West Donegal teen's dreams come true at Electric Picnic festival

An 18-year-old from west Donegal saw his dreams come true after getting to report at Electric Picnic, just days after receiving his Leaving Cert results. 

Michael Joseph Mac Phaidín from Keeldrum, Gortahork, was offered a chance to work with the Irish language radio station, Ráidió Fáilte, at the iconic music festival. 

“At first, I thought it was going to be scary, but new experiences excite me,” Michael Joseph tells DonegalLive.  

“I found it interesting seeing people from all walks of life unite for Electric Picnic.” 

As someone very dedicated to the Irish language and the arts, Michael Joseph says the opportunity arose after he participated in a two-week intensive journalism course run by TG4. 

“I finished my Leaving Cert exams on June 20, and three days later I was down in Connemara doing that course with TG4,” he says. 

“That course opened the door to Electric Picnic, and I made a lot of connections from it.” 

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One of the people that Michael Joseph came across during those two weeks was Isibéal Ní Cheallaigh, who regularly collaborated with Raidió Fáilte, and mentioned that the station was looking for reporters for the festival. Michael Joseph seized the opportunity. 

“The experience I gained from the course with TG4 helped me get the gig, and I got word back that I had been selected to work at the festival, the same day I got my Leaving Cert results,” he adds. 

“So, it was a double win.” 

While working for Raidió Fáilte at the festival, Michael Joseph was busy interviewing and making vox pops, whilst also enjoying the amazing acts that performed over the weekend. 

“I interviewed a lot of people from Donegal, such as Eve Belle, Hugh Carr and Póilín Nic Géidigh - I wanted to promote the Donegal acts for sure,” he adds. 

Following his recent Leaving Cert success, Michael Joseph will be attending St. Mary’s University in Belfast to study Primary Education with Music. However, that does not mean that he is closed off to a future career in journalism.  

A talented singer, Michael Joseph has also won many national and Ulster titles. 

“I’m hoping that when I graduate, the opportunities that I have been granted so far will still be there, and maybe I will reconnect with my journalistic side at some stage,” Michael Joseph adds. 

“If I were ever to have a career in journalism, music, or primary school teaching, it would have to be through the Irish language. Gaeilge is something that I am extremely passionate about.” 

His experience at Electric Picnic is one he won’t forget, and he’s already hoping for a return next year. 

“I would love to do it again next year if I could,” he says. “Another dream of mine is to perform at an Puball Gaeilge at the festival.”