MONDAY 11TH MAY
PRESENTER RICHARD DOWNES
CELEBRATION OF RURAL LIFE
On this evening’s programme, Nationwide meets people with a love for vintage cars, tractors, and the traditional ways of life. The team visits a gathering of vintage tractor owners in Kerry, and hears from a classic car collector about a lifelong dedication to collecting and repairing vintage vehicles.
In County Kerry, the team visits Kilgarvan Motor Museum, a small, family-run collection founded in the 1980s by a husband‑and‑wife team whose love of vintage cars began as a hobby. Today, the museum is home to more than 30 classic vehicles, along with an impressive selection of motorbikes and tractors on display.
During the summer months there are many vintage gatherings with old machines, cars and tractors on display. One of these vintage tractor events attracted farm machinery enthusiasts to Valentia Island. What made this gathering different was that the collectors came together for a working day and used their restored tractors to help make silage while showcasing their machines and sharing their passion for farming history.
WEDNESDAY 13TH MAY
PRESENTER BLÁTHNAID NÍ CHOFAIGH
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
On this evening’s programme, the focus is on enterprise in rural Ireland as Nationwide meets two driven and ambitious female entrepreneurs who have successfully established their own businesses in Counties Donegal and Longford.
A fashion designer in west Donegal has brought new life to what once was her great-grandmother’s shop. Sarah Lorraine Gallagher has transformed the premises into a hub for her own clothing brand which is inspired by the local landscape. Reporter Tommy Stenson recently visited Sarah at her shop in Gaoth Dobhair.
The team also meets a woman from Sweden who has settled in Ireland and made a business for herself selling sustainably produced shampoo and cosmetic products from her home in Drumlish, Co Longford.
FRIDAY 15TH MAY
PRESENTER ZAINAB BOLADALE
STORIES FOR AFRICA DAY
On this evening’s show, Nationwide marks Africa Day by celebrating people of African heritage who have found success here in Ireland. Ahead of the flagship Dublin event, which takes place this Sunday at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Nationwide looks back at some of the African business owners, authors and sports stars who have made their mark.
Kensika Monshengwo lives in Dublin but originally comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He wrote a children’s book to introduce the culture of Africa in Irish homes and also to introduce the Irish language to other cultures. Reporter Valerie Waters met the author and his family.
Mama Shee, an African-Irish entrepreneur, built her food brand in Dublin after noticing a gap in the market for authentic African cuisine in Ireland. Her business has since grown into a popular food offering selling traditional Nigerian dishes. Niall Martin met her at the beginning of her journey.
Also on the programme is the story of a powerhouse in the world of powerlifting. Lystus Ebosele is of Nigerian heritage but grew up in Wexford, and at a very early age she realised her love of sports and fitness. She’s now using her large online following to share her journey. Zainab Boladale met her during one of her training sessions at the start of her powerlifting career.
