Teilifís na Gaeilige (TnaG), the Irish-language television service, began transmission on 31 October 1996.
Halloween night 1996 saw the launch of Ireland's first dedicated Irish language television channel TnaG in Baile na hAbhann, Connemara. A message from President Mary Robinson was followed by fireworks, music and dance to mark the opening night. Reactions to the new channel were largely positive with one viewer commenting
Our language has finally been seen on a TV screen.
Others weren't so enthusiastic about the new service arguing that £16 million was too much to spend on a new television channel with limited appeal.
A 'Morning Ireland' report by Harry McGee broadcast on 1 November 1996.
Scenes from the opening ceremony with a tour of the new TnaG studios broadcast live on 31 October 1996.
Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht Michael D Higgins at the launch of TnaG (1996)
TnaG Entrance, Connemara (1996)
An exterior view of 'Siopa an Phobail', on the set of Ros na Rún (1996)
Photos by John Rowe.
