TV GUIDE: Here's one I made earlier

THE Townlands series of documentaries makes a return this week with a film that follows the fortunes of three Irish inventors as they prepare to take on the world.

The new 12-part series starts by following the three boffins to Geneva where they try to convince cynical businessmen that their great idea could change the world for the better.

While some inventors get to shout 'Eureka' others are sent back to the drawing board but the message of the documentary is that only those with 'The Wow Factor' will survive.

The three inventors profiled in this documentary follow a long tradition of Irish innovation. From the jump jet to pneumatic tires Ireland has a long history of original thought and innovation.

It's a harsh world for the humble inventor though, the cost of patents, a crowded market and cash strapped investors all make it intensely difficult to ever bring a new invention to the marketplace.

Success requires a lot of hard work, commitment, patience and an unerring belief in your idea.

Nicola Field recognised how difficult it was for small inventors to get their products made and sold and set up the Inventor's Association of Ireland (IAI) and six months later she provides advice to more than 90 inventors.

This half hour documentary examines the 'small guy's' perilous journey through innovation including the story of Corkman Tony Allen who invented the 'Spidercatcher', a device that disposes of spiders in an environmentally friendly manner.

He has spent EUR150,000 on patency and legal fees alone. But now after three years, and EUR400,000 he is returning to Geneva where he is hoping to catch big clients in his own web.

Tony jokes: "My wife will never leave me, I owe her too much".

Murty O'Donohue invented the 'Tidihanger' for hanging clothes in cramped areas. Although it only took him 12 hours to conceive and make his invention, two years later he has spent EUR50,000 in patents and trademarks. Murty is from Clare and naively thought that he would have made thousands within six months.

But Murty's innocence has been lost, he has finally struggled free from the red tape and development, and is ready to clinche a big deal.

Murty has no illusions about invention - it's a business, and advises other budding inventors: "Next time you get an idea, take a long cold shower and stay in there."

Rupert Perrott is the third inventor profiled in the film.

Rupert is a retired farmer from Bandon, County Cork, and he invented the 'Easi Tee', a device that saves the aching backs of club golfers by placing golf balls on tees.

Golfer Rupert was a closet inventor, until he met Nicola Field, but he now represents a new breed of inventor who, because of the IAI, now receives guidance on the road to success. The IAI encouraged him to take his product to Geneva to test its market. Rupert doesn't think he'll win a medal and although he has gained patency, he is fearful that he may still end up in the rough.Amu San Eoraip TG4 Thursday, 10pm

AFTER his sojourn in the world of horse racing, Hector is back to the day job and introducing us to far-flung lands in his own inimitable style.

This week the Navan man is frightening locals on the streets of Moscow. Expect the usual mayhem that seems to follow Hector wherever he goes and if you're Irish is not up to speed, don't worry, there will be subtitles.

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