TV: Ballincollig and Frank and Walters on the box 

An episode dedicated to The Frank And Walters, and a visit to Tidy Town winner Ballincollig, are both on the agenda this week in a highlights package of recent Nationwide episodes.

The summertime repeat shows include an edition of Nationwide on RTÉ1 on Friday at 7pm, as Anne Cassin spends time with The Frank and Walters in their home city.

In a heartfelt musical tribute to their home place, the band embark on a personal tour, reflecting on their musical career and on the city by the Lee which influenced them and their music.

Meanwhile, the episode of Nationwide at 7pm on Wednesday looks at some of the positive community projects that are brightening up our villages and towns, and reports on how winning the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition has lifted the spirits of the entire community in Ballincollig. Anne Cassin talks to John O’Regan, a volunteer with Ballincollig Tidy Towns, to hear what the year has been like since it won the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2024.

Also, reporter Marian Malone heads to Terryglass in Tipperary on the day the Entente Florale judges visited

Then, it’s onto the town of Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, as it bursts into colour not from flowers or bunting, but from yarn!

Trees, gates, bikes, and benches are wrapped in vibrant knits and crocheted creations, all made by the local community.

It’s a project that began with a simple idea: to bring people together through creativity. And over the years, it’s grown into something much more!

Reporter Reem El-Hassany went along to meet the people behind the threads and to see how this joyful burst of colour is stitching the town closer together.

Finally, the episode of Nationwide on Monday at 7pm, as part of the special summer holiday series, is in Ballybunion in North County Kerry.

Renowned for its stunning beaches and world class golf courses, Ballybunion has been a beloved holiday destination since the 1800s and still retains the charm and atmosphere of a bygone era.

Presenter Anne Cassin explores the seaside town, meeting locals and visitors to see what it has to offer.

She meets Danny Houlihan, a local piper, historian and musician, who takes her on a walking tour filled with stories of the area’s rich folklore and heritage.

Also on the programme is Collins Seaweed Baths on Ladies Strand, which has been run by three generations of the one family for almost 100 years and Anne even takes a dip to experience this unique seaside ritual.

Anne also takes a walk along the hidden gem that is Bromore Cliffs.