Colm Mac Giolla Easbuic shortlisted for prestigious national award

Actor and broadcaster Colm Mac Giolla Easbuic from Gaoth Dobhair has been nominated as Réalt óg na bliana ag Gradaim Chumarsáide an Oireachtais.

Oireachtas na Gaeilge recognises the work that young actors, journalists and personalities are making in the Irish language sector of the industry. Raidió na Gaeltachta and TG4 have both provided a rich ground for young people to gain employment within the industry. The nomination for the award recognises the contribution that Colm Mac Giolla Easbuic has made to the sector from a very young age.

Colm was on holiday in Portugal when he received news of his nomination: “I was in Portugal soaking up the sun when I received the email from Oireachtas na Gaeilge saying that I was nominated. I have to say that I was not expecting it, I was on cloud nine when I got the email. To receive such recognition from the Oireachtas - a long-standing and historical institution, is a great honour and to be recognised for my work by them is amazing - to get nominated is an honour in itself.”

Colm has held an integral part within both the broadcasting industry and within the acting community for a number of years despite his young age. Having received his secondary education at Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair ensured the young actor would be given ample opportunity to participate in Irish-language competitions and stride the boards under stage lights during his tenure at the Gaeltacht school.

Following Colm’s secondary education, he participated in many productions, dramas and pantomimes, in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair. Many actors from Ros na Rún began there careers in the theatre such as Gavin Ó Fearraigh, Bridin Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh and Niall Mac Eamharcaigh.

“I grew up watching Ros na Rún and to now be acting in it is a dream come true. To act alongside the likes of Donegal actors Niall Mac Eamharcaigh, Gavin Ó Fearraigh and Bridin Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh is a true honour and to be part of the Daly family in Ros na Rún - they were always the family I wanted to be a part of if I were to get a role in Ros na Rún and low and behold that dream has also come true. It is fantastic to act in Ros na Rún. Every day is a school day because I am working with such professional actors.”

Colm says that while the crew work very hard they have fun both on and off the set.

Colm joined the busy newsroom at Raidió na Gaeltachta in Derrybeg and read the news on a daily basis, in 2019. Colm always enjoyed the media and from an early age he listened to Raidió na Gaeltachta in his home.

He and his sister would later record their voices and broadcast their news.

“From an early age, I saw myself with a microphone in my hand. I was also passionate about television. I presented a number of programmes with TG4 and I enjoyed that. I joined aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair and fell in love with acting. I really enjoyed it,” he said.

He also paid tribute to broadcaster Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí whom he said had a positive influence on him.

“I grew up listening to him and he inspired me to pursue a career in broadcasting and go on and work for Raidió na Gaeltachta. Rónán proved to be an inspiration to so many people,” he said.

Growing up in Gaoth Dobhair, Colm enjoyed watching CU Burn, Gleann Ceo, participated in the show Barney Bunion and has participated in many shows on TG4. He enjoys playing both serious and funny characters and is versatile in his talents.

Having held a passion for acting, Colm auditioned for a role in Ros na Rún and was delighted to start with the series in September 2022, series 27.

He has since been central to many of the most dramatic plot lines and has taken centre stage on many stories among which were shootings and fires. His character Mánus Ó Direáin has become a household name since he joined the series.

“I have been part of a few big storylines. There was a fire there recently and I had to save my brother, Gavin Ó’Fearraigh.”

The show is now in its twenty-eighth season. The TV production employs 180 people and is sponsored by XL Ireland and is a co-production between independent production companies Danú Media in Connemara and Tyrone Productions in Dublin.

Colm continues to work with Raidió na Gaeltachta in Galway and many listeners enjoy hearing his familiar voice on the station introducing shows and programmes.

He also has a central role in many of the current affairs shows that the station broadcasts from its Galway base: “It is an honour and a privilege to work for Raidió na Gaeltachta and I enjoy working with a great team in Galway. I enjoy coming into work in Galway and of course I miss my colleagues in Derrybeg.”

Please cast your vote for Colm in the upcoming Oireachtas event by texting GRADAM1 to 51500.