I’M REALLY looking forward to the third episode of Croí Uladh le John Toal tonight because I’m especially interested in the history of the harp and in tonight’s programme, John meets harper Lauren O’Neill in Glenullin to learn more about the historical link of the Irish harp with this area in county Derry.
Lauren helps John get a handle on a few chords before meeting musicians Aoibheann and Déaglán who fill him in on some of the history of the famous Ulster harpists and the effort they went to to keep this intricate and magical instrument alive.
Then, John meets archaeologist Paul McCooey in Antrim Town to learn about the history of jewellery in Ulster.
Seosamh Ó Dubhchoin tells the presenter about an old silver mine in Donegal and the valuable metals under our feet, something which inspires John to learn another new skill as he joins Mickey McHugh in his forge to recycle old jewellery and give it a new lease of life.
Elvis Presley is still a hero to many of us and his music is very much alive today.
John talks to Gearóid Ó Cairealláin about Elvis’ life and the legacy he left behind.
It’s hard to believe that we have our own ‘Gracelands’ here in Ulster and John meets Barney Coleman who has brought a piece of Memphis to Ballyronan.
Along with Elvis enthusiast, John Cannon, John puts on a special performance in honour of the King himself.
Now that should be worth watching!
Croí Uladh le John Toal is on BBC2 tonight at 10pm
:: There were three bits of good news for the Irish language last week.
The first was the announcement of the setting up of a Translation hub based in the Dept for Communities.
The Hub will be there to provide translations into Irish (and Ulster Scots) for all public bodies in Northern Ireland.
The second small step was the introduction of Irish language signage on the Glider.
Many people, no matter what their background, are interested in local place-names and this small step should be welcomed by all – although one DUP councillor has criticised the move.
Finally, Naíscoil na Seolta the first integrated Irish-language pre-school in east Belfast is to open in September after receiving a grant of £73,000 from Foras na Gaeilge.