Five Keady siblings will make their debut televised appearance on TG4’s Réalta agus Gaolta this Sunday!
Known simply as ‘The Hughes Family’, the quintet of multi-instrumental Trad musicians, Níall, Liam, Matthew, Joshua and Megan Hughes were hand-picked by one of the show’s researchers to audition for the talent contest hosted by Síomha Ní Ruairc.
The sweet-sounding siblings range in age from 21 to just 12-years-old. Since 2017 the entire family – including dad, Paul – have been learning to turn their nimble hands to several different instruments including the accordion, guitar, Uilleann Pipes, flute, concertina, banjo, fiddle and harp.
Over time, they have taken lessons with the renowned Armagh Piper’s Club and even booked gigs of their own.
Speaking to Armagh I, dad Paul explained that in Wexford they were “strong enough to pull in a crowd” of some hundreds. But watching themselves on a TV show aired to an audience of over 3.7 million Irish viewers is a concept they might struggle to fathom.
As a videographer by trade, Paul also said his kids are “well used to being in front of the camera” adding that getting up in front of a live audience was like “water off a duck’s back” for them!
The programme released Episode 1 last Sunday (January 11). And, now The Hughes Family are eagerly awaiting their appearance at 7.30pm this Sunday (January 18) on TG4.
The show showcases talent-rich families from across Ireland with six featuring in each episode, which is whittled down to two finalists with judges determining who goes through to the final.
“It’s life experience,” said the proud as punch dad. “They are really excited to see themselves on TV!”
Tune in this Sunday to see the quintet in full flow and see just how far in the competition The Hughes Family can go!
