MONDAY 8TH DECEMBER
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
THE WEAVING OF FABRICS
Nationwide travels to County Mayo and Donegal West to visit businesses where tradition is at the heart of everything they do. In Mayo the team visits the town of Foxford where the local woollen mill has become a hive of activity attracting tourists and visitors throughout the year. In Glencar, County Donegal Nationwide meets the team behind hand woven garments and throws made at Studio Donegal.
Presenter Anne Cassin visits Foxford in Co Mayo, a town synonymous with textiles for more than 130 years. Nestled on the banks of the River Moy, Foxford Woollen Mills has long been a cornerstone of the local community, traditionally renowned for its blankets. Having survived world recessions, shifting consumer trends, and financial challenges, the company has evolved into a modern lifestyle brand while proudly preserving its textile heritage.
Donegal Tweed is celebrated worldwide for its distinctive, high-quality fabric with a rustic charm, inspired by the rugged beauty of the local landscape. Producers of Donegal Tweed are now seeking EU geographical indication status, which would ensure that only tweed made in Donegal can bear the name. Reporter Mary Harte visits one such company, Studio Donegal where every piece of tweed and garment is 100 per cent handwoven and 100 per cent handmade.
WEDNESDAY 10TH DECEMBER
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME
This evening’s Nationwide comes from Dublin, where the team meets the people behind the Irish Blue Cross, an animal charity celebrating 80 years of service. This vital organisation provides a lifeline for sick and injured pets whose owners cannot afford private treatment. Also on the show, a look back at policing in the capital after independence, exploring the history of the Dublin Metropolitan Police and its handover to An Garda Síochána a century ago.
The old Dublin Metropolitan Police force has a controversial place in Irish history as it represented British rule through some turbulent times. This year marks the 100th anniversary of its absorption into An Garda Síochána. Reporter John Kilraine discovers how the force played a significant role in events surrounding the foundation of the state.
For 80 years, The Irish Blue Cross has been at the heart of communities across Dublin, providing affordable veterinary care to pet owners who need it most. Reporter Zainab Boladale meets the dedicated team behind the charity to find out why, after all these years, their work remains as vital as ever.
FRIDAY 12TH DECEMBER
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
CHRISTMAS THEMED PROGRAMME
This evening’s Nationwide celebrates the official start of panto season with a very special production featuring a true showbusiness legend. Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh takes viewers behind the scenes of this show starring Twink as a virtual Queen of the Fairies. Also featured on the programme is a nostalgic look back at the story of Lemon’s Pure Sweets, the iconic brand founded in the 1840’s.
