MONDAY 2ND MARCH
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
IRISH LANGUAGE STORIES
As Seachtain na Gaeilge takes place over the next two weeks, from the 1st to 17th of March, Nationwide features stories of the Irish language.
Many people don’t get an opportunity to speak Irish on a daily basis in the shops or even in their local library, ach anois Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge have an initiative to support and motivate sa siopa, sa leabharlann agus fiú san ionad spórt, in shops, libraries and sports centres. Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh visits a shop in the Capital to find out more.
Throughout the country, there are communities of Irish speakers who connect based on shared hobbies and a love for the Irish language. Reporter Zainab Boladale meets Aerach-Aiteach-Gaelach, a arts collective that runs various events for LGBTQ+ people to connect through the medium of the Irish language.
WEDNESDAY 4TH MARCH
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
PAST TRACKS PROJECT & THE HISTORY OF HEUSTON STATION
On this evening’s Nationwide, Anne Cassin meets historian Turtle Bunbury to discover the origins of his ‘Past Tracks’ project. She hears how he teamed up with Irish Rail and illustrator Derry Dillon to create colourful illustrated panels at railway stations across Ireland, featuring a series of quirky historical stories to engage passengers, as they wait for their train. The ‘Past Tracks’ project started out with just 10 panels but today, one hundred panels can be found in one hundred stations and features over 600 local history stories.
Also, Anne visits one of Ireland’s busiest and oldest train stations in Dublin. Originally known as Kingsbridge, Heuston station has long served as a gateway to the capital, welcoming generations of passengers through its doors. Presenter Anne Cassin explores the station’s rich history, delving into the archives to uncover stories about its origins.
FRIDAY 6TH MARCH
PRESENTER ZAINAB BOLADALE
STORIES FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Ahead of International Women’s Day which takes place this Sunday, Nationwide features two stories that highlight community initiatives which are empowering women and girls through education, heritage and music.
For over 30 years, the North Leitrim Women’s Centre has been dedicated to creating educational opportunities for women across the county. The Centre is also involved in a heritage project that celebrates the stories and contributions of local women from the past. Zainab Boladale has the story.
The next story is from Donegal where song and confidence-building come together. A trio of girls’ choirs, made up of members aged four to eighteen, has been wowing audiences over the past year, both at home and abroad. The ethos of the choirs is as much about fun and companionship as it is about the songs they perform. Reporter Mary Harte has been meeting those behind this success story.
