MONDAY 13TH JANUARY
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
TRADITIONAL SKILLS PROGRAMME
On this evening’s Nationwide there are stories of efforts to keep traditional crafts of the past alive in different parts of the country including a forge, which has found a new lease of life in the Banner County. Also featured in the programme is a group in County Cavan who have undertaken a number of Men’s Shed’s projects in their community.
The first report is from County Clare where the old Blacksmiths forge in Mountshannon is back in operation again with crafts now being produced.
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association has been growing since the first shed opened its doors in 2011. The men support each other by working together on a wide range of projects. In Belturbet they have a few on the go including the restoration of old railway carriages and recently John Kilraine went to visit.
WEDNESDAY 15TH JANUARY
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
On this evening’s Nationwide, the team meet the Donegal walkers whose efforts have helped raise substantial sums of money for “Cancer Care West” in Donegal. Plus, in North County Dublin reporter Valerie Waters meets the Fingal artist in residence at the boat house art studio workshop in Loughshinny.
Last year over one hundred thousand euro was raised in support of the Cancer Care West Centre in Donegal. This massive sum comes from many different community initiatives but especially from an event known as “The Donegal Camino”. Reporter Mary Harte visits the drop-in support clinic in Letterkenny to find out more.
The next story features the photographer and artist Louis Haugh who is the recipient of the Loughshinny Boathouse Artists’ Studio Award granted by Fingal County Council. Reporter Valerie Waters went to visit Louis in his workplace on a bright sunny day by the seashore.
FRIDAY 17TH JANUARY
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
This evening’s programme is from County Kildare with stories on fashion with a visit to the Museum of Style Icons and the team meet a family who have been making shoes for generations.
The Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge has brought much Hollywood glamour to Kildare since it opened back in 2007. One of the most recent exhibitions, Iconic Costumes of the Silver Screen showcases costumes from legendary Irish films and TV series and reminds us of unforgettable performances by our leading Irish actors. Presenter Anne Cassin visits this exhibition which continues until May 2025.
Anne also visits Naas in County Kildare to meet the Tutty family, who have been crafting handmade shoes for nearly 80 years. She explores the dedication and skill behind their craft.
