Series starring Cork actor goes global

A hit Irish-language crime drama starring a well-known Cork actor has become a global sensation, now selling in 68 countries and with a second season in the works.

TG4’s six-part series ‘CRÁ’ starring Cork’s own Alex Murphy (‘Young Offenders’) has interested broadcasters and audiences worldwide with major platforms like ARTE in France and AMC Networks/Acorn TV in the USA acquiring rights.

Streamed in Irish with subtitles under the name ‘Boglands’, the series is the first Irish language series ever to air on BBC Network.

Following its strong reception on TG4 since its premiere on 11 November last year, ‘CRÁ’ is continuing to generate buzz and now the show’s producers are pushing to start filming season two early in 2026.

Set in the beautiful Donegal landscape, ‘CRÁ’ tells the story of Garda Conall Ó Súilleabháin, played by Dónall Ó Héalaí, who is thrust into a deeply personal case when the body of his mother, Sabine, is discovered 15 years after she vanished.

Cork star Alex Murphy, who plays Conor MacSweeney in the hit Leeside comedy ‘The Young Offenders’, took the role of Garda Barry Roche, the man who finds his colleague’s mother’s remains. Deirdre Ní Choistín, TG4 Director General, said: “The global success of ‘CRÁ’ is a proud moment for TG4 and for Irish-language public service media.

“It demonstrates that Irish language creativity and storytelling can have universal appeal.”