Editor

The first Bronze Torcs for Excellence have been awarded at The Celtic Media Festival tonight in Newry.   The awards celebrate the very best of film, television, radio and digital media to emerge from within the Celtic diaspora within the last year.  Tonight's ceremony was presented by the BBC's Karen Kirby and RTE's Dónal Mac Ruairí.

The Bronze Torc for Factual Series went to Abú Media and TG4 for MOBS MHEIRICEÁ.  The documentary charts the story of the rise and fall of the Irish Mob in America over the last century. 

In the Factual Single category, the international jury chose THE WALKING WOUNDED, an emotionally charged and uncompromising look at the experiences of young former soldiers as they adapt to civilian life. The programme's director Stephen Bennett collected the Torc on behalf of Clarity Productions and BBC Scotland.

SEAMUS HEANEY: OUT OF THE MARVELLOUS won the award in the Arts category for its intimate and all embracing portrait of Ireland's greatest and best loved poet.  Produced by Icebox Films and RTÉ, it digs deep into the rich store of Heaney's poetry to reveal key periods in his life.  From the raw pastoral of his childhood in County Derry, his struggle to respond creatively to the political realities in Northern Ireland, the responsibilities of parenthood, the excitements of erotic love and the brutal realities of bereavement.

The Education category saw TRIP YR YSGOL GYMRAEG, a joint production by ITV Wales and S4C, collect the Torc for its insightful look at the history of Welsh medium education. 

Other Bronze Torcs for Excellence presented tonight included Sport to Green Bay Media / S4C for CARWYN and Entertainment to The Comedy Unit and BBC Scotland for the Rab C Nesbitt special CLEAN.

The 31st annual Celtic Media Festival takes is being held in Newry, Northern Ireland from 21st-23rd April.

The three day event sees some of the most influential names from the broadcasting and film industries gather at The Canal Court Hotel in the city to celebrate the quality and diversity of work being produced by the Celtic nations today.

As well as more award presentations, tomorrow's festival will feature the keynote address by Bob Collins, the inaugural Chair of the newly established Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

For further information on this year's programme for The Celtic Media Festival, please visit: http://www.celticmediafestival.co.uk/.

For all press enquiries, photos, interview requests and accreditation, please contact:

Paul Rice

Tel:   +44 (0) 7796 612 588

Email: Paul@materialmc.co.uk

Notes to the editor:

• The Celtic Media Festival is from 21st-23rd April 2010 and is being held at the conferencing suites of The Canal Court Hotel, Newry. 

• The Celtic Media Festival's aim is to promote the languages and cultures of the Celtic countries on screen and in broadcasting. The Celtic Media Festival is supported by broadcast, film, cultural and economic development organisations throughout the Celtic countries.

• The Festival is an annual three-day celebration of broadcasting, film talent and excellence from Scotland, Rep Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany.

• One of the Festival highlights will be the presentation of the Bronze Torcs for Excellence. 21Torcs are to be won in categories which include factual series, arts, drama, sport, current affairs, children's programmes, interactivity and radio station of the year.   To view the shortlist visit: www.celticmediafestival.co.uk/shortlist

• For more details on the history of the festival, award categories and delegate registration, please visit: http://www.celticmediafestival.co.uk/

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