NATIONWIDE WEEK 43

MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER, 7pm, RTÉ One

PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN

On this evening’s programme Nationwide remembers former politician Mary O’Rourke, one of County Westmeath’s most prominent political figures, who sadly passed away earlier this month.  Mary had a distinguished career, serving on the national scene as a Minister and as a Longford/Westmeath TD for many years.  She was born into a political family in Athlone where she lived, married and raised her family.  Twelve years ago, she published her autobiography, and Mary Kennedy met her at home in Athlone, where she talked about her life in politics and of her love of family and place.  In tribute, Nationwide looks back on that broadcast from October 2012.   

Nationwide also visits one of the great old houses in County Westmeath which had fallen into rack and ruin.  Reporter Valerie Waters meets the family who have brought Coolamber House back from the brink of dereliction to create a home which now welcomes visitors.    

WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER, 7pm, RTÉ One

PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH

A programme focusing on young people and their achievements in sport and hobbies.  Reporter Mary Fanning meets 17-year-old Daniel O’Rahilly in Kerry who achieved the impossible earlier this year when he won €80,000 at Limerick Greyhound Stadium with his greyhound, Knockeen Dazzler.

Also, reporter, Zainab Boladale meets four Dublin siblings, three of whom, recently brought home an impressive five medals from the WAKO Youth World Kickboxing Championships held in Hungary. 

FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER, 7pm, RTÉ One

PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN

PROGRAMME FROM DUBLIN

Nationwide is in the Capital to focus on positive projects that are benefitting local communities in and around the city.

Reporter, John Kilraine visits Boland’s Mills, an important historical site overlooking Grand Canal Dock.  Boland’s Mills survived bombardment in 1916 and dereliction in more recent years but it has now been transformed by the tech giant, Google. We get a tour of the site which includes space for small businesses as well as providing affordable rental homes.

Additionally, Anne Cassin highlights the clean-up efforts along the River Dodder in South County Dublin where she meets members of the Dodder Action Group who are on one of their monthly clean-up days, working to maintain the health of the river which is a huge amenity for the people of Dublin.  

RTÉ Nationwide presenters Anne Cassin and Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh