Beginning tonight, RTÉ Nationwide is set to broadcast a two part special focusing on Ladies football and the GAA in San Diego presented by Marty Morrissey.

In the first of two special programmes from California, Marty visits the city of San Diego. Irish connections with this part of the world date back to the 1700's but it was in the 1800's that the Irish came in large numbers in search of a new life, some looking to make riches prospecting for gold and precious metals while others came looking for land.

Fast forward 200 years and arriving into town came 42 Irish ladies footballers from twelve different counties representing the crème de la crème of a sport that continues to grow in Ireland but also worldwide.

On Wednesday night the second of RTÉ Nationwide special's from San Diego looks at the Irish who have made the city their home.

In 1971 Offaly Footballers won the All Ireland Football title for the very first time. Playing centre back and midfield was a young man called Nicholas Clavin who was later ordained as a Priest and left Ireland in 1973 at just 25 years of age.

Forty three years later, Fr. Nick talks for the first time about being part of Offaly GAA history and a life time as a Priest in San Diego.

Marty also meets Declan Hartney who watched the movie "Top Gun" starring Tom Cruise in 1986 as a teenager in Kildimo, Co. Limerick and decided this was what he wanted to do with his life, joining the American Air Corp to become a pilot.

Watch RTÉ Nationwide, Monday 11th and Wednesday 13th April at 7pm on RTE One.

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