ITMA and TG4’s new documentary, Foinn na Fliúite – Ceol Comhroinnte na nDaoine, airs this Sunday, 6th September on TG4 and the TG4 player. The film celebrates and showcases the shared traditions, heritage, and culture of our island — specifically the shared flute and fife tradition that gives a glimpse of the island’s shared music, North, South, East, and West.

This story is not black and white; it is not a binary division between Orange and Green. It is alive with spirit, cultural diversity, and shared history where the music often precedes and transcends the transient words applied by different traditions. Throughout, we meet with instrument makers, musicians from loyalist traditions, and those who played during The Troubles. There are performances from Fife and Lambeg bands, from classical musicians, from marching bands, and from traditional musicians.

This documentary, produced by the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA), explores how both flute traditions share an interlocking history. The documentary explores, in depth, the story of the flute in Ireland, the flute bands in Ireland, the endurance of the flute playing tradition during The Troubles, how a shared musical, cultural past and present offers a glimpse of a shared future for the island of Ireland.

Cast includes some of the island’s best-known flute players including Conor McDonagh, Aoife Granville, Tara Diamond, Dave Sheridan, Gary Hastings, Eimear McGeown, Barry Kerr, Brendan Mulholland, Conal Ó Gráda and flute player and maker Hammy Hamilton along with fife maker Wilby Wilson. The programme is informed by authorities on the history of flute and fife playing and the marching band tradition in Ireland; Rev. Gary Hastings, Hammy Hamilton, Willie Hill, Dr. Ian Malcom, Derek Moore and Dr. Aoife Granville. The William King Memorial Flute Band, Churchill Flute Band and Banna Fíf agus Druma an Daingean also feature.

Of the documentary, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said:  “The diverse musical traditions of Ireland have interwoven and influenced each other over centuries and, today, I warmly welcome the work of the Irish Traditional Music Archive in exploring this often under-recognised dimension of our cultural heritages, as a contribution to the Shared Island Initiative. In listening to a Flute and Fife performance curated by ITMA last year, I was reminded of how musical heritage connects people and places across the island of Ireland, and how rich and inspiring the experience can be for musicians and audiences to trace these links and to interpret and celebrate them anew. I look forward to an opportunity to see the ITMA and TG4 documentary Foinn na Fliúite – Ceol Comhroinnte na nDaoine and I congratulate everyone involved in the production.”

ITMA Director Liam O’Connor said: “The Irish Traditional Music Archive was delighted to host the Shared Island Flute Series, and it is immensely rewarding to see that wider project culminate in this outstanding TG4 documentary. Throughout the series, people of all ages and from across the political spectrum came together through a shared love of music. In the Archive, differences of background became opportunities for conversation, learning and friendship, reminding us that our musical traditions have a remarkable capacity to transcend religious, political and social boundaries while respecting the richness and distinctiveness of every tradition represented.

ITMA is honoured to contribute to the Government’s Shared Island Initiative and deeply grateful for its support. This has been one of the most worthwhile, hopeful and timely projects I have had the privilege to witness, demonstrating how our shared cultural heritage can create meaningful connections, deepen understanding and help shape a stronger future for everyone on this island. We are also delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with TG4, whose commitment to telling these stories ensures they will inspire audiences across Ireland and beyond.”