Press
TG4 documentaries to screen at Docs Ireland in Belfast
23.06.25
Two of TG4 commissioned documentaries are screening at this year’s Docs Ireland, which is currently taking place in Belfast.
Among TG4’s productions are Ag Taisteal Siar and David Keenan – Focla Ar Chanbhás.
Ag Taisteal Siar – screening on Monday the 23rd of June in Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiach at 7pm. This documentary explores the rich musical heritage of Ireland’s Traveller community, a driving force in Irish music since the 1960s ballad boom. Featuring powerful performances and interviews with Kathleen Keenan, Sarah Dunne, Sharyn Ward, Niamh Dunne and Steo Wall, alongside original poetry written by Martin Warde. As Steo Wall says, “People are slowly understanding the impact Travellers have had on Irish music and culture.”
With tributes to legends like Pecker Dunne, The Doran brothers and Maggie Barry, and reflections from artists like Damien Dempsey and Liam Ó Maonlaí, this documentary uncovers a legacy long overlooked but deeply embedded in Irish cultural identity. In Irish and English.
There will be a Q&A after the film with Director Méabh O’Hare, Musician/Contributor Sharyn Ward and Niamh Dunne – hosted by Áine Walsh, Head of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund. Produced by DoubleBand Films. Funded by TG4 / CNAM / Arts Council of Ireland / ILBF.
David Keenan – Focla Ar Chanbhás. Screening Thursday 26th June 6.30pm in Oh Yeah Music Centre. Four years after the breakthrough success of his debut album Beginner’s Guide to Bravery, Dundalk songwriter, musician, and composer, David Keenan, is at a crossroads. After touring extensively and building a reputation as one of Ireland’s leading live performers, he returns to the studio to record new music. “Anger is easy to portray, it’s the hurt that’s hard”, he says, as we explore David’s wordsmithing over the course of 500 days.
This is a portrait of one artist as a young man, which in turn is a portrait of every musical artist as they endeavour to stand out in a world of “algorithm and blues”, and remain authentically and powerfully true to themselves. Produced by Tua Films. Funded by TG4 and the Arts Council as part of the IlDána scheme. Director Paddy Hayes and David Keenan will take part in a Q&A after the film.
