Aistear an Amhráin returns to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this June

Aistear an Amhráin will return for a second series on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, set for June 3.

The show will premiere at 7 p.m., telling the stories behind some of Ireland’s most iconic songs. In four parts, it will cover ‘Grace’ by Frank and Seán O’Meara, ‘After All’ by Frank and Walters, ‘Through the Barricades’ by Spandau Ballet and ‘An Poc Ar Buile’ by Dónall Ó Mulláin.

The first episode dives headfirst into the ‘90’s anthem ‘Grace,’ with reporter Sinéad Ní Churnáin meeting up with the O’Meara brothers to discuss the song’s origins. ‘Grace’ addresses the love story of Grace Gifford and Joseph Mary Plunkett, who married in the chapel at Kilmainham Gaol before Plunkett was executed in 1916.

Roxanna Nic Liam of Fair City will join Churnáin in exploring important landmarks in Gifford’s life, including St Enda’s Park in Rathfarnham, University Church in St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street; respectively, these locations mark where Gifford first met Plunkett, converted to Catholicism and bought their wedding rings.

Other guests include singer Aoife Scott to discuss her rendition of ‘Grace’ for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising at Kilmainham Gaol, and illustrator Domhnall Ó Bric to explore Gifford's artistic work. A performance from Scott will also be featured in the episode.

The O’Meara brother’s song was released by Jim McCann in 1986, and has since been recorded by musicians such as The Dubliners and Rod Stewart.