FERMANAGH now has its own half-hour weekly TV programme following the launch of Ireland’s first international channel, IrishTV.
And, three local people are involved in bringing Fermanagh to screen each week.
They are John Kane, from Enniskillen, who is presenter, and Padraig and Conor Lunny, also from Enniskillen, who are involved in filming, editing and directing for the channel.
Broadcasting 24 hours a day, IrishTV will feature 50 unique home-produced programmes a week, with original content each night from 6-12pm, and each county in Ireland having its own dedicated show.
Fermanagh County Matters can be seen across Ireland, the UK, and Europe on Sky Channel 191, Freesat 400, Eircom’s eVision, free-to-air boxes and online at Irishtv.ie and Irishtv.com and in the US on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
“The theme of the County Matters shows is simple – Irish life is unique, with its own cultures, traditions and events. At the heart of these events are people, and wherever people gather, we’ll be there,” said Fermanagh presenter John Kane.
“I think the entire country was waiting for this to happen. In Fermanagh alone there are so many stories in every corner of the county and people are so proud and passionate to tell them to me.
“Our team are travelling the city and county covering events and reporting on the essence of Fermanagh life for people at home and the Irish community abroad, and we can be contacted on Fermanagh@irishtv.ie about your upcoming events.”
A native of Enniskillen, John Kane has worked in both amateur and professional productions in the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen.
He studied acting in Newcastle, England, and has since toured around Ireland with theatre companies performing various plays. A keen lover of the arts and media, John takes huge pride in his new role as the presenter of County Matters Fermanagh.
Padraig and Conor Lunny have a wealth of experience in the industry.
Padraig explained: “I have been involved in video editing now since I was about 16 and Conor has been at it for over 10 years now.
“It is a great opportunity and we are delighted to be involved with such a great venture.
“If any of your readers have anything that they wish to have covered we would encourage them to get in touch with any of us.”
The station began broadcasting this week with a two-hour live launch party from Westport featuring stars of country and Irish music including Tommy Fleming, Sean Keane and Matt Molloy as well as showcasing a host of new IrishTV countrywide presenters.