Monday's TV Tips
Michael D Higgins became the first Irish President to make a State Visit to the Britain, last week.
Tommie Gorman recalls the special moments and talks to some of those involved.
Actress Brooke Kinsella has been an avid campaigner against knife crime since the tragic death of her half brother in 2008, so its little wonder she’s signed up to front this particularly emotive documentary.
She explores the concept of restorative justice, which is now being used by police services, courts and prisons across the country to deal with youth offences – in some cases it’s used as an alternative to sending a young person to prison. But what of its flaws?
Brooke’s keen to find out what happens when offenders come face to face with their victims, and chats to a woman who agreed to meet her rapist, a mother whose son was killed in a drink-drive accident and a lady who met her brother’s murderer.
Presenters Dallas Campbell and Ellie Harrison are tasked with travelling around the world in search of the shiny stuff to uncover the stories behind it.
As the series continues – and concludes - tonight, Dallas winds up in Florida Keys, braving vicious currents to dive on a shipwreck where, before now, 5,000 emeralds have been found.
Meanwhile, Ellie finds herself in Russia, where she tells the tale of obsession surrounding a jewelled room.
She also chats with diamond-cutters who understand that one slip of the hand could cost them millions of pounds.
She also travels to Egypt where she stares at Tutankhamun’s death mask, one of the most famous golden images on the planet.
Written and directed by Ruán Magan, the programme follows Gay Byrne on a personal journey of discovery as he pieces together his father experiences during the First World War.
Gay travels to the battlefields of France, meeting military experts in England and returning to key places in Ireland associated with his father’s life including the humble, former family home in Rialto, the Guinness Brewery and Kilruddery Estate, Co. Wicklow where Edward Byrne was born and raised as the son of the coachman.
On his journey, Gay meets with leading historians, experts and people who can give him precious insights into his father’s early life through which he begins to gain a powerful understanding of how Irish history was written to suit the requirements of Ireland’s 1916 creation myth.
It seems like the jury’s still out on Michael McIntyre’s stint as a chat show host – some people think he just needed a few weeks to find his feet, others reckon he’s just better suited to stand-up than prompting celebs to share their anecdotes.
But as he reaches the last in the series, just in case McIntyre is feeling like he does need a few tips on how to maintain a long and versatile career, he can always ask one of his guests this evening, Bruce Forsyth.
Although he might have announced he’s stepping down from ‘Strictly’, the all-round light entertainment legend is about to embark on a live tour. Also popping by for a natter are James Corden, who discusses his new documentary and, somewhat more unexpectedly, artist Tracey Emin.
Maybe McIntyre really should refrain from asking the questions this week – we’d love to hear what Forsyth and Emin might have to say to each other.
Buck Brannaman is a true American cowboy and sage on horseback who travels the country for nine grueling months a year helping horses with people problems.
‘Buck’ follows him from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real life "horse-whisperer", he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment.
Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses - and people - with his understanding, compassion and respect. I
In this film, the animal-human relationship becomes a metaphor for facing the daily challenges of life. ‘Buck’ is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds.
