madeinirelandEpisode 4 is Broadcast on the 24th of October 2011 on the Today with Pat Kenny Show on Rte radio 1, presented by Ella McSweeney
Seeing the Light
“One day you will get out of bed and it will just happen”, so said the Irish stained glass artist Willie Earley to his young apprentice, Evan Connon, who had spent 3 years perfecting the art of drawing in his Dundrum studio. Stained glass artistry was in the blood. Evan’s grandfather worked for the genius Harry Clarke. Evan shows Ella his studio and shows her his favourite piece of Harry Clarke work in North Dublin. She meets Willie Earley and sees one of his last pieces of work in Co. Meath.
athenamediaieEpisode 3 broadcast on 17th October 2011 on the Today with Pat Kenny Show on RTÉ Radio 1, presented by Ella McSweeney
The Woolly Way
It’s a fact all too well known if you farm sheep for a living – but it’s still a surprise to those of us who don’t - to learn that Irish wool, once a premium product, is hardly ever used in knitting anymore. Aran Sweaters, Foxford Rugs, Donegal Tweed - all synonymous with Ireland, and all made with imported wool. One lady who is trying to boost the market for Irish wool is Freda McGill, who keeps rare breed Wendsleydale Sheep in Co. Down. She runs the “Wool Initiative” that connects craftspeople with farmers.