Frankie Kennedy documentary

[stiofan]

Just noticed this on the Altan website (http://www.altan.ie/news/117/):
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Frankie Kennedy Remembered on TG4

To mark the 10th anniversary of Frankie Kennedy's death in September 1994, a 50min documentary on his life and music will be shown on TG4 on Saturday September 25th at 9.05pm

Born in Andersonstown, Frankie was one of traditional music's more exuberant personalities. He became interested in the music in his teens and his early association with fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh kindled his passion for music and his abiding love for Donegal.

In 1981 Mairéad and Frankie were married and together they founded Altan.Ten years later Frankie was diagnosed with cancer. Undeterred, he continued to play with the band throughout his treatment but finally succumbed to his illness on September 19th 1994.

This documentary is shot against the backdrop of the 10th Frankie Kennedy Winter School which was first established in 1994, in memory of and to honour Frankie shortly after his death that year. It will include music from the numerous concerts and sessions held during the school. The programme features interviews with many of Frankie's friends and fellow musicians as well as members of his family. It traces his youth growing up in Andersonstown and his early interest in sport, which was later overtaken by his passion for music. There are stories of his visits to Gaoth Dobhair and his first encounter with Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her parents - Kitty , and Francie, the renowned fiddle player.

Mairéad speaks of their relationship which continued to blossom on both a personal and musical level. Following their marriage they both taught at the same school and eventually founded the group Altan.

There are numerous references to Frankie's vibrant sense of humour as well as to the clarity of his musical vision which coupled with his determination was a key element in Altan's success. The programme features a variety of archive material from the early days of Ceoltóirí Altan to footage shot shortly before Frankie's death in 1994.

It is a Scannáin Dobharchú production for TG4.
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alas...maybe it's time to get a satellite dish so I can pick up these programs from abroad here in the states...

[chas]

We could always hope that our local PBS affiliates see fit to broadcast it during their begathons. NAAH, our local stations seem to be broadcasting mostly infomercials for self-help programs during their begathons. OTOH, maybe it'll be available on DVD in the not-too-distant future -- anyone who discovers this, tell the rest of us.

I'm sure it'll be a real tearjerker. I still get depressed sometimes just because Frankie isn't making any new music.