Room to Improve 2025 – Episode 3 – Sligo
Sunday January 19th 9:30pm
Sometimes, a property presents itself to Dermot Bannon and very early on, he realises this is much, much more than about a house. It’s about memory, it’s about sanctuary, it’s about life itself.
Orla McDermott grew up in Aughris Co. Sligo. She went to Sligo IT to study business and it was there she met Dominic, her husband to be. She adored everything about Dominic. They got married, had their son Lachlan and purchased their dream home in Aughris. They had plans to do up the house and were determined to make this a reality.
During their first Christmas in 2022, Dom noticed a pain in his side and was referred for tests. At the same time, Orla found out they were pregnant with their second child. What happened over the following months can only be described as catastrophic, a progression of an aggressive cancer in Dominic.
On the 18th July, Dom sadly passed away surrounded by his loving family. His baby girl Eden Dominique Keenehan arrived on the 6th of October.
One year later, with plans in hand, steely determination and a resilience like no other, Orla meets Dermot Bannon and so begins their journey together.
This 1970s sea side bungalow that Orla owns has many problems. It’s cold, and the heat is on constantly on in the winter. There is damp and mould throughout and Orla is determined to get the house to a standard for herself and the kids that will last forever.
Episode 3
Dermot Bannon
RTÉ One Sunday January 19th 9:30pm
