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A Paddy’s Day full of ‘Legends’ on TG4

12.03.19

St. Patrick’s Day on TG4 will be the place where legends are made and celebrated this year. (see promo here)

Heroes will be saluted and hearts will be broken on and off the field in Croke Park, with live exclusive, free to air coverage of the highly anticipated AIB All-Ireland Hurling Club Final meeting of  St Thomas (Galway) v Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny).  (@1.30pm)

That will be followed by another epic encounter in the AIB All-Ireland Football Club Final as Corofin (Galway) defend their title against Dr Crokes of Kerry. (3.35pm)

(More information here)

One man who has skin in that particular game is Colm ‘The Gooch’ Cooper, who is featured in TG4’s Paddy’s Day episode of ‘Laochra Gael’. A once-in-a-generation talent who defied convention by showing that Gaelic Football does not have to be a big man’s game.   This episode delves behind the 5 All Irelands and 8 All Stars and reveals the origins of an extraordinary talent in an ordinary Killarney housing estate.  The documentary also explores the personal pain away from the pitch during the years of dealing with his father’s death, as well as looking back on the testimonial controversy. (@5.40pm)

Later, an extended Nuacht TG4 will bring you news and highlights from parades and special events the length and breadth of Ireland. (@7pm)

‘Ceiliúradh na Féile Pádraig’ features another living Irish legend. In this special programme we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the company of Daniel O’Donnell in the Market Place Theatre and adjoining Georgian Square in Armagh. With a strong connection between St. Patrick and Armagh there’s no better place to have this annual celebration. On stage we have wonderful Irish musical partnerships such as Celticanto, Lemoncello, Rioghnach Connolly, Seán Keane, Colin Foley and Clancy/Holden/Dunphy. Also celebrating with us is the wonderful choir from the Dundalk IT,  dancers ‘Jig Jazz’ and Dylan Millar, Extreme Rhythm, Fusion Trio and the Armagh Pipers Club. (@9.30pm)

We also remember musical legends who are sadly no longer with us. ‘Sé Mo Laoch’, tells the story of the late Alec Finn who passed away earlier this year. A trained artist and a Yorkshire man with a background in the blues, he came to Ireland in the 60’s and was also the co-founder of De Danann. He embraced traditional Irish music and created sounds and rhythms that had never been heard before. He made Ireland his home and left an indelible mark on the tradition with his extraordinary and original talent. (@8.30pm)

Another inimitable musical talent was Rory Gallagher, the People’s Guitarist, who can be seen live in concert on St. Patrick’s night on TG4. Unassuming but tenacious, the Irish blues man devoted his life to touring and playing his beloved Fender Strat to adoring audiences. He never stopped working, and could always command a crowd. During the heightened periods of heavy violence and political unrest in Ireland, when other artists dared not come near the place, Gallagher was resolute about touring Ireland winning him the dedication of thousands of fans, and in the process, becoming a role model for other aspiring young Irish musicians such as U2. (@11.10pm)

We also delve into the archives to bring you a classic ‘Green Linnet’ episode, featuring the late Barney McKenna from The Dubliners and accordion player Tony McMahon, reunited with Seamus Deasy, their cameraman, to launch the series of six restored programmes. They recall their adventures during their travels and how music brought them together. This series was first shown on RTÉ in 1975. (@10.40pm)

And, to top it all off we also have a drama filled omnibus edition of ‘Ros na Rún’ for you to enjoy. Cóilí Jackie, believing that David has paid for his cattle feed, agrees to sell them a site. Gráinne and David are over the moon. Bobbi Lee is not too impressed with the sleeping arrangements in the B&B, but having nowhere else to go, knows she needs to keep schtum. Berni is relieved that her mother is not badly injured but is eager to bring her home until the doctor delivers some devastating news. Tadhg wants to include lines of poetry on Maggie’s gravestone for her first year anniversary. (@7.30pm)

So the only place you need to go this Paddy’s Day is to TG4, for a magical mixture of Irish myth and legends to feast upon.