Irish Life & Lore - Voices from the Archive

Ronnie Delaney - Olympic Gold Medallist 1956

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 18:30:03 GMT

An Irish Olympic champion for the ages, Ronnie Delaney won Gold in the 1500m at the Summer Olympics in Melbourne in 1956. He was recorded for Irish Life and Lore in 2019 at the RDS in Dublin. This podcast features details of his young life, leading up to that memorable gold medal win.

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Muriel MCcCarthy (1931- 2021) Keeper of Ancient Books at Marsh's Library, Dublin

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 18:45:16 GMT

Muriel McCarthy was indeed an institution at Marsh's Library, having worked there for 44 years. She was responsible for the upkeep and survival of a national treasure. Muriel was recorded at the Library in 2012.

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Irish Life and Lore - Migration from Kerry to the Midlands with Vincent Garvey

Thu, 16 May 2024 09:44:59 GMT

Vincent tells a fascinating story about his father, his naval experiences during WWI, and being unable to settle after returning to his farm in Kerry. His subsequent migration to Meath, leaving his family behind, is discussed in detail.

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Desmond Guinness (1931-2020) Co-founder of the Irish Georgian Society

Fri, 03 May 2024 16:44:16 GMT

A descendant of the Guinness brewing family, Desmond Guinness was a conservationist who achieved much in helping to save some of our fine Irish Georgian buildings from falling into ruin. His legacy is extraordinary.

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Landlords and Tenants in Ireland in Victorian Times - Borris, County Carlow

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:32:01 GMT

This podcast features sound clips of an oral history recoding we compiled with Andrew Kavanagh, a descendant of the ancient Irish McMorrough Kavanagh family who retained possession of their lands at Borris, Co. Carlow since the 16th century. The podcast also includes the voice of Pat Murphy, who farmed the land as did his people before him, near the Borris Estate.

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Mons. Hugh O'Flaherty - The Irish Priest in the Vatican who saved the lives of thousands of Jews during WWII

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:24:48 GMT

Using sound clips from the Irish Life and Lore Archive, in this podcast, Kerryman Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty and his extraordinary and dangerous work is recalled by Sr. Noreen Dennehy who speaks for the first time about her experiences of working with him in helping to shelter Jews from the Nazis in Rome during WW11.

Monsignor O'Flaherty's nephew, also named Hugh O'Flaherty, is also included in this podcast.

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Dr. James Sheehan, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Co-founder of the Blackrock and Galway Clinics

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 15:45:36 GMT

In a gripping recording compiled at his Dublin home, Dr. James Sheehan recalls and describes exciting in medicine in the 1960s and 70s in Ireland. He grew up in Kerry and in adulthood he became fascinated with bioengineering artificial joint improvement.

Working in the U.K.under Sir John Charnley, recognised as the founder of modern hip replacement, in the U.K., he brought back to Dublin his expertise which he put to excellent use in Ireland.

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John Bellingham of Glencara and the Hill of Howth

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:56:10 GMT

John Bellingham was a remarkable man. He lived at Glencara, Mullingar and in a 19th century cottage on the Hill of Howth, Co. Dublin.

This podcast includes excerpts of recordings compiled in both locations.

John was a wonderful conversationalist and his recent passing marked the end of an era among the Irish Landed Gentry.

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Madoline O'Connell Recalls Cork's Old Elite

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:20:24 GMT

Madoline O Connell has some brilliant stories to recall about the social history of old Cork’s elite society. She relives those years when the City was alive with the preforming Arts and other activities.

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A Tribute to the late Maureen Mullins

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:35:46 GMT

This recording was compiled at Maureen Mullins' home in 2012 for inclusion in the Horseracing Ireland Oral History Collection. She worked with her husband Paddy and their family in one of Ireland's most successful thoroughbred horse breeding and training businesses, based in Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

Maureen passed away, aged 94, on 14th February 2024.

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The Siege of Kinsale 1601

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:22:53 GMT

The Siege of Kinsale, Co. Cork, also known as the Battle of Kinsale of 1601 was the ultimate battle in England's conquest Gaelic Ireland.

This historic and remarkable event is relived in 2004 on location at the site with local historian, John Thullier, who recounts the entire story.

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Life in the Falkland Islands

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 14:14:05 GMT

In 2009 Maurice O'Keeffe travelled to the Falkland Islands in the remote South Atlantic Ocean to compile recordings for Irish Life and Lore with members of the small population living there at that time.

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The Long Room at Trinity College / Irish Emigration to England in the 1960s

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 10:35:41 GMT

In the first section of this podcast, members of staff at the Long Room at Trinity College discuss their experience of working in one of Ireland's oldest libraries.

Also, The story of emigrants from Ireland to Britain in the 1960s is related in this podcast.

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Early 20th Century Cycle Races in Ireland - The Rás

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 17:00:18 GMT

This podcast is packed with stories and memories which reveal the strength and toughness of competitors in grass track races, and what it took to win the biggest race of the year - The Rás Tailteann in the 1950s.

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The Winter Solstice - The Irish Tradition

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:53:53 GMT

This podcast features the voice of Sean O Duinn and Fr. Brian Murphy recorded in The Bible Garden at Glenatal Abbey in Co. Limerick. You will learn how the plants, trees and herbs are interwoven with the old Celtic beliefs, and the pre Celtic calendar is described.

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Musician Billy Curtin Remembered

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 17:13:10 GMT

Steeped in several genres of music, playing saxophone and clarinet throughout his life, Tralee's Billy Curtin was born into a musical family, and from the young age of 12 he was performing with a band. In this podcast he describes working with many showbands and dancebands, playing jazz, rock, blues and country and western.

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The End of an Era : Howth Castle and Estate

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 17:56:17 GMT

The Gaisford St. Lawrence family lived at Howth Castle for 800 years. This long connection was brought to an end with the death of Christopher Gaisford St. Lawrence on 29th October 2023.

We compiled recordings with Christopher in 2020; with his wife Meryl in 2014 and with his son Julian in 2020. This is their story...

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From the Rhineland to Southwest Ireland

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 11:27:44 GMT

This podcast features the voices of many well known families who discuss their German origins, their ancestors' arrival in Ireland in 1709, and reveal the common threads which run through their recordings for the irishlifeandlore.com Rhineland Palatine Irish Heritage Oral History Collection. Themes include: Strangers in a Strange Land; Irish Palatine Identity; immigrants who stayed together in colonies in West Limerick and North Kerry; Farming and Business Skills; religion.

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Oral History recording compiled with Dan (Christopher) Somerville (1921-2012)

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:17:03 GMT

Drishane House in Castletownshend in West Cork is the home of the Somerville family for nine generations. The present owners are Tom and Jane Somerville who have a deep and abiding affection for their old home. The oral history recording was compiled with tom's father Dan Somerville in 2010 at his home in England, and he spoke at length about his life experiences, his father Desmond Somerville, the Great War and his grand aunt, author and artist Edith Somerville.

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An Interview with Liam Connellan - Former Director of the Confederation of Irish Industry

Sat, 07 Oct 2023 11:58:26 GMT

We were saddened to hear of the recent death of Liam Connellan with whom we were privileged to compile an oral history recording some years ago. This is riveting testimony by a man who played a pivotal role in the development of the Confederation of Irish Industry, having come from the IMI in 1972 in the aftermath of the tragic Staines air disaster which claimed the lives of twelve of the country's business leaders.

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Capturing our Story..." Kilcormac, Co. Offaly Part II

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:16:33 GMT

Heritage Week 2022 brought us to Kilcormac, Co. Offaly for the launch of an oral history project entitled "Capturing Their Story". Recordings were compiled with a selected number of the local residents who provided wonderful and descriptive testimonies of life down through the years.

The project came about due to a collaboration between Creative Ireland Community Grant allocation and Kilcormac Development Association.

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Landed Gentry in Ireland

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:48:20 GMT

The Landed Gentry in Ireland Oral History Project was undertaken to provide an in-depth study of the current position of the Irish landed gentry. With introductions by Maurice O’Keeffe, representative segments from the collection are included in this week’s podcast.

Included:

Lord Bellew

The Duke of Leinster

Earl of Bessborough

Earl of Donoughmore

Charles and Mary Cooper

Sandy Perceval

Lesley Fennell

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The Survival of Enniscoe House in Co. Mayo

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:58:42 GMT

Enniscoe House, on the shores of Lough Conn in North Mayo was built in the 1740s. One of Ireland's historic Georgian Houses, the estate now includes the Heritage Centre recently visited by US President Joe Biden.

This podcast reveals the story of the history, management and upkeep of this historic house and estate. The voices you will hear include those of owner Susan Kellett and her brother, Nicholas Nicolson, and John Dyra who worked on the estate for many years.

Our latest oral history collection - The Landed Gentry in Ireland - was launched at Enniscoe House on 28th June 2023.

Information on the Collection may be seen at this link to our website: https://www.irishlifeandlore.com/product-category/recordings/thematic/great-houses/the-landed-gentry-in-ireland/

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The Irish Gaelic Nobility

Sat, 24 Jun 2023 06:47:51 GMT

This podcast tells the story of the old Gaelic families who survived centuries of conflict and wars waged by invaders. You will hear the voices of the descendants of some of those enduring families, people such as the late Conor O'Brien who died this month; Durcan O'Hara; Nicholas MacGillycuddy; Madam Felicity McDermott and Patience and Ann O'Conor.

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The Irish Palatines in Kerry

Thu, 25 May 2023 12:52:09 GMT

In 1709, several hundred families from the German Palatinate were settled in Ireland. These Palatines established roots in Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Wexford.

"In came the brass-coloured Palatine from the ancient bank of the Swabian Rhine" P.W. Joyce.

Their story is fascinating, and can be related to the immigrants from Ukraine to Ireland today.

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McCalmont Family Papers Mt Juliet, Co Kilkenny

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:06:03 GMT

This podcast records the recent occasion when Harry McCalmont agreed to hand over some family papers to Local Studies at Kilkenny Library HQ. Declan Macauley and Alicia Dunphy of Kilkenny Library met myself and Harry McCalmont at his home at Norelands Stud, originally part of the Mount Juliet estate.

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Voices from Donegal

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:36:29 GMT

This week's podcast features some Donegal voices. I selected a number of soundclips taken from recordings in compiled in the county in 2009. I visited every corner of the county to record peoples' stories reflecting many walks of life. This podcast illustrates the true value of oral history in capturing not alone the unique stories, but also the nuances and complexities of language and accent, making for fascinating listening.

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Fr. James Good: Theologian, Philosopher and Educator

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 12:13:51 GMT

In this powerful recording compiled in 2005, Fr. Good discusses the aftermath of the Papal Encyclical Humanae Vitae; his challenging exchanges with Church and State; his years working with unmarried mothers and their babies in Cork in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

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Irish Schoolchildren Ask the Questions 20 Years Ago

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:03:03 GMT

In 2002, with the permission of school authorities, I visited primary schools in South West Ireland and handed my microphone to the children so that they could ask questions of a very knowledgeable person in their community. The questions asked ranged far and wide, and some wonderful recordings were compiled as a result.

The schools visited were:

Knockerra National School in West Clare with Anne Shannon

Dromnacurra National School in North Kerry with John Lyons

Knocknasna National School in West Limerick with Dan Keane

St. Oliver's National School, Killarney with Claire O'Sullivan

St. John's National School, Balloonagh, Tralee with John Blennerhassett.

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Negotiating the Good Friday Agreement

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 12:29:52 GMT

This podcast tells the story of those involved in bringing about the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

You will hear the voices of Dr. Martin Mansergh, special advisor on the North, who was involved in discussions between the Nationalist parties and the Irish Government, and Bertie Ahern who worked tirelessly to bring an end to violence in the North of Ireland.

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Paddy Hayes : Former MD Ford Ireland

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 11:25:44 GMT

This podcast relates to a recording compiled with Paddy Hayes who recalled initially his climb to the top of the Ford factory in Cork before having to close the factory on 13th July 1980. He was then headhunted by Waterford Crystal, became Chairman of the company and again finding himself in a situation where, in April 1989, he had to leave because of reported accounting errors. The factory closed in January 2009.

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Remembering General Liam Lynch

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 09:09:34 GMT

Liam Lynch was Chief of Staff of the IRA during much of the Civil War in Ireland. He was killed in South Tipperary on 10 April 1923 while attempting to escape capture by the Free State Army.

Two voices from our Irish Life and Lore archive may be heard in this podcast - those of his nephew, Diarmuid Mullins and his niece, Peggy Lyne. Comments by the General's namesake, Liam Lynch from Knocknagoshel are also included.

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Marking the Centenary in Kerry of the formation of An Garda Siochana

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:21:05 GMT

On 30th November 2022 the centenary was marked at a ceremony in Listowel at which I spoke, and also at a number of other venues in Kerry during the month of December. I used audio material from our Irish Life and Lore archive to illustrate my talk and to demonstrate the importance of recorded oral history. In this podcast you will hear the sound clips I used, in the order in which they occurred during the century.

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The Big House in Kerry : A Social History

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 16:15:40 GMT

This week's podcast takes a look at a most anticipated new book which will be published next week. The Big House in Kerry: A Social History will be in bookshops after 25th November. It will also be available via our website at www.irishlifeandlore.com Twelve of Kerry's fine historians contributed chapters for the book, each examining an individual Big House and its family. The voices of some of the contributors are featured in this podcast.

A large body of work at 340 pages, the book is edited by Jane O'Hea O'Keeffe of Irish Life and Lore. It is lavishly illustrated with historical images and previously unseen photographs from the family archives of those featured in the chapters. The price of the book is €39.

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David Slattery : Travel Agent Based in Tralee, County Kerry

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 11:44:47 GMT

David Slattery, who sadly passed away recently, was one of the most innovative tour operators of his generation. In the early 1960s he saw huge change beginning in the travel industry. He joined the family travel business in Tralee, which had begun trading as a shipping agency in the 1930s. He introduced new ideas which greatly benefited The Kingdom. David, and his wife Betty, were recorded at their home in Fenit in 2006.

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An Interview with Distinguished Irish Architect Cathal O'Neill

Sat, 22 Oct 2022 12:46:08 GMT

Cathal O'Neill, who sadly passed away recently, left an extraordinary legacy in Ireland. In this recording he discusses his background, and growing up in Capel Street in central Dublin. His father set up a business in 1918 for manufacturing Gaelic footballs. He references the "incredible luck that paved the path" through his life. He recalls meeting his future wife Deirdre Monks; studying under Mies Van der Rohe in Chicago; teaching architecture during turbulent times at UCC in 1961 and his appointment as Head of School in 1972.

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An Interview with Ted Crosbie (RIP) of Cork

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:19:03 GMT

Ted Crosbie sadly passed away on 9th October 2022. In recordings compiled between 2009 and 2011, he recalls his early life at Woodlands House, Montenotte, Cork; his schooldays and his studies at UCC; his rugby career; his love of sailing and his many adventures in the sport, and his long involvement with Cork Opera House.

He also recalls his early days with the Cork Examiner and the conditions which prevailed at the time when his long career with the paper began.

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108 Year Old Lady takes a Jaunt in 108 year old Model T Ford in Dublin's Phoenix Park

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 15:07:30 GMT

Mairin Hughes, one of Ireland’s oldest citizens, resident in Mayfield Nursing Home in Dublin, takes a ride around The Phoenix Park in a car of the same age. We stopped off at a teashop on the way back to Mayfield

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Life as it was on the Islands off Clare and Galway

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:08:49 GMT

Recently, Maurice O'Keeffe took a cycling trip along the coast roads of Clare and Galway. The first stop was to meet up with sisters-in-law Kitty and Margaret McNamara, married to McNamara brothers. who at one time lived on Scattery Island, and Michael Nolan who was involved in purchasing back the island in the 1980s.

The, onwards to Doolin to meet Micheal Shannon who is farming on the Burren and who knew the Aran Islanders who came ashore. Also included is a recording from the Irish Life and Lore archive compiled with Thomas Kennelly from Innis Oirr.

Finally, to Kinvara where Richard Burke brought Maurice across to Island Eddy. He knew the islanders and spoke passionately of his memories of them.

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Life as it Was : On the Islands off the Kerry Coast

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 09:58:32 GMT

This is the first in a series of podcasts on life as it was on the islands off the west coast of Ireland.

Featured in this podcast are:

Beginish Island in Valentia Harbour in Co. Kerry with the legendary Gaelic Footballer Mick O'Connell.

Illauntannig, one of the Seven Hogs which lie between Brandon Point and Kerry Head with boat-builder Bog Goodwin.

Skellig Michael or The Great Skellig, west of the Iveragh Peninsula, with archaeologist Michael Gibbons.

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Sean Keating's Men of the South : Crawford Gallery Cork Exhibition - "As they must have been"

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 11:20:03 GMT

In this podcast Michael Waldron, Curator of Collections and Special Collections at the Crawford Art Gallery, Cork speaks about assembling the collection of the paintings by Sean Keating, including An IRA Column which is kindly on loan from Aras an Uachtarain. You will hear him examine the study of composition, the story of the individuals depicted and the circumstances surrounding the creation of Keating's iconic masterpiece - Men of the South.

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Capturing Their Story - Kilcormac, Co. Offaly

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 11:42:54 GMT

The project came about due to a collaboration between Creative Ireland Community Grant allocation and Kilcormac Development Association.

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The Seven Arch Bridge at Kilmessan, Co. Meath

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 08:59:23 GMT

Heritage Week 2022 was a busy week for Irish Life and Lore, spent up and down the country.

Scurlogstown Olympiad Haymaking Festival in Kilmessan, Co. Meath was one of our destinations. An ancient 7 arch packhorse bridge is located nearby in the townland of Knightsbrook which is the focus of this week's podcast.

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Special : In Remembrance of Pauline Bewick

Sat, 06 Aug 2022 16:10:48 GMT

News of the death of artist and illustrator Pauline Bewick at her Kerry home on 28 July was met with widespread regret and sadness.

We were privileged to compile a recording with her at her home near Glenbeigh in May 2019. in a wide-ranging and fascinating recording, many aspects of her life are explored; her early years growing up in a cottage outside Kenmare; discovering her great skill as an artist at a very early age; attending the National College of Art and Design in Dublin; developing her artistic skills and meeting her future husband Pat Melia in 1963.

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The Irish Civil War : The Ballyseedy Massacre

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 14:48:17 GMT

This 4th episode in the Irish Life and Lore Civil War inn Kerry Series of podcasts relates to the massacre at Ballyseedy near Tralee on 7th March 192 You will hear a series of powerful testimonies by those who were close to events on that dreadful day when nine IRA members were taken from the Irish Army Barracks at Ballymullen Barracks in Tralee to Ballyseedy where they were tied to a land mine which was then detonated. One of the nine - Stephen Fuller - survived, though badly injured.

The voices you will hear include those of Dr. Dermot Lynch, son of Brigadier Fionán Lynch; Dr. Risteard Mulcahy, son of Chief of Staff Dick Mulcahy; Fred O'Connor, son of Sgt. Joe O'Connor; Archdeacon Rowland Blennerhassett, eyewitness; Sr. Philomena O'Daly, daughter of Paddy O'Daly, GOC Kerry Command; Tony Roche, relative of GOC Paddy O'Daly; Lily Ryle, eyewitness.

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The Irish Civil War : Revolutionary Kerry Women

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 14:21:59 GMT

Two gripping stories are to be heard in this podcast. The first voice you will hear is that of Eleanor Burke of Kenmare. She was the daughter of Rosalie Rice who, along with her mother Kathleen and brother John Joe, were steeped in republicanism. During the Civil War Kenmare was bitterly divided. Free Staters the O'Connor Scarteen brothers were shot unarmed in their home. Members of the IRA were excommunicated.

The second voices are those of Mary Cashman, niece of Cuman na mBan member Annie Sinnott from Kerry, and Chris Halpin, grandnephew of Cuman na mBan member Bridie Halpin from Dublin. Both women went on hunger strike at Kilmainham Jail in February 1923. In 2006, Mary and Chris came to their cell in Kilmainham Jail to see their relatives' names scratched into the wall, and a message: All I ask is to remember me.

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The Irish Civil War : The Protestant Community during the Civil War in Kerry

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 13:11:58 GMT

The stories of the experiences of three families during the Civil War: the Blennerhassetts from Ballymacelligott and Killarney, the Talbots from Killarney are told in this podcast. Their lives were threatened, their houses and hay sheds burnt and their cattle were taken. The voices you will hear are Frank Blennerhassett, originally from Ballymacelligott, Thomas Blennerhassett and Herbert Gow of Culleenybeg near Killarney, and Charles Boyle Talbot of Aghadoe, Killarney.

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The Irish Civil War : Stories from South Kerry

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 15:18:36 GMT

This is the first in a Civil War series of Podcasts. You will hear stories from South Kerry relating to the period 28th June 1922 to 24th March 1923, when the county suffered greatly.

From Ballinskelligs in South Kerry comes a soundclip from Maurice Curran who was originally from the village of Dungaeagen and was recorded in 2003. Also included is a soundclip from a recording compiled with Catherine Murphy (née O'Shea) from Ballinskelligs in the 1980s

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The Importance of the Irish Relationship with the Potato Crop

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 07:55:26 GMT

The Irish Potato Federation was proud to host the World Potato Congress in North Dublin recently. To mark this occasion, Irish Life and Lore have selected soundclips from recordings in our archive to illustrate the importance of the potato crop to generations of Irish people down through the years.

Featured are the voices of the following people:

Tom Maher, Co. Offaly

Eddie Walsh, Co. Clare

Mary Clifford, Co. Kerry

Annie McConnell, Co. Donegal

Thomas O'Connor, Co. Donegal

Mary Coyle, Co. Kildare

Paud Flynn, Co. Dublin

Mary Leonard, Co. Dublin

Patrick Lambert, Co. Dublin

Seamus McHugh, Co. Donegal

Tom O'Connor, Co. Kerry

Brigid Burke, Co. Mayo

Brigid Malone, Co. Tipperary.

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Stories and Memories of South West Cork

Thu, 26 May 2022 10:38:16 GMT

In 2004, recordings were compiled in Balyvourney, Inchigeela, Coolea in Southwest Cork and Kilgarvan in Kerry.

Recorded were Donal McSweeney, a wonderful local historian; Cáit ni Bhuachalla who is well known for her singing, though on this occasion she told some extraordinarily humorous stories; Mary Sweeney who spoke about Pattern Day at St. Gobnait's Shrine and Holy Well; Joe Creedon lists the local place names and migration in the area; Donal O'Sullivan and Maura O'Sullivan speak about the supernatural events which occurred, and a day out in the ancient City on the Paps; Joe Lucey recalls the old people who lived remotely, from Grousement on the foothills of the mountain near Kilgarvan.

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Living History

Fri, 06 May 2022 09:00:06 GMT

This week's podcast features one of Ireland's oldest citizens who is aged 108 - Máirín Hughes.

Máirín's extraordinary recall and articulation makes this recording very special indeed. She discusses her parents' membership of the Gaelic League in 1910; the Spanish Flu in Ireland in 1918; The Black and Tans in Killarney in 1921; the early days of the new Free State; Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932; visiting the Blasket Islands in 1929; working in the medical laboratory in UCC from 1932 until 1948.

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A Century of Change

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 15:40:20 GMT

In this podcast you will hear the following voices speak on their areas of interest and expertise:

Changes in Farming Practices

Margaret Gill's speaks about her family farm in Dublin; Mary Heavey of Tullamore discusses women in farming; Kerrywoman Mary O'Sullivan recalls how the parish was once the centre of the universe

The evolution of Policing and Defence in Ireland

Retired Col.Desmond Travers speaks about history repeating itself; Ann McCabe, widow of Det. Garda Gerry McCabe who was shot by the IRA in Adare, recalls the trauma following the tragic event; retired Ban Garda Mary Stratford recalls her arrest of an individual in her early days on duty.

Changes in Business in Ireland

David Kennedy, Former CEO, Aer Lingus Group describes the management structures in the 1960s.

Social Community Change

Also discussed in this podcast by several people included in our archive

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Brigid Hogan O'Higgins : Member of an Irish Political Dynasty - Part II

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 15:32:13 GMT

This is the second podcast relating to the political life of Brigid Hogan O'Higgins, Fine Gael T.D. from 1957 - 1977.

She recalls her tenure as a female politician in those years, in a male dominated Leinster House.

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Brigid Hogan O'Higgins - A Member of an Irish Political Dynasty Part I

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMT

This is the first section of a two part podcast in which Brigid Hogan O'Higgins discusses her fascinating family background. We hear about the rounding up of some of her family members by the British military during the War of Independence, and their imprisonment at Ballykinlar Camp in Co. Down.

Also discussed are the executions carried out during the Civil War, and the friendship which existed between Paddy Hogan, Kevin O'Higgins, Desmond Fitzgerald and Michael Collins. The brave female members of her family are recalled.

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Twilight of the Ascendancy from the woman's perspective

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 15:00:00 GMT

In this podcast you will hear the voices of the following women as they discuss their lives in an Irish Big House:

Helen Simpson, née Morgan, Ballymaloe House, Co. Cork

Emily Villiers Stuart of Dromana in Waterford

Rosaleen Tonson Rye of Ryecourt, Co. Cork

Henrietta Lady Staples of Capppagh House, Co. Waterford.

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Policing the Irish Free State Part 2/2

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT

This week's podcast continues to highlight Irish men and women who served their country as members of An Garda Síochána in earlier days. You will hear sound clips from recordings compiled with retired members of the force, who include:

Bertie Carey, originally from North Kerry, who was suspended from the force in the 1950s.

William Geary from West Limerick, suspended in 1929.

Jim Crockett, originally from Cork city who was involved in the recovery of stolen art works in the late 1980s.

Pat Kearney, originally from Castleisland Co. Kerry recalls his time on the beat in Limerick city in the 1960s.

Ann McCabe, widow of Garda Gerry McCabe, discusses the killing of her husband during an attempted bank raid by the IRA in Adare in 1996.

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Policing the Irish Free State Part 1/2

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:00:00 GMT

An Garda Síochána was formed in February 1922. To mark this forthcoming centenary, we have selected from our archive of oral history recordings some excerpts which illustrate the manner in which policing was carried out by men and women who dedicated their working lives to the service of the Irish state.

The voices you will hear on this podcast are:

Dan Donovan, born in 1906, joined An Garda Síochána in 1922

George Dennison, born 1925. Joined 1945

Michael Kilkenny, born 1918. Joined 1939

Gerry Murray, born 1930s. Joined 1960s

Mary Stratford, born 1940. Joined 1960

Eamon Doyle, born 1940. Joined 1963

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The Handover of Dublin Castle and its Administration

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMT

The Handover of Dublin Castle, and its administration by the British to the newly formed Provisional Government of Ireland on 16th January 1922 marked the most important event in Irish history since the country's occupation many centuries earlier.

In the podcast may be heard the voices of the following people:

The late Col. Sean Clancy who was born in 1901 in Co. Clare and was present at the historic event.

John Bellingham whose father, Arthur Stuart Bellingham, joined the Royal Artillery Regiment, was gassed in the trenches and was sent back to Ireland to serve on the staff at Dublin Castle from 1917 until the handover in 1922.

The late Michael Finucane, who was born in 1903 in North Kerry, joined the newly-formed Irish Civil Service, and he provides a fascinating first hand account of the transition of Government as events unfolded before, during and after the handover of Dublin Castle.

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The Life Story of Jackie Healy Rae in his own words

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 15:00:00 GMT

This podcast features a recording compiled with the late Jackie Healy Rae in 2011. It is fascinating, revealing and funny.

During the recording he speaks frankly about his early life and the poverty endured by his family, the beginning of his hard working early life, his introduction to politics locally, his involvement in local and general elections, and his tenure as a T.D. in Dáil Eireann.

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Christmas Memories and Stories from Kerry

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 12:00:00 GMT

In this final podcast of 2021 you will hear the voices of the following people as they describe in lovely detail their memories of Christmases past.

John B. Keane, remembers Christmas in Listowel and relates a story about the season. He also explains the importance of the rhythm in his writings and compares it to the works of Charles Dickens.

Eamon Kelly tells one of his favourite stories entitled "The Tea Man"

Poet, writer and storyteller from North Kerry, Dan Keane recalls the time the magic of Christmas was lost to him.

Nancy Price, the well known Kenmare storyteller, recalls the traditional cooking on Christmas Day.

Mick Moynihan, a sheep farmer from the hills of West Kerry describes Christmas for the country people of his area in the early years of the 20th century.

Molly Walsh who grew up in Ballinskelligs in South Kerry sings a very old Christmas hymn.

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Investigating and Archiving the Drummin House Papers

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 12:00:00 GMT

This is the 3rd and final episode in the story of Drummin House, Carbury, Co. Kildare. The first episode featured a recording with the late Grattan de Courcy Wheeler. The second episode described the discovery of historical papers in the attic at Drummin.

This final episode is about the investigation and archiving of these papers at the Local Studies and Archives in Kildare town, with librarian Kevin Murphy, archivists Karel Kiely and James Dorney.

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Memories of Trinity College Community 1930s-1950s

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 15:00:00 GMT

This podcast provides a unique opportunity to hear a selected number of sound clips taken from the Trinity College Dublin Oral History Collection we compiled in 2011.

The voices you will hear include those of:

Barbara Wright, Emeritus Prof. French Literature

Brian McMurry, Emeritus Prof. Organic Chemistry

Geraldine Watts, graduate and widow of former Provost Bill Watts

Ian Howie, Emeritus Associate Prof. Zoology. Former Vice Provost

Janet Moody, graduate and daughter of T.W.Moody

Jennifer Lyons, widow of former Provost F.S.L. Lyons

Joseph Haughton, Emeritus Prof. Geography

Leslie Greer, graduate

Louden Ryan, Emeritus Prof. Political Economy

Peter Boyle, Emeritus Senior Lecturer Organic Chemistry

Peter Gatenby, Emeritus RegiusProf. Physic

Susan Parks, Emeritus Senior Lecturer Education

William Vincent Denard, Emeritus Senior Lecturer Mental and Moral Science

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Memories of Antique Dealers in Ireland 1960s

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 13:00:00 GMT

In this podcast you will hear the voices of some of Ireland's best known antique dealers of former days, including:

George Stacpoole

Simon Quilligan

Nick Nicholson

Jane Williams

Jerry Kenyon

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The O'Mahony Family Papers return to Kerry

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 16:00:00 GMT

The O'Mahony family papers and artifacts from Kilmorna House near Listowel in North Kerry were presented to Kerry Co. Museum in October 2021.

Included among the collection is a hand-written letter dated 13 April 1829, written by Pierce Mahony who was working solicitor to Daniel O'Connell, at the House of Lords at Westminster, just as Catholic Emancipation was given royal assent.

Also included in the collection is a Visitors Book kept at Kilmorna between 1858 and 1898, and amongst the signatures is that of Charles Stuart Parnell, poet W.B.Yeats, writer and artist Percy French and revolutionary Maud Gonne.

Pierce Mahony's grandson, Pierce O'Mahony - The O'Mahony - was half brother to Sir Arthur Vicars, Keeper of the Irish Crown Jewels who was shot at Kilmorna prior to the burning of the house by the IRA in 1921. Included in the collection are letters written by Vicars and by Charles Stuart Parnell

To mark this historic occasion, we created a podcast which includes the voices of the descendants of Pierce O'Mahony: Kerry Pocock, her brother Richard Page and her daughter Iva; Claudia Kohler, Education Officer at Kerry Co. Museum; historian in residence at Kerry Co. Council Tom Dillon; Conservation Officer Kerry Co. Council Victoria McCarthy; former Tánaiste Dick Spring; Lord Mayor of Kerry Cllr. Jimmy Moloney; local historian Kay Caball; former Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht and President of Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society Jimmy Deenihan.

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Special Edition - An Interview with Brendan Kennelly (RIP)

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:00:00 GMT

In 2011, while working on the Trinity College Dublin Oral History Collection, I met and recorded Brendan Kennelly. This was a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with him and get to know him better. I recorded his life story at length in the Long Room in the old library at Trinity College. May he rest in peace.

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The Origins of the Wexford Opera Festival

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 10:00:00 GMT

In 1951 the first Wexford Opera Festival was staged in the Theatre Royal in Wexford town. It began as an informal gathering of friends listening to gramophone music developed into one of Europe's leading classical music events.

In 2008, funded by Wexford Co. Council, we recorded those instrumental in the foundation of an Opera Study Circle in 1950 and the voices you will hear on the podcast include:

Eithne Scallan; Marie Fane; Judy Sinnott; Peter McGuire; Charlotte Hendrick; Annie Murphy; Mairead Furlong; John and Nancy Sherwood; Hlen Skrine; Mairtin McCullough; Jimmy O'Connor; Dr. Nora Liddy; James Golden; Dr. Tom Walsh.

For further information on the Wexford Opera Oral History Collection please follow this link on our website irishlifeandlore.com:

https://www.irishlifeandlore.com/product-category/recordings/by-county/wexford/

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An Irish Missionary in Russia

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Fr. Michael Screene was appointed to Russia in 1995. These were pioneering days for the Sacred Heart Missionaries.

His first assignment was to Moscow to learn the language and in 1996 he was sent to the Caucasus to work in the three republics there.

In this podcast he describes in detail the aftermath of the Chechen War , the people and their memories of how they survived during the time of the Iron Curtain.

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An Interview with Reggie Goodbody

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:00:00 GMT

I compiled this recording with Reggie Goodbody in 2007, on the shores of Lough Derg in Co. Clare. The recording begins with a description of the background to the flour milling business by the Quakers in Ireland, and details on the Goodbody family line. Reggie's own career as manager of Legge Bros of O'Connell Street, Dublin from 1957 in examined, as is his boat building business in Portumna, Co. Galway.

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Memories from The Burren

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Last week, I took a trip to The Burren in Co. Clare to revisit people I had recorded 20 years ago for Irish Life and Lore. That visit inspired this week's podcast, using clips from those earlier recordings.

My first destination was Lisdoonvarna to meet Mary Angela Keane, one of the experts on the flora and fauna of the Burren. On then to Corrofin to meet historian and archaeologist Michael McMahon, and on to New Quay to meet Burren farmer Sean O'Halloran.

Bell Harbour was my next stop where I met Jack Hynes who also farmed at The Burren and then to Paddy Hynes who lived in the heart of The Burren and had collected many stories associated with the place.

Finally, I travelled to Doolin to meet Michael Shannon, farmer, historian and folklorist.

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Salvaging Pugin's Brasswork from St. Mary's Cathedral, Killarney

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 11:00:00 GMT

In the 1960s, Vatican 11 resulted in the introduction of great change in the Catholic Church, which included the dismantling and disappearance of many fine eclesiastical artifacts.

Major structural work was carried out on the interior of St. Mary's Cathedral, Killarney in order to adapt the building for the renewal liturgy, and decorative brass work designed by the cathedral architect Agustus Pugin specifically for the building, was removed and sold. Happily, the twelve brass electroliers have been repaired by the original manufacturers in Birmingham, and have been rehung in the cathedral.

In this podcast you will hear the voices of the following people:

Christa Link, daughter in law of German church architect, the late Clements Link who salvaged the brass work from St. Mary's Cathedral in 1972.

Bishop Eamon Casey, Bishop of Kerry in 1972.

Harry Wallace, Killarney architect

Jeanne Meldon, descendant of Agustus Pugin

Neil Phillips of Hardman & Co. Birmingham.

Fr. Brian Doolan, author and Dean at St. Jad's Cathedral, Birmingham

Sean O'Grady, member of Killarney Council

Alex White, church architect

David Cowan, stained glass artist and metal worker.

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The Story of The Kerryman Newspaper

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMT

This podcast features many voices from our oral history archive, taken from recordings we compiled over the years with staff members of The Kerryman newspaper and contains some fascinating stories and memories of working with the newspaper. It provides a great insight into how deeply embedded The Kerryman really is in the local community, and also with the Kerry diaspora around the world.

The people whose voices are included are:

Don Nolan, grandson of one of the founder members, Daniel Nolan.

Con Houlihan who began his journalistic career with The Kerryman.

Donal Hickey, who also began his career with The Kerryman.

Michael O'Regan, who also started with The Kerryman.

Seamus McConville, editor 1974-1988.

Michael Lynch IMPA. Joined the newspaper in 1948

Joe Galvin, joined in 1945. Company representative.

Eamon Horan, sports writer, joined 1959.

John Barry, sports writer from the 1970s.

Tommy Quirke, compositor from the 1940s.

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Prehistoric Treasures of Ireland

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Over the years, we at Irish Life and Lore have recorded people involved in the discovery of prehistoric artifacts and structures which have remained hidden for thousands of years in Ireland.

These include a cutaway bog in a valley on the Beara Peninsula, close to Castletownbere, Co. Cork; a crannog (prehistoric dwelling) found in a bog in the midlands, near Edenderry, Co. Offaly; a flint arrowhead discovered at the site of Queen Scotia's grave near Tralee, Co. Kerry and a penannular brooch discovered in the ashes from a turf fire in a house near Ballylongford, Co. Kerry.

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The Late Grattan de Courcy Wheeler - An Extraordinary Irish Family History

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 12:00:00 GMT

This podcast captures a moment of discovery when a treasure trove of old family letters dating back to the late 18th century, military uniforms and swords from the same period, old books, paintings and photographs is discovered.

The records were very recently found in a trunk in one of the attic rooms at Drummin House, Carbury, Co. Kildare.

The voices you will hear are those of Simon Wheeler, nephew of the late Grattan de Courcy Wheeler; Jim Pender and Eugene Finnegan, both of whom gave long service to the de Courcy Wheeler family of Drummin; Kevin Murphy, Karol Kiely and James Dorney of Local Studies at Kildare Co. Library.

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The Hills Cricket Club, Skerries, Co. Dublin

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

This week's podcast relates to the very successful Hills Cricket Club which celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2019 when this oral history documentary was compiled.

The voices you will hear are the following:

The late Joe Clinton and his brother Seamus

Maureen Byrne, in her 100th year, and her son Paddy

Local historian Jim Bennett

International cricket player Matt Dwyer

Richard Wentges of the Milverton Hall Wentges family

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The Mooneys of the Doon, Ballinahown, Co. Offaly

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 10:00:00 GMT

In January 2005, at his home at The Doon, the late Roy Mooney sat down to be recorded for Irish Life and Lore. The Mooney family have lived there for ovar 1,000 years.

A wonderful recording on family history, memories of the Black and Tans and the Civil War, details about Esker Castle, the stronghold of the Mooneys, the relics of St. Manchán and a hurley dating back to the early part of the 19th century.

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A Recording Compiled with John Bellingham

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 10:00:00 GMT

The Bellingham family originally settled at Castle Bellingham in Co. Louth in 1660. John Bellingham, a descendant, now lives in an early 19th c. house on the Hill of Howth, and he also owns the Glencara Estate in Westmeath.

This podcast is made up of soundclips taken from the several recordings compiled with John Bellingham for Irish Life and Lore oral history collections. The complete recordings are available via www.irishlifeandlore.com

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The Irish Diaspora in Toronto

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

In 2012, we at Irish Life and Lore compiled and archived 81 recordings for a Heritage Oral History Collection. The recordings were arranged into various categories and are available on our website www.irishlifeandlore.com

One of the categories is entitled The Irish Diaspora, and includes 10 recordings compiled in Toronto, Canada with business people who arrived from Ireland decades ago and set up in business in the city. This podcast illustrates the successes and challenges they faced along the way.

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Storytellers of Ireland

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Over the past thirty years we at Irish Life and Lore have recorded some of Ireland's best storytellers from around the country, and this week's episode features their voices.

They include Joe Clinton from Margaretstown, Skerries in Dublin; Maisie Cooper from Limerick city; Martin McMahon and Robin O'Connell from Meelick, Co. Clare; Eamon Kelly from Dublin and Gabriel Fitzmaurice from Kerry. Gabriel Fitzmaurice is the only person who survives from this very talented group of storytellers.

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A Celebration of the Music of Johnny O'Leary of Sliabh Luachra

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 10:00:00 GMT

This week's podcast celebrates the musicianship of one of Sliabh Luachra's great masters - Johnny O'Leary who passed away in February 2004. He was the custodian of the tradition handed down to him by Padraig O'Keeffe and Denis Murphy.

Sliabh Luachra extends from East Kerry and North Cork to West Limerick. In 2003 I visited Dan O'Connell's pub in Knocknagree and recorded Johnny O'Leary playing with his friends at an evening of exquisite music to celebrate his 80th birthday.

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Bishop Eamon Casey's Own Story Part 2

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Bishop Eamon was recorded at his home in Shanaglish in Co. Galway in 2006. This podcast includes soundclips from these recordings. He discusses his time as Bishop of Kerry from 1969, his chairmanship of Trocaire 1973, his tenure of Bishop of Galway, his meeting with Pope John Paul 11 during his visit to Ireland in 1979, being confronted by the media, his time in Equador, his interview with the late Veronica Guerin and his return to Ireland.

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Bishop Eamon Casey's Own Story Part 1

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 10:00:00 GMT

This podcast reflects the first section of Eamon Casey's story, told in his own words. Parts 2 and 3 will follow.

Eamon recalls his childhood and early life in Adare, Co. Limerick, his decision to become a priest, his ministry in his parish in Limerick city, his involvement in the Irish Chaplaincy Scheme in England from 1959 to 1969.

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Ambushing the Black and Tans in Kerry

Sat, 29 May 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Two significant ambushes took place in Kerry during the War of Independence; The Lispole Ambush of 21st March 1921 and the Ballymacandy Ambush of 1st June 1921.

The details of the ambushes are set out by two members of the old IRA, both of whom took part. Dan Keating and John Scannell give eyewitness testimonies of the events, and also speak about the days prior to the ambushes and the aftermath. Both gentlemen have now passed away.

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Memories of Clondalkin Paper Mills

Fri, 21 May 2021 13:00:00 GMT

The paper mill was located beside the Camac River, and it was established in the early 19th century by Thomas Seery & Son. The fresh, clean water of the Camac was ideal for use in paper making, and the business thrived during the Great War. It went downhill thereafter and closed in 1922.

The paper mill reopened in 1937 when a change in government came about. Eamon deValera was instrumental in getting paper manufacturing up and running in the Republic after the formation of the Irish Free State.

In this podcast you will hear the voices of the following people:

Ann Cusack, daughter of M.D. Dr. Bert Cusack

Mary Curtin, Dr. Cusack's Private Secretary

Danny Curtin, Transport Manager

Deirdre Dowling, Paper Controller

Des Tannam and Derek Breen, Computer operators

Don Dardis, Production Planning Controller

Catherine Dardis, Chemist

Jim Nolan on paper making during the Emergency

Tommy Keogh, Clerk

Joe Stagg, Timber Purchaser

John Clarke, Loading Operative

Michael Davitt, Engineer

Liam Stone, Pulp Squad

Carl Walsh, Machiner

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Smith & Pearson: An old Dublin family business

Tue, 11 May 2021 11:00:00 GMT

In 1901 John Pearson and Joseph Smith began to manufacture gates and fencing. Their showrooms and offices were situated at 47 Dawson Street, Dublin.

The company exported high quality ironwork to the British colonies and to South America, and their business expanded to manufacture structural steelwork.

This podcast explores the challenges and successes experienced by the company before it fell into receivership in the 1970s. The voice of Irwin Pearson, son of John Pearson, may be heard as he recalls earlier times in the business. He was recorded at the premises of the Irish Architectural Archive at Merrion Square, Dublin

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Old Dublin Family Business - Bewleys

Tue, 11 May 2021 10:00:00 GMT

This is a story worth telling as Bewley's restaurant has been such an important part of the cultural life of Dublin life for so many years.

A landmark in Grafton Street, the restaurant was run by several generations of the Bewley family who are of the Quaker tradition. The business was sold in 1980 to Campbell Catering.

Telling the intriguing story of Bewley's you will hear the voices of Patrick Bewley and Patrick Campbell.

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The Landed Gentry of West Cork - Podcast from Irish Life and Lore

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The first Plantation of West Cork took place in the 1580s, and continued into the 17th century. The English Crown hoped to create English settlements which could be defended in the area as they had been in the broader region of Ireland.

The planters were given vast acreages of land which formed the origins of the great Anglo-Irish estates which were to survive for centuries.

During the War of Independence and the Civil War many West Cork’s Anglo-Irish landowners left Ireland due to intimidation, death threats and arson attacks on their properties. Some of the houses and the resident families survived the spate of burnings carried out by the IRA, and others, whose homes were destroyed, decided to remain despite the intimidation.

In this podcast you will hear the voices of the following people:

Violet Howe, Glounavirane House, Howe Strand, Kilbrittain

Neil Travers, Timoleague House, Timoleague

Rosaleen Tonson Rye, Ryecourt, Cloughduv

Ted Newenham, Coolmore House, Carrigaline

Stawell St. Leger Heard, Coolmaine Castle and Kilbrittain Castle, Kilbrittain.

Chambre Good, Cor Castle, Innishannon

Egerton Shelswell White, Bantry House

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The Battle of Knocknanuss in 1647

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:00:00 GMT

This podcast was compiled in response to an email we received recently from a descendant of Robert Travers, an officer serving under Murrough O'Brien, Lord Inchiquin at the Battle of Knocknanuss which took place outside Kanturk, Co. Cork in November 1647 during the Irish Confederate Wars.

Having downloaded and listened to our Irishlifeandlore.com oral history recordings which relate the detail of the battle, the emailer reiterated the importance of oral testimony in keeping alive the stories of our long and fascinating history.

The soundclips you will hear are taken from recordings compiled in 2001, and feature the voices of:

The late Hugh Burke of Assolas, Desmond Sharp-Bolster of Glenlohane and the late Con Tarrant of Banteer.

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The Story of Liebherr Cranes, Killarney

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 05:00:00 GMT

In 1949 in Germany, Hans Liebherr invented the tower crane, and he later commissioned the first Liebherr factory outside of Germany with the intention of gaining a foothold in the British and American markets. A site on the outskirts of Killarney was decided upon for the facility which would manufacture tower cranes, followed by container, shipyard and special cranes.

In this podcast, it is explained why Hans Liebherr chose Killarney as the site for his factory, and the expansion of the facility over the years is discussed, as is the outstanding success of the business and the logistics of transporting the crane parts.

Other voices to be heard are those of Klaus Nolke, Technical Director at Liebherr, his wife Christal Nolke, Sales Director Finian Ford, driver Brendan Griffin, administrator Brian O’Kelly, and Director of Fenit Harbour Board Michael Latchford.

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Memories of Irish Jesuits in Hong Kong

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 11:00:00 GMT

While working on an oral history project in 2011 to record the children of those who played a central role in the 1916 Rising, Maurice O'Keeffe of Irish Life and Lore (www.irishlifeandlore.com) travelled to Hong Kong to meet and record Fr. Joseph Mallin, son of executed revolutionary Michael Mallin.

The late Fr. Joseph Mallin worked as a Jesuit Missionary in Hong Kong. While there Maurice recorded not only his story about his father's life but also his testimony about his life as a Missionary in the region.

It was a fortuitous meeting which led to the compilation of seven further recordings with members of the Jesuit Community there, and soundclips from each of the eight recordings may be heard on this podcast.

All of the eight full length recordings are available via www.irishlifeandlore.com

The people recorded were the following:

Fr. Sean O Cearbhallain, Fr. John Russell, the late Fr. James Hurley, the late Fr. Alfred Deignan, the late Fr. Ciaran Kane, the late Fr. Harold Naylor and Fr. Sean Coghlan.

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Irish Nurses in Wartime Britain

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Our Irish Life and Lore archive contains some amazing personal testimonies from nurses who served in wartime Britain. In this podcast can be heard the voices of four remarkable women who volunteered to serve with the British forces during wartime.

They displayed incredible courage under dreadful conditions, and we are privileged to have recorded their stories.

Maura Morphey served in the Queen Alexandra Nursing Corps during WW2, initially in a Surrey sanatorium where she cared for German prisoners of war, and later in Lagos in Nigeria during the evacuation there.

Anne Meehan worked on Hospital Trains which were evacuating wounded troops from the D Day Landings. She was awarded Nurse of the Year 1946 by Leicester Hospital.

Deirdre de Burgh served in the Nightingale Training School and St. Thomas's Hospital in London, and she also manned the Casualty Clearing Stations for D Day.

Mary Savage served in WW1 as an ambulance driver with the St. John's Ambulance Service based in Rouen in France. Her father, Col. W.H.Savage also served in WW1.

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Irish Blacksmiths and Wheelwrights

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 15:00:00 GMT

The Blacksmith's Forge was once an important landmark in every town and village in Ireland, and the forge itself was an integral part of the community where news was passed on and discussed and humour was often paramount.

These days are now long departed, but this podcast helps to relive those times in our past. The voices you will hear are those of:

Jim Corrigan of Kinnity, Co. Offaly

Billy Kelly of Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Tom Good of Ballyfin, Co. Laois

Phillip Kelly of Jerpoint, Co. Kilkenny

Mick Flynn of Rynn, Co. Laois

Den Young of Causeway, Co. Kerry

James Nolan of Rear Cross, Co. Tipperary

Dan Edwards of Clonfanlough, Co. Offaly.

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John Moriarty - Philosopher, Writer and Poet

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 13:00:00 GMT

We were privileged to have been given the opportunity to record Kerryman John Moriarty during the year prior to his passing, in 2007. He was recorded at length about his life, his writings and his beliefs.

We were prompted to create this podcast having received an email from Canada in which the writer stressed the importance of getting the voice of John Moriarty, and details of his life's work, out to a wider audience. We are very happy to comply.

Original Email from Francis Cassidy -

My name is Francis Cassidy, a Donegal man currently living in Canada. I purchased the John Moriarty interviews from your site about 3 months ago and I very much enjoyed them. I was glad to find the interviews as I have been reading and listening to John for some years now.

I just wanted to reach out and ask if you would consider making the interviews freely available? Perhaps putting them up on YouTube or on your podcast? I really think that John had an important message and relatively few Irish people seem to be familiar with his work. Given that these interviews were carried out in the last year of his life, and there was so much wisdom, I really feel that you'd be honouring the man by making his words freely available for others to learn from in these turbulent times. I often think of other thinkers who have passed on, and when their talks are freely available they seem to find and influence more people in subsequent generations.

Whatever you decide to do, I want to thank you for recording these interviews with John at the time. I enjoyed them thoroughly.

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Upstairs Downstairs in the Irish Country House

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMT

With this podcast we take a step back in time to when the Irish landscape was dotted with large country estates and Big Houses. The wooded demesnes of many of these houses still remain, though the houses may have disappeared. Many of the houses which survive have taken on a new life.

Without the butler, the cook, the footman, the housekeeper, the gardener, gamekeeper and gillie, none of the the Big Houses in their day could function efficiently, and this podcast brings you the voices of some of the staff who spent their lives in the service of the Irish gentry families:

We relive former days with staff members of Ardgillen Castle in North Co. Dublin, Gloster House and Birr Castle in Co. Offaly and Adare Manor in Co. Limerick.

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Memories of Farming Life in Ireland 1950s - 1960s

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Over many years Maurice O'Keeffe of Irish Life and Lore has travelled the roads of Ireland meeting and compiling oral history recordings with members of the farming community for our organisation Irish Life and Lore. The changes witnessed on Irish farms during the 1950s and 1960s are recalled and discussed in these recordings.

During these years the farming women worked just as hard as did the men, working in the dairy, milking the cows and churning the butter, among other tasks. Nothing was wasted by these industrious women and recycling was the norm.

Meal bags were recycled as covers for feather mattresses and the bags were also cut open and two sewn together in the middle to make sheets; chickens, geese and turkeys were reared and plucked; reeds were gathered and dried for basket weaving; straw rope was fashioned for Sugan chair seats; patchwork quilts were sewn using cut-off scraps of cloth; bacon and mackerel were salted; chaff was separated wheat; meals were cooked and water boiled for clothes-washing over the open fire and water was drawn from the well.

All of this industry, and much more, is recalled in this podcast which features the voices of some of the hard-working women of Ireland of former days.

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Memories of Irish Architects in a Century of Change

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Over the past few years I have been recording those who made a contribution towards the development of Ireland since the foundation of the State in 1922.

I wanted to record people who inspired in the field of architecture, resulting in an improvement in the quality of all our lives. The Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland supported this oral history project.

The members of the RIAI whose voices you will hear in this podcast are:

Alex White, Cork

Neil Scott, Dublin

Des McMahon, Dublin

Angela Brady, Dublin and UK

Padraig Murry, Dublin

Robin Mandal, Dublin

Joan O'Connor, Chartered Architect and Arbitrator

Cathal O'Neill, Former UCD Professor

Owen Lewis, Former UCD Professor

Neil Hegarty, Former Chief Architect Cork City and County

Shane O'Toole, Architectural Historian

Paddy Shaffrey, Dublin

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Bord na Mona: An Oral History of the Irish Peat Industry

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 07:00:00 GMT

In Ireland bogs are found in various regions, mainly in the midlands. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the British government began to encourage the development of Ireland's peatlands, and the improvement of the quality of turf for fuel. In the 1930s the government of the Irish Free State formed the Turf Development Board, later to become Bord na Mona.

In this podcast you will hear accounts of the stage by stage progress in the industry, beginning with the primitive harvesting of hand-won turf in West Kerry at the beginning of the 20th century, and local communities uniting to form Turf Societies in the 1920s. Mention is made of the first engineers to work for the Turf Development Board, and in the 1940s the introduction of new machinery from Germany, the making of roads, bridges and track lines through the bogs, the migrant workers from elsewhere in Ireland to work in the Midlands, and in the 1960s, the Russian influence in production and the finally, the fuel crisis of the early 1970s.

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Scattery Island: Its historical background and its inhabitants

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Scattery Island is situated at the mouth of the River Shannon on the west coast of Ireland. It has a long and rich history. The island is associated with St. Senan since the 6th century, and in the 9th century it was home to the Vikings.

For centuries Scattery was an ecclesiastical seat of learning, and in the 19th century river pilots and their families settled there, and remained until the last resident left in the 1970s.

In this podcast you will hear North Kerry historian Padraig O Concubhair and Clare historian Sean Spellissy speak about the history, myth and legend of Scattery Island, and Don and May Scanlon recall their young days growing up on Scattery.

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Memories of Trinity College Dublin 1930s - 1970s

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 14:00:00 GMT

In 2011 we were commissioned by Trinity College Dublin to compile an oral history collection. 88 people were recorded, many of whom have since passed away. The voices you will hear on this podcast are those of former academic staff, former students and domestic staff.

Joseph Haughton, Fellow Emeritus, Prof. Geography

Leslie Greer, Graduate French and German

Lyndall Luce, widow of Prof. John Luce

Louden Ryan, Fellow Emeritus, Prof. Political Economy

Barbara Wright, Fellow Emeritus, Prof French Literature

David McConnell, Senior Fellow, Prof. Genetics. Former Vice Provost

Geraldine Watts, Graduate English and German. Widow of Former Provost Bill Watts

Donald Weir, Fellow Emeritus, Regius Prof. Physic

Janet Moody, Graduate Modern Languages. Daughter of T.W.Moody, Prof. Modern History

Brian McMurry, Fellow Emeritus, Prof. Organic Chemistry

Susan Parks, Fellow Emeritus, Senior Lecturer Education

Melissa Webb, Chairman Trinity Assoc. and Trust, daughter of Prof. Stanford

Aiden Clarke, Emeritus,Erasmus Smith's Prof. Modern History. Son of Austin Clarke

Ian Howie, Fellow Emeritus, Assoc. Prof. Zoology. Former Vice Provost.

Rita O'Mahony, former Lady Housekeeper

Valentine Rice, Fellow Emeritus, Higher Education

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Old Dublin Family Businesses - W & R Jacob. (Jacob's Biscuits)

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT

In 1851 in Waterford city, Jacobs was set up, and some years later the business relocated to Bishop Street in Dublin.

During the 1970s Jacobs merged with Boland's Biscuits to form Irish Biscuits Ltd., and the factory relocated to Tallaght on the Dublin outskirts.

This podcast reveals the many challenges and successes of the company over the years. The voices of Jonathan Bewley and Michael Jenkins feature in the podcast, both of whom are descendants of the original owners.

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Old Dublin Family Businesses - L.R. Wood Ltd.

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 11:00:00 GMT

Trevor Wood tells a fascinating story of his family business in this podcast.

Beginning by recalling his father Leonard Wood, a true entrepreneur who set up the business in Dublin, trading under the name of Burwoods, and retailing early radios and crystal sets.

In 1927 he opened a business in Merchants St., and in 1932 the business name became Burwoods and L.R.Wood Wholesale.

In 1938 L.R.Wood Dublin office opened in Dame Street, moving to Pearce Street in 1941. Trevor Wood joined his father in business in 1952. He continued with a wholesaling business which developed into a cash and carry operation.

A story told with great passion which illustrates a fast moving business in changing times.

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Old Dublin Family Businesses - Winstanley Shoes 1870s to 1980s

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMT

This podcast features Denis O'Neill who is the last in the family line to manage the Winstanley Shoes business which closed in the 1980s. He gives a detailed insight into the business which was based in The Liberties, and illustrates a Dublin business life which has now gone forever.

This is the first in a series of podcasts on old Dublin family businesses. Along with the Winstanley Shoes business, included will be L.R. Wood Ltd; Jacobs Biscuits; Urneys Chocolates; Smith and Pearson Ltd. and Guinness Brewery.

All the recordings in this series were compiled for our three-year oral history project: The 1922-2022: A Century of Change in Ireland Oral History Collection, work on which will continue in 2021. These are the links to the recordings of 2019 and 2020.

https://www.irishlifeandlore.com/product-category/recordings/thematic/1922-2022-a-century-of-change/

https://www.irishlifeandlore.com/product-category/recordings/thematic/1922-2022-a-century-of-change-part-2/

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Hurling: The way we played the game in Kilkenny

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:00:00 GMT

This podcast provides a truly fascinating glimpse of the game of hurling in Kilkenny during the 20th century. You will hear the voices of some of the county's great hurlers as they recall details of some memorable sporting occasions.

Willie Lynch Walsh recounts stories from Civil War days, and Martin White recalls playing in the famous 1931 All Ireland Final. Three matches were played before the result was decided.

Philip "Fan" Larkin, who played in nine All Ireland Finals, discusses his playing career, and Eddie Keher describes the changes in the rules of the game of hurling.

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The Golden Age of Cork Comedy

Sat, 26 Dec 2020 17:00:00 GMT

The wonderful entertainment enjoyed in various venues around Cork city in earlier decades is recalled in this podcast which features the voices of many of the participants and performers. These people were hugely passionate about their craft and provided enormous entertainment, wit, humour and banter in the city, and the memories of those glorious nights in the Cork Opera House, the Group Theatre and elsewhere, live on in the collective Cork memory.

This collection of audio clips from the Irish Life and Lore archive, compiled in 2008, features the following voices:

Noel Barrett

Maeve Delaney

Dick and Sheila Healy

Bella O'Connell

Declan Hassett

Paddy Comerford

Charlie Hennessy

Dan Donovan

Frank Duggan

Michael Twomey

Gretta Owens

Vass Anderson

Donal O'Donovan

Siobhan O'Brien

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The Wren Boys and Mummers of Ireland

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 09:00:00 GMT

Each year on St. Stephen's Day, December 26th, sees the tradition of people in towns and villages in Ireland dress up in costume which includes a straw head covering, and parade through the streets behind a local band. This is a tradition which has remained unbroken for centuries and is still very strong in Dingle, Co. Kerry.

Muiris Rohan discusses the Wren Boys of Dingle, and playwright and author John B. Keane of Listowel recalls the fun in Listowel at the Wren.

In the village of Tournafulla in West Limerick lived Dan Curtin and his memories of the Wren, and those of Christy Nulty from The Naul in North Dublin as he discusses the Mummers in his area, bring the old traditions of St. Stephen's Day to life again.

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Men of the South: Irish Revolutionaries in Profile

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 14:00:00 GMT

This podcast tells a fascinating story about the Irish artist Sean Keating RHA (1889-1977) and his iconic painting Men of the South. The work captures a time of turmoil in Ireland and features men from the North Cork Flying Column as they wait in ambush for a British military group. Keating created the painting at his Kildare Street, Dublin studio in 1922.

He had painted the Flying Column some months earlier, but included Commander 2nd North Cork Brigade IRA, Sean Moylan and Michael O'Sullivan. This painting hangs in Aras an Uachtarain and is entitled An IRA Column 1921.

In 1946, Keating's painting entitled Sinn Fein Courts was created during a visit to Newmarket in Cork. It now hangs in Collins Barracks in Cork.

The voices to be heard in this podcast are those of Dermot Kiely, son of Roger Kiely; David Browne, grandnephew of Dan Browne, Fr. John J. O Riordain, son of Jim Riordan, local historian Sheila O'Sullivan, relative of Michael O'Sullivan.

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The Arrival of Computer Technology in Ireland

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The computer is the single most significant factor to contribute to the world of communications which we inhabit today, but when did this technology arrive in Ireland?

In this podcast you will hear the voices of some of those who were instrumental in this endeavour, people such as engineer, Michael Haydon who occupied several top management positions and who discusses rural electrification; John Byrne, Emeritus Professor of Computer Science in TCD; Des Tannam who operated the first computer in Ireland at Clondalkin Paper Mills; Frank McCabe, former Director of Manufacturing with G.E's Semiconductors subsidy in Dundalk.

Also to be heard are former UCC President, Gerry Wrixon, former Director of National Microelectronics Research Centre; Edmund Walsh, Chairman of the Planning Board and former President of UL; Engineer Stepehn O'Sullivan, Electronic Engineer with Fexco; Brendan Tuohy, Former Asst. Secretary, Department of Transport Energy and Communications, and Larry Poland, former Head of Electrical Engineering, Crawford Institute of Technology, Cork who developed a course in Communications.

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The Battle of Jadotville

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 11:00:00 GMT

In 2000, an oral history project was undertaken by Irish Life and Lore www.irishlifeandlore.com on the Battle of Jadotville. Some of the survivors of the battle were recorded for the project.

Between 1960 and 1964 the Irish Army forces were involved in a peacekeeping mission with the UN in the Congo. On 13th September 1961, A Company 35th Platoon, numbering 152 men under the command of Kerryman, Comdt. Pat Quinlan, fought in a fierce battle which lasted 6 days and nights against the Katanganese Gendarmerie forces numbering between 2/3,000 troops. Remarkably, no Irish soldier was killed.

This podcast examines stage by stage the events as they unfolded, leading to a truce and a subsequent surrender.

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The Remarkable History of Drummin House, Kildare as Told by Grattan de Courcy Wheeler

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 11:00:00 GMT

Grattan de Courcy Wheeler, who sadly passed away in August 2020, was brought up at the Drummin family estate near Carbery, Co. Kildare.

I met Grattan initially in 2009 while researching for the Irish Country House Oral History Collection, and was immediately taken by his gentle manner and warm hospitality. Drummin House was wonderfully atmospheric and, on entering, I felt as though I was taking a step back in time. A fire blazed a welcome in the drawingroom where we sat to compile a recording on Grattan's story. We were to become firm friends, and his generous hospitality over the succeeding years eased the burden of travel for me as Jane and I continued our research in oral history.

His real fascinating with history was evident as he recalled the lives of his ancestors, who include the builder of Drummin, John Grattan; Grattan's grandfather, Robert de Courcy Wheeler, a medical officer who served in the Great War and who inherited Drummin, Grattan's granduncle, Henry de Courcy Wheeler, aide de camp to General Lowe in Dublin during the 1916 Rising and the officer who took Patrick Pearse's surrender.

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The Supernatural World

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 10:00:00 GMT

The Supernatural encompasses entities, events and places which would fall outside the scope of scientific understanding of the natural laws of nature.

Included would be supernatural beings such as the banshee, the fairies, angels, spirits, gods, and the human ability to create magic, experience premonitions and utilise telepathetic messaging.

All the people whose voices can be heard in this podcast have now passed away, but have left a legacy of stories and personal memories.

Poet and philosopher John Moriarty

Dr. Eunice McCarthy. UCD

Dr. Sean O Duinn. MIC

Writer/historian Valerie Bary

Writer/storyteller Dan Cronin

Hill farmer Denis Broderick

Farmer Nancy Flynn

Peggy O'Keeffe

Folklorist Sean O Dubhda

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Irish Halloween Stories

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 09:00:00 GMT

Halloween has been celebrated in Ireland for thousands of years, originating from the Pagan festival of Samhain which marked the beginning of the dark half of the year. It was believed that spirits and other unworldly beings could visit our mortal world at Halloween, and roam far and wide around the countryside.

The recordings you will hear in this podcast were compiled with people who were witnesses to paranormal activity, and with experts in the field of the supernatural.

Included are the voices of philosopher John Moriarty, Dr. Eunice McCarthy and Dr. Sean O Duinn.

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Lives in Peril

Sun, 18 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

In this podcast you will hear the voices of three Kerry people who, during their lives, were exposed to great danger and were lucky to survive to tell their stories.

Sr. Noreen Dennehy who assisted Mons. Hugh O'Flaherty in Rome during WW2 while he was sheltering Jews in the Vatican from the Nazis.

Jim O'Carroll, who loved soldering and joined the Scottish Commando unit of the British Army during WW2 and was captured behind enemy lines. He spent the remainder of the war being transferred from one prison to another.

Tim Kelly emigrated to Australia and lived there for many years. Having decided to return to Ireland, he built a boat and sailed back to Ireland, a trip which took two years.

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Stories from Irish Missionaries

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 08:00:00 GMT

Through the 20th c. young Irish men and women joined religious orders with a view to working on as missionaries around the world. The countries they worked in were often at war, famine-ridden or suffering through enormous social injustice.

In 2011, the Irish Missionary Union commissioned us to compile an oral history collection to record the experiences of 150 retired Irish missionaries who displayed incredible bravery and mental endurance in the face of multiple dangers. These soundclips are taken from just six representative recordings collected:

Fr. Michael Healy SSC. Born c. 1918. He describes some of his terrifying experiences in China.

Fr. Dan Fitzgerald SSC. Born 1916. He speaks about mental torture at the hands of the Peoples Liberation Army.

Sr. Columba O'Flaherty PBVM. Born 1910. She taught in India for over 60 years, taking care of the "Untouchables".

Sr. Maeve O'Sullivan DC. Born c. 1920. She worked with prisoners in Nigeria.

Fr. Brian Starrett CSSP. Born 1930s. His mission was to Sierra Leone. He recalls his involvement in peace and reconciliation activities and the Child Soldier programme.

Br. Benignus Buckley OFM Cap. Born 1930s. He speaks about his mission on the Angola border, working with refugees during the ten year war in South Africa.

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Life in an Irish Country House with David Reid Scott

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 11:00:00 GMT

This podcast relates to Ballynure, Grangecon, Co. Wicklow, and to two brothers, David Reid Scott and Malise Reid Scott. The brothers were brought up by their grandparents, Mr and Mrs. Christopher Mitchell, in a Victorian setting at Ballynure in the 1950s.

Through soundclips from lenghty recordings compiled with David and Malise, you will hear details of life as it was lived at the very end of an era in the Irish Country House.

This podcast was compiled as a tribute to the late David Reid Scott who passed away recently.

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Irish Railway Stories

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:00:00 GMT

The introduction of railways to Ireland opened up the country for the first time, as people and goods were transported easily from village and town. Each and every unique line had its own charm and appeal.

This podcast provides an audio snapshot of railway people who speak passionately about their work and their many experiences of the railways.

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Links to the Great Irish Potato Famine

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:00:00 GMT

The famine years of 1846/1847 in Ireland marked a period of devastation, mass starvation, disease, emigration and death. Over one million people died and a similar number emigrated, mainly to America.

In this podcast you will hear the voices of people who are just a generation removed from those who lived through that harrowing period in our history.

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The Lives of Irish Racing People Part 2

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 05:00:00 GMT

In this Part 2 of The Lives of Irish Racing People edition, you can listen to the voices of more of the greats of the Irish Thoroughbred industry, including the late T.P.Burns who was born in 1924; Tommy Murphy who worked for Vincent O'Brien at Ballydoyle from 1974; Maureen Mullins who married Paddy Mullins in 1954 and they ran the business together; Barbara Collins, a trainer for more than half a century; Stan Cosgrave recalls the disappearance of Shergar; the late bloodstock agent Johnny Harrington who was the husband of trainer Jessica Harrington, and the late Mick O'Toole, one of the great characters of the sporting world.

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Voices from the Great Houses of Ireland

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 06:00:00 GMT

On this podcast you will hear stories from inside the walls of Irish castles and Great Houses, told by the families who once, or indeed still, live there.

Included are the late John Desmond Oulton formerly of Clontarf Castle; Helen Horgan, nee Simpson, formerly of Ballymaloe Country House in Cork, and the late Myrtle Allen, also of Ballymaloe.

Gerald Spring Rice, Baron Monteagle, who lived in Mount Trenchard, Co. Limerick and at Glanleam on Valentia Island, Co. Kerry.

These voices will transport you back in time to an Ireland now fading from memory.

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The 1916 Rising and its Aftermath

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 11:00:00 GMT

The voices you will hear on this podcast are those of close family members of the executed leaders in the Rising: Patrick Pearse and Willie Pearse, Michael Mallin, Con Colbert and Thomas McDonagh.

The late Alex Findlater relates details about his grandfather, Captain Henry deCourcy Wheeler, who took the surrender from some of the leaders at outposts around Dublin, and James O'Carroll, grandnephew of the Sergeant in Charge at Ashbourne RIC Barracks when it was attacked during the Rising.

The people featured in the podcast are also cited in an article written by Maurice O'Keeffe for Revolutionary Ireland 1916 - 2016 in the series Studies in Irish Literature, Cinema and Culture. Pub EER. 2020. The title of the article is: Ireland's Revolutionary Years 1916-1923: An Oral History Record.

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The Civil War in Kerry

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

In Kerry the Civil War was a bitter and divisive conflict, with atrocities committed by both sides. The voices you will hear on this podcast will recall incidents in Kerry during that time, including the landing of Free State personnel at Fenit and the march to Tralee; the Ballyseedy massacre, the fatal shooting on the Connor Scarteen brothers in Kenmare and also recalled is the land agitation during those dark days in Ireland's history.

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The Lives of Irish Racing People Part I

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 22:00:00 GMT

Hear the voices of well known personalities in the Irish Thoroughbred Horse Racing industry as they describe their passion for the sport.

Breeder and trainer Clem Magnier (b.1917), Kevin Prendergast, son of the legendary breeder and trainer Darkey, Breeder and trainer Gita Weld and her son Dermot Weld, jockey and trainer Fonsie O'Brien, brother of the renowned Vincent O'Brien and Vincent's wife Jacqueline O'Brien of Ballydoyle recalls early days in Ballydoyle Stud. Sonia Rogers, well known in the bloodstock business, jockey, trainer and breeder Francis Flood who worked in earlier days for trainer Paddy Slater, and Paddy Woods who rode Arkle and recalls the day that disaster struck.

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Kilmorna Visitors Book

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT

This podcast illustrates remarkable stories about two important and colourful figures in Irish history.

Pierce Mahony, The Mahony of Kerry, and Arthur Vickers, Ulster King of Arms and Keeper of the Irish Crown Jewels.

Both men lived at Kilmorna House in North Kerry at different times from the 1870s to the early 20th century, while the visitors book sat in the hallway at Kilmorna.

Visitors to the house who signed the book include Charles Stewart Parnell, poet W.B.Yeats and Florence Farr and artist Percy French, among others.

The voices you will hear include as they reveal the hidden stories are the descendants of the Mahonys, local historians, the present owner of the land and the brother of a member of the North Kerry IRA Flying Column.

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Michael Collins: The Treaty and the Beal na Blath Ambush

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT

On 6th December 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in London by the Irish delegation which included Michael Collins, and the British Government. Less than a year later, on 22nd August 1922, Collins was killed during an ambush at Beal na Blath in Co. Cork.

In this podcast, listen to the voices of the grandnephew of Collins, the late Michael Collins Powell, the late Harry Boland, nephew of Harry Boland, the late Breda Tierney, daughter of Col. Sean O'Farrell, ADC to W.T.Cosgrave during the War of Independence, who was present at the signing of the Treaty.

Also included is the voice of Aine Broy, daughter of Eamon Broy, one of Collins's spies in Dublin Castle during the War of Independence and was his bodyguard in London during the Treaty negotiations, and the late Michael Darby O'Donovan describes his Clonakilty childhood memories of the killing of Michael Collins. The late Liam Deasy, nephew of IRA member, Liam Deasy, describes the IRA meeting held in West Cork on the night prior to the ambush at Beal na Blath. After the meeting Eamon de Valera slept in the Sweeney house where the meeting had been held.

Historians Meda Ryan and Jim Crowley, founder of the Michael Collins Centre in Clonakilty, are recorded on location at Beal na Blath, and historian and author on Collins, T. Ryle Dwyer, is also included in this podcast.

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Irish War of Independence - The Kilmichael Ambush

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 03:00:00 GMT

On 28th November 1920, members of an IRA Flying Column led by Tom Barry ambushed members of the Auxiliaries at Kilmichael in West Cork in which sixteen Crown forces were killed. Two IRA members also died. The event was politically and militarily significant and marked a turning point in the fight for freedom.

A West Cork Flying Column member, Dan Donovan, recalls the event, and on location at the site of the ambush, local man Donal McSweeney and historian and author, Meda Ryan, describe the events of that fateful day. Lena Walsh, daughter of Patrick O'Brien of Kilbrittain whose entire family were members of the IRA and Cuman na mBan,describes the harassment of the people of West Cork by the Black and Tans prior to the ambush at Kilmichael.

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Irish War of Independence - Bloody Sunday

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

12th November 1920 was a day of terrible violence in Dublin. Early that morning, in an operation organised by Michael Collins, the IRA,assassinated twelve British Intelligence agents in their homes in Dublin, and in the afternoon, in retaliation, fourteen civilians were shot by Crown Forces during a GAA game in Croke Park.

Eyewitness accounts are provided by Eileen Doyle and Col. Sean Clancy, and John Bellingham recalls his father Col. Stuart Bellingham and his account of events from his base at Dublin Castle.

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