Limerick pair gear up to present first Irish language children's news show

THE HISTORIC launch of Ireland's first dedicated Irish language children's channel, Cúla4, was a momentous occasion not just for the nation but also for two Limerick communities.

Hailing from Annacotty, Sean Ó Maoilchiaráin, and co-host Aisling Ní Dhonnabháin from Caherdavin, were entrusted with hosting the channel's daily six-minute news segment. 

Seán, a proud native of Annacotty, previously studied Arts with Gaeilge and History at the University of Limerick, before taking his media career to the next level by hosting his own podcast Gaeilge Anois, and co-hosting a Radio Rí-Rá show. The Limerick man also featured multiple times on BLOC TG4's social media, creating content for thousands of viewers, but now marks his television debut alongside Aisling.

As for the Caherdavin local, Aisling started off at University College Cork studying World Languages, and has spent many years as part of Conradh na Gaeilge and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Previously, the city woman also presented another children's show, Eco Laoch, on TG4, before taking to the news studio.

Cúla4, designed for children aged 0-12, boasts 14 hours of daily programming, providing young viewers with a vibrant and engaging platform to connect with the Irish language. The channel is available on Saorview (Channel 18), Channel 602 on Virgin Media, Sky 624, and Eir. Additionally, tech-savvy youngsters can access the channel through the player at cula4.com and the Cúla4 App.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, emphasised the significance of Cúla4's launch. She stated: "Cúla4 allows young people with Irish to see themselves represented on screen."

This representation is now embodied in Seán and Aisling, who will serve as role models for children in Annacotty, Caherdavin, and beyond.