Mahon's Way uncovers the rich history and lively characters of Sixmilecross

VIEWERS are in for a real treat this weekend when Mahon’s Way makes its way to the heart of Tyrone and the intriguingly named village of Sixmilecross.

The episode airs on UTV this Sunday, September 7 at 6pm, with presenter Joe Mahon uncovering the rich history, lively characters and cultural heritage of the area.

Now in its brand-new series of ten episodes, which launched earlier this month, Mahon’s Way continues to delight audiences as Joe travels the length and breadth of Ulster in search of the quirky, the unusual and the “lesser spotted” stories that give the province its unique character.

Sixmilecross, birthplace of W.F. Marshall, the celebrated Bard of Tyrone, provides the backdrop for this week’s instalment. But as Joe explains, the appeal of the programme lies in its ability to bring fresh insights, even into places that might seem familiar.

“We always try to take a fresh look at things, to unearth new information, or at least to shed new light on the familiar,” he says. “I love it when people come away feeling that they’ve learnt something they didn’t know before. On our journey to Sixmilecross, we learn about the people, both past and present, who helped put this welcoming village on the map.”

The essence of Mahon’s Way has always been its relaxed, informal style – Joe’s easy rapport with local contributors, the humour, the abundance of craic – which often disguises the depth of the stories being told. It’s a formula that has made the series enduringly popular.

Reflecting on this new season, Joe says: “People sometimes suggest that I must have been everywhere by now, but I can honestly state, hand on heart, that I’ve set foot in many places in this series that I’ve never been in before. I may have driven past them, on the road to somewhere else, but I’ve never spent time in the dungeons of Lifford gaol or confronted the Drumlin Giants of Rossmore Forest Park in Co. Monaghan, amongst other experiences. These have all been new adventures for me and I look forward to sharing them with our viewers.”

For Sixmilecross, Sunday’s programme is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on its history and its people, from the literary legacy of W.F. Marshall to the stories of local characters who have helped shape its identity.

So whether you know Sixmilecross well, or have only ever passed its road sign on the way to somewhere else, this Sunday’s episode promises to reveal a new side to the village – with Joe Mahon, as always, leaving no stone unturned.