‘Seoidíní Staire’ is a new Irish language series that sees a pop-up museum come to six towns across Ireland for one day. Produced by Waddell Media, and presented by Mairead Ni Chuinneagáin, the series begins at 8pm on Thursday 22nd May on TG4.
Members of the public were asked to explore their attics, cupboards and old furniture for objects and artefacts of historical interest. The precious objects and memorabilia were loaned to the one day only exhibition so that locals could see them and learn about the history of their community. Ní Chuinneagáin is helped by a different historical enthusiast in each area to make the presentation.
The intriguing objects discovered tell historical stories of emigration, lace-making, the Straw Boys, Whaling Stations, religion and everyday domestic life. They include a cross from penal times, a coin with the image of a local woman, vintage vehicles, farming equipment and cooking utensils, a typewriter, a letter from a father to a son during World War II, an old pistol found in the wall of a house, a collection of Crolly Dolls and traditional sports equipment. All have a unique story behind them.
The six-part series was shot on location in Ráth Chairn, Co. Meath, Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal, Erris in Co. Mayo, South Armagh, Conamara and Cill Charthaigh, Co. Donegal. It was produced with assistance from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund.
The executive producer for TG4 is Máire Ní Chonláin and the executive producer for Waddell Media is Jannine Waddell. Sarah Reddin was series producer and Claire Small produced and directed the series. Paul Littler worked on camera and lighting, Mark McMaster was on sound and Aidan McCarthy edited the series.
