MONDAY 26TH APRIL – CILL RIALAG ARTS CENTRE PROGRAMME
We are in County Kerry to visit an old village which has been restored and is used as a retreat for artists and crafts people who come to get away from the busy world and to be inspired by the wild and rugged landscape of this part of Kerry. We hear how one woman’s vision and drive turned a derelict village into a haven for artists. We meet an award-winning abstract artist who found inspiration in the local community for her latest collaboration and an internationally acclaimed artist tells us how his life was transformed through art.
WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL – RACING INDUSTRY SPECIAL
On tonight’s programme we have a special on the racing industry as we meet a Tipperary horse producer and trainer who has had a run of success with horses named after his business ‘Hotel Minella’ in Clonmel.
JOHN NALLEN/REPORT MARY FANNING
The recent Aintree Grand National win for Ireland gave the nation a much-needed boost with history being made when Rachel Blackmore won on the Henry De Bromhead trained Minella Times and before that the Co Waterford trainer had six winners at Cheltenham including victory in the Gold Cup with Minella Indo, but the story began a long time ago in Clonmel. The dream started over four decades ago when John Nallen, who owns the famous Minella Hotel with his sister Liz, started buying foals and set out on the long haul to greatness at his farm and racing yard just outside the town of Clonmel. Mary Fanning went to meet him and his family at their farm.
FAITH AMOND/REPORT HELEN MCINERNEY
Due to Covid, attendances at race meetings have been restricted to small numbers and racing supporters are looking forward to the day when large crowds can go to the races. We look back now on a busy day at the Irish Grand National of 2019 when thousands came to Fairy House to enjoy the races and to dress up for the day.
We meet one of the most stylish ladies on the racing circuit. Carlow woman and much-loved racing character Faith Amond who has been advising race goers on what to wear for that special occasion.
FRIDAY 30TH APRIL – LOUGH DERG PROGRAMME
On this evening’s programme we travel around Ireland’s second largest lake, Lough Derg. Bordering Tipperary, Galway, Clare and Limerick we begin our journey in Portumna and journey around the lake meeting nature enthusiasts who spend hours watching the wildlife around the lake including Sea Eagles who are nesting nearby.
We visit the gardens in Portumna Castle and meet the gardener there. We also visit a community Garden in Mount Shannon and revisit the monastic settlement on Holy Island.