Documentary about music of Irish Travellers, Ag Taisteal Siar, to air on TG4 on Easter Sunday

TG4 has announced the broadcast date for Ag Taisteal Siar, an ilDÁNA feature-length documentary dedicated to the rich and enduring musical heritage of the Irish Traveller community. The film is set to air on Easter Sunday, 5 April, at 9:30 PM.

Ag Taisteal Siar highlights the profound impact of influential Traveller musicians such as Pecker Dunne, Maggie Barry, and Johnny Doran on Ireland's musical legacy. The documentary features interviews and performances with a cast of musicians, including Kathleen Keenan, Sarah Dunne, Sharyn Ward, Niamh Dunne, and Steo Wall, and incorporates original poetry by Martin Warde.

The documentary has already garnered recognition with official selections at both Documentary Ireland 2025 and the Galway Film Fleadh 2025.

Singer-songwriter Sharyn Ward, former Hot Press cover star and one of the featured artists, shared her enthusiasm on Instagram, stating, "It's really brilliant and so many talented singers and musicians on it. So thank you to all @doublebandfilms for doing this and highlighting our rich culture and talents."

 

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"Traveller music has been a defining force in Irish musical heritage since the ballad boom of the 1960s," reads the documentary’s website. "But as the music reached new heights, the Traveller way of life was undergoing profound change. The transition from life on the road to settled housing altered the social fabric that had long nurtured this tradition, challenging how music was passed down through generations."

Sarah Dunne, daughter of the legendary Pecker Dunne, also said : "Music was the trade of the Dunne people… He always had this phrase—if you’re shy or ashamed, you’ll starve to death."

Ag Taisteal Siar was commissioned as part of the ilDÁNA programme. Funding was provided by TG4 and The Arts Council of Ireland, with additional support from Coimisiún na Meán and Northern Ireland Screen (ILBF).

Watch the trailer below :