Press

Karina Feirtéar Appointed Head of 'Oiliúint Ghairme sna Meáin'

(A vocational media development initiative)

27.05.26

TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta today announced the appointment of Karina Feirtéar as Head of ‘Oiliúint Ghairme sna Meáin’, which is a new training and development initiative for the Irish-language media sector.
 
The strategic partnership between TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta was launched last December. Under the partnership, both organisations will invest more than €1.2 million per year between now and the end of 2028 to support training and development across the independent production sector.
 
As the first Head of ‘Oiliúint Ghairme sna Meáin’, Karina Feirtéar will lead the initiative and oversee its training and development programmes. Her vision for the role is to create a dedicated space that offers specialised training and clear career pathways for the Irish-language media sector, bringing key organisations together to develop talent and help secure a strong future for the industry.
 
Karina Feirtéar is a highly experienced leader in Irish-language media, having worked in the sector since 1998. She is currently Channel Manager of Cúla4, where she leads the channel’s strategy, multi-platform presence, audience engagement and marketing. Launched in September 2023, Cúla4 is the first Irish-language television channel for young audiences and provides children aged 0–12 with a daily, entertaining and engaging connection to the Irish language.
 
Karina has also held a number of senior roles at TG4, including Creative Manager, Non-Linear Production Manager and Youth Manager. She has a strong track record in change management, cross-functional delivery, and the development of high-performing creative and technical teams. She also has extensive experience in, and a deep commitment to, talent development both on screen and behind the camera.
 
Originally from Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in Corca Dhuibhne, Karina now lives in Indreabhán, Co. Galway. She is passionate about the sector and proud that her two children, aged 17 and 21, are also showing an interest in careers in the arts and media.
 
Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director General of TG4, said: “Enabling creativity is at the heart of TG4’s strategy, and the independent production sector is central to realising that vision. Our partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta gives us an opportunity to focus strategically and ambitiously on the growth and development of the Irish-language media sector, on professional training, and on building the skills needed for the future. I warmly congratulate Karina Feirtéar on her appointment’. She will lead the implementation of the sector’s training and development strategy. With more than 27 years’ experience in Irish-language media, and with deep expertise in talent development, change management, and the development of creative and technical teams, Karina will bring enormous value to this role. I wish her every success.”
 
Tomás Ó Síocháin, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: “For decades, Údarás na Gaeltachta has been at the heart of Irish-language media. This significant investment, will open real pathways for emerging Irish-language talent, equipping the next generation with the skills, platform, and confidence to shape the future of our media landscape. I welcome Karina Feirtéar’s appointment to serve the Irish-language creative industry in this new role.”
 
 

‘Oiliúint Ghairme sna Meáin’ – The TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta Partnership
 
As part of this investment , worth more than €1.2 million per year between now and the end of 2028 strategic training and development programmes will be provided for individuals seeking to develop careers in media, as well as for companies producing creative content in the sector. The initiative will strengthen the skills, qualifications and competitiveness of participating companies.
 
TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta first established a pilot Work Experience and Training Scheme in 2019, which ran until 2025. This new joint initiative builds on the experience and learning gained during that pilot scheme.
 
The pilot scheme supported Gaeltacht and Irish language companies, with the aim of nurturing new talent, developing skills, and providing practical work experience for people beginning their careers in the Irish language audiovisual and digital media sectors. Participants also achieved an academic qualification, accredited at Level 8, under the direction of Atlantic Technological University, ATU.
 
The new partnership has been developed following comprehensive research carried out by TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta in recent years. As part of that research, both organisations engaged with companies, entrepreneurs and state development agencies central to the development of the audiovisual sector. The findings showed a clear need for further investment in training and development across the Irish-language media sector and production companies, as well as improved coordination among all stakeholders operating in the sector.
 
A key feature of the initiative will be the development of a dedicated training programme for Gaeltacht post-primary schools. The programme will aim to inform second level students about employment opportunities in the sector and help them understand the wide range of career paths available to them within the creative industries.