Press
Alan Esslemont Honoured with OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD at RTS Ireland Awards
27.03.25
TG4 is delighted to celebrate the recognition of outgoing Ard-Stiúrthóir Alan Esslemont, who has been honoured at the RTS Ireland Awards 2025. The award was presented at an event held at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, on 27 March 2025.
This year, Alan Esslemont was awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of his contribution to the development of Irish language media industry. Over his 8 and a half years as Ard-Stiúrthóir (Director General) of TG4, Alan has played a pivotal role in promoting the Irish language on a national and global stage. His leadership has fostered the growth of the Irish-language creative sector, significantly strengthening independent production in the regions and supporting Ireland’s regional creative economy.
Among his many achievements, Alan established Cine4, an initiative in partnership with Fís Éireann and Coimisiún na Meán, which has brought Irish-language films to global audiences, including An Cailín Ciúin, which was nominated for an Oscar in 2023. Cine4 films have also gained recognition at the BAFTAs, Sundance, and Berlinale. He has also been instrumental in launching Cúla4 channel in 2023, ensuring TG4’s ongoing commitment to younger audiences and the transmission of Irish as a living language. Alan has championed cross-island partnerships, collaborating with Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, and served as Chair of the Celtic Media Festival (2019-2024), strengthening ties between Celtic broadcasters.
Agnes Cogan, Chair of RTS Ireland, praised Alan’s legacy: “At the conclusion of another successful Gradaim RTS/RTS Ireland Awards, it is useful to remind ourselves of the objectives of the RTS. It is our aim to promote and encourage the achievement of high standards of creativity and technology in television and its allied fields, and no-one has done more in this regard than Alan Esslemont, outgoing Árd Stiúrthóir of TG4, who has received our Outstanding Contribution Award, a new award presented for the first time in 2025. Alan’s contribution to the Irish (and international) television scene has been extraordinary in its scope and ambition, and in its achievement. TG4, under his stewardship, is undeniably a major player in media and film, constantly expanding, innovating and enhancing the world of media and communication. We wish him every success in the future, and thank him for all he has achieved in the world of Irish broadcasting.”
In addition to Alan Esslemont’s prestigious honour, TG4 enjoyed a successful evening at the RTS Ireland Awards 2025. The awards recognise the finest achievements in Irish broadcasting, highlighting the strength and creativity of the industry.
TG4’s Winners at RTS Ireland Awards 2025:
Scripted (sponsored by Screen Ireland):
CRÁ (Fibin Media & Zoogon Ltd) – A gripping murder investigation drama.
Live Sports (sponsored by TVM):
Rugbaí Beo: Munster v Leinster, Christmas Interpro (Iris Productions)
TG4 congratulates all nominees and winners for their contributions to the Irish television industry. The recognition at the RTS Ireland Awards reaffirms TG4’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and the Irish language in broadcasting.