Donegal TV producer makes series on ‘places that are very close to my heart’
Trasna na dTonnta tells the stories of people from outside Ireland who have chosen to make their home on some of Ireland’s offshore islands
Donegal TV producer Helena Ní Ghallachóir has said she is “absolutely delighted” at the broadcast of a new four-part documentary series she has made which features her home place of Arranmore.
Trasna na dTonnta tells the stories of people from outside Ireland who have chosen to make their home on some of Ireland’s offshore islands.The new documentary series for TG4 was filmed from January 2025 to January 2026, and follows immigrants from Ukraine, South Africa, Nigeria, France, Scotland and Germany as they build new lives on five offshore islands: Arranmore and Tory as well as Sherkin, Bere and Dursey Islands in County Cork.
Ní Ghallachóir, who heads up HG Productions, said Trasna na dTonnta, meaning Across the Waves, “takes us into the lives of the ‘New Irish’ who have made that extraordinary journey”.
Beginning on TG4 on Monday, September 14 at 8.30pm, Ní Ghallachóir said it is “more than a series about immigration”.
“It is a story about belonging. It is about courage, connection, identity and the universal search for somewhere to call home. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland’s Atlantic islands, we share intimate, honest and deeply moving stories of people finding their place in communities shaped by the sea, resilience and a powerful sense of belonging.”
She said she was “incredibly grateful to every contributor who opened their lives to us and trusted us with their stories”.
“It was a privilege to spend time with them and to witness their journeys”.
The producer issued a “very special thank you” to Oleksandra Halytska, who worked as a translator and assistant producer on the programmes.
“Her contribution was instrumental to the making of this series. And heartfelt thanks to our filming crew in Kyiv.”
She also thanked the crew of Niamh O'Donnell, Leah Ní Ghairbhigh, Christian Madigan, Roise Ní Bhaoill, Eamonn Cleary, Donal Glackin, Phil Gurney, Joseph Devenney, Richie Hodges, Mary Harkin, Sepitiy Olexander, Philippe Faujas, Robbie Elder, Niall MacEachmharcaigh, Aimee McClafferty, Owen Clarke, Dmytro Mulenko, Yuriy Falko, Cathal MacGiolla Easbuig, John Talbot, Maire Nic Niallais and Michelle Nic Grianna.
“And on a personal note, I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to be able to do something I truly love, making television programmes that allow me to connect with people, communities and places that are very close to my heart.
In Episode 1 Ukrainian refugees Krystyna and Diana share their story of finding sanctuary on Tory while in Episode 4 Father John from Nigeria has become a valued part of community life on Arranmore as the local priest.In Episode 2 - On Sherkin, Nina reflects on rebuilding her life after fleeing the war in Ukraine.In Episode 3 Sasha makes an emotional return to her homeland of Ukraine.