Éan mór joins TV pecking order

SESAME STREET’S Big Bird will soon be seen squawking away “as Gaeilge” for the first time — as part of TG4’s autumn schedule.

The Irish-language national broadcaster last night unveiled its autumn schedule, including American-made children’s favourite “Sráid Sesame”.

Featuring memorable characters like Ollpéist Brioscaí (Cookie Monster), Sráid Sesame will be screened as part of TG4’s commitment to five hours a day of Irish language programming for children.

And teenagers brushing up on their Irish for the Leaving Certificate will also be delighted to learn cult show South Park will also be broadcast “as Gaeilge” during Síle, the daily show aimed at teens and young adults.

But TG4’s autumn schedule will also be shining a light on the darker side of life with documentaries examining pre-mafia Irish mobs in America as well as infamous murders in Ireland.

Kerry weatherman Dáithí Ó Sé will be hitting the US’s pop-culture trail in Dáithí ar Route 66, the 3,940-kilometre road immortalised in the song Get Your Kicks On Route 66 as well as in the U2 track Heartland.

Fashion-cum-dating show Paisean Faisean is also back with a new twist for autumn: one episode will see three gay men try to win a date with a man by choosing him a decent outfit.

TG4’s sports line-up includes GAA fixtures every weekend, greyhound racing and horse racing, as well as coverage of the All-Ireland women’s football finals and the under-21 final.

Soap opera Ros na Rún, comedy drama series Paddywhackery and traditional music show Geantraí are all being billed as staple shows as the nights draw in.

Luach Ár Linne is an eight-part consumer affairs series looking at the cost as well as the quality of life in modern Ireland, focussing on topics like the cost of keeping cars on the road.

Imports from America will include more Nip/Tuck and One Tree Hill and the premiere of Army Wives.