Waterford Institute of Technology and Nemeton TV are hosting their annual class of 2015 film premiere on 21 May in SCG Dungarvan starting with a reception at 12.30pm.

The students on the postgraduate course, under the keen eye of their lecturers, have worked very hard over the past few months to research, film and edit eight dramas, digital films and documentaries.

The films include:

• A cookery programme filmed in the Tannery Dungarvan, Barrons Bakery and Flahavan’s by Dungarvan native, Grace O Sullivan
• A documentary on Inis Meáin by Clare native Ceri Garfield
• An Ob Doc on Clonmel Woman’s Rugby Team presented by Jennifer Ní hOgáin
• A music documentary on Singer Songwriter from Galway by Andrew Galligan
• Aoife Ní Rian’s documentary features rare footage taken by her grandfather while working for the UN in the Middle East in the 1950’s.

Drama premiere’s include:

• ‘Gaire’ written, directed and edited by Sinead Curran whose locations includes the famous Sin é bar on the quays in Dublin
• Liadán Ní hUallacháin has adapted a short story by Michéal O Conghaile for her drama.
• Writer Gillian Grattan’s film is about the play she wrote and staged in Waterford ‘Hooked’
• Kevin Pim has made a series on lesser known tourism sights in Co. Waterford and includes a story about Jackie Kennedy’s visit to Waterford and an inventive Waterford woman who made hot water bottles out of parts of a World War 2 submarine!!

About the Higher Diploma in TV Production

The Higher Diploma is a very practical course teaching camera, editing and production,s torytelling and scripting skills taught by TV professional directors, producers and WIT lecturers. Guest tutors on this year’s course included Late Late Show studio producer Cilian Fennell, Writer Stephen Sharpe and drama scriptwriting tutor, Louise Ní Fhiannachta, Ros na Rún Story Editor and IFTA award winner for Short film ‘Ruby’.

More information

On Facebook
On Vimeo
Online: www.wit.ie/wd551

To apply

For further information on next year’s course contact Bláithín Ní Chatháin at traenáil@nemeton.ie, call 058 46499 or visit www.wit.ie/551

We are now accepting applications for Round 2. Interviews will be held in early June 2015

A 30 minute documentary made on the Waterford Institute of Technology’s (WIT) Higher Diploma in Television run in conjunction with Nemeton TV won the best student  TV programme at the National Student Media Awards. The awards ceremony took place last week in Dublin.

This is the second year in a row that the Higher Diploma scooped the top award. Last years Smedia Best Documentary  winner, ‘Liam Clancy mo Chara’ was subsequently commissioned by TG4 into a one hour film broadcast on Christmas day 2014.

It is a great honour for the students to be on the short list and they were competing with students from UCC, UCD, TCD,DCU, National Film School Dun Laoghaire, DIT and the other Institutes of Technology media courses.

Micheal O Flatharta and Ciaran Durkin from Conamara were nominated as Director and Editor. They made the Documentary ‘Charlie Lennon’

The Higher Diploma has a great reputation in the media industry for its practical skills and the opportunity it gives students to make their own films, corporate videos or dramas on the course. They learn camera, editing (final cut x), writing and directing skills to a broadcast standard.

We are currently accepting applications for Round Two admissions for the Higher Diploma for 2015/16.

For more information contact course director Bláithín Ní Chatháin at 058 46499 or see www.wit.ie/551

To apply for the course visit www.pac.ie

The final programme of the series features Tyrone footballer Ryan McMenamin. Ryan was vital to the success of Mickey Harte’s team of champions winning five Ulster titles and three All-Ireland Senior Football title with Tyrone in the 2000’s. A player who gained a reputation for playing on the edge and a ‘win at all costs’ attitude, Ryan opens up about the many incidents that gained him notoriety on the field of play.

In 2004, Tyrone and Ryan were shaken to the core when their teammate Cormac McAnallen died suddenly, “It was probably one of the biggest shocks of my life, I just couldn’t fathom it.” Inspired to win again for Cormac Tyrone reached the All Ireland final in 2005 but Ryan was at the centre of several controversial incidents that year. He openly admits that at times his behaviour was regrettable, ‘It was my style of play, I wanted to win everything that was out in front of me and I probably went too intense. I probably did cross the line.’

Nevertheless Ryan’s performances were vital to Tyrone’s success in 2005 and against Kerry in the final he renewed his old rivalry with Gooch Cooper as he made every effort to negate the effects of the Kerry star. His hallmark driving runs up the field were also key to getting the Tyrone sharpshooters like Peter Canavan the quality ball they needed to seal victory once more.

Having claimed two All-Ireland’s Tyrone still felt they had more to prove to their doubters and in 2008 they did winning a third All-Ireland title against Kerry once more and cementing their status one of the greatest football teams of their era.

A controversial figure Ryan opens up about a career spent playing on the edge, “ I’m big enough to know that if I went on like that in real life I’d probably be in jail somewhere, that’s probably the reality of it.” The programme also features interviews with Tyrone’s Mickey and Mark Harte, Armagh’s Oísin McConville and Kerry’s Dara Ó Cinnéide.

CATCH THE PROGRAMME ON TUESDAY 14th april AT 20.00 ON TG4 WITH A REPEAT BROADCAST ON SUNDAY EVENING AFTER GAA BEO.

The seventh programme of ten features footballer Denis ‘Ogie’ Moran from Kerry. Ogie holds a unique record in Gaelic Football. Alongside his former teammates, Paidí Ó Sé, Pat Spillane, Ger Power and Mikey Sheehy, he is the proud holder of eight All-Ireland medals but he stands apart in that he played every single minute of all eight finals, and in the same position – at centre half forward.

A most humble character, Ogie recalls 1975 when newly appointed county manager Mick O’Dwyer brought on several youngsters onto the county panel and how they went from match to match that same year all the way to the All-Ireland Final against reigning champions, and hot favourites, Dublin. Youth, exuberance and fitness stood to the Kerry team that day and he fondly remembers those magic moments of aftermath celebrations on the pitch.

1978 was a special year for Ogie as he was captain of the team and his neighbour and friend Eoin ‘Bomber’ Liston was now on the team, a vital addition according to Ogie. In that year’s final, they faced Dublin and although it didn’t look good after twenty minutes as they trailed by five points, they eventually ran out easy winners, helped of course by that famous Mikey Sheehy goal. Ogie recognises its brilliance but still thinks that John Egan’s goal was more important on the day. He typically credits his local club and parish with the plaudits for his captaincy that day. The following year he did have a temporary blip, being dropped for the Munster Final, although he did return and win another All-Ireland final. He had intimate knowledge of the Offaly team and manager, as Eugene McGee was also his manager for a time at UCD and he goes into the heartbreak of 1982 in great detail.

The programme will also feature Michael Duignan from Offaly, and Ryan McMenamin of Tyrone.

Catch the programme on Tuesday 31st March at 20.00 on TG4 with a repeat broadcast on Sunday evening after GAA BEO.

The seventh programme of ten features Dublin footballer Barney Rock. The darling of Hill 16 throughout the eighties, the Ballymun Kickham’s sharp-shooter Barney Rock captured metropolitan hearts with his place-kicking and match-winning scores.

Barney comes from a family steeped in the traditions of Croke Park, his family who lived in the shadows of the great stadium held the keys and his grandfather, father and uncles were all involved in the running of the stadium on match days. So Barney got an introduction to the stadium at a young age, and his introduction to Dublin fans first came in 1978 when he excelled as a minor, winning an All Ireland with them the following year. It wasn’t long before he had made the transition to the senior team in 1980 but after the golden days of the seventies Barney had to contend with an up and coming Offaly side who kept Dublin hands off silverware till 1983.

Charming as always Barney Rock opens up about his days in blue and the programme also features interviews with fellow Dublin teammate Kieran Duff, Galway’s Stiofán Seoige, Offaly’s Seán Lowry and Kerry’s Seán Walsh.

Barney’s programme will also feature Michael Duignan from Offaly, Kerry’s Ogie Moran and Ryan McMenamin of Tyrone.

Click here for a preview

Tuesday 24th march at 20.00 on TG4 with a repeat on Sunday evening after GAA BEO.

The fifth programme of ten features hurlers Fan and Philly Larkin of Kilkenny. The Larkins of James Stephens hold a unique distinction in hurling history: three generations of the same family have won senior All Ireland medals with Kilkenny. Paddy won four in the 1930’s, his son Phil ‘Fan’ won five in the 1960’s and 70’s and his son Philly added three more with the Cats at the turn of the 21st century.  Ever the character, Fan regales us with tales from his playing days; from his reasons for missing the team photo before the All Ireland in 1972, “I didn’t come up to get my photo taken I came up to win”, to his battles with Galway’s Pádraic Fahy in 1975.

Entertaining and insightful the Larkins provide us with a glimpse into one of hurling’s greatest dynasties and the programme also features interviews with fellow clubmate Joe Hennessey, Galway’s Joe Connolly, Limerick’s Eamonn Cregan and Pat Fleury.

For a preview click here

Catch the programme every Tuesday at 20.00 on TG4 with a repeat broadcast every Sunday evening after GAA BEO.

This programme features Monaghan footballer Niamh Kindlon. Winning an All Ireland in her debut year with Monaghan in 1997 Niamh has gone on to cement her status as one of the modern greats of Ladies Football.

Niamh started out under the guidance of her father as an enthusiastic nine year old with her club Magheracloone and has been a leading light for Monaghan ladies ever since. Her fantastic goal in the 1997 All Ireland against Waterford put Niamh on the map and was key to their victory in the final. The following year the two counties clashed once again in two epic All Irelands after the first final ended in a draw. Unfortunately Waterford won out on the second day but the rivalry set a new standard for ladies football.

Niamh’s programme is the fourth of ten in the new series which will also feature Fan & Philly Larkin from Kilkenny, Dublin’s Barney Rock, Brendan Cummins from Tipperary, Michael Duignan from Offaly, Kerry’s Ogie Moran and Ryan McMenamin of Tyrone.

Laochra Gael: Niamh Kindlon TG4 8pm Tuesday 3rd March

Repeated on Sunday 8th March (After GAA Beo)

 Laochra Gael, 3rd in the new series

Clare’s most prolific scorer during their dominant period, Jamesie O’Connor was key to their success in the All Ireland finals of 1995 and 1997. He also added three Munster titles, Hurler of the Year in 1997, four All-Stars and an All-Ireland club medal with St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield in 1999 to his collection in what was a glorious era for the Banner county.

Want more click here

LAOCHRA GAEL: jamsie o’connor TG4 8PM TUESDAY FROM 17TH FEBRUARY
REPEATED ON SUNDAY 22nd (AFTER GAA BEO)

A Legendary figure of Gaelic…

A giant of a player for Limerick during the nineties, exceptional at midfield or centre back Ciarán Carey led the charge throughout Limerick’s campaigns to achieve All Ireland glory. Frank and forthright, the Patrickswell man recalls the heartbreak of losing both the 1994 and 1996 All Ireland finals but also the incredible last minute point he scored against Munster rivals Clare in 1996 one of the greatest winning scores ever in GAA history. (10 February 8pm repeat 15 February).

LAOCHRA GAEL: Ciarán carey TG4 8PM TUESDAY FROM 10th FEBRUARY

REPEATed  on SUNDAY 15th (AFTER GAA BEO)

Legendary figures of Gaelic profiled in new Laochra Gael TV series

The 13th season of Laochra Gael, the popular TV documentary/profiles of legendary Gaelic games stars of the recent past begins on TG4 on Tuesdays and Sundays from Tuesday 3rd February.

Each of the 10 new programmes in the new season contains an extended interview with the subject, archive footage of his/her finest hour on the pitch and an assessment from friends, rivals and team-mates. Those profiled in new series are: Liam McHale (Mayo footballer), Ciarán Carey (Limerick hurler), Jamsie O’Connor (Clare hurler), Niamh Kindlon (Monaghan Ladies’ footballer), Fan and Philly Larkin (Kilkenny hurlers), Brendan Cummins (Tipperary hurler), Barney Rock (Dublin footballer), Ogie Moran (Kerry footballer), Michael Duignan (Offaly hurler) and Ryan McMenamin (Tyrone footballer).

As well as the players featured in each programme, there are contributions from team mates and opponents including amongst many others; Mickey Harte, Eoin Kelly, Brian Whelahan, Tommy Drumm, Éamon Cregan, Seán McMahon, John Maughan, Tom Ryan, Dónal O’Grady, Dara Ó Cinnéide and Joe Hennessey.

The series is produced for TG4 by Nemeton, the independent TV production company based in Ring in the Waterford Gaeltacht. TG4 Ardstiúrthóir, Pól Ó Gallchóir, commented: “To date, the 12 series of Laochra Gael have provided us with profiles of over 100 legendary hurlers, footballers and handballers, creating an invaluable archive of content for present and future generations of Gaelic games fans to savour and store. The new series adds to that treasure trove and will doubtless be required viewing for all followers of our native games. ”

Laochra Gael TG4 8pm Tuesdays from 3rd February

(repeat on Sunday evening, just after GAA Beo)