Roscommon musicians to feature on new series on TG4
Aidan Shannon, Jacinta Ní Chonghaile, Enda McGreevy, Breda McLoughlin, Celine Shannon & Fiachra Guihan will feature on the Geantraí Series on TG4, which celebrates Irish traditional music across the country. It kicks off in Cryan's of Carrick-on- Shannon.
Geantraí, the Irish traditional music series, returns for its 19th season with several Roscommon connections.
This new series, hosted by acclaimed singer Pauline Scanlon, takes viewers on a nationwide journey showcasing the wealth of musical talent that thrives in the country’s most intimate and hidden venues.
The 13-episode series kicks off at the famed Cryan's Pub in Carrick-on-Shannon, known for its vibrant traditional music scene, especially its remarkable flute players. The show features musicians from Roscommon, Leitrim, and Sligo in this feast of music.
Cryan’s Teach Cheoil is known the country over for its hospitality and warm welcome of musicians. It’s got a reputation of one of those pubs where anyone could appear through the door for a session.
The programme features Mick Mulvey, Shane Meehan and the fear on Tí Liam Cryan, the regular stalwarts that play there every week. They are joined in the programme by fiddler player Mossie Martin, Rachael McGovern and Michael Holmes from Dervish fame. The Roscommon contingent is made up of flute player Aidan Shannon who was also the music producer on the programme and he’s joined by his sisters Breda, and Celine along with his wife Jacinta Ní Chonghaile, Enda McGreevy, and Fiachra Guihan.
The flute tradition in this part of the country is well known and Leitrim flute player Sean Gilrane speaks about his hero John Mckenna who recorded many famous pieces in New York in the 1920’2 & 30’s. Sean is joined by flute players Emily Keane, and Aidan Shannon and accompanied by Joe Kennedy on the Bodhran.
All Ireland Scór champion Sarah Keane from Elphin is also in the house to sing a beautiful rendition of Bríd Óg Ní Mhaille. In another Roscommon connection, the director of the series is Paschal Cassidy also from Elphin.
“Geantraí has always been about the living tradition of Irish music. This series continues to celebrate that, bringing the music and its creators into the spotlight,” said Pauline Scanlon. “We’ve focused on capturing not just the music, but the environments where these sessions happen—places where the heart of Irish culture beats strongest.”
For 16 years, Geantraí served as a platform for countless Irish musicians, and its return again in 2025 promises to highlight the continued vibrancy of traditional music in communities across Ireland. Filmed in relaxed pub sessions and intimate settings, Geantraí presents the music at its purest—capturing the deep connection between performers and their audience.
“Geantraí has always been about community and connection, particularly between the musicians and their listeners,” said Elphin native Paschal Cassidy, Director of Hedgerow Films, who is taking the helm of the series after a long history with the programme. “Through modern film and audio technology, we’re capturing that magic in a way that will resonate with both traditionalists and new audiences alike.”
Hedgerow Films which is owned by the Elphin man has been recording episodes across the country over recent months, aiming to shine a light on both well-known venues and lesser-explored regions of Irish traditional music. This approach not only celebrates the wide diversity of Irish music but also pays homage to its vibrant future.
The series will air on TG4 every Sunday starting on January 12th at 10.30 pm..
