Donncha O Callaghan launches Awesome Autumn on RTjr

Donncha OCallaghan launches Awesome Autumn on RT jr 15 October: Irelands only dedicated childrens channel introduces a new season of programming.

Munster and Irish rugby legend, Donncha OCallaghan celebrated his new series on RT jr What's Your Game?' by joining the stars of another new series Twig n to launch an exciting new season of programming on RT jr, the award-winning TV, Radio and Online service designed specifically for youngsters aged under 7 and their older friends and family.

The new season kicks off with a special two weeks of programming called Awesome Autumn which will encourage everyone to get out when they can, with lots to look at and listen to as the evenings get darker. A mix of brand new programming will run alongside old favourites in a schedule that offers up to 34 hours of programmes for youngsters throughout Ireland every day.

Speaking about the new season on RT jr Channel Controller, Sheila de Courcy said: We have put together an engaging and eclectic mix of programming for youngsters which we are very excited about. From sport and entertainment to science and animation, we have ensured that there's something in there to interest everyone whether they live on a farm in the countryside or an apartment in the city.

As well as continuing our daily celebration of songs and stories, our new season of programming invites youngsters to explore wildlife, discover the delights of water, understand the fascinating world of insects through photography and explore their imaginations on their TV screens, online and on radio in a commercial free zone.

RT jr will also introduce an exciting new daily magazine show for pre-schoolers, Twig n, which starts in November. Set in the magical Twig n tree house with S amus the dog, Blaith n the flower fairy and their friends Muireann, Emma and Clara. Join the Twig n gang for singing, acting, dancing and playing games as well as going on wild adventures.

RT jr is an entirely commercial-free service which is available on four platforms TV, where it's RT s third channel; Digital Radio; Online and Mobile.

New programming this season on RT jr includes:

What's Your Game? (8 Episodes)

Rugby legend Donncha O'Callaghan acknowledges that he is a big guy with a big problem - the only sport he knows anything about is rugby and he wants to do something about that! Donncha is invited to sports clubs up and down the country where enthusiastic children are just delighted to teach him the ins and outs of their sports. Tennis, riding, playground games, gymnastics, climbing, hurling, sailing and orienteering the children of Ireland share their sports, their knowledge and their enthusiasm with Donncha. (Starts: Monday 3rd November.)

Our Farm (15 episodes)

The series explores the activities of daily life on the Doyle farm through the eyes and activities of the four Doyle children. Liam (9), Dearbhla (8), Ailbhe (5) and Feilim (3) live with their mum Debbie and dad Fergal on a mixed farm on the slopes of Nephin Mountain near Lahardane in County Mayo. Filmed over almost twelve months each episode in the series will see the children take on one of the chores around the farm across the four seasons. For the audience it will be a delightful insight into rural lifestyle. (Starts Monday 20th October 2014)

WooHOO Splash! (15 Episodes)

WooHOO Splash! is a new series for young children which explores the delights of water. Through play, activity and music. It aims to engage children's natural inquisitiveness and in doing so actively encourage a wish to explore water safely themselves. The character of Mr. Splash is played by the musician Gerry Paul. Born in Ireland Gerry was brought up in New Zealand and travels between the two countries. Gerry is also a talented author of books for children. (Starts 20th October 2014)

Zara World (10 episodes)

What's it like growing up in the middle of a big city? Find out through the eyes and experiences of seven year old Zara Gleeson. Zara lives in Dublin city centre with her family: big sister Ali and younger brother Zack. We follow them as they go about the business of being children and Zara World brings their experiences and life to the RT jr audience through this delightful series. (Starts 20th October 2014)

Shutterbugs (10 episodes)

Shutterbugs is a new ten part series for RT jr combining wildlife, wild places, photography and adventure! Each episode sees a team of two children head into the countryside to learn about Irish wildlife as they try to find and photography one particular animal. Wildlife expert and photography enthusiast John Lusby will guide the teams along the way. (Starts 27th October 2014)

Twig n

RT jr has an exciting new daily magazine show starting this autumn for pre-schoolers. Set in the magical Twig n tree house with S amus the dog, Blaith n the flower fairy and their friends Muireann, Emma and Clara. Join the Twig n gang for singing, acting, dancing and playing games as well as going on wild adventures.

Twig n will also have it's very own app available to download for free on ios and android where you can help S amus continue his Twigin adventures on our RTEjr Twigin game where he races though the forest collecting magical eggs.

Plus Autumn sees the return of the old favourites including animated series The Wildernuts, Boj and Buddies, Jakers, Tilly and Friends, Peppa Pig, Tomas and Friends, In the Night Garden, Peter Rabbit plus home produced series such as Bug Hunters, The Beo Show, Virtuoso, The Why Guy, Forest Force, Tell Me a Story, Spraoi, The Curious World of Professor Fun and Dr.Dull and many more.

On RT jr Radio new series include:

Let's Investigate (Episodes 12 x 15'00)

November, Saturdays at 11.30am

Let's Investigate is an entertaining and interactive science series for children. Each episode will channel children&

LINK:	http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2014/1015/65259...
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