Samhlú 2020, a 90-minute celebration will air on TG4 on December 15th at 9.30pm, set in the beautiful surroundings of Roundstone, Co. Galway and hosted by Tommy Tiernan, in his first ever collaboration with TG4. A diverse showcase of culture and creativity, the broadcast will feature performances from Shane Hennessey, Moxie, Slow Moving Clouds, Julie Feeney, Morgan Bullock, David Geaney, Rónán Ó Snodaigh, Varo and Catherine Young Dance. Riverdance composer Bill Whelan has also composed a new original composition ‘Samhlú’, which will also premiere in the broadcast. The programme will also be interwoven with six short films featuring the artists of Waterford Walls, the Modern Day Mummers of County Leitrim, Catherine Young Dance and the short films Lackeen, Fiach and An Irish Goodbye. 

Samhlú Croí Cruthaitheach, a season of twelve commissioned short-form films will also air periodically over the course of 2021. A selection of short-form documentaries featuring artists and creatives from all over Ireland, these films will go behind the scenes to give an intimate perspective on how artists develop and create their work. 

Minister Catherine Martin said “Samhlú! This wonderful call to re-imagine our world could not have come at a better time.  In the depth of winter after a long tough year this magical programme will lighten our spirits. Led by some of the best-known names in Irish culture, Samhlú is a celebration of all the good things that our artists bring to our world. On behalf of my Department I want to congratulate TG4 and the artists involved in the making of Samhlú. This wonderful programme is a tribute to the breadth of their imagination and creative ingenuity.” 

Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, Commissioning Editor of Samhlú 2020 said “This celebration of ‘Samhlú’ bolsters a year of strong arts and culture programming for TG4.  Community and creativity have always been at the heart of TG4’s output.  People, creativity and wellbeing have never been more connected than during the last 9 months. We are delighted to partner with Creative Ireland to provide public access to creative endeavour and inventiveness across Ireland, projects that have been so life-affirming throughout a remarkable year for community and individuals.”