Episode 5
On Donegal’s Tory Island, sisters Maighréad & Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill support Imelda in
performance of a majestic sean-nós song. She meets with island local Niamh Ní
Dhubhgáin who comes from a long line of talented sean-nós singers and is inspired at
how today’s youth are keeping these traditions alive.
Clár 5
Ar Oileán Thoraí i nDún na nGall, tugann na deirfiúracha Maighréad agus Tríona Ní
Dhomhnaill tacaíocht d’Imelda amhrán sean-nóis uaibhreach a chanadh. Buaileann sí
le Niamh Ní Dhubhgáin, bean ón oileán a thagann ó mhuintir d’amhránaithe sean-nóis
cumasacha, agus spreagtar Imelda leis an slí ina bhfuil óige an lae inniu ag coimeád
traidisiún na hamhránaíochta beo.
Series Overview
In a new six-part series, Imelda May embarks on an exploratory and emotional journey across Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions as she challenges her relationship with the Irish language through songs and sean-nós singing.
She spends time with some incredible female singers who teach her some sean-nós songs, as well as local singers from the Gaeltacht regions who have carried these traditions across generations. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Ann Mulqueen, Caitlín Ní Chualáin and Maighread & Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill open their hearts to listen and help Imelda achieve a lifelong goal of fluency in Irish sean-nós or at least understanding the deep art of performing this cherished tradition.
Throughout the series, Imelda explores the archives of some of the incredible music collectors that went before her, from Risteard De Hindeberg to Elizabeth “Bess” Cronin. Along the way, she is joined by expert sean-nós singer and ethnomusicologist Lillis O’Laoire, as well as fellow musicians Liam O’Maonlai and Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta.
A new sense of pride, belonging and identity is reawakened, as Imelda performs deep from the heart, and the work of these great collectors is rightly brought centre stage.
