Irish TV, which broadcasts on Sky Channel 191, does exactly what it says. It delivers features and stories from around the country while also ensuring a strong representation for the Irish in the UK and overseas. This Christmas, Irish TV, along with TG4, will certainly be the most Irish of all the TV stations.

Christmas night will see Irish TV, which has its head office in Westport, broadcast two special music shows with a seasonal flavour.

The Keanes from Caherlistrane in Co Galway are among Ireland’s best-known trad and folk families. Every now and then, the four brothers – Sean, Matt, Pat and Noel – get together to do some rare concerts under the title of Citizens Keane.

Irish TV will host a one-hour show, The Half Door, from the home of Matt and Florence Keane between 11pm and 12 midnight on Christmas Day. It will feature individual songs from all four as well as all joining together for some favourites. Watch out also for some of the younger generation of the Keane family on this show.

The Keane brothers will perform their annual Christmas shows in the Claregalway Hotel on Friday and Saturday night, 1 and 2 January. They will be joined by the Hernon family from Connemara and other special guests.

Matt Cunningham

Earlier on Christmas Day, Matt Cunningham will be the subject of an hour-long show between 9pm and 10pm under the title Around The House. Matt, who hails from Headford and just a few miles over the road from the Keane family, celebrated 50 years in the music business and 30 years teaching music this year.

The following night (26 December), TG4 will broadcast a tribute show to Matt, celebrating his career, and speaking to many others who have interacted with him over the years. This show will air at 8.05pm. It will also include contributions from RTÉ broadcaster Kieran Hanrahan, set and céili dancing tutors and enthusiasts, and other performers such as Philomena Begley.

Message from the president

President Michael D Higgins, in a special message to Matt during the summer, to coincide with his golden jubilee celebrations in Headford, said: “There can be no doubt that Matt’s dedication to his art, his skill, and his great spirit as a performer, have contributed significantly to upholding the rich tradition of live music performance, which is part of the very fabric of Irish society. Matt has ensured that our musical heritage will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come.”

Joe Dolan

Another show recorded in recent weeks is a special on the late Joe Dolan.

Oh me, Oh my: Songs for Joe will air on St Stephen’s night at 9pm on Irish TV. It features songs from Joe’s extensive repertoire and also interviews with members of the Dolan family and friends. The show will coincide with the eight anniversary of Joe’s death on 26 December 2008.

Irish TV will also feature seasonal presentations from many of their regular shows. Station CEO Pierce O’Reilly says they are looking forward to excellent viewing figures throughout the Christmas season.

“If people want to connect with a real sense of Ireland from Antrim down to Cork and from Galway across to Dublin, Irish TV is the only station that delivers such coverage and goes to the heart of the communities.”

• Irish TV broadcasts on Sky 191 and also on Freesat 400 and online at www.irishtv.ie and www.irishtv.com