TV: Cork musician’s take on power of songs in childhood

Cork singer John Spillane reflects on the enduring power of songs within the traditional music genre aimed at children in a TG4 programme.

Spillane shares his expertise in the second episode of Ceol ón gCré Saturday at 9pm.

The series returned for a second run last week, with renowned singer and musician Nell Ní Chróinín once again travelling through Ireland to explore the close relationship between traditional music and everyday life.

This four-part series is exploring four new themes – the woman, the child, emigration and work – asking how lived experience is carried through tunes, songs, stories and dance.

Nell meets musicians, singers, dancers, craftspeople and cultural commentators, joining them in performances that connect the music of the past with the lives people lead today.

Last week’s first episode of Ceol ón gCré, about the place of women in Irish traditional music, saw Nell head to Cork to meet her beloved mentor - sean-nós singer Máire Ní Chéilleachair - and it can be seen on the TG4 Player.

The second episode on Saturday shows how music often begins in childhood: in lullabies, playground rhymes, family gatherings and the first tune learned by ear.

Nell meets musician and educator Aoife Granville to see how children encounter music, while Aidan O’Donnell and Fionnuala Maxwell consider the role of teachers, homes and communities in nurturing the next generation.

A building in Cork that holds the key to the history and tradition of many trades in the city features on Nationwide on Wednesday on RTÉ1 at 7pm.

Carpenters Hall has played a vital role for decades in the lives of generations of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, stonemasons and other tradesmen.

Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh meets retired carpenter Brian Gould and stone mason Jim Fahy, who have strong memories of the building.

Plus, the team explores the fascinating history of The Butter Exchange in Shandon.