Tipperary-based academic plays key role in new TG4 Irish language quiz show

An academic from Mary Immaculate College Thurles has played a key role in the development of a new Irish language quiz show on TG4 aimed at transforming how people experience and engage with the Irish language.

Emily-Anne Rennison, Lecturer in the Department of Irish at MIC Thurles, served as educational and programme advisor for the show SLÉ anois go Cúramach, a fast-paced, entertaining and educational quiz designed to appeal to both young people and adults who are looking to improve their Irish.

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As part of her role, Rennison helped create the questions used throughout the series and worked closely with the production team to ensure the language aligned with the Junior Cycle curriculum, allowing the programme to be used as a resource in Irish language classrooms.

The programme will see secondary school students from across the country, largely Transition Year pupils, who compete in a series of lively rounds that test their listening skills, vocabulary, cultural knowledge and improvisation.

Alongside traditional quiz topics such as history, geography and general knowledge, the show also features creative challenges for the contestants, including an emoji round where they must guess Irish counties, well known phrases and vocabulary based on commonly used emoji clues.

Speaking of her involvement in the programme, Rennison said: “I was delighted to be involved in the development of SLÉ anois go Cúramach. The aim was to create something fun, engaging and accessible for young people while also supporting the learning of Irish in a meaningful way. It was important that the language and themes used in the programme could connect with the Junior Cycle curriculum so that teachers and students can use it as a helpful classroom resource.”

The programme was produced by Macalla Teo, the Irish language production company behind a number of well-known television projects and educational initiatives.

Welcoming the continued collaboration, Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Education at MIC, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our involvement with Macalla Teo Production, which began in March 2020 when Macalla Teo led RTÉ’s Home School Hub to support children’s learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, colleagues across MIC volunteered their expertise in curriculum and pedagogy to contribute to the programme’s production. At a time of significant curriculum change in Ireland, we welcome the new TG4 quiz show SLÉ anois go Cúramach and know it will support students’ learning in a fun and interactive way that can act as a springboard for engagement with the curriculum.”

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Highlighting the significance of Rennison’s involvement and the expertise within MIC Thurles, Professor Ring added: “Emily-Anne’s involvement in this programme highlights both her creativity as an educator and the strong tradition of Irish language scholarship at MIC. It is wonderful to see that expertise contributing to a programme that makes Irish engaging, accessible and relevant for new audiences.”

The ten-week series began airing on Tuesday, March 24 on TG4, with episodes repeated on Sundays.