A new series of ABHAINN: returns on RTÉ One – Cláracha Gaeilge explore more of our rivers from source to sea. The Bann, The Slaney and The Bandon. ABHAINN: takes us on a visually stunning journey from the air as well as on the water – revealing a unique insight into each river and region. Stories both ancient and new that tell us who we really are as a people.
Episode 2 ABHAINN: An Bhanna
The River Bann rises in the magical Mourne Mountains in Co. Down and if as a little stream it turned east it could reach the Irish sea within a few miles at nearby Kilkeel. But fate and geography dictate otherwise and the “wee” Bann swings west north west to become the longest river in the North over 130kms brings it through the heartland of Ulster and on this journey, both on the water and from the air, we get a glimpse of a hidden countryside.
A river of two halves – The Upper and Lower Bann each have their own distinct character and in between – Lough Neagh – so big it has its own horizon! – is the largest fresh water lake in these islands. World famous for its eel fishery, the bed of the Lough gives up some of the best sand around with sand barges plying to and from the pumping grounds daily. The shores of the Lough are rich in music and history. It’s said that it was here that the “Red Hand” of Ulster originated at the seat of the O’Neill Clann at Shanes Castle, near Randalstown. Today, maybe more renouned as a film location for “The Game of Throwns”, Shane’s Castle Estate is still home to Lord O’Neill and his family. “ The O’Neills claim to be the oldest traceable family in Europe going back to 360AD” according to Lord O’Neill. Both he and his son Shane, who has taken on the management of the huge estate, talk about the delights and challenges of being the incumbant of such an ancient heritage.
Rams Island on Lough Neagh was a private getaway for the O’Neills but is now leased by them to a local conservation trust. Michael Savage is amoung the many volunteers who have worked tremendously hard to conserve the tremendous biodiversity of the island and to make it more accessible to the public. Dr. Pól Mac Cana gives us a fascinating insight into the issue of invasive species as he looks at the Spanish & Native Bluebells on the Island and how they compete and hybridise.
As well as boats, weirs and locks, this chapter in the ABHAINN: story, has a classic lake shore performance from “Farriers” and the Toombridge song that everyone knows performed by Diane Cannon & Matt McGinn.
Presenter / Reporter : SINÉAD NÍ CHURNÁIN
Director and Executive Producer: KEVIN CUMMINS
Rivers are more than just a geographical feature in our landscapes. For thousands of years rivers have been part of who we are and have shaped what we have become. Rivers have taken on magical, religious, mythical qualities in ancient times. They’ve been the major transportation routes of old, which opened up the country to newcomers both welcome and unwelcome, they’re the motorway network of ancient times. As natural barriers Rivers are and have traditionally marked the borders of tribal territories – often fiercely defended. River crossings have been the venue for many a battle. In later centuries the energy of our rivers have been captured by watermills and hydro electric plants but this intrinsic life force and energy has always been recognised in ancient Irish cultures for whom the rivers were living goddesses.
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