New RTÉ series “Masters: Keepers of Tradition” delves into the remarkable world of rare skills and crafts

Six crafts. Six lives.
Six reasons to believe that making things by hand
still matters in 21st-century Ireland

Masters: Keepers of Tradition is a documentary series focusing on Irish practitioners of rare, traditional, and remarkable crafts and skills. It is inspired by the iconic series Hands, which first aired on RTÉ in the late 70’s and gave us a powerful insight into the lives and work of Irish craftspeople. The goal of this series is to bring contemporary artisans back into the public consciousness, while also shedding light on the current state of the craft community in Ireland.

This landmark series, made with the support of The Heritage Council and Coimisiún na Meán, aims to champion local master craftpeople, showcase their skills and trades, and show how they have endured and diversified since the series Hands finished. It aims to inspire the next generation of makers to take up the mantle and keep these trades alive in the 21st century.

Each episode will focus on one Irish craftsperson and their craft. But more than delivering a one-dimensional demo of the work they do, we’ll also delve into the person they are, their motivations, the family and neighbours who influenced them, and, of course, their physical environs. In each episode, we will follow the creative process as our artisan takes on a local commission and witness how it affects them and the commissioner when it’s finished. We want our viewers to see that artisanal excellence doesn’t just happen in the abstract; it happens here and now, in the real world, and that their dedication, expertise, and passion enrich our society.

The six craftspeople featured in the series are:
Stonemason Julia Gebel living in Tipperary
Handweaver Beth Moran on Clare Island
Basket weaver Joe Hogan from Lough na Fooey
Cork based clockmaker Philip Stokes
Blacksmith John Hogan who takes on a project at Westport House in Co. Mayo
Thatcher Marika Leen based in rural Galway

Additional details and photos available below in Notes to Editor.

Colm Crowley, Head of RTÉ Cork said: “In an always‑online world, this series offers a powerful alternative. Masters: Keepers of Tradition celebrates creativity that’s hands‑on, patient and deeply meaningful — showing younger audiences that fulfilment can be found in making, learning and contributing something lasting to the world around them.”

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said:
“This beautiful series shines a light on the dedication behind crafts that are part of our shared heritage but are often overlooked. It brings these skilled craftspeople and their work back into the public consciousness, showing that these traditions are very much alive today. At the Heritage Council, we have long supported practitioners of traditional skills, and this series reflects the importance of continuing that work. By telling these stories, we hope to inspire a new generation to learn these crafts and carry them forward.”

The series is produced by Produced by Tiny Big Films Ltd.

Interviews with the participants and additional photography are available on request.

-ENDS-

Date: Thursday 23 April 2026

For further information:
Rayna Connery, RTÉ Senior Communications Lead