Top irish acts to sparkle on irish tv this christmas night

Irish audiences worldwide are in for a Christmas night treat when the cream of home entertainment artists will feature in a two-hour spectacular on Irish TV (channel 191 on SKY), writes Tom Gillespie.

The Entertainment Ireland special with host Henry McGlade will feature the best in music, song, dance and comedy.

Among the artists are six dancers (pictured) from the Mayo-based Redmond Academy of Irish Dancing.

The youngsters - Saoirse O’Brien, Westport; Adam Oates, Oury, Claremorris; Laura Foy, Parke, Castlebar; Ali Ryan, Castlebar; Emma McDonnell, Castlebar; and Leahmay Dowling, Westport - are the youngest performers on the show.

Others to feature on the rogramme, which was recorded in the newly refurbished Claremorris Town Hall, are Dolores Keane, Johnny McEvoy, ballad group Na Fiann, Big Tom, Gene Stuart, Sam O’Doherty, Olwyn Murray, Anne Marie O’Riordan, Ciaran Rosney, Eleanor McEvoy, comic Noel V. Ginity, Frank McCaffrey, John Hogan and Susan McCann.

The show will have special guest presenters Michael Commins and Michael Fox.

Henry McGlade said: “The idea was to bring back the Christmas variety show that was very much part of Christmas viewing in the past. We were delighted such a selection of top class artists took part.”

The show will broadcast at 10 p.m. on SKY 191. Irish TV is Ireland’s newest and most exciting live digital media platform. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, IrishTV.ie is all about connecting Irish communities all over the world and bolstering Irish businesses everywhere.