logo
Carlow schoolkids make their own radio shows for Cruinniú na nÓg

Carlow schoolkids make their own radio shows for Cruinniú na nÓg

RTÉ News​05-06-2025

RTÉjr Radio have teamed up with a creative collective in Carlow to bring the drama for Cruinniú na nÓg this Saturday.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2025, Ireland's national day of free creativity for children and young people takes place on Saturday, June 7.
Muine Bheag Arts worked with students from St Brigid's NS, Muine Bheag in Carlow to develop, produce and record two radio plays, The Portal (2024) and The Curse of CountVlas (2025). Over the past two years they've led a series of hands-on workshops as part of Cruinniú na nÓg in which the students wrote the material for the plays, acted out the roles of all the characters, created foley sounds and learned how to use recording equipment.
The Portal (2024)
The Portal recounts the tale of the Murphy twins, Mince and Marmalade, along with their associate Benice, who travel through the portal in Dublin to New York on a mission to save Ireland from darkness.
The Portal will play out on RTÉjr Radio at 10am this Saturday, with a repeat at 2pm.
The Curse of Count Vlas (2025)
The Curse of Count Vlas tells the story of four 6th class friends who embark on a spooky adventure to rescue their town from a greedy property developer, Count Vlas, who has put a strange curse on Grandad Noel's farm.
The Curse of Count Vlas will play at 11am with a repeat at 3pm.
DJ For A Day
Plus, be sure to tune in at 4pm to hear the team behind Count Vlas select some of their favourite tunes to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg on DJ for a Day.
Muine Bheag Arts is an artist-run organisation based in Carlow that engages with the local context to present projects in the public realm. The programme includes exhibitions, workshops, events, residencies, publishing and radio broadcasts. The organisation adopts a collaborative, welcoming and experimental approach and aims to foster dialogue between artists, audiences, community and place.
Find our more here - www.muinebheagarts.com
This project is supported by Cruinniú na nÓg, Carlow Arts Office and Creative Ireland Carlow.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'I was not good at Irish': Alex Murphy on Crá, the series watched in 68 countries
'I was not good at Irish': Alex Murphy on Crá, the series watched in 68 countries

Irish Examiner

time12-06-2025

  • Irish Examiner

'I was not good at Irish': Alex Murphy on Crá, the series watched in 68 countries

It's the little Irish-language series set in a local parish as it aimed to unravel a troubling and mysterious death. Now Irish crime drama Crá has become a global sensation with audiences - after being snapped up by TV networks and streamers in no fewer than 68 countries. Among the international broadcasters showing the series are BBC, high-profile French channel ARTÉ and the AMC/Acorn TV networks in the US. Crá's growing international appeal has come as welcome news to its cast and crew - including Cork actor Alex Murphy, who brushed up on his Irish to take on his first-ever Irish-language role. 'I did not anticipate the success of the show - I was just delighted with the opportunity to get back into a bit of Irish and connect to my roots,' says the actor, best known for his role as Conor in The Young Offenders, the latest series of which is currently filming in Cork. 'Then it came out, and I saw just how good it was and how well it was put together, and to hear it's doing well all around the world, and being sold all around the world is just amazing - our little language spreading. We love to see it.' Alex Murphy in Crá. With the Irish language at the forefront of a cultural drive among artists, filmmakers and musicians, the success of films like the Oscar-nominated An Cailín Ciúin and Belfast rapper movie Kneecap has also help drive interest internationally, with several other films and series as Gaeilge coming to our screens. It means that actors like Murphy are embracing the opportunity to work in Irish for the first time. 'It's amazing. I feel like there was maybe a dark patch in the Irish language that it was definitely considered untrendy, or some people would consider it dead. In recent years, to see that that just isn't the case is really exciting. I've got younger cousins in school and their automatic reaction isn't that they hate learning Irish. They're excited by it, and it's because of these great films and bands speaking the language, driving it forward. 'I was not good at Irish in school,' says Murphy, adding that working in the language presented challenges. 'I did pass Irish for my Leaving Cert and I was very nervous to take on the job. I knew I had a few months to prepare, so I just knuckled down and did the best I could. [Actor and teacher] Peadar Cox was on to me every week, doing classes and going over lines. I just quickly found for me, and I imagine a lot of kids in school would maybe resonate with this: because my passion is acting, when I knew that I could learn the language through my passion, it just came to me a lot easier. 'Right now, my Irish is the best it's ever been, and I'm continuing to keep it going. I think half the battle is confidence. You go in nervous, you have little brain-farts, and you buckle and you can't say anything. And so it's when you get a bit of confidence speaking it is when it becomes quite enjoyable.' Crá is filmed in Gweedore. Shot on location in Gweedore in Co Donegal, Crá tells the story of Garda Conall Ó Súilleabháin (Dónall Ó Héalaí, who previously starred in the award-winning famine-set drama, Arracht). He's thrust into a deeply personal case when the body of his mother, Sabine, is discovered 15 years after she vanished. Forbidden from taking part in the official investigation, Conall joins forces with Ciara-Kate (newcomer Hannah Brady), a journalist using her true crime podcast to get to the heart of the case - and the village dark secrets that harbour it. As the first series goes global, the producers and broadcasters are now hoping to begin filming a second season in early 2026. Ó Héalaí, who recently completed filming the US indie thriller After, is a native Irish speaker who embraced the chance to work as Gaeilge, having previously done so on the powerful drama Arracht. That Crá is now available to audiences in 68 countries and streaming platforms is a bonus, he says. 'For us, an Irish language series in Gweedore, we're delighted to have that reach. I can't believe it's found an audience that wide. 'It's hard not to think that things like An Cailín Ciúin and Kneecap have had a role to play in how Irish language films and series are received internationally. Both those films really got out there, and rightly so, and I think it's very inspiring to see that. In terms of Crá, or Boglands as it's known overseas, it's hard not to think that this has a little part to play in it.' As an Irish speaker, he feels particularly glad at the impact Irish screen storytelling is having both with audiences at home and internationally. 'I'm definitely proud of where the Irish-language, film and television industry currently is in terms of how it's broken through. I feel fortunate to have come up at a time with schemes like Cine4.' The Cine4 initiative, a TG4, Fís Éireann (Screen Ireland) and Coimisiún na Meán partnership to develop original feature films in the Irish language, has proved a smart driving force. The widely loved An Cailín Ciúin, adapted from Claire Keegan's story Foster, made it all the way to the Oscars, with Colm Bairéad's drama getting a nomination in the Best International Feature category. It was also a big commercial success with cinemagoers in Ireland and internationally. Dónall Ó Héalaí in Crá. Films supported by Cine4 include Famine-set drama Arracht and the charming Róise & Frank,about a grieving woman who believes a dog who arrives at her home is connected to the recent death of her husband. Other films backed by the project include recent horror release Fréwaka and the forthcoming dramas An Fidil Ghorm and Báite. 'There were decisions made that allowed for this wave of new filmmaking to emerge,' says Ó Héalai. 'I think the success of a film or a series, it's largely from the top down. We had a terrific team and obviously, the story itself, the writers had created a real local thriller in a small town, a great whodunnit. 'Gweedore itself is such an incredible place, and so many people have commented on the landscape of the show - it's a central character to the show. Whether it's in Irish or in French or in English or in Japanese, if a story is good enough, it'll get people to want to watch it. Ultimately the story itself is compelling enough to bring audiences in.' Crá is available to view on the TG4 Player

Villagers announced as headliners at major Irish festival
Villagers announced as headliners at major Irish festival

Extra.ie​

time12-06-2025

  • Extra.ie​

Villagers announced as headliners at major Irish festival

Villagers are set to headline the upcoming Hibernacle Festival, set to take place from July 4-6 at Orlagh House in Rathfarnham, Dublin. The three-day music and arts gathering recently announced its second wave of programming, featuring a blend of established artists, rising talent and immersive experiences. Led by songwriter Conor OBrien, Villagers will perform a special acoustic set at the festival. The performance comes on the heels of OBriens sixth studio album, That Golden Time , released in 2023. The festival's current lineup includes a diverse range of Irish artists such as Pillow Queens, Lisa Hannigan, Ye Vagabonds, Wallis Bird, Jape, Ailbhe Reddy, Grinne Hunt, ine Tyrrell, George Murphy & Players and DJ Sally Cinnamon. Additional secret guests and collaborative performances are expected to be announced closer to the event. New additions to the weekends programme include late-night 'Sitting Room Sessions' in Orlagh Houses drawing room, featuring traditional ballads and singalongs led by George Murphy & Players. DJ Sally Cinnamon will curate nightly sets in the main indoor hall, spinning indie, soul, disco and electronic music. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Old Orchard Inn 🍏🍎 (@theoldorchardinn) The festival will also feature 'Secret Garden Sessions' and pop-up performances across the estate grounds. Belfast-based artist Dani Larkin is among the confirmed performers, along with emerging acts such as Were Not Together and Ballymun singer-songwriter Eddie Winston. Beyond music, Hibernacle will offer spoken word performances, including a reading by poet Emmet OBrien. 'Whisht: A Quiet Gathering,' curated by Deirdre Creasey, will provide a reflective space in Orlaghs gardens for movement and mindfulness practices. For more information on line-up and tickets click here.

Photos show Kerry kids enjoying Cruinniú na nÓg around the county
Photos show Kerry kids enjoying Cruinniú na nÓg around the county

Irish Independent

time12-06-2025

  • Irish Independent

Photos show Kerry kids enjoying Cruinniú na nÓg around the county

Kerry hosted a fantastic day of creative activity as part of festivities as close to 67 free activities for children and young people took place on the day. Highlights included events involving dance, magic, drumming, jewellery making, puppetry, comic books and much more besides. Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald remarked: "Kerry County Council is delighted to partner with Creative Ireland on Cruinniú na nÓg. This is a great day for children and young people, who have many opportunities to explore creativity and maybe find a new skill.' In Killorglin, Rochelle Lucey and Darragh Kinch hosted Screen-Printing Workshops and mural workshops, followed by a screening of films by Jesse Gilbert. Donal Moroney also organised a concert in the town on the Saturday evening as part of the festivities and he spoke to The Kerryman about how it all went. "It was a great night altogether. It was a great way of showcasing all of the wonderful local young talent that we have here. It was great for them to have an opportunity to perform. There was some great acts on the night including a new trad group called Undercurrent who were just brilliant,' he said. 'There was wonderful support for them on the evening too from locals to parents so we're delighted with how it all went,' Donal continued. Elsewhere in Kenmare, the town offered monoprinting, building your own safari jeep, robots and mini lamps whilst Sneem had an action-packed day with 'Happy Mess'- including singing, DJ party disco and arts and craft sessions. In Killarney Lily MacMonagle encouraged Swifties who were invited to 'Sing it, Shake it, Slay it' at the ANAM centre as part of a Taylor Swift inspired workshop. Kerry International Film Festival hosted a Create Your Own Script workshop at Muckross Traditional Farms, in addition to a wonderful Singer's Circle with Grace Foley, and Music Generation Kerry offered a fun filled 'Whack,Strum, Play'. Listowel proved itself to be a centre for literature and much more, with Fighting Words creative writing workshops, Clay Pottery, Art Workshops and not to forget the King of Mayhem, Ronaldo Fanzini at St. John's Theatre in Listowel. Dingle meanwhile offered nature-based art workshops at An Díseart with Darrach Ó'Murchú and teen bracelet making with Celtic Costal Creations. ADVERTISEMENT Tralee was a vibrant hub with nineteen events, hosted by Síamsa Tíre, Collis Sandes House, KCYS, Tralee Library and Kerry County Museum. Highlights included sock puppet workshops, Wonder Walls workshops, Makermeet STEAM activities, Youth Theatre Island workshops, the Magic Mirror, Drumming Playshop, Creative Dance and a Ukrainian necklace workshop. Emma Carmody, the Creative Communities Engagement Officer for Kerry County Council, who coordinated the day for Kerry stated, 'I especially want to thank all facilitators, artists, and organisers who make this annual day of youth creativity happen, and the young people and their families who came out to participate on the day.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store