MONDAY 26TH JANUARY
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
THATCHING IN IRELAND PROGRAMME
On this evening’s Nationwide, the focus is on thatched houses. There was a time when almost every home in the country was roofed with traditional thatch, but today you would have to seek them out as they have all but disappeared. However, there are those with a deep passion for the old ways, fighting to preserve this heritage and keep their thatched cottages in pristine condition.
A thatched roof can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, depending on the skill of the thatcher and the quality of the materials used. In Ireland, there are approximately 2,500 thatched buildings, yet only around 25 skilled thatchers remain, making them a rare breed and female thatchers are rarer still. Presenter Anne Cassin meets one of those women, Sarah Leach as she replaces a roof in County Wexford.
WEDNESDAY 28TH JANUARY
PRESENTER RICHARD DOWNES
COMMUNITY STORIES
On this evening’s programme, Nationwide visits the village of Kilteely in County Limerick, where the community has shown relentless resilience in the face of widespread rural decline, like so many other villages around the country.
Reporter Marian Malone takes a look at the history of Kilteely, its glory days when it was thriving one hundred years ago, to the sad closure and demolition of its post office after almost two centuries in existence. She also explores local initiatives to counter this decline and bring life back into the village.
Presenter Richard Downes also meets Corkonian Orla Hickey – architect, artist, designer and teacher who has made Kilteely her home and credits it with inspiring her to set up her own business.
FRIDAY 30TH JANUARY
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
On this evening’s Nationwide there are positive stories from locations around the country, as the teams meets Community groups and organisations who have undertaken projects which support people in the community, who, from time to time, need a helping hand.
An autism support service that began with a handful of determined parents in County Donegal is now celebrating 25 years. iCARE delivers vital respite care, training and support to children and adults with autism across the Inishowen Peninsula and has become a lifeline for dozens of families. Reporter, Tommy Stenson visited the iCARE Centre in Buncrana.
A volunteer-run community car in Johnstownbridge, County Kildare, is helping residents with essential journeys and daily support. From hospital appointments to meal deliveries, doctors visits to everyday errands, the service is proving invaluable to those who need it most. Nationwide went along to see how it is making a difference.
