Craic on the Coast — Episode 22 "Samhain: The Irish Roots of Halloween" (with Consul General Sighle Fitzgerald)

Summary: Most people think Halloween is an American invention. In this special Samhain episode, hosts Michael Schilling and Shaun Morgan welcome Sighle Fitzgerald, Consul General of Ireland in Boston (serving New England), to trace Halloween's roots back to Ireland's ancient festival of Samhain. We explore end-of-harvest rituals, the "thin veil" between worlds, how Christian observances blended with Celtic customs, and how Irish immigrants helped shape the modern holiday in the U.S. Along the way: bonfires, disguises, turnips → pumpkins, and why colcannon still tastes like Halloween.

Show Notes & Links Guest & Consulate (New England)

• Consulate website (Boston / New England): https://www.ireland.ie/en/usa/boston/ ireland.ie
• About the Consul General (Síghle FitzGerald): https://www.ireland.ie/en/usa/boston/about/consul-general/ ireland.ie
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irelandboston/ Instagram
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Consulate-General-of-Ireland-Boston/61579075732553/ Facebook

Further Reading (RTE Culture)

• Listen to the Land Speak — Manchán Magan (journey of return): https://www.rte.ie/culture/2025/0917/1522206-listen-to-the-land-speak-manchan-magan-on-his-journey-of-return/
• Why colcannon is the taste of an Irish Halloween: https://www.rte.ie/culture/2025/1014/1533202-why-colcannon-is-the-taste-of-an-irish-halloween/

Follow Us

• Craic on the Coast (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/craiconthecoast/

Father John Murphy Division (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/aohplymouth/

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

🎧 Episode 21 — The Commission for the Future of Ireland

Guest: Mairéad Farrell TD (West Galway, Sinn Féin) Hosts: Michael Schilling & Shaun Morgan Release Date: October 2025

This week on Craic on the Coast, Michael Schilling and Shaun Morgan sit down with Mairéad Farrell TD, who represents the West Galway constituency for Sinn Féin. Ahead of her appearance in Boston on Tuesday, October 28th at The Commission for the Future of Ireland event, we talk about what the commission is, how it builds on the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, and what a free and united Ireland could look like in our lifetime.

We also explore the importance of the Irish-American diaspora, the role of cities like Boston in shaping this global conversation, and what steps citizens — at home and abroad — can take to be part of Ireland's evolving story.

📌 Show Notes & Links

• Mairéad Farrell TD (Sinn Féin) – Instagram @mairead_farrellsf

• Event: The Commission for the Future of Ireland – Boston (Florian Hall, Oct 28) on Eventbrite

• Father John Murphy Division AOH (Plymouth) – Instagram @aohplymouth

• Craic on the Coast – Instagram @craiconthecoast

🔊 Highlights

• Understanding the mission of The Commission for the Future of Ireland

• How the Good Friday Agreement framework still guides the path to unity

• Why diaspora voices matter in Ireland's next chapter

• Opportunities for Irish and Irish-American listeners to get involved

🎙️ Craic on the Coast is produced in cooperation with Local Seen Studios and the Father John Murphy Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, both in Plymouth, MA. From coast to coast — laughter, heritage, and heart.

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

🎧 Episode 20: A Fragile Peace — A Conversation with Irish-American Filmmaker Rory Duffy 🎬☘️

In this episode of Craic on the Coast, host Michael Schilling and co-host Shaun Morgan sit down with Irish-American filmmaker, historian, and educator Rory Duffy, director of the award-winning documentary A Fragile Peace: Inside Brexit and Belfast.

Rory's film examines the fragile balance of peace in Northern Ireland — twenty-five years after the Good Friday Agreement — and how Brexit has reignited questions of identity, borders, and community.

We dig into:

• Rory's path from historian and actor to filmmaker telling transatlantic stories

• The challenges and ethics of capturing post-conflict Northern Ireland

• The ways Brexit tests the peace established in 1998

• Why the Irish-American community has a stake in this ongoing story

It's a conversation that bridges history, identity, and hope — seen through the eyes of an Irish-American storyteller.

🔔 Housekeeping & Upcoming Events

Before wrapping, Michael & Shaun share what's next:

🎃 Irish Halloween Special – The Festival of Samhain We'll explore the Celtic roots of Halloween, diving into Samhain, how ancient ritual shaped modern practice, and welcome a special guest to help bring it alive.

🍻 On-Location Recording at The Auld Triangle (Hyannis, MA) We're hitting the road again! Join us on Saturday, November 1st for a live episode at The Auld Triangle, freshly Perfect Pint Certified by Guinness. Come for the pint, stay for the craic — and maybe share a story on mic with us.

🗒️ Show Notes & Links

🎬 Rory Duffy – Official Website https://www.roryduffy.net/

🎞️ A Fragile Peace: Inside Brexit and Belfast https://www.afragilepeacefilm.com/

🎧 Listen to Craic on the Coast

• Spotify: Craic on the Coast

• Apple Podcasts: Craic on the Coast on Apple

• Instagram: @craiconthecoast

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you like what you hear, please subscribe so you never miss an episode full of history, heritage, and craic.

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

Episode 19: Craic on the Road — Live from the Worcester Irish Cultural Festival 🎶

Recorded live on location at the 3rd Annual Worcester Irish Cultural Festival at Polar Park!

Host Michael Schilling and co-host Greg Shanahan take Craic on the Coast on the road for a day full of music, laughter, and great conversation at one of New England's favorite Irish festivals.

This episode features: 🎤 John Curtin of the New Bedford–based Celtic rock band The Pourmen, talking about the band's roots, their high-energy live shows, and their mission to keep Irish music alive and loud across the South Coast. 🌹 Maeve Kelly, the 2025 Boston & New England Rose, reflecting on her experience representing Irish youth and the global community of the Rose of Tralee Festival. 🎵 And the legendary Derek Warfield, founding member of The Wolfe Tones, sharing stories from a lifetime in Irish folk music, his songwriting, and the enduring power of Irish ballads to connect generations.

It was a day of sunshine, song, and celebration — the perfect showcase of Irish pride, community, and craic on the festival field. A great time was truly had by all!

Show Notes & Links

• The Pourmen — Facebook | Instagram

• Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones — Official Site

• Boston & New England Rose Centre — roseoftralee.ie

• Worcester Irish Cultural Festival — Event Info

🎧 Listen now on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

In this episode of Craic on the Coast, hosts Michael Schilling and Shaun Morgan sit down with Dr. Oonagh Walsh, Professor of Gender Studies at Glasgow Caledonian University, whose research bridges history and science. We dig into how the Great Irish Famine may have left not only cultural but biological footprints in subsequent generations via epigenetics.

Dr. Walsh helps us understand how trauma from the Famine continues to echo in health, identity, and memory. Topics include:

• What epigenetics is, in accessible terms

• How the horrors and deprivation of the Famine may register across generations

• Connections between inherited trauma, health outcomes, and family narratives

• Parallels between the Irish experience and other communities affected by famine, war, or genocide

• The significance of commemorations like the National Famine Way and the Brig St. John

• What's next in her research, and how listeners can explore more

Show Notes & Links

• About Dr. Oonagh Walsh Glasgow Caledonian University Profile GCU

• Learn more about the Famine and its legacy National Famine Way Strokestown Park & Irish National Famine Museum

• Upcoming Events

  • Worcester Irish Cultural Festival — Saturday, October 4, 2025, Polar Park

  • Brig St. John Commemoration — Sunday, October 5, 2025, Cohasset, MA. Featuring Amy Elisabeth Day, writer/composer of In the Midst of Plenty, with performances by students from the Berklee Conservatory

• Stay Connected with Craic on the Coast Instagram: @craiconthecoast Email: [email protected]

👉 Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode!

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

In Episode 17 of Craic on the Coast, hosts Michael Schilling and Shaun Morgan record on location at The Tinker's Son in Norwell, MA for their annual Halfway to St. Patrick's Day celebration.

First up, we're joined by Greg Shanahan, the newly elected President of the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail. Greg shares his vision for the Trail, why preserving Irish heritage along the South Shore matters, and what's ahead for this exciting project.

Next, we sit down with Brian Houlihan, proud Cork man and owner of The Tinker's Son. Brian reflects on his journey from Ireland to the South Shore, what it takes to run one of the region's most beloved Irish pubs, and how food, music, and community come together under one roof.

Finally, we welcome back Mike Reardon, Guinness Ambassador and returning guest, who shares tips on pairing Guinness with seasonal dishes. From hearty stews to savory fall flavors, Mike highlights how the world's most famous stout makes the perfect companion to cooler weather cuisine. You can follow Mike on Instagram at @about_the_stout.

It's an episode full of food, stories, and plenty of craic as we mark the halfway point to Ireland's biggest day of the year.

📌 Show Notes & Links

• South Shore Irish Heritage Trail: https://ssirishtrail.org/

• The Tinker's Son, Norwell, MA: https://www.thetinkersson.com/

• Follow Guinness Ambassador Mike Reardon on Instagram: @about_the_stout

• Listen on Spotify: Craic on the Coast

• Listen on Apple Podcasts: Craic on the Coast

📡 Stay Connected with Craic on the Coast

• Instagram

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

🎙️ Episode 16 – Inside the Worcester Irish Cultural Festival

In this episode of Craic on the Coast, host Michael Schilling is joined by Gareth McAlinden and Cait Lubelczyk from the Worcester Irish Cultural Festival. Together, we dive into the planning, passion, and purpose behind one of New England's biggest celebrations of Irish culture.

From the music and dancing to the food, sports, and community spirit, Gareth and Cait share what goes into creating a festival that brings thousands together to celebrate their heritage. We discuss Worcester's strong Irish roots, how the festival has grown over the years, and what attendees can expect at this year's event.

Whether you're a longtime supporter of Irish cultural festivals or planning your first trip to Worcester for the celebration, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes it all tick.

🔑 Key Topics

• The history and growth of the Worcester Irish Festival

• How the organizing team balances tradition with fresh programming

• Highlights of this year's entertainment and cultural showcases

• The role of community and volunteers in keeping the festival thriving

• Worcester's unique place in New England's Irish-American story

📌 Show Notes & Links

• Worcester Irish Festival – worcesteririshculturalfestival.org

• Follow on Instagram: @worcesteririshculturalfestival

• Event on Facebook: Worcester Irish Cultural Festival at Polar Park

• Craic on the Coast Podcast:

  • Listen on Spotify

  • Listen on Apple Podcasts

• Email us: [email protected]

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

🎙️ Episode 15 – Inside Ireland's Fenian Legacy: Honoring Denis Cashman

In this episode of Craic on the Coast, host Michael Schilling sits down with two special guests: Liam Ó Culbáird of the National Graves Association and George McLaughlin of the Fenian Memorial Committee of America. Together, we explore the remarkable story of Denis Cashman, a Fenian activist who endured imprisonment, exile, and became an important figure in the struggle for Irish freedom.

On Saturday, September 13th, a headstone will be unveiled at Holyhood Cemetery in Brookline, MA, finally marking Cashman's resting place after generations in an unmarked grave. Our guests share the history behind this moment, the Fenian connections stretching from Boston to Ireland, and the lasting importance of remembering those who gave everything for Irish independence.

We also discuss the work of the National Graves Association in preserving and protecting the resting places of Ireland's patriots, and the mission of the Fenian Memorial Committee of America in connecting the diaspora with this powerful legacy.

🔑 Key Topics

• Who Denis Cashman was, and his role in the Fenian movement

• The historical importance of Holyhood Cemetery in Boston

• The process of researching and preserving gravesites through the NGA

• The Fenian Memorial Committee's ongoing mission in the United States

• Connections to the Catalpa Rescue and other Fenian efforts

• How Irish-American families can get involved in honoring their ancestors

📌 Show Notes & Links

• National Graves Association – www.nga.ie

• Fenian Memorial Committee of America – fenianmca.org

• Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline, MA – resting place of Denis Cashman

• Craic on the Coast Podcast:

  • Listen on Spotify

  • Listen on Apple Podcasts

• Email us: [email protected]

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more people find the show and keeps Irish history and heritage alive here in New England and beyond.

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

Making Irish History Go Viral: A Conversation with Davy Holden

In Episode 14 of Craic on the Coast, hosts Michael Schilling and Shaun Morgan sit down with two fantastic guests.

First up is Davy Holden, the Irish storyteller behind @davy_holden, whose short, engaging lessons on Irish history have attracted more than 200,000 followers on Instagram. Davy shares how he got started, why his content resonates so widely, and what's next for him. Plus, he tells us the story behind the exclusive jersey design we're giving away to one lucky listener!

Next, we're joined by Liam Lynch from Authentic to preview the upcoming Seisiún Irish Music and Culture Festival in Boston on September 6–7, 2025. From incredible live music to Irish dance, food, and culture, Liam gives us the inside scoop on what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.

Finally, Michael and Shaun announce that Craic on the Coast is hitting the road for the very first time with a live on-location recording at Tinker's Son in Norwell for their Halfway to St. Patrick's Day celebration on Saturday, September 20th.

📌 Show Notes & Links 🎁 Jersey Giveaway

• To enter the Craic on the Coast Jersey Giveaway:

  1. Follow @davy_holden on Instagram

  2. Follow @craiconthecoast on Instagram

  3. Like and comment "For the Craic" on our giveaway post and tag a friend

• Winner will be selected Friday, August 29th. We'll contact the winner to confirm size and ship the jersey directly.

📲 Follow Our Guests

• Davy Holden (Irish History Instagram): @davy_holden

• Seisiún Irish Music & Culture Festival (The Bowery Presents): Festival Info & Tickets The Stage at Suffolk Downs

📡 Stay Connected with Us

• Father John Murphy Division AOH Plymouth:

  • Instagram

  • Facebook

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media

Episode 13 – In the Midst of Plenty with Amy Day

In this episode of Craic on the Coast, host Michael Schilling welcomes playwright Amy Day, writer of the acclaimed musical In the Midst of Plenty.

Amy shares the inspiration behind the show, the historical research that shaped it, and how audiences in Ireland have connected deeply with its story of resilience during the Great Famine. She also discusses her team's current fundraising efforts to bring the production back to the stage and the exciting possibility of an American tour.

Tune in to hear:

• The origins and history of In the Midst of Plenty

• Audience reactions from performances in Ireland

• How to support the show's return and potential U.S. debut

Show Notes & Links

🎭 In the Midst of Plenty

• Website: https://www.inthemidstofplenty.com

• Instagram: @inthemidstofplenty

🏛 Strokestown Park & Museum

• Website: https://strokestownpark.ie

• Instagram: @strokestownpark

🚶 National Famine Way

• Website: https://nationalfamineway.ie

• Instagram: @nationalfamineway

☘ Father John Murphy Division AOH – Plymouth

• Facebook: facebook.com/plymouthaoh

• Instagram: instagram.com/plymouthaoh

• Eventbrite: AOH Plymouth Events

The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen's staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email [email protected] to get started! We'll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media