WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
This evening’s Nationwide programme focuses on artistry and craft as we meet some creatives who draw their inspiration from nature.
Will Fogarty, a former construction worker based in Hospital County Limerick, took a leap of faith during the economic downturn and found his true passion in chainsaw carving. Now known as ‘Fear na Coillte’, he travels around the country creating eye-catching sculptures for individuals and groups such as the Tidy Towns or local authorities. Will has also built up a following on social media as he documents his work of bringing new life to old wood.
The Lafcadio Hearne Japanese Garden in Tramore, County Waterford is a place of peace and tranquility. It is here that a collaboration began between local photographer and print artist, Margaret O’Brian Moran and poet, Mark Roper. With a passion for the environment and nature these gardens were a perfect inspiration for them both and Nationwide went along to meet them there.
FRIDAY 9TH MAY
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
This evening’s Nationwide programme features positive community stories from a historic County Wicklow town which is leading the way in projects supporting independent living for older residents. The team visits Carnew to meet some of the locals and to see projects for which they are getting national awards and find out about life in this part of County Wicklow.
A group of women in Carnew have knitted a gigantic map of Ireland with all the main highlights of each county stitched into the map. This very special project brought together a group of local knitters who collaborated on this special project. Our reporter Niall Martin found out all about it.
Founded in 1984, Carnew Community care provides sheltered housing and care services for local elderly people. The project has twice won Pride of Place awards and is a model for other such projects around the country. Reporter Niall Martin has been to visit.
