RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta has for years been the bastion of Irish language radio broadcasting. Their mix of chat, current affairs, and music, keeps fluent speakers and learners connected with their language, culture, and of course electronic dance tunes...
Not what you were expecting? Maybe you need to tune in to An Taobh Tuathail then. For the past 24 years, the late-night music show hosted by Cian Ó Cíobháin has grown a massive following both in Ireland and abroad. The show, which is presented as Gaeilge, features music of all genres and origins and is a place where people go to find new underground sounds from all over the world. In his own words,
'An Taobh Tuathail is 'a space where people can visit to discover interesting music'
Cian’s own passion for alternative music is clear to anyone who’s ever tuned in to his late-night music odyssey. That passion doesn’t only come across in his work however, music is a huge part of Cian’s every-day life ‘I get out of bed every day looking forward to hearing a new piece of music that will sweep me off my feet’. With an attitude like that to music, it’s no wonder that Ó Cíobháin has gained so many listeners in his 24 years (and counting).
Is é An Taobh Tuathail ceann dos na seónna raidió is faide ar an aer in Éirinn. Thosaigh Ó Cíobháin amach ag obair le RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta ag déanamh leanúnachas agus cúrsaí aimsire. Nuair a fógraíodh go raibh siad chun a n-uaireanta craoltóireachta a leathnú i 1999, thapaigh Cian an deis chun a chasadh fhéin a thabhairt d’ofráil cheoil RTÉ RnaG. Dar leis áfach, ní raibh gach éisteoir chomh fáilteach roimh an tseó ar dtús ‘Bhí roinnt daoine míshásta. Ach chuadar i dtaithí air. Ní mór a lua go dtugann RTÉ RnaG ardán do mhórán ceoil difriúil a ndeintear neamhaird air ar stáisiúin eile’ Lean Cian agus a seó ar aghaidh in ainneoin lucht an amhrais áfach agus tá an clár tar éis dul ó neart go neart ó shin.
At the start of it all, back in 1999, Cian didn’t plan too far ahead with the show but knew it could be a steppingstone to living his dream of a life and career based in music.
‘I didn’t think anywhere past the Summer of 99. I did want to make a life for myself in the music world somehow however and I definitely wanted to do it for a long time’.
It’s fair to say that Ó Cíobháin is living his dream and keeping his audience up to date with the latest underground music trends while he does it!
Since that very first show, An Taobh Tuathail has gone from strength to strength and gained a serious following from every corner of the globe. Not what anyone would expect from a show on a minority language radio station however the show proves that love for music can transcend language and connect people from all different backgrounds and cultures. In another way however, An Taobh Tuathail is doing an incredible job at promoting and representing An Ghaeilge worldwide. ‘It fills my heart with joy to know that people from different countries are listening but also getting to know phrases or words as Gaeilge too’. Ó Cíobháin and his show are bringing AnGhaeilge to places it may never have been before.
This year as part of An Taobh Tuathail’s 24th-anniversary show on May 1st at 11 pm, Cian is hosting a Balearic music special. That choice was in keeping with the shows usual Monday-night vibe, a laidback relaxed approach. ‘A lot of Balearic music is quite relaxed and slow but of course there’ll be exceptions! He’s calling on his listeners to get involved and share their definition of Balearic music. Is it a genre? Is it a feeling? That’s up to the listener. Make sure you get your suggestions in to att@rte.ie if you have a particular Balearic track that you want to hear on the night.
Fiú tar éis 24 bliain níl aon stopadh ag teacht in aicearracht don Taobh Tuathail. De ghnáth bíonn ceiliúradh mór ag Cian nuair a thagann lá cuimhneacháin mór an chláir ach níl Cian chun aon rud a rá faoi céard atá ar na bacáin don cheiliúradh 25 an bhliain seo chugainn. ‘Tá roinnt smaoineamh agam ar conas a dhéanfar an ócáid a cheiliúradh, ach táid faoi rún go fóill’ Cibé rud a tharlaíonn, bheadh sé tuilte go hiomlán ag an gcraoltóir cumasach agus a chlár speisialta.
An Taobh Tuathail’s 24-year anniversary special will air at 11 pm, Monday 1st May.
