How does where we grow up shape the way we think about money? Drawing on Morgan Housel's The Psychology of Money, Oisín reflects on his own relationship with money — from growing up during the Celtic Tiger and the crash that followed, to the very different financial culture he found when he moved to Germany.

The episode explores why Ireland and Germany — two countries shaped by very different histories — produce such different instincts around money and investing, and why none of us are as irrational as we might seem. A personal, reflective episode about culture, history, and the person we are still becoming.

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Sa eagrán seo de Gaeilge Thar Lear — Mo Shíceolaíocht Airgid

Cén chaoi a múnlaíonn an áit inar fhásamar aníos an caidreamh atá againn le hairgead? Bunaithe ar an leabhar The Psychology of Money le Morgan Housel, déanann Oisín machnamh ar a chaidreamh féin le hairgead — ó bhlianta an Tíogair Cheiltigh agus an cúlú eacnamaíoch in Éirinn, go dtí an meon airgeadais atá aige anois ina chónaí sa Ghearmáin.

Pléitear an difríocht idir dhá thír, dhá stair agus dhá dhearcadh ar fad difriúil i leith airgid — agus an fáth nach bhfuil aon duine againn as ár meabhair leis an gcaoi a smaoinímid air. Eipeasóid phearsanta, mhachnamhach faoin gcultúr, faoin stair, agus faoin duine a bheidh ionainn amach anseo.

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

Cén chaoi a múnlaíonn an áit inar fhásamar aníos an caidreamh atá againn le hairgead? Bunaithe ar an leabhar The Psychology of Money le Morgan Housel, déanann Oisín machnamh ar a chaidreamh féin le hairgead — ó bhlianta an Tíogair Cheiltigh agus an cúlú eacnamaíoch in Éirinn, go dtí an meon airgeadais atá aige anois ina chónaí sa Ghearmáin.

Pléitear an difríocht idir dhá thír, dhá stair agus dhá dhearcadh ar fad difriúil i leith airgid — agus an fáth nach bhfuil aon duine againn as ár meabhair leis an gcaoi a smaoinímid air. Eipeasóid phearsanta, mhachnamhach faoin gcultúr, faoin stair, agus faoin duine a bheidh ionainn amach anseo.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear — Mo Shíceolaíocht Airgid (My Psychology of Money)

How does where we grow up shape the way we think about money? Drawing on Morgan Housel's The Psychology of Money, Oisín reflects on his own relationship with money — from growing up during the Celtic Tiger and the crash that followed, to the very different financial culture he found when he moved to Germany.

The episode explores why Ireland and Germany — two countries shaped by very different histories — produce such different instincts around money and investing, and why none of us are as irrational as we might seem. A personal, reflective episode about culture, history, and the person we are still becoming.

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

Tá Seán ag obair le IRENA, ag déanamh mallachtanna ar chórais fuinnimh inathnuaite agus ag cur le bealaí chun cinn chun dul i ngleic leis an athrú aeráide. Tá sé ag cur faoi i mBonn lena bhean chéile Vítneamach agus a linbh óg.

Sa chomhrá seo, pléann muid:

• A chuid oibre agus an dóchas atá ann maidir leis an ngéarchéim aeráide.
• Cluichí sacair sa Ghearmáin (agus an toradh a bhíonn orthu!).
• An phósadh traidisiúnta a bhí acu sa Vítneam.

Thit an glaoch uair nó dhó, ach lean Seán ar aghaidh go maith—like a pro!

Nóta: Níl aon intro sa chlár seo - táimid ag dul díreach isteach de bharr interference ar an micreafón. Ba chóir dom an intro a thaifeadadh roimh an eagarthóireacht a dhéanamh, ach mar gheall ar an interference a bhí ar an micreafón, bhí orm an fuaim a ghearradh agus a chur in eagar, rud a rinne sé deacair an intro a chur isteach ina dhiaidh sin.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, we chat with Seán Ó Coileáin—a long-time friend, fellow Corkonian, and UCC contemporary. Seán also lives in Bonn—he arrived two weeks before me in 2019. Seven years later, we’re both still here, working in our respective jobs, and each of us has started a family in the city. Bonn is starting to feel like home—even if Cork will always be Cork!

Seán works with IRENA, modelling renewable energy systems and helping to pave the way in combating climate change. He lives in Bonn with his Vietnamese wife and their young child.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• His work and the hope he finds in tackling the climate crisis.
• Football matches in Germany (and the results they bring!).
• Their traditional wedding in Vietnam.

The call dropped once or twice, but Seán kept the conversation going like a pro!

Note: There is no intro in this episode - we dive straight in due to interference on the microphone. I should have recorded the intro before editing, but because of mic interference, I had to cut and edit a lot of the audio, which made it too difficult to insert the intro afterward. So apologies if this style is a bit jarring.

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

It starts with the dream — the dream - the one we have all had. We are back in our old school classrooms, preparing for the exams, sometimes in the hall itself, taking the test. The Leaving Cert dream is one of the most powerful dreams we have — and it can strike at any time. In that moment, we are floating in a strange yet familiar world. A world we can never return to — and often don’t particularly want to — yet there is something oddly comforting about it.

In this episode of GTL, we explore this phenomenon: the comfort of surface-level comparisons in life, the structure and clarity of that time, and the understanding that it was never quite that straightforward. We also examine hinge moments — the few points or events that can utterly change the course of a life. It’s not about “what ifs” or regret, but a reflection on how key experiences shape us. An adult reflection on formative school years and why they still visit us in our dreams.

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San eagrán seo de Gaeilge Thar Lear — An Bhrionglóid, An Casadh agus An Bád

Tosaíonn sé leis an bhrionglóid — an brionglóid - an ceann a bhíonn againn go léir. Táimid ar ais sna seomraí ranga ár sean-scoile, ag ullmhú don Ardteist, uaireanta sa halla féin agus ag déanamh na scrúdaithe. Is ceann de na brionglóidí is cumhachtaí é an aisling Ardteist — agus d’fhéadfadh sé teacht ar aon am. Sa nóiméad seo, táimid ag snámh i ndomhan aisteach ach eolach ar bhealach éigin. Domhan nach féidir linn filleadh air riamh — agus go minic nach dteastaíonn uainn filleadh air... ach, ag an am céanna, tá rud éigin compórdach faoi.

Sa eagrán seo de GTL, iniúchfaimid an feiniméan seo — tugaimid faoi mhaitheas an chomparáid superficial sa saol, struchtúr agus soiléireacht an ama sin, agus ag an am céanna ag tuiscint nach raibh sé riamh chomh simplí sin. Pléitear freisin na “hinge moments” — na nóiméid nó na pointí a d’fhéadfadh an saol a athrú go hiomlán. Ní bhaineann sé le “cad a bheadh” nó le díomá — ach le tuiscint ar an tionchar a d’fhéadfadh imeachtaí ar leith a imirt ar shaol agus ar fhorbairt phearsanta. Machnamh do dhuine fásta ar na blianta scoile móra agus cén fáth a dtagann siad ar ais i mo bhrionglóidí fós.

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

Tosaíonn sé leis an bhrionglóid — an brionglóid - an ceann a bhíonn againn go léir. Táimid ar ais sna seomraí ranga ár sean-scoile, ag ullmhú don Ardteist, uaireanta sa halla féin agus ag déanamh na scrúdaithe. Is ceann de na brionglóidí is cumhachtaí é an aisling Ardteist — agus d’fhéadfadh sé teacht ar aon am. Sa nóiméad seo, táimid ag snámh i ndomhan aisteach ach eolach ar bhealach éigin. Domhan nach féidir linn filleadh air riamh — agus go minic nach dteastaíonn uainn filleadh air... ach, ag an am céanna, tá rud éigin compórdach faoi.

Sa eagrán seo de GTL, iniúchfaimid an feiniméan seo — tugaimid faoi mhaitheas an chomparáid superficial sa saol, struchtúr agus soiléireacht an ama sin, agus ag an am céanna ag tuiscint nach raibh sé riamh chomh simplí sin. Pléitear freisin na “hinge moments” — na nóiméid nó na pointí a d’fhéadfadh an saol a athrú go hiomlán. Ní bhaineann sé le “cad a bheadh” nó le díomá — ach le tuiscint ar an tionchar a d’fhéadfadh imeachtaí ar leith a imirt ar shaol agus ar fhorbairt phearsanta. Machnamh do dhuine fásta ar na blianta scoile móra agus cén fáth a dtagann siad ar ais i mo bhrionglóidí fós.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear — An Brionglóid, An Casadh agus An Bád - The Dream, the Hinge and the Boat

It starts with the dream — the dream - the one we have all had. We are back in our old school classrooms, preparing for the exams, sometimes in the hall itself, taking the test. The Leaving Cert dream is one of the most powerful dreams we have — and it can strike at any time. In that moment, we are floating in a strange yet familiar world. A world we can never return to — and often don’t particularly want to — yet there is something oddly comforting about it.

In this episode of GTL, we explore this phenomenon: the comfort of surface-level comparisons in life, the structure and clarity of that time, and the understanding that it was never quite that straightforward. We also examine hinge moments — the few points or events that can utterly change the course of a life. It’s not about “what ifs” or regret, but a reflection on how key experiences shape us. An adult reflection on formative school years and why they still visit us in our dreams.

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

Ach tháinig athrú intinne air. Thuig sé, in ainneoin na drochthaithí sin, go raibh sé ag iarraidh an Ghaeilge ina shaol. Ní raibh ranganna eagraithe dó — ní hé sin a stíl ar chor ar bith. Bhí sé ag iarraidh caint, bualadh le daoine, agus an Ghaeilge a úsáid go sóisialta.

As sin a rugadh Sos Lóin — Gaeltacht bheag idir ceapairí agus cupáin chaife i lár Chathair Chorcaí. Ó shin i leith, tá pobal bríomhar fásta timpeall air, agus tá John anois mar admin ar an ngrúpa WhatsApp Cathair Chorcaí, a roinneann imeachtaí Gaeilge ar fud na cathrach agus níos faide i gcéin.

Níl a chuid Gaeilge foirfe — ach cad faoi sin? “Lofa Líofa” atá ann, mar a deir sé féin, agus sin maith go leor. Sea, tá an ghramadach tábhachtach uaireanta — ach go minic, is í an chumarsáid an rud is tábhachtaí. Agus is cumarsáidí den scoth é John — fear sóisialta, oscailte, agus eagraí den chéad scoth a thugann daoine le chéile trí mheán na Gaeilge.

Comhrá iontach le haoi geal, cairdiúil, lán fuinnimh — scéalta, gáire, agus b’fhéidir beagán inspioráide dóibh siúd atá beagáinín neamhchinnte faoina gcuid Gaeilge féin.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, we chat with John, a proud Corkonian who had a complicated relationship with Irish at school — in fact, he hated it for years.

But something shifted. Despite those early experiences, he realised he wanted Irish back in his life. Formal classes weren’t for him — he needed conversation, connection, and community.

Out of that grew Sos Lóin — a lunchtime pop-up Gaeltacht in the heart of Cork City. What started as a way for him to practise during his lunch break has grown into a vibrant weekly gathering. John is also now the admin of the WhatsApp group Cathair Chorcaí, which shares Irish language events happening in and around Cork City.

His Irish isn’t perfect — but who cares? As he says himself, he’s “Lofa Líofa”… and that’s more than good enough. Yes, grammar has its place — but more often than not, communication is what truly matters. And John is a natural communicator — a sociable, open, and energetic organiser who brings people together through Irish.

A great chat with a bright and bubbly guest — full of stories, warmth, and perhaps a little inspiration for anyone feeling unsure about their own Irish.

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

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, I take you on a journey through space and time, from bedtime stories with my daughters to the farthest planets, stars, and galaxies. We reflect on scale — what is small and what is vast — from the universe’s physical history to human history and our own lives on the “pale blue dot.” I share personal reflections, laughter, curiosity, and wonder as we explore remarkable cultures and histories, and consider how brief our time on this planet really is.

This episode is full of curiosity, play, and reflection — perfect for anyone wanting to see the world from a bigger perspective.

This is the bilingual EN-GA version. Bain sult as!

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Sa eagrán seo de Gaeilge Thar Lear, téim ar turas trí spás agus am, ó scéalta codlata le mo chailíní go dtí na pláinéid, réaltaí agus galaxies is faide uainn. Machnaímid faoin méid atá beag nó mór, ón stair fhisiciúil agus stair na daonnachta go dtí ár saolanna féin ar an “pale blue dot”. Foghlaimímid faoi chultúir agus stair iontacha, smaoinímid ar cé chomh beag is atá ár tréimhse ar an bplainéad seo, agus roinneann mé machnaimh phearsanta, gáire agus fiosracht.

Tá an podchraoladh seo lán le suim, spraoi agus machnamh, agus is álainn dóibh siúd atá ag iarraidh féachaint ar an saol ó phríomhleibhéal difriúil.

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"Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it, everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there--on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.

The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds.

Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.

The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment, the Earth is where we make our stand.

It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known."

— Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot, 1994

Am: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOVvEbH2GC0

Spás: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR3Igc3Rhfg

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

Tá an podchraoladh seo lán le suim, spraoi agus machnamh, agus is álainn dóibh siúd atá ag iarraidh féachaint ar an saol ó phríomhleibhéal difriúil.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, I take you on a journey through space and time, from bedtime stories with my daughters to the farthest planets, stars, and galaxies. We reflect on scale — what is small and what is vast — from the universe’s physical history to human history and our own lives on the “pale blue dot.” I share personal reflections, laughter, curiosity, and wonder as we explore remarkable cultures and histories, and consider how brief our time on this planet really is.

This episode is full of curiosity, play, and reflection — perfect for anyone wanting to see the world from a bigger perspective.

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"Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it, everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there--on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.

The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds.

Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.

The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment, the Earth is where we make our stand.

It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known."

— Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot, 1994

Am: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOVvEbH2GC0

Spás: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR3Igc3Rhfg

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

The episode explores what it means to fully step into another culture: speaking the language fluently but without hiding an accent, embracing difference rather than smoothing it away, and having the courage to commit to a place that was once unfamiliar.

This is not a biography, but a reflection on what happens when we bring pieces of ourselves with us overseas — our language, our outlook, our “it’ll be grand” — and when we engage seriously and intentionally with the place we now call home.

An episode about diving in, holding onto identity without disguising it, and how Irishness can become a strength rather than a barrier.

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Sa chlár seo de Gaeilge Thar Lear, téimid ar thuras machnaimh faoi cheol, féiniúlacht agus Éireannachas thar lear — trí scéal Éireannaigh a rinne a bhealach féin i gcroílár thionscal ceoil na Gearmáine.

Pléitear an chaoi ar féidir áit uathúil a chruthú i gcultúr eile: an bhéim Éireannach fós le cloisteáil, an teanga á labhairt go líofa ach gan í a cheilt, agus an misneach dul isteach go hiomlán i saol nach raibh ar eolas ar dtús.

Ní clár beathaisnéise é seo, ach machnamh ar an méid a tharlaíonn nuair a thugaimid píosaí dínn féin linn thar lear — ár dteanga, ár ndearcadh, ár “it’ll be grand” — agus nuair a ghlacaimid go dáiríre leis an áit ina mbímid anois.

Clár faoin tumadh isteach, faoin bhféiniúlacht a choinneáil gan í a cheilt, agus faoin mbealach a bhféadfadh Éireannachas a bheith ina neart, ní ina bhac.

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

Pléitear an chaoi ar féidir áit uathúil a chruthú i gcultúr eile: an bhéim Éireannach fós le cloisteáil, an teanga á labhairt go líofa ach gan í a cheilt, agus an misneach dul isteach go hiomlán i saol nach raibh ar eolas ar dtús.

Ní clár beathaisnéise é seo, ach machnamh ar an méid a tharlaíonn nuair a thugaimid píosaí dínn féin linn thar lear — ár dteanga, ár ndearcadh, ár “it’ll be grand” — agus nuair a ghlacaimid go dáiríre leis an áit ina mbímid anois.

Clár faoin tumadh isteach, faoin bhféiniúlacht a choinneáil gan í a cheilt, agus faoin mbealach a bhféadfadh Éireannachas a bheith ina neart, ní ina bhac.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, we take a reflective journey through music, identity, and Irishness abroad — through the story of an Irish person who carved out a unique place at the heart of the German music industry.

The episode explores what it means to fully step into another culture: speaking the language fluently but without hiding an accent, embracing difference rather than smoothing it away, and having the courage to commit to a place that was once unfamiliar.

This is not a biography, but a reflection on what happens when we bring pieces of ourselves with us overseas — our language, our outlook, our “it’ll be grand” — and when we engage seriously and intentionally with the place we now call home.

An episode about diving in, holding onto identity without disguising it, and how Irishness can become a strength rather than a barrier.

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

Drawing on Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, the episode explores the impact of smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity on Gen Z, including rising levels of social anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. While the book’s key ideas are discussed, listeners are encouraged to read it themselves for a fuller understanding.

The episode also takes a personal turn, as Oisín shares how he is preparing for his own children to grow up in a world shaped by generative AI, large language models, social media pressures, and “always-on” digital life. A thoughtful and timely conversation about childhood, technology, and what lies ahead for the next generation.

This is the bilingual English-Irish version.

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Sa dara eagrán de Gaeilge Thar Lear in 2026 — “An Glúin Imníoch (The Anxious Generation)” — déanann Oisín machnamh ar a óige féin agus ar an aistriú ó shaol súgartha lasmuigh go saol atá ag éirí níos digiteach. Pléitear an chaoi ar tháinig consóil cluichí isteach sna seomraí codlata den chéad uair, agus conas a bhí fóin phóca (gan a bheith cliste!) ina siombail neamhspleáchais ó thuismitheoirí — seachas an “ghaiste” a mbíonn siad inniu do go leor daoine óga.

Bunaithe ar an leabhar The Anxious Generation le Jonathan Haidt, breathnaítear ar an tionchar atá ag fóin chliste, na meáin shóisialta agus nascacht bhuan ar mheabhairshláinte ghlúin Gen Z — ó imní shóisialta go dúlagar agus níos faide i gcéin. Cé go dtugtar léargas ar phríomh-smaointe an leabhair, spreagtar éisteoirí chun é a léamh iad féin le haghaidh tuiscint níos doimhne.

Ina theannta sin, labhraíonn Oisín go pearsanta faoin gcaoi a bhfuil sé ag ullmhú dá pháistí féin sa domhan nua seo — domhan ina bhfuil AI giniúnach, LLManna, tionchair shóisialta ar líne agus scáileáin i ngach áit. Eipeasóid mhachnamhach, phearsanta agus thráthúil faoin gcaidreamh atá againn leis an teicneolaíocht agus leis an óige.

Seo an leagan Béarla-Gaeilge dhátheangach.

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

Bunaithe ar an leabhar The Anxious Generation le Jonathan Haidt, breathnaítear ar an tionchar atá ag fóin chliste, na meáin shóisialta agus nascacht bhuan ar mheabhairshláinte ghlúin Gen Z — ó imní shóisialta go dúlagar agus níos faide i gcéin. Cé go dtugtar léargas ar phríomh-smaointe an leabhair, spreagtar éisteoirí chun é a léamh iad féin le haghaidh tuiscint níos doimhne.

Ina theannta sin, labhraíonn Oisín go pearsanta faoin gcaoi a bhfuil sé ag ullmhú dá pháistí féin sa domhan nua seo — domhan ina bhfuil AI giniúnach, LLManna, tionchair shóisialta ar líne agus scáileáin i ngach áit. Eipeasóid mhachnamhach, phearsanta agus thráthúil faoin gcaidreamh atá againn leis an teicneolaíocht agus leis an óige.

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In the first episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear for 2026 — “An Glúin Imníoch (The Anxious Generation)” — Oisín reflects on growing up at a unique crossroads between a play-based childhood and an emerging screen-based one. He recalls a time when games consoles began appearing in bedrooms, yet still served as a way to connect with friends in the real world, and when mobile phones were simple devices that represented independence from parents — rather than the all-consuming tools they can be today.

Drawing on Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, the episode explores the impact of smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity on Gen Z, including rising levels of social anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. While the book’s key ideas are discussed, listeners are encouraged to read it themselves for a fuller understanding.

The episode also takes a personal turn, as Oisín shares how he is preparing for his own children to grow up in a world shaped by generative AI, large language models, social media pressures, and “always-on” digital life. A thoughtful and timely conversation about childhood, technology, and what lies ahead for the next generation.

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

Oisín discusses lessons from Atomic Habits by James Clear, a powerful book for anyone interested in changing their habits and achieving long-term personal development. Some of the key takeaways include the Four Laws of Behaviour Change, the importance of shaping your environment, building identity-based habits, and focusing on consistent small steps in the right direction. When we change what we do every day — our habits — we move closer to becoming a better version of ourselves.

This is a New Year’s Resolutions-style episode; it won’t be for everyone… but if you have big goals or ideas for 2026, you might find it useful.

This is the bilingual version Gaeilge-Béarla.

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San eagrán seo de Gaeilge Thar Lear, pléann Oisín rúin don Bhliain Nua. Insíonn sé conas a thosaigh sé ag scríobh dialainne in 2015, agus gur spreag sé sin é chun spriocanna bliantúla a leagan síos — spriocanna a choinníonn dírithe agus spreagtha é i rith na bliana. Bíonn a spriocanna ag baint le léamh, le rith, le hinfheistíocht, agus le forbairt phearsanta agus dúshláin éagsúla. Ceann dá spriocanna in 2025 ná Gaeilge Thar Lear a thosú — agus anois agus os cionn 40 podchraoladh déanta aige, is léir gur baineadh an sprioc sin amach go breá! Labhraíonn sé freisin faoin gcóras a úsáideann sé chun fanacht ar an mbóthar i dtreo a chuid spriocanna.

Pléann sé na ceachtanna tábhachtacha ón leabhar Atomic Habits le James Clear — leabhar cumhachtach do dhuine ar bith atá ag iarraidh a nósanna a athrú agus forbairt phearsanta a bhaint amach. Áirítear leis seo na Ceithre Dhlí maidir le hAthrú Iompair, tábhacht na timpeallachta, nósanna bunaithe ar fhéiniúlacht, agus céimeanna beaga comhsheasmhacha sa treo ceart. Má athraímid cad a dhéanaimid gach lá — ár nósanna — is féidir linn oibriú i dtreo leagan níos fearr dínn féin.

Is eagrán é seo ar théama Rún na Bliana Nua; b’fhéidir nach mbeidh sé oiriúnach do chách… ach má tá spriocanna móra nó smaointe móra agat do 2026, seans maith go mbeidh sé úsáideach duit.

Béarla-Gaeilge.

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

Pléann sé na ceachtanna tábhachtacha ón leabhar Atomic Habits le James Clear — leabhar cumhachtach do dhuine ar bith atá ag iarraidh a nósanna a athrú agus forbairt phearsanta a bhaint amach. Áirítear leis seo na Ceithre Dhlí maidir le hAthrú Iompair, tábhacht na timpeallachta, nósanna bunaithe ar fhéiniúlacht, agus céimeanna beaga comhsheasmhacha sa treo ceart. Má athraímid cad a dhéanaimid gach lá — ár nósanna — is féidir linn oibriú i dtreo leagan níos fearr dínn féin.

Is eagrán é seo ar théama Rún na Bliana Nua; b’fhéidir nach mbeidh sé oiriúnach do chách… ach má tá spriocanna móra nó smaointe móra agat do 2026, seans maith go mbeidh sé úsáideach duit.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about New Year’s Resolutions. He reflects on how starting a journaling habit back in 2015 led him to create annual goals that keep him motivated throughout the year. These goals encompass a range of objectives, including reading targets, running milestones, investment plans, personal development, and various challenges. One of his goals for 2025 was to start Gaeilge Thar Lear — and with more than 40 episodes now published, it’s safe to say that goal has been well and truly achieved. He also explains the systems he uses to stay on track with those goals.

Oisín discusses lessons from Atomic Habits by James Clear, a powerful book for anyone interested in changing their habits and achieving long-term personal development. Some of the key takeaways include the Four Laws of Behaviour Change, the importance of shaping your environment, building identity-based habits, and focusing on consistent small steps in the right direction. When we change what we do every day—our habits — we move closer to becoming a better version of ourselves.

This is a New Year’s Resolutions-style episode; it won’t be for everyone… but if you have big goals or ideas for 2026, you might find it useful.

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

Ar ardán an domhain mhóir, bhí duine amháin chun tosaigh ar gach rud — ach mar a léigh mé uair amháin ar chomhartha i dtigh tábhairne in An Daingean: “No Trump Talk.” Mana maith le coinneáil i gcuimhne, dar liom.

Is ramall réamh-Nollag atá anseo, áit a labhraím faoi líon na n-éisteoirí le Gaeilge Thar Lear, roinnim libh na háiteanna ar fud an domhain as a mbíonn sibh ag éisteacht, agus déanaim machnamh ar chuid de bhuaicphointí pearsanta na bliana. An raibh 2025 ina bliain mhaith? Cén leabhar ab fhearr a léigh mé? Cad iad na podchraoltaí a raibh mé ag éisteacht leo i rith na bliana?

Taifeadadh an eipeasóid seo tar éis chlár na seachtaine seo chugainn, “Ag Féachaint Chun Cinn go 2026”, rud a bhí beagáinín ait. Taifeadadh go déanach san oíche í freisin, agus gan ach nótaí leathchríochnaithe agam, tar éis cúpla lá dúshlánach agus páistí tinn sa teach — ach sin é an saol (agus an phodchraoltóireacht!).

Cibé áit ina bhfuil sibh, tá súil agam go mbeidh Nollaig álainn agaibh agus go mbainfidh sibh taitneamh as an am a chaitheamh le cairde, le clann agus leo siúd is ansa libh.

Nollaig Shona,

Oisín

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This episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear looks back at 2025 and asks a simple question: what kind of year was it?

On the world stage, one man seemed to dominate everything — but as a sign I once saw in a pub in An Daingean put it: “No Trump Talk.” A good mantra to keep in mind.

This is a pre-Christmas ramble where I talk through the listening figures for Gaeilge Thar Lear, share where in the world you’re all tuning in from, and reflect on some of my personal highlights from the year. Was 2025 a good year? What was the best book I read? Which podcasts did I spend the most time listening to?

This episode was recorded after next week’s “Looking Ahead to 2026” podcast, which made for a slightly strange experience. It was also recorded quite late and with only half-finished notes, following a few challenging days with sick children — but such is podcasting.

Wherever you are, I hope you have a lovely Christmas and get to enjoy some quality time with friends, family, and loved ones.

Nollaig Shona,

Oisín

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

Sa chomhrá seo, pléimid a óige le Gaeilge i mBaile Átha Cliath, an bogadh go hAmstardam ar feadh bliana – agus é fós ann naoi mbliana ina dhiaidh sin – a chait, a chomhpháirtí saoil, agus ar ndóigh, Cogar.

Bhí roinnt fadhbanna beaga leis an bhfuaim le linn an taifeadta, ach rinneadh gach iarracht iad a cheartú san eagrán deiridh. Má thugann sibh aon chur isteach ar an bhfuaim faoi deara, gabhaimid leithscéal – agus tá súil againn go mbainfidh sibh taitneamh as an gcomhrá seo le Ronán.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín speaks with Ronán O’Laoire, a Dubliner based in Amsterdam. Ronán is a software development expert with experience across web development, management, and CTO roles, having worked with several major companies in the Netherlands. He is currently developing a new social platform for Irish speakers called Cogar.

In this conversation, we talk about growing up in Dublin with Irish, moving to Amsterdam for what was meant to be a year and still being there nine years later, his cats, and, of course, Cogar.

There were a few minor audio issues with microphones during the recording, but these have been addressed as much as possible in the final edit. If you notice anything in the background, please accept my apologies in advance — and we hope you enjoy this conversation with Ronán.

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

Cosúil le go leor eagráin eile, níl mórán pleanála ná nótaí taobh thiar den cheann seo – díreach comhrá saor, spontáineach. Seo an leagan Béarla-Gaeilge - dhátheangach..

Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh taitneamh as!

ZDF le Achim Winter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=EQ5nN7Q9j6s&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fcologneceltics.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY

Cluiche as Baile Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMLl1WZHEws

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about some of the unexpected advantages that came his way during his time as chairperson of the Cologne Celtics — living proof of the quote often attributed to Napoleon: “I’d rather have a lucky general than a good one.”

During that period, Oisín somehow found himself on RTÉ News, Prime Time, German national television (ZDF), the National Geographic podcast, and a brilliant TG4 documentary called Cluiche As Baile, directed by Jack and Cian Desmond. You can find it on the TG4 Player - go watch it... stop what you're doing and go watch it now!

As with many episodes, this one is recorded with very little planning and not many notes — another loose, freestyle, free-flowing conversation. This is the Gaeilge-Béarla Bilingual version.

Hope you enjoy it! Bain sult as!

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

Cosúil le go leor eagráin eile, níl mórán pleanála ná nótaí taobh thiar den cheann seo – díreach comhrá saor, spontáineach. Seo an leagan lán-Gaeilge.

Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh taitneamh as!

ZDF le Achim Winter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=EQ5nN7Q9j6s&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fcologneceltics.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY

Cluiche as Baile Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMLl1WZHEws

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about some of the unexpected advantages that came his way during his time as chairperson of the Cologne Celtics — living proof of the quote often attributed to Napoleon: “I’d rather have a lucky general than a good one.”

During that period, Oisín somehow found himself on RTÉ News, Prime Time, German national television, National Geographic, and a brilliant TG4 documentary called Cluiche As Baile, directed by Jack and Cian Desmond.

As with many episodes, this one is recorded with very little planning and not many notes — another loose, freestyle, free-flowing conversation. This is the fully Gaeilge version.

Hope you enjoy it! Bain sult as!

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

Pléim an meascán casta sin de mhothúcháin: a bheith i bhfad ó bhaile, ó theaghlach agus ó sheanchairde, agus ag an am céanna a bheith sásta sa ghnáthshaol nua. Ach ní scéal rómánsúil é — tá na frustrachtaí ann freisin: an mothú go bhfuil tú beagáinín “greamaithe”, na paistí beaga a chuireann teorainn le spontaneity, agus na comharsana níos sine a chuireann isteach ort níos minice ná mar a chuireann siad chun suaimhnis thú.

Níl mórán struchtúir ar an gcaint seo — comhrá cineál “glao teileafóin” atá ann — ach tá súil agam go mbeidh sé macánta, in-insinte agus b'fhéidir fiú beagáinín eolach daoibh siúd atá ag tógáil saoil thar lear.

Seo an leagan Béarla-Gaeilge - dhátheangach. Bainigí taitneamh as!

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, I reflect on my life in Germany in my 20s — a time filled with adventure, travel, new friendships, and the feeling that everything was still open and possible. Then I contrast it with life in my 30s, when that big realisation arrives: “this is it now — this is my permanent life.”

I discuss the complex mix of emotions that come with being far from home, family, and old friends, while building a new life with its own rhythms and small joys. But it’s not all cosy routines — there’s plenty of frustration too: feeling held back, the limits that come with small children, and the realities of dealing with older neighbours who can sometimes be… less than easy.

This episode has no real plan — more of a free-flowing, phone-call-style chat — but hopefully it captures something real and recognisable about settling abroad.

This is the bilingual Irish-English version - Gaeilge-Béarla - Enjoy!

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

Pléim an meascán casta sin de mhothúcháin: a bheith i bhfad ó bhaile, ó theaghlach agus ó sheanchairde, agus ag an am céanna a bheith sásta sa ghnáthshaol nua. Ach ní scéal rómánsúil é — tá na frustrachtaí ann freisin: an mothú go bhfuil tú beagáinín “greamaithe”, na paistí beaga a chuireann teorainn le spontaneity, agus na comharsana níos sine a chuireann isteach ort níos minice ná mar a chuireann siad chun suaimhnis thú.

Níl mórán struchtúir ar an gcaint seo — comhrá cineál “glao teileafóin” atá ann — ach tá súil agam go mbeidh sé macánta, in-insinte agus b'fhéidir fiú beagáinín eolach daoibh siúd atá ag tógáil saoil thar lear. Bainigí taitneamh as!

https://youtu.be/StCls7iEK_o?si=sNNRPhq9lEwdqjxp - "Why Ireland has no Outdoor Culture" - Kev Collins

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, I reflect on my life in Germany in my 20s — a time filled with adventure, travel, new friendships, and the feeling that everything was still open and possible. Then I contrast it with life in my 30s, when that big realisation arrives: “this is it now — this is my permanent life.”

I discuss the complex mix of emotions that come with being far from home, family, and old friends, while building a new life with its own rhythms and small joys. But it’s not all cosy routines — there’s plenty of frustration too: feeling held back, the limits that come with small children, and the realities of dealing with older neighbours who can sometimes be… less than easy.

This episode has no real plan — more of a free-flowing, phone-call-style chat — but hopefully it captures something real and recognisable about settling abroad. Enjoy!

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

Pléim an difríocht chultúrtha idir an Ghearmáin agus Éire maidir le beoir – cén fáth a gceiliúrann na Gearmánaigh an táirge féin agus cén fáth a gceiliúraimid an craic a chruthaíonn sé. Tá an Reinheitsgebot, rivalries peile idir Dortmund agus Gelsenkirchen, agus an nóiméad i nDortmund nuair a thuig mé go raibh mé ag éirí níos sine.

Más maith leat scéalta faoi dhisasters Erasmus, cultúr na beorach, nó an t-aistear ó bheith 21 go duine nach n-ólann mórán sa lá atá inniu ann – éist leis seo!

Seo an leagan dhátheangach Béarla-Gaeilge. Bain sult as!

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Beer and Alcohol in Germany

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, I'm sharing stories about my experiences with beer and alcohol in Germany. From The Franciscan Well in Cork – where I learned that beer could actually taste good – to my disappointing first night in Marburg, from the best beer I ever had at Brauhaus Augustiner in Munich to my complete disaster in Erlangen when I lost my friends at a Bierfest... it's all here!

I explore the cultural differences between Germany and Ireland when it comes to beer – why Germans celebrate the product itself and why we celebrate the craic it creates. There's the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law), football rivalries between Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, and the moment in Dortmund when I realised I was getting older.

If you enjoy stories about Erasmus disasters, beer culture, or the journey from being 21 to someone who doesn't drink much these days – give this a listen!

This is the bilingual English-Gaeilge version. Enjoy it!

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

Pléim an difríocht chultúrtha idir an Ghearmáin agus Éire maidir le beoir – cén fáth a gceiliúrann na Gearmánaigh an táirge féin agus cén fáth a gceiliúraimid an craic a chruthaíonn sé. Tá an Reinheitsgebot, rivalries peile idir Dortmund agus Gelsenkirchen, agus an nóiméad i nDortmund nuair a thuig mé go raibh mé ag éirí níos sine.

Más maith leat scéalta faoi dhisasters Erasmus, cultúr na beorach, nó an t-aistear ó bheith 21 go duine nach n-ólann mórán sa lá atá inniu ann – éist leis seo!

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Beer and Alcohol in Germany

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, I'm sharing stories about my experiences with beer and alcohol in Germany. From The Franciscan Well in Cork – where I learned that beer could actually taste good – to my disappointing first night in Marburg, from the best beer I ever had at Brauhaus Augustiner in Munich to my complete disaster in Erlangen when I lost my friends at a Bierfest... it's all here!

I explore the cultural differences between Germany and Ireland when it comes to beer – why Germans celebrate the product itself and why we celebrate the craic it creates. There's the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law), football rivalries between Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, and the moment in Dortmund when I realized I was getting older.

If you enjoy stories about Erasmus disasters, beer culture, or the journey from being 21 to someone who doesn't drink much these days – give this a listen!

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

Seo é an leagan Béarla-Gaeilge - this is the bilingual English-Irish version.

Más mian leat tuilleadh a léamh faoin turas go Corcaigh, is féidir leat an t-alt seo a léamh ar shuíomh gréasáin an Cologne Celtics: https://cologneceltics.com/2022/10/06/cork-trip-october-2022-club-report/

Is féidir leat mo thuairisc chluiche ar an gcluiche a léamh anseo freisin: https://cologneceltics.com/2022/10/27/october-3rd-2022-cologne-celtics-v-st-finbarrs-the-player-experience/

Thosaigh mé tionscadal nua chomh maith — mo bhlag féin don chraic — agus is féidir nasc leis a fháil anseo: https://oisinomahony.blog/

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In this episode (eagrán) of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín travels back in time to October 2022 when the hurlers from the Cologne Celtics famously "beat" St. Finbarr's at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. This story is about how to create relationships as a GAA club abroad with those at home, and how the trip became one of our best outings as a club. Oisín was chairperson of the Celtics at the time of the trip and was centrally involved with its organisation.

Seo é an leagan Béarla-Gaeilge - this is the bilingual English-Irish version.

If you want to read more about the Cork trip, you can read this article from the Cologne Celtics website: https://cologneceltics.com/2022/10/06/cork-trip-october-2022-club-report/

You can also read my match report of the game here: https://cologneceltics.com/2022/10/27/october-3rd-2022-cologne-celtics-v-st-finbarrs-the-player-experience/

I have also started a new project, my own blog for the craic - you can find a link to it here: https://oisinomahony.blog/

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

Más mian leat tuilleadh a léamh faoin turas go Corcaigh, is féidir leat an t-alt seo a léamh ar shuíomh gréasáin an Cologne Celtics: https://cologneceltics.com/2022/10/06/cork-trip-october-2022-club-report/

Is féidir leat mo thuairisc chluiche ar an gcluiche a léamh anseo freisin: https://cologneceltics.com/2022/10/27/october-3rd-2022-cologne-celtics-v-st-finbarrs-the-player-experience/

Thosaigh mé tionscadal nua chomh maith — mo bhlag féin don chraic — agus is féidir nasc leis a fháil anseo: https://oisinomahony.blog/

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In this episode (eagrán) of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín travels back in time to October 2022 when the hurlers from the Cologne Celtics famously "beat" St. Finbarr's at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. This story is about how to create relationships as a GAA club abroad with those at home, and how the trip became one of our best outings as a club. Oisín was chairperson of the Celtics at the time of the trip and was centrally involved with its organisation.

If you want to read more about the Cork trip, you can read this article from the Cologne Celtics website: https://cologneceltics.com/2022/10/06/cork-trip-october-2022-club-report/

You can also read my match report of the game here: https://cologneceltics.com/2022/10/27/october-3rd-2022-cologne-celtics-v-st-finbarrs-the-player-experience/

I have also started a new project, my own blog for the craic - you can find a link to it here: https://oisinomahony.blog/

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

San eagrán seo de Gaeilge Thar Lear, bhí an deis ag Oisín comhrá a dhéanamh le Larry Donlon – ceoltóir as Longphort atá ag cur fúthu i Hamburg le hocht mbliana anuas. Labhair muid faoina shaol ceoil sna pubanna i Hamburg, faoi na múinteoirí Gaeilge a spreag é agus é ar scoil, agus faoin tréimhse ar leith a chaith sé ar Inis Oírr, Co. na Gaillimhe.

Bhí an comhrá seo thar a bheith suimiúil agus taitneamhach, agus bhí mé an-bhuíoch an deis a fháil labhairt le Larry.

Bain taitneamh as an eagrán seo.

Tá an t-eagrán seo i nGaeilge líofa ar fad.

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English

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín had the opportunity to talk with Larry Donlon – a musician from Longford who has been living in Hamburg for the past eight years. We chatted about his life playing music in the pubs of Hamburg, about the Irish teachers who inspired him back in school, and about the special time he spent living on Inis Oírr, Co. Galway.

This was a really enjoyable and insightful chat, and I was delighted to have the chance to talk with Larry.

Enjoy this one.

This episode is entirely in Irish.

https://www.larrydonlon.de/

https://olddubliner.de/halloffame/larrydonlon/

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

Déanann sé machnamh freisin ar an gcaoi a mbíonn daoine ag bogadh timpeall an domhain, go háirithe Éireannaigh, agus ar an tábhacht a bhaineann le rogha a bheith agat i do chuid féiniúlachta.

Seo é an leagan Béarla-Gaeilge - dhátheangach.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín grapples with complex questions about citizenship and identity as an Irish person living in Germany. He explores his option to obtain German citizenship after five years in the country, but reflects on how he doesn't feel German in his heart. He discusses the challenges of sharing Irish culture with his children who will grow up German, and how identity is far more nuanced than simple passport categories.

The episode also touches on global migration patterns, particularly among the Irish diaspora, and the privilege of having choice in matters of citizenship and belonging. A thoughtful reflection on what it means to call somewhere "home" when you're caught between two worlds.

This is the bilingual version - English-Irish.

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

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín grapples with complex questions about citizenship and identity as an Irish person living in Germany. He explores his option to obtain German citizenship after five years in the country, but reflects on how he doesn't feel German in his heart. He discusses the challenges of sharing Irish culture with his children who will grow up German, and how identity is far more nuanced than simple passport categories. The episode also touches on global migration patterns, particularly among the Irish diaspora, and the privilege of having choice in matters of citizenship and belonging. A thoughtful reflection on what it means to call somewhere "home" when you're caught between two worlds.

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

Tá Emma ina Bainisteoir Pobail ag Bitesize Irish freisin agus tá sí ag déanamh obair mhór ar son na Gaeilge. Bhí an comhrá seo thar a bheith taitneamhach, agus bhí mé an-sásta an deis a fháil labhairt le hEmma. Tá súil agam go mbeidh seans agam comhrá eile a dhéanamh léi amach anseo.

Bain taitneamh as an eagrán seo.

Tá an t-eagrán seo i nGaeilge líofa ar fad.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín had the opportunity to talk with Emma de Paor - an Irish teacher at the University of Leipzig. Emma has been in Leipzig since 2019, and she had plenty to say about teaching at the university, teaching Irish through German, and generally about Leipzig as a place to live.

Emma is also the Community Manager at Bitesize Irish and is doing a massive amount for the Irish language. This was a really fun chat, and I was delighted to have the chance to talk with Emma. It will be great to chat with her again in the future.

Enjoy this one.

This episode is entirely as Gaeilge.

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

Pléim an t-aisteir ó bheith i gcónaí gar don fharraige mar Éireannach, go dtí an taithí aisteach trá a lorg thar lear. Déanaim machnamh ar chumhacht na farraige anois agus mé i bhfad uaithi, agus ar an gcaoi a bhfuil cósta Atlantach na hÉireann fós uathúil i gcomparáid leis na tránna gan chríoch san Ísiltír.

Déanann an t-eagrán comparáid idir mo chuairt i Meitheamh 2020, i rith na dianghlasála Covid – nuair a dhóigh an ghrian mé agus nár éirigh liom taitneamh a bhaint as – agus mo chuairt i Lúnasa 2025, nuair a bhí an dúshlán níos mó ná an ghrian: beirt pháistí beaga le tabhairt faoi chúram. Is scéal é faoin gcaoi a bhféachaimid siar le grá ar ár gcéad chuairt teaghlaigh chun na trá, agus ar an strus a mhothaíomar i bhfíor-am.

Seo é an leagan dhátheangach Gaeilge-Béarla.

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In this holiday eagrán of Gaeilge Thar Lear, we’re in Egmond-aan-Zee on the Dutch coast.

I talk about the strange feeling, as an Irish person used to always having the sea nearby, of needing to travel abroad just to reach the beach. Now that I live far from the ocean, I appreciate its power more – and while the Dutch coast stretches on endlessly, there’s something uniquely special about the Irish Atlantic coastline.

I compare two visits: June 2020, during the lockdowns, when I got badly sunburnt and couldn’t enjoy the trip, and August 2025, when the real challenge was looking after two small children at the beach. In the moment, it felt stressful, but when we look back at it in the future, it will be a lovely memory – our first family trip to the sea as four.

This is the bilingual version - English and Irish. Enjoy it - Bain taitneamh as!

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

Sa bhónas-eagrán seo de Gaeilge Thar Lear, labhraíonn Oisín faoin tríú Grand Tour rothaíochta den bhliain, La Vuelta a España.

(Sea, eagrán eile faoi rothar é seo – geallaim go mbeidh eagráin bhreise amach anseo faoi ábhair eile!)

Is minic a mheasadh La Vuelta mar an ceann is laige de na Grand Tours, ar chúiseanna stairiúla. Ach ag an am céanna, tá atmaisféar níos spraíúla agus níos suaimhní ag baint leis – agus sin cuid den chúis go bhfuil sé chomh taitneamhach le leanúint.

San eagrán seo, roinneann Oisín scéalta ó stair an rása, scéalta a bhaineann le stair na Spáinne féin, le Francisco Franco, agus le cultúr na tíre i lár an 20ú haois. Pléitear freisin conas a fuair an rás aitheantas agus féiniúlacht níos soiléire sna blianta is déanaí, chomh maith le roinnt eagrán suntasach le gairid.

Ní bheidh an eagrán seo oiriúnach daoibh uilig – is eagrán spóirt é arís. Ach má tá suim agaibh sa spórt nó sa stair, tabhair cluas dhó.

Stair leathchúiseach La Vuelta a España – as Gaeilge.

Bain taitneamh as!

(Taifeadta i nGaeilge líofa – ach ar ndóigh, ní Gaeilge foirfe!)

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In this bonus episode (eagrán) of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about the third cycling Grand Tour of the year, La Vuelta a España. (Yes, it is another cycling one, and I promise that other bonus episodes will be about other topics!)

For historical reasons, La Vuelta is seen as the lesser of the cycling Grand Tours, but it is also a lot of fun. It is not as serious as the other races, so it can be fun to follow.

In this episode, Oisín shares some of the stories from the race's history linked to the history of Spain, Francisco Franco, and the country's culture in the mid-20th century. We also discuss how the race has gained a more apparent identity in recent years, as well as some stories from some of the more recent editions of the race.

This episode is not for everyone; again, it is a sports-focused one. Tune in if you are interested.

A half-arsed/half-cooked history of La Vuelta a España in Irish... Bain taitneamh as.

This episode is in fluent (but far from perfect!) Irish.

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

Pléim an t-aisteir ó bheith i gcónaí gar don fharraige mar Éireannach, go dtí an taithí aisteach trá a lorg thar lear. Déanaim machnamh ar chumhacht na farraige anois agus mé i bhfad uaithi, agus ar an gcaoi a bhfuil cósta Atlantach na hÉireann fós uathúil i gcomparáid leis na tránna gan chríoch san Ísiltír.

Déanann an t-eagrán comparáid idir mo chuairt i Meitheamh 2020, i rith na dianghlasála Covid – nuair a dhóigh an ghrian mé agus nár éirigh liom taitneamh a bhaint as – agus mo chuairt i Lúnasa 2025, nuair a bhí an dúshlán níos mó ná an ghrian: beirt pháistí beaga le tabhairt faoi chúram. Is scéal é faoin gcaoi a bhféachaimid siar le grá ar ár gcéad chuairt teaghlaigh chun na trá, agus ar an strus a mhothaíomar i bhfíor-am.

Seo an leagan Gaeilge líofa.

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In this holiday eagrán of Gaeilge Thar Lear, we’re in Egmond-aan-Zee on the Dutch coast.

I talk about the strange feeling, as an Irish person used to always having the sea nearby, of needing to travel abroad just to reach the beach. Now that I live far from the ocean, I appreciate its power more – and while the Dutch coast stretches on endlessly, there’s something uniquely special about the Irish Atlantic coastline.

I compare two visits: June 2020, during the lockdowns, when I got badly sunburnt and couldn’t enjoy the trip, and August 2025, when the real challenge was looking after two small children at the beach. In the moment, it felt stressful, but when we look back at it in the future, it will be a lovely memory – our first family trip to the sea as four.

This one is a bit of a mix of a regular episode and a bonus one, as although I put a three-part structure to it and made some notes, it was not as well planned out as other ones. See what ye think of it agus go raibh maith agaibh má éisteann sibh leis!

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

Tarraingíodh inspioráid an eagran seo ó Chraobhacha Ceannais na hÉireann le déanaí sa iománaíocht agus sa pheil Ghaelach.

Seo é an leagan dhátheangach Gaeilge-Béarla.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín reflects on how the experience of living abroad changes over time — from the excitement and adventure of your twenties to a deeper sense of distance in your thirties. He explores how his relationship with watching GAA has evolved since moving away from Ireland, and how losing old traditions can make it harder to form new ones. The episode also touches on how powerful childhood memories and emotional ties to sport can make it difficult to accept a watered-down version of the match-day experience.

This is the bilingual version - English and Irish.

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

Tarraingíodh inspioráid an eagran seo ó Chraobhacha Ceannais na hÉireann le déanaí sa iománaíocht agus sa pheil Ghaelach.

Seo é an leagan Gaeilge líofa.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín reflects on how the experience of living abroad changes over time — from the excitement and adventure of your twenties to a deeper sense of distance in your thirties. He explores how his relationship with watching GAA has evolved since moving away from Ireland, and how losing old traditions can make it harder to form new ones. The episode also touches on how powerful childhood memories and emotional ties to sport can make it difficult to accept a watered-down version of the match-day experience.

This is the Gaeilge líofa version - fluent Irish version.

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

Eagrán bónais atá ann, mar sin níl mórán réamhphleanála ann – rud beag níos spontánaí ná mar is gnách. Bain sult as!

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100m from immortality for Ben Healy as he loses out to Valentin Paret Peintre on Mont Ventoux in Stage 16 of the Tour de France 2025. In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín returns to the race and describes Ben Healy's achievement in being one of the strongest men on one of the most famous mountains in France. He discusses Tadej Pogacar's dominance of this race and his history - how he will go down as one of the sport's greats. He generally goes over some of the stories of week 2 of the Tour.

This is a bonus episode, so there was little planning, and it was a bit off the cuff compared to standard episodes. Enjoy it.

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In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín chats with Naoise Crowley about his life in Luxembourg, playing Gaelic football and hurling on the continent, and all sorts of things related to living abroad. Naoise is a Corkonian from Blackrock - a Rockie! He has lived in France and Luxembourg and will soon be moving to Bruges, Belgium.

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

Tá Ben Healy anois ar an gceathrú rothaí Éireannach riamh a chaith an léine bhuí sa Tour de France, i measc laochra cosúil le Seán Kelly, Stephen Roche agus Shay Elliott. Tá 10 gcéim críochnaithe agus is seachtain iontach atá caite againn i dTour na bliana 2025.

Bhí sé ar intinn agam podchraoladh a dhéanamh faoin seachtain san TdF seo ar aon nós – ach nuair a fuair Ben an léine bhuí, ní raibh aon dabht orm go gcaithfinn ceann a thaifeadadh. Tá an eagrán seo beagáinín níos saor ó thaobh struchtúir de – gan script ná nótaí – agus bím ag caint faoi cad atá tarlaithe go dtí seo agus cad atá romhainn an tseachtain seo chugainn.

Bain sult as an turas!

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There’s an Irishman in yellow – Ben Healy takes the maillot jaune!

Ben Healy has become only the fourth Irish cyclist ever to wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, joining legends like Seán Kelly, Stephen Roche, and Shay Elliott. With 10 stages behind us, it’s been a thrilling first week of the 2025 Tour.

I had already been thinking about doing a podcast on this year’s race - but once Ben took yellow, I knew I had to hit record. This episode is a more free-flowing one, recorded without a script or notes. I chat about what’s been happening so far and what to expect in the coming week.

Hope you enjoy the ride!

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

Seo an leagan dhátheangach - Gaeilge-Béarla.

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín shares some unexpected benefits he’s experienced from learning Dutch. Why learn a language when you’ll never speak it as well as the other person speaks English? What’s the point in learning it? Wouldn’t Chinese/Spannish/French/Russian etc. be more useful? (Often what we hear about how "pointless" it is to learn Irish). In this episode, we explore both the challenges and the joys of learning a new language. If you’ve ever struggled with language learning, this might just give you some motivation to keep going.

This podcast is bilingual - English-Irish.

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

Níl baint ag an eagrán seo le saol thar lear ná le haon ábhar eile de ghnátheagráin an tsraith, ach is deis é breis Gaeilge a chloisteáil

Tá an clár seo go hiomlán i nGaeilge líofa.

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In this bonus episode of "Gaeilge Thar lear", Oisín provides a preview of the 2025 Tour de France while also describing the event for absolute beginners. This episode is designed for people who have no idea about how the race works while giving an introduction to some of the key players in the three weeks to come. He explains why it is such an impressive sporting event.

This episode is not about living abroad or anything related to it but it is some additional Gaeilge for those interested in listening to some more.

This episode is in fluent Irish.

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

Is é seo an leagan dátheangach Gaeilge-Béarla.

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about whether you need German to live in Germany (when they all speak English anyway... or do they?), what is the status of English in Germany, and he compares whether the standard of teaching of English in Germany is the secret as to why Germans speak such excellent English. He compares that to how Irish is taught in Ireland.

This is the bilingual Irish-English version.

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

Seo é an leagan Gaeilge líofa.

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about whether you need German to live in Germany (when they all speak English anyway... or do they?), what is the status of English in Germany, and the benefits of learning a language - in his case, Dutch - even if you know the speakers of that language will always be able to learn better English than you can Dutch.

This is the Gaeilge líofa version - fluent Irish version.

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

Seo é an leagan dhátheangach Gaeilge agus Béarla.

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín tells three stories involving football and going to football matches in Germany. This episode is a follow on from episode 4 of the series - "Bundesliga agus Cluichí Sacair sa Ghearmáin"

This is the bilingual English-Irish version

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

Seo é an leagan Gaeilge líofa.

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín tells three stories involving football and going to football matches in Germany. This episode is a follow on from episode 4 of the series - "Bundesliga agus Cluichí Sacair sa Ghearmáin"

This is the Gaeilge líofa version

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ or through gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

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

In this bonus episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about how important running is in his life, how running became a habit in his life and how he completed the Cork City Marathon last weekend. This episode is not about living abroad and therefore is considered more of a bonus episode for those who want to listen to more Irish in their lives. Regular episodes will be out on Mondays at 4pm - as often as I can manage them.

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

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín has a chat with a friend of his - Mícheál Ó Muireagáin - who is based in Buxtehude near Hamburg. Mícheál is heavily involved with Cumann na Gaeilge Hamburg and has connections with the Hamburg GAA team. They discuss all sorts of aspects of Mícheál's life in the north of Germany.

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

Seo é an leagan dhátheangach - Béarla agus Gaeilge..

Téigh i dteagmháil liom ar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ nó trí ríomhphost: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín describes the different places that he has lived in in Germany up until now, namely Marburg, Dortmund and Bonn. He lived in these places at different times in his life and with varying life circumstances. In this episode, he outlines why each of them were great for the different stages in his life.

This is the bilingual - English and Irish version.

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

Seo é an leagan Gaeilge líofa.

Téigh i dteagmháil liom ar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ nó trí ríomhphost: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín describes the different places that he has lived in in Germany up until now, namely Marburg, Dortmund and Bonn. He lived in these places at different times in his life and with varying life circumstances. In this episode, he outlines why each of them were great for the different stages in his life.

This is the fluent Irish/Gaeilge líofa version.

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ or through gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

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

Seo é an leagan dhátheangach - Gaeilge agus Béarla.

Téigh i dteagmháil liom ar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ nó trí ríomhphost: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about his experience of being a father abroad - parenting abroad. How has been a parent changed his life, how has his life developed and changed from his twenties into his thirties, and what are the challenges, aspects to be aware of, and things to embrace about parenting a child abroad.

This is the Gaeilge-English bilingual version

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ or through gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

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

Seo é an leagan Gaeilge líofa.

Téigh i dteagmháil liom ar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ nó trí ríomhphost: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about his experience of being a father abroad - parenting abroad. How has been a parent changed his life, how has his life developed and changed from his twenties into his thirties, and what are the challenges, aspects to be aware of, and things to embrace about parenting a child abroad.

This is the Gaeilge líofa version

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ or through gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

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

Seo é an leagan Gaeilge líofa.

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about his experience going to Bundesliga and other matches in Germany - how he managed to see so many games (more than 20 matches in the 2015/16 season, why he thinks VfL Bochum is one of the best places to watch a match, and why he's not such a big fan of Fortuna Düsseldorf’s stadium.

This is the Gaeilge líofa version

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ or through gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

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

Seo é an leagan Dhátheangach - Béarla agus Gaeilge.

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about his experience going to Bundesliga and other matches in Germany - how he managed to see so many games (more than 20 matches in the 2015/16 season, why he thinks VfL Bochum is one of the best places to watch a match, and why he's not such a big fan of Fortuna Düsseldorf’s stadium.

This is the bilingual version - English and Irish.

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisín-o-mahony/ or through gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

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

An leagan dhátheangach - Béarla-Gaeilge

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about his Erasmus year in 2012/13 and why it was one of the best things he ever did. He outlines why it was important for his personal development, provides his thoughts on how to seize Erasmus and explains how a conversation about the Mayo Gaelic footballers set him up for the whole year.

This is the bilingual version - Béarla-Gaeilge.

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn or through gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

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

An leagan Gaeilge

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín talks about his Erasmus year in 2012/13 and why it was one of the best things he ever did. He outlines why it was important for his personal development, provides his thoughts on how to seize Erasmus and explains how a conversation about the Mayo Gaelic footballers set him up for the whole year.

This is the Gaeilge líofa version

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn or through gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

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

Más maith libh bheith i teagmháil liom, seol ríomhphost chugham ar: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín discusses the German GAA scene. He discusses who is playing GAA there, how he got involved with the Cologne Celtics, and why joining a GAA club abroad is such a great experience if you get the chance. This episode is completely through Irish - fluent Irish but not perfect Irish. Enjoy.

If you want to get in contact with me, please send an email to gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com.

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

Más maith libh bheith i teagmháil liom, seol ríomhphost chugham ar: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

In this episode of Gaeilge Thar Lear, Oisín discusses the German GAA scene. He discusses who is playing GAA there, how he got involved with the Cologne Celtics, and why joining a GAA club abroad is such a great experience if you get the chance. This episode is in Irish and English - the bilingual version.

If you want to get in contact with me, please send an email to gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com.

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

Sa chéad eagrán seo, beidh mise – Oisín O’Mahony / Oisín Ó Mathúna – ag cur an phodchraolaidh in aithne daoibh. Labhróidh mé faoi mo phlean don phod, inseoidh mé beagán fúm féin, míneoidh mé na cúiseanna taobh thiar de, agus leagfaidh mé amach cad is féidir libh a bheith ag súil leis sna heagráin amach romhainn.

Go raibh maith agaibh as éisteacht – bainigí taitneamh as!

Más maith libh a bheith i dteagmháil liom - seo mo proifíl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisin-o-mahony/ nó seol ríomhphost chugham ar: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

Ceol: Sunsets of Boston (Instrumental Version) by Volcan Peaks

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Fáilte chuig podchraoladh nua Gaeilge – Gaeilge Thar Lear. Sa phodchraoladh seo, roinnfear scéalta mhuintir na hÉireann atá ina gcónaí thar lear agus a thugann baile anois ar áiteanna eile ar fud an domhain.

Sa chéad eagrán seo, beidh mise – Oisín O’Mahony / Oisín Ó Mathúna – ag cur an phodchraolaidh in aithne daoibh. Labhróidh mé faoi mo phlean don phod, inseoidh mé beagán fúm féin, míneoidh mé na cúiseanna taobh thiar de, agus leagfaidh mé amach cad is féidir libh a bheith ag súil leis sna heagráin amach romhainn.

Go raibh maith agaibh as éisteacht – bainigí taitneamh as!

Más maith libh a bheith i dteagmháil liom - seo mo proifíl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisin-o-mahony/ nó seol ríomhphost chugham ar: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

Welcome to a new Irish-language podcast – Gaeilge Thar Lear (Irish Abroad).

In this podcast, we’ll share the stories of Irish people who live abroad and now call other places around the world home.

In this first episode, I – Oisín O’Mahony / Oisín Ó Mathúna – will introduce the podcast to you. I’ll talk about my plan for the podcast, tell you a little about myself, explain the reasons behind it, and outline what you can expect in future episodes.

Thank you for listening – enjoy!

If you’d like to get in touch with me – here’s my LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oisin-o-mahony/ or send an email to me at: gaeilgetharlear@gmail.com

Music: Sunsets of Boston (Instrumental Version) by Volcan Peaks

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