An immersive audio series revolving around powerful stories of resilience, belonging, and community from the Irish in Manchester. In 1971, the Irish made up the largest migrant minority in the UK. This series aims to preserve and promote personal accounts of Irish migration around this time, celebrate Irish contributions to the UK, champion the idea that everyone has a story worth telling, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Irish culture and identity within Manchester. With original music by Michael McGoldrick, this is a storytelling experience full of heart, hope, and humour.
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An immersive audio series revolving around powerful stories of resilience, belonging, and community from the Irish in Manchester. Created by Hannah Donelon and with original music composed & arranged by Michael McGoldrick, this 8-part series is a storytelling experience full of heart, hope, and humour.Â
In 1971, the Irish made up the largest migrant minority in the UK. This series aims to preserve and promote personal accounts of Irish migration around this time, celebrate Irish contributions to the UK, champion the idea that everyone has a story worth telling, and inspire listeners to ask more questions about their heritage.
Beginning with the stories of those who emigrated and gradually transitioning to the voices of children and grandchildren born in Manchester, we explore the challenges and triumphs of settling in the UK, the underrepresented and oftentimes conflicting experience of being 2nd generation, and the enduring legacy of Irish culture and traditions within Manchester.Â
Irish listeners will cherish the reminiscences and find joy in shared experience while younger generations will gain insight into their family's past and inspiration to explore their roots. If you arenât from an Irish background then CĂŠad Mile FĂĄilte [âa hundred thousand welcomesâ]! You are sure to enjoy the power of Irish storytelling and the celebration of diverse experiences within the Irish community.
Episodes are released weekly from Sunday 1st June and with warmth, curiosity, and nostalgia, host Hannah Donelon leads listeners through vivid tales of childhood in rural Ireland, the myriad of feelings towards emigration, bonds forged through music & dance, and the evolving legacies & identities of Irish Mancunians.
Rich in detail and emotion, There's A Lot I Haven't Asked not only preserves precious memories but also sparks a meaningful dialogue about identity, heritage, and community. Get ready for some immersive storytelling that may ignite your own memories or bring you somewhere completely new. There isnât only laughter and tears, but discovery, inspiration, and magic too.
Credits
Creator: Hannah Donelon
Music: Michael McGoldrick
Producers: Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
Podcast Artwork: Chloe Heffernan
Marketing Consultant: Vic Turnbull at MIC Media
âThereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.Â
With thanks to Irish Mancunian for additional research support and Made by Mortals for additional production support.
EPISODE 1: ''We had nothing but we had everything.ââ
Episode 1
Sunday, June 1, 2025 ⢠Duration 49:32
Through heartwarming memories of childhood in rural Ireland, we learn about life before emigration. From neighbours gathering in to storytell around the open-fire to gazing up at a sky covered in millions of stars, weâre transported back in time. We also learn how working on the land from a young age was a normal part of daily life and how, for most, education had to be sacrificed in order to provide financial assistance to the family.
Donât forget to follow us to leave a comment if you're listening on Spotify â weâd love to hear if any stories resonated with you! If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts please rate & review; it really helps us share these stories further. And if youâre on instagram, follow us! We post images relevant to each episode @taliha.podcast.Â
The podcast is produced by Blueprint Studios and music throughout the series is created, played, and produced by Michael McGoldrick. This episode features additional music from melodeon player Damien Mullane. With special thanks to RTE for providing additional SFX from their archives. This material should not be reproduced or edited.
This episode includes references to corporal punishment. You can find a transcription of this episode on our website www.theresalotihaventasked.co.uk
Creator: Hannah Donelon
Music: Michael McGoldrick
Producers: Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
Podcast Artwork: Chloe Heffernan
Marketing Consultant: Vic Turnbull at MIC Media
EPISODE 2: ''The one place I ever wanted to come to was Manchester.''
Episode 2
Sunday, June 8, 2025 ⢠Duration 46:05
Tracing the footsteps of those who emigrated from Ireland to Manchester, we uncover the ache, hope, and doubt of leaving home behind, first impressions of a new city, and the varied experiences that shaped those first crucial days in Manchester. Each voice carries an individual perspective; together their stories reveal a quiet resilience and the many shades of starting over.
Donât forget to follow us if youâre listening on Spotify and leave a comment â weâd love to hear if any stories resonated with you! If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts please leave us a review, it really helps us share these stories further! If youâre on instagram, follow us! We post images relevant to each episode @taliha.podcast.Â
The podcast is produced by Blueprint Studios and music throughout the series is created, played, and produced by Michael McGoldrick. This episode features additional music from fiddle-player Emma Sweeney. With special thanks to RTE for providing additional SFX from their archives. This material should not be reproduced or edited.
The song Tommy Grogan sings in the episode is 'The Shores of Amerikay'
This episode includes references to racism. You can find a transcription of this episode on our website www.theresalotihaventasked.co.uk
Creator: Hannah Donelon
Music: Michael McGoldrick
Producers: Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
Podcast Artwork: Chloe Heffernan
Marketing Consultant: Vic Turnbull at MIC Media
EPISODE 3: ''Itâs a long week for me if I don't go to the danceââ
Episode 3
Sunday, June 15, 2025 ⢠Duration 43:20
Stepping into the vibrant world of dancehalls and cĂŠilĂs, we return to the voices from our first two episodes and explore the social customs that shaped them as we delve a little bit deeper into their experience of settling in Manchester throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s. We also hear about connecting with family back home and discover why letter-writing was more than just a pastime but a lifeline, the diversity and volume of their working lives, and the heartfelt moment Melvyn Bragg expressed gratitude towards the Irish on behalf of the UK.
Donât forget to follow us if youâre listening on Spotify and leave a comment â weâd love to hear if any stories resonate with you! If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts please leave us a review, it really helps us share these stories further. If youâre on instagram, follow us! We post images relevant to each episode @taliha.podcast.Â
The podcast is produced by Blueprint Studios and music throughout the series is created, played, and produced by Michael McGoldrick. This episode features additional music from melodeon player Damien Mullane and fiddle-player Emma Sweeney. Thank you to Big Tomâs family for generously providing us with permission to use âI Would Like to See You Againâ by Big Tom & The Travellers, recorded live in The Top Rank Studio's Castleblayney 1980. Thank you also to RTE for providing additional SFX from their archives. This material should not be reproduced or edited.
You can find a transcription of this episode on our website www.theresalotihaventasked.co.uk/podcast
Creator: Hannah Donelon
Music: Michael McGoldrick
Producers: Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
Podcast Artwork: Chloe Heffernan
EPISODE 4: ''Close your eyes and dream''
Episode 4
Sunday, June 22, 2025 ⢠Duration 38:56
Through vivid memories stretching into the 1990s, we hear how traditional Irish music offered a sense of home, how The Troubles in the north of Ireland cast a long shadow over daily life in the city, and how newer waves of Irish migrants were welcomed with empathy and kindness into Manchesterâs evolving community. This episode continues to spotlight personal stories from the Irish diaspora who settled in Manchester offering a rich tapestry of identity, resilience, and cultural connection across generations.
Donât forget to follow us if youâre listening on Spotify and leave a comment â weâd love to hear if any stories resonated with you! If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts please leave us a review, it really helps us share these stories further! If youâre on instagram, give us a follow - we post images relevant to each episode @taliha.podcastÂ
The podcast is produced by Blueprint Studios and music throughout the series is created, played, and produced by Michael McGoldrick. With special thanks to Frankie Gavin for generously allowing us to play a section from De Danannâs from âMedley: Tom Billy's, Ryan's Jig, The Sandmount Reel, The Clogher Reelâ sets and The McGoldrick Family Band for generously allowing us to play a section from their debut album âOne For the Roadâ. This material should not be reproduced or edited.
This episode includes references to racism, institutional abuse, and the 1996 IRA bombing in Manchester. You can find a transcription of this episode on our website: â www.theresalotihaventasked.co.uk/podcastâ
Creator: Hannah Donelon
Music: Michael McGoldrick
Producers: Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
Podcast Artwork: Chloe Heffernan
EPISODE 5: ''As my Dad said, boots or no boots - I'll be there''
Episode 5
Sunday, June 29, 2025 ⢠Duration 45:35
We move onto a whole range of new voices as we meet those born in Manchester to parents who emigrated from Ireland between 1945 - 1975. Together, they paint a vivid picture of life inside a typical Irish household in Manchester: the sights, sounds, smells, and traditions that shaped them. Ann shares a cherished poem passed down by her mother - one she calls a lifesaver - while Claire talks about how Irish rituals have proven to be a huge source of comfort and beauty when grieving a loved one.
Donât forget to follow us if youâre listening on Spotify and leave a comment â weâd love to hear if any stories resonated with you! If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts please leave us a review, it really helps us share these stories further! If youâre on instagram, follow us! We post images relevant to each episode @taliha.podcast.Â
The podcast is produced by Blueprint Studios and music throughout the series is created, played, and produced by Michael McGoldrick. This episode features additional music from fiddle-player Emma Sweeney. A special thanks to the The Dartry Ceili band for generously allowing us to use a section of âThe Rebelâs Marchâ. Thank you also to RTE for providing additional SFX from their archives including a clip of Sean Maguire playing the fiddle. Thank you once again to those at Big Tom music for generously providing us with permission to use âI Would Like to See You Againâ by Big Tom & The Travellers, recorded live in The Top Rank Studio's Castleblayney 1980. This material should not be reproduced or edited.
This episode includes references to racism. You can find a transcription of this episode on our website www.theresalotihaventasked.co.uk/podcast
Creator: Hannah Donelon
Music: Michael McGoldrick
Producers: Ian Stewart & Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
EPISODE 7: ''I'd rather have you in Manchester alive than in Belfast dead''
Episode 7
Sunday, July 13, 2025 ⢠Duration 48:24
Serving up an extra dose of storytelling, the voices weâve been getting to know over the past 2 episodes share some of the special and poignant tales that have been passed down to them. We also we hear about the anticipation and build up to childhood summer holidays in Ireland as we get ready to travel across the Irish sea.
The podcast is produced by Blueprint Studios and music throughout the series is created, played, and produced by Michael McGoldrick. This episode features additional music from fiddle-player Emma Sweeney. This material should not be reproduced or edited.
Producers: Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
Podcast Artwork: Chloe Heffernan
Marketing Consultant: Vic Turnbull at MIC Media
'Thereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.Â
Donât forget to follow us if youâre listening on spotify and leave a comment â weâd love to hear if any stories resonated with you! If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts please leave us a review, it really helps us share these stories further! If youâre on instagram, follow us! We post images relevant to each episode @taliha.podcast.Â
EPISODE 6: ''I would love to waltz with my Mum again''
Episode 6
Sunday, July 6, 2025 ⢠Duration 44:50
Continuing our journey with those born in Manchester from the Irish diaspora, we hear about the significant and profound role Irish dancing and music plays in everyday life. Dezi recounts the spine-tingling moment he played a tune on the fiddle for his sisters and JeanLouise treats us to a beautiful slow air she learned in her Comhaltas class.
The podcast is produced by Blueprint Studios and music throughout the series is created, played, and produced by Michael McGoldrick. This episode features additional music from Emma Sweeney on fiddle, JeanLouise McGuire on concertina, Dezi Donnelly on fiddle, Tim Edey on guitar, Eamonn O'Neal on piano, Kitty Tracey & Nora Madden lilting live in 2016, and Hannah Donelon on vocals. With special thanks to Ena Kennedy for generously giving us permission to use music from Aidan & The Strangersâ album and to Eamonn OâNeal for generously giving us permission to use a snippet from The Showman's Fancy from his album âLegacyâ. This material should not be reproduced or edited.
Donât forget to follow us if youâre listening on Spotify and leave a comment â weâd love to hear if any stories resonated with you! If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts please leave us a review, it really helps us share these stories further! If youâre on instagram, follow us! We post images relevant to each episode @taliha.podcast.Â
Producers: Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
EPISODE 8: "The idyll of the summer holidays where anything was possible was disappearing like the smoke coming out of the steam trainââ
Episode 8
Sunday, July 20, 2025 ⢠Duration 52:24
We continue from where we left off in our last episode; Ireland is coming into view and so we hear about experiences of going over to visit family throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s. We end the episode (and the series!!), listening to thoughts and reflections on growing up with Irish heritage in Manchester. It's a heartfelt close to the series, full of pride, nuance, and conviction in the enduring richness of Irish heritage.
The podcast is produced by Blueprint Studios and music throughout the series is created, played, and produced by Michael McGoldrick. This episode features additional music from fiddle-player Emma Sweeney, fiddle-player Dezi Donnelly, and melodeon player Damien Mullane. With special thanks to Michael Walsh for generously giving us permission to use music from his albumâs title track âQuarehawkâ. This material should not be reproduced or edited.
This episode includes references to racism. You can find a transcription of this episode on our website www.theresalotihaventasked.co.uk/podcast
Creator: Hannah Donelon
Music: Michael McGoldrick
Producers: Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios
Assistant Editors: Nicholas Barber & George Fitzgibbon
Assistant Producers: Nicholas Barber & Catherine Leen
Podcast Artwork: Chloe Heffernan
Marketing Consultant: Vic Turnbull at MIC Media
âThereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.Â
Donât forget to follow us if youâre listening on spotify and leave a comment â weâd love to hear if any stories resonated with you! If youâre listening on Apple Podcasts please leave us a review, it really helps us share these stories further! If youâre on instagram, follow us! We post images relevant to each episode @taliha.podcast.Â
âThereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.Â
A huge thank you to all the voices on this episode (in order of appearance): Tommy Grogan, Rose Morris, Katherina, Joe Moran, Gerry Connaughton, Liam Goodwin, Bridie Rodden, Sheila, Mary Muszanskyj, Nellie Walsh, and John.
Research material in this episode has been drawn from the Peopleâs History Museum, The Irish Times, Geraldine OâConnor from Galway Community Heritage, Liam Ryan, and The Oral History Society.
With thanks to Irish Mancunian for additional research support and Made by Mortals for additional production support.
âThereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.Â
A huge thank you to all the voices on this episode (in order of appearance): John, Joe Moran, Tommy Grogan, Katherina, Sheila, Gerry Connaughton, Bridie Rodden, Nellie Walsh, Mary Muszanskyj, Eamonn McCarthy, Kathleen Molloy, and Rose Morris.
Additional commentary on smog in the episode was drawn from the University of Manchester and the Manchester Evening News.
With thanks to Irish Mancunian for additional research support and Made by Mortals for additional production support.
âThereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.Â
A huge thank you to all the voices on this episode (in order of appearance): Mary Muszanskyj, Nellie Walsh, Fr. Michael OâLeary, Rose Morris, Kathleen Molloy, Sheila, Liam Goodwin, Katherina, Gerry Connaughton, Joe Moran, Bridie Rodden, Tommy Grogan, John, and Eamonn McCarthy.
Roseâs poetry can be found in Manchester Irish Writers publication âLife and Soulâ available to purchase from Waterstones.
âThereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.
A huge thank you to all the voices on this episode (in order of appearance): Liam Goodwin, Gerry Connaughton, Michael Connaughton, Sheila, Katherina, Tommy Grogan, Mary Muszanskyj, John, Eamonn McCarthy, Rose Morris, Joe Moran, and Bridie Rodden.
If you enjoyed the content of this episode you may also enjoy Irish Nurses in the UK available wherever you get your podcasts.
Commentary on the 1996 IRA bomb was drawn from research in Manchester Central Libraryâs Archives.
With thanks to Irish Mancunian for additional research support and Made by Mortals for additional production support.Â
âThereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.Â
A huge thank you to all the voices on this episode (in order of appearance): JeanLouise McGuire, Margaret OâConnell, Dezi Donnelly, Anthony Walsh, Dr Eamonn O'Neal OBE, former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, SeĂĄn OâBryne, Claire OâRourke, Sarah Kelly, PJ McKeown, Michael Connaughton, Ann Eva Rufai, Kath Fitzgibbon, Milly Doregos, and Michael Walsh.
A huge thank you to all the voices on this episode (in order of appearance): Margaret OâConnell; Angela Kelly; Kath Fitzgibbon; SeĂĄn OâBryne; Claire OâRourke; Dr Eamonn O'Neal OBE, former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester; PJ McKeown; JeanLouise McGuire; Michael Walsh; Milly Doregos; Dezi Donnelly; Anthony Walsh; Trish Doohan; Reuben Johnson; Anna Doohan.
With thanks to Irish Mancunian for additional research support and Made by Mortals for additional production support.
âThereâs A Lot I Havenât Askedâ is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and also supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester.Â
A huge thank you to all the voices on this episode (in order of appearance): Angela Kelly; Trish Doohan; Michael Walsh; Dr Eamonn O'Neal OBE, former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester; Sarah Kelly; SeĂĄn OâBryne; Anthony Walsh; Dezi Donnelly; and JeanLouise McGuire.
With thanks to Irish Mancunian for additional research support and Made by Mortals for additional production support.
A huge thank you to all the voices on this episode (in order of appearance): Reuben Johnson; Michael Connaughton; Ann Eva Rufai; Dr. Eamonn O'Neal OBE, former High Sheriff of Greater Manchester; Margaret OâConnell; JeanLouise McGuire; Claire OâRourke; Angela Kelly; Trish Doohan; Anthony Walsh; SeĂĄn OâBryne; Dezi Donnelly; Michael Walsh; PJ McKeown; and Anna Doohan.
With thanks to Irish Mancunian for additional research support and Made by Mortals for additional production support.
