A new TG4 quiz show is set to bring a fresh and engaging approach to learning Irish, with a mix of humour, fast paced challenges and a focus on confidence over perfection.
Slé Anois go Cúramach will air on TG4 on Tuesdays from 7.30 to 8.00 pm, starting March 24, as part of a 10 part series aimed at young people, families and anyone interested in improving their Irish.
The show is designed to show that effort matters more than perfection and that most people already have more Irish than they think.
The third episode will feature Our Lady’s College in Drogheda taking on Sandymount Park ETSS from Dublin 4.
Created by Macalla Teoranta for TG4, the series is aimed primarily at English speaking Junior Cycle students and creates a supportive environment where using Irish is encouraged rather than judged.
Each episode sees two schools compete across five studio based rounds, testing listening skills, vocabulary, cultural knowledge and improvisation. The format also allows viewers at home and in classrooms to play along.
At the centre of the show is the idea that everyone has Irish and that fluency is not required, only the willingness to take part. Broken Irish is welcomed and participation is encouraged throughout.
The show is hosted by Síomha Ní Ruairc, who is well known in Irish language broadcasting. Originally from Galway and raised in Lucan, she studied Irish and music at Maynooth University and works with Conradh na Gaeilge. She has appeared on a number of TG4 programmes and is also part of the podcast How To Gael.
It’s so important to me that the language be showcased in natural, everyday settings, and there’s no setting quite so natural as a quick fire quiz show. Slé gives students an opportunity to engage with the language in a fun and enjoyable way, and it gives me the chance to be a little bit cheeky with it too!
Each episode features five rounds including Céard San Fhocal, a word guessing game, An Bhabhta Emoji, where players identify clues through emojis, and Éist go Géar, which tests listening skills through video clips. A rotating round introduces surprise games, while the final round Gaeilge Ghasta challenges players with quick fire multiple choice questions.
While the tone is lively and youth focused, the show is built on a strong educational foundation. The producers worked with language consultants and educational experts to ensure the content aligns with the Junior Cycle Learning Framework and supports students at levels A2 to B1.
Twenty schools from across the country are taking part in the first series, including Our Lady’s College in Drogheda.
With its fast pace and playful approach, the show aims to present Irish as something modern, social and accessible, while encouraging more people to engage with the language in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
