MUST WATCH: Clann na nGael to feature on TG4 on St Stephen's night

On St Stephen's night (this Friday for those who have already lost track of what day it is) at 7.15pm TG4 will present Clann na nGael – Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta 2025, a new documentary celebrating one of the most important sporting and social gatherings in the Gaeltacht calendar.

Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta, first held in 1969, has grown from a small community tournament into one of the largest annual GAA club events. Each year it brings together Gaeltacht clubs and Irish-language communities from across the country for a festival of football, culture and shared heritage.

In 2025, the June Bank Holiday weekend saw the honour of hosting the Comórtas return to Cumann Peile Chlann na nGael of Ráth Chairn and Áth Buí in the Meath Gaeltacht, marking their first time hosting the event since 1993. Much has changed over the past three decades, with the competition expanding significantly in scale and becoming a key fixture of the GAA year. This year’s Comórtas also held special significance for the local community as they celebrated the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Meath Gaeltacht, a unique Irish-speaking community at the heart of Leinster.

The documentary follows players, managers and supporters as they pursue glory and their place in Gaeltacht sporting folklore. Featured teams include the men’s and ladies’ sides of Clann na nGael, An Cheathrú Rua and Gráinne Mhaoil from Galway, as well as the Laochra Loch Lao ladies team from Belfast. Viewers will also meet the dedicated festival organisers from the Clann na nGael club, whose tireless work ensures that this major cultural and sporting occasion is delivered with pride, passion and authenticity.

Contributors will include Aenghus Ó Flatharta, Síofra Ní Loinsigh, Eamonn Óg Mac Donnchadha, Cathal Seoighe, Shane Ó Suilleabháin and James Ó Flatharta.