BELOVED IRISH language TV channel TG4 celebrates its 25th birthday this month, with praise coming in from all quarters for its important contribution to the Irish cultural landscape.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin was first to pay tribute to the channel, saying:
“For the last quarter of a century, TG4 has performed a vital role in Irish society, and has established itself as a distinctive and unique voice on Ireland's media landscape.
“[The channel's] vibrant mix of local, national and international news and current affairs, entertainment, sport and culture" has resonated with TG4's audience.
“I’m very much look forward to seeing TG4 go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
Launched on Halloween 1996, the channel was originally known as Teilifís na Gaeilge before being rebranded in 1999 as TG4.
Based in Baile na hAbhann, Co Galway, the channel was intended to revitalise the media profile of Ireland’s west coast and has been a staple in the region ever since.
At the time of its launch, President Michael D Higgins was Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, and having championed the channel since its inception, he visited Connemara on Friday 29th October to celebrate its birthday.
As always, President Higgins was joined by his wife Sabina for the visit, with the first couple also taking the opportunity to host German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke.
President Higgins introduced President Steinmeier to the set of popular soap opera Ros na Rún, and used the opportunity to appeal for a reappraisal of the Irish language’s importance in civic and everyday life.
