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RTÉ and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland seek new creative talent to commission brand new drama 

to be broadcast on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

Webinar, 11am Thursday 4th November, 2021

Panellists include, Acting Head of Drama, RTÉ, David Crean and TV Project Manager, Screen Ireland, Andrew Byrne.

Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JzyprfAgSr-sdcUpDlp42g  

RTÉ and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland today announced increased investment in the award-winning short drama series Storyland. 

Designed to create opportunities for new talent to pitch, develop and produce drama for our screens, Storyland has acted as an invaluable springboard for Irish writing, directing, producing, and acting talent throughout the island of Ireland to develop their careers.

RTÉ and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, have come together to increase the investment in Storyland. For the first time, Storyland short dramas will broadcast on RTÉ2 as well as RTÉ Player, providing a wider platform for new drama talent and increased funding for these original Irish drama commissions.

We are seeking to commission eight scripts, working closely with script writers and producers on their development. Writers from the worlds of television, film, theatre, advertising, literature, documentary, and journalism are being sought, whether or not they have written for television or film before. Directors will then be contracted once the scripts have been further developed and are ready for final development and pre-production.

Of the eight dramas developed, three single dramas of 25 minutes duration will be commissioned for production.

Storyland is committed to ensuring a 50/50 gender balance across the key creative positions.

David Crean, Acting Head of Drama, RTÉ said; “We want to uncover and nurture new and unique voices with untold stories to bring to the screen. It’s part of our continuing commitment to identify and promote a diverse range of voices and talent and it’s exciting to see Storyland entering a new phase as it moves to television and gets a wider audience.  It’s such an essential ramp for a diverse range of Irish drama talent to showcase their work locally and globally and we’re delighted to be working with Screen Ireland on our commitment to raise the profile of Irish drama”.

Andrew Byrne Television Project Manager Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland said; “We are delighted to be working with RTÉ on this new iteration of Storyland, which supports our TV Drama objectives. We are committed to investing in new emerging talent and seeking out diverse Irish voices and stories that connect with local and international audiences”.

To reserve a place at the Storyland Webinar information event in RTÉ, interested parties are asked to register by clicking this link.

 

The RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards are back, LIVE from Vicar Street and on RTÉ Radio 1

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

Shortlist on Thursday 4th November | Awards on Tuesday 16th November

Tickets on sale now from ticketmaster.ie | #rtefolkawards

The RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards are back and live from Vicar Street, Dublin and on RTÉ Radio 1 at 8.00pm on Tuesday 16th November.

After a virtual awards event last year, RTÉ presenters, John Creedon and Ruth Smith will return to Dublin’s Vicar Street to present the awards ceremony in front of a live audience as RTÉ celebrates the very best in Irish folk music over the past year and pays tribute to Irish folk legends. A television highlights programme will also be broadcast on RTÉ One on Saturday 20th November.

Tickets for the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards are on sale now via www.ticketmaster.ie. Tickets are €28, including booking fee and other charges.

This year’s RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards nominees will be announced on Thursday 4th November. The award categories include:

• Best Folk Singer (2020 winner: Radie Peat)
• Best Folk Instrumentalist (2020 winner: Steve Cooney)
• Best Folk Group (2020 winner: Lankum)
• Best Folk Album (2020 winner: Ceol Ársa Cláirsí: Tunes of the Irish Harpers for Solo Guitar – Steve Cooney)
• Best Original Folk Track (2020 winner: Baby Talk, Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neill)
• Best Traditional Folk Track (2020 winner: Eleanor Plunkett, Steve Cooney)
• Lifetime Achievement Award

Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award are Steve Cooney (2020), Moya Brennan (2019) and Andy Irvine (2018). An artist will also be inducted into the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Hall of Fame.

The awards will feature live performances from some of this year’s nominees in what promises to be a very special night, celebrating Irish folk music and artists, both established as well as emerging.

Co-host and RTÉ presenter, John Creedon said: “As a music fan and concert-goer, I am delighted to see these great awards back in Vicar Street in front of a live audience of folk music fans. We’ve all really missed live music and events, not least the wonderful musicians and artists who will be joining us on the night to celebrate the very best in folk music in Ireland over the past year, and what a year it has been. I can’t wait.”

Co-host and RTÉ presenter, Ruth Smith said: “This is our fourth year of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, with last year’s ceremony happening in a pared back studio format from the radio centre. I’m thrilled to be returning to Vicar Street with John Creedon and the production crew for what promises to be a great night of music, community and celebration, because there’s no substitute for having an audience of music lovers and folk fans in the room enjoying live performances and cheering each other on.”

Ann-Marie Power, RTÉ Group Head of Arts and Culture, added: “After a very challenging year for Ireland’s musicians and artists, it is great to be able to broadcast this year’s RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards live from Vicar Street in front a live audience with highlights on RTÉ One. I remember when Colm Mac Con Iomaire broadcast live from his home at the beginning of the pandemic, and since then I’ve been amazed at the creative and innovative responses from our folk musicians through these past eighteen months. We’re really looking forward to once again using the reach of RTÉ to honour this work, not to mention the joy of having musicians play together under the same roof in Vicar Street for another night of magic.”

Head of RTÉ Radio 1, Peter Woods said: “After the year we’ve all had, it is genuinely exciting to be able to experience live music again, with an audience and in great live music venue. Frank Harte said , ‘those in power write the history and those who suffer write the songs’. Music and song that is sung and heard is a form of resistance. It says we survived, and we are here. This music is central to what we do in RTÉ Radio 1 and what we are. While there is loss – there is also discovery and innovation. This event happened memorably, virtually last year. This year it’s back in Vicar Street and we really welcome and look forward to that.”

Stay up to date on the latest on the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards by following RTÉ and RTÉ Radio 1 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #rtefolkawards and by staying tuned to RTÉ Radio 1.

If you can’t join us in Vicar Street on Tuesday 16th November, join us live on RTÉ Radio 1 at 8pm on the evening and don’t forget our television highlights programme on RTÉ One on Saturday 20th November.

Authors on the shortlist include George Hamilton, Sarah Gilmartin, Fintan O’Toole, Sally Rooney, Catherine Ryan Howard, Séamas O’Reilly, Donal Skehan, Sinéad Moriarty, Ray Goggins, Rosaleen McDonagh, Paul Howard, Oliver Jeffers, Jarlath Gregory, Ann Ingle, Dónal Ryan, Allen Murrin, Áine Ní Chonghaile and many, many more

– Four new categories unveiled for 2021 – An Post Bookshop of the Year, Dubray Biography of the Year, Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year and Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year

– In-person awards ceremony to celebrate 2021 winners will take place in Dublin on 23 November

– TV programme announcing ‘The An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year’ winner will broadcast on RTÉ ONE on 8th December

The shortlist for the An Post Irish Book Awards 2021, announced today via a virtual video, features a diverse mix of exceptional writing from new and established writers across 20 categories, including Novel of the Year, Children’s (Junior and Senior), Cookery, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Nonfiction, Sports, Short Story, Poetry, Teen and Young Adult and Irish Language.

The An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. Each year it brings together a vast community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of Irish writing talent and 2021 is no different.

Four new categories have also been added to the initiative this year:

· The ‘An Post Bookshop of the Year’ category which is designed to acknowledge the significant role played by independent bookshops and local book store chain branches right across the country in helping their local communities to find and savour the titles of their choice, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

· The ‘Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year’ category which is aimed at acknowledging an Irish author whose work has contributed significantly to the reader experience and enjoyment of Irish books during 2021.

· The ‘Dubray Biography of the Year’ which will celebrate the large number of wonderful biographies from Irish writers.

· The ‘Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year’, a category that covers a range of interesting lifestyle subjects.

As restrictions ease, the An Post Irish Book Awards team is also delighted to announce that a live in-person ceremony to celebrate the winners will take place on Tuesday 23rd November in the Convention Centre in Dublin, subject to any change in government guidelines or any change in circumstances that impact on the safety of our guests. The event will also be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend.

Meanwhile, a one-hour special will be broadcast on RTÉ One television on Wednesday 8th December exploring the six books and authors shortlisted for the ‘An Post Irish Book Awards Book of the Year 2021’, culminating in the reveal of this year’s overall winner.

To tie in with the announcement of the An Post Irish Book Awards shortlist, the public are now being asked to cast their votes online for the best books of the year on the An Post Irish Book Awards website anpostirishbookawards.ie. All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five €100 National Book Tokens vouchers. Votes may be cast until 5pm on 15th November.

An Post is also continuing with their hugely successful #ReadersWanted campaign, celebrating the value and joy of reading and encouraging everyone to pick up more books, more often. Simply search for the hashtag online to get involved.

Ann-Marie Power, Group Head of Arts and Culture, RTÉ says:

‘RTÉ is delighted to support the 2021 An Post Irish Book Awards as both official media partner and as sponsor of the RTÉ Audience Choice Award. Books have helped sustain many during the past year and this is a welcome opportunity to celebrate our great writers and the reading public.’

John Treacy, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, says:

‘Like most other sectors, the book industry faced severe challenges this year: bookshops were closed; publication dates postponed; events and festivals moved online. The personal touch which we all value so much was sadly missed. But then something wonderful happened. We discovered that books were saving the sanity of thousands of readers during lockdown. Bookshops operated click-and-collect services to keep their customers supplied with the books they wanted. Our booksellers rose to the occasion, sometimes hand-delivering books to their customers. An Post also catered for everyone’s needs, while also supporting booksellers with special rates during the pandemic, which was very appreciated.

Now, thank goodness, the bookshops are open once again and The An Post Irish Book Awards season is upon us. Congratulations to all of the authors who have been shortlisted and we look forward to finding out the winners on November 23rd. In the meantime, don’t forget to vote for your favourites at the awards website.’

David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, says:

‘Books were our best companions through the Pandemic, and as we emerge, they will be our close companions too. The An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate brilliant writing from a diverse universe of Irish authors. At An Post we celebrate the joy of reading for all ages, and recognise those who contribute such richness to our lives from the authors, to the publishers, the publicists to the booksellers. These truly are the best Irish books of 2021.’

 

The An Post Irish Book Awards 2021 Shortlist is as follows:

Eason Novel of the Year

· Beautiful World, Where Are You – Sally Rooney (Faber)

· Panenka – Rónán Hession (Bluemoose)

· Small Things Like These – Claire Keegan (Faber)

· The Echo Camber – John Boyne (Doubleday / Transworld)

· The Magician – Colm Tóibín (Viking, Penguin General, Penguin Random House)

· White City – Kevin Power (Simon & Schuster)

Irish Independent Crime Fiction Book of the Year

· 56 Days – Catherine Ryan Howard (Atlantic Books / Corvus)

· All Her Fault – Andrea Mara (Transworld)

· April in Spain – John Banville (Faber)

· The Dark Room – Sam Blake (Atlantic Books / Corvus)

· The Devil’s Advocate – Steve Cavanagh (Orion)

· The Killing Kind – Jane Casey (Harper Fiction)

Eason Sports Book of the Year In Association with Ireland AM

· Crossing The Line – Willie Anderson with Brendan Fanning (Reach Sport)

· Dark Blue – Shane Carthy (The O’Brien Press)

· Devotion – Mickey Harte with Brendan Coffey (HarperCollins Ireland)

· Fight or Flight: My Life, My Choices – Keith Earls with Tommy Conlon (Reach Sport)

· The Nation Holds Its Breath – George Hamilton (Merrion Press)

· Unbroken: A journey of adversity, mental strength and physical fitness – Aidan O’Mahony (Hachette Books Ireland)

Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year

· A Crooked Tree – Una Mannion (Faber)

· Boys Don’t Cry – Fíona Scarlett (Faber)

· Dinner Party: A Tragedy – Sarah Gilmartin (Pushkin Press)

· Diving for Pearls – Jamie O’Connell (Transworld Ireland)

· Holding Her Breath – Eimear Ryan (Sandycove)

· Snowflake – Louise Nealon – (Bonnier Books UK)

Odgers Berndtson Ireland Non-Fiction Book of the Year

· A State of Emergency – Richard Chambers (HarperCollins Ireland)

· Between Two Hells – Diarmaid Ferriter (Profile)

· Four Years in the Cauldron – Brian O’Donovan (Sandycove)

· Northern Protestants: On Shifting Ground – Susan McKay (Blackstaff Press)

· The Best Catholics in the World – Derek Scally (Sandycove)

· We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Ireland Since 1958 – Fintan O’Toole (Head of Zeus)

Dubray Biography of the Year

· Belonging: A Memoir of Place, Beginnings and One Woman’s Search for Truth and Justice for the Tuam Babies – Catherine Corless with Naomi Linehan (Hachette Books Ireland)

· Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? – Séamas O’Reilly (Little, Brown Book Group)

· Gas Man – Colin Black (HarperCollins Ireland)

· Boy 11963 : An Irish Industrial School Childhood and an Extraordinary Search for Home – John Cameron with Kathryn Rogers (Hachette Books Ireland)

· Openhearted – Ann Ingle (Sandycove)

· Rememberings – Sinéad O’Connor (Sandycove)

Bookselling Ireland Cookbook of the Year

· Everyday Cook – Dónal Skehan (Hodder & Stoughton)

· How To Cook – Darina Allen (Octopus Books)

· Learn to Cook with Neven – Neven Maguire (Gill Books)

· Soup Broth Bread – Rachel Allen (Penguin Random House)

· The Daly Dish Rides Again: 100 more masso slimming meals for everyday – Gina Daly & Karol Daly (Gill Books)

· Trisha’s 21 Day Reset – Trisha Lewis (Gill Books)

National Book Tokens Popular Fiction Book of the Year

· About Us – Sinéad Moriarty (Sandycove)

· Aisling and the City – Emer McLysaght & Sarah Breen (Gill Books)

· Freckles – Cecelia Ahern (HarperFiction)

· Normal Sheeple – Ross O’Carroll Kelly (Sandycove)

· The Guinness Girls: A Hint of Scandal – Emily Hourican (Hachette Books Ireland)

· Three Weddings and a Proposal – Sheila O’Flanagan (Headline)

Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year

· Awaken Your Power Within – Gerry Hussey (Hachette Books Ireland)

· Decor Galore – Laura de Barra (Transworld Ireland)

· High Hopes: Making Music, Losing My Way, Learning to Live – Steve Garrigan (Hachette Books Ireland)

· A Cloud Where the Birds Rise: A book about love and belonging – Michael Harding and Jacob Stack (Hachette Books Ireland)

· Mind Full – Dermot Whelan (Gill Books)

· Ranger 22: Lessons From The Front – Ray Goggins (Gill Books)

TheJournal.ie Best Irish Published Book of the Year

· Corpsing: My Body and Other Horror Shows – Sophie White (Tramp Press)

· Look! It’s a Woman Writer! – Éilís Ní Dhuibhne (Arlen House)

· Tea for One – Alice Taylor. With photographs by Emma Byrne (Brandon, an imprint of The O’Brien Press)

· The Coastal Atlas of Ireland – Robert Devoy, Val Cummins, Barry Brunt, Darius Bartlett & Sarah Kandrot (Cork University Press)

· The Presidents’ Letters – An Unexpected History of Ireland – Flor Mac Carthy (New Island)

· Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature – Manchán Magan, illustrated by Steve Doogan (Gill Books)

· Unsettled – Rosaleen McDonagh (Skein Press)

Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year (Senior)

· Aldrin Adams and the Cheese Nightmares – Paul Howard, illustrated by Lee Cosgrove (Penguin)

· Lily’s Dream – A Lissadell Story – Judi Curtin, illustrated by Rachel Corcoran (The O’Brien Press)

· Mr. Spicebag – Freddie Alexander, illustrated by Helen O’Higgins (HarperCollins Ireland)

· The Summer I Robbed A Bank – David O’Doherty, illustrated by Chris Judge (Penguin)

· The Little Bee Charmer of Henrietta Street – Sarah Webb, illustrated by Rachel Corcoran (The O’Brien Press)

· The Shadows of Rookhaven – Pádraig Kenny, illustrated by Edward Bettison (Macmillan Children’s Books)

Specsavers Children’s Book of the Year (Junior)

· A Hug For You – David King, illustrated by Rhiannon Archard (Sandycove)

· Evie’s Christmas Wishes – Siobhán Parkinson, illustrated by Shannon Bergin (Little Island Books)

· Maybe… – Chris Haughton (Walker Books)

· Puffling and the Egg – Erika McGann & Gerry Daly (The O’Brien Press)

· There’s a Ghost in this House – Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

· Up on the Mountain – Peter Donnelly (Gill Books)

Teen / Young Adult Book of the Year

· Baby Teeth – Meg Grehan (Little Island Books)

· Not My Problem – Ciara Smyth (Andersen Press)

· Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating – Adiba Jaigirdar (Hachette Children’s Group)

· The Legend of Valentine Sorrow – Caroline Busher (Poolbeg)

· The New Girl – Sinéad Moriarty (Gill Books)

· What Love Looks Like – Jarlath Gregory (The O’Brien Press)

RTÉ Audience Choice Award

· As the Smoke Clears (championed by Joe Duffy) – Zoe Holohan (Gill Books)

· Nanny, Ma, and Me (championed by Zainab Boladale) – Jade Jordan, Dominique Jordan and Kathleen Jordan (Hachette Books Ireland)

· Nora (championed by Seán Rocks) – Nuala O’Connor (New Island Books)

· Openhearted (championed by Ray D’Arcy) – Ann Ingle (Sandycove)

· Your One Wild And Precious Life (championed by Doireann Garrihy) – Dr. Maureen Gaffney (Sandycove)

Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year

· Dónal Ryan

· John Boyne

· Liz Nugent

· Marian Keyes

· Maggie O’Farrell

· Rónán Hession

Writing.ie Short Story of the Year

· Blackthorns – Bernard MacLaverty – from Blank Pages & Other Stories (Jonathan Cape)

· Coming In On Time – Stuart Neville – from The Traveller and Other Stories (Bonnier Books UK)

· Little Lives – Deirdre Sullivan – from I Want to Know That I Will Be OK (Banshee Press)

· The Leaving Place – Jan Carson – from The Black Dreams (Blackstaff Press)

· The Wake – Allen Murrin – from Waves of Change (Fresher Publishing)

· Worms – Roddy Doyle – from Life Without Children (Jonathan Cape)

Listowel Writers’ Week Irish Poem of the Year

· Driftwood – Karen J McDonell (The Cormorant Book/Tread Softly Publishing, August 2021)

· Glissando – Noel King (Cyphers, April 2021)

· Longboat at Portaferry – Siobhán Campbell (New Hibernia Review, July 2021)

· Sestina for the Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze – Michael Naghten Shanks (New Irish Writing / Independent, March 2021)

The Love Leabhar Gaeilge Irish Language Book of the Year

· An Cheathrú Rua agus na hOileáin sa Naoú hAois Déag – Áine Ní Chonghaile (CIC)

· Inní – Réaltán Ní Leannáin (Éabhlóid)

· Madame Lazare – Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin (Barzaz)

· Mé Suibhne – Feargal Ó Béarra (Leabhar Breac)

· Ré na bhFathach – Colm Ó Ceallacháin (Leabhar Breac)

The An Post Bookshop of the Year

· Bridge Books – Dromore

· Bridge Street Books – Wicklow

· Carrigaline Bookshop – Carrigaline

· Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop – Galway

· Halfway Up the Stairs – Greystones

· Hodges Figgis – Dublin 2

· Kenny’s Bookshop & Art Gallery – Galway

· Kerr’s Bookshop – Clonakilty

· Little Acorns Bookstore – Derry

· Maynooth Bookshop – Maynooth

· No Alibis Bookstore – Belfast

· Tertulia Bookshop – Westport

· The Company of Books – Dublin 6

· Woodbine Books – Kilcullen

· Woulfe’s Bookshop – Listowel

For further information, please visit www.anpostirishbookawards.ie or social media channels:

Facebook: @AnPostIBAS

Instagram: @anpost_irishbookawards

Twitter: @AnPostIBAS

For a range of reading recommendations, check out www.anpost.com/readerswanted

 

Pictured: Lydia McGuinness (Ciara), Dónall Ó Héalaí (Shane) and Kieran O’Reilly (James) on the set of North Sea Connection in Galway.

RTÉ continues to be the home of quality Irish drama with filming now underway in Galway for a new drama thriller series, North Sea Connection.

The brand new six-part drama series features an exciting Irish, Nordic and international cast including Lydia McGuinness (Sing Street), Kerr Logan (Game of Thrones), Sinéad Cusack (‘V for Vendetta’), Alida Morberg (Black Lake), and Claes Ljungmark (Borg vs. McEnroe).

The brand new thriller is produced by Irish production company, Subotica and MOPAR Studios for NENT Group and co-produced by RTÉ, in association with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, with support from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), and The Western Regional Audiovisual Producers Fund (WRAP), and distributed by A+E Networks® International. It will be broadcast on RTÉ One and streamed on RTÉ Player and NENT Group’s Viaplay streaming service in 2022.

The drama transports viewers to the stunning scenery of Ireland’s west coast which conceals a dark terrifying secret. Lead character Ciara (Lydia McGuinness) confronts the dramatic consequences of her brother Aidan’s (Kerr Logan) decision to transport drugs at sea. Threatened by a cartel and with a Swedish police officer (Alida Morberg) closing in, Ciara’s plans lead her family into a world of unpredictable and dangerous events.

With multiple international partners, this production is a significant and high-profile project for RTÉ and provides an opportunity to showcase Irish talent – from both sides of the camera – on the international stage, including Tristan Orpen Lynch and Aoife O’Sullivan from Irish production company Subotica. The production is bringing significant investment to Ireland’s rugged west coast and is funded by a number of Irish partners, including Screen Ireland, BAI, and the WRAP (Western Region Audiovisual Producers) fund.

David Crean, Acting Head of Drama, RTÉ said:  ”RTÉ is proud to be working with Irish and international co-production partners to showcase Irish talent on the international stage and to deliver more drama to Irish audiences. This series has an excellent cast, crew, and a stunning location; it’s going to be a real treat for both Irish and international audiences in 2022.”   

Tristan Orpen Lynch, Subotica said: “We are delighted that season one of North Sea Connection is now in production with such a great cast and crew. It is a truly original drama set in the stunning West Coast of Ireland and made possible by Screen Ireland, RTÉ, and BAI, along with our international partners. We look forward to bringing this story to Irish audiences and continuing growing Ireland’s output and reputation for quality drama production with International audiences.”

Andrew Byrne Television Project Manager Screen Ireland said: “We are delighted that North Sea Connection is now in production with such a talented cast, crew, and team attached. It is a further regional investment for Screen Ireland and we look forward to seeing some of Ireland’s stunning west coast on screen in what will be a thrilling international drama”. 

Filippa Wallestam, NENT Group Chief Content Officer: “The combination of high-stakes drama, top talents on both sides of the camera, and of course a Nordic twist gives this series the ingredients of a top-drawer thriller. Viaplay’s storytelling knows no borders and with its unique setting, ‘North Sea Connection’ will be a compelling addition to our fast-growing international slate.”  

Jessica Pope, Creative Director, MOPAR Studios added: “North Sea Connection is an emotional and entertaining drama about a resilient, traditional west coast Irish fishing family, wrapped around an exciting thriller story. It’s about the fall and rise of the Kennys and their struggle to survive while being dragged into the world of drug running. It’s a story about organised crime coming to a small, out-of-the-way community and threatening to overwhelm it and we can’t wait to bring it to life.” 

North Sea Connection is written by Mark Greig (‘Bulletproof’) and directed by Paul Murphy (‘Red Election’) and Hannah Quinn (‘The Stranger’). The series is executive produced for Viaplay and Ireland’s RTÉ by Jess Pope, Christian Alveborg, William Diskay, and Jonas Fors at MOPAR Studios, Jon Petersson at Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group), David Crean at RTÉ, Andrew Byrne at Screen Ireland, and Tristan Orpen  Lynch and Aoife O’Sullivan for Subotica. Nell Green (‘You Were Never Really Here; ‘Medici’) is producing the series. International distribution is by A+E Networks® International. Funding for the series has been provided by Screen Ireland, the Broadcasting Authority Ireland (BAI), and Western Region Audiovisual Producers (WRAP) Fund.

ABOUT RTÉ DRAMA  

RTÉ will deliver almost 40 hours of brand-new drama in 2021 and 2022. Crime drama Hidden Assets filmed in Limerick hits screens later this month, following on from the huge success of Irish crime drama Kin which has attracted huge audiences at home and has already been acquired by a number of international outlets.

Other previously announced high-quality dramas on RTÉ in the coming months include Smother, filmed in County Clare and back for a second series. This year we can also look forward to a series of quality RTÉ co-productions, including comedy-drama series The Dry written by Nancy Harris, and Conversations with Friends based on the book by Sally Rooney (author of Normal People). And of course, viewers can also look forward to plenty more action from Ireland’s favourite drama Fair City, with the residents of Carrigstown continuing to share their lives with us every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   

About Subotica

Established in 1998, Subotica is one of Ireland’s leading film and TV production companies working with writers, directors and co-producers in the development and production of content for cinema and television. While based in Dublin, Ireland, the company operates globally and has worked in co-production with numerous countries, financiers and sales agents. The company also provides global financing solutions for productions through its network of international contacts and knowledge of tax incentives and film funds.

About Screen Ireland 

Screen Ireland’s mission is to support and promote Irish film, television and animation through fostering Irish artistic vision and our diverse creative and production talent, growing audiences, and attracting filmmakers and investment into the country.

About Broadcasting Authority Ireland (BAI) 

The BAI is the regulator of broadcasting in Ireland, responsible for licensing radio and television services additional to those provided by RTÉ, TG4, the Houses of the Oireachtas Channel and the Irish Film Channel and provides and awards funding for programming and archiving relating to Irish culture, heritage and experience under the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. The company supports the development of the broadcasting sector in Ireland and seeks to foster and support the understanding of media including co-operation with broadcasters and educationalists.

About the Western Regional Audiovisual Producers Fund (WRAP)

The Western Region Audiovisual Producers Fund (WRAP) is a Regional Fund committed to strategic investment on commercial terms that generates economic impact, supports local talent, creates sustainable employment, builds the audio-visual infrastructure and contributes to the culture and language of the West of Ireland. WRAP is an initiative of the Western Development Commission and Galway Film Centre in association with the local authorities of Clare, Donegal, Galway City, Galway County, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Údarás na Gaeltacht.

Nordic Entertainment Group AB (publ) (NENT Group)’s Viaplay streaming service is available in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Viaplay will launch in the US in 2021 and the Netherlands and the UK in 2022, followed by Canada, Germany, Austria and Switzerland by the end of 2023. We operate streaming services, TV channels, radio stations and production companies, and our purpose is to tell stories, touch lives and expand worlds. Headquartered in Stockholm with a global perspective, NENT Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (‘NENT B’).

About MOPAR Studios

MOPAR Studios is an exciting Nordic production house that brings to life gripping TV drama for a global audience. The studio brings together enthusiastic teams of creatives that represent the very best of Nordic and international talent to develop and deliver stories that reflect the social issues of today’s world. MOPAR Studios’ Red Election is currently airing on Viaplay.

About A+E Networks

A+E Networks® is a global content company comprised of some of the most popular and culturally relevant brands in media, including The HISTORY Channel™; A&E®; Lifetime®; LMN®; FYI®; Crime+Investigation; and VICE TV®. A+E Networks’ content is consumed across linear, digital and streaming platforms the world over and reaches more than 335 million households in over 200 territories in 41 languages. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aenetworks and Facebook at facebook.com/AENetworks.

About NENT Group’s Viaplay Originals 

NENT Group is set to premiere at least 60 Viaplay Originals in 2022. In the past three months, ‘Red Election’; ‘Suedi’; ‘Furia’; season two of ‘The Truth Will Out’; ‘Close to Me’; ‘Two Sisters’; season two of ‘Face to Face’; ‘Threesome’; and ‘A Class Apart’ have premiered on Viaplay.Recently announced originals include ‘Limbo’; ‘Litvinenko’; ‘Karma and Jonar’; ‘Ronja’; ‘Ida Takes Charge’; season two of ‘The Machinery’; ‘The Prize of Silence’; ‘Sort Of’; ‘The Uninhabitable Earth’; ‘Polish Murderesses’, ‘Black Dog’ and ‘Freedom of the Swallow’; season two of ‘Partisan’; season three of ‘Honour’; seasons three and four of ‘Hammarvik’; ‘The Holiday’; seasons two and three of ‘Pørni’; ‘Hilma’; ‘Billy the Kid’; ‘Sisterhood’; ‘Who Shot Otto Mueller?’; a biopic of Börje Salming; ‘Fadime’; ‘Taylor’s Island’; ‘Kin’; ‘What about Monica’; ‘Trom’; ‘THE KINGDOM EXODUS’; ‘Made in Oslo’; ‘Estonia: The Last Wave’; season two of ‘Stella Blómkvist’; season two of ‘Wisting’; ‘The Box’; ‘The Swarm’; ‘Harmonica’; ‘Perfect People’; and ‘Margeaux’.NENT Group will produce two major English-language films every year. The company has also established a UK-based joint venture with FilmNation Entertainment and invested in US studio Picturestart.

 

RTÉ programmes won 24 prestigious awards at the 2021 New York Festivals International Radio Awards, which took place virtually last night. Recognised for its rich craft in storytelling, RTÉ was honoured with two gold trophies, seven silver, four bronze awards and 11 finalist certificates. World class audio work created by global storytellers from more than 30 countries was honoured at the October 12th Storytellers Gala virtual event.

Demonstrating the strength and range of RTÉ’s radio programming, there were wins in Best Digital Drama, Best Narration, Writing, Serialised Podcast, Music, Sports & Recreation, Director, Human Relations, History and several more categories.

RTÉ Radio 1’s Documentary on One won a gold trophy, three silver and two bronze awards for its engaging stories. The gold award went to Documentary on One for The Grief of a Nation (Human Relations). Three silver awards were also given to the Documentary on One for The Nobody Zone (Best Narration), The Nobody Zone (Serialised Podcast) and Shane Healy – Back on Track (Sports & Recreation).

RTÉ Radio 1’s Drama on One received a gold award for Islands with Chris Watson and Luke Clancy (Best Sound), and two silver awards for Hamlet, Prince of Derry by Colin Murphy, directed by Conall Morrison (Best Digital Drama), and Small Bones by Siobhán Mannion (Best Writing). There was bronze for Gorretti Slavin (Best Director) for Rainbow Baby by John O’Donnell

RTÉ lyric fm took home two silver awards for The Lyric Feature: The Ballad of the Stolwijk Rescue (Best original music) and The Lyric Feature: Music, Mystery and Manuscripts (Documentary: Biographies/ Profiles) and a bronze award for The Lyric Feature: Island Time (Best Writing).

Eleven Finalist Certificates were also awarded across RTÉ Radio 1, Radio 1 Extra and RTÉ lyric fm.

Head of RTÉ Radio 1, Peter Woods, says: “These awards are another recognition of the continued excellence of Radio 1’s documentary and drama output. Programmes like the gold trophy winning ‘The Grief of a Nation’ which skilfully encapsulate an era and a moment in history and the serendipity which led photographer Eamon Kennedy to the Parklands Hospital in Dallas in November 1963. Similarly, the gold award winning ‘Islands’ with Chris Watson and Luke Clancy (Best Sound) produced by Kevin Brew – an imaginary journey from the Galapagos to the mythical isle of Hy Brasil: a programme that bent genres and was a triumph of the imagination over the Lockdown.”

Acting Head of RTÉ lyric fm, Sinead Wylde, says: “RTÉ lyric fm’s three awards for the Lyric Feature at this year’s New York Radio Festivals are a real endorsement of a programme which encourages artists to explore new possibilities through working with radio. Series producer Eoin O Kelly worked with Brían Mac Gloinn of Ye Vagabonds to use his song writing and musicianship to communicate through words and music, a timely story of courage and resilience in ‘The Ballad of the Stolwijk Rescue’ (Silver), while Kevin Barry’s ‘Island Time'(Bronze) produced in conjunction with Aerial Sparks at Galway 2020 showcases the Impac winning writer as a formidable writer for radio and Zoë Comyns ‘Music, Mystery and Manuscripts’ (Silver) artfully tells the story of the Irish born novelist and composer Ethel Voynich.” 

Note: Image from RTÉ Radio 1’s Documentary on One The Grief of a Nation, which won gold in the Human Relations category.

The full list of RTÉ winners is as follows: 

Gold Radio Winners  

Drama: Islands with Chris Watson and Luke Clancy (Best Sound) 

Documentary on One: The Grief of a Nation (Human Relations) 

Silver Radio Winners  

Drama on One: Hamlet, Prince of Derry by Colin Murphy, directed by Conall Morrison (Best Digital Drama)  

Drama on One: Small Bones by Siobhán Mannion (Best Writing) 

Documentary on One: The Nobody Zone (Best narration) 

Documentary on One: The Nobody Zone (Serialised podcast) 

Documentary on One: Shane Healy – Back on Track (Sports & Recreation) 

RTÉ lyric fm: The Ballad of the Stolwijk Rescue (Best original music) 

RTÉ lyric fm: The Lyric Feature: Music, Mystery and Manuscripts (Documentary: Biographies/ Profiles) 

Bronze Radio Winners  

Drama: Rainbow Baby by John O’Donnell, directed by Gorretti Slavin (Best Director)  

Documentary on One: The Little Shop of Secrets (History) 

Documentary on One: The Long Run (Biography/Profiles) 

RTÉ Lyric FM: The Lyric Feature: Island Time (Best Writing)

Finalist Cert​ificates for RTÉ Radio 1, Radio 1 Extra and RTÉ lyric fm:             

Drama: Long Story Short by Tracy Martin, featuring Angeline Ball (Best Performance by an Actress) 

Drama: Quicksand by Elizabeth Moynihan, featuring Rex Ryan (Best Performance by an Actor) 

Drama: No One Ever Asked Me That, written and devised by Louise Lewis, Nyree Yergainharsian, and Gorretti Slavin (Best Drama Special) 

Drama: The Wedding Anniversary by Bernard Farrell (Best Drama Special)  

Drama: (Drama On One with Radio 1 Extra) Digging For Fire by Daragh Dukes, Eoin O’Kelly, and Kevin Brew (Best Music Documentary) 

RTÉ lyric fm: Rebecca Sanchez – from Healthcare worker to the national stage (Best Regularly Scheduled music programme) 

RTÉ lyric fm: The Lyric Concert: John Lennon Special (Entertainment: Best Special Event)  

RTÉ lyric fm: The Full Score (Programming Format: Best Classical Format) 

Spoken Stories: Independence for Neil Jordan for his story Easter 2036 produced by Clíodhna Ní Anluain (Best writing) 

Spoken Stories: Independence for Stephen Rea for Easter 2036 directed and produced by Clíodhna Ní Anluain (Best narration) 

Spoken Stories: Independence for Sue Rainsford for her story Shorn narrated by Saoirse Ronan (Best writing) 

 

Art, adventures, and spooky new animations – RTÉ announces new shows for younger viewers this midterm and Halloween

Aisling Bea, Laura Whitmore and Dermot Whelan to lead all-star cast in Will Sliney’s Storytellers 

Short film X Marks the Spot starring Clare Dunne also features in line-up for RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

RTÉ today announced its exciting new and returning shows and series, featuring art, outdoors adventures, new animation, short films, movies, and spooky Halloween specials to keep younger viewers entertained during the midterm break later this month.

Leading the charge, Irish comic book artist Will Sliney and an all-star cast of characters will bring an amazing new art show with a difference to RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Airing daily from 25 October at 12.05pm, Will Sliney’s Storytellers is part drawing show and part animated adventure, teaching budding young artists using the most powerful weapon in the world – a pencil. The series will tell the epic tale of a fearless young Viking mapmaker Freya (Laura Whitmore) and the wise cracking floating sentient stone Ogham (Aisling Bea) as they recruit a team of young artists to embark on a time travelling quest to stop the world’s most famous art works from falling into the hands of the Chronicle (Dermot Whelan) and his evil henchmen. The series also features inspirational animated versions of presenter and writer Dawn O’Porter, WWE Superstar wrestler Stephen Farrelly, actress Demi Isaac Oviawe (from The Young Offenders) and actress Suzie Seweify, all of whom voice their own characters.

Will Sliney is an award-winning and best-selling Marvel comics artist and writer. Speaking about the series, which was produced for RTÉ by his company Pioneertown Productions and Dublin company Fastnet Films, he said: ‘Storytellers is a show that I hope will inspire the next generation of young Irish artists, writers, comic book artists and animators. I want to both teach kids how to draw and tell a story, and to emphasise that drawing is a skill not a talent and that there are real careers out there for artists. If a kid from a small fishing village in Cork can become a Marvel comic book artist, anyone can. By the end of it, anyone who watches can have all the tools they need to create their own new characters and new story. The dream for me with this is that in a few years’ time I’ll see Irish people working in the creative industry who hopefully will have been in some way encouraged to create by our show.’

Watch promo here: https://youtu.be/CiKTf6pBoXA

Starting on 23 October on RTÉjr and 25 October on RTÉ2 is A Breath of Fresh Scare, a spooky new series of animated shorts from seven Irish companies: the Halloween origin story in ‘Samhain’; ‘Nana’s Terrifying Zoom Call’; a scarily catchy musical interlude called ‘I Wanna Be A Werewolf’; ‘Ghost Dog’ which tells the heartwarming tale of one girl and her dog who never really leaves her; ’Dagda’s Harp’, which mashes up elements of folklore and modern day inner city life to one hell of a funky soundtrack and narration provided by Jordan Kelly aka Strange Boy, who has just released his debut album to much acclaim; ‘Cliodhna, Queen of the Banshees’; the tale of a little banshee girl trying to fit in at Halloween; and Academy Award shortlisted company And Maps And Plans presents ‘Empty Little People’.

Promo here for A Breath of Fresh Scare: https://youtu.be/4QRAt7ZNaic

X Marks the Spot airing on 25 October on RTÉ2 at 2.55pm tells the story of Sam whose amateur detective skills are put to the test when she suspects Granuaile the Pirate Queen has moved in next door. Directed by Hugh O’Connor (Metal Heart) and starring Clare Dunne (Herself, Kin), Sive and Aisling Doyle, Carl Shaaban (Taken Down, Songs for While I’m Away) and Jade Jordan (Kin, The Virtues), X Marks the Spot is a heartwarming tale about the importance of being yourself, even when you feel the pressure to blend in. With original music by David Kitt, X Marks the Spot is produced by Eithne Fitzsimons of Tailored Films.

Here’s a promo for X Marks the Spot: https://youtu.be/l8Udh_Ojj7Q

Daily on RTÉ2 and RTÉjr from 25 October, Critters TV is back for a new run. Meet the native wild animals of Ireland as you’ve never seen them before – at home, with their feet up, watching nature documentaries on the telly! Featuring stunning live-action documentary footage and hilarious 2D-animated character animation, Critters TV is designed to educate young Irish viewers about the unique natural world on their doorsteps.

Into November, new series Bush Kids, airing from 1 November at 3.50pm, sees bushcraft and survival expert Tom Bán bringing four lucky families out of the comfort of their own homes and away from phone screens, to take them on an adventure into the wild. With each family given a different type of habitat to explore, Tom will teach them a wide range of survival skills, from lighting fires, catching and cooking food, building shelter and learning to battle the elements. From rivers to mountains and meadows to the coast, Bush Kids will showcase the natural beauty of Ireland and the skills required to survive within its sometimes harsh yet unique environment.

Meanwhile, RTÉjr Radio have made sure to turn the lights off and the scares up this Halloween! 

Spooky FM – Last Halloween RTÉjr Radio had our airwaves taken over by a zombie and a vampire to share ghoulish tales to scare and delight all the family in the run up to Samhain. Written by Peter Dunne and produced by Liam Geraghty, listen if you dare! Spooky FM series one and series two can be heard via the podcast feed or tune in every Friday night at 7 to get chilled to the bone.

https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/series/33184-spooky-fm/

A Way Home As part of the Siamsa Tíre Associate Artist scheme in Tralee, it commissioned Olivia Hope to research Celtic folklore and to develop a new story inspired by the traditions and beliefs associated with Samhain, a time when the light of summer yields to the darkness of winter and imaginations are able to flourish in the shadows.  Olivia’s imagination flourished and her story, A Way Home/Slí Abhaile, is the inspiration for this major art exhibition for children. She collaborated with 20 illustrators and artists who have coloured her story with magic and life.  The RTÉjr Radio team have made a spellbinding audio version of the original story. Featuring actors young and old from the Tralee area and inviting listeners to join the table this Samhain. Available Halloween week on the RTÉjr Podcast or listen in at 4pm on the 31st October.

https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/series/30697-rtejr/

Samhain Stories – Master storyteller, Steve Lally returns with a mini series of terrifying tales at 6.30pm each evening until Halloween from Thursday 28th or listen via the RTÉjr Podcast

https://www.rte.ie/radio/podcasts/series/30697-rtejr/

Fizzwhizzle –Join Lola Panforté, crack ghosthunter and bona fide kid, as she once again ventures into one of the most haunted houses in Ireland to uncover the most ghoulish of music and the ghostly gruesomes that reside within. Halloween at 11am or listen back via the radio page.

https://www.rte.ie/radio/rtejrradio/fizzwhizzle/

Elsewhere, His Dark Materials, the HBO/BBC fantasy drama series with Ruth Wilson, Simone Kirby (soon to be seen on RTÉ’s new drama Hidden Assets) and Andrew Scott, comes to RTÉ One afternoons at 4.35pm from 31 October.

And, movies for younger viewers across midterm week include: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales; Against The Wild -The Great Elephant Adventure; Against The Wild- Survive the Serengeti; Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket; and Ghostbusters 2

Wexford Festival Opera and RTÉ  join forces once again
to bring a taste of Festival magic to audiences wherever they may be in Ireland or around the world

Shakespeare In the Heart

Experience a taste of Wexford Festival Opera at RTE.ie, RTÉ lyric fm, RTÉ Player, ARTE Opera

Today details were announced of how audiences can access at home unforgettable performances which will be streamed/ broadcast across RTE.ie/culture, RTÉ Player and RTÉ lyric fm.

Experience at home the 3 evening operas, performed on the stage of the magnificent O’Reilly Theatre in the National Opera House:

• Watch the fully-staged production of Edmea (Alfredo Catalani) LIVE on RTE.ie/culture and ARTE on 22 October, 8pm or watch back on RTÉ Player. Or listen back to the performance on 30 October on Opera Night with Paul Herriott, 7pm | RTÉ lyric fm
• Listen LIVE to Le Songe d’une nuit d’été (Ambroise Thomas) on 23 October on Opera Night with Paul Herriott, on RTÉ lyric fm or watch back at RTE.ie/culture on RTÉ Player from 25 October.
• On 6 November listen back to the concert performance of Ein Wintermärchen (Karl Goldmark) on Opera Night with Paul Herriott, 7pm on RTÉ lyric fm

Two other festival highlights will also be available to enjoy at home:

• Experience I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Vincenzo Bellini), performed by members of the Wexford Factory II on 25 October on RTE.ie/culture and RTÉ Player or on 13 November listen back to the production on Opera Night with Paul Herriott, 7pm RTÉ lyric fm.
• A Festival highlight not to be missed from 29 October, as the world renowned Angela Meade performs a special Gala performance which will be broadcast on RTE.ie/culture and available to watch back on RTÉ Player.

The 3 mainstage operas will also be broadcast around the world as part of the EBU Euroradio Season which features a selection of the best of concerts and operas from around the world. For over a decade the EBU have been sharing remarkable performances from Wexford with radio stations and listeners internationally, bringing Wexford to millions of listeners throughout the world.

Marty Whelan will also broadcast Marty in the Morning live from the National Opera House on Wednesday 20 October on RTÉ lyric fm. Following the opening performance, he’ll be chatting with performers involved in this year’s productions, having a look at the wider programme of events and meeting some of the volunteers who are big part of the festival each year.

Wexford Festival Opera Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi said, “It is amazing that once again RTÉ, Lyric Fm and all the media involved will give WFO the wings to fly around the world”.

Ann-Marie Power, Group Head of Arts & Culture, RTÉ, said: “RTÉ is proud to once again be involved in this exciting and innovative partnership with the Wexford Festival Opera, and with ARTE. It is important that we continue to leverage the power of RTÉ’s platforms to connect with audiences, wherever they are, both at home and abroad, by bringing them the very best in arts and culture. The very best of luck to all involved in this year’s excellent Festival programme.”

For full details of ‘Shakespeare in the Heart and to download the brochure go to wexfordopera.com  

Wexford Festival Opera would like to thank The Arts Council, Wexford County Council, Fáilte Ireland/Ireland’s Ancient East and the Festival’s Friends, sponsors and donors for their continued support. 

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facebook.com/WexfordFestivalOpera 

youtube.com/user/WexfordFestivalOpera 

instagram.com/wexfordfestivalopera/ 

#WFO | #WFO70 | #WexfordFactory 

Junk Kouture Grand Final 2021 to be broadcast on RTÉ2 later this year

Registration also now open for Junk Kouture 2022 – culminating in the first Junk Kouture World Final

The acclaimed Irish platform for youth expression, creativity and sustainability Junk Kouture is delighted to announce that it will be joining forces with RTÉ for a second year in a row, continuing this successful partnership first initiated in 2020. The collaboration brought the design contest to the small screen for the first ever televised Junk Kouture Grand Final on RTÉ2 and streamed on RTÉ Player, when the live final was rescheduled and redesigned because of Covid-19. Junk Kouture can now reveal that the 2021 Grand Final will once again be televised on RTÉ – with more exciting details still to come!

RTÉ and Junk Kouture teaming up for a second time enables both parties to keep the importance of using creativity to promote sustainability and climate consciousness front-of-mind with younger audiences. This partnership offers an opportunity to showcase the talent of creatives aged 13 – 18 from across the island of Ireland to a wider audience, as they create designs made entirely out of recycled and discarded materials, enabling them to express themselves while embracing sustainable habits and becoming the changemakers of our world.

In true Junk Kouture style, the 2021 finalists will have to impress a star-studded panel of judges who know a little bit about standing out from crowd and thinking outside the box when it comes to creativity, design and performance. New judge, best-selling cookbook author, entrepreneur and fashion-upcycling enthusiast Roz Purcell, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Michelle Visage, TV personality and music manager Louis Walsh and former winner and fashion designer Stephen McLaughlin will all lend their expertise in the search for the next winner of Junk Kouture.

Keeping the show on the road will be RTÉ 2FM hosts Laura Fox and Emma Power, back for another year of presenting duties, while all the behind-the-scenes action will be brought to viewers by new presenting team, RTÉ Kids presenter Orla Morris Toolen and young Irish film maker Sean Treacy.

CEO of Junk Kouture Troy Armour said: “The RTÉ broadcast opens the world of Junk Kouture to new viewers, beaming the creative talents and innovation of Ireland’s young people into the sitting rooms of Ireland – and around the globe to our new territories with the RTÉ Player – so it is with great anticipation and excitement that the team plan for all that is to come with RTÉ back on board for another year. This builds on our commitment to young creatives and teachers to carry out a grand final despite the absence of live events this year and affords them the opportunity to continue the annual celebration of young Irish creative talent and sustainable innovation. We are also delighted to welcome back Louis, Michelle and Stephen and are looking forward to seeing what new judge Roz brings to the table as they crown the 11^th annual winner of Junk Kouture!”

Group Head of Children’s and Young People’s Programming, RTÉ Suzanne Kelly said: “It is wonderful to see RTÉ’s partnership with Junk Kouture go from strength to strength as we work together to enable students all over the country to embrace the principle of sustainable living and unleash their inner creative genius to produce incredible fashion designs. By giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse into all the hard work and creativity that goes into delivering the extravaganza that is the Grand Final, RTÉ is bringing a new dimension to Junk Kouture and keeping the issues of sustainability and climate consciousness front-of-mind with younger audiences. We’re looking forward to it.”

Junk Kouture judge Roz Purcell said: “It’s so exciting to be a part of Junk Kouture and knowing that the final will air on RTÉ is the icing on the cake. I’ve already had a taster of the talent involved in Junk Kouture helping Louis, Michelle and Stephen to choose the five Wildcard designs earlier this year, so I am really looking forward to putting my judging hat on and checking out all the brilliant designs created by the 2021 finalists. As a huge fan of Junk Kouture, I know that the final on RTÉ is not to be missed by everyone at home. It will be jampacked with creativity, sustainability, big performances, and a little bit of glamour! Bring it on!”

Meanwhile, Creative Ireland continues to support Junk Kouture across several areas developing its online education resources to ensure that students and educators alike can avail of educational material around Junk Kouture’s three areas of focus – creativity, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Programmes driven by the support of Creative Ireland will help educators encourage young people to become micro-influencers for change through creativity and circularity.

And don’t forget! While we wait patiently for the 2021 Grand Final, teachers of young creatives aged between 13 – 18 in Ireland can now register their school for the 2022 competition which will culminate in the first ever World Final! As always, the golden rule is your creation must be made from 100% recycled materials. Head to the Junk Kouture website https://junkkouture.com/sign-up-page/ for more info, follow Junk Kouture’s social channels @junkkouture and check YouTube for daily updates and inspiration!

Live regional finals in venues across Ireland are scheduled to return in March 2022 and successful entrants will then battle it out at the national final in Dublin as well as ten coveted spots to compete at the Junk Kouture World Final later next year. If schools think they have what it takes to reign supreme on the global stage, they can enter as an individual or as a team with a maximum of three members.

 

RTÉ will deliver comprehensive coverage of Budget 2022 on Tuesday October 12^th with extensive reporting and analysis across television, radio and online.

WATCH our promo here.

Television coverage of Budget 2022 begins on RTÉ One at 12.40pm as David McCullagh and Sharon Tobin present live coverage and analysis of the Budget speech right through the afternoon. There will be reaction from politicians, representative bodies and organisations across the country via RTÉ’s network of regional studios. Members of the public in Drogheda and Galway will share their views and Eileen Whelan will be getting the latest reaction from various interest groups in Dublin. Live coverage of Dáil Éireann proceedings across the day including responses from the opposition will be broadcast on RTÉ News channel from 1.00pm.

RTÉ Radio 1 coverage of the budget speeches will be broadcast live on a special extended News at One with Bryan Dobson, beginning at 12.45pm until 3.30pm. The News at One will carry the speeches of both Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath. The programme will also hear from the opposition and will feature immediate reaction and analysis. Join Cormac Ó hEadhra for a Drivetime budget special from 4.30pm, with analysis of how the changes will affect workers and those in receipt of state benefits, along with political reaction from across the spectrum in Dáil and Seanad Éireann. The programme will also focus on how the changes announced in Budget 2022 will affect key areas in the lives of people throughout Ireland, as the country emerges from Covid-19 and braces itself for changes to its headline corporate tax rate.

On RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Gormfhlaith Ní Thuairisg will present live coverage and analysis of Budget 2022 on Lá na Cáinaisnéise from 1.30pm. Panellists on the programme will include tax consultant Ciarán Ó Feinneadha, finance expert Conall Ó Móráin, Mairéad Uí Dhomhnaill, an expert on social welfare, and journalist Áine Ní Chiaráin. RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta broadcaster Máirín Ní Ghadhra will bring us updates throughout the programme as well on the Minister’s speech and public reaction. The panellists will analyse the implications and likely political fallout of the decisions announced, and we’ll hear reaction from public representatives from across the political spectrum as well. On Tús Áite from 5pm, the discussion continues, and presenter Fachtna Ó Drisceoil will be joined by Independent Councillor Deirdre Donnelly, Ciarán Mac an Bhaird, Head of Fiontar and Scoil na Gaeilge in DCU, and Eoin Ó Catháin, RnaG Political Reporter, to analyse the details of the budget.

RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News App will provide comprehensive online coverage and analysis, including full Budget detail and reaction in English and as Gaeilge. RTÉ’s news tracker will chart each development on this key day for every Irish household and business. Live streams from all of RTÉ’s television and radio coverage will be available worldwide to users via RTÉ Player and RTÉ Radio Player.

Nuacht will produce two special hour-long programmes for TG4 on budget day. Buiséad 2022 begins on TG4 at 2pm with a panel of studio and remote guests sifting through and analysing the measures as they are announced. with a panel of studio and remote guests. The second programme at 7pm will do a deeper dive into the implications of the budget for a whole range of different groups. The two programmes will be presented by Siún Nic Gearailt, Máirín Ní Ghadhra and Máire T Ní Mhadaoin.

Nuacht RTÉ le TG4 will also a full Budget roundup in its two bulletins at 5pm on the RTÉ News channel and on RTÉ One at 5.40pm You can also keep up to date on the measures on the Nuacht page on the RTÉ News app, on Twitter @NuachtTG4 and @NuachtRTE and on Facebook.

The Six One News will provide a comprehensive look at the Budget, a live interview with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and analysis from RTÉ correspondents along with reaction from politicians. Later in the evening there will further coverage of budget measures and reaction on the Nine O’Clock News with Sharon Ní Bheoláin followed by an hour long Prime Time Budget Special at 9.40pm presented by Miriam O’Callaghan and Sarah McInerney in Dublin and Fran McNulty in Cork. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe will be in studio debating with Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty on the budget and they will also be addressing issues raised from the public via video link. Prime Time will also broadcast from Cork as they meet with farmers, pensioners and others as they react to the day’s announcements. A senior Government minster and a member of the Opposition will debate later in the programme.

On RTÉ Radio 1 from 10pm, The Late Debate with Katie Hannon will have a budget special – hearing from all parties and independent politicians, along with representative groups to find out what Budget 2022 will mean and what the reaction is to it.

On the morning after the budget, Claire Byrne will be joined in studio by Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath for the annual budget phone in special. As always, Today with Claire Byrne invites listeners to phone in to speak with the Ministers directly and put their own questions to them about their concerns as a result of Budget 2022.

– Nicky Byrne presents, with pop superstars Nadine Coyle, Joey Fatone, and Samantha Mumba joining the show as Pop Panelists

– Contestants will require tactics as well as singing talent as they battle it out against one another in a bid to make it to the grand final and win €25,000

RTÉ has today announced that the brand-new Saturday night singing game show, Last Singer Standing, will start on Saturday, October 23rd on RTÉ One and run for eight weeks, reaching a nail-biting finale in December.

A game show for all of the family to enjoy, it requires contestants to have tactics as well as talent, as singers face-off against one another in a test of singing ability, and nerve. Produced for RTÉ by ShinAwiL, the series will air on Saturday evenings, with one singer from each show making it through to the final.

Presented by Nicky Byrne, Last Singer Standing sees pop royalty Nadine Coyle, Joey Fatone, and Samantha Mumba offer their guidance and industry experience to the contestants from around Ireland as they take to the stage to perform.

Contestants will do battle both musically and mentally as they endeavour to impress the popstar panel, the studio audience, and each other in order to earn that coveted place in the grand final.

Host Nicky Byrne said: “This show will have you on the edge of your seat – it’s fast-paced, exciting, and full of jeopardy. Our singers face challenges like never before in their bid to land the top prize. The superstar pop panel of Nadine, Joey, and Samantha are talented, quick-witted, and full of personality. It’s a fresh, new show and I think viewers will take it to their hearts on Saturday nights.”

Nadine Coyle said: “I loved the idea with this show of how quickly the participants might have to adapt to a song they are not familiar with in the original key in a high-pressured situation – it’s exciting to watch. I’m just so impressed by the singing talent that there is on offer in Ireland, and I love that people are getting a chance to show that off on Last Singer Standing.”

Samantha Mumba said: “Last Singer Standing is just such a refreshing and fun concept and spin on a traditional type of talent show, and that’s made me want to get involved. It’s always a treat getting to come home for work as it ties in with getting to see family and friends as well. Not getting home much at all over the past few years has made this even more special.”

Joey Fatone said: “Last Singer Standing is a fun singing competition with a game show element to it and requires clever use of strategy from the contestants. Contestants have to pick from categories, and that narrows things down and gives singers fewer songs to choose from… it’s going to be really exciting for people at home to watch.”