A FESTIVE programme due to be broadcast live from Co. Mayo will bring Irish TV viewers together across Britain, Ireland and America this week.
A Magical Christmas from Ireland is set to be aired tonight (December 19) by IrishTV.ie and will feature musicians Finbar Furey and Matt Molloy and a Christmas message from Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Accordion maestro Máirtin O’Connor and world famous piper Paddy Keenan will also perform, while Dublin folk band The Merry Ploughboys take part in the live broadcast fresh from a sell-out tour in America.
The programme will be broadcast from the Hotel Westport and viewers can watch it on Sky, cable and satellite channels, or catch the live streaming on Irishtv.ie.
Irish TV’s Pierce O’Reilly said: “We have spent the last six months developing the technology and expertise to make this happen and it is a phenomenal achievement for the entire Irish TV team that is based in Westport.”
He added: “We have some of the most highly skilled broadcast engineers and IT programmers working with us and their commitment and technical expertise is a credit to the county and country.
"This is a first for Ireland and we hope it will reap massive benefits for the local and national economy.”
Studio guests will include Fr Brian D’Arcy, GAA legend Willie Joe Padden and three-time All-Ireland winner Owen ‘Mugsy’ Mulligan from Tyrone.
Catch the live broadcast this Thursday at 9pm on Sky TV channel 191, Freesat 400 and online at Irishtv.ie
