Donegal island ferry crews to feature in new four-part TG4 series 'Ó Mhuir Go Tír'

A new TG4 documentary series will feature ferry crews from Arranmore and Inis Mhic an Doirn in Donegal.

‘Ó Mhuir Go Tír’ is a captivating four-part factual entertainment series that gives a unique insight into the modes of travel used by sea to link the islands off Ireland to the mainland from the 1950s to the present day.

Produced by HG Productions, the series highlights the resilience of island communities and the enduring connections between land, sea, and people. The series, told in the Irish language, will begin on TG4 on Wednesday, October 15 at 9:30pm and will air over four weeks.

In episode 1, viewers will get unique insight into how technology has changed journeys between the islands and the mainland. Food deliveries to Arranmore will be featured, and Fr John and Arranmore Islanders will be joined for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The Arranmore BLU Ferry Crew - (Left to right) Michael Rodgers, Sean Boyle, Seamus Boyle, Neil Gallagher

Episode 2 follows teachers and pupils travelling to Arranmore Island on the daily commute to secondary school. The island’s Féile Róise Rua will be featured as RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta broadcasts live from the island. The music and culture of the festival will have some familiar faces, including renowned musician and singer, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich.

Episode 3 follows the Irish summer college travelling to Arranmore. Former pupils, teachers and boatmen share stories about Irish colleges in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Seán Boyle, a TY student from Arranmore, is featured working on The Arranmore Ferry as part of his work experience.

The concluding episode, set to air on November 5, will commemorate the Arranmore Disaster. The tragedy occurred on November 9, 1935, when 19 people lost their lives as the yawl they were travelling in from Burtonport to Arranmore ran up on a rock. Only one passenger survived, the late Patrick Gallagher.

The episode will also join football teams and spectators from islands near and far as they compete to win the All-Islands football tournament on Arranmore. It will hear from supporters who have travelled along to support the teams as they battle it out for the prize.

Set against the stunning backdrops of Oileán Chléire and Inis Arcáin in County Cork, Árainn Mhór and Inis Mhic an Doirn in Donegal, and Inis Bó Finne, Inis Oírr, and Inis Mór in County Galway, 'Ó Mhuir Go Tír' features some of the biggest events on the islands.

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The story of ‘Ó Mhuir Go Tír’ will be told by the colourful characters who were passengers on board, navigating the unpredictable seas in all manner of vessels, and the hardy souls responsible for getting them from A to B, be it for work, education, medical care or simply the weekly shop.