Banbridge man fronts new TV programme

A Banbridge man is to front a new BBC 1 Northern Ireland documentary that will be shown this Monday, February 15 at 9pm.
Dr Gareth Hughes and Professor Alice RobertsDr Gareth Hughes and Professor Alice Roberts
Dr Gareth Hughes and Professor Alice Roberts

Dr Gavin Hughes, will present Ireland’s Treasures Uncovered along with Professor Alice Roberts.

The hour long programme will uncover some hidden treasures and iconic Irish artefacts along some surprising tales behind them.

Among them will be the amazing story of ‘Daddy’s Necklace’, an ancient piece of jewellery stolen from a safe in a chemist shop in County Roscommon which made headlines across the world, back in 2009. The contents of the safe, including the priceless gold necklace, were later found in a skip in Dublin.

The programme also unveils the surprising tales behind the Tara Brooch, the Broighter Hoard, the Waterford Charter Roll, King William’s gauntlets and other fascinating artefacts.

Professor Alice Roberts explained: “In this programme we explore the forgotten riches, explore remarkable discoveries and surprising tales behind Ireland’s most precious artefacts.

“We will reveal how ancient treasures continue to shed new light on the story of Ireland, both north and south.

“To tell this story we have asked leading experts to champion the treasures they feel are the most exceptional, treasures integral to Ireland’s story and treasures that astound us.”

The programme brings together archaeologists and curators who have spent their lives working to understand the true context for these emblematic treasures.

It also uses key access to Ireland’s two largest museums, The Ulster Museum in Belfast and The National Museum in Dublin.

Ireland’s Treasures Uncovered was made by 360 Productions.