Geantraí – TG4’s music series comes to Mayo town with host of special guests

Geantraí, the beloved Irish traditional music series, returns for its 19th season with a fresh approach, capturing the rich musical landscape of Ireland like never before. This new series, hosted by acclaimed singer Pauline Scanlon, takes viewers on a nationwide journey from Donegal to Cork, showcasing the wealth of musical talent that thrives in the country’s most intimate and hidden venues.

The programme will air on Sunday, February 2 from An Sean Síbín in Ballina Co. Mayo and features sublime music from Fergal Ó Murchú, Máirín Fahy, Chris Fahy, David Stone, Ciaran Mulderrig, Olivia McTiernan, Kate Heneghan, Sal Heneghan,  Deirdre Collis, Cian Kerins, Caoimhe Kerins, Fionnuala Kerins, Olivia McTiernan and the Ox Mountain Quartet. 

The 13-episode series kicked off in Leitrim, at the famed Cryan's Pub in Carrick-on-Shannon, known for its vibrant traditional music scene, especially its remarkable flute players. From there, Pauline will travel across Ireland, from Kilcar in Donegal, to the Midlands to Mayo, Limerick, and Cork, visiting lesser-known hotspots where local talent flourishes in the heart of the Irish session tradition.

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The series highlights newly composed tunes and songs, offering viewers a tantalizing taste of Ireland’s evolving musical landscape every Sunday evening. 

Scanlon said: "Geantraí has always been about the living tradition of Irish music. This series continues to celebrate that, bringing the music and its creators into the spotlight.

"We’ve focused on capturing not just the music, but the environments where these sessions happen—places where the heart of Irish culture beats strongest."

The new series is both a continuation of Geantraí’s legacy and a fresh reinvigoration of the beloved program. For 16 years, Geantraí served as a platform for countless Irish musicians, and this new series promises to highlight the continued vibrancy of traditional music in communities across Ireland.

Filmed in relaxed pub sessions and intimate settings, Geantraí presents the music at its purest capturing the deep connection between performers and their audience.

Director of Hedgerow Films Paschal Cassidy said: "Geantraí has always been about community and connection, particularly between the musicians and their listeners."

"Through modern film and audio technology, we’re capturing that magic in a way that will resonate with both traditionalists and new audiences alike."

Hedgerow Films has been recording episodes across the country over recent months, aiming to shine a light on both well-known venues and lesser-explored regions of Irish traditional music. This approach not only celebrates the wide diversity of Irish music but also pays homage to its vibrant future.

Geantraí was first established as a showcase for Irish folk and traditional music, allowing audiences to witness live sessions in a relaxed atmosphere.

The new season promises to maintain that spirit while providing a platform for emerging talent and showcasing newly composed music, ensuring that the series continues to evolve while remaining rooted in tradition.

TV presenter, singer/songwriter and advocate for women in the Arts Pauline Scanlon is a multi-talented artist whose work spans the worlds of music, television, and advocacy.

Known for her breathtaking vocal ability and distinctive style, Pauline has collaborated with some of the most iconic names in the Irish music scene, including Damien Dempsey, Sinead O'Connor, and John Spillane.

As a television presenter, Pauline has brought her passion for music and culture to the screen, fronting several acclaimed music-based programmes for both the BBC and TG4.

Notable projects include the documentary Ceol Ón gCroí, which delves into the songs of the 1916 Rising, the music series Cúltír on TG4, and An tÁmhrán Gaeilge, a BBC documentary documenting her collaboration with the innovative Irish band NOTIFY. 

Her latest project, Bird on the Wire – The Songs of Leonard Cohen, a collaboration with the Galway-based band The Whileaways, was met with critical acclaim, selling out venues across the UK and Ireland in 2020 and 2021.