The Angelus

Aideen Connolly, the artist featured in the programme, sets out to portray the tranquil beauty of Ballindoon Abbey. Her work focuses on rendering the sense of peace that the historic ruin exudes, aiming to capture the calm that settles over the site. Ballindoon Abbey lies on the border between County Sligo and County Leitrim and is held in high regard by the surrounding community. The structure, now a ruin, remains a cherished landmark for locals, who value its quiet atmosphere and the lingering traces of its past. Its crumbling walls and open arches provide a backdrop for her exploration of calm, and residents have long regarded the place as a symbol of quiet endurance, often visiting to reflect.

Set against the ongoing war in Ukraine, the episode follows Mark Feeley, a master stonemason based in Bolinree, County Roscommon. In his workshop, Feeley carefully carves a modest prayer or plea addressed to Suaimhneas while the distant conflict looms in the background. The simple act of chiselling becomes a quiet counterpoint to the larger turmoil, highlighting the contrast between the personal, tactile work of the craftsman and the broader geopolitical unrest. Through this understated gesture, the programme offers a glimpse of how ordinary lives continue to create meaning even as global events unfold. The scene is filmed in the town of Bolinree, giving the narrative a distinctly local flavour.

Karen Pleass, a self‑taught textile artist hailing from Listowel, has crafted a wall‑hanging for the Adapt Refuge in Kerry. The piece is designed to bring hope and encouragement to anyone who turns to the refuge for support and safety. By using her own textile skills, Pleass aims to create a visual reminder that help is available and that those who need it are not alone. The wall‑hanging, placed within the refuge’s space, serves as a quiet yet powerful gesture of solidarity, offering comfort to those seeking shelter. The simple design reflects Pleass’s self‑taught approach, keeping the focus on the message rather than ornate detail. Overall, the artwork aims to lift spirits and reinforce the refuge’s role as a safe haven.

In his workshop in Carrick‑on‑Shannon, horologist Maurice Keenan continues the craft he first learned from his father, who has since passed away. Day after day he applies the techniques handed down to him, shaping clocks and mechanisms with meticulous care. As he works, the rhythm of his movements and the ticking of the pieces he assembles blend together, forming a quiet reflection on the passage of time. Through this steady, hands‑on practice, Keenan not only preserves his father's legacy but also creates a subtle, ongoing meditation on what time itself means. His dedication to the trade, rooted in family tradition, underscores each tick and tock that emerges from his bench.

In his workshop in Carrick‑on‑Shannon, horologist Maurice Keenan continues the craft he first learned from his father, who has since passed away. Day after day he applies the techniques handed down to him, shaping clocks and mechanisms with meticulous care. As he works, the rhythm of his movements and the ticking of the pieces he assembles blend together, forming a quiet reflection on the passage of time. Through this steady, hands‑on practice, Keenan not only preserves his father's legacy but also creates a subtle, ongoing meditation on what time itself means. His dedication to the trade, rooted in family tradition, underscores each tick and tock that emerges from his bench.

The episode follows the Mulkerrin and Heaney families from the Carna Gaeltacht as they keep alive a pilgrimage that stretches back centuries. Using a traditional curragh, the families row to the remote island of Oilean Mhic Dara, where an ancient oratory stands. The programme shows how the ritual has been handed down through generations, preserving both the boat‑building skills and the spiritual connection to the site. By documenting the preparation, the launch and the arrival, the film highlights the continuity of a cultural practice that remains central to community life in this Irish‑speaking region. Their dedication to the rite underscores the resilience of local customs and the enduring bond between people and place.

The episode follows the Mulkerrin and Heaney families from the Carna Gaeltacht as they keep alive a pilgrimage that stretches back centuries. Using a traditional curragh, the families row to the remote island of Oilean Mhic Dara, where an ancient oratory stands. The programme shows how the ritual has been handed down through generations, preserving both the boat‑building skills and the spiritual connection to the site. By documenting the preparation, the launch and the arrival, the film highlights the continuity of a cultural practice that remains central to community life in this Irish‑speaking region. Their dedication to the rite underscores the resilience of local customs and the enduring bond between people and place.

Limerick School of Art & Design delivers an episode programme titled Lakes & Raining. This installment is presented as part of the school’s series of programme episodes.

Limerick School of Art & Design delivers an episode programme titled Lakes & Raining. This installment is presented as part of the school’s series of programme episodes.