’S MORE: Later in the Spring, Bog Amach returns to our screens as presenter Emer Mhic an Fhailí accompanies six different house hunters as they search for a new way of life in some of the most stunning and sought-after locations on the island and Dance Master, follows Dancer, choreographer and academic Breandán De Gallaí as he prepares for a new show.   On weekday afternoons, the Today Show team will continue to encourage viewers to expand their cúpla focal with their daily bilingual banter. 

ONLINE

RTÉ Player will curate the very best of Irish-language content for all ages on its home page, allowing viewers to discover the treasure chest of Irish language content.

And www.rte.ie/gaeilge will continue to showcase the very best of RTÉ’s Irish-language content from across RTÉ and the country, offering ideas and support for anyone hoping to expand their cúpla focail as well as highlighting the best of what Seachtain na Gaeilge has on offer.  If you want to improve your Gaeilge over the next month, you’ll find lots of helpful content on Learning Irish (rte.ie).  

>>> FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

RTÉ has plenty of children’s Gaeilge content on RTÉjr, and the RTÉjr You Tube channel as well as the kids’ section on RTÉ Player, to celebrate, Seachtain na Gaeilge.  

Breacaí brings us into a weird and wonderful world inside a sketchbook as our hero Breacaí / Doodle girl loves to explore and sketch.  

In Scríofa Sna Réaltaí we meet 9-year-old Seán who has an unwavering passion for acting.  His journey is hindred by his unique learning difference, making it difficult for him to read and memorize lines.  Despite these obstacles, he secures the coveted lead role in the school play. But will the performance go smoothly, or will Seán be forced to reconsider his cherished aspirations?  

You can also catch a new series of George and Peppa in Peppa Muc as well as Thomas and Friends, All Engines Go, as Gaeilge, and you can also follow the adventures of bestie beasties Bóín agus Beach in the Wild Meadow. 

Check out all our podcasts for Seachtain na Gaeilge, We Love Books le Tristan Rosenstock, DJ for a Day with students from Gaelscoil Lios na nÓg in Dublin and Kidcast School Tour has two very special episodes – one made by Scoil Naomh Lorcáin in Athy featuring Storyteller, Niall de Burca and another by Gaelscoil Lorgan in Castleblayney, with Monaghan Footballer, Michael Brannigan.    

>>> ON RADIO and RTÉ RADIO PLAYER 

On RTE Radio 1

Folk on One, South Wind Blows, The Rolling Wave and many more will celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge across their programmes.  The Drama on One will feature award winning drama, Leaba An Bháis by Darach Mac Con Iomaire, while Oliver Callan will be live from Casla on Monday 10^th March with a host of guests. Seachtain na Gaeilge Ambassador Julie Jay will also join Oliver this Friday to kick off the celebrations for the 17-day festival.   Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Treasa Bhreathnach will have a special report for Countrywide. 

On Friday March 14^th, The Ray D’Arcy Show will be joined by a host of singers in Studio 1, as they sing popular chart hits as Gaeilge. On Monday 3^rd March, Brian O’Connell will have a ‘how to’ guide to speed dating as Gaeilge on Today with Claire Byrne.  A Céilí House special from Áras Chrónáin, in Clondalkin features Paul Kelly and the McGrattan family. 

The Late Debate will broadcast live from our studios in Casla on Thursday 13^th March with, as always, a bilingual programme with a special debate on the difficulties facing Gaeltacht communities around Ireland.

On RTÉ lyric fm

On Monday March 10^th, Lorcan Murray presents Classic Drive’s Seachtain na Gaeilge special, live with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, as fiddle player Aoife Ní Bhríain and sean nós singer Saileog Ní Cheannabháin bring you a wonderful range of Irish traditional melodies, from the older tradition to new works composed today. 

On Friday March 14^th Aedín In the Afternoon, takes us on a musical journey around the country stopping off on Na Blascaodaí with music by Ailbhe McDonagh and Colm Ó Foghlú. Emma Langford takes us down to Kells Bay, we travel all along the Wild Atlantic Way with Aoife Scott, to Donegal with Natalie Ní Chasaide and Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill and a stop off in Georgian Dublin with the music of Arthur Duff.   

On the Lyric Feature bilingual poets Annemarie Ní Churreáin who grew up speaking Irish in the Donegal Gaeltacht writes her poetry in English and Louis de Paor who grew up speaking English in Cork City writes in Irish and English. Both poets and programmes offer reflections on some of the complexities that get thrown up in their linguistic backgrounds. 

On RTÉ 2FM

A brand-new bilingual weekend breakfast show begins on March 15^th March with Bennie and Helen with the aim of normalising the Irish Language within an FM national English speaking radio station. The Laura Fox Show will have a daily ‘phrase of the day’ and as always, you can tune into the bilingual National Chart Show with Bláthnaid Tracey from 7.00pm – 9.00pm on Friday evenings and there will be bilingual news and traffic reports daily throughout the three weeks. 

On RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta

It’s Seachtain na Gaeilge every week on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, and the station will continue to bring you the very best of music, chat, discussion and up to the minute, national, international and local news daily throughout the month too. 

AN BHFUIL ‘FUNNY FOCAL’ AGAT?

Funny Focal is the theme of this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge, Keep your eyes and ears on high alert as RTÉ presenters will be sharing their own favourite ‘Funny Focal’ and why they have a special place in their hearts across RTÉ’s social media channels.

RTÉ Concert Orchestra

Clarinettist, Macdara Ó Seireadáin will share some diary pieces from recent events on the Concert Orchestra’s social channels. Capturing setting up for a concert in Limerick, recording in Studio 1 in the RTÉ Radio Centre and sound-checking for Oscars Night in the National Concert Hall, his videos shine a light on different aspects of the Orchestra’s varied work and life.

INTRODUCING CANIÚNT.IE

RTÉ Archives in partnership with DCU Fiontar and Scoil na Gaeilge will launch Canúint.ie during Seachtain na Gaeilge in Ionad an Bhlascaoid in Corca Dhuibhne.  This is a new repository of Irish dialects, drawn from the rich collection of Irish language audio recordings digitised from Radió Éireann and RTÉ Radió na Gaeltachta source material. The recordings stored on magnetic tapes and optical disc formats from 1950-2000 also incorporate a range of much older broadcast recordings originating from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. This project was made with the support of the Archive Funding Scheme, Coimisiún na Meán.

For all the latest on Seachtain na Gaeilge on RTÉ, check out rte.ie/gaeilge as well as RTÉ’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X accounts using #snag25.

And for more on all Seachtain na Gaeilge events nationwide, visit www.snag.ie.

ENDS

FURTHER INFORMATION / TUILLEADH EOLAIS

Neil O’Gorman, Corporate Communications Manager, RTÉ | neil.ogorman@rte.ie

RTÉ Media Sales has today announced Travel Department as the new sponsor of RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday with Miriam for a 6-month term.

Broadcasting from 10am every Sunday morning, Miriam O’Callaghan presents one hour of entertaining live interviews, human interest and lifestyle stories as well as the perfect Sunday morning soundtrack. Recent guests on the show include Ronan Keating, Julian Benson, Jojo Moyes, Barry McGuigan and Róisín O’Donnell.

Brokered by Essence Mediacom, the RTÉ Radio 1 sponsorship includes 4 x 10-second sponsor-credited stings per show, sponsor-credited promos in Oliver Callan and Louise Duffy, as well as listen back and homepage sponsorship.

Yvonne Boyle, Marketing & Sales Director at Travel Department said: “At Travel Department, we believe that travel is about connection – meeting new people, exploring incredible places, and making lasting memories. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Sunday with Miriam, a show that brings people together through inspiring conversations, just as we do through our guided holidays.”

Tara Farrell, Sponsorship Manager at RTÉ Radio, said: “With year-on-year growth of 12,000* listeners, Sunday with Miriam is now the fifth most popular weekend show on RTÉ Radio 1. We are confident Miriam’s audience of 344,000* listeners will welcome the Travel Department.”

-ENDS-

Date: Thursday, 27 February 2025

Image caption: L to R: John Spain, Agency Lead, RTÉ Commercial, James Coughlan, CEO, Travel Department and Yvonne Boyle, Marketing & Sales Director, Travel Department.

Image credit: Paul Sherwood, Coalesce.

Source* JNLR/ MRBI – Jan 24 – Dec 24.

RTÉ Communications: Adam Thibault

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty!

As he prepares to visit Washington, Taoiseach Micheál Martin will be in studio to discuss why he is going to meet Donald Trump; the turbulent start to the new Dáil and his plans on how to tackle the housing crisis.

Also joining The Late Late Show on Friday night are two icons of stage and screen, multi-award winners Jessica Lange and Ed Harris. Starring in the adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s classic, Long Day’s Journey into Night, two of the most talented actors of our time are in town for the world premiere of the film at the Dublin International Film Festival. They will speak with Patrick about their time shooting the film in Wicklow, connections with Ireland, and their careers in Hollywood and on Broadway.

Actor Danny Dyer will be in studio on Friday night ahead of his new movie Marching Powder. Danny will be chatting about life since Albert Square, capturing hearts as Freddie Jones in Rivals, and why he’s decided to run a caravan park this summer with his daughter Dani.

Sarah Corbett Lynch will be on the show to talk about her memoir A Time for Truth about her father Jason Corbett. Jason was killed nearly ten years ago in North Carolina by Sarah’s stepmother Molly Martens and Molly’s father Tom Martens. They were released last year after pleading guilty to manslaughter. Sarah will join Patrick to tell her story.

The immensely talented country music and blues singer from Donegal, Muireann Bradley will be joining Patrick on Friday’s Late Late show to perform Delia.

The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.

-ENDS-
27 February 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough

Notes to Editor:
For more updates follow The Late Late Show online:
Instagram @latelaterte
TikTok: tiktok.com/@latelaterte
Blue Sky: latelateshow.rte.ie
X: @rtelatelateshow
Facebook: facebook.com/thelatelateshow
YouTube: youtube.com/@rtelatelateshow

RTÉ RADIO 1 FOLK AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Celebrating the very best in folk music in Ireland from the past year

LANDLESS win Best Folk Group

RÍOGHNACH CONNOLLY wins Best Folk Singer

JOHN SPILLANE wins Best Folk Album

RÓIS wins Best Original Folk Track and Best Emerging Artist

DÓNAL LUNNY receives Lifetime Achievement Award

TV HIGHLIGHTS PROGRAMME, RTÉ One, Saturday 1st March

The winners of the seventh RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards were announced in Vicar Street tonight and live on RTÉ Radio 1 in a celebration of the very best in folk music in Ireland from the past year.

Hosted by RTÉ presenter, John Creedon in front of a live audience and on RTÉ Radio 1, the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards delivered another very special night, with great live performances from Damien Dempsey, Róis, Seamas Hyland, Pólca 4, Niamh Regan, John Spillane, plus five-time Grammy award winner, Mary Chapin Carpenter, among others.

The winners of the seventh RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards are:

Best Original Folk Track – Caoine by RÓIS

Nominees

• Caoine – RÓIS
• Chasing the Hare – Alannah Thornburgh
• I’m for Gallipoli – Fiach Moriarty (feat. Damien Dempsey)
• Old Friend – Lemoncello
• The Good Life – Joshua Burnside

Best Traditional Folk Track – Welcome Home, Gráinne by Natalie Ní Chasaide & Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill

Nominees

• Bean an fhir ruaidh – Diane Cannon
• Helen of Kirkconnell lea – The Half Room
• Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye – Macdara Yeates
• The Rocky Road to Dublin – Lankum
• Welcome Home, Gráinne – Natalie Ní Chasaide & Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill

Best Folk Singer – Ríoghnach Connolly

Nominees

• Cathy Jordan
• Christy Moore
• Macdara Yeates
• Ríoghnach Connolly

Best Folk Instrumentalist – Alannah Thornburgh

Nominees

• Alannah Thornburgh
• Diarmuid Ó Meachair
• Macdara Ó Faoláin
• Sinéad McKenna

Best Folk Group – Landless 

Nominees

• Altan
• Cuas
• Keane Connolly McGorman
• Landless

Best Folk Album – Fíoruisce – The Legend of the Lough – John Spillane

Nominees

• A Terrible Beauty – Christy Moore
• Crankie Island Song Project – Cathy Jordan
• Fíoruisce – The Legend of the Lough – John Spillane
• Keane Connolly McGorman – Keane Connolly McGorman (self-titled)
• Lemoncello – Lemoncello (self-titled)

Best Emerging Artist – RÓIS

Nominees

• Cuas
• Niamh Bury
• RÓIS
• Seamus Hyland
• Sinéad McKenna 

Hall of Fame – Róise Rua

Róise Rua, a renowned singer from Árainn Mhór, Dún na nGall, was inducted into the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Hall of Fame on the night. Georgina Dudgeon, a relative of Róise Rua who has been involved in promoting and celebrating her great-grand-aunt’s legacy, was among the guests of honour at Vicar Street and accepted the award on her behalf.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Dónal Lunny

Dónal Lunny was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards by Christy Moore. Donal also performed with his new group, Dónal Lunny’s Darkhorse, as part of the celebrations of his award.

Dónal Lunny is one of the most significant figures in folk and traditional music ever to come out of Ireland. His influence as a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer has shaped the sound of Irish music for more than half a century.

Head of RTÉ Radio 1 and Member of the 2025 Folk Awards Steering Committee, Peter Woods said: “With the change between The Raggle Taggle Gypsy and Tabhair dom do Lámh on the Prosperous album and the opening chords of the Kesh Jig on the first Bothy Band recording, Dónal Lunny announced and was central to a shift of gear in Irish music. He defined much of the music of a generation at a time when traditional music was not mainstream and was almost subversive.  

“His contribution to that music through Planxty, to Moving Hearts, Mozaik and of course the Bothies and beyond, sits alongside a career as a producer and collaborator across genres and as a true innovator. Dónal has done this without losing sight of the integrity of the music. What he has turned his hand to he has enhanced. It is a real honour for RTÉ Radio 1 to be associated with this award.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually by the Executive Steering Committee of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards to a living artist who has made a significant contribution to Irish folk music over many years. As this year’s recipient, Dónal joins a distinguished list of Lifetime Achievement recipients, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (2024), Mary Black (2022), Christy Moore (2021), Steve Cooney (2020), Moya Brennan (2019) and Andy Irvine (2018).

TV highlights programme on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player

If you missed the awards, or you want to relive then, don’t forget to watch our television highlights programme which will air on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Saturday 1st March 2024.

ENDS

For information: Neil O’Gorman, RTÉ | neil.ogorman@rte.ie

Celebrating 20 Years of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize

RTÉ Choice Music Prize

Conversations 2024

6th March, 12.00-16.45

http://www.choicemusicprize.ie/conversations/

RTÉ Choice Music Prize Conversations will take place earlier in the day at at BIMM, Francis St, Dublin. With five topical music-industry discussion panels taking place between 12.00-16.45, Conversations brings together artists and industry professionals to discuss and explore some of the key issues affecting both performers and the wider industry at the present time.

Admission is €5.00, and attendees will need to register for a ticket as spaces are limited.

RTÉ Choice Music Prize Conversations / Hosted by Jim Carroll (RTÉ)

11.00: Registration at BIMM, Francis St

12.00 – 12.45: Panel 1 – Keynote Interview

Caroline Elleray – Sony Music Publishing / Second Songs

From signing Coldplay, Keane, Mumford & Sons & Little Simz to countless more platinum artists Caroline is regarded as being one of the greatest A&R talents in UK music history.

On this talk Caroline will be joined by Mark Gale, her husband, who co-runs Second Songs Publishing and management.

13.00-13.45: Panel 2 – Breaking Through in 2025

Emmett Power – Interscope Records / Power Consulting

From Waterford to Los Angeles – How did Emmett Power from Waterford reach the dizzying heights of the very top of the US Music Industry?

14.00 – 14.45: Panel 3 – The Artist Panel

The Artists Panel – Issues, Fixes and Rants

Serious (and not so serious) chats on the burning questions, major hurdles and petty frustrations in 2025 from the people who know best.

Panelists / Artists

• Kieran McGuinness – Delorentos / 2012 Winner Album of the Year Winner
• Stephen Darcy – Thumper / 2022 Album of the Year Nominee
• Elaine Mai – 2021 Album of the Year Nominee

15.00-15.45: Panel 4 – The Radio Panel

Traditional radio is fighting back! How can it continue to provide an essential service in a streaming era?

Panelists

• Beta Da Silva – RTÉ 2FM
• Deb Grant – BBC Radio 6 Music
• Charlie Ashcroft – Amazing Radio UK

16.00 – 16.45: Panel 5 – Music and Mental Health

Learn about the transformative power of music and how it can build resilience, heal trauma, promote social connection, reduce anxiety, boost immunity and build/strengthen neural connections and pathways.

Panelists

• Professor Rebecca O’Connor (NRH/Minding Creative Minds)
• Shane Cassidy (Neurolinks)
• Zoé Piater (Music and Mental Health Festival/ IMRO)
• Moderated by Ann Marie Shields (Minding Creative Minds/ BIMM Dublin)

——————————————————————–

Vicar St, Dublin – Thursday 6th March

Now sold-out, the show starts 19.30 sharp.

RTÉ Choice Music Prize live event, in association with IMRO & IRMA, takes place on Thurs 6th March and is now sold-out. Eight of the ten nominated acts have confirmed to perform at the event in Vicar St in March.

Later that night, the winning album will be announced at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize live event in Vicar St and will be broadcast on RTÉ 2FM in a special four-hour extended show with Beta Da Silva from 7-11pm.

The Classic Irish Album will be announced live on the Will Leahy Show on RTÉ Gold this Thursday, 20th Feb, followed by a full play of the album. The prize will be presented along with Irish Artist of the Year and Irish Breakthrough Artist at the live event in Vicar Street. The Irish Song of the Year 2024 will be announced by host Tracy Clifford on the day of the live event and presented to the winner that night. A special TV show will be broadcast on Thursday 13th March at 10.35pm.

——————–

The 20th annual RTÉ Choice Music Prize will once again celebrate the best in Irish recorded music. The Prize has become one of the music-industry highlights of the year since its inception in 2005. The Irish Album of the Year award is chosen from a shortlist of ten albums by a panel of eleven Irish music media professionals and industry experts. The list of judges is available via http://www.choicemusicprize.ie.

The winning Album of the Year act will receive €10,000, a prize fund which has been provided by The Irish Music Rights Organization (IMRO) and The Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA). All shortlisted acts will receive a specially commissioned award.

RAAP, Culture Ireland, FMC, Minding Creative Minds, Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet and Coimisiún na Meán are also official project partners of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize.

#rtechoiceprize

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Choice Music Prize: Liza Geddes, Recode Publicity I lizageddes@gmail.com

RTÉ: Neil O’Gorman neil.ogorman@rte.ie

Notes to Editor:

The RTÉ Choice Music Prize is organised by co-founder David Reid. Editor of RTÉ Brainstorm & co-founder of the prize, Jim Carroll, is the chairman of the judging panel for Irish Album of the Year. It is unique in that the judging of the Irish Album of the Year focuses simply and solely on the music (as opposed to sales or airplay). A new panel of judges has been put in place for each of the three categories. The full list of all the judges will be on the RTÉ Choice Music Prize website starting 8th January, and through the week as each shortlist is announced, along with some further details. This is the twentieth year of the prize. Past winners can be found via http://www.choicemusicprize.ie/past-prizes/

Stay up-to-date with the latest RTÉ Choice Music Prize news by following @choiceprize, @rte2fm, @rte and @rte2 on Twitter and Facebook and @explorerte and @rte2fm on Instagram using #rtechoiceprize.

Further information can be found at:

• http://www.choicemusicprize.ie
• http://2fm.rte.ie/
• http://www.rte.ie/
• http://twitter.com/choiceprize

Gearóid Farrelly and their pro dance partner Stephen Vincent became the fifth celebrity to bid farewell to Dancing with the Stars tonight, as Orchestra Night with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra drew to a close.  

Speaking about their time on the show Gearóid said: “This has been the happiest few months of my life. I think it’s important to say that the pro dancers are just the most unbelievable people. People only see the choreography and dancing, but they are literally our therapists, our lifelines in this whole thing. We didn’t win the glitterball, but sweat makes good cement, and we got a good friendship out of it!”

Gearóid and his pro partner Stephen will speak to Laura Fox on 2FM at 9.30am tomorrow morning for their first broadcast interview following their exit from the show.

The two celebrities who found themselves in the dance off were Danny O’Carroll and Gearóid Farrelly.

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra performed live in studio this evening, as each couple pulled out all the stops to stay in the competition. The Orchestra was conducted by Music Director Gavin Murphy, and they were joined by singers Susan McFadden and Ashton Jones on live vocals.

The show opened in spectacular style as the celebrity and pro dancers stormed the dancefloor to El Medley (Latin House)/María by Café Latino/Ricky Martin.

The first celebrity to take to the floor tonight was social media star Kayleigh Trappe, who performed a Charleston to Lady Gaga’s version of That’s Entertainment alongside her pro dance partner Ervinas Merfeldas.

Judge Loraine Barry said “You had us all guessing where is this going with this slow, glamorous, dramatic opening, but then it still trained into this charismatic, fun filled Charleston. There was some quirkiness about it as well. I was on the edge of my seat.. you absolutely nailed it. Fabulous opening.”

Judge Arthur Gourounlian said: “What a way to open Orchestra Night! I loved it. The Charleston character was cheeky, you guys brought it tonight. I think this dance really suited you.”

Judge Karen Byrne said: “The swivels were absolutely brilliant. Overall I think the Charleston is all about character, and you got into that character. You did a great job.”

Kayleigh and Ervinas scored a total of 32 points. 

Next up, Mrs. Brown’s Boys actor, Danny O’Carroll and pro partner Salome Chachua brought the heat with a Salsa to Lionel Richie’s All Night Long.

Arthur said “I can watch you dancing all night long. It was a feel good vibrant salsa for me, and you really captured the spirit of the dance. It was infectious and dynamic, I loved it.”

Judge Brian Redmond said “Cool, suave sophisticated but still handsome energy. The technique was there, the energy was there. Week eight – you’re starting to become a real contender.”

Loraine said: “For me it was definitely a Danny cool. That inner rhythm went through from the hips to the shoulders. I liked the way you drew us all in to watch you. I actually liked you tonight, a lot!”

Danny and Salome scored a total of 33 points. 

Chef Kevin Dundon and his dance partner Rebecca Scott danced into Orchestra Night with a Foxtrot to Livin’ Thing by Electric Light Orchestra.

Brian said: “I’ve never seen anyone do a Foxtrot and bring as much fun as you did there. Apart from the one misstep I think the only other problem you had was your wonky wand at the start!”

Karen said: “Your dancing wasn’t as dodgy as your magic skills! “That was a Foxtrot with lovely rise and fall. You’re improving every week, your frame was a lot better. You deserve to be here and I believe in you. You make everyone smile!”

Loraine said: “For me you had some magical moments. You had that beautiful elevation, a reverse turn into that three step… You had very good footwork there. I like you as you know, in frame, and that’s all I want, more of that.”

Arthur said: “You were having the time of your life there, and I see the joy on your face. A charming performance.”

Kevin and Rebecca scored a total of 24 points. 

Following on from earning the first perfect score of the season last week, Taekwondo athlete Jack Woolley and his partner Alex Vladimirov danced a fiery Samba to the Ricky Martin hit The Cup of Life.

Karen said: “Jack – go on you good thing! The samba roll, that was like looking at two pros out on the floor. For me, that was the highlight. It was brilliant.”

Loraine said “Thank you for taking us out of wet and windy Ireland and transporting us to Rio! It was so vibrant, so much energy. You gave it your all. You had this ripple through the body. There was so much fun.”

Arthur said: “From the first beat you brought the samba party atmosphere and that’s exactly what this dance needs and thrives on. Your Samba bounce was incredible! It was authentic, full of life.”

Brian said: “I could feel myself getting a stitch just watching you, that level of energy – it’s very difficult to achieve. It’s the first time I saw you look complete from top to toe.”

Jack and Alex scored a total of 37 points. 

Former Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede and her dance partner Robert Rowiński danced an American Smooth to Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles.

Loraine said “Just like you that was absolutely beautiful. It truly was American Smooth. You had the posture and the poise, and highlight was the beautiful elegant lift on Robert’s back. It was simply divine.”

Arthur said: “To me you have this beautiful zest about you, how graceful and demure you were in this number. Your lifts were mesmirising. You were floating tonight. It was my ballroom of the season.”

Brian said: “The last two weeks have been tough, it was a pleasure to see you back doing your thing, you were so elegant. If there’s any lesson to be taken away, it’s that belief is internal. Believe in yourself because I believe in you.”

Karen said: “Everything was seamless going into frame, going into lifts. This dance highlighted you two as a couple so nicely. Everything was seamless, going into frame, going into lifts. Not only that, for me it was the end, You can tell that it’s so genuine and it’s special.”

Aishah and Robert scored a total of 36 points. 

Olympic hero Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan took to the floor with a Contemporary Ballroom to The Verve anthem, Bittersweet Symphony.

Arthur said  “That was truly captivating for me. Your movement and the way you extended everything, you were flowing I was in awe! Your lifts were seamless. Absolutely beautifully executed.”

Brian said “I’ve asked you to show more emotion, and tonight you had a great big smile on your face. You did a really good job of including those tricks and flips into the dance that I know you can do without overpowering. Getting better all the time, well done.”

Karen said: “It was seamless from one movement to the next. It was as smooth as butter.”

Loraine said: “What you did with the leaps, the lifts, floor work, and also putting in your handstand while putting fluidity into it. I thought it was truly sublime.”

Rhys and Laura scored a total of 39 points. 

Finally, comedian Gearóid Farrelly and his pro partner Stephen Vincent danced an energetic Charleston to Emeli Sandé and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra’s version of Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love.

Brian said: “Delighted to say I enjoyed watching that Charleston from start to finish, the power, the energy, the control. Overall, I think this is the best dance I’ve seen you do.”

Karen said: “Can we talk about the props, you had two and you handled them brilliantly. You can see in all the lifts that you’re challenging yourself all of the time. It was one of your best dances, you should be very proud.” 

Loraine said: “There is a fun very cheeky energy about you both tonight. There’s so much there, swivels, timing, the lifts, all that drama. I commend you for putting that in.”

Arthur said: “For me it was one stylish Charleston, so playful, with a very cute character. And most of all theatrical! It looked like you were straight out of the West End. I loved it, you shined tonight.”

Gearóid and Stephen scored a total of 33 points. 

To close tonight’s show, the Dancing with the Stars pro dancers performed a flowing number to Yesterday by The Beatles.

The glitz, glamour, and nail-biting competition will all unfold as the series continues on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player next Sunday, March 2nd at 6:30pm.

-ENDS-  

Date: Sunday February 23rd 2025

Photography credit: Kyran O’Brien

RTÉ Communications:  Rayna Connery and Éadaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill

Notes to Editor:  

ABOUT DANCING WITH THE STARS 2025        

Filling our Sunday evenings with glitz and glamour from January, the RTÉ One series sees 11 well-known figures team up with a professional dancer to perform a live routine every week. Each pairing will have a different dancing genre to master every week, from the Charleston to hip hop, and they’ll have just seven days to perfect their routine before performing live to the nation.

Each celebrity couple will be scored by an expert panel of four judges and the viewing public at home, with the winning couple claiming the much-coveted glitter ball trophy at the end of the series.

Dancing with the Stars is produced by ShinAwiL for RTÉ.

Dancing with the Stars is proudly sponsored by Hyundai.

You can follow all the action as it unfolds live on the Dancing with the Stars tracker on www.rte.ie/entertainment

Join Laura Fox, Carl Mullan and Lottie Ryan for the official DWTS podcast every Monday

https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/series/31354-dancing-with-the-stars-official-podcast/

For all the latest news and backstage gossip on Dancing with the Stars, keep an eye on our social channels:
Instagram: @RTEOne & @DWTSIrl
TikTok: @RTEOne
Facebook: @RTEOne
Twitter: @RTEOne @DWTSIrl
#DWTSIrl

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough

Notes to Editor:
For more updates follow The Late Late Show online:
Instagram @latelaterte
TikTok: tiktok.com/@latelaterte
Blue Sky: latelateshow.rte.ie
X: @rtelatelateshow
Facebook: facebook.com/thelatelateshow
YouTube: youtube.com/@rtelatelateshow

2FM’s Fresh Voices, Fresh Energy and Fresh Sounds goes live on air 

Join Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell, Aisling Bonner, Laura Fox, Tracy Clifford and, Doireann Garrihy weekdays from 6am 

Tune in this Monday for 2FM’s new daytime schedule 
RTÉ 2FM is the most popular radio station for 15 to 34-year-olds nationwide 

This Monday, February 24, RTÉ 2FM’s exciting new lineup of weekly daytime programming goes live from 6am.

To kick start the morning tune in to the all-new 2FM Breakfast with Carl, Roz & Aisling from 6am-9am. Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner have everything to help get the day started in the right way with comedy sketches, plenty of giveaways and guaranteed laughs!

Join Laura Fox every weekday morning from 9am-12pm on 2FM Morning with Laura Fox for the very best craic and chat until midday. Only on 2FM can listeners get the chance to play the voice bending daily €5k challenge, Autotune Fortune and What the Fox? 

Catch up over lunch and into the early afternoon with 2FM Afternoon with Tracy Clifford from 12pm-3pm. With new tunes as well as the biggest hits and the latest sounds from the legendary Studio 8 sessions, Tracy has something for everyone.

To make the commute home a little easier, tune in 2FM Drive with Doireann Garrihy from 3pm-6pm. With Doireann in the driving seat, she will have a mix of the hottest tracks, entertainment updates, and feel-good vibes to power the evening commute. Expect fun, high energy and plenty of laughs.

The new re-energised 2FM weekend lineup, including the station’s four new presenters Benny Bracken, Helen Galgey, Mikey O’Reilly and Demi Issac, who will be presenting from RTÉ’s Cork studios, will kick off on Saturday March 15.

Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ 2FM said: “I’m really excited to launch our daytime schedule with new and familiar voices on 2FM as we welcome back Doireann to present our new Drivetime show and look forward to Carl, Roz, and Aisling as our new breakfast hosts. Designed for today’s audience, the new schedule will have an emphasis on Irish and new music, inclusivity and original entertainment. Whether you’re starting the day or on your daily commute, 2FM will have something fresh and exciting waiting for you.” 

On tonight’s Late Late Show on RTÉ One, Doireann Garrihy will sit down with host Patrick Kielty to chat about her return to radio. Also tune in to the Brendan O’Connor Show on RTÉ Radio 1 this Saturday as Demi Isaac will be sharing more of what’s in-store ahead of her move to 2FM on March 15.

The station’s new look brings fresh energy, diverse voices and entertaining content in continuing 2FM’s legacy of shaping the future of broadcasting and supporting the key public service mission as the ultimate audio destination for Irish and new music, talk and entertainment.

RTÉ 2FM is the most popular radio station in the country for 15 to 34-year-olds. Among 15-34s, YoY share has increased for 2fm – now 12.1% versus 11.7% YoY.*

Patricia Monahan, Director of Audio at RTÉ, said: “This is the beginning of an exciting new era for 2FM and a fresh lineup which will engage and entertain listeners across the day. We are already the most listened to station for 15 – 34-year-olds nationwide. We look forward to continuing to represent that audience on the airwaves as we bring our unique mix of new and Irish music, entertainment and diverse voices to life. The energy, creativity and innovation on the 2FM team over the last few weeks has been fantastic and we can’t wait to get listeners involved. As the only national station which actively caters for 15 – 34 years olds, 2FM plays an important role in our portfolio and we are very proud to continue our tradition of nurturing new presenters with this schedule.”

– ENDS – 

Selection of new high-res images available to download here: https://we.tl/t-xWohMGUxYs

Photography Credit:  Andres Poveda

Date: Friday February 21 2025

For more information please contact:   
Maureen Catterson, RTÉ Communications Manager | 087 780 0737 | maureen.catterson@rte.ie
Rayna Connery, RTÉ Senior Communications Lead |087 986 2902 | rayna.connery@rte.ie

*Notes to Editors:
Book-on-Book (BoB) = Source: JNLR/ Ipsos MRBI 2024-4 vs. 2024-3.
Year-on-year (YoY) = Source: JNLR/Ipsos MRBI 2024-4 vs. 2023-4.

For all the latest news keep an eye on our social channels:     
Instagram: @rte2fm
TikTok: rte2fm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2fmofficial
X: @RTE2fm

Celebrating 20 Years of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize

RTÉ Choice Music Prize
In association with IMRO and IRMA

Classic Irish Album

And the winning album is…

Watermark
by
Enya

The RTÉ Choice Music Prize Classic Irish Album, in association with IMRO & IRMA, has just been announced on RTÉ Gold by Paul Moriarity. The winning album is: Watermark by Enya.

“I am delighted to win the RTÉ Choice Music Classic Album Prize. Watermark has a special place in my heart – it was my second album and really launched my career internationally. It is wonderful that people are still discovering it today and it’s an honour to be chosen for this prize recognising Irish music” – Enya, 2025

The panel chose Watermark by Enya as their Classic Irish Album for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize and explain further – “Following a lengthy deliberation and some very stiff competition, we deemed Watermark the most worthy recipient for this year’s Classic Irish Album award. Not only is Enya’s second record a remarkable piece of work for its time, but it has endured across the 37 years since its release and continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians to this day. Alongside her producer and arranger Nicky Ryan and lyricist Roma Ryan, Enya essentially pioneered a new genre of music with Watermark, blending her traditional Irish background with elements of ambient, world, choral and pop music and her innovative layered vocal technique that can be heard on songs like Storms in Africa, Cursum Perficio and of course, the iconic Orinoco Flow. It was commercially successful on a global scale, yet the panel agreed that Enya is often underestimated or perhaps misunderstood by many. It felt like an apt opportunity to acknowledge her visionary work as both a vocalist and a musician – and Watermark, in all its strange, evocative beauty, comprehensively fulfils the criteria for a ‘classic album’.”

The judges for the prize are Lauren Murphy, Arts and Culture Journalist; John Connolly, Author and presenter of From ABC to XTC on RTE Gold; Louise Duffy, Music Presenter, RTE Radio 1 and Harry Martin, Director Domino Records – with Paul Russell (Radio producer, formerly RTÉ 2FM) as the chairperson. The album will be played in full tonight on RTÉ Gold after 6pm.

Watermark was released in 1988 on Warner Music UK (Geffen worldwide). Signed by Rob Dickins, who was head of the label at the time, 26-year-old Enya was given full creative control and artistic freedom. The writing and recording of the album continued her long-term collaboration with manager, arranger and producer Nicky Ryan and lyricist Roma Ryan. Initially recorded in Dublin it was re-recorded digitally in Orinoco Studios in London. “Orinoco Flow”, the album’s global hit, was the final song written for the album. Selling an estimated 10 million albums, Watermark achieved multi-Platinum-selling status in many countries and is credited with propelling Enya to global fame and acclaim.

“A rich mood piece of broad proportions” and “a glorious aural mosaic” – Rolling Stone

Album playlist  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMEYX7LPtqE

The inaugural winning Classic Irish Album was I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got by the late great Sinéad O’ Connor, followed last year by U2’s Achtung Baby.

———-

Live Event, Vicar St Thursday 6th March (Sold-Out)

The winning Irish Album of the Year 2024 will be announced at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize live event in Vicar St Thursday 6th March, and, will be broadcast on RTÉ 2FM in a special four-hour extended show with Beta Da Silva from 7-11pm. Eight of the ten nominated artists will perform on the night. A special TV show will be broadcast on 13th March at 10.35pm on RTÉ2.

The Classic Irish Album prize will be presented along with Irish Artist of the Year and Irish Breakthrough Artist that night.

The Irish Song of the Year 2024 will be announced by Tracy Clifford on her 2FM show on the day of the live event and presented to the winner in Vicar St that night. Tracy will also host the live event.

RTÉ Choice Music Prize Conversations will take place on the day, Thursday 6th March, with four music industry panels running from 12.00-16.30. Details to follow next week.

——————–

The 20th annual RTÉ Choice Music Prize will once again celebrate the best in Irish recorded music.   The Prize has become one of the music-industry highlights of the year since its inception in 2005. The Irish Album of the Year award is chosen from a shortlist of ten albums by a panel of eleven Irish music media professionals and industry experts. The list of judges is available via http://www.choicemusicprize.ie. 

The winning Album of the Year act will receive €10,000, a prize fund which has been provided by The Irish Music Rights Organization (IMRO) and The Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA). All shortlisted acts will receive a specially commissioned award.

RAAP, Culture Ireland, FMC, Minding Creative Minds, Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet and Coimisiún na Meán are also official project partners of the RTÉ Choice Music Prize.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Choice Music Prize: Liza Geddes, Recode Publicity | lizageddes@gmail.com 
RTÉ:  Neil O’Gorman | neil.ogorman@rte.ie

Notes to Editor:

– Enya is Ireland’s best-selling solo Irish Artist with over 80 million physical album sales.
– Watermark was released on 19 September 1988.
– Enya recorded Watermark with her long-time collaborators: manager, producer and arranger Nicky Ryan and lyricist Roma Ryan.
– Watermark was an unexpected commercial success, propelling Enya to worldwide fame.
– Worldwide chart positions: Number 5 on the UK Albums Chart | Number 25 on the Billboard 200 in the United States,
– Watermark was a quadruple Platinum-selling album in the United Kingdom and the United States.
– Debut single, Orinoco Flow, was a simultaneous No 1 hit in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
– Watermark has sold in excess of 8.5 million physical copies worldwide and clocked up over 560 million Spotify streams.

The RTÉ Choice Music Prize is organised by co-founder David Reid.  Editor of RTÉ Brainstorm & co-founder of the prize, Jim Carroll, is the chairman of the judging panel for Irish Album of the Year. It is unique in that the judging of the Irish Album of the Year focuses simply and solely on the music (as opposed to sales or airplay). A different group of judges has been put in place for each of the three categories. The full list of all the judges will be on the RTÉ Choice Music Prize website starting 8th January, and through the week as each shortlist is announced, along with some further details. This is the twentieth year of the prize. Past winners can be found via http://www.choicemusicprize.ie/past-prizes/

Stay up-to-date with the latest RTÉ Choice Music Prize news by following @choiceprize, @rte2fm, @rte and @rte2 on Twitter and Facebook and @explorerte and @rte2fm on Instagram using #rtechoiceprize.

Further information can be found at:
http://www.choicemusicprize.ie
http://2fm.rte.ie/
http://www.rte.ie/
http://twitter.com/choiceprize