Gréasán na Meán Skillnet and TG4 launch Groundbreaking Irish Language Journalism Course
Grett O’Connor, Media Coach (left), Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director General of TG4 (centre), Maria Griffin, Gréasán na Meán Skillnet (right) with the journalism training group 2025
A new Irish-language journalism training course led by TG4, in partnership with Gréasán na Meán Skillnet, is now underway in Connemara, with 17 participants from across Ireland taking part.
The practical, two-week programme began on Monday, 23rd June 2025, and is designed to develop key journalism skills for television and online platforms. The course offers hands-on training in news gathering, writing, investigative reporting, media law, digital storytelling, and social media, all through the medium of Irish.
Participants will also receive instruction in podcasting, mobile journalism (MOJO), voice and presentation skills, cybersecurity for journalists, and Irish-language writing for news.
The course is directed by media coach Grett O’Connor, former Nuacht TG4 journalist and founder of 'My Media', alongside an impressive line-up of expert tutors and advisors, including:
Mark Egan (BBC/Al Jazeera)
Harry McGee (The Irish Times)
Gráinne Ní Aodha (PA Media)
Kevin Magee (Investigative journalist, TG4 and BBC NI)
Glen Mulcahy (MOJO specialist)
Eimear Ní Chonaola (Nuacht TG4)
Máire T. Ní Mhadaoin (Nuacht TG4)
Caroline Ní Nia (Language specialist)
Norita Ní Chartúir (Broadcast journalist and University of Galway Tutor)
Sarah Kieran (Media lawyer)
Brian Honan (Cybersecurity expert)
Aideen Finnegan (Podcast producer, The Irish Times)
Katelyn Hayes (Nuacht Cúla4)
Deirdre Ní Choistín, Director General of TG4, added:
“We at TG4 are committed to advancing and developing Irish-language journalism skills to foster the next generation of Irish-language journalists. This course provides in-depth, practical training that responds to the real needs of today’s newsroom from expert news practitioners across multiple disciplines. We look forward to seeing the journalistic development from this year’s programme.”
Speaking at the start of the course, Media & Communications Coach, Grett O’Connor said:
“This course is aimed at preparing young people who want to be Irish-language journalists for today's multi-platform media landscape, and we are doing this in a very practical, hands-on way. We have experts from all areas of journalism coming to Conamara to share their knowledge and experience with our course participants. A key part of the course will be practical exercises in news gathering, writing and storytelling with pictures.”
“I'm not surprised that TG4 has taken the initiative to run this course in conjunction with Gréasán na Meán Skillnet,” continued Grett. “TG4 has always been innovative and flexible in its approach, and this is another prime example of that. I am really enjoying the opportunity to work with the next generation of Irish language journalists, and I look forward to seeing their careers flourish in the years to come.”
Maria Griffin from Gréasán na Meán Skillnet added:
“We are delighted to collaborate with TG4 on this innovative journalism training programme. Developing Irish-language media skills is central to our mission, and this course provides a unique opportunity for participants to learn from some of the best in the industry.
“The strong demand for places on this course shows the appetite among emerging journalists to tell stories through Irish across multiple platforms. We are proud to support this important initiative that will strengthen the future of Irish-language journalism.”
