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Fourteen Nominations for TG4 Programmes in the Celtic Media Festival Torc Awards of Excellence 2025

06.03.25

TG4 has received fourteen nominations for the 2025 Celtic Media Festival Torc Awards for Excellence announced today.
 
This year’s festival will be the 46th Celtic Media Festival and it will take place in Newquay in Cornwall, from the 3rd – 5th of June 2025. TG4 received nominations across multiple genres. These include:
 
CRÁ: Drama Series – A murder investigation begins when Garda Conall Ó Súilleabháin’s missing mother is discovered buried on a bog. Conall is forbidden from working the case but that’s not going to stop him. Meanwhile, a young journalist, Ciara-Kate, decides to produce a podcast about the case. Conall soon realises that Ciara-Kate can get access to people who refuse to speak to the official investigation. If Conall wants justice for his mother, he has no choice but to join forces with this journalist. Their investigation leads them on a dark path and begs the question: can justice really be blind? Starring Dónall Ó Héalai Hannah Brady Alex Murphy Barry McGovern Róisin Murphy and Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh. Produced by Meangadh Fibín.

Pic: CRÁ – Conall Ó Suilleabháin (Dónall Ó Héalaí)
 

KNEECAP has received nominations in two categories: Spirit of the Festival and Single Drama.
Based on the origin story of the riotous and ground-breaking Irish-language rap trio KNEECAP, the film stars the band’s Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí in their acting debuts alongside Academy Award nominated Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs, 12 Years a Slave), Simone Kirby (Hidden Assets, Jimmy’s Hall) and Josie Walker (Belfast, The Wonder). Set in west Belfast in 2019, it chronicles how fate brings the trio together and how they then go on to “change the sound of Irish music forever”. Director Rich Peppiatt received an IFTA and a BAFTA earlier this year. Produced by Fine Point Films LTD.

Pic: KNEECAP
 

Glór Tíre: Entertainment Featuring some of the biggest names in country music and eight new faces who compete to be the Glór Tíre winner. Each mentor has two contestants each. The judges Jó and Caitríona are joined by a guest judge each who in each concert must choose one contestant to save and one contestant who will face the public vote in the first live elimination programme. Five contestants will make it to the semi-final and three to the final then the winner will be announced. Presented By Aoife Ní Thuairisg. Produced by Bláth na hÓige Teo t/a Gaelmedia

Pic: Aoife Ní Thuairisg
 

Two nominations in the Arts category include:

‘Inis Meáin: Idir Dhá Linn’ is a captivating documentary that transports viewers to a remote island, offering a poetic glimpse into its past, present, and future. A young English film student Chris Rodmell’s lens beautifully captured the island’s residents 50 years ago as they teetered on the cusp of change. In this documentary, Chris returns to complete the second chapter, bridging the past with the present. The documentary delves into the island’s vibrant community, from long-standing residents to newcomers and curious visitors. Produced by Aniar.

 

Ó Bhéal – Irish hip-hop and electronic musicians have been drawing on the deep well of folklore, poetry and Sean-nós singing, breaking new musical ground in the process. Through the eyes of four musicians-Mory, Oisín Mac, Fehdah and Strange Boy-we, get a sharp insight into the way that they are pushing new boundaries and making Irish new music. Funded under the ilDána Scheme-The Arts Council/TG4. Produced by Mind the Gap Films Ltd.

Pic: Ó Bhéal – Fehdah
 

Two more nominations in the Factual Entertainment category:

Aerfort Dhún na nGall – This is the story of ‘Donegal Airport’, voted the most scenic landing strip in the world. From daily commuters, business owners and students to Rescue 118, international jet setters and cancer patients availing of essential medical treatment, the airport provides a vital service, connecting its users with the outside world. This 4-part documentary series gives viewers a unique insight into the running of a small regional airport, told through the intimate stories of the passengers flying in and out and the airport staff responsible for their safety and keeping this vital airport alive. Produced by HG Productions.

 

Naíonra – For the first time in Ireland, we get an insight into a small world where big things happen – the wonderful world of the Naíonra. Over the course of a year, cameras will follow all the action in two Naíonras, one in Tallaght, Dublin, and one in Mallow, County Cork. Join us on this journey in one of the most important years in life, where so many of the skills we use throughout our lives are first learned – understanding, communication and friendship. Produced by Tyrone Productions.

 

Inis na nIontas: Factual Series – From Rathlin in the north to Cape Clear in the south, the islands off the coast of Ireland have long been a source of inspiration and of myth. But they’re home to a rich diversity of wildlife too – and a wide range of people. In this series, Ardal O’Hanlon takes us on a fascinating journey, unearthing the history, observing the wildlife and meeting the islanders trying to live in harmony with their extraordinary environment. Produced by One Tribe TV Ltd.

Pic: Ardal O’Hanlon
 

An Bothy Band: Live Music Programme – The Bothy Band, Ireland’s foremost traditional music band reunite for a special documentary. The Bothy Band burst into life in late 1974 and although their star radiated for barely five years they released 4 albums to wide critical acclaim, gaining enormous popular status. With special interviews & behind the scenes rehearsals footage this unique documentary looks into the Bothy Band & their legacy. The band’s surviving members Matt Molloy, Dónal Lunny, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Kevin Burke, Paddy Glackin and Paddy Keenan reunite for a very special live performance. Produced by Big Mountain Productions.

 

Idir Dhá Bhaile – Ó Chív go Corcaigh: Single Documentary – This documentary explores the challenges faced by one family of Ukrainian refugees as they try to rebuild their lives in Ireland. It recalls their emotional journey from Kyiv to Cork and delves into the uncertainty faced by refugees while war ravages their home country. The family have suffered unimaginable loss at the hands of war and now find themselves torn between two countries with a huge decision to make about where they call home. Produced by Below the Radar TV.

 

Cúla4 the children’s channel has received three nominations. Among them are:

Lí Ban: Animation – Transformed mysteriously from girl and dog into mermaid and sea otter, Lí Ban and her faithful Con explore the watery kingdoms of Celtic legend, meeting gods, monsters, giants and wily humans in their search for answers. Who destroyed her homeplace? Why was she transformed? And who is she really? Theirs is an immortal quest through the heart of an ancient Celtic universe into the stories of times and places (almost) forgotten. Produced by Lí Bán Series One Limited.

 

Siar Linn: Children’s Programme – Welcome to Siar Linn, a game show where we explore a different Era of history in each episode. Every week our History Squad plays ‘Siar Linn’, exploring Eras from long, long ago, with the help of their ” Avatar Adventurers”! The aim of the show? Win as many gold badges as possible! There will be games. There will be challenges. There will be silliness! It won’t always be easy… but it will always be fun to watch! Produced by Macalla Teoranta.

 

Scríofa Sna Réalta: Short Drama – Seán, a nine-year-old boy with a passion for acting has always dreamt of taking centre stage. Seán has dyslexia which at times makes it difficult for him to read and remember his lines. However Seán perseveres and secures the lead in the local play. With the support of his family and his unwavering determination, he works hard to memorise his lines. Will it all go smoothly for him? Can he keep up with his peers? Or will he be forced to reconsider his dreams and exit the play? This film inspires viewers to pursue their dreams despite challenges and obstacles. Produced by Sin É Films Teo.

 

Alan Esslemont Director General TG4 said, “TG4 is delighted to receive fourteen nominations from the Celtic Media Festival Torc Awards. These nominations showcase TG4 and Cúla4 ‘s range of high-quality productions for audiences,” he added ’it is particularly rewarding to see our content stand up to competition from the best programmes from our peers in the Celtic media industries.”