MONDAY 24TH JANUARY
On tonight’s Nationwide, Anne Cassin finds out about the painting inspired by cancer campaigner, Vicky Phelan. She hears how the artist came up with his vision and about the plans for the painting to raise awareness for cancer research.
WEDNESDAY 26TH JANUARY
Anne Cassin meets a trailblazing young couple whose journey into the fashion business led them to establish a bespoke women’s tailoring outfitters called Banshee of Savile Row, on the famous London Street of the same name. Rocco Tulio and Ruby Slevin are from Wicklow and Dublin and with their brand, they have brought the earthy colours of the Irish landscape, and the traditional craft of weaving to the heart of the British clothing establishment. But that isn’t the only way they are shaking up the Gent’s tailoring mecca, their handmade clothing range is for women.
Friday 28th January
Nationwide takes a trip to Kildare on Friday in advance of Féile Bríde, a week-long of programme of events, starting on January 31st, commemorating Saint Brigid who has stood the test of time down through the ages and is now the focus nationally for a new bank holiday.
Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh meets an interesting mix of people starting on the Curragh with Kildare County Council historian, Mario Corrigan who outlines the legacy this woman has left, a woman who has straddled the line of saint, goddess and mythological character for nearly 1,500 years and will be focus of a countrywide celebration in 2024 to mark that anniversary!
Blathnaid also travels to Solas Bhríde, a Christian spirituality centre, with a focus on the legacy of kindness, hospitality and good works and welcomes all faiths and where the perpetual light still burns. World renowned singer, songwriter, Luka Bloom performs his song dedicated to Brigid. Sr. Rita tells Bláthnaid how her message of hope, embraced in her earthiness and all-embracing compassion is so relevant in these pandemic times.
RTÉ archives provide footage from 1963 when the late Mrs Maureen Holohan was filmed making St. Brigid crosses with her children and Bláthnaid speaks to her youngest daughter, Jacinta Kennedy, who continues the tradition today at her home in Monasterevin.
Nationwide also visits the magnificent historical Church of Ireland cathedral in Kildare town and speaks to the Dean, Rev Tim Wright who glories in the history and takes pride in serving on the original monastic site when Brigid set up her first monastery for men and women in 470 AD. Bláthnaid also visits Scoil Bhride in the townland of Lackagh where 5th and 6th class students show their enthusiasm for making the St. Brigid’s Cross and share their stories.