100 of Bridie’s gowns get a new lease of life

A show on Wednesday delves into the life of the famous singer, whose story has come full circle back to the theatre where she last performed 25 years ago.
100 of Bridie’s gowns get a new lease of life

Bridie Gallagher performs in New York in 1959 - many of her gowns were custom-made and are on display in her home county of Donegal

In her heyday in the 1950s, singer Bridie Gallagher was an icon, hailed as “Ireland’s first international pop star”.

Now, a collection of the stunning gowns the Donegal woman wore on stage are to be given a new lease of life.

We find out all about them on Nationwide on RTÉ1 at 7pm on Wednesday, as Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh goes backstage at An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny to uncover the story behind the gowns on display there.

The show delves into the life of the famous singer, whose story has come full circle back to the theatre where she last performed 25 years ago.

We also meet the talented people working behind the scenes who have given these 100 custom-made dresses a new lease of life, and Ní Chofaigh hears about Gallagher’s glittering career.

Meanwhile, Nationwide on Monday at 7pm explores how Dublin keeps on changing, as the team discovers how The Liberties has evolved in recent years.

Reporter John Kilraine explores development plans for the area, visits some of the historic old pubs and new award-winning restaurants, while presenter Anne Cassin finds green spaces where you’d never expect them in a city.

Thomas Street, the main thoroughfare of The Liberties, has suffered the effects of economic change more than most. It was once a big draw for Dublin’s shoppers but those great days are gone. Now the historic street is finding a new lease of life.

Just a stone’s throw away is Bridgefoot Street Park, an urban oasis with open grassy areas for relaxation and recreation, providing much-needed green space for locals.

The park also features community allotments which provide a social outlet, making it a vibrant hub in the heart of Dublin. Presenter Anne Cassin recently visited the park which forms part of the rejuvenation in the area.

The episode of Nationwide on Friday focuses on Irish craftwork produced and designed in Dublin, Wicklow and Kilkenny, as the team meet two crafts people who are producing large and small works of art which will impress and inspire.

Wicklow-based sculptor, David McGlynn is selling all over the world and his unique bronze pieces are much in demand. Mary Fanning visited him in his studio to explore the world of bronze through his eyes.

Plus, we meet an artist who specialises in wired sculpting, and has recently made the move from Galway to Kilkenny, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and creativity. He’s been sharing his skills with the members of Amárach Nua.

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