Stories for our stamps to be explored by TG4
David Gough to present programme on sporting issues
Meath GAA referee David Gough features in TG4's 'Scéalta ár Stampaí', a six-part series telling rich stories of Irish culture and history in a completely novel way, through the images seen on our special commemorative postage stamps through the decades.
In each episode a different presenter explores stories from different aspects of Irish life, from our love of music and sport to the politics and the people that have shaped us. From Croke Park to the rocky Burren, Nathan Carter to Daniel O’Connell, Scéalta ár Stampaí invites viewers on an enjoyable journey through the places, faces and culture represented on these miniature artistic masterpieces.
Slane teacher Gough will present episode four on 7th November, taking a journey through sporting stamps. From classrooms to Croke Park, David meets Jerry Grogan, Dr Cathal Billings, Olympian Michelle Finn and Cuan Ó Seireadáin to learn more about the representation of Irish sport and sporting icons on our stamps.
In this Thursday's programme on Thursday 17th at 8pm, musician Megan Nic Ruairí is at the helm to explore the culture of Irish music and musicians on stamps. From Raglan Road to the Country Music scene, Megan meets musicians Colm Mac Con Iomaire and Fiachna Ó Braonáin to learn more about the artists and their musical legacy celebrated on our stamps. Artist Jim Fitzpatrick tells Megan of the inspiration behind some of his most celebrated artwork and broadcaster Jo Ní Chéide brings Megan to a Nathan Carter gig to experience what it means to Keep it Country.
Episode three will see journalist Siún Ní Dhuinn ask who are the women celebrated on our stamps. From 1916 to present day, Siún meets Katie Whelan, Megan Roantree and Sr Mary Reynolds to learn about female representation on our stamps. Artist and designer Oonagh Young invites Siún to her gallery to learn more about the inspiration behind designing a stamp.
In episode five, wildflower expert Aedín Ní Thiarnaigh looks at how Irish plants have taken pride of place on stamps. Beginning in the National Botanic Gardens, Aedín meets fern expert Emer Ní Dhúill and botanical artist Susan Sex before heading west to explore the landscape of the Burren with Tony Kirby, Pius Murray and Declan Kelleher. She also learns about the work of Hometree with Sarah Broderick.
Episode six sees actor, poet and writer, Roxanna Nic Liam, explore the stories of Irish drama. Beginning in her native East Wall she meets former TD Maureen O’Sullivan to talk about the legacy of Seán O’Casey before heading west to explore University of Galway’s archive of Siobhan McKenna with Marianne Ní Chinnéide. Artist Martin De Porres Wright meets Roxanna to explain the artistry of stamp design and in the Abbey Theatre Roxanna meets renowned award winning actress Bríd Ní Neachtain to discuss the power of drama. Scéalta ár Stampaí airs Thursdays at 8pm on TG4 and on TG4 Player.