Press

TG4 Pays Tribute to Outgoing Ard-Stiúrthóir Alan Esslemont on His Retirement

13.04.25

 
TG4 is proud to honour Alan Esslemont, who will retire this weekend after over eight and a half years of visionary leadership as Ard-Stiúrthóir (Director General). His tenure marks a transformative period for the broadcaster marked by creative innovation, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to the Irish language.

 
Since 2016, Alan has led TG4 with passion and purpose, championing the Irish language not only on a national level but on the global stage. Under his stewardship, TG4 has grown into a dynamic cultural force, deeply embedded in the fabric of Irish life and identity. 

 
Among his key achievements was the founding of Cine4, a landmark partnership with Fís Éireann and Coimisiún na Meán, which has brought Irish-language cinema to worldwide attention. Cine4 successes include An Cailín Ciúin, nominated for an Academy Award in 2023, and a host of other films recognised at international festivals such as the BAFTAs, Sundance, and Berlinale.

 
Alan also led the launch of Cúla4, an Irish language children’s channel in 2023, a service that ensures younger generations continue to engage with Irish as a living and accessible language across platforms. His commitment to strengthening the independent production sector has had a positive impact on the regional creative economy across Ireland, growing regional production companies and enabling international co-productions. In recognition of his achievements, Alan was recently honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award at the RTS Ireland Awards 2025, presented at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin. This prestigious award celebrates his pivotal role in shaping the Irish-language media landscape.

 
TG4 also acknowledges Alan’s commitment to cross-border and Celtic collaboration, including Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund and his tenure as Chair of the Celtic Media Festival (2019–2024), where he helped to deepen cooperation among Celtic broadcasters.

 
As TG4 bids farewell to Alan Esslemont with heartfelt thanks, the organisation also looks ahead with confidence to build on the momentum of recent years to make Irish language media accessible and enjoyable to wide-reaching audiences.    

 
Deirdre Ní Choistín will take up the role of Ard-Stiúrthóir from Monday, 14 April 2025, for a seven-year term. A seasoned broadcaster and leader in Irish-language media, Deirdre brings deep experience, energy and vision to the role as TG4 enters its next chapter.

 
TG4 wishes Alan every happiness in his retirement and warmly welcomes Deirdre as she begins this important new role.