Press
From viral videos to worldwide streaming, TG4 celebrates outstanding Fleadh Cheoil coverage
24.09.24
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Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band on Instagram
TG4 is excited to report outstanding viewership figures across linear and online platforms for its coverage of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the Provincial Fleadh Cheoil in July and August 2024. These numbers reflect the growing popularity and widespread reach of live broadcasts, competition streams, and continuous social media content from the Fleadh Cheoil. Coverage began in July with highlights from all four provincial Fleadhs, leading up to live broadcasts from Wexford over four consecutive nights, accessible globally via TG4 Player, social media platforms, and TG4’s traditional music YouTube channel.
Dr. Labhrás Ó Murchú, Ardstiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann stated: “As the foremost organisation for the promotion of Ireland’s cultural traditions, Comhaltas’ unique partnership with TG4 for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is vital to achieving our goal of ensuring accessibility of our cultural traditions for all, and to keeping them as a highly visible and vibrant part of our society. The exciting and engaging programmes produced for Fleadh 24 have drawn audiences from across our island and beyond which is testament to the quality of these programmes and the appeal of our Irish cultural traditions.”
Highlights from TG4’s Fleadh Cheoil 2024 programming includes:
Linear Viewership:
Fleadh24 reached over half a million viewers on linear/ TV with Thursday night marking the highest viewed Fleadh program ever since the series began on TG4 in 2014. Thursday night featured performances from Michael Flatley, creator of Lord of the Dance, and accomplished flautist and legends Sharon Shannon, Gerry O’ Connor and Jim Murray.
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Global Reach on Social platforms:
The Fleadh Cheoil content also saw remarkable engagement on social media, achieving 6.5 million views across all platforms, a significant increase from 3.7 million in 2023. The hashtag #Fleadh24 generated 28.5 million impressions, further amplifying TG4’s production of Fleadh Cheoil’s reach and cultural impact.
Helen Gannon, from St. Louis Irish Arts in the United States, shared that their branch is the largest Comhaltas branch in North America, dedicated to teaching Irish music, song, and dance. “While we sent students and parents to Wexford to compete, it was a joy for those of us unable to travel to experience the event through TG4’s live streaming of our 44 Comhaltas branches in North America. Buíochas le TG4 for making this possible.”
Viral Sensation:
A standout moment from the Fleadh Cheoil coverage is a a viral video featuring Eoin Creevy performing a mouth tune / lilting, which has garnered an impressive 1.8 million views on TG4’s TikTok channel. This clip showcases how TG4’s continued commitment to discover new talent and showcase performers from all regions of Ireland and across the globe who have not previously been seen on media outlets.
Digital Engagement: Viewers from around the world tuned into the TG4 Player, including those from the UK, United States, France, Canada, Australia, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Japan, among others. Fleadh content was particularly popular in the UK, with over 4,000 VOD views, and in the U.S., with more than 2,000 VOD views since early August.
Majella Bartley – Ardchláraitheoir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann stated that “the introduction of streaming for some of our competitions at the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has enabled people across our global network and throughout the Irish diaspora to be connected to the excitement of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. The streaming service is also an opportunity for family and friends who cannot travel to the Fleadh to be part of the musical journey of our competitors.”
The Fleadh Cheoil competitions were live streamed on TG4 Player, YouTube and Facebook services and shared with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann / Fleadh Cheoil’s Facebook, Trad TG4’s YouTube, and the TG4 Player. TG4 Player
Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, TG4’s Commissioning Editor for Fleadh24, shared her excitement about the response to this year’s coverage, stating, “we are not surprised that this mix of top class artists and new talent, not previously seen on TV has resonated so extraordinarily well with audiences across the globe. Our ambition year on year is to increase on the access of Fleadh Cheoil content across all platforms so that audiences who cannot travel to the mecca of traditional Irish music can view their families, their musical heroes and the sheer entertainment of Fleadh Cheoil on TG4. We are grateful to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, to The Wexford Fleadh Committee and especially to the talented production teams at Power Pictures, Omedia, Telegael and LORG Media that brought the Fleadh to various platforms over four nights.”
Fleadh24 shows TG4’s commitment to celebrating and promoting Irish culture, both locally and internationally. The success of the Fleadh coverage is a testament to the broadcaster’s innovative approach to delivering captivating content that resonates with audiences of all ages.