MONDAY 20TH APRIL
PRESENTER ANNE CASSIN
From life on remote Canadian reservations in the 1970s to the thriving hiking communities of Ireland today, this evening’s Nationwide features stories of adventure and a connection to the great outdoors.
A story of adventure in the 1970s, centred on a Limerick couple and their children who spent almost a decade living on reservations in North Ontario, Canada. Life there was still quite basic at the time, with no running water or electricity. Today, the Mulrooney family’s Super 8 footage and photographs offer a rare glimpse into a way of life, long past. Reporter Valerie Waters has this story.
Having spent many years hiking alone, Kilkenny woman, April Brophy, decided to post on social media for like-minded people to join her and Slíabh Hiking Club was born. Today she has over 1,500 members from all across the country. This adventure has changed her life, and Nationwide went to meet her in the Comeragh mountains on one of their outings.
WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL
PRESENTER COLM FLYNN
REMEMBERING CHERNOBYL 40 YEARS ON
Forty years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Colm Flynn looks at the Irish humanitarian response in the aftermath and in the years since, including meeting those who have dedicated decades of their lives to travelling to the affected areas in Ukraine and Belarus, bringing supplies and aid. He also hears the stories of the children’s programme, where orphans from contaminated areas were brought to Ireland each summer for fresh air, good-quality food, and a chance for respite.
Over the course of the programme, Colm meets some of the Irish who, to this day, continue to highlight the issues and support those whose lives were, and are, impacted by the disaster, which occurred on the 26th of April 1986.
FRIDAY 24TH APRIL
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
0VERCOMING CHALLENGES
This evening’s Nationwide programme features stories of creativity, inclusion and empowerment in Dublin and County Kerry.
First up is a Dublin festival that puts the creativity and perspectives of disabled artists front and centre. Now in its third year, Disrupt Disability Arts Festival celebrates showcases performances using accessible formats for everyone to enjoy. Reporter, Zainab Boladale went along to find out more.
In Kerry, a unique programme is supporting young adults with Down Syndrome to build confidence, independence, and with practical life skills. Reporter Brian Hurley visits Munster Technological University’s Kerry Campus to hear all about Kookability, a course which teaches cooking skills, promoting greater independence and opening doors to employment.
