The RTÉ Doc on One programme A Dark Night in Foxford is among the finalists in this year’ s Celtic Media Awards. Co-produced by Galway’s Orla Higgins, it has been nominated in the History category (Sound).

Produced and directed by Orla and Sarah Blake for the Doc on One series, A Dark Night in Foxford charts the events surrounding one of  the final atrocities of the Civil War and its impact on young Mayo woman, Maggie Doherty. The rarely-discussed aspect of sexual violence in the Civil War and its lasting effect on women, their families and communities come under the spotlight in this programme.

Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Máirín Ní Ghadhra is up for Presenter of the Year (Sound) at the awards for a series of extracts from her series, An tSeachtain. These interviews commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

RnG is also on the shortlist for Station of the Year (Sound) while its music series Cuan an Cheoil, recorded in Stiúdeo Cuan, an Spidéal, has been nominated for a Music Award (Sound). Produced by Darach Mac Con Iomaire, it’s presented by Liam Ó Maonlaí, who interviews guest musicians  for what he describes as “a musical walk” in a relaxed atmosphere.

On the TV front, RTÉ’s The Tommy Tiernan Show, co-produced by Galway companies, Power Pictures and Mabinóg, is shortlisted in the Entertainment category.

Meanapás: Meon Nua, in which Gráinne Seoige from An Spidéal explores the menopause and how it’s handled in Ireland, has been nominated in the Single Documentary (Screen) category.  Made by Tyrone Productions, it was broadcast on TG4.

The city’s Black Gate Productions, in conjunction with TG4, are shortlisted in the Short Form (screen) category for Éire Eile. This documentary series, presented by Cóilí Collins, aka Shampain, offers an insight into Irish subcultures.

Misneach, the TV documentary about how former Mervue United player  Alex Lee rebuilt his life and sporting career following a horrific accident during a football game that led to his leg being amputated, is shortlisted in the screen Documentary section. Produced and directed by Medb Johnstone and filmed over 18 months, it captures the incredible story of how Alex  became Ireland’s first bladerunner.

Galway director Mia Mullarkey has been shortlisted in the screen category for her short film, Safe as Houses, which premiered at the 2022 Galway Film Fleadh.

Written by Sarah Ahern, it explores what happens when, on a hot summer’s day, Aggie, a woman with Down Syndrome, offers shelter to a young girl whose own home is not so welcoming.

Viva Mary, a documentary about 90-year old Mary Lamb Waugh from An Cheathrú Rua and her extraordinary life, is on the Spirit of the Festival shortlist. Produced and directed by Cathal Ó Cuaig, it premiered at last year’s Film Fleadh and was later broadcast on RTÉ 1.

The Celtic Media Awards are open to entries from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, the Isle of Man and Galicia.

This year’s winners will be announced at the three-day Celtic Media Festival, taking place in Cardiff in June.

Pictured: Musician and presenter of Cuan an Cheoil, Liam Ó Maonlaí.