TG4 to air one-hour special to celebrate President Michael D. Higgins’ 80th birthday

Featuring some very special guests.

TG4 will honour President Michael D. Higgins on his 80th birthday with a one-hour special featuring some of Ireland's greatest poets, singers, musicians, thinkers, playwrights and dancers. In what will be a celebration of President Higgins and his life, the show will showcase the best of Irish arts, which has always been an area of great importance to him. It's a real smorgasbord of Irish talent featuring Van Morrison, Tolü Makay, Laoise Kelly, Séamus Ó Flatharta, Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve Cooney. There will also be performances from four-time All-Ireland champion melodeon player Emma Corbett as she collaborates with dancer Sibéal Davitt, while Sibéal Ní Chasaide, Paddy Keenan, Thomas McCarthy and others will show off their unique talents. We can also expect contributions from former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, Director General of TG4 Alan Esslemont, Druid Theatre Director Garry Hynes, Playwright and Director Darach Mac Con Iomaire and former Vice-President at NUI, Galway Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh as well as Senator and Barrister Ivana Bacik. The programme will be broadcast on President Higgins' birthday, 18 April at 9.30pm.