WEDNESDAY 19TH MARCH
SEA TRAGEDIES PROGRAMME
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
Nationwide recalls some of the very many major sea-faring tragedies that have occurred down through the years off the Irish coast with a visit to the Maritime Museum in Dún Laoghaire where memorabilia of Ireland’s sea-faring past is archived and displayed. Plus, the team focuses in on one tragedy, in which there was a devastating loss of life, off the coast of County Dublin over 170 years ago.
Around 400 people are believed to have died when the ship the RMS Tayleur sank in the 19th century off Lambay Island. It was the ships first voyage from Liverpool to Australia and was known as the first Titanic as it sailed under the White Star name. Now a theatrical performance has been composed to commemorate the disaster, called Ocean Child and it focuses on one of the many moving stories from the shipwreck. Reporter John Kilraine has the story.
The National Maritime Museum in Dún Laoghaire is a repository for stories of Ireland’s sea-faring history and reporter Niall Martin recently visited to hear about some of the many other ships that found a watery grave off our coasts.
FRIDAY 21ST MARCH
PROGRAMME ON ANIMATION
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
Nationwide delves into the world of cartoons and explores the animation sector in Ireland as the creatives gather in Dhaingean Uí Chúis for the Dingle Animation Festival this weekend. The animation industry in Ireland has seen significant growth over the years, employing thousands of people and contributing millions to the national economy. The Nationwide team meets those behind the annual event in Dingle to find out what inspired it, and they meet one of this country’s most successful cartoon animators at his studio home in Ballycotton where all kinds of creatures are dreamed up and animated.
Will Sliney made his name drawing famous marvel characters like Spiderman, now, this comic book artist is about to make his animated directorial debut with a new 3d series on RTÉ, all made from his studio in County Cork. Brian Hurley went to find out more.
This weekend marks the 13th year of the Dingle Animation Festival and presenter Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh visits Jam Media, an Irish animation studio, who are integral to the festival’s continued success.
