Tracing the footsteps of Irish emigrants to Newfoundland

In our latest Documentary on Newstalk, International award-winning Producer Nuala Macklin, travels to Newfoundland, the most North Easterly point in North America, to trace the footsteps of Irish emigrants who set out from Waterford in the early 18th century to make their fortunes…IN:Big Wind - Big Sea - Big Welcome

BROADCAST DATES:  Big Wind - Big Sea - Big Welcome will air on Newstalk 106-108FM on Sunday February 17th at 7am, Repeated Saturday February 23rd at 9pm.

Our Newfoundland - Ireland connection can be traced back as far as 1715; long before the Great Famine had ever touched our lands. Thousands of young Irish boys and men embarked on the often treacherous Atlantic crossing from 'The Port of Waterford' to St, John's Harbour in Newfoundland. The big lure was seasonal work in Newfoundland's prosperous cod-fishing industry. Taking their Irish cultural blueprint with them, eventually, many of these Irish began to settle in this harsh but rewarding environment - creating what is often regarded as 'Ireland's 33rd county'. This little patch of Ireland and its heritage, exists along the Avalon Peninsula to this very day.

For more than 50 years now, the passionate and tireless efforts of Galway man, Professor John Mannion (St. John's Memorial University) and his Kildare-born wife Maura, have created a phenomenal legacy for Ireland and the Newfoundland Irish. They've compiled an archive which contains over 80,000 handwritten documents which traces the paths of every Irish soul who emigrated to Newfoundland and their Irish roots since 1750. Known as 'The Mannion Papers', this unique archive means that every Newfoundland inhabitant of Irish decent, can trace their roots right back to the parish and burial spot in Waterford, Tipperary, Carlow and surrounds going back as far as 1715 from whence their ancestors embarked.

In her usual colourful style, international award-winning Producer, Nuala Macklin, explores the fascinating history, similarities and contrasts which exist between the two places (Ireland & Newfoundland). With its exceptional line-up of interviewees and other magical elements, this deeply emotional, entertaining and highly informative audio excursion, preserves a precious, beautiful and vital part of our Irish heritage.

BROADCAST DATES:  Big Wind - Big Sea - Big Welcome will air on Newstalk 106-108FM on Sunday February 17th at 7am, Repeated Saturday February 23rd at 9pm.

CREDITS: Big Wind - Big Sea - Big Welcome was recorded and produced by Nuala Macklin, with Sound Editing by Declan Quinn. John Cullen was the Production Assistant. This programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence fee.

MUSIC CREDITS: Debut broadcast of anchor soundtrack for this programme is 'Mo Anagaire' from Irish Composer - Damien Gallagher's latest album - Alanú

The BAI Sound And Vision Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.