Tune in for live coverage of the Galway Races
TV WEEK (Wednesday 30th to Tuesday 5th)
TOP SPECIALS
Fire Country (Sky Max, Wednesday 30th, 9pm)
Bode Leone is a convict getting a shortened prison sentence by joining a jail release fire-fighting programme in Northern California, where he and other inmates are partnered with elite fire-fighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires across the region. In its third season, Bode walks a free man as he continues his journey toward redemption in his small hometown.
Pray For Our Sinners (RTÉ 1, Wednesday 30th, 9:35pm)
Sinéad O’Shea returned to her hometown of Navan to explore the impact of the Catholic Church on the community in decades past. Through first hand testimonies, the film reveals the plight of unmarried mothers, the horrors of mother and baby homes, and the prevalence of violence against children in Catholic schools. And where a handful of extraordinary figures chose to resist the pervasive power of the church.
Our Lives: Downhill Highs (BBC 1, Friday 1st, 7.30pm)
Eight years ago, mountain biker Sean Green set himself an immense challenge – to take his bike up and down all 282 of Scotland’s highest mountains, the Munros. They are higher than 3,000 feet, many with difficult terrain and dangerous conditions, and taking a bike up and down is no mean feat, especially when there is the Scottish weather to contend with.
Mrs Brown’s Boys (RTÉ 1, Friday 1st, 9.35pm)
This new series from everyone’s favourite mammy features Mrs Brown becoming a podcast sensation – without even leaving the house. Cathy is horrified to discover her mother accidentally hijacks her new podcast project. Guest starring Simon Delaney.
Bombing Brighton: The Plot To Kill Thatcher (RTÉ 1, Monday 4th, 9.30pm)
The Brighton bomb, detonated on October 12, 1984, was one of the IRA’s most significant attacks on Britain during the Troubles. Directly targeting Margaret Thatcher, the bomb lay hidden underneath a bathtub in room 629 of the Grand Hotel in Brighton. Five people were killed and there were devastating consequences for the conflict.
The Nazi Cartel (Sky Documentaries, Tuesday 5th, 9pm)
Roberto Suárez was a wealthy Bolivian cattle rancher who in the 1970s had taken control of 80 per cent of the global cocaine trade. To advance his business and influence South American politics, he employed a well respected German with excellent connections called Klaus Altmann. In reality, Altmann was the wanted Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie, the ‘Butcher of Lyon’, responsible for the deaths of thousands of Jews.
WATCH OF THE WEEK
Football Families (RTÉ 1, Thursday 31st, 10.10pm)
A new three-part documentary series exploring the world of elite soccer with some of Shelbourne Football Club’s most talented young players, all hoping, against all odds, to make it as professional footballers. Filmed during Shelbourne’s historic 2024 season under manager Damien Duff, it offers unique behind-the-scenes access as new recruits strive to make it in the often cutthroat world of top level soccer.
BEST FILMS
The Notebook (RTÉ 2, Friday 1st, 9.25pm)
Full on romantic drama set in 1940s South Carolina, where mill worker Ryan Gosling and rich girl Rachel McAdams are desperately in love, but her parents don’t approve. When he goes off to serve in World War II, she becomes engaged to another man – only to find she’s still has feelings for her first love when he returns from the war.
Long Gone Heroes (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Friday)
Gunner (Frank Grillo) is a retired Special Forces soldier who has witnessed the darkest side of combat, and who is forced back into combat to save his kidnapped niece in South America – held captive by a corrupt private operation with connections close to home.
The Menu (RTÉ 1, Sunday 3rd, 9.30pm)
The cult of the celebrity chef takes an extreme turn in this drama-thriller about a select group of guests dining on a private island – only to become part of the main courses themselves. Starring Ralph Fiennes as the chef with an axe to grind, it also has Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult on the menu.
CLASSIC MOVIE
Valkyrie (RTÉ 2, Wednesday 30th, 9pm)
Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) is a loyal German soldier who fears Hitler will destroy his country and the rest of Europe, so brings together a group of high-ranking officers to assassinate the Fuhrer and overthrow the Nazi regime from within. Cracking WWII yarn based on reality.
KIDS STUFF
Saving Lives At Sea (BBC 2, Thursday 31st, 6pm)
The unpaid volunteers of the RNLI patrol our shores and seas, alert to all dangers 24/7 every year. They are ordinary people demonstrating extraordinary bravery. From dealing with trawlers in peril to struggling swimmers, meet this maritime army working to save those in danger, whatever the weather.
The Sloth Lane (Sky Cinema Premiere, from Wednesday)
After a scary storm destroys their home, a speedy sloth named Laura and her kooky family move to the big city in their rusty old food truck hoping to make their business a success – until their delicious food catches the eye of Dotti, trying to save her failing business, Zoom Fuel.
ON DEMAND
Happy Gilmore 2 (Netflix)
In this sequel to the original 1996 film, Adam Sandler again stars with Julie Bowen and Ben Stiller in a story set 29 years after winning his first Tour Championship. Happy is now happy to be a retired golfer – but is forced to return to the sport for the prize money that will help pay for his daughter Vienna’s ballet school. Expect bunkers and belly-laughs at every tee box.
Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War (Amazon Prime)
Explores the secrets and controversies of Teen Mania, which was once the largest Christian youth organisation in the United States, captivating a generation of fervent evangelical Millennial kids with ecstatic religious experiences through ‘Acquire the Fire’ rallies, sadistic boot camps and staged martyrdom drills transforming innocent teens into fanatical soldiers.
Leanne (Netflix)
Leanne’s life takes an unexpected turn when her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman. Starting over when you’re a grandmother in menopause isn’t exactly what she had in mind, but with the help of her family, she will navigate this new chapter with grace, dignity and plenty of jello salad.
SPORTS CENTRE
Racing From Galway (RTÉ 2, Wednesday 30th, 5pm & Thursday 31st 2pm)
It’s one of the biggest racing events of the summer – fashion, gossip, and that iconic meeting where the whole country lets its hair down. Jane Mangan is joined by Barry Geraghty, Lisa O’Neill and Ruby Walsh for live coverage. Commentary from Richard Pugh with reporters Brian Gleeson, Katie Walsh and Valerie Wheeler.