Newstalk documentary ‘Angels of Mercy’ has been honoured at the 2022 Clarion International Women in Media Awards.
The Grainne McPolin-produced documentary explores the story of the women who left Ireland to train and work as nurses in England across the second half of the 20th Century.
Through first-hand interviews, the programme outlines how the women were an often overlooked but important element in the development of the UK National Health Service (NHS).
‘Angels of Mercy’ is a story told through the experiences of five Irish women of different generations who made their careers in nursing in England between 1950 and 1980.
In addition, historians Professor Louise Ryan, Professor Jennifer Redmond and Dr Sarah O’Brien give context to the women’s narrative.
Producer Grainne McPolin herself worked as a nurse in England and brings her own experience to the narrative.
The programme is a snapshot into the socio-political scene of the time and its impact on an Irish nurses recruited into the NHS. It tells how these women developed a sense of Irish Identity and Irish community outside of Ireland.
Thrilled to announce that 'Angels of Mercy Doc aired @NewstalkFM has won 2022 Clarion International Women in Media Award tribute to @kelc100 asst producer JJO'Shea Louise Ryan @LondonMetUni @saro_brien @RedmondJennifer Tribute go to the nurses who told their stories so eloquently pic.twitter.com/5b5MYnUPZy
— Grainne McPolin (@gmacradio) July 24, 2022
The documentary won out in the ‘Radio Documentary, One-time’ category of this year's Clarion Awards, which prize excellence in clear, concise communications.
‘Angels of Mercy’ was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) with the Television Licence Fee.
You can listen back here:
