12th Sep 2016

#IFTAGala16

Gala TV Rising Star announced by IFTA

IFTA and Gala Retail have today announced the Nominees for the Gala TV Rising Star award. This is an exciting new Award for Television which recognises the skill, talent, and professionalism of Ireland’s leading young broadcasters and brightest rising stars who are blazing a trail across Irish and international TV screens.

The six Nominees have been selected by a panel of industry experts, and the winner will now be decided through a people’s choice vote as the public can vote online over the coming weeks for who they feel should win this prestigious Award.

The six bright young guns in Irish television are ‘Robot Wars’ and ‘Getaways’ presenter Angela Scanlon, alongside Comedian and Republic of Telly’s Kevin McGahern; Bear Grylls winner and ‘Wildgirls’ presenter Vogue Williams as well as fashion guru and TV presenter Darren Kennedy; Bilingual Rugby presenter and Movie Show host Máire Treasa Ní Dhubhghaill as well as comedian Al Porter from ‘Live at the Apollo’ and ‘The Al Porter Show’.

The online Voting app will be live at 9am Tuesday; the public can vote online by logging onto www.facebook.com/GalaRetail

Commenting on the introduction of the Gala TV Rising Star Award, IFTA CEO Aine Moriarty said:

“This Award acknowledges the skill and talent of six ‘young guns of Irish television’ who have shown themselves to be skillful, confident and fearless TV presenters. No doubt the future holds exciting opportunities ahead for each as they continue to impress Irish and international audiences”.

Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail adds:

“In our second year of sponsorship of the IFTA Gala Television Awards, we are delighted to support this new award which recognises the gifted television personalities that are making strides within the industry. Huge congratulations to all of the finalists who are each talented, brilliant and sure to go far in their careers.”

“As the Gala TV Rising Star Award is the only award this year to be voted for by the public, it’s set to be one of the most hotly contested awards on the night, so make sure to cast your vote for which one you think should get the Award”

The Gala TV Rising Star will be presented at this year’s annual IFTA Gala Television Awards Ceremony which takes place on Friday 7th October at the Double Tree Hotel in Dublin and will be broadcast on TV3.

The full line-up of Nominees across all 25 Television categories will be announced on Wednesday 14th September, with the very best Irish creative talent and TV programming being shortlisted across all genres including Entertainment, Comedy, Documentary, Current Affairs, News and Childrens among others.

To vote for your Gala TV Rising Star and to be in with a chance of winning great prizes online, visit www.Facebook.com/GalaRetail and vote online for free. Follow the IFTA Gala Television Awards conversation at #IFTAGala16.

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About the Nominees
Angela Scanlon

Scanlon’s beginnings with documentary ‘Oi Ginger’ have seen her move to ‘Full Frontal’ and ‘Close Encounters’ at home, and has most recently become co-host of BBC show ‘Robot Wars’ with Dara O’Brian. She also currently hosts ‘Getaways’ with Joe Lindsay, which airs on RTÉ and BBC NI."I am so delighted to be nominated for this award; I absolutely love what I do and for the IFTAS to acknowledge that is incredibly humbling"

Kevin McGahern McGahern’s beginnings in stand-up comedy have taken him from ‘Hardy Bucks’ to ‘Republic of Telly’. Initially featuring in a number of sketches on the show, he w>ent on to become its presenter. He is also known for festival performances such as Galway Comedy Carnival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. "I'm delighted to be nominated along such great Irish talent."

Vogue Williams Williams is a model, presenter and radio personality who has featured on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘Stepping Out’, and was also the winner of ‘Bear Grylls: Mission to Survive’ in 2015. She has most recently fronted factual series ‘Wildgirls’ on RTÉ. “I am so delighted to be nominated for the Gala TV Rising Star Award at the IFTA's. I have followed this Awards ceremony for years and I can’t believe that I have been nominated, it’s very exciting. TV is my passion and I put a lot into every show I make so it is lovely to be recognised for this.”

Al Porter Porter made his television debut as a participant of ‘New Comedy Award’ on RTÉ 2. He is also known for his writing and performances in panto and co-wrote ‘Freezin’: The Story of The Snow Queen’ with Carl Spain in 2015. ‘Al Porter At Large: The Honeymoon Tour’ has taken the twenty-two year old comedian nationwide just this year. "I'm thrilled and so surprised to be nominated. It's a great excuse to wear my tux. I guess I'm not hosting - being nominated is basically a way of telling me I didn't get the gig."

Maire Treasa Ni Dhubhghaill Ni Dhubhghaill is best known for her work on TG4’s Irish language sports show ‘Rugbai Beo.’ As well as MC for various live events including Galway West Summit and guest present at the IFTAs, she has worked with younger audiences in productions such as ‘Bog Stop’ and ‘Gleo’. “It is fantastic and exciting to be nominated in this category. I’m fortunate to be doing a job that I love and this is an added bonus. It was completely unexpected but I’m delighted with the recognition.”

Darren Kennedy Kennedy’s work to date has seen him present for TV3, RTÉ, ITV, BBC and US channels FOX, ABC and E! to name a few; he is a regular guest on TV3 shows including Xposé and the Seven O’Clock Show. Additionally he has guest presented at both the BAFTA and IFTA Awards ceremonies and writes for both Telegraph Men and the Irish Independent. “Crafting a career in broadcasting is not easy but it is my absolute passion so I love every minute of it. Getting to create experiences that make people think, feel or act is a privilege. To be nominated by IFTA is such a lovely surprise! And to get this recognition among such a strong group of my peers is an honour.”

ABOUT GALA Established in 1998 and wholly Irish-owned, Gala is one of the most progressive symbol groups operating in the convenience retail market in Ireland. Gala stores are renowned for their high levels of service and commitment and support of local communities. Gala has 200 stores nationwide, and has enjoyed real growth to date in 2016.

Gala’s ethos is community convenience retailing at its best, and its values include: community, Irishness, quality and innovation. Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala, heads up the Gala team, who are based in Kill, Co. Kildare

In 2016, Gala was named as one of the official partners of Special Olympics Ireland for the next four-year Olympics cycle, taking its sponsorship from 2016 to 2019, and the convenience retailer is also a major supporter of parkrun Ireland.

Gala stores are unique in that they are owned and run by local entrepreneurs who are very much part of their community. Each store is individual, and has been tailored to meet the needs of its customers. This consumer based approach has ensured the brand goes from strength to strength.

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