Mayo developer helps launch landmark digital archive
New Cartlann TG4 platform gives researchers access to thousands of programmes as broadcaster approaches 30th anniversary
A Westport native has played a key role in the launch of a major new digital archive that opens up three decades of Irish-language broadcasting history to researchers and the public.
TG4 officially launched Cartlann TG4 at the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) in Dublin, providing online access to more than 9,000 programmes from the station’s extensive archive as it prepares to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary later this year.
Among those recognised at the launch was Ristéard Ó hAodha, a Westport-native composer who helped develop the archive. He was responsible for creating the new research platform, which has been designed to make searching and accessing TG4’s vast archive easier than ever before.
The new service offers users a unique opportunity to explore Irish history, culture, music, sport, news, current affairs and community life through the Irish language, drawing from more than 50,000 hours of content broadcast since TG4 first went on air in October 1996.
Cartlann TG4 represents almost three years of work to preserve and digitise thousands of programmes originally stored on videotape between 1996 and 2012.
The digitisation project is being carried out in partnership with Europus and with support from the Broadcasting Funding Scheme.
Speaking at the launch, TG4 Director-General Deirdre Ní Choistín said the archive was an important milestone as the broadcaster approaches its 30th year on air.
“As TG4 approaches 30 years on air in October, it is timely that we are increasing access to Cartlann TG4,” she said.
“This archive is a central part of Ireland’s cultural and broadcasting heritage. Over the past thirty years, TG4 content has given a voice, insight and platform to communities, artists, musicians, athletes, newsmakers and storytellers throughout the country.”
Head of TG4 Archive, Máire Aoibhinn Ní Ógáin, paid tribute to those involved in bringing the project to life, including Westport’s Ristéard Ó hAodha.
“I am delighted with what we have achieved and proud to share Cartlann TG4’s content,” she said. “Special thanks are due to Ristéard Ó hAodha, the site developer; Sinéad Ní Chadhain, the site designer; and my colleagues in TG4.”
The archive is intended to be a living resource, with additional material continuing to be digitised and uploaded over time. TG4 says content from both its early years and more recent productions will continue to be added as the project develops.
Researchers can search material using a range of filters, including programme title, description, genre, date and place name. The archive also includes workspace functions that allow users to save searches, create content lists and compile clips for research purposes.
Researchers and members of the public can register to access the archive at Cartlann TG, with three levels of access available for public users, educational researchers and production researchers.