Irish Language

The Irish-language television output broadcast by RTÉ in 2021 encompassed a wide range of original series and formats commissioned from the independent sector and in-house teams, plus an enhanced slate of independently produced acquisitions, giving viewers a choice of Irish-language output in all genres from children’s content to peak-time factual series. By December 2021, RTÉ had broadcast more than 900 hours of Irish language content on television, over 1,000 hours on the RTÉ Player, and nearly 9,000 hours across our radio services, exceeding all targets.

In-house TV Production

Despite the ongoing challenges Covid-19 posed to production in 2021, in-house Cláracha Gaeilge delivered a strong and varied slate of new programming that was universally well received and increased audience share.

Cosc took viewers back to an era when content was often banned. From The Dubliners’ classic, Seven Drunken Nights, to John McGahern’s novel, The Dark and the ending of corporal punishment, the series resonated with viewers, reflected in its average share of 21.1%.

Gafa celebrated our guilty pleasures, from our quest for love to our secret love for the British royal family to rural Ireland’s obsession with the humble tractor and delivered an average share of 17%.

In An tSlí, Mary Kennedy took us on an emotional journey along the National Famine Way, while one-off doc, Cúpla Focal was a nostalgic look back at how we’ve taught Irish on television down the decades. They delivered an average audience share of 20% and 21.3% respectively.

Scannal continued to attract large audiences and give fresh insight into the scandals that rocked the nation. The 2021 series featured the stories of The Birmingham Six, Priory Hall, the Newbridge GAA V Croke Park saga and the unsolved mystery of the disappearance of Trevor Deely in Dublin in 2000, and achieved an average audience share of 23%.

Independent Production

RTÉ worked in close collaboration with the Irish Language Broadcast Fund, the BAI and BBCNI to co-commission additional Irish-language content which proved a big hit with audiences across 2021.

In Iarnród Enda, former taoiseach Enda Kenny explored the lost railway routes of Ireland across six episodes.

Ar an Sliabh was a six-part observational series that charted the lives of people living in Ireland’s mountains today and was a particular hit with the audience with a 19% share average.

Saol an Tréidlia was an acclaimed four-part observational series which followed the real-life adventures of three west coast vets.

In Peataí, presenter Tessa Fleming was joined by vet, Ellen Hegarty, groomer, Paul Ó Gallachóir and animal behaviourist, Paula Doohan at the Ark Farm in Newtownards, Co. Down to help solve pet problems for families across Ireland. This six-part series broadcast in autumn 2021 to universally positive reviews and large audiences.

Cad Faoi na Tuismitheoirí was a lifestyle series in which presenters Evelyn O’Rourke and Ronan Mac Niallais met families and experts to discuss the biggest parenting issues families face from birth to 18 across four episodes.

My Tribe: Mo Thréibh, a bilingual four-part BAI-supported series told the definitive story of Ireland’s musical tribes.

RTÉ do TG4

In addition, as part of its ongoing broadcast commitment to TG4, RTÉ commissioned and co-produced series for TG4 in 2021: Comluadar Ceoil (ten episodes), Réalta agus Gaolta (ten episodes), Junior Eurovision (eight episodes), Go Gasta (ten episodes) and Rugbaí Beo (URC Championship series).

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta

The close relationship that RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta has with its listeners was reflected in the awarding of the prestigious international award for Radio Station of the Year at the 2021 International Celtic Media Festival, an honour that was especially welcome given the challenges its teams across Ireland had faced during the pandemic.

The station has continued to develop its news, current affairs, entertainment and sport content, offering a wide range of national, international, domestic and Gaeltacht stories. Music and culture have always been integral to the station’s identity, and in a year when festivals and sessions could not take place, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta worked with artists and organisations to create virtual versions of audience favourites like the Fleadh Cheoil and An tOireachtas.

2022 will be a very special year for RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta as it celebrates its 50th birthday, with events and special programming planned for throughout 2022 to mark this milestone in Irish broadcasting history.

Ach bhí scamall dorcha ós ár gcionn chomh maith i 2021. On the 5th of September 2021, Bríd Ní Chualáin, presenter of Nuacht a hAon, passed away. Bríd had many years of experience as a broadcaster, was hugely respected by both colleagues and audiences, and is deeply missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.