Joe Mahon's tranquil
wanderings through the nine counties of Ulster entertained UTV viewers for
several decades. Through townlands, villages and small towns, Joe took the road
less travelled to shine a spotlight on places unfamiliar. In so doing he opened
up a treasure trove of old stories, traditions and crafts in danger of slipping
out of memory.
With beautiful camerawork
capturing the lush landscapes of the north of Ireland, from rugged Donegal to
the majestic glens of Antrim to the verdant woodlands of south Down, and with
the series' lilting and gentle music, Lesser Spotted Ulster formed a soothing
mainstay of the UTV schedules until being replaced with the ongoing Mahon's
Way.
In this edition he visits Clonallon in Co Down to chat with locals about the area's history and traditions. John Byrne tells Joe a tragic tale of historical murder, while May Magee demonstrates breadmaking. Bill Reilly discuses the local landscape beside the ancient dolmen in his garden and John Russell discusses ferrets. Mickey Hourican collects and breeds rare fowl and the story of Saint Bronagh’s Bell is told in Kilbroney. Modern bells are rung by Robert Linden and Joe tries his hand at pulling the ropes.