Cork teens bring poems to life in TG4 show

TEENAGERS from the Múscraí Gaeltacht and Cork city have been brought together to dramatise the poems of the Junior Cert for a new series to be broadcast on TG4 Foghlaim, the online education resource strand of the Irish language station.

The series is the brainchild of Máire Dineen of Léirithe Sugradh, the production company based in the Cork Gaeltacht village of Cúil Aodha, and features 11 of the poems on the Irish language poetry syllabus for the Junior Cert.

The island of ‘Inis Friotal’ is described as a mythical destination nestled in the Atlantic ocean which is blessed with lush greenery, flowing rivers and a treasure trove of poetry.

The main role in Inis Friotal is that of a young detective, Colm Bó, played by Cork city actor Seán Cosgrove, who is trying to discover the secrets of the poems which are reimagined in the different episodes of the series.

“There were two aims to the project,” Máire told The Echo. ”One was to create contemporary artwork for teenagers in the area and, of course, this would also create employment, which it has for the several local teenagers who participated in the filming which took place earlier this year.

“The other was the response to a demand from teachers for supports as they taught Irish language poetry.

“Because the curriculum is packed, sometimes they don’t have time to focus on every poem and these short films, lasting between one minute and four minutes each, are aimed at giving support to teachers and students.

“We’re hoping that Inis Friotal will be a valuable support for teachers and students alike and we’re looking forward to producing a second series in the time to come.”

The poems featured in the series include poems by the famous Innti generation of UCC Irish language poets such as Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, Liam Ó Muirthile and Colm Breathnach.

Poems by current UCC lecturer Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh are also featured.