THE Clare edition of TG4 show “Moving West”, hosted by Mary Kennedy, will air on Thursday at 9pm and repeat on Monday, October 18, at 7:30pm, writes Conor Clohessy.

The series, produced by Dundara Television and Media in partnership with the Western Development Commission, follows families and individuals who have moved to the west of Ireland searching for a better work/life balance and new career opportunities.

Moving West began airing on September 23; its fourth episode follows the journey of Aoibheann Boyle and Adam Coleman, who moved to Kilkee and Lahinch respectively.

Aoibheann said: “My mother and I escaped to Kilkee for a few days before the December lockdown, and while we were there I saw an ad for a job in the Tourism Space. Within the year I was moving for that job. When I was abroad, I would always say I’m from the east, but my heart is from the west. Kilkee was more home than home – I’m from Wicklow originally.”

Other interviewees for the Clare episode of the series include Adam Coleman, CEO and founder of the hugely successful HR Locker in Lahinch, who moved 20 years ago after living in London for a time, believing you should “find out where you want to live and build your life around it.”

Also featured is Michael Rouine of Ennistymon GAA, who would like to see all people who move west get involved in their local club; Michael speaks on this and the fact that GAA clubs are welcoming and accommodating.

Finally, Tina O’Dwyer, Managing Director of the Tourism Space in Ennistymon will outline what Clare has to offer for movers and as somebody who is a “returnee”, give her viewpoint on moving back to the west.

Director Enda Grace said: “The Covid-19 pandemic gave people the opportunity to re-assess their lives in many ways. Remote working and the hybrid model of work have suddenly become very real options.

“Covid-19 has propelled the concept of working from home which makes such a move no longer a dream for many people. In the past, people thought moving west wasn’t a viable option due to deficiencies in broadband, infrastructure and career opportunities.

“We found when filming the show that these barriers are no longer in place, with many choosing to work from a hub, start their own business and ample job opportunities across all sectors from FDI to indigenous.”

Each half-hour segment has thus far delved into the lives of each family or individual, all the while promoting the thriving start-up ecosystem of the west, which has simultaneously retained its natural charm and beauty.

Moving West is the first of two series that Kildare’s Dundara Television and Media have coming to TG4 this winter; the second of their successful “Guaranteed Irish” format will hit the screens later this year.

Mary Kennedy added: “I’m a Dub, but I just love rural Ireland. The series is in bilingual format in Irish and English and I just relish the opportunity to use my Irish, a language I really love.

“I really enjoy working with Enda and the team and meeting such inspirational people who had made the move west. It’s a very genuine and lovely series.”