MONDAY 10TH FEBRUARY
HISTORY AND ANCESTRY
This evening’s Nationwide programme focuses on ancestry and tracing one’s roots. The team meet some American’s who have come to Longford / Roscommon to find the homesteads of their ancestors & the show explores how they undertake the task. Plus in Dublin reporter John Kilraine hears all about the history of the Huguenot’s who settled here almost 400 years ago.
Because of Ireland’s huge diaspora population across the world, genealogy websites have become very popular. An organisation called ‘Roots Ireland’ helps families trace their roots and, in many cases, bring them to the actual place where their ancestors lived. Niall Martin joined the Longford branch of Roots Ireland who have found a new headquarters in a restored cottage in the townland of Fermoyle.
The word refugee originated in the 17th century to describe Protestants who fled persecution in Catholic France. Known as Huguenots, thousands made Ireland their home particularly in Dublin. It is estimated that at one time 5% of the capital’s population was French speaking. Today we look at the mark that Huguenots have left on the city.
WEDNESDAY 12TH FEBRUARY
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
We are at Áras an Uachtaráin to meet some people who live outside Ireland and who recently received an award from the President for their service given to this country or to Irish communities abroad. Also on the show, the next crop of medal hopefuls training at the Skibbereen rowing club and who hope to follow in the footsteps of the Club’s Olympic medal winners.
FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY
VALENTINES DAY PROGRAMME
PRESENTER ZAINAB BOLADALE
On this Valentine’s Day, Nationwide features stories of connection as the team meets people who meet others through running groups and running events in different parts of the country. Plus, the new lovers bench located on the Banks of the River Liffey in Dublin city. Reporter Valerie Waters hears how an eco-seat was created from waste taken from the river over recent times.
