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A new documentary exploring the remarkable journey of one of Ireland's most influential folk families, the Sands family will air on RTÉ One on Tuesday 30 December at 6.30pm.
Tommy Sands - Clann an Cheoil, produced by Newry based Big Mountain Productions, takes an intimate look at how the world-renowned Sands Family travelled from their home outside Mayobridge to stages across the globe, including Carnegie Hall and East Berlin, becoming known as 'the Voice of the People'.
The film comes from the producers behind the award-winning documentaries 'The Bothy Band' and 'Dolores at 70', and features music, craic and song from members of the Sands' extended family. Growing up immersed in music and storytelling, siblings Anne, Colum, Ben and Tommy created a sound that would resonate worldwide, whilst their County Down home became a haven where people could come together to share tunes and tales, united by music regardless of background.
Tommy Sands, dubbed 'The Bard of Peace', gained particular recognition worldwide for his songwriting and social activism, pioneering the use of music and song to promote peace. His writing drew international attention from figures including the late 'Father of Folk' Pete Seeger and Nobel Peace Prize winner Seamus Heaney, with Sing Out magazine lauding Tommy as "the most powerful songwriter in Ireland, if not the rest of the world".
The documentary features interviews with Arlo Guthrie, son of Woody Guthrie, alongside prominent politicians, activists from the Civil Rights Movement and Peace Process, journalists and fellow musicians from the Troubles era. These contributions highlight how the family proved their cultural and political influence both at home and internationally, raising political issues and promoting peace through their songwriting and storytelling.
Known as Ireland's 'Woody Guthrie', Tommy and his family have been at the forefront of folk music in Ireland through key moments in history and politics. The film celebrates the wonderful folk singers keeping the oral tradition of folk music alive, bringing their story and impact to the broadest mainstream audience possible.
Tommy Sands - Clann an Cheoil airs on Tuesday 30 December on RTÉ One at 6.30pm and will also be available on the RTÉ Player. The documentary is described as another 'jewel in the crown' of RTÉ Gaeilge Programmes, offering a celebratory and insightful look at a family whose humble beginnings in their 'Céilí House' led to a journey from Rostrevor to Carnegie Hall and far beyond.
