Episode 98 brings Fender Jackson face to face with Martin Sharkey who is the Finance Director of Belleek Pottery and the Belleek Pottery Group.

Conversation includes: Belleek village; the origin story of Belleek; bringing the skills over from England; the link to the famine; David McBirney; first products; transition from earthen ware to parian ware; the checkered history; George G. Moore; Roger Troughton; Powerscreen; Galway Crystal, Aynsley China and Donegal Parian China; George and Angela Moore Charitable Trust; the types of employees; the challenges of Belleek being so remote; current stores; Debenhams; Theresa May; Brexit; the security involved with high profile guests; the most westerly part of the UK; King/Prince Charles; Aonghus O’Flaherty in Tig Choili’s, Galway; the non sectarian appeal of Belleek; being a border town; attracting tourists; being on The Wild Atlantic Way; Patricia McCauley; 11% of Americans being of Irish descent; Tiger Woods; JP McManus; Rory McElroy; Lough Erne Golf Course; Ronald Reagan; Bill Clinton; Mary McAleese; Yeats; Galway; Killarney; Titanic; the different bus routes; ideal amount of time for your duration; personalising your own piece; (not) selling seconds; 7-8% of loss rate; 4 different quality checks; timing your piece by the stamps; having a smashing time; items and fashion; new designs; luminaries; (not) automating the production processes; the fine line of making profit; the Covid effect; the costs of the current shops; parking in town; the shrinking middle market; the complication of big ticket items; (not) fixing broken items; the reduced carbon footprint; the renovation; the big warehouse and other topics.

Face to face recording in Belleek Pottery, Belleek, County Fermanagh at approximately 2.04pm on Thursday 22nd August 2024.

Relevant Links

www.belleek.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 97 is the final episode of a three part series consisting of a conversation between Terry Woods and Fender Jackson. 

Conversation includes: why The Pogues split up the first time, why they reformed and why they split the final time; Anthony Addis graduating from accountant to manager; watching the mosh pit; along of Shane; Andrew Rankin; Mulligans Pub of Poolbeg Street; Paul Scully; Skid Row; ‘Big Ian’ Turner the lighting guy; Mark Addis; Alan Buddy Goulding; Joss; the spell of The Pogues; Joe Strummer; Spider Stacey; Shane’s funeral; a summary analysis of Terry’s career; hay barns and handball alleys; Des Kelly from The Capitol Showband; Shane’s genius; Terry’s first gig with The Pogues; Lemmy; ‘Eat The Rich’; ‘Straight To Hell’; ‘In The Name Of The Father’; living in County Cavan; global audiences; middle Americas audiences; Shane MacGowan; Terry’s favourite Pogues’ song; censorship; re-writing history; Ronan Keating; making videos; zen; Terry’s advice to his younger self; ‘At Swim-Two-Birds’ by Myles na gCopaleen and other topics.

Relevant Links

93. Terry Woods: Sweeney's Men, Steeleye Span & More - Part 1

95. Terry Woods: The Pogues - Part 2

www.theirelandpodcast.com

https://www.instagram.com/thepoguesofficial/

Additional Links

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Here-Comes-Everybody-Audiobook/B00XYKQ4XA

https://www.dunboynecastlehotel.com/

Face to face recording in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, County Meath at 2.50pm on Thursday 8th August 2024.

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of others. This commentary is intended as fair criticism of a creative work, which is protected under free speech and fair use principles. The statements are not intended to harm or defame any individual or entity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 88 is the second of a two-part conversation with six-time Grammy winner Kevin Conneff of The Chieftains and The Dublin Trio.

Conversation picks up with the same performance of ‘Sé Fáth Mo Bhuartha’ from Part 1 but continues with the conversation which follows immediately after. 

Topics include: Gael Linn recordings including those of Seosamh Ó hÉanaí; Seán 'ac Dhonncha; Nioclás Tóibín; An Cheathrú Rua; Mary Bergin; Aedín Moloney; Frank Zappa; Tom Jones; Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson; Tuvan Throat Singers; Freddie King; Gail Zappa and ‘The Green Fields Of America’; regional styles being diluted; The Cobblestone pub in Dublin and Na Piobairi Uilleann; John & James Kelly and Ceoltóirí Chualann; West Clare Fiddle playing; Tara Breen; the 50th Anniversary Tour; the first tour of the USA; Linda Ronstadt; Cady Coleman; all the artists The Chieftains worked with; Paddy Moloney and his style of working; Elvis Costello; Jo Lustig; having an occupational title as “a musician”; Larry Mullen Jr; Johnny Ringo McDonagh; ‘Down The Old Plank Road’; David Gormley in Glasgow; the 60th Tour; Covid; Paddy’s passing; Gay McKeon; Seán Óg Potts' pub The Piper's Corner; Mary Corcoran; Seán Potts; Paddy’s harmonising; what Kevin misses the most about Paddy; Jeff White; The Crane Bar, Galway; Tim Edey; The Dublin Two; Joe McKenna; Tony Byrne; Paul McGratten; Matt Molloy; Notre Dame University; Traditional Music Archives; Liam O’Connor; Edwina Guckian; Seán Keane; the Pilatzkes; Triona Marshall; Alyth McCormack; Cara Butler; playing for Biden in Mayo; Seán Corcoran; Darkness Into Light; what Kevin misses most about Seán Keane; Don Henley; being asked by Willie Clancy or Séamus Ennis to sing a song in Milltown Malbay; Friel’s Kitchen; Tommy Munnelly; how Kevin would like to be remembered; Seán Keane; O'Donoghue’s, Dublin; John Kelly & Joe Ryan with Eddie Clarke; John Egan as well as others.

Interviewer: Fender Jackson

Recorded Saturday 20th July 2024 before Kevin’s performance in The Crane, Galway.

Relevant Links

The Dublin Trio

https://www.thechieftains.com

The Chieftains In China

Additional Links

Playlist of this episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 87 is a heartwarming story of Prof. John Portmann as he became one of the first people to gain an Irish passport through DNA evidence.

Conversation includes: introductions; John’s journey; ancestry.com; early years; Kathryn Pidgeon; adoption attorneys; Jennifer Harris, Ontario Canada, University of Waterloo; Ormond Quay Paternity Services; David Martin; Conor O’Brien, Dublin; advice to other people on a similar journey; advice to adopted children and their parents; megasites; Nolans; Fitzgeralds; Galway; being the life and soul and other topics.

Relevant links

https://www.ancestry.com

https://uva.theopenscholar.com/john-portmann

Additional Links

http://www.adoptaz.com

https://uwaterloo.ca/english/people-profiles/jennifer-harris

https://www.oqps.ie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 86 is a conversation between Fender Jackson and a voice of reason which kept him company for years when he was in China, the writer Malachi O’Doherty.

Conversation includes: introductions; early career; (re)visiting India; Libya; each generation settles for its own normality; Fender listening habits in China; Fender and Malachi’s comparative experiences in Asia; experiencing The Emergency in India; how living so far from Ireland and being isolated can alter one’s perspective on identity; David Porter, advisor to Archbishop Justin Welby; ECONI; the notion of the Catholic minority being lorded over by Protestant majority in Northern Ireland no longer being a threat; being employed to have an opinion; Talkback; Cityweek; Hearts & Minds; Ian Knox; Jamie Bryson; Stephen Nolan; Frank Mitchell; the symbiotic relationship of clickbait media; Tucker Carlson; what would a New Ireland look like and how could we all arrive there without provoking another civil war; a socialist Ireland; Seamus Mallon; Brexit; being a “three strander”; Henry McDonald; European Union; The Moon; the continued divided society and how that is enshrined within the Good Friday Agreement (GFA); the anomaly of looking for an United Ireland without trying to unite Catholics and Protestants; a Unionist Donbas; Mo Mowlem Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during GFA; integrated education; the Peace Walls in Belfast; 12th July Celebrations; Anthony Buckley; mixed marriages; wall murals; Malachi’s mystical experience; yoga, meditation and enlightenment; Margaret Elizabeth Noble (Sister Nivedita) from Dungannon, Co. Tyrone; Swami Vivekananda and other topics.

Relevant Links

http://www.malachiwithaneye.co.uk

Additional Links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emergency_(India)

Frank Mitchell on U105

BBC Talkback

BBC The Nolan Show

John Devlin on The Ireland Podcast

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Episode 85 is the first of a two-part conversation with six-time Grammy winner Kevin Conneff of The Chieftains and The Dublin Trio.

Conversation includes: ‘Pride Of Pimlico’; introductions; The Liberties of Dublin; early musical influences; school early career; Packie Manus Byrne; Ciarán Mac Mathúna; ‘Salt’; John Denver; Slattery’s on Capel Street; the Tradition Club; Louis Stewart; meeting the Chieftains; recording ‘Bonaparte's Retreat’; Ceoltóirí Chualann; Seán Ó Riada; Finbar Boyle; Phoenix Park 29th September 1979; Derek Bell; reaching across the divide; Bernadette Greevy; the strength of the Irish American connection; Titanic; The Chieftains In China; Catherine Chan the acupuncturist; the documentary in China by Alan Wright; meeting Derek the first time; Derek’s musical genius; Derek’s sister Deirdre; ‘Sé Fáth Mo Bhuartha’ and other topics.

Relevant Links

The Dublin Trio

https://www.thechieftains.com

The Chieftains In China

Additional Links

Playlist of this episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 84 brings you a conversation between Fender Jackson and Fun Lovin’ Criminals as the guys play Monroe’s as part of the Galway International Arts Festival.

Conversation includes: (re)introductions; Limelight nightclub in New York; Entourage Pro; Dermot Doran; Frankie and Naim joining the band; drum teaching; difference in audiences in Ireland and New York; Dominic De Luca from Brooklyn Projects; EMI; Gang Starr; Digable Planets; D'Angelo; Prince and First Avenue; the Fentanyl crisis; Purple Riddler; Frankie getting a call from Prince’s lawyer and David Kokakis the Head of Universal back catalogue at 2am; Dread Zeppelin; Easy Star All-Stars; those early gigs in the Limelight; Kraftwerk; Tramps venue in New York; Tim Latham; writing lyrics; ChatGPT; David Bowie; Bono; Michael Jackson; the different skills of different musicians; Chris Martin Coldplay; writing for clubs vs. stadiums; FLC as a mixed bag of snakes; folk bands; Green Day; Rolling Stones; where the suits came from; Michael Schnapp the A&R guy at EMI Records; getting Gucci suits; Ali G; Gas Coombes; Supergrass; Eamonn Dorans; DiFontaine's Pizzeria, Dublin; Monroe’s Live Music Venue, Galway International Arts Festival and other topics. 

Relevant Links

https://www.funlovincriminals.co/

Additional Links

https://www.giaf.ie

https://monroes.ie/collections/live

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2d1EKtXghlXTarI4bCJHEe?si=2d383c0f4a7c47bc

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Episode 83 is a forensic insight into the mysterious world of shooting movies from one of the world’s most accomplished and desired cinematographers, Armagh’s Seamus McGarvey.

Conversation includes: introductions; early years in Armagh; meeting and working with Oliver Stone; Enda Hughes and his brother Michael Colgan and their bijou cinema in Keady; their movies ‘The Eliminator’ and ‘Flying Saucer Rock’n’ Roll’ with Ardal O’Hanlon; Panavision; meeting Steven Spielberg on the set of ‘The Soloist’; Stuart Neville; ‘Butterfly Kiss’ with Michael Winterbottom; ‘The Slab Boys’ with John Byrne and Tilda Swinton; ‘The Winter Guest’ with Alan Rickman; Eduardo Serra; digital vs. film; ‘The Avengers’ by Joss Whedon; working with Derek Jarman; the comparison of making movies and a mad fecking ceilidh dance; Seamus’s close friendship with Sam Shepard; ‘The War Zone’ with Tim Roth; meeting Stephen Frears and working on ‘High Fidelity’ with John Cusack and Jack Black; luck is the residue of good decisions; the joy of working with an improvising Jack Black; D. V. DeVincentis and Steve Pink tethering the script as Jack Black improvised his way along the movie; Tenacious D; ‘The Hours’ with Stephen Daldry and Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, Ed Harris, John C. Reilly; what he learnt from Meryl Streep; ‘The Actors’ by Conor McPherson with Dylan Moran, Michael Caine, Michael McElhatton, Aisling O'Sullivan and editor Emer Reynolds; Seamus’ favourite Irish cinematographers such as Suzie Lavelle, Piers McGrail, Robbie Ryan, Brendan Galvin, P.J. Dillon, Owen McPolin - the list goes on and on; ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ with Jeff Bridges; accident in art being central; ‘The Night of the Hunter’ by Charles Laughton starring Robert Mitchum shot by Stanley Cortez; Gilbert McCarragher and other topics.

Relevant Links

Part 1 of this conversation

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0568974/

Additional Links

The Mirror | FULL MOVIE | Directed by Andrey Tarkovsky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrMINC5xjMs

Flying Saucer Rock N Roll Michael & Enda Hughes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv2vau9l3lY

Irish Cult Movie Classics: The Eliminator

https://www.rte.ie/culture/2023/1223/1415434-irish-cult-movie-classics-the-eliminator/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 82 is a conversation with An Feannadóir (Fender Jackson), his father Seán Ó hEaráin and Lillis Ó Laoire around a book written by the late Aodh Ó Canainn about Priest Heron which tracks the language shift from Gaelic to English in the south of County Derry just after the famine in the 19th Century.

Conversation includes: introductions; a background to the book; Páidí Láidir Mac Cullach; Jane McCrory; Aodh Ó Canainn; Terence ‘Terry’ Heron; Saggart (Priest) Heron; Cardinal Paul Cullen and the Romanisation of the Irish church including the introduction of ‘Father’; Kitty clerkin and Éilis Ní Chléirighean; Katie Kelly’s in Portstewart; Anne Marie Kennedy; Charlie Conville; Biddy Donnelly, matchmaking and near misses; poitín; the conditions for a language shift; the famine; John Heron in America; Nóra Ní Chathain; Peter McNamee; Seán Mac Diarmuida and Miss McGuigan; Bridie Browne; Dr Wilhelm Doegen (1877-1967) Director of the Lautabteilung, Preussische Staatsbibliothek (the Sound Department at the Prussian State Library), Berlin; Gaelic in Ulster in 1930s; the Royal Irish Academy; John Carolan; Sarah Tracey; Francie Frank; Art Hughes; Fr. Mathew Pledge and the Pioneers; Seán’s aunt Brigid and how photographs in Draperstown came into existence; Patrick J. Heron; John O'Donovan from the Ordnance Survey visiting the area before the famine; Seán’s journey to gaelic; Francie Convery; Rosguill; Oideas Gael; Gleann Cholm Cille; Tomás Ó Canainn; Diarmuid Ó Devlin; the Aodh and Tomás’ nephew Neil Martin; Burns’ shop in Draperstown; the supernatural powers of the priest; Saggart Heron’s potatoes; the songs in the book; Tory Island; King Patsy Dan Rodgers;’ Prince Paul and other topics.

Relevant Links

https://www.doegen.ie

http://www.oideas-gael.com/en/

https://www.ria.ie

Additional Links

https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000015943

https://neilmartinmusic.com/

https://cic.ie/shop/leabhair/on-a-rock-in-the-middle-of-the-ocean/

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/our-research/people/languages-literatures-and-cultures/lillisolaoire/

https://www.itma.ie/ga/people/lillis-o-laoire/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7cusdCsHSY

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1130595573939102&rdid=aIIQuuzyKMnWAyov

https://cic.ie/shop/leabhair/neamhfhicsean/dha-leagan-deag-leargas-nua-ar-an-sean-nos/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSBLL5UzZWE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 81 is another failed conversation between Dr. Patrick Collins and Fender Jackson as they get sidetracked on AI and UrbanLab instead of talking about Pat’s book from Orpen Press. 

Conversation includes: (re)introductions; recap on Episode 28; augmented reality glasses by Magic Leap; AR vs. VR; Ironman; Minority Report; Google Glass; Captain America: Civil War; AI safety nets; Sam Altman and ChatGPT; the challenges the arts industry are facing with AI; Suno; Lumalabs; Sora; Moore’s Law; legislating for AI; artificially generated content on social media; the erosion of truth; Jeremy Bentham and his panopticon prison; the famine and the famine relief scheme; Central Statistics Office; the advantages of the work being undertaken by UrbanLab; Science Foundation Ireland; Prof Ulf Strohmayer; Oisin Slevin; Lua Flannery; shared experiences; good planning; ‘The Man With 1000 Kids’; the Netherlands; the 1996 IRA Manchester bombing; Ireland coming second to Viktor Orbán’s state finances; Ireland spending 8% of its budget at the local level; the proposed bypass of Galway; Pat’s work in Moycullen; the proposed greenway from Galway to Clifden; Heather Humphries; a lack of interconnectedness and being underfunded; J. P. McManus; peer assists; a new Ireland and the opportunities that could arise for the cities of the whole island as well as other topics. 

Relevant Links

www.urbanlabgalway.com

www.orpenpress.com

www.orpenpress.com/book-author/patrick-collins/

Additional Links

www.thejournal.ie/readme/local-authorities-6421796-Jul2024/

www.suno.com 

lumalabs.ai/dream-machine 

openai.com/index/sora

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLBW8L198GQ 

www.sfi.ie

www.galwaytourism.ie/connemara-greenway/#google_vignette

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Episode 80 is a conversation between Fender Jackson and his childhood hero Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers.

Conversation includes: introductions; life in Belfast in the 1970s; moving to London in 1978; being stopped by the police in London; Jake’s early musical influences; the huge influence Rory Gallagher had on Jake; Motown; Led Zeppelin; Black Sabbath; Deep Purple; The Damned; Sex Pistols; John Peel; Bob Marley; Bob Dylan; Graeme Parker; Little Richard; The Clash; Henry Cluney; Gerry McAvoy; Deep Joy; the influence of ‘Career Opportunities’; being signed to Chrysalis Records at the same time as Rory Gallagher; Rory playing on ‘Human Shield’; ‘The Eliminator’ and ‘Flying Saucer Rock 'n' Roll’ by Enda Hughes and Michael Colgan; the Bafta-winning documentary editor Jake Martin; unwanted attention; Beach Boys; Elvis Costello; Blondie; Television; ’Now Then…’; New Wave; New Romantics; working at BBC; reuniting the band in 1987 as well as other topics.

Silver Lining mash up with This Old Heart of Mine by Fender Jackson. Special thanks to Eugene Hamill who provided the horns. Eugene was recorded by Plunkett McComb in Starlite Studios Dungannon, County Tyrone. Also special thanks to Lina Goldbach who provided the violin part. Lina was working in luthier Paul Doyle’s workshop here in Galway when I went to collect one of my acoustics which required attention and she was treating a violin. Fair play to her for coming with me and recording the violin parts.

Relevant Links

www.slf.rocks

Additional Links

Goldbach Violins

https://geigenbau-goldbach.art/

Plunkett McComb on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/plunkett.mccomb

Irish Cult Movie Classics: The Eliminator

https://www.rte.ie/culture/2023/1223/1415434-irish-cult-movie-classics-the-eliminator/

Flying Saucer Rock N Roll Michael & Enda Hughes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv2vau9l3lY

ConnArtists - Barbed Wire Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fSNxjzmTN8

Wasted Life (Stiff Little Fingers) - Ken Tizzard & Music For Goats

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8UyU-OYaU0

Episode 80 playlist on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6CD8yEWXOfkhOQYhw4Prna?si=f9854e93bc404fee

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 79 is Fender Jackson interviewing Steve Hofstetter, a comedian and author known for his quick wit, sharp humour, and extensive presence on social media platforms where he has a combined total of about 3 million followers and over 1 billion views!

Conversation includes: introductions; Steve’s Nobel Prize nomination; words that are and are prohibited from being used on The Ireland Podcast; Steve’s charity foundation; John Lennon; the average age of your average listener of The Ireland Podcast; Steve’s level of fame; being on show in public; seeing Taylor Swift in Dublin; being famous vs. being known; soccer moms; football vs. football; YouTube pricing models in 2024; Cost Per Mille; millipedes; the (non) relationship between American politics and standup; offensive material; Lenny Bruce; (not) being cancelled; Louis CK; Shane Gillis; Kathy Griffin; ‘After Life’ by Ricky Gervais; Steve’s favourite stand up comedians; Bill Hicks; George Carlin; Dick Gregory; meeting Robin Williams; ‘The Fisher King’ movie; Nigel Planner; the lonely life of a comedian; Tommy Tiernan; testing new material; why Steve is in Ireland; Irish vs. American vs. European heckling; why Steve is in Ireland and other topics.

Relevant Links

https://www.stevehofstetter.com

Additional Links

https://www.steelcityaf.com

https://monroes.ie/collections/live

Photo credit: Taylor Reschka

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Episode 96 has the Ombudsman for Children in Ireland Dr Niall Muldoon conversing with Fender Jackson. Niall has held this position since February 2015, and his work focuses on promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children in Ireland. This interview is the latest link in ‘Muldoon’s Chain’. This interview is the latest link in ‘Muldoon’s Chain’, a series initiated through a conversation with Paul Muldoon on The Ireland Podcast.

Conversation includes: interactions; Niall’s journey to his current role; interview tips; Chris Hadfield; the fixed maximum time of two terms (12 years); the genesis of the ombudsman for children’s office; what Niall’s day-to-day job is; the role of the office of the Children’s Ombudsman; the three sections of taking complaints, raising awareness of children’s rights and of the office and advising government on policy and legislation; the growing team; Chris Quinn; cross border work between both commissioners and their teams; advice to a members of family in a difficult situation; alcoholism and stopping drinking; reasons why people stay in domestic violent situations; Derek Ryan; benefits and challenges of the job; scoliosis; Minister Donnelly; housing; repetition of the same mistakes; sports coaching; compartmentalising; reaching one’s potential; Mike Tyson; kids’ concerns; the privilege of a politician who has the power to affect change for the people of Ireland; advice to Irish American billionaires; Grandpa Hanky’s Pancakes and other topics.

Face to face recording in The Ireland Podcast studio in Salthill, Galway at approximately 7pm on Thursday 25th July 2024.

Relevant Links

https://www.oco.ie

Additional Links

https://www.instagram.com/derekryanmusicofficial/

58. Paul Muldoon: Poet

76. Prof. Orla Muldoon: Professor Of Psychology

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Episode 78 is the second part of a two part conversation between Jack L aka Jack Lukeman and Fender Jackson as he completes his 'Echo On' tour in Town Hall Theatre, Galway.

Conversation includes: a performance of ‘Echo On’ on the banjo; Jack’s small accordion; the seed of a new hit; how Jack writes music; Prince vs. U2; advice to other songwriters; ‘Amsterdam’ by Jacques Brel; ‘Guilty’ by Randy Newman; ‘In Dreams’ by Roy Orbison; Johnny Cash; Thin Lizzy; the music industry today vs. 1960s; Thomas Edison; songs becoming short again; gigging in VR land; the internet as the gutenberg press; a performance of ‘Superman 2’; ‘Superman 2’ movie; Tom Waits; Harry Partch; a performance of ‘The Piano Has Been Drinking’; Marc Ribot; being left handed; Mick Flannery; Wallis Bird; Django Reinhardt; Jack’s teams; the Truman Show way of showbusiness; Soothe2 plugin; Warren Huart and Produce Like A Pro; AI; the felt presence of immediate experience; ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’; future collaborations; Sting; Joe Sumner; selling tip; regeneration; consciousness; string theory; troubadour vs. makar; Joseph Campbell; Lord Of The Rings; Alan Watts; Jack Black; Johnny Depp; Jack Nicholson; becoming yourself; Yat-Kha; Polyphonic Overtone Singing by Anna-Maria Hefele; Cool Hand Luke and other topics.

Relevant Links

www.jacklukeman.com

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Episode 77 is also dedicated to Gerry Enright, Kerryman, lover of life, literature and Dublin, with us from March 19, 1960 to July 8, 2019.

Episode 77 is the final instalment of Bloomsweek 2024 (or should that be Bloomsfortnight?) and features performances from the annual Drumcondra Joycean Jaunt on the 120th anniversary of Bloomsday. It is the second part of the Bloomsday 2024 recordings with Episode 74 being the first part.

Drumcondra Joycean Jaunters convened at the current day shrine of the Blessed Virgin in Our Lady’s Park on the banks of the Tolka, across from Fagan’s, to celebrate the day. They followed the short route taken by Stephen Dedalus to his home on Millbourne Avenue. There, under the shadow of the Drumcondra Library, they celebrated the day in the spirit of the first Bloomsday “jant” held 70 years ago in 1954, when amongst others, Patrick Kavanagh (whose first Dublin home was in Drumcondra), set out on a Ulyssesean pilgrimage.

The Ireland Podcast would like to express huge gratitude to Jerome Corby and friends for their efforts in the recording of this podcast. Jerome hosts his own podcast called ‘Country - What It Is’. Definitely worth checking out for all you lovers of American Country Music.

Contents

Paul Reardon - Welcome

Declan Roche - Introduction

Seán mac Gabhann - "Stately, Plump Buck Mulligan..."

Denis Kehoe - A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man

Jerome Corby - Oft In The Stilly Night (Thomas More)

Declan Roche - "Mr Leopold Bloom ate with relish the inner organs of beasts and fowls..."

Paul Reardon - The original Bloomsday

Fiona Dalton - Down By The Salley Gardens (William Butler Yeats)

Jane Kelly - Penelope Unbound (Mary Morrissy)

Kieran Rogers - an appreciation of Finnegan's Wake

Clodagh Malone - Thunder words in Finnegan's Wake / A Letter from Martha to Bloom

Martin Groves - Dubliners - Gas From A Burner

Carl Lombard - Joyce, Ibsen & Hemingway

Jerome Corby - Going to Paddy Dignam's Funeral / Oh! Oh! Antonio

Declan Roche - Barney Kiernan's Pub

Antonio Argentieri - My Way

Jerome Corby interviews Carl Lombard

Relevant Links

https://www.bloomsdayfestival.ie/event/drumcondra-joycean-jaunt-2/

https://jamesjoyce.ie/

https://www.bloomsdayfestival.ie/

https://open.spotify.com/show/36vYXjUXAhoKal1SldsNDq?si=c85776a0b45b4c83

https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/55a1bd63/74-bloomsday-2024-part-1-drumcondra-interviews

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Episode 76 is the result of a recommendation from Paul Muldoon that Fender Jackson interviews University of Limerick's Orla Muldoon - no relation - and this is exactly what occurred.

Warning: Conversation includes some themes that some listeners may find upsetting including death, suicide and abuse, however overall this is a very positive conversation with a lot of reassurance and advice.

Topics consist of: introductions; Paul Muldoon; Orla’s day job; the impact of political violence on children and adults; Limerick regeneration; declining mental health in Northern Ireland post Good Friday Agreement; the “Disappeared”; political violence vs. ganglands violence; the Greysteel massacre of 30 October 1993 and the Loughinisland massacre of 18 June 1994; understanding trauma risk; educating young people not to get a box in the head and not to get sexually assaulted; blaming ourselves for trauma caused to us; Limerick; Frank McCourt; WHO’s Global Burden of Disease; Black Lives Matter; women who have been raped; being distressed because of circumstances; Orla’s diagnosis of depression; the stigma of depression; moving to a new place; being connected; the health benefits of joining groups; Dr Grace McMahon; the role of the collective in defining who we are; advice for people to get help; coping in difficult experiences; the stealthlike nature of depression; the Inverted-U theory; children and managing their emotions; making too much of things; life being stressful; the effects of Covid; the interconnectedness of global health and climate; WHO being unelected; conspiracists and inequality; Fender’s traumatic three months; post traumatic growth and other matters.

Relevant Links

The Social Psychology of Trauma

I’ve Overshared and it’s too late to Retract

https://www.ul.ie/research/prof-orla-muldoon

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Episode 75 is the first part of a conversation between Jack L aka Jack Lukeman and Fender Jackson as he completes his 'Echo On' tour in Town Hall Theatre, Galway.

Conversation includes introductions: Dolphin Music Group; music and business; being an independent; Randy Newman; Jacques Brel; The 27 Club; podcasting; songwriting; the positivity of music; happenings; performance of ‘Battle Of The Hawthorn Trees’; musical training; an analysis of Jack’s voice; busking around Europe; The Black Romantics; U2; Ronnie Wood & The Sofas; Conor Brady; John Lee Hooker; Leonard Cohen; Bruce Dickinson; Jimmy Page & Robert Plant; Arthur Brown; Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve; The Pogues; Trevor Horn and other topics.

Relevant Links

www.jacklukeman.com

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Episode 74 is dedicated to Gerry Enright, Kerryman, lover of life, literature and Dublin, with us from March 19, 1960 to July 8, 2019.

Episode 74 features guest interviewer Jerome Corby as he chats with attendants of the annual Drumcondra Joycean Jaunt on the 120th anniversary of Bloomsday.

Drumcondra Joycean Jaunters convened at the current day shrine of the Blessed Virgin in Our Lady’s Park on the banks of the Tolka, across from Fagan’s, to celebrate the day. They followed the short route taken by Stephen Dedalus to his home on Millbourne Avenue. There, under the shadow of the Drumcondra Library, they celebrated the day in the spirit of the first Bloomsday “jant” held 70 years ago in 1954, when amongst others, Patrick Kavanagh (whose first Dublin home was in Drumcondra), set out on a Ulyssesean pilgrimage.

The Ireland Podcast would like to express huge gratitude to Jerome for his efforts in the recording of this podcast. Jerome hosts his own podcast called ‘Country - What It Is’. Definitely worth checking out for all you lovers of American Country Music.

Editing by Fender Jackson. Featured song ‘Rose Of Tralee’ (Edward Mordaunt Spencer and Charles William Glover) performed by Fender Jackson and recorded on Bloomsday 2024.

Interviewees: Seán mac Gabhann; Paul Reardon; Kieran Rogers; Máire O’Dea; Margaret Cleary; Declan Roche; Fiona Dalton; Martin Groves; Clodagh Malone; Leo George Devitt.

Relevant Links

https://www.bloomsdayfestival.ie/event/drumcondra-joycean-jaunt-2/

https://jamesjoyce.ie/

https://www.bloomsdayfestival.ie/

https://open.spotify.com/show/36vYXjUXAhoKal1SldsNDq?si=c85776a0b45b4c83

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Episode 73 is a continuation of Bloomsweek as Fender Jackson interrogates an unsuspecting Jo Hamill just as she completes the installation of her ‘Gutter Words: Art Exhibition’ in the James Joyce Centre in this unusually short publication. 

Jo is an artist, graphic designer and the Head of Art & Design in the Leeds School of Arts at Leeds Beckett University.

Conversation includes introductions; North Yorkshire; what is ‘Gutter Words’; what are “gutter” words; the history of the project as well as other topics.

Relevant Links

https://gutterwords.com

https://jamesjoyce.ie

https://www.bloomsdayfestival.ie

https://andyprisney.wixsite.com/andyprisney

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Episode 72 takes us to the James Joyce Centre at 35 North Great George’s Street, Dublin where Fender Jackson is given a tour by Dr. Josh Q. Newman. The centre was built in 1784 for Valentine Brown, 1st Earl of Kenmare, who used it as his townhouse.

Conversation includes: introductions; front of the James Joyce Centre; Lucia Joyce; David Nolan; artist and walkabout tour guide Jim Ward; Andy Prisney; the Maginni Room; Mamalujo exhibition; Ezra Pound; Finnegan’s Wake; Terence Killeen; the courtyard and door from 7 Eccles Street, the now-demolished home of Leopold Bloom; footleaf; Ulysses Mural by Paul Joyce; timeline; Jo Hamill’s installation; posters; Leah and Mrs. Bandmann Palmer; Tom’s Directory; National Library of Ireland; the old library; cupid the meme and Diane; Suzanne Freeman; Kenmare Room; Jacques-Émile Blanche; John McCormack; 'CONNEXIONS: The Sidewalks of Dublin' by Paula Pohli; Paul Léon Furniture; Joyce’s death mask; Volta room; the Rémi Rosseau exhibition and other topics.

Relevant Links

https://jamesjoyce.ie/

Additional Links

https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/dr-jo-hamill/

https://www.stoneyroadpress.com/books-and-poetry/the-dead

https://galwaytrails.ie/about-jim/

https://www.davidnowlan.com/

https://andyprisney.wixsite.com/andyprisney

https://www.paulapohli-art.com/connexions

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Episode 71 continues with the celebrations of Bloomsweek with another upcycling of an episode recorded in 2023 for The Galway Podcast - this time with Professor Brian Arkins. Brian is a Professor Emeritus of Classics at the University of Galway. He was educated at Clongowes Wood College and at University College Dublin, where he obtained an M.A. in Classics and a Ph.D in Latin. He is the author of 14 books and counting.

Just be mindful that any mentions of Brian’s upcoming lecture of course would have taken place last year. So mind the old ineluctable modality of the audible.

Also you will hear references to Aedín Moloney’s spellbinding performance of ‘Yes! Reflections Of Molly Bloom’. You can hear that conversation with Aedín on episode 70. That is definitely worth checking out to get a great insight into the closing of Ulysses.

Conversation includes: Brian’s education and background; structure; W.B.Yeats; Joyce and Aristotle; Dubliners; A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man; the humour in Joyce’s writing; Aedín Moloney’s performance of ‘Yes! Reflections Of Molly Bloom’; what did Stephen Dedalus do after Blooms Day?; Molly being an earth mother; Shakespeare’s influence; Homer’s influence on Ulysses; Brian’s career and his languages; Nora Barnacle; Joyce and alcohol; Joyce and catholicism; Joyce abroad; Dublin as a character; Joyce and Galway; Joyce’s employment; Joyce and cinema; France vs Ireland; censorship; cubism; Joyce’s depictions in cinema; Gerard Manley Hopkins; Desmond Egan and other topics. 

Relevant Links

Brian Arkins Lifetime Achievement Award

https://charliebyrne.ie/?s=Brian%20Arkins

https://www.peterlang.com/document/1057724

Additional Links

http://www.aedinmoloney.com

zlfGkxOD2x1ukGUbGXLV

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Episode 70 is a continuation of the celebration of Bloomsweek with an upcycled conversation recorded in 2023 for The Galway Podcast between Fender Jackson and Aedín Moloney about her one woman production of 'Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom'. 

Aedín discusses her take on the (in)famous soliloquy and why she believes it is actually very misunderstood and arguably quite asexual.

Aedín gives an insight to her collaboration of renowned author and fellow Joyce enthusiast, Colum McCann as well as the deeply personal involvement of her father, the late Paddy Moloney (Musician, Composer, Founder and leader of The Chieftains).

Aedín also reminisces about her childhood days in Galway and why bringing 'Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom' to the west is a form of homecoming as well as part of her father's dying wish. 

Relevant Links

http://www.aedinmoloney.com/

https://www.yesreflectionsofmollybloom.com/

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Episode 69 marks the first of a series promoting the life and works of James Joyce with Fender Jackson interviewing Dr. Josh Q. Newman from the James Joyce Centre in Dublin.

Conversation includes: introductions; early attraction to Joyce’s work; Josh’s career path; the historiography of Joyce’s work including the nationalist movements at the time; Darina Gallagher; The Maginni Room and Denis J. Maginni; a history of the James Joyce Centre; Valentine Browne; the Georgian Preservation Society; finances; Senator David Norris; the types of visitors; Joyce in other languages; coming to Joyce from abroad after having lived in Ireland for a number of years; advice for people who have not yet got Joyce; the Joyce Project; Ulysses being an encyclopaedic novel; 1798 Rebellion; Joyce’s library; American academics and patrons; Richard Ellmann; Joyce and censorship in Ireland; Joyce’s employment abroad; patrons; Edith Rockefeller; Harriet Shaw Weaver; Margaret Anderson; Ezra Pound; royalties; the different publications of Ulysses; translations; Joyce’s health and his death; his wife Nora Barnacle and their children; Stephen Joyce; the James Joyce estate; Joyce’s style of writing and his impact on literature; neologisms; Joyce’s connection with cinema; The Third Man; Bloomsday; Mummers of Fingal; Happenings Ireland; Breathe and Bloom as well as other topics.

Relevant Links

https://www.bloomsdayfestival.ie/ 

https://jamesjoyce.ie/

Additional Links

https://www.joyceproject.com/

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Episode 95 is a continuation of the conversation between Terry Woods and Fender Jackson as Terry talks about his career in The Pogues. 

Conversation includes: Frank Murray; James Fearnley’s excellent book ‘Here Comes Everybody’; Paul McGuinness and U2; Terry seeing The Pogues for the first time in Cibeal Festival; Shane MacGowan’s songwriting genius; Frank Murray getting the push; songwriting credits; how the Pogues albums were recorded; Terry finding his musical space in The Pogues; the instrument Terry “should” have played; Bob Dylan; Dallas; Birmingham Six and Guilford Four; the missing verse of Streets Of Sorrow; The Popes; alcohol; Philip Lynott; ‘Young Ned Of The Hill’; Féile (The Trip To Tipp); Darryl Hunt; Ron Kavana; ‘Thousands Are Sailing’; Philip Chevron; reforming and other topics.

“The race is done, the journey’s over

As on this West Cork road I lie.

With summer twilight fading quickly

I won’t see another day.”

˜ 'Streets Of Sorrow' by Terry Woods

Relevant Links

93. Terry Woods: Sweeney's Men, Steeleye Span & More - Part 1

97. Terry Woods: The Pogues & Beyond - Part 3

www.theirelandpodcast.com

https://www.instagram.com/thepoguesofficial/

Additional Links

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Here-Comes-Everybody-Audiobook/B00XYKQ4XA

https://www.dunboynecastlehotel.com/

Face to face recording in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, County Meath at 2.50pm on Thursday 8th August 2024.

Subscribe using your favourite podcast player to ensure you don’t miss an episode of The Ireland Podcast.

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Episode 68 champions Niall Teague and his wonderful music as he teams up with his musical partner Padraic Joyce for the third Galway Folk Festival.

Conversation includes: introductions; booking and playing a gig in Taibhdhearc; performance of ‘Achill Island’; drones and social media; Achill Island; Keem Bay; Keel Beach; midges; The Ponderosa; Maghera and all the McKennas; Ormeau Road and Belfast; Environmental Science; performance of ‘Martin & Tom’; right hand guitar technique; Andy Irvine; sweat and plectrums; performance of ‘Lost On The Wander’; Fender’s piano; Padraic Joyce; Gaelic in their music; Liam Ó Maonlaí and the improv; Akira The Don; Galway Folk Festival; finding your voice as a singer; Neil Young’s ‘After The Gold Rush Album; Tom Waits on ‘Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet’; John Lennon; John Devlin; 

Relevant Links

https://www.facebook.com/niallteagueandpadraicjoycemusic

https://www.niallteagueandpadraicjoycemusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/nialljamesteague/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OaALsYvYZY

Additional Links

https://galwayfolkfestival.com/

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/58Jzyl9CGts0f7vw58S7n2?si=b66c47a3bee54403

Correction: The most western point of Ireland is Dunmore Head. Located on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Dunmore Head is part of the stunning and rugged landscape of the Wild Atlantic Way. The coordinates for Dunmore Head are approximately 52.0996° N latitude and 10.4718° W longitude. 

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Episode 67 features Seán Keane in conversation with Fender Jackson in the run up to the third Galway Folk Festival running from 5th to 9th June 2024.

Conversation includes: introductions; other jobs; McConnells; Geordie Hanna; early fleadhs; McConnells; the musicality of the Keane Family; Seosamh Ó hÉanaí; Seosamh Mac Donncha; Geordie Hanna; Len Graham; Cathal McConnell; Northern vs. Connemara vs. West Cork; Paddy Tunney; Arty McGlyn; ornamentation; Arty McGlynn; Seán being turned off and then onto the guitar; tuning up; doing rightly; maintaining credibility and spanning genres; Elvis; 'Gratitude' album with the RTÉ Orchestra; arranger Gavin Murphy; conductor David Brophy; separating from the orchestra and David’s heroic stagecoaching; Galway Folk Festival; Gary Monroe; sneezing; sean-nós; ballads; Raglan Road; Lyric FM; John Creedon; John Kelly; Laurie Anderson; learning lyrics; Del Boy and other topics. 

Also there’s some musical performances with some musical accompaniment from Fender.

Relevant Links

https://www.seankeane.com

https://galwayfolkfestival.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0lhTGc9ZkzSKoUjDpojA1G?si=85ab65adee634f18

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Episode 66 is a conversation with musician and researcher, Anna Falkenau. Anna takes us through her personal journey from East Germany to the West of Ireland with a few musical performances along the way. The latter half of the interview focuses on her research into Traditional Irish Music - a must listen for anyone interested in the arc of the popularity of this jewell in Ireland’s crown.

Conversation includes: introductions; growing up in East Germany; classical vs. trad bowing technique; the subtle details of playing trad; Orkney Islands; Cathal McConnell; Nuala Kennedy; learning by ear; ‘The Way You Look Tonight’; Carnatic music; South Indian Classical Music; old-timey music; The Raineys; Anna’s studies of Irish traditional music; Tommy Nolan; the Irish music scene of the 1950s and 1960s; the different political and socio-economic developments of Ireland around the 1960s; the returning diaspora; the re-evaluation of traditional Irish music; music first appearing in bars; O’Connor’s Bar in Salthill; Music Revival; Galway; Pub Sessions; Dolores Keane; the Keanes; the Gavins; Stauntons; Dick Byrne; Fo’castle Folk Club; ‘Hardiman And Beyond’; Donal and Mae Staunton; Castle Hotel; An Taibhdhearc Theatre; Irish language; East Galway; Connemara; Traditional Irish music taking root; Mr and Mrs Larry Cullen; Doolin; Dublin Pipers Club; The Eagle Bar; Seán Ó Riada; Biochemistry Dept in University of Galway; Comhaltas; De Danann; Repertoire; Transmission; Prof Pádraig Ó Carra; Jackie Small; Celine Hession; the Cellar Bar; Mickey Finn; how the sessions have changed over the years; Toner Quinn; Bill Finn’s slow air; The Galway Advertiser and Ronnie O'Gorman; Ollie Jennings and other topics. 

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Ronnie O'Gorman. 

Relevant Links

http://www.annafalkenau.com/

https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-can-hear-you-calling/1271594435

https://music.apple.com/us/album/féileacán-na-saoirse/894281460

https://nuigalway.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Spring+Lunchtime+Lecture+Series+2021+Anna+Falkenau/1_gfxreok2/211424143

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19hvHskQbScVfwjil91BPl?si=252bf194baf44eff

Additional Links

https://ardenpublishing.sumupstore.com/product/hardiman-and-beyond

University of Galway photo by Professor Chaosheng Zhang.

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Episode 65 is the second part of a series which is celebrating Gerry's magnificent work with arguably the greatest guitarist every to have lived. Gerry McAvoy is a bass guitarist best known for his long tenure with Rory Gallagher's band, with whom he played from 1971 until 1991. Gerry now plays with Band Of Friends. This weekend he is at the 20th anniversary of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival.

Conversation includes: ‘Who’s That Coming?’; Rory’s acoustic slide-guitar playing; Country Blues; Rory’s National guitar; ‘Tattoo’ album; Tom O’Driscoll’s Woolworths shopping jaunt; Lou Martin; Tamla Motown; James Jamerson; Bob Babbitt; playing with one finger; Warren Huart; Produce Like A Pro; the freedom Rory gave his musicians; Rod de’Ath’s drumming style; Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival; Ballyshannon; Dónal Gallagher; Gwyn Ashton; Band Of Friends; Ted McKenna; Marcel Scherpenzeel; what Gerry gets from Roryfest; ‘Irish Tour '74’; Tony Palmer; Rory and Belfast; ‘Against The Grain’; Jerry Lee Lewis; alchemy; Rory’s electric slide-guitar playing; playing the blues and other topics.

Relevant Links

http://www.bandoffriends.eu/

https://songwhip.com/bandoffriends

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6lQ0Ksudc2W3k2FctLOVvU

https://www.rorygallagher.com/

https://www.rorygallagherfestival.com/

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Episode 64 of The Ireland Podcast concludes the movie treatment interview with Fender Jackson steering Tony Scullion through his journey to All-Ireland success playing for Derry in 1993.

Warning: Contains Spoilers!

Conversation includes county games; 1985 Ulster Final against Monaghan in the packed house in Clones; 1987 Ulster Final against Armagh and getting man of the match; the 1987 All Ireland Semi Final against Meath; 1991 against Down; 1992 against Donegal; 1992 National League; Tony’s relationship with Joe Brolly and Joe’s helpfulness; Enda Gormley; the relationship with the rest of the 1993; Colm McGurk; Tony walks us through his 1993 All Ireland Championship; breaking his ankle in his last National League game against Louth in 1993; marking Mickey Lindon against Down in Páirc Esler; Tony being substituted for the first time in his career; the Shepherd’s Crook; Tony being broken after the fans’ reactions; Eamon Coleman’s belief in Tony; Dr Ben Clancy and Sean Moran the physiotherapist; Derry v. Monaghan; Mickey Moran; Ulster Final against Donegal; Cathal Scullion breaking his leg in the minor match; studs vs. mouldies; the hunger of Derry against Donegal; the semi final against Dublin; Mickey Moran being 20 years ahead of his time and the speech he gave to the Derry team at half time; Siobhan back home in Derry; Tony being single minded during the game; Siobhan’s commitment to Tony during the training sessions; Seán McCague fetching Siobhan from the carpark; Derry City in the 1970’s; sharing a room with Brian McGilligan; watching bowls on the TV the night before the All Ireland Final; the bus journey from the hotel to Croke Park; hearing the minor game; coming out onto the Croke Park pitch; the beating Cork gave Mayo that year; Derry facing a massive Cork team; Tony Davis’ harsh call; Enda Gormley getting hit; John O’Driscoll; the party after the match; travelling back home to Derry; Charlene’s Christening; Fr. Leo Deery; the Sam Maguire Cup; the end of the film; what the GAA is about; Tony’s pep talk to the inmates, as well as other topics.

Relevant Links

https://ballinascreengaa.com

https://derrygaa.ie

https://ulster.gaa.ie

https://www.gaa.ie

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1fQCOrUqsSLSAYX7HZzqXA

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Episode 63 of The Ireland Podcast features Tony Scullion, a renowned former Derry Gaelic footballer. In this episode, Scullion shares his experiences growing up in rural Derry during the Troubles, his illustrious football career, including the 1993 All-Ireland win with Derry, and the personal challenges he faced throughout his life. The podcast offers an in-depth look into Scullion's journey, highlighting his resilience, dedication to the sport, and the impact of his experiences on and off the field. This episode is a must-listen for fans of Gaelic football and those interested in the personal stories behind Ireland's sports legends.

Conversation includes: introductions; movie treatment; St Colm's High School, Draperstown; Philomena Begley; Daniel O’Donnell; Phil Coulter; working in Maghaberry Prison; Mike Moloney; early days on Carnamoney Lane; Master Colm O’Neill in St. Eoghan's Primary School, Moneyneena; matchmaking; céilidh as a visit; Seamus Groogan the hero; Dean McGlinchey Park, Ballinascreen; transport challenges of living in rural Ireland; camaraderie of neighbours during the Troubles; respect, coaching and teaching; ‘The Fighter’; Tony’s hurling career; Seamus Doherty; playing for Derry and in Croke Park for the first time; Jim McGuigan; the advantage of nerves; 34 vs. 21; advice to young players; defence tactics; what qualifies a good game; a bad experience; Aidan McAnespie; playing against Australia; Seán McCague and Eugene McGee; Siobhan the heroine; Tony’s parents’ house; Tony’s father’s love for Kerry; Tony’s stick and other topics. 

Relevant Links

https://ballinascreengaa.com

https://derrygaa.ie

https://ulster.gaa.ie

https://www.gaa.ie

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1fQCOrUqsSLSAYX7HZzqXA

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Gerry McAvoy is a bass guitarist best known for his long tenure with Rory Gallagher's band, with whom he played from 1971 until 1991.

Conversation includes: introductions; learning the bass; meeting Rory for the first time; early gigging days with Deep Joy; getting the call to try out for recording; the recording sessions of Rory Gallagher (1971), Deuce (1971), recording Live in Europe using a mobile (1972), Blueprint (1973); Wilgar Campbell; Vincent Crane; Lou Martin; Rod de'Ath; Henry McCullough; Eugene; Joe Meek; Dave Fanning; remasters; Daniel Gallagher; Wilgar leaving; Rick Astley; Finbar Nolan; The Nolan Sisters and other topics.

Relevant Links

http://www.bandoffriends.eu/

https://songwhip.com/bandoffriends

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7g5LeUgD6QfuTQU8mijfRq?si=a592a89d42fb43d3

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 61 is an overview of the Irish property market with Lorcan Sirr, a senior lecturer of housing in the Technical University of Dublin as well as a housing policy analyst.

Conversation includes: introductions; Henry Sirr and Robert Emmet; personal career path; the returning diaspora; Aidan Regan; Mary Harny ‘Boston or Berlin’; an overview of the rental and buying sector; long term lets and short term lets; the taxpayer picking up the tab; escooters; capitalism and an arch form of capitalism; housing as an investment product; climate vs. housing political targets; building properties to rent vs. properties to buy; Rory Stewart; medium level properties; the lack of high rise buildings in Paris; large family homes; the knockon effect of height cap changes and land value; overview of commercial property; the recent overlaps of commercial property and private property; the Alone charity; nursing homes; cladding; the inflation of prices over the decades; the challenges of the returning diaspora; immigrants; Roderic O'Gorman; integration and foreign workers; immigration increasing; advice to anyone engaging with politicians; Ireland’s permanent housing crisis and other topics.

Relevant Links

https://www.ipa.ie/social-administration/housing-in-ireland-beyond-the-markets.5839.html

https://www.orpenpress.com/book-author/dr-lorcan-sirr/

https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/02/28/lorcan-sirr-there-are-more-than-18000-houses-to-rent-on-airbnb-vs-2000-on-daft-something-is-very-wrong/

Additional Links

https://alone.ie

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Episode 60 continues with the conversation and more songs from An tOllamh (Professor) Liam Lillis Ó Laoire, two time winner of the premier sean-nós singing competition at Oireachtas na Gaeilge.

Conversation includes: training and competitions; Art Mac Cumhaigh; the only two aislingí poems from Ulster ‘Úirchill a' Chreagáin’ and 'Aige Cuan Bhinn Éadair' or 'Aisling Airt Mhic Cumhaigh'; one of the first uses of the word Gaeltacht in modern Irish; the Spanish Tribe of Milesius; Jerry Hicks, a teacher of Paul Muldoon; a performance of ‘Úirchill a' Chreagáin’; winning Corn Uí Riada twice; Seán Ó Riada; Ceol an nUasal; Seán Ó Sé; Wexford Opera Festival; Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann; the different revivals of Irish culture; Duncan in the 1780s; Patrick Byrne being the last traditional Irish harpist; Siobhan Armstrong; the Irish Harp; the effects of the Celtic Tiger; ‘The Songs of Anna John Chiot’ Pól Ó Seachnasaigh; Mairéad and Anna Ní Mhaonaigh; Brian Ó Domhnaill; Máire Ní Choilm; Doiminic Mac Giolla Bhríde; Joe Heaney; the difference in Donegal Irish and Galway Irish; Patricia Coughlan; Cormac de Barra; a performance of ‘Liam O’Reilly’; Galway singing style; Yunnan Ethnic Village; Chinese Dai funeral music; the 1930s recordings of recordings of Eilis Ní Chleircín from Ballinascreen, County Derry; 'Teacht den tSliabh Tráthnóna' by Aodh Ó Canainn;  Chinese Pinyin; An Feannadóir and other topics.

Relevant Links

https://cic.ie/shop/leabhair/on-a-rock-in-the-middle-of-the-ocean/

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/our-research/people/languages-literatures-and-cultures/lillisolaoire/

https://www.itma.ie/ga/people/lillis-o-laoire/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7cusdCsHSY

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1130595573939102&rdid=aIIQuuzyKMnWAyov

https://cic.ie/shop/leabhair/neamhfhicsean/dha-leagan-deag-leargas-nua-ar-an-sean-nos/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSBLL5UzZWE

Additional Links

https://www.coisceim.ie/teachtdentsliabh.html

https://www.doegen.ie/node/2335

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2dvZJnWORtlCLZHVfieIYK?si=9bca4abc92c64912

https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/79a6eda3/59-lillis-o-laoire-sean-nos-singer-part-1

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001zdwq

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Episode 59 brings you conversation and performances from An tOllamh (Professor) Liam Lillis Ó Laoire, two time winner of the premier sean-nós singing competition at Oireachtas na Gaeilge.

Conversation includes: introductions (and reintroductions); Pádraig Ó Héalaí; Gleann Cholmcille (Glencolumbkille, Donegal); Jack Doherty (Derry); Oideas Gael; Liam Ó Cuinneagáin; an t’ollamh Seosamh Watson; Gael Linn; sean-nós singing; teaching gaelic and dancing; ‘A Phaidí a Ghrá’ (‘Paddy, My Love’); ‘An Draighneán Donn’ (‘The Blackthorn Bush’); the post mortem of the party; ‘Oral Literary Criticism’ by Alan Dundes; aesthetics; Cuma, Craiceann and Ceart; unison singing on Tory Island; a big night; the porch full of divilment; the harsh critics; a performance of ‘Raglan Road’; confidence vs. vulnerability; a performance of ‘A Phaidí a Ghrá’ as well as other topics.

Relevant Links

https://cic.ie/shop/leabhair/on-a-rock-in-the-middle-of-the-ocean/

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/our-research/people/languages-literatures-and-cultures/lillisolaoire/

https://www.itma.ie/ga/people/lillis-o-laoire/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7cusdCsHSY

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1130595573939102&rdid=aIIQuuzyKMnWAyov

https://cic.ie/shop/leabhair/neamhfhicsean/dha-leagan-deag-leargas-nua-ar-an-sean-nos/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSBLL5UzZWE

Additional Links

https://www.coisceim.ie/teachtdentsliabh.html

https://www.doegen.ie/node/2335

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2dvZJnWORtlCLZHVfieIYK?si=9bca4abc92c64912

https://www.theirelandpodcast.com/latest-podcast/episode/683f655f/60-lillis-o-laoire-sean-nos-singer-part-2

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001zdwq

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 94 brings us to the southern coastal part of County Dublin where Fender Jackson chats with the visual artist Guggi.

Conversation includes: introductions; names; Guggi, Bono, The Edge, Gavin Friday and Strongman all getting their moniker; Guggi’s initial resistance to this name; early life on Cedarwood Road; having six brother and three sisters; early memories of Bono and Gavin Friday; Winnie and Iris; big families; being an artistic kids; The Virgin Prunes; The Beautifull House in Temple Bar; being advised that he couldn’t vs. realising that he could be an artist; signwriting; moving from singing artist to visual artist; oilpainting; finding one’s vocabulary as an artist; Four Artists – Many Wednesdays (1988) at Dublin's Hendricks Gallery - an exhibition of works by Guggi, Gavin Friday, Charlie Whisker and Bono; living hand to mouth; the bumpy ride and feast or famine; poets and language; Guggi’s artistic vocabulary; Memory to Form at Château La Coste; Guggi’s periods; when the piece is finished; Picasso; Rothko; future plans and other topics.

Face to face recording on in Guggi's home, County Dublin at 12.27pm on Friday 9th August 2024. 

Relevant Links

www.guggi.com

www.theirelandpodcast.com

Additional Links

Spotify playlist for Episode 94

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst performing in Town Hall Theatre, Galway as part of 'Muldoon’s Picnic' with Poetry Ireland Paul Muldoon came to the studio to share his thoughts on poetry, poets and other matters. 'Muldoon's Picnic' is produced by Poetry Ireland and supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Conversation includes: introductions; Paul’s definition of a poet; Robert Frost; Wallace Stevens; craftspersonship in poetry; Chaucer; the makar and the troubadour; Wordsworth’s wise passiveness; the trouble Paul has with describing himself a poet; the best work being ahead of oneself; poets taking themselves too seriously; the rapid decline of one’s abilities as an artist over time; Rolling Stones; 'Joy in Service on Rue Tagore'; W.B. Yeats; W.H.Auden; when the poem is complete; the difference in poetry and lyrics; Lou Reed; Leonard Cohen; the pressure per square inch of the poem vs. the lyric; 'Bird On The Wire'; the difference between a hippo and a rhino; puzzles; the imposition of meaning; Tom Waits; Taylor Swift; Samuel Taylor Coleridge; novels in the 1920’s; rap; 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' by Gil Scott-Heron; Bob Dylan; high and low art; art that has an impact; Paul McCartney; effective and ineffective art; The Beatles; the 8 year old poets; Yeats The Plumber; allowing the poem to be what it most might be; perfectionism; art concealing art; Paul describing his own poetry as well as other topics.

Face to face recording in the Salthill Studio, Galway at 10am on Monday 13th May 2024.

Relevant Links

https://www.paulmuldoonpoetry.com

Additional Links

https://www.poetryireland.ie

https://tht.ie/4195/muldoons-picnic

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3quqM78I11q0v7j8Raucvn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 57 is the second part of a two part celebration of the life of Jarír al-Majar (Gerry Mulholland). It is a snapshot of memories recorded by some of the friends and family of Gerard Mulholland at the Rahoon Cemetery and Sliding Rock bar, Galway on Monday, 15 May from 12.19 p.m. to 5.19 p.m. - one year ago today exactly. These memories are presented in the chronological order in which they were recorded, interweaved with recordings of Gerry from the internet. Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and who made recordings of Jarír’s music available on the internet as well as through private messages. The "hidden track" at the end was recorded on 10 October 2023.

Both episodes were published in The Galway Podcast soon after recording and, of all the 46 episodes published so far on The Galway Podcast, these are the two of which I am most proud. I felt at the time that they stand as though they are movies for the ears. I still feel that way.

Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and who made recordings of Jarír’s music available on the internet as well as through private messages. Huge thanks to Eamonn, Marion and all the Mulholland family for their blessing for this project to have been given the go ahead, and a huge, special thanks to Breda, Gerard’s twin. I went to visit Breda to get her blessing to publish these episodes on The Ireland Podcast. Breda was very happy to do so. She wrote a beautiful poem for the anniversary notice in the local paper which follows at the end of this message. Perhaps you can tell from the fluidity that it came out in one sitting.

I worked closely with Breda to ensure that Gerard’s memory be treated with the utmost respect that he deserves. It was Breda's grace, dignity and compassion that has made this project a very special one for the memory of Jarír al-Majar. 

A final word of appreciation to Jarír al-Majar. The ripples continue after the stone lands at the bottom of the water bed. You were, and continue to be, an inspiration.

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ. Alhamdulillah. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.  May he rest in peace. 

Fender Jackson

--

Gerard

Your smile as you came in the door,

alas, it is to be no more.

The ivory keys you made them dance,

your songs and poems,

our lives enhanced.

You had so much love to give,

embrace, you shared throughout the human race.

Sometimes I think,

thank God you're gone,

to not bear witness to all this wrong.

A more gentle soul did not abide,

a void so big you left behind.

Soar high above and don't look down,

the life you lived has earned your crown.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 56 is a special recording session with gorgeous music from The Henry Girls. The Henry Girls consist of three sisters - Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin - who hail from Malin in the most northern part of our beautiful island in County Donegal.

Conversation includes: introductions; a performance of ‘A Time To Grow’; writing harmonies; early musical life; ‘Oh Happy Day’ from Sister Act’; Gospel music; Beach Boys; Beatles; Boswell Sisters; a performance of ‘If It Ain’t Love’; 1930s arranging and production techniques; Riverdance; ‘Harry’s Game’ by Clannad; Paul Brady’s ‘Arthur McBride’; Declan O’Rourke’s ‘Galileo’; The Divine Comedy; Paul Moore; a performance of ‘Honey Bee / Hard Border’; Irish Harps; Paddy Cafferky’s Harps; Turlough O'Carolan; metal strings vs. nylon strings; a performace of ‘Carolan’s Concerto’; Chinese music and Irish music; working as musicians; Live Music Now; the importance of passing on music; Ceol na Coille; Clodagh Warnock; Janet Harbison; Music Generation; Liam Ó Maonlaí; Dessie O’Halloran; the rejuvenation of Irish music and culture; Harp Ireland; Gary Monroe from Monroe’s Galway; Galway International Arts Festival; Tim Stampton; a performance of ‘Colours In The Sky’ as well as other topics.

Relevant Links

https://www.thehenrygirls.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0zdyTQUOzpKGYT3udA2umL

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 55 is the first part of a two part celebration marking the first anniversary of the passing of the remarkable Jarír al-Majar (Gerry Mulholland). It is a snapshot of memories recorded by some of the friends and family of Gerard Mulholland at the O'Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Galway on Saturday, 13 May from 4.18 p.m. to 7.37p.m. One year ago today exactly. These memories are presented in the chronological order in which they were recorded, interweaved with recordings of Gerry from the internet.

Both episodes were published in The Galway Podcast soon after recording and, of all the 46 episodes published so far on The Galway Podcast, these are the two of which I am most proud. I felt at the time that they stand as though they are movies for the ears. I still feel that way.

Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and who made recordings of Jarír’s music available on the internet as well as through private messages. Huge thanks to Eamonn, Marion and all the Mulholland family for their blessing for this project to have been given the go ahead, and a huge, special thanks to Breda, Gerard’s twin. I went to visit Breda to get her blessing to publish these episodes on The Ireland Podcast. Breda was very happy to do so. She wrote a beautiful poem for the anniversary notice in the local paper which follows at the end of this message. Perhaps you can tell from the fluidity that it came out in one sitting.

I worked closely with Breda to ensure that Gerard’s memory be treated with the utmost respect that he deserves. It was Breda's grace, dignity and compassion that has made this project a very special one for the memory of Jarír al-Majar. 

A final word of appreciation to Jarír al-Majar. The ripples continue after the stone lands at the bottom of the water bed. You were, and continue to be, an inspiration.

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ. Alhamdulillah. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.  May he rest in peace. 

Fender Jackson

--

Gerard

Your smile as you came in the door,

alas, it is to be no more.

The ivory keys you made them dance,

your songs and poems,

our lives enhanced.

You had so much love to give,

embrace, you shared throughout the human race.

Sometimes I think,

thank God you're gone,

to not bear witness to all this wrong.

A more gentle soul did not abide,

a void so big you left behind.

Soar high above and don't look down,

the life you lived has earned your crown.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 54 continues with more incredible rock'n'roll stories from the road with Pierce Turner as well as him talking about his new Tarantino-esque single 'Hail Glorious Glorious Saint Patrick' out on StorySound Records.

Conversation includes: Christy Moore’s track ‘The Way Pierce Turner Sings’; Christy Moore’s sense of humour; playing Carnegie Hall with Philip Glass as part of the Tibet House Benefit in 2010; the acoustics of Carnegie Hall; Patti Smith’s band and Iggy Pop; the unionisation of Carnegie Hall; the antics of Iggy Pop onstage; Iggy Pop at Trip To Tipp in 1993; the financial success of Iggy Pop; performing at the St. Paddy's Celebration of Sinéad O'Connor & Shane MacGowan at Carnegie Hall; opening with Black 47 for the Pogues in London around 1994; Kirsty MacColl; the Pogues playing at Old Royal Naval College, London 2011; Shane being a boss in the band; Kirsty MacColl’s fantastic music; David Byrne’s ‘Rei Momo’;  Pierce’s new single ‘Hail Glorious Saint Patrick’; the origins of the hymn; Billy Connolly and the Celtic crowd in Glasgow in the 1960s; a little bit of politics; the amazing video by Mark Lerner and Nancy Howell; Monty Python; Terry Gilliam; the recording of ‘Hail Glorious Saint Patrick’; Tony Shanahan; Steve Goulding; James Mastro; Fred Parcells; recording ‘Yogi With A Broken Heart’ live; John Cale; Brian Wilson out of The Beach Boys; the dangerous game of superstardom; Garron Noone; being egotistical; Paul McCartney; John Lennon; Linda McCartney; McCartney’s reaction to Lennon’s murder; ‘The Beatles: Get Back’; Pierce’s stories and audiobook; The Black Box in Galway; learning saxophone; Glen Hansard and other topics.

Relevant Links

https://pierceturner.com

https://storysoundrecords.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTdD0ynsoaI 

https://themarkofnancy.com

Additional Links

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0wE4yajpiEVTPIGtDWpA9e

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Episode 53 is a joyful chat with singer songwriter Pierce Turner who has written music for Christy Moore as well as having worked with the producer of The Band, John Simon.

Conversation includes: introductions; being in a duo with Larry Kirwan from Black 47 and moving to USA together; early years as ‘Turner and Kirwan from Wexford’; touring with UB40 as ‘The Major Thinkers’; Philip Glass producing Pierce’s first album; writing music for dance; the similarities between Irish and Indian music; Seán Ó Riada; John Simon producing Pierce’s third album; Pierce’s time with Beggars Banquet Records; becoming tired with working for an independent record label; the stratospheric rise of Ed Sheeran; Pierce not being U2; performing residencies with a string quartet and a drummer in Swift; understanding record deals; Pierce’s movie career; working with Trish McAdam and Sean Hughes on ‘Snakes and Ladders’; fond memories of Sean Hughes; Pierce’s version of ‘Dirty Old Town’ being used on HBO’s ‘The Wire’; Cillian Vallely from Lúnasa; The Galway Folk Festival; Pierce’s relationship with Christy Moore; working with Dónal Lunny; changing lyrics; Raglan Road as well as other topics.

Relevant Links

https://pierceturner.com

https://storysoundrecords.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTdD0ynsoaI 

Additional Links

Episode 53 Playlist

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Part 2 of the conversation with Fender Jackson, Gary Monroe takes us through the Galway Folk Festival and going on tour with Sharon Shannon and a mingle in between the horses.

First Half

Topics include: Galway Folk Festival; Peter O’Sullivan; getting the festival up and running; Damien from Cuppa Tea TV; Paul Murphy; programming a festival; Mec Lir; Talask; Seán Keane; Johnny Broderick; Ímar; Ireland punching above its weight when it comes to the arts; everyone having a party piece; South Korea; overpricing; Bali; exotic fruits vs. 4th or 5th division schtuff; almost getting the Bothy Band; getting Declan O’Rourke; Paul Mulligan; John Prine; Donal Gibbons; grants; Galway and its festivals; the increased costs of putting on a festival; the Galway International Arts Festival; Wild Atlantic Music Tours; Robert Hanrahan; Eddie King; Kevin Crawford.

Second Half (23m 58s)

Topics include: touring Australia with Sharon Shanon; Séamus Finneran and Maureen; Manus Maguire; Seán Smyth from Lúnasa; Colm Meaney; Moxie; Sharon Shannon’s kindness, generosity and ability to bring people together; The Scratch and The Diddley Doo; The Doss House in Sydney; The Factory Theatre, Sydney; Led Zeppelin; the soundcheck process; Billy ‘Van Creamy’ Robinson; Derek from The Stunning; Ross O’Donovan; Jim Murray; Jack Maher; musicians as brands; U2; Adam Clayton; when a session becomes a session; being a professional musician; Monroe’s Tavern being well known for their hospitality; horses; Clogs Bar; Kevin, Brian and Rob Monroe; the gallops on Rusheen Bay; the point to point races; Howya Loveen; Ruben scoring a goal; Ronan Scully; Pádraic Campbell; Joyce Redmond aka The Galway Girl; living your life as though someone you loved who has passed is guiding you; Schrödinger's cat; Rosabel Monroe; God; the passing of moments; the different chapters of a day; managing staff; Monroe’s being a sanctuary; retirement; Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello in The Burren in Boston; Keith Harkin; Abbeyglen Castle Hotel; good friends; John Lennon; making time for yourself; taking time out of your sleep; Spanish siestas; all the great staff at at the family-run Monroe’s Tavern; Billie Holiday; All Of Me in one take; Liam Ó Maonlaí; The Hothouse Flowers; Billy Connolly; Kila; Lúnasa; Camille O'Sullivan; stepping out from behind the camera; what The Ireland Podcast is; being kind as well as other topics.

Relevant links

https://galwayfolkfestival.com

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In this special episode, we celebrate the unforgettable 'Thank You, Johnny' concert held at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Host Fender Jackson takes listeners on a journey through this extraordinary evening, where legendary musicians gathered to honour the pioneering artist Johnny Moynihan: the man who introduced the bouzouki to Irish music!

Joined by Johnny's old friends Andy Irvine, Terry Woods, Frankie Gavin, and Catherine McHugh, along with esteemed guests Rick Epping, Paul Brady, and other special performers, the concert was a heartfelt tribute to Johnny's remarkable legacy in the world of music.

Through captivating storytelling and exclusive interviews, Fender provides listeners with an insider's perspective on the magic of the evening, sharing highlights from performances and intimate moments shared backstage.

From Andy Irvine's soul-stirring melodies to Paul Brady's infectious energy, and Frankie Gavin's virtuoso fiddling, each artist paid homage to Johnny Moynihan's enduring influence on Irish music.

Join us as we relive the magic of the 'Thank You, Johnny' concert, celebrating the life, music, and legacy of a true Irish music legend.

All profits from the evening went directly to Focus Ireland.

Relevant Links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Moynihan

https://www.focusireland.ie

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In this episode of The Ireland Podcast with Gary Monroe, listeners are transported to the vibrant city of Galway, where Monroe's Tavern holds court as a beloved establishment. Host Gary Monroe shares the history and charm of Monroe's Tavern, a cultural cornerstone in the heart of Galway known for its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality.

The episode takes on a deeper resonance as Gary reflects on the profound personal journey that led to the creation of Rosabel's Rooms Charity. Inspired by the memory of his daughter, Rosabel, Gary and his wife Suzanne founded the charity to provide support and solace to families navigating the unimaginable loss of a child or young adult.

Through heartfelt storytelling and poignant reflections, Gary intertwines the tale of Monroe's Tavern with the mission and impact of Rosabel's Rooms Charity, illuminating the power of community, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity.

Relevant Links

https://monroes.ie

https://hospicefoundation.ie/rosabel-campaign

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Episode 49 takes us to Biloxi, Mississippi in the USA for a chat with the delightful daughter of Derry: Mairéad Carlin of Celtic Woman. Despite the geographical distance between Fender and Mairéad the chat is rather homely given that Fender also comes from Derry.

Conversation includes: introductions; the history of Celtic Woman; Mairéad’s personal journey into Celtic Woman; Hugo Carlin and the Trend Showband; Áine Carlin and her 5 vegan cookbooks (so far!); favourite Irish poems; favourite Irish song; Declan O’Rourke; Paul Brady; Eleanor McEvoy; favourite Irish winner of the Eurovision Song Contest; favourite song of Derry; Danny Boy; Elvis Presley; Phil Coulter; The Undertones; Paul McCloone; Greg McCartney & The Undertones mural; Teenage Kicks; the different bands practising on Hamilton Street in the Bogside; recording in Abbey Road Studios as a 15 year old; Stuart Barr; Tim Sutton; Fiachra Trench working with Paul McCartney in Studio 1; Mairéad’s favourite podcast; favourite letter in the Book Of Kells; Tracy Emin; Cormac Crummey; Ciaran from Music Capital; Éabha McMahon; McElroy Guitars; ‘Awkward Annie’ by Kate Rusby performed by Mairéad and Cormac; Monroe’s live music venue in Galway, as well as other topics.

Relevant Links

https://www.instagram.com/maireadcarlinsings

https://www.celticwoman.com

Additional Links

https://www.instagram.com/cormaccrummey

https://www.instagram.com/ainecarlin

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Episode 93 is the first part of a conversation with Terry Woods as he takes us from his childhood into his first bands including Sweeney’s Men, Steeleye Span, The Woods Band and more.

Conversation includes introductions; schools days; first jobs; Terry’s sister’s influence; first gigs as a punter; AFM Radio; Ronnie Drew’s first gigs in The Gate Theatre; The Coffee Kitchen in Molesworth St; first instruments; bluegrass vs. old-timey; The Prentice Folk; Neptune Rowing Club; Billy Connolly & Josh MacRae; Sweeney’s Men; Andy Irvine; Galway Joe Dolan; Subbuteo; Johnny Moynihan, Yigael Yadin and Masada; Billy Connolly; Henry McCullough; Joe Cocker; Al O’Donnell; Ashley “Tyger” Hutchings & Fairport Convention; Sandy Roberton; Tim Hart; Steeleye Span’s reunion offer; Greenwich Gramophone; Jimmy McCulloch; Wayne Bickerton of Polydor UK; John Woods of Polydor Ireland; Roddy Hickson; The Rubettes - the band in white suits and caps with the four hit singles; getting a mortgage; Frank Murray and Paul Scully; Thin Lizzy as well as other topics.

Face to face recording in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, County Meath at 2.50pm on Thursday 8th August 2024. Subscribe using your favourite podcast player to ensure you don’t miss an episode of The Ireland Podcast.

Relevant Links

95. Terry Woods: The Pogues - Part 2

97. Terry Woods: The Pogues & Beyond - Part 3

https://www.instagram.com/thepoguesofficial/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Woods

Additional Links

https://www.dunboynecastlehotel.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 48 is with Sinéad Reel who takes us from understanding the basics of Ladies Gaelic football through to more detailed analysis and ending on a surreal note!

Conversation includes: Gaelic vs. Soccer; LGFA vs. GAA; the rules; finances; the facilities; different pitch sizes; drainage systems on pitches; the popularity of the LGFA game; getting (back) into the game; Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others; Dads & Lads; Armagh; Croke Park; the different roles available for anyone interested in getting involved in LGFA; the costs in terms of time and money; personal goals and private goals; integration; a special shout out; Jarlath Burns from Silverbridge; locksmith problems; who will win the finals this year as well as other topics.

Relevant Links

https://armaghladies.com

https://www.gofundme.com/f/armagh-lgfa-development-fund

https://ladiesgaelic.ie

Additional Links

Gaelic4Mothers&Others

Dads & Lads

O’Neills and Armagh Ladies

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 47 is the second part of a conversation with composer Fiachra Trench who has arranged music for The Corrs, Paul Brady, Kevin Rowland, Philip Lynott, Thin Lizzy, Elvis Costello, Hans Zimmer, Michael Kamen, Finbar Furey, Altan, Paul McCartney(!), Carmel McCreagh(!!) and many, many more.

Conversation includes Elvis Costello’s ‘Harpies Bizarre’; working with The Corrs and Mitchell Froom; working with Van Morrison on 11 albums doing about 60 tracks; working with Wet Wet Wet on about 15-20 tracks; working with Paddy Moloney and The Chieftains; Derek Bell; Long Journey Home; the science of arranging; working with Ian Levine; varispeed recording; working with Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy; working with Paul Brady; the pricing of jobs; the costs of hiring musicians vs. the diminishing budgets available; writing disco songs again with Ian Levine; Mary Wells; Hans Zimmer programming ‘High Energy’ for Fiachra on the Fairlight synth; Motown in the 1970s vs the 80’s; working with Ian Levine on ‘Northern Soul 2024’; Fiachra’s choice of software; working with Paul McCartney on ‘Wings at the Speed of Sound’; the urge to correct his own wikipedia entry; coaching Linda McCartney on the mellotron; the brilliance of both Tommy Tiernan and Sarah de Lagarde; working with Michael Kamen on ‘Die Hard’ and ’The Adventures of Baron Munchausen’; being an extra in ‘The Wall’; Jim Sheridan’s ’The Boxer’; ‘The Courier’ by Elvis Costello; playing the ballroom circuits at the same time as Elvis Costello’s father Ross MacManus and the Joe Loss Orchestra; Fiachra’s Desert Aran Discs; working with Mike Westbook; things Fiachra wished he had’ve done differently and what’s left to do as well as other topics.

This has been a long conversation and the only regret was that it wasn't longer. We are so thankful to Fiachra for given up so much of his time. The man is an absolute legend and we are blessed to have so much of his work available to us with just a click of a mouse. His arrangements are things of absolute beauty.

Relevant Links

https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/fiachra_trench/credits/

Additional Links

Fiachra's Portfolio:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0wsghjzwi5OCsubOQ0rP2Z?si=6b9b4ed4ee6641bf

Fiachra's Influences:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qHisZNzxlMJEi4qAKlXkq?si=83b9f29ee3c0400e

Fiachra’s Desert Aran Discs

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Bq9bHPbRWZMIgqhpFxf7c?si=5f40b5e732db4d53

Paul McCartney - ‘Same Time Next Year’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrnf2vi_kys

Greystones Guide - Tracks Of My Years: Fiachra Trench

https://www.greystonesguide.ie/tracks-of-my-years-fiachra-trench/

Marty chats with Fiachra Trench in Studio 8

https://www.rte.ie/radio/lyricfm/clips/22295759/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conversation includes: early life; music lessons; computer games; first gigs; working on ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ by Boomtown Rats with producer Phil Wainman; adding “sweetening” as an arranger; seeing and hearing as an arranger; inspiration vs. plagiarism; working on ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’ and the oboe version; Fiachra’s method of arranging; working on ‘Fairytale Of New York’; the influence of Ennio Morricone’s ‘Once Upon A Time In America’; Van Morrison’s ‘Have I Told You Lately’; working on ‘Poetic Champions Compose’; heterophony; Ukrainian musicians; working with Hans Zimmer; recording a sampling session for ‘The Thin Red Line’; working on ‘Pearl Harbor’; other movies Fiachra has worked with Hans Zimmer on; arranging ‘Mná na hÉireann’ for Kate Bush and Dónal Lunny; working with Brian Kennedy and Mark E Nevin; the four scenarios the arranger faces when being employed as well as other topics.

The second and final part follows in the coming days.

Relevant Links

https://www.cmc.ie/composers/fiachra-trench

Additional Links

‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ Boomtown Rats

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kobdb37Cwc

'Deborah’s Theme' - Ennio Morricone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ruz1VJQyqc&t=24s

'Fairy Tale Of New York' - The Pogues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9jbdgZidu8

‘Have I Told You Lately’ - Van Morrison

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J789GId1kaY

‘A Rainy Night In Soho’ The Pogues’ oboe version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNdeQda2fDg

‘Mná na hÉireann’ Kate Bush

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9vtaQNTTHc

Greystones Guide - Tracks Of My Years: Fiachra Trench

https://www.greystonesguide.ie/tracks-of-my-years-fiachra-trench/

Marty chats with Fiachra Trench in Studio 8

https://www.rte.ie/radio/lyricfm/clips/22295759/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 45 is a conversation largely framed around the poetry of James Joyce, Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Kennelly with singer and raconteur Noel O’Grady.

Conversation includes: introductions; Noel’s 35 years in the army; President Michael D. Higgins; Bloomsday; John McCormack; W.B.Yeats; James Joyce’s singing voice; Eileen Joyce; "the tyranny of the metronome"; Con Houlihan who spoke “English on a Gaelic loom”; the prose of Joyce; how Joyce placed music in his writings; Bellini’s bel canto ‘La sonnambula’ placed in Sirens in Joyce’s Ulysses; Christy Moore asking Noel how did he know which note to start on; adrenaline and performance; Noel’s close shaves in the army; Roger Casement; ‘The Island’ by Paul Brady; Úna Bhán; ‘Dark Haired Miriam Ran Away’; Peter Kavanagh; Hilda Moriarty; Noel’s brief analysis of the poem ‘On Raglan Road’ by Patrick Kavanagh; Lord Dunsany; Francis Ledwidge; County Kerry; Ben Kiely; Brendan Kennelly; Noel’s motivation to give Brendan Kennelly the celebration that he deserved with guests including the President, John Sheahan and Mary Black; “The meaning of life is to find your gift; the purpose of life is to give it away, ” Pablo Picasso; memories of Barney McKenna, Ronnie Drew and John Sheahan of The Dubliners; Luke Kelly; Frank Greally and his brother Tom from Ballyhaunis; Irish Runner; Noel’s insight into President Michael D. Higgins; the President’s intimate insight of ‘Mo Ghile Mear’; Sabina Higgins; Nora Barnacle’s ex boyfriend Michael ‘Sonny’ Bodkin; ‘The Dead’ by James Joyce in his book ‘Dubliners’; an old African adage; Brendan Kennelly’s improvised poem; Noel’s one-man show ‘Ode To James Joyce: Portrait Of A Tenor’; Carl Jung and Lucia Joyce; Noel’s one man show ‘Remembering Brendan Kennelly; Bono as a writer; Raglan Lane by Brendan Kennelly; Irish people being storytellers; Noel performing ’On Raglan Road’, and other topics.

Recorded in Dublin overlooking Christ Church on Saturday night on 5 April 2024, the 12th anniversary of Barney McKenna. 

Relevant Links

https://www.youtube.com/user/leonairs

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enchanted-Way-Tribute-Patrick-Kavanagh/dp/B001VGDA6I

https://poetryarchive.org/poet/brendan-kennelly/

https://jamesjoyce.ie/

https://patrickkavanaghcentre.com/

Additional Links

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5i7vAJseR-/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2DMdPds7qH/?hl=en

https://chaptersbookstore.com/products/running-full-circle-the-curious-course-of-a-man-obsessed-with-running

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