Devil in detail for Diarmuid's documentary

Niall Scully

THE devil doesn't wear Prada. Instead, he's kitted out in a Dublin shirt up on Hill 16.

All will be revealed in a new hilarious two-part documentary that will be shown on St Patrick's night, this Saturday, on TG4 (8.30pm).

The programme, Scéal na Gaeilge, traces the origins of the Irish language. It will be presented by Professor Alan Titley.

The producer is Ballinteer St John's Diarmuid Goggins, brother of the former Dublin captain Coman, the Gaelic games pundit.

Following the high-profile efforts of comedian Des Bishop, and world champion boxer Bernard Dunne, Scáal na Gaeilge further increases the spotlight on the native tongue.

It provides a whistle-stop tour of the Irish language, from its birth to its present day incarnation -- from the Vikings to the saints to the present day. It's a spectacular visual journey that is laced with humour.

And the Dublin sensation, the Blue Devil, features quite prominently in the production.

Diarmuid Goggins explains the reasons behind the new signing. "Well, as everyone knows, it's always Dublin against 31 counties," smiles Diarmuid.

"So we felt we needed every bit of help we could get. Every trick in the book, and even those tricks not in the book. So that's why the devil is togged out in Dublin blue. We have always accepted that us Dubs are no saints!

"And as Pat Gilroy so clearly showed in bringing back Sam to the capital last September, the Devil is indeed in the detail!

"And as for the cauldron of Croke Park, well, for those that get to play there against the Dubs, it's like hell itself!"

The programme will delve deep into the folklore of the language and unravel ancient myths.

It forms part of the Seachtain na Gaeilge celebration (March 5-17).

p Sceal na Gaeilge is on St Patrick's Night (TG4, 8.30pm). The second episode will be on Monday, March 19 (TG4 8.30pm).