A NEW series of a TG4 programme which explores the lives of famous musical families is to feature a number of clans from Northern Ireland.
The fourth series of Ceol ón Chlann will follow six famous Irish musical families who have brought their music to the four corners of the world.
It will provide viewers with an insight into the musical journey that each family has taken and the influence of previous generations on their family’s musical heritage.
Each story is presented through rare footage from the archives of BBC, ITV, TG4 and RTÉ, and previously unseen private family footage.
Each episode will feature musical performances and exclusive interviews with family members as well as contemporary musicians and well-known broadcasters offering unique perspectives on the families.
Among those featured in the new series are Cara and Mary Dillon, from Dungiven, Co Derry who, along with their three siblings, were raised in a musical household. Mary began to sing at an early age and by her mid-teens had already won the All Ireland Singing Competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hE?ireann.
Since the 1990s, Mary has released albums as a solo performer and as a member of groups De?anta and Si? Van. Cara has pursued music as a professional career since the mid-1990s and is a prolific recording artist. She was awarded The Meteor Irish Music Award for Best Irish Female and many BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Also featured in the series are the Vallelys, a family of intrepid musicians and artists from Armagh city.
JB Vallely, one of Ireland’s foremost painters, and he and his wife, Eithne, who have been married for 50 years, have taught thousands of young people to play a traditional instrument through their organisation the Armagh Pipers Club.
Three of their sons are also hugely important figures in traditional music,
Also featured are Cathal and Stephen Hayden, who grew up in Pomeroy in Co Tyrone.
Cathal is one of the biggest names on the traditional music circuit today while his brother, Stephen is regarded as one of the finest fiddle players of his generation.
Feilimí O’Connor, Executive Producer and Director, said: "This documentary series offers a fresh insight into the heritage of these unique Irish families, their legacy and their continuing significance in modern Ireland’s musical tapestry."
Ceol ón Chlann will be broadcast on TG4 on Sundays from September 11 at 10.30pm.
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