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NATIONWIDE – WEEK 29

Mary Kennedy and Anne Cassin RTÉ Nationwide (4) Image Name: Mary Kennedy and Anne Cassin RTÉ Nationwide (4)

Monday 15th July, 7.00pm, RTÉ One

On this evening’s programme, Nationwide is in County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland.  The team goes on the tourist trail, visiting some of the stunning sights to be seen and travelling the Wicklow Way as well as hearing about a project which has brought walkers and farmers together to enhance and improve the extensive walk right across the county.  The programme follows in the footsteps of the recent royal visit, by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, and showcases some of what this county has to offer including Powerscourt Gardens and Kilmacurragh Botanical Gardens.

Wednesday 17th July, 7.00pm, RTÉ One

Tonight Nationwide meets people who are using their lives experiences to benefit others.

Problems with mental health, depression, drink, and drugs cross all social divides and families all over the country have been affected by someone they are close to suffering from mental health issues or committing suicide.  However, there are many wonderful stories of recovery and reporter Mary Fanning goes to Cork to meet Graham McCormack, a former MMA fighter who with great help, has fought back. He is now committed to telling his positive story on several platforms to try to give hope to people that there is a way back.

‘One Hundred Men Who Give a Damn’ is a group of businessmen who come together four times a year to donate money to local charities. Reporter Marian Malone goes along to the Galway chapter to hear the individual pitches from three local charities looking for much-needed funding.

Friday 19th July, 7.00pm, RTÉ One

The Irish National Stud at Tully in Co. Kildare is a unique visitor attraction on the tourist trail with its magnificent gardens, retired racehorses, and guided tours combined with a top class stud farm boasting the stallion Invincible Spirit, one of the top stud horses in the world.  Presenter Anne Cassin goes on a guided tour and meets the retired racehorses under the “living legends” brand including Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Kicking King and champion, Hurricane Fly.  She meets David Wardell as he guides the Alabama Farmers group around the stud and chats to them about their experience. She talks to stud manager Cathal Beale and sees top stallions, Invincible Spirit and Decorated Knight who cover mares from all over the world as well as hearing about the world class learning center for students.

Having the Queen of England describe your work as ‘ingenious’ is quite an endorsement.  Artist Anthony Scott designed a sculpture to commemorate “Sea the Stars”, regarded by some as the greatest racehorse of all time.  Often inspired by mythology, the artist, certainly has an wonderful ability to represent animals in his work.  Reporter Donal Byrne goes to County Cavan to meet him.

Next to the Japanese Gardens at The National Stud in County Kildare which are well worth a visit.  The location is within easy access of Dublin and for anyone travelling to the capital, it’s a lovely way to break the journey.  Reporter Valerie Waters takes a trip there  to meet some of the people who work hard all year round to keep this important tourist attraction in such good condition.