Brilliant day full of excitement as 'Fethard Today' goes live online!

Preparations were ongoing for months and finally the fourth year students of the Patrician Presentation Secondary School got a chance to showcase their media skills as they present their live TV programme 'Fethard Today' to the world.

The programme, produced and presented by the Transition Year students,  features in depth interviews with prominent local businesses and personalities, cooking demonstrations, sporting previews and much much more. 

The show has been planned for many months by the staff and students. Popular teacher at the school in Fethard, Noel Maher, has extensive experience as a cameraman over many years where he works with Robert Healy AV & IT Solutions.

Noel explains the background to the ambitious project: "We felt we could introduce our students to the world of media in an exciting way.

This TY Media Studies in our school originated from Robert Healy's background in Media Technology and my interest in working with him as well as Ian O'Connor's experience from Tipp FM and we just thought it could work. 

"We thought it would be great for the students to give them a life experience of what it is like to work in live television and overall it has been a fantastic experience for everyone involved. We started off last year and did a basic production and it was really well received so this year we decided to push the boat out a little bit and incorporate a huge live production. 

"In our view that was the way to go and the students responded really well. The work that goes on behind the scenes to get a programme like this to air is massive and the excitement, the enjoyment, the stresses and the buzz of a live show is hard to beat. To prepare we took a group down to Cork to the RTE studios where we met with Helen Arnold the chief executive of TVM (Televison Mobiles) that runs the 'Today Show' studio for RTE. 

"One of the things that sticks out in my mind is that it is such hard work, it is such unsociable work that they do but it is the buzz of live TV. It is hard to beat it," said Noel, who is a science teacher at the school in Fethard.

The camerawork and all technical aspects of the show were organised and coordinated by the experienced Robert Healy who has worked with Sky TV, Tipp GAA TV, RTE and others in the past.

The Director of Operations for 'Fethard Today' is Ian O'Connor, who produces 'Extra Time' on Tipp FM. Also teaching in the school in Fethard, Mr O'Connor said it is a top quality production by the Transition year group: "There is so much in the show from sport to Junk Kouture to music.

The work put in by all of us has been immense. Justin McGree, Noel Maher, Robert Healy, Marie Maher and our students have put a huge effort into it. 

"Huge thanks also must go to all the staff of the Patrician Presentation Secondary school who facilitated rehearsals this week. We hope people enjoy it." said the business teacher, Mr. O'Connor.

Many others played important roles in the production such as the Guidance Counsellor Justin McGree who ensured every angle was covered. He played a very important role as Technical Assistant. This afternoon the live show aired to much applause.

'Fethard Today' has now become an important part of the school calendar according to the principal of the school, Billy Walsh:

"There is great excitement around the school. Last year was brilliant, this year is even better so well done to all of those involved. The transition years are so into it and are doing things from script writing to the IT side of things to presenting. It is fantastic and I hope people enjoy the show. It can be accessed on our school Facebook page, Instagram or on our school website," he said. 

Overall a wonderful experience, and a part of the beating heart of Fethard. The show can be watched here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikm4cWwTQ5s