Galway Companies at the forefront of TG4 & Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Irish-Language Media Training Scheme

TG4, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the Irish-language Production Sector have launched the fourth year of their successful Training Scheme aimed at developing Irish-speaking talent in the media industry. This year, several prominent Galway-based production companies are playing a key role in training the next generation of Irish-language media professionals.

The scheme offers 15 trainees a one-year paid employment opportunity with television production companies, including leading Galway companies such as Aniar in Carna, Abú Media in Baile na hAbhann, MC2 in An Tulach, and Lorg Media in Galway City. These companies are central to the initiative, providing trainees with hands-on experience in various aspects of media production.

John Nee is working with Aniar in Casla, Sinéad Fatherty with Abú Media in Indreabhán, Bláithín de Búrca with MC2, and Evan Ó Flátharta with Lorg Media in Galway City. These Galway-based companies, along with other notable participants like Fíbín, Danú Media, Stiúideó Cuan, and Iris, offer vital professional experience to trainees over the course of the year.

In addition to on-the-job training, participants will attend monthly courses organised by Gréasán na Meán (Skillnet) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), earning a level 8 qualification in Media Practice by the end of the program. Galway is a vital hub for Regional & Irish-Language Media Development.

Strengthening the Irish-language media sector is a key objective of TG4's and Údarás na Gaeltachta's strategies. Galway-based production companies are playing a significant role in achieving this goal, providing local talent with the opportunity to gain practical experience in media production.

Lís Ní Dhálaigh, Director of Marketing, Development and Partnerships at TG4 stated that "this training initiative is a partnership between TG4, Udarás na Gaeltachta and the independent sector. It is great to see so many West of Ireland based companies participating. These companies are at the forefront of Irish-language media, offering invaluable industry experience to the next generation of Irish-speaking talent."

This initiative underscores TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta's commitment to fostering growth in the Irish-language media sector and ensuring that future professionals have the skills necessary to succeed in the industry. The training scheme is co-funded by TG4, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and independent production companies.