An Aughnacliffe priest who has been living in Australia for the past 28 years is to feature in the final series of an Australian programme which takes an in-depth look at the wisdom of the older generation. The programme also aims to establish how society can learn from the advice of older, more experienced people and also offers the audience a rare opportunity to glance at the valuable contribution that many elders have made to bettering the lives of people around them.

ABC 1 Television in Sydney is devoting the sixth of a current series of programmes entitled ‘Elders’ on Monday July 21 next to Fr Des Reid, who is the brother of north Longford man, Benny Reid.

A spokesperson for the TV station said that in an age of “salacious, youth oriented media, ‘Elders’ was heading in the opposite direction and seeking stories of our elders”. The spokesperson said that the programme would aim to explore six very different lives in search of that almost out of fashion idea: wisdom. The progamme has so far interviewed Australia’s longest serving Labour Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, philanthropist Dame Elizabeth Murdoon, journalist and best selling author Isabel Allende and ex White House Bureau Chief Helen Thomas.

According to the programme makers, Father Des Reid has witnessed the best and worst of humanity. In his 45 years as a Catholic priest he has ministered to people on three continents - from isolated communities in east Africa to illegal immigrants in Australian detention centres. Now on the cusp of retirement, he reflects on a life that began in rural Co Longford where he is due to return towards the end of the year. He was ordained in July 1963 and has served on the Australian mission for nearly 30 years. He previously served in Kenagh, East Africa and Rockwell College, Co Tipperary and is due to retire in October.

Previews of the programme can be viewed on the web at http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope. The actual programme and its transcript can be accessed from 12 hours after the programme showing on July 21 on the same site or by googling ABC 1 TV.