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The New Season on RTÉ Television This new season, RTÉ Television will deliver a broad range, depth and diversity of high-quality home-produced programming, across all genres to appeal to audiences of all ages. A wealth of new home-produced series and documentaries, as well as new editions of returning home-produced series are designed to engage, entertain and inform throughout the season. As Irish society faces unprecedented challenges in the face of global economic circumstances, RTÉ Television offers not only a mirror to the viewing public , but a cultural sounding board and platform to engage, discuss and analyse these massive shifts in micro and macro expectations and experiences. It also offers diversion, entertainment and enrichment in the face of them. New factual series and documentaries, across Diversity, Arts and Religion strands, will explore a rich swathe of contemporary Irish life – from an examination of Ireland’s international position in the global economic slump, authored by David McWilliams, to a profile of one of Ireland’s favourite artists, Sean Scully; from a further instalment of David Coleman’s longitudinal study of Irish childhood in 21st Century Child, to a brand new four-part series entitled Does God Hate.. presented by the incomparable Marian Finucane. Historical context is provided by a fascinating historical ’what if’ scenario in If Lynch had Invaded and an alternative history of Ireland in the 20th century is authored and presented by Diarmaid Ferriter in a new three-part series. Drama offers diversion, intrigue, grit and glamour, in culturally resonant features and series from some of Ireland’s finest talent, on and off the screen. The critically-acclaimed Pure Mule returns for a Last Weekend and a new series of the popular Raw will return to our screens. Favourite Irish son Aidan Quinn appears in The Eclipse while The Clinic returns with some intriguing new faces. And of course, Fair City, Ireland’s favourite soap, in its twentieth year, will continue to be broadcast 4 days-per-week, 52 weeks-per-year. Lifestyle formats plug into and reflect a self-sufficiency theme, offering tips on living thriftily – a new series Living Lightly; cooking tastily – with Rachel Allen, Trish Deseine and a new television face in Catherine Fulvio; growing your own with Richard Corrigan; and shrinking you own – body that is, in an other series of the hugely popular Operation Transformation. Entertainment programmes promise to lift spirits with hearty topical debate, entertainment and chat from Ryan Tubridy in his first Late Late Show season while some of Ireland’s top comedians are let loose on RTÉ Two and are amongst the talent in 9 brand new and 9 returning entertainment shows. RTÉ News and Current Affairs continues to be at the forefront of events and with its consistently strong coverage of the changing political, economic and social climate, has increased audiences across all of its output. It launches its latest Current Affairs programme The Frontline with Pat Kenny next month which will instigate lively debate on the most important news stories of the week between selected guests and a studio audience.
RTÉ Sport, meanwhile, continues to deliver the best in live sport and thorough analysis while also delivering new documentaries on giants of the sporting world and key sporting moments. In this difficult economic climate it gives me particular pleasure to launch such a diverse schedule, full of quality Irish programming for viewers to engage with and enjoy. All available resources have been channelled into home-produced programming. It has been made as cost-efficiently as possible with streamlined production models, at times utilising co-production funding, in order to ensure that viewers receive the quality, range and diversity of indigenous programming they expect of us and that is our promise to them as the Irish Public Service Broadcaster – their broadcaster of choice. Happy viewing,
NOEL CURRAN Managing Director, Television
RTÉ Television operates in one of the most competitive broadcasting environments in Europe with nearly nine in ten Irish homes now multichannel. We compete for viewers against some of the world’s largest commercial broadcasters and the world’s best-funded public service broadcaster. Despite the choice available, Irish viewers choose to watch programmes made by and commissioned by RTÉ. In 2008, RTÉ Television broadcast all ten of the Top 10 most-watched programmes in Ireland. All of them were home produced, demonstrating the appeal of programming made on this island for Irish viewers. This does not make us complacent - this new season we’re offering more original, diverse and engaging programming for the Irish viewing public to enjoy. At the heart of everything we do is the desire to create programmes that innovate and entertain, inform and initiate; that reflect the Ireland we live in and ensure that RTÉ continues to deliver for our viewers. Enjoy the new season on RTÉ Television.
STEVE CARSON Director of Programmes, RTÉ Television
In addition, RTÉ Young People’s will continue to deliver the most creative and engaging indigenous programming for young people on this island, alongside the highest quality acquired material, in the ad-free environment of Den Tots for pre-schoolers, and throughout The Den for older age groups across the day. 3
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RTÉ Factual will broadcast a broad range of new programmes this new season from a series on the global economy to an alternative history of Ireland; series on Irish murders, wildlife, and the relationship between Irish men and women; as well as documentaries on the genesis of Ireland’s advertising industry and coping with debt. A depth and diversity of series and documentaries to engage, enliven and enlighten this new season.
(NEW) Addicted To Money: 3 x 52 mins
In his typically controversial style, Irish economist and commentator David McWilliams surveys the wreckage of the global economy and points to the worrying, but potentially transformative challenges ahead. David travels the world, from Europe to America to China, Australia to Latin America surveying the consequences of the great meltdown. He offers the view that this was a crisis that was avoidable, yet ironically necessary if we are to deal with the real crisis that lies just over the horizon: creating an economy that can sustain our society for the long term.
(New) The Limits of Liberty: 3 x 52 mins
Diarmaid Ferriter authors and presents an alternative history of Ireland in the 20th century: a penetrating and pointed account of life after independence as it was experienced by ordinary people. It’s the story of how the revolution of 1916-21 was organised and owned by the urban elite, who kept power to the centre and themselves in a painfully conservative new State.
(New) If Lynch had Invaded: 1 x 90 mins
At 9pm on the 13th August 1969 the Taoiseach Jack Lynch made a dramatic television broadcast on RTÉ which outlined his government’s response to the outbreak of violence in Derry the day before. The crisis marked the greatest challenge to his political career as Lynch declared that “the Irish government can no longer stand by and see innocent people injured and perhaps worse.” Co-presented by Keelin Shanley and Tom Clonan, If Lynch Invaded tells the story how Jack Lynch dealt with the crisis of August 1969, and explores what might have happened had the Irish Army crossed the border.
(New) Killers: 2 x 52 mins
A new two-part series which profiles two of the most infamous murder cases of recent times. Programme one examines the murder of Fareh Swaleh Noor by the Mulhall sisters, while the murder of Rachel O’Reilly by her husband Joe is the focus of programme two.
(New) BATTLE OF THE SEXES: 2 x 52 mins
Battle of the Sexes is a groundbreaking two-part series exploring the state of the modern Irish man, the modern Irish woman and their relationship with one another. Earlier this year, RTÉ conducted a national survey with RedC and the results form the basis of the series. In programme one, Mná na hÉireann join Miriam O’Callaghan to shoot from the hip about their men: is the modern Irish male struggling for a role? How is he performing as a parent, romantically, on the dating circuit? Is masculinity in crisis or are men still enjoying unequal power and privilege? In the second programme, the Men of Ireland join Ray D’Arcy and return fire. Has the 21st-Century Irish woman become too high maintenance, too demanding, too much hassle? The men speak frankly about sex, love and housework and whether it is time to finally let go of the reins of power.
(New) THE WAY WE WORKED: 6 x 30 mins
The Irish have a great love of the land. Yet Irish attitudes to the land have changed radically over the last fifty years. At one time the family farm was the core economic unit. Over time however, industrialisation & emigration changed the face of agricultural life in Ireland. This six-part series will look at such changes through the eyes of the working men at the coal face. Each episode will concentrate on the stories of Irish men caught up in these changes. Some of the work practices reflected in the series include; mining, bog cutting, dairy, sugar beet farming, fishing and shipyard work.
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(New) Charlie Bird’s American Year: 3 x 40 mins
Multi-award winning filmmaker Kim Bartley follows RTÉ Washington Correspondent Charlie Bird behind the scenes through an extraordinary year in American and Global Politics.
(New) The Sheriff & Me: 1 x 52 mins
An observational documentary which focuses on the sharp end of the recession, The Sheriff and Me is a series of intimate portrayals of people coping - or not - with serious debt.
(New) Ireland’s Mad Men: 1 x 40 mins
This documentary looks at the pioneers of Ireland’s advertising industry - Ireland’s original Mad Men. It charts the highs and lows of a new industry during the 60s, 70s & 80’s when it was at its peak and it also tells the story behind some of the most popular & iconic Ad campaigns from this period.
(New) The Boys of St Columb’s
This feature-length documentary follows the return of a remarkable group of boys who all attended St Columb’s College, overlooking Derry’s Bogside around the same time. The illustrious alumni include poet and Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney; novelist Seamus Deane; author and political activist - Eamonn McCann; songwriters, Phil Coulter and Paul Brady and Ambassador James Sharkey. It is the only school in the world which can boast two past pupils as Nobel Prize winners: John Hume and Seamus Heaney.
(New) The Presidency
A documentary about interests, alliances and rules of the game among the 27 Heads of State who will elect the first President of the EU.
(New) Horses 2 x 40 mins
An obversational series charting a year in an Irish stables.
Who Do You Think You Are? 6 x 52 mins
RTÉ’s second series of Who Do You Think You Are? takes six well-known Irish people on some incredible journeys through their own family history. Ryan Tubridy’s journey starts in Connemara and ends at the gates of Windsor Castle; actress Fionnula Flanagan retraces her father’s experiences in the Spanish Civil War; Ivan Yates uncovers generations of risk-taking ancestors in flour-milling, whiskey distilling and one of the greatest inventions of the modern world; Diarmuid Gavin digs up his roots in ship-building, and opera; model Rosanna Davison follows her de Burgh pedigree all the way back to the Norman Invasion; and actor Simon Delaney finds family in Missouri, Meath and a place that is almost Hollywood.
(New) The Seahorseman: 4 x 25’ mins
The Seahorseman is a one-hour documentary which tells the story of the ancient seahorse, its fight for survival and an Irish man’s dream to save it. From its daily morning mating dance to the unique way in which the male actually gives birth, the Seahorse has long been heralded in myth and legend as a wondrous creature of the sea. However this fascination may ironically be its undoing….
(New) Wild Journeys: 3 x 52’ mins
This series will feature Ireland’s most heroic wildlife travellers and the incredible journeys they undertake every single year. From the 40,000km flown annually by Arctic terns to the transatlantic voyages of our eels and salmon, to the mysterious disappearance of our Basking sharks every winter, ‘Wild Journeys’ will follow these voyagers to the ends of the Earth, showing the extraordinary challenges they meet, revealing the magnificent landscapes they visit en route. It will uncover the fascinating work of Irish scientists as they tag and track the animals across the globe and explain how a web of wildlife links all life across the continents.
(New) Growing Up Gay: 2 x 52 mins
Most people recognise their sexual orientation by age 14, but don’t speak about it until 16 or 17. A frank and sensitive exploration of emotional crisis in young lives. 6
Buyer Beware proved to be hugely popular last year in its first series. Philip Boucher Hayes is back to explore more consumer awareness issues with a second series as he investigates complaints from across the country. Ear to the Ground: 8 x 30 mins
Ear To The Ground is back this Autumn bringing engaging stories from the countryside to every living room. Presenters Helen Carroll, Daragh McCullough and Ella McSweeney will be reporting on how the rural community isoping with the recession and will be seeking out stories of invovation and hope in this time of changing fortunes.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year: 3 x 30 & 1 x 60 mins
In a year where there is renewed focus in the county on the value of entrepreneurship, this four part series celebrates the best of Irish business activity. Across a range of categories, nominees from across the country are profiled culminating in an award ceremony in October. We meet their families and friends and find out what makes an entrepreneur. This year’s nominees include designer Orla Kiely, family favourites Flahavans food company and the makers of “Give up yer aul sins”, Brown Bag Films. In the final programme, we will find out what makes a winning entrepreneur as the successor to John Flaherty (C&F), Moya Doherty (Riverdance) and Eddie Jordan is announced.
Crimecall 9 x 40 mins
Con Murphy and Anne Cassin return to the helm and once more, will be looking for your help and co-operation. to solve crime. With reconstructions, CCTV footage, breaking news stories and features, Crimecall will continue to help Gardaí fight crime using information from viewers’ calls.
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In 2010, our new arts documentary strand will include new documentaries ranging from the dark worlds of writers Eugene McCabe and John Connolly, to a uniquely intimate portrait of songwriter and singer Gilbert O’Sullivan and a fascinating examination of the connection between art and violence, through the eyes of painter and long-time boxing fan Sean Scully. (New) John Connolly: Of Blood and Lost Things: 1 x 52 mins
Shot in Dublin and an atmospherically wintry Maine, USA, the setting for many of John Connolly’s hugely successful novels, John Connolly: Of Blood and Lost Things traces 39-year-old Connolly’s journey from jobbing journalist with The Irish Times to publishing superstardom. Connolly didn’t grow up in a literary home and his identity as something of a loner was forged early on. Going directly from school to his first job in the Dublin Corporation’s Housing Department, Connolly saved hard for university, studying English at Trinity College, going on to journalism and the bestselling success of his first novel Every Dead Thing, which launched his flawed protagonist, P.I., Charlie (Bird) Parker.
(New) A Time of War: 1 x 52 mins
A Time of War tells the story of the Northern conflict through the writings of one of its most acute and powerful commentators – playwright, screenwriter and novelist Eugene McCabe. By interweaving significant milestones in the life and work of McCabe with milestones in the gestation, development and resolution of the Northern Troubles, A Time of War shows how one of Ireland’s most distinguished writers came to produce a compellingly vivid and perceptive fictional account of that conflict.
(New) Gilbert O’Sullivan: 1 x 52 mins
For the first time in his long and colourful career, this defensively private artist has agreed to allow a documentary crew into his life as he writes, records and tours across 2008 and 2009. Hardworking, sometimes moody and an oddly charming figure, Gilbert O’Sullivan still cuts a youthful figure with his legendary shock of curly hair, convinced that he’s a victim of ageism within the music industry. Obsessively tidy, he brings his own mirror and teapot with him when he goes on tour. Welcome to the world of Gilbert O’Sullivan.
(New) Sean Scully: 1 x 52 mins
As a young boy, painter Sean Scully’s family emigrated to London where he lived amongst a highly eccentric and bohemian Irish community in Islington. His obsession with boxing began back then in the mythical gyms of the East End. Twelve Rounds with Sean Scully will find Scully engaging with - in his own highly idiosyncratic way - an iconic character from the world of boxing. These will include: Dublin-born, Sheffield-based trainer Brendan Ingle; Monaghan heavyweight and Tyson’s nemesis Kevin McBride; former World Featherweight Champion Barry McGuigan, against whom the talented Nigerian boxer Young Ali died fighting.
The View
John Kelly and a guest panel return each week to discuss topical arts and cultural issues.
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RTÉ Diversity incorporates educational and multicultural programming, agus Cláracha Gaeilge. A hugely energetic programming division within RTÉ Television, this new season delivers four new series as well as the return of the RTÉ’s landmark series 21st Century Child and a new series of Teens in the Wild. (New) The School: 3 x 40 mins
This innovative observational documentary series follows the stories and dramas of the students and teachers of a Co Meath secondary school over one academic year, offering a view of school life that has not been seen before on Irish television.
(New) CSÍ Fada: 5 x 30 mins
CSÍFadaisaseriesofdocumentaryprogrammesfeaturingIrishhistoricalcrimestoriesandrevealingunexpected twists and turns with elements of who-dunnit, modern forensic analysis and cold case review.
(New) Music Changes Lives: 4 x 52 mins
A groundbreaking four-part series of challenging and uplifting educational documentaries exploring one of the most innovative programmes operating in the Irish education system which uses the power of music as an ‘intervention’ tool for positive change. Filmed in some of Dublin’s most disadvantaged schools it will illustrate through extraordinary personal stories how the simple act of learning to play an instrument can give children, a fresh start and a brighter future.
(New) Beyond the Berlin Wall: 4 x 26 mins
Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, this four-part series goes behind the shadows of the fallen walls of Eastern Europe, looking anew at the former eastern block countries and talking to people who, once upon a time, were not free to talk.
21st Century Child: 4 x 52 mins
A brand new series of RTÉ’s landmark programme, which traces the development of the same group of 12 children over their first six years of life and examines the challenges and choices faced by their parents. Presented by Clinical Psychologist David Coleman, this new series returns as our children grow towards their second birthday and Ireland’s recession has hit the families. Some marriages have broken down and some of the 21st Century Children are moving away from Ireland. But it’s not all doom and gloom. At the centre of it are the 21st Century Children, now walking and talking, with a new sense of who they are... and in some cases a new brother and sister on the way!
Teens in the Wild: 4 x 52 mins
Following the success of the first series, Teens in the Wild returns for a brand new series but this time the focus is on teenage girls. Presented by Clinical Psychologist David Coleman, this four-part observational documentary series, follows the progress of a group of young girls experiencing the struggles of teenage years as they attend a unique 21 day activity and therapy programme.
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Does God Hate…? 4 x 30 mins
Most faiths agree that God is all-loving, merciful and benign. So, how come believers so often use religion to justify - even sanctify - violence, misogyny, homophobia, prejudice, priggishness and irrationalism? Over the course of four programmes Marion Finucane chairs a series of lively studio discussions, in which she asks people from a variety of faiths: Does God Hate… Sex, Science, Women and Peace?
Would You Believe 6 x 30 mins RTÉ’s longest-running documentary strand returns with a strong run of stories about the things people believe, and the things they do, to give life meaning. Included in the autumn series will be films about Willie Corduff, a farmer, whose life has been transformed by his involvement in the campaign against a proposed Corrib pipeline in North Mayo; Esther Wren, whose young daughter and husband both died of cancer and who has herself suffered two bouts of the disease, and yet manages to maintain her Christian faith; and Colm O’Gorman, a survivor of clerical sexual abuse, who refuses to let that experience define him. Joe Duffy’s Spirit Level 4 x 45 mins
Joe Duffy’s religious magazine programme, on the fourth Sunday of each month, at 11.15am continues to offer a rich mixture of contemporary religious discussions, interviews, features and music.
WORSHIP PROGRAMMES
will continue to feature a rich and diverse range of religious expression from all the major Christian denominations and Ireland’s minority faith communities.
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RTÉ Television continues to provide high-quality, home-produced drama reflecting Irish life this new season. Autumn sees the 20th anniversary of Ireland’s most popular soap Fair City, as well as a new instalment of the highly-popular and critically acclaimed series Pure Mule. A new doctor arrives at The Clinic as the award-winning series returns, while the restaurant is open for business in Raw, with six new episodes, new characters and new dilemmas for the staff. The best in Irish writing and directing talent is showcased in The Eclipse with proven creative players headlining in this feature-length drama. Co-written by Billy Roche and renowned playwright Conor McPherson, who also directs, The Eclipse stars Aidan Quinn, Ciarán Hinds and Iben Hjejle. A diverse slate of Irish drama, reflecting Irish life to suit a variety of tastes.
Fair City
The clinic
(New) Pure Mule- The Last Weekend
Raw
Fair City celebrates its 20th anniversary this autumn and continues to go from strength to strength with four episodes a week delivering consisting high audiences and confirming its place as Ireland’s favourite soap. This autumn, the residents celebrate the Carrigstown Centenary, marked by a hotlycontested mayoral race, a retrospective exhibition and parade and a bumper-filled fortnight of explosive storylines. Also in the offing are new relationships for Christy, Carol and Yvonne. Meanwhile Bill and Annette, and Bob and Renee are on thornier paths, romantically. And Brendan’s sensational trial for murder will keep all of Carrigstown tightly wound, in November.
The Last Weekend reunites many of the much-loved characters of the original series set in a community now in economic freefall. Written by Eugene O’Brien and directed by Declan Recks, Pure Mule: The Last Weekend finds Scobie (Garrett Lombard) with his bags packed for Australia and Jennifer (Charlene McKenna) back in town for a family funeral with a new boyfriend in tow. It also stars Dawn Bradfield, Simone Kirby, Gail Fitzpatrick, Orla Fitzgerald and Liam Carney. A critical and audience success when the original series aired over six episodes in 2005, Pure Mule also went on to collect a number of awards.
(New) The Eclipse
The Eclipse is based on a supernatural love story by author Billy Roche and was co-adapted by Billy and renowned playwright Conor McPherson (The Seafarer, The Weir), who also directs. Starring Aidan Quinn, Ciarán Hinds and Iben Hjejle, it tells the story of widower Michael (Hinds), who, in an effort to find solace over the death of his wife, befriends Lena Morelle (Hjejle), a writer who specialises in the supernatural, during a literary festival in Cobh. Events spiral towards the paranormal when Michael finds himself confronted by strange visions, as well as having to contend with a flesh-andblood menace in the form of author Nicholas Holden (Quinn), who is determined to prevent Michael and Lena from becoming too close.
RTÉ’s hit medical drama returns for a seventh series. Dan’s (Dominic Mafham) efforts to leave the past in the past are scuppered as a medical council tribunal threatens both his career and his reputation. Daisy (Amy Huberman) is operating way outside her comfort zone as the economic downturn bites hard and threatens the existence of the clinic. Clodagh (Leigh Arnold) has moved in with Lorcan (Mark Dymond) but domestic harmony is put under pressure by the arrival of Madison (Sophie Jo Wassom), Lorcan’s daughter. And a new doctor, Edel Swift (Voctoria Smurfit), arrives in the clinic with a nononsense approach.
Dublin’s RAW restaurant has been forced to shut with its loyal staff now working elsewhere. However, a new owner, Fiona (Aisling O’Sullivan), steps into the breach determined to make the restaurant a success again. Geoff (Damon Gameau) is hired as head-chef and immediately begins recruiting his old work mates including boyfriend Pavel (Kristof Pavel), Jojo (Charlene McKenna), Shane (Keith McErlean), Richard (Joe Doyle), and of course Tiny (James Akpotor). Bobby’s (Liam Garrigan) special powers with the ladies seem to be on the wane as Jojo’s head is turned by a new waiter Dylan (Paul Reid). Pavel (Kristof Hadek) as front of house manager, has responsibility thrust upon him and Shane (Keith McErlean) is far from Geoff’s first choice as commis chef, but needs must. As always, the complicated personal lives of the staff overflow into the restaurant making life in RAW as dramatic as ever!
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RTÉ News and Current Affairs provides accurate, comprehensive, trustworthy and impartial reporting of national and international news in Irish and English across both television channels and a range of programming covering the important issues of the day, raising debate on topics of national interest and exploring aspects of life in Ireland through its in-depth investigations. THE FRONTLINE
A brand new weekly current affairs programme presented by Pat Kenny, starts on Monday, 28th September at 10.30pm. Pat will be on The Frontline each week to host debate on the major political, economic and social issues of the day between studio guests and an invited audience.
RTÉ NEWS
The SIX ONE and NINE television news programmes are produced by RTÉ News, as well as five News bulletins per day on RTÉ One and the late evening RTÉ NEWS ON TWO. RTÉ also produces the NUACHT bulletins on RTÉ One and TG4 and the children’s News service, news2day, which transmits each weekday afternoon during The Den on RTÉ Two.
Nationwide
The ever-popular Nationwide, with Michael Ryan and Mary Kennedy, is at 7.00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on RTÉ One with an eclectic round-up of news, views and events from around the country.
Capital D, The weekly programme featuring the people and places of greater Dublin and presented by Anne Cassin, is back on Thursday nights at 7.00pm on RTÉ One.
The Week in Politics
Sean O’Rourke looks at the political events of the week each Sunday evening and with Oireachtas Report and Leaders Questions, viewers can catch the daily events inside Dáil Eireann.
One to One
A new series of the popular weekly programme returns featuring more in-depth interviews with national and international figures. Presented by senior RTÉ presenters and correspondents, the new series includes interviews with leading world scientist, Professor Michael McIlroy; celebrated author Joseph O’Connor; former Minister for Finance, Richie Ryan; Irish playwright, novelist, and poet, Sebastian Barry; former Fine Gael politician and former President of the High Court, Declan Costello, eco-pioneer, Professor James Lovelock and Chief Advisor on humanitarian affairs for the President of the United Nations, Dr. Kevin Cahill.
Prime Time
Prime Time will bring more in-depth analysis of current issues and topical reports every Tuesday and Thursday with Miriam O’Callaghan and Mark Little, while Prime Time Investigates, the awardwinning series of investigations exploring national and international issues, returns this winter.
RTÉ News is available on a 24-hour basis on rte.ie/news
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With brand new home-produced series, new faces and new editions of returning series, RTÉ Television delivers a variety of quality Irish entertainment to banish those recession blues. From the world’s longest running chat show with new host Ryan Tubridy at the helm, to brand new music in Karl Spain Wants to Rock! And new talent in the All Ireland Talent Show, RTÉ Entertainment has also enlisted some of the country’s best known comedy talent for a wealth of new programming on RTÉ Two. The new season from RTÉ Entertainment features Ardal O’Hanlon, Jason Byrne, Karl Spain, Maeve Higgins, David McSavage, Neil Delamere, Colin Murphy, Andrew Maxwell, Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain and Alan Shortt along with Sarah & Steve, Tallaght’s answer to Dan & Becs and the inimitable Podge & Rodge.
The Late Late Show
Winning Streak, sees five contestants play for a chance to win some great cash prizes. The
(New) Val Falvey T.D.
Now in their 35th year, the People of the Year Awards recognise inspirational, courageous, talented and dedicated members of our society. They are the predominant vehicle for public recognition of the greatest achievements of the year in Ireland. Televised live by RTÉ since 1983, this year’s glittering event will take place at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin on Saturday, 12th September 2009 and will be presented by Gráinne Seoige.
The longest running chat show in the world returns this September with its brand new host Ryan Tubridy. Now in its 37th year, The Late Late Show has consistently been the most successful television show in the country, enthralling viewers with its unique blend of international celebrities, music and entertainment along with in-depth interviews and discussions on the news stories that have the nation taking.
Ardal O’Hanlon stars as recently elected TD Val Falvey in this brand new six-part series written by Arthur Mathews (Father Ted) and Paul Woodfull (Stew). Through bumbling, the lack of sufficient political cunning, and sheer bad luck, Val stumbles from one crisis to another with his unwanted knack for constantly getting into trouble landing him in deep water with the party whip, his constituents and his family alike. The life of a rural TD is rarely glamorous and puts severe pressure on Val’s fragile ego. A tough job - but somebody’s got to do it.
All Ireland Talent Show
One of last season’s biggest hits, the All Ireland Talent Show returns on a mission to uncover the most engaging, exciting, impressive and entertaining talents this country has to offer. Last year’s winners, The Mulkerrin Brothers captured the heart of the nation and brought victory to the West and to their champion Daithi O Se. The rivalry between the regions will be reignited this year as more talent is uncovered and broadcast live to the nation.
top prize on the gameshow is 500,000 and players can walk away with more than that depending on how much they win during the course of the show. Remaining faithful to the Winning Streak tradition, but with an extra dash of tension and excitement, tune in for what promises to be a fun, entertaining show for all the family on Saturday nights this Autumn.
People of the Year
Ryan Confidential
Gerry Ryan returns with a series of intimate conversations from a wide range of high profile guests, revealing some of those sides of a well-known personality that the public seldom get to see.
Up for the Match
Des Cahill and Grainne Seoige return to present Up for the Match, two programmes looking forward to the All Ireland Senior Hurling and Football Finals with well-known faces from the competing counties appearing on the show, and plenty of lively chat and music.
The Panel
The Panel returns with some of Ireland’s top comedy talent acasting a wry eye on the week’s events with topical guests. 23
(New) 10 O’Clock Show (Title TBC): 9 x 30 mins
A brand new topical comedy show, recorded in front of a studio audience which looks back on the events of the week – it’s about TV, celebrity, movies, ads and anything else worth having a laugh about. There’ll be audience participation, new comedy inserts, special reports from up and coming comedians, and a lot of messing about.
(New) Byrne Ultimatum: 6 x 25 mins
Silly, that’s what the country needs right now and that’s exactly what it’ll get with this brand new sixpart panel show presented by Jason Byrne. With two teams and two rounds, points will be awarded and scores declared but really this is a show where it’s more about the taking part, then the winning. To help him keep track of the proceedings each week, Jason will enlist a member of the studio audience to co-present the show with him. He’ll also be appointing an audience member as the show’s musical director. What could possibly go wrong for these lucky individuals as they find themselves centre stage at a Jason Byrne run circus?
(New) Karl Spain Wants To Rock! 5 x 30mins
The search for Ireland’s greatest hard-rock tribute band begins….Karl Spain Wants to Rock is a brand new 5-part documentary music series highlighting Irelands first ever battle of the tribute bands tour. This high-octane series will bring five rock tribute bands to new heights exploring the double lives they lead. Mentored by iconic legendary figures of the hard rock world including Saxon’s main-man Biff Byford, the well respected Brian Tatler of Diamond Head, and of course the man that helped shape Thin Lizzy, Brian Robertson The winner will go on to headline Glaston budget in the UK, the mecca of international tribute bands!
(New) PJ’s Big Ride 1 x 60 mins
PJ Gallagher is on a mission. An experienced biker, he has always loved riding motorbikes but now he’s decided to take it one step further. He going to compete in this year’s Irish Clubman’s Track Race against thirty experienced riders in Mondello Park and he’s aiming for a top 10 finish.
(New) Maeve Higgins’ Fancy Vittles: 4x 30 mins
Fancy Vittles a is series written and performed by the comedian Maeve Higgins. Set in a country kitchen Maeve helps her sister Lilly, a brilliant cook, to prepare minor feasts for various people. The sisters poach a whole fish to impress their boyfriends, make appetizers for a dead pet’s anniversary dinner and construct a lollipop tree for some children they vaguely know. The whole time Maeve talks through her ideas and feelings about the guests and the food, while Lilly stays quite quiet. The sisters’ words and food are complemented by beautiful archive footage of Ireland in the past and magical stop-frame animation.
(New) THE SAVAGE EYE: 6 x 25mins
Following from the success of his Project HA HA pilot earlier this year, comedian David McSavage returns with a new 6-part series. The Savage Eye is a satirical and often surreal examination of subjects close to the hearts of the Irish people with McSavage focusing each week on a different area of interest in Irish life from sex to religion to the arts and property. The series will also feature comedy sketches performed by a number of well-known Irish actors and comedians, including Declan Rooney, Pat McDonnell, Eleanor Tiernan, Gerard McSorley, and even Twink!
(New) Sarah & Steve: 10 X 10 mins
Sarah & Steve is a new comedy from the makers of Dan & Becs which inter-cuts the video diaries of the two main characters as they discuss their struggling relationship, stagnant careers, and the highs and lows of growing up on rival housing estates in Tallaght. Starring Charlene Gleeson and Emmet Kirwan and written by David Coffey and Emmet Kirwan.
(New) Podge & Rodge’s Stickit Inn
Podge & Rodge return for a brand-new weekly show. Like the rest of the country, the recession has the O’Leprosy brothers where it hurts and Ballydung Manor has now been repossessed. However, being the cute hooers that they are, they’ve invested their remaining cash in the safest place they can think of - a country pub. So brace yourself folks, because come October, Podge & Rodge are opening their doors to you and a few celebrity guests, and every Tuesday is quiz night! So tune in to see famous faces battle it out over a pint for the Stickitt Inn top prize - it could be a saddle of lamb, a hock of ham or a thick ear. 24
MUSIC (New) All Island School Choir
The pick of the country’s second level school choirs will star in this five programme series presented by Anne Cassin. A panel of adjudicators will select the four finalists at regional heats in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Sligo on successive Sundays, beginning Sunday 18th October, with the final being broadcast in an hour-long live show, on 15th November from Belfast’s Ulster Hall.
TRANSATLANTIC SESSIONS: 6 x30 mins
Transatlantic Sessions is back with a fourth series this Autumn. These programmes that feature the best of bluegrass, cajun, jigs and hornpipes with renowned stars of Irish, American and Scottish traditional music.
Come West Along The Road 13 x 30 mins
One of RTÉ’s most popular long-running musical entertainment programmes, Come West Along The Road returns to our screens, delving into the rich archive for more jewels from the past.
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New formats, new features and new faces, this season RTÉ Lifestyle will bring nine new series to screens alongside nine returning shows. (New) Living lightly
Reduce, reuse, borrow, barter, choose cheaper alternatives, break bad habits, grow your own or do without. Spend less. Live a better life. Welcome to Recession 2.0. Living Lightly is a timely and illuminating six-part series that follows three Irish families as they strive to revolutionise the cost and quality of their lives. For ninety days, they’ll be advised, monitored and mentored by two sympathetic taskmasters: consumer expert Conor Pope, who’ll audit their spending and set targets designed to reduce it, and ‘frugal enthusiast’ Ella McSweeney who’ll suggest alternatives and offer practical help. On the agenda: everything from reducing fuel and transport bills to rehabilitating impulse shoppers, fast food fanatics and treat-addicts.
(New) Baz’s Culture Clash
Baz’s Culture Clash is a new factual entertainment series for RTÉ Two in which Baz Ashmawy takes an at times humorous, and at times dark journey into six very different worlds – be it Reborn Hells Angels; Paps and celebrity look-a-likes, or America’s new sexual revolution – The Silver Ring Thing. Along the way Baz ends up cooking up road kill he scooped up twenty minutes before; letting off some pent up anger during a session of scream therapy; hanging out with an ex LA gang leader who preaches the word of the Lord using Hip Hop and going under hypnosis with a secret coven of witches in a small Irish town.
(New) Feargal Quinn’s Retail Therapy
Retail in Ireland is on the floor. It’s a big employer in our economy. The sector provides jobs in the hundred of thousands. The credit crunch is taking a wrecking ball to Irish businesses that have been going concerns for decades. Enter Feargal Quinn, the grocer know for being trustworthy, straight talking and a genius at retail. Feargal Quinn knows how hard retail can be, but he also knows how to make it work brilliantly. In Feargal Quinn’s Retail Therapy he will be working with six Irish retail businesses - providing them with advice as to how to survive the economic downturn.
(New) Health of the Nation
In this brand new series, Dr Mark Hamilton from the acclaimed series How Long Will You Live, travels the country with new presenter Dr Nina Byrnes meeting the public in specially created mobile clinics as they discuss their medical worries and diagnose their conditions. Each week a part of the show will focus on particular condition with the aim of increasing awareness and encouraging the public to take action to protect their health.
(New) Victoria and Shane’s Garden 1 X 52 mins
This entertaining ob-doc will follow rock wife Victoria Mary Clarke as she tries to get husband Shane McGowan to live The Good Life. Inspired by Michelle Obama, she intends to start her own allotment and will be helped face this challenge by friends and family. But Victoria is no expert gardener: she once inadvertently grew potatoes from an old potato which had been dumped in the flower bed. And Shane, though supportive of her efforts, hasn’t had anything to do with gardening since he left Tipperary aged 6 - and he doesn’t intend to start now. An entertaining alternative to all the how-to gardening programmes, it should raise a smile and be a comfort to all those struggling in vain to grow their own.
(New) My Showhouse
My Showhouse gives the top rating interior design series Showhouse an additional twist after five successful years on RTÉ One. My Showhouse steps into the lives of people who want to transform their own homes. From new owners wanting to put their stamp on the property to homeowners who want to revamp their existing places. Neville Knott, Showhouse’s expert presenter arrives on the scene with two very different professional interior designers. After consultation the homeowners choose one designer to work with. In return for the services of the interior designer the homeowner agree to open their fully transformed house to the public for one day.
(New) Stone Cold Sober: 4 x 25 mins
Meet six regular guys from Tullow in Co. Carlow- Gerry, Liam, Matty, Jimmy, Pugs and Chopper. Six guys who like nothing more than to have a few drinks. This is all about to change as they have decided to give up alcohol for six months to see what else there is to do. This four part series follows them on their six-month journey from Tullow to Ibiza as they discover what being on the dry is all about.
(New) Catherine’s Italian Kitchen
Don’t expect a list of weights and measurements, that’s not Catherine Fulivo’s style! Instead sit back and enjoy a distillation of the spirit of Southern Italy in this brand new six-part series. Each programme will feature three recipes, all linked by colourful films from the area, featuring the characters and the places that make the food landscape complete, visiting markets, seaports and vineyards and meeting locals in their homes and villas.
(New) Trish’s French Country Kitchen: 6 x 30 mins
With the fierce heat of the summer sun a quickly fading memory, Trish Deseine follows on from her last series Trish’s Mediterranean Kitchen with a look at the riches of autumn in this new series Trish’s French Country Kitchen. She stays firmly in the south of her adopted country, to bring us more of the food and drink that distinguishes the Provencal region. 27
(New) Rachel Allen: Home Cooking
Family food gets the Rachel Allen treatment in her new 13- part series. Rachel shows families struggling for cooking inspiration how to create the perfect roast, the tastiest fish pie and puddings to die for! Join Rachel at her family cookery school and re-discover the simple pleasures of nutritious home cooked food, prepared and eaten together as a family.
At Your Service
Expert hoteliers Francis and John Brennan return to our screens for a brand new eight-part series of At Your Service. Francis and John Brennan are brothers and proprietors of the famous 5-star Park Hotel Kenmare in County Kerry. Once again they’ll be helping the owners of B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels throughout Ireland who are struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
Corrigan’s City Farm blooms in this new series. The allotments are bursting with fresh Off The Rails Stylists Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney are back for the new season of Off produce and the volunteers are busy cultivating plans of their own. Richard explores exciting new dishes and is on a mission to get the best value for Irish families, challenging the cost of food in the shops and showing the viewer how to take on supermarket chains and big suppliers. The champion of the small producer cooks a range of family feasts, some costing less than 2 euro a head. New ingredients including goats and turkeys are delivered alive and are being lined up for Christmas. There is fabulous food, success and struggle, a saucy project X and presiding over it all ….the inimitable Richard Corrigan.
The Restaurant
Six new celebrities take on The Restaurant culinary challenge to produce a top class, 3-course menu with 2 value-for-money wines with three top food critics delivering their verdict and a star rating from one to five.
the Rails. With expert tips on the do’s and don’ts of shopping they guarantee to show you how to make the most of your body shape while also bringing you the latest in trends, a look at what’s hot on the high street, beauty tips and the insiders guide to all things fashion.
Operation Transformation: Series 3
It begins on 2FM, followed on RTÉ.ie and seen on RTÉ TV. The Gerry Ryan Show launches the third season of Operation Transformation with the search for five leaders who will take up the challenge of following the plan set by the experts and leading the nation to become fitter and thinner. The plan is easy to follow on RTÉ.ie and costs nothing. Last season the web traffic increased by over 40% and this year Operation Transformation will be a bigger national event with more opportunities for people to get involved nationwide.
The Afternoon Show
The Afternoon Show returns later and longer for the 2009/2010 season, with a new later time slot, and its popular mix of topical entertainment and chat.
Room to Improve
The hit series Room to Improve is back, with architect Dermot Bannon taking on bigger and more complex projects than ever before. So while Dermot Bannon may have even more room to improve than ever, his creative and problem solving skills will be challenged to the limits with his clients looking for better value for money and designs that will work just as well in ten years time as they do today. Each home, built for now but designed for the future, Room to Improve will be bigger and better than ever.
About the House
Duncan Stewart returns to present the 10th season of About The House featuring a large variety of projects including new-builds, renovations and extensions.
Dealers
Antique dealer and President of the Irish Antique Dealers Association, George Stacpoole, and art deco dealer Niall Mullen return for a brand new 10-part series that follows the highs and lows of buying and selling antiques.
No Frontiers
Kathryn Thomas and No Frontiers returns to provide some much needed sunshine this new season. Over 13 programmes, No Frontiers will bring viewers the very best armchair travel from around the globe, as well as world-class affordable holiday options at home and in Europe.
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RTÉ Young Peoples has an impressive new season line-up, with 8 new series and 12 returning popular programmes. From pre-schoolers to teenagers, our output explores and reflects the world that children in Ireland experience growing up, through programming which involves magic, mystery, fun, education and entertainment. RTÉ delivers a range of unique, stimulating and reactive television programming for our younger viewers to engage with, take part in and enjoy within an Irish cultural context.
(NEW) Test the Teachers
Every day in every school in the country Teachers are testing pupils …but now it is time to turn the tables!! Test The Teachers is a new 10- part series, which does exactly what it says in the title. Pupils get the chance to test teachers from another school by setting questions tasks and challenges which they can handle – but can the teachers?
(NEW) The Shrinks are a group of children, aged 9-13, who give adults advice on how to
solve their lifestyle problems. No problem (or person) is too big or small for our team of intrepid trouble-shooters as they attempt to show the grown-ups that youth is no barrier to wisdom. From a retiring School Principal in need of a make-over to a Shopaholic looking for advice on how to curb her spending, adults are put through their paces by these young but inventive problem solvers.
(NEW) Band from School takes bands and musicians back to re-visit the schools they
attended as children. They reminisce about their own school days, meet the teachers that inspired them [or not] and remember the experiences in school that inspired their musical careers. Wallis Bird; Giveamanakick, The Sawdoctors and Mark Greaney (JJ72) feature in this first series.
(NEW) The Guitar
Following nationwide auditions, 16 of Irelands most electric young guitarists are given an opportunity to play and win Fender’s extraordinary – and incredibly rare – Rory Gallagher Tribute Stratocaster guitar. The performances will air on TV and viewers vote for who they believe to be the most deserving of such an incredible prize.
(NEW) Garth and Bev live in the beautiful village of Ballybeg, surrounded by nature. But they’re no ordinary siblings, though! With a little druid magic from their Grandfather, Lir, they travel through the ‘Time Spiral’ on amazing adventures to find out how, behind every great idea…’Nature has all the answers’.
(NEW) HAPPY VALLEY is an animated pre-school series based on traditional and contemporary nursery rhymes and songs. Each episode takes a song theme as its focus and weaves a simple tale around the lives of the nursery school children of Happy Valley and their families. (NEW) The Variety Show is an animated parody of the talent shows that have swept our
TV schedules over the past few years. On every episode, contestants try their best to impress the judges, all in pursuit of their 60 seconds of fame. But events never go as planned.
(NEW) ROY
This is the story of a growing boy. A unique boy, but a boy with a heart [albeit one that pops out of his chest at inopportune moments]. Roy is a living cartoon, marooned in the real world.
EYE2EYE
Select audiences of young fans are once again given the opportunity to put their questions to some of Ireland’s most high-profile personalities. Guests on this season’s exhilarating series include The President Of Ireland, Mary McAleese, comedian and actor Pat Shortt, popstar Eoghan Quigg, world champion boxer Bernard Dunne, supermodel Erin O’Connor and some of Ireland’s best-known rugby stars.
Aisling’s Summer Diary
Aisling’s Diary follows the life of an Irish-American teenager as she returns with her family to live in Ireland and attempts to fit in. We pick up Aisling’s story in this daily bite-sized teen soap as she finishes her first school year and first romance, and begins her summer holidays. working in an Irish seaside hotel! Together with her close friends, Siobhan and Ali, the drama unfolds with all the ingredients for a great teenage summer – rivalry, conspiracy, romance and cooking!!!! 31
Quizone
The popular activity and general knowledge quiz game, is back! Three teams of five players aged between 9-11yrs compete in a game that combines searching for answers with general knowledge questions and a physical race through an obstacle maze.
Sweded TV is back, giving four more groups of teenagers from across the country the opportunity to spend a week making their own versions of popular TV shows. Watch out to see shows like Bear Grylls, Desperate Housewives, and Crimecall - among others - get the ‘sweded’ treatment! Den Tots
The acclaimed pre-school series will be returning for a fifth series in September! Tune in for more early morning fun with numbers, letters, songs and drawings.
ICE
Daily, quick-fire magazine show for 8 – 12 year-olds returns for a third series; - featuring celebrity interviews, a brand new, in-show drama, ‘Who Is Jamie Crowe?’ and an extended and an expanded nationwide children’s talent show, Star Search.
Kazoo is back featuring studio chat, games, dancing and make-and-do. This season Kazoo launches
a brand new series about children and their pets called Animania and also debuts a new series of The Art Factory.
RED
This award-winning on-line series returns for a second season. Featuring vlogs, blogs, up-loads, downloads, comedy, drama and music.
T.O.A.S.T is back for a second season, and this time around its even more jam-packed with fun and
general knowledge questions ! Every week two teams aged 10 – 14 will go head to head in a series of games that will test their physical and mental strength and also their funny bones. Couch potatoes need not apply!
Watch your Language
The pacey, language-based quiz show for 8-12 year old viewers is back, full of brain bending puzzles, backwards spelling, txt speak, decoding, alphabet grids and more.
The Café
The weekend starts for real on Fridays at 7PM with The Café! This fast- paced chat show presented by Aidan Power brings you the best of celebrity guests, great music and comedy.
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This coming season RTÉ Sport will once again deliver quality coverage and decisive analysis of a range of national and international events, from GAA to soccer, rugby, boxing horse racing and athletics, as well as a number of minority sporting events in the OB Sport series, and four brand new documentaries exploring the stories behind the sporting headlines. (NEW) One Weekend in September: RTÉ One
It’s the All-Ireland Football Final weekend as you’ve never seen it before. This one-hour TV documentary and online event will bring you extraordinary behind-the-scenes access to Croke Park, the people and the twenty-first century technology which backs up the epic battle on the pitch. From the prematch build-up right through to post-match clean-up, camera crews will capture it all, revealing the background to the exhilaration of an 80,000-strong crowd and a massive sporting event.
(new) Liam Mulvihill: RTÉ One
A new documentary profiling the former Director General of the GAA, Liam Mulvihill.
(new) Vincent O’Brien: RTÉ One
Vincent O’Brien was widely regarded as the finest racehorse trainer of the last century. During a 51-year career in which he transformed many aspects of thoroughbred racing, O’Brien won 27 Irish Classic races as well as a further 16 in Britain. This hour-long documentary explores the life and times of Vincent O’Brien from horse racing experts and his family and friends.
(new) Ireland’s Grand Slam Journey: RTÉ One
From the award-winning producer of Reaching for Glory, this hour-long documentary looks back at Ireland’s Grand Slam victory and includes previously unseen footage.
GAA The Sunday Game: RTÉ Two
Live coverage of the All-Ireland semi-finals and finals in both hurling and football will be broadcast live on RTÉ’s The Sunday Game Live while further analysis and discussion of all the action will feature on the evening programme, The Sunday Game.
The Road to Croker: RTÉ Two
With its new magazine style format and half-hour time slot at the beginning of every weekend for this year’s Championship, the popular GAA programme is the one to watch for star name interviews, nostalgia and grassroots issues as the GAA season comes to a climax.
Sunday Sport: RTÉ Two
With highlights of all the national league action, Sunday Sport will return in the New Year.
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Rugby
Soccer
Autumn Rugby Internationals: RTÉ Two
For international, European and domestic soccer, RTÉ Two will be the channel of choice with live coverage of the last three of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers when they face Cyprus, Italy and Montenegro as well as highlights of international soccer friendly matches, including Ireland v South Africa at Thomond Park in September.
RTÉ television will broadcast live coverage of Ireland’s Autumn Internationals against Australia, Fiji and South Africa and we’ll follow the fortunes of France in their Autumn Internationals against South Africa, Samoa and New Zealand. We’ll have highlights from the Heineken Cup and, as Ireland bids for another Grand Slam victory, viewers can tune into RTÉ for live coverage of all matches in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship.
Against The Head: RTÉ Two
In 2010, the new series of Against the Head will cover the busiest period of the rugby season, including the latest news and action from the RBS 6 Nations, Heineken Cup, Magners League and AIB League.
The Champions League and premier soccer: RTÉ Two
Broadcasting live first choices matches on Wednesday nights as well as comprehensive coverage of every round of the Champions League, RTÉ Two will also feature highlights of the best the action from the Premier League in Premier Soccer.
Domestic Soccer: RTÉ Two
Live games from the League of Ireland and both FAI Ford Cup semi-finals plus the final itself will be broadcast on RTÉ Two while MNS (Monday Night Soccer), the hour-long programme dedicated to domestic Irish soccer, also continues providing coverage of the latest League of Ireland action with highlights of every top-flight match so that fans can catch every crucial moment of the League.
Pro Box Live Boxing fans can look forward to live coverage of Bernard Dunne’s much-anticipated fight to retain his WBA Super-Bantamweight World Title as he faces Thai fighter Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym at the O2 in Dublin on 26 September. Watch it exclusively on RTÉ Two.
Racing: RTÉ One and RTÉ Two
Coverage of Ireland’s top races continues with the Champion Stakes, the Irish St. Leger and the National Stakes this autumn, before wrapping up the year with the four-day Leopardstown festival in December and Cheltenham taking centre stage in March.
Athletics RTÉ Two will also broadcast live coverage of the European Cross Country Championships when they take place in Dublin in December, and viewers can watch coverage of the Irish Indoor Athletics Championships and Great Ireland Run in early 2010.
OB Sport: RTÉ Two
This new season, OB Sports Specials will broadcast coverage of a wide range of events including the European Nations Hockey Championship (Women) and World Senior Boxing Championships. 36
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International documentaries as well as the best of US drama will sit alongside the pearls of our home-produced programming in the new season when massive hits such as Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and CSI return in their latest series. The Mentalist, which has proven to be very popular in its first season on RTÉ One this year, will also return for a second series while on RTÉ Two, the critically acclaimed Rescue Me is back for a fifth series and Criminal Minds will make a welcome return on Friday nights. Alongside proven favourites, three brand new series hot from the US will be broadcast in the new season:
Movies RTÉ One will continue to broadcast the biggest smash hit blockbusters coming to television in key primetime slots, alongside the latest favourite family movies for all to enjoy. RTÉ Two’s Screen Two will include premieres as well as seasons of movies, including a selection of Sunday night thrillers to deflect those weekly anticipatory back-to-school blues. BIG BIG MOVIES premieres include Happy Feet, Harry potter and the Order to the Phoenix, The Incredibles, Night At the Museum and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. MIDWEEK MOVIES premieres include Rocky Balboa, Poseidon, Last Holiday, Fun with Dick & Jane, The Holiday, The Devil Wears Prada.
(new) FLASH FORWARD
Based on the sci-fi novel by Robert J. Sawyer and starring Joseph Fiennes, Courtney Vance and Jack Davenport, Flash Forward chronicles the chaos that ensues after everyone in the world passes out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds and has a mysterious vision of the future that changes lives forever. Fiennes plays FBI agent Mark Banford (Fiennes) who is patching up life and marriage after a battle with alcoholism.
(new) THE GOOD WIFE
With Tony Scott, Ridley Scott and David Zucker as three of the six executive producers on board, The Good Wife is bound to tick some very high quality US drama boxes. Emmy Award winner Julianna Margulies stars as a wife and mother forced to return to the workforce and a defense attorney career after her husband’s very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. Pushing aside the betrayal and crushing public humiliation caused by her husband Peter (Chris Noth), for the first time in over 13 years, Alicia Florrick (Margulies) trades in her identity as the “good wife” and takes charge of her own destiny.
(new) NURSE JACKIE
is a new quirky, touching comedy/drama starring Edie Falco (The Sopranos) as a strong-willed New York City nurse juggling her duties at an urban hospital with a ragged personal life and minor drug addiction. Carmela Soprano in The Sopranos, Edie is a three time Emmy Award winner and has just attracted a nomination of her guest work on NBC’s 30 Rock.
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More than 200 hours of programmes from all categories of the RTÉ broadcast schedule are now available to view on RTÉ player through a single user interface. When viewers visit www.rte.ie/player it is a “click and play” service, which requires no registration, installation or download. Soap fans can catch up with all the drama on a 7 day catch up of Fair City, Eastenders and Home and Away. The Den, Den Tots and TTV programmes are all available for catch up for 21 days. A range of entertainment, factual and lifestyle programmes are available for 21 days including a selection of popular intertal programmes with more to be added in due course. News and Sports fans can watch all RTÉ’s News & Current Affairs output and RTÉ’s top sports shows including The Sunday Game, Monday Night Soccer and OB Sport. Top Gear is available for 7 days for avid fans who have missed it on TV or want to watch it again.
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