Sharon Shannon and family kick off new series on TG4

Galway-based musician Sharon Shannon and her family will feature in the first episode of Ceol Ón Chlann II, being broadcast on TG4 this Sunday, February 28, at 10pm.

The six-part series focuses on six different families from all over Ireland who have brought their music across the world.

The Shannons from Corofin, in Co Clare, certainly fit the bill on that front.

Traditional music was an integral part of growing up for the four siblings Gary, Majella, Sharon and Mary.

Gary was the oldest and the first to take up music but it wasn’t long until his sisters followed. As teenagers they rose to prominence and travelled widely as part of the group Dísirt Tóla, a rare opportunity for young musicians at that time. Sharon’s talent on the accordion was quickly recognised. She got her first big break accompanying The Waterboys and the rest is history. All the other family members continue to play and Gary is involved with the renowned Kilfenora Céilí Band.

The other families which will feature on Ceol Ón Chlann II are the McManus Family (Mama’s Boys), the Murphy Family (The Four of Us), The Closkey Family (the Bachelors), The Begley Family and The McSherry Family (Tamalin”.

The series, made by Belfast-based Stirling Film and Television Productions Ltd. offers a fresh insight into the heritage of these Irish musical families, and their continuing significance in Ireland’s musical story.

The first episode of Ceol Ón Chlann will be repeated on Thursday, March 3, at 10pm on TG4.