TV: Spotlight on historic 100th Cork Eucharistic Procession

In June, the historic 100th Cork Eucharistic Procession took place through the streets of the city.

More than 5,000 Catholic participants braved torrential rain to walk from the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne (North Cathedral) to the Grand Parade, led by Bishop Fintan Gavin.

The event had been established in 1926 to pray for peace and reconciliation following the War of Independence and Civil War, and has been going ever since.

The centenary procession is recalled in Nationwide on RTÉ1 on Wednesday at 7pm.

The programme explores the history and significance of one of the longest-running traditions in Cork, and Marian Malone meets some of those taking part.

The programme also follows the journey of the relics of St Carlo Acutis as they are brought around Ireland, and the team hears about the life and times of this young Italian saint.

In September, 2025, Pope Leo canonised Carlos Acutis making the Italian, who died from leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, the first millennial saint of the Catholic Church.

Reporter Colm Flynn meets some of the young Irish people who were drawn to the story of Carlos.

Meanwhile, the episode of Nationwide on Friday at 7pm visits the village of Kilteely in County Limerick, where the community has shown relentless resilience in the face of widespread rural decline, like so many other villages around the country.

Reporter Marian Malone takes a look at the history of Kilteely, from its glory days when it was thriving 100 years ago, to the sad closure and demolition of its post office after almost two centuries in existence.

Presenter Richard Downes also meets Corkonian Orla Hickey – an architect, artist, designer and teacher - who has made Kilteely her home and credits it with inspiring her to set up her own business.