Creedon’s Musical Atlas of Ireland on RTÉ One: Amiable charm despite moment of cringe

John Creedon, a familiar voice on Irish broadcasting, presents "John Creedon’s Musical Atlas of Ireland" on RTÉ One, a series aiming to explore the profound impact of music on Irish culture and identity. The broadcaster, described as a "cheery out-of-town uncle," uses the quiet Sunday evening slot to deliver a grand thesis on what it means to be Irish globally.

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The argument is that the music of our distant ancestors encapsulated the three primal elements of the human experience – Suantraí (The Lullaby), Geantraí (Joy) and Goltraí (Lament).

The series' premise suggests that the music of Ireland's ancestors encapsulated the three primal elements of human experience: Suantraí (lullaby), Geantraí (joy), and Goltraí (lament). Creedon is commended for clearly stating this central idea and supporting it with concrete examples. Episode one features discussions with singers Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, highlights the energy of Dublin trad-metal band The Scratch, and interviews singer Róis about Goltraí, though her unusual attire is left unexplained.

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Creedon must also be commended for stating his grand idea plainly at the outset (a rarity in Irish broadcasting) and then providing concrete examples.

However, the series is not without its criticisms. Creedon's assertion that the joy of music has been forgotten in the 21st century is questioned, given the high cost people pay to see live artists. The narrative occasionally veers into overly dramatic language, with phrases like "scroll past sorrow and swipe away the silence." A particularly awkward moment involves Creedon walking through a wood as a harpist appears strategically behind him, bordering on "Alan Partridge cringe."

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The claim that the joy of music has been forgotten is surely a stretch in an era when people are prepared to fork out hundreds of euro to see their favourite artists on the stage.

Despite these quibbles, Creedon's engaging personality and genuine passion for the subject matter largely carry the series. The show attempts a grand exploration of Irish musical heritage, offering moments of profound connection alongside instances of awkwardness and underdeveloped concepts.

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Topping it all off is a moment of pure Alan Partridge cringe when Creedon walks through a woods as a strategically-placed harpist comes into view over his shoulder.