TG4 documentary to celebrate work of Thomas Moore

Bard na hÉireann wrote 'The Harp that Once Through Tara's Halls'

Radical, rogue, shapeshifter - Thomas Moore’s life remains a mystery some 250 years on. A writer, poet and lyricist best known for his Irish Melodies collection; his multi-faceted life was much more than the sum of these melodies. Incredibly famous and respected during his lifetime, Moore remains an enigma, complex, an outlier.

A new feature documentary airing next weekend, made by Imagine Media for TG4 , 'Thomas Moore, Bard na hÉireann' explores Moore’s intriguing life and work. Although his fame has faded, his influence continues to fascinate and is to be found deep in the cultural fabric of Ireland and right across the world. As composer and musician Neil Martin said “He gave a lot to us with his poetry and his music. When we think of the grip, he had so strong and deep all over the world – you can’t say that about many people really.”

Moore’s story is full of contrasts - from his early years at Trinity College, Dublin as one of the few Catholics admitted, his life as an Irishman in England, his mixed-religion marriage, his friendships with London society while struggling financially himself. A close friend of both United Irishman Robert Emmet and English Romantic poet Lord Byron, even in Moore’s death there is a duality, he is buried in a churchyard in the pastoral English countryside, but his gravestone is a stark Celtic cross.

In this intriguing exploration of Moore’s many lives, experts and historians such as Ronan Kelly, Úna Hunt, Kevin Whelan, Dr Sarah McCleave and Dr Úna Ní Bhroiméil share their analysis of his work and the impact it still holds. According to historian Kevin Whelan: “There is no other superstar who has faded so much. Moore spoke to his century but he didn’t speak beyond it”, while for biographer Ronan Kelly, “there will always be a place for him and he will turn up again and again in surprising places.”

Contemporary interpretations of many of his best-known songs such as The Minstrel Boy and The Last Rose of Summer, from a diverse range of musical artists including Duke Special, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Megan Nic Ruairí and Arborist are performed across the film.

Also examined in the film is the perennial interest that young performers have in engaging with Moore’s songs and melodies, particularly within the Féiseanna movement nationwide. Thomas Moore, Bard na hÉireann visits the Derry Feis and the Feis Ceoil in Dublin to attempt to understand this attraction.

Moore’s enduring legacy would not have been the same without his Irish Melodies collection and he may not have had the status he has as an Irish poet without them. They have been published the world over and continue to engage audiences from fireside to stage. Thomas Moore, Bard na hÉireann journeys through the fascinating life, legacy and music of one of Ireland’s most enigmatic poets and lyricists. Pianist Úna Hunt summed Thomas Moore up when she said “He was a man for all seasons!”

Duke Special will performa his version of 'The Minstrel Boy', accompanied by music legend Steve Cooney. Duke Special has released 17 albums and Eps.

Méav Ní Mhaolchatha will be performing 'The Last Rose of Summer'. Méav was one of the founding members of Celtic Woman, the Irish music ensemble selling over nine million albums. She has also released several successful solo albums through the years and has toured throughout the world.

Heralded by Yeo magazine as Northern Ireland’s Queen of soul, Siobhan Brown and her band, Manukahunney will perform 'Oh Breathe Not His Name'. Simon Morgan is one of Ireland’s leading baritones and will sing 'Believe me if all these Endearing Young Charms'.

Joshua Burnside is a folk singer-songwriter. His music incorporates elements of Irish folk, Scottish folk rock, Americana, world music, sound collage, and electronica. Joshua is performing 'The Harp that Once Through Tara’s Halls'.

Arborist, AKA Mark McCambridge, won the NI Music Prize in 2023 he will be giving us his take on the lesser-known Moore’s melody, 'Echo'. Megan Nic Ruairí is a singer-songwriter from northwest Donegal, who will be performing 'Let Erin Remember'.

Chan Reid is an award-winning sean-nós singer, performing 'Dear Harp of my Country'.

An Imagine Media Production with support from the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and TG4. Thomas Moore, Bard na hÉireann, TG4 28th December 8.25pm.