Henry’s iMayo TV has line-up of top quality programmes
THE prestigious Mayo Association Dublin Mayo Person of the Year function will be one of the many forthcoming programmes to feature on iMayo TV, writes Tom Gillespie.
With presenter Henry McGlade, the weekly programmes are proving highly popular on Showcase TV on SKY channel 191 and Freesat 161.
The aim of iMayo TV is to connect the Irish diaspora worldwide by broadcasting quality programmes, which include an array of interviews and performances as well as cultural, tourism and business events from across the island of Ireland.
The programme is aired three times a week on Sky, at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening, at 8 p.m. on Saturday evening and 12.30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.
Henry said: "Viewers can sit back and be taken on a journey around Ireland, be enthralled by the beauty of the country while meeting some of Ireland's most inspirational people. The reason we have got the third airing is because the audience figures are so good."
Henry said the Mayo Association Dublin programme was recorded in association with mayo.ie.
Other programmes in the pipeline are a St. Patrick’s Day show from The Merry Monk, Ballina, Junior Chamber Ireland’s new national president Keira Keogh from Westport, and a Late Late-style show from Swinford for the Swinford 250 & More celebrations. A song for the show was written in 48 hours by Padraig McNeela entitled 'Swinford Town'.
Another highlight will be a two-part documentary on the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill.
Mayo man Henry McGlade has over 40 years’ experience in the entertainment business as a DJ, compere, columnist and radio presenter.
A former director of the highly acclaimed Castlebar International Song contest, Henry has enjoyed meeting with songwriters and singers from around the world, including country legend Johnny Cash.
A former presenter at Irish TV and Midwest Radio, Henry's exceptional talent for showcasing a story shines on the iMayo TV shows.
Addressing potential advertisers, Henry said: "Your business or event has the potential to reach our audience consisting of hundreds of thousands of people across Ireland, England and mainland Europe. Our experienced and dedicated advertising team will create a package to suit you and your requirements.
"Video is now driving consumer behaviour. Let our team produce your business video commercial for TV, website and social media platforms."
In a testimonial of iMayo TV, singer Dick Hogan said: "Its potential for people to showcase their wares, businesses, ideas and talents is endless.
"One of the huge advantages is that your programme remains on the site indefinitely and can be viewed anywhere in the world.
"The whole experience for me from the UK has been fantastic. I would recommend the idea to anybody."
Henry started his career working for Fitzgerald’s in their flagship music premises in Bundoran in 1971. Initially he got a summer job with them.
Henry took up the story: "The record and souvenir shop was a huge tourist attraction back then and as the Irish record scene was just starting it was a boom time for the business.
"They were doing such business in Bundoran they decided to open in Sligo and I was asked to run that shop. I stayed there a couple of years and then they opened in Castlebar, where I went in 1974. We were located next door to Cafolla’s (now Supermac’s) on Main Street."
Henry’s involvement with the five-star Ashford Castle in Cong came about by mistake.
He explained: "On one occasion they were let down for a band for an event. There was panic stations to get a replacement. So Anette Griffin knew me and I managed to get a band for them. Through that I became involved booking events for Ashford.
"The biggest event was Pearse Brosnan's wedding, which made Hello Magazine. I got the Magnier wedding out of it and I introduced Rod Stewart on stage in a stud farm in Tipperary. I was also involved with Westlife's Bryan McFadden's wedding in Slane, all out of my connections with Ashford Castle.
"I am like Larry Gogan. I will keep going. I adapted very easily to television. I was nervous for the first few shows. But my radio work over the years helped me a lot as well as doing master of ceremonies for charity events."
Since he came to Castlebar, where he ran his own record shop for decades, Henry has been deeply involved doing voluntary work for a wide variety of charities.
He confessed: "It is one of the things that gives me greater pride every year. I still get a great kick out of doing the charity work. I do stuff for anyone who asks. I have worked with them all.
"Castlebar has been good to me. The best move I ever made was coming to Castlebar. It is a great town. The way I look at it is Castlebar has been good to me and I like to give something back."
iMayo TV have an address at Breaffy Road, Castlebar, and can be contacted on email atlanticproductionsireland@gmail.com and (087) 1313511.
Do you have a story to tell about your business? If so, Tom Gillespie would be delighted to hear from you. Get in touch at (087) 9680780 or gillespietom49@gmail.com.