It won the award for ‘Most original and innovative programme’ beating much larger broadcasters like the BBC and Nordic broadcasters.

Minister Catherine Martin said: “Many congratulations to TG4 and Fíbín Media in Connemara. To win the most original and innovative programme against regional broadcasters of much greater scale is some achievement.

TG4’s súil eile is one we all admire. I am delighted to have funded the making of Samhlú. Our ambition was to showcase the extraordinary creative practice which thrived despite COVID, hence 126 artists featured from all over Ireland including new music from composer Bill Whelan. This is also a great tribute to the independent production community in the west”

“Programmes like Samhlú have played an incredible role in keeping people’s hopes up and inspiring the nation. Connemara in the Gaeltacht community is at the heart of so much creativity and innovation so this award is particularly fitting and showcases Irish culture to the entire world. That the programme has triumphed over productions from some of Europe’s largest broadcasters is further testament to the incredible work that has gone into making Samhlú.” Said Minister Jack Chambers

What is Samhlú?

Samhlu was a diverse showcase of culture and creativity broadcast on TG4 on 15th December 2020.

It featured 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’s new original composition Samhlú premiered during the broadcast.

The programme was 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. Shot over a week in Roundstone, Galway, the production employed 106 film making employees and featured the work over 126 artists.

See below for a behind the scenes look at Samhlú or watch the full broadcast on TG4 here.