Why listen to Irish Music Stories? The common thread of this month's stories is, of course, Irish music. But it's not the only thread. Digging into stories—whether they center around Irish music, chess, or ballet—uncovers real struggle and triumph. And it gives us all something to cheer about, something to remember.

Here are memorable stories from Season One and a gentle remix of "Trip to Sligo," the story of Cormac Gaj and his Irish music journey.

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Special thanks to Brian Benscoter, Isobel McMahon, Peter Bartman, and Brandon Kennedy for supporting this episode. And thank you to Matt Heaton for script editing and production music.

Please CLICK HERE if you can kick in to support this podcast!

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Visit IrishMusicStories.org

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Music and Poetry Heard on Episode 11-Return to Sligo all music traditional, unless otherwise indicated

Tune: "The Tap Room" (reel), from rehearsal Artist: Dan Gurney (accordion), Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Heartstrings Theme," Production Music Made for Irish Music Stories Artist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Travel Theme," from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "Grupai Ceoil Theme," from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Closing Tune: "Black Rogue" (jig), from rehearsal Artist: Shannon Heaton (flute), Matt Heaton (guitar)

PLUS this ADDITIONAL MUSIC HEARD in original broadcast of Episode 01: Tune: "I'm Waiting for You" and "The Magpie's Nest" (reels), from The Banks of the ShannonArtist: Seamus Connolly (fiddle), Charlie Lennon (piano)

Tune: "The Imperial Set" (first tune is "Follow Me Down to Milltown"), from Live in LisdoonvarnaArtist: Kilfenora Céilí Band

Tune: "Jennifer Molloy's" (Jig), from From Tulla to Boston: Live at the BurrenArtist: Mary MacNamara (from the Trad Youth Exchange)

Tune: "Joe Cooley's Reel," from From Tulla to Boston: Live at the BurrenArtist: Tulóg and Realta Gaela (from the Trad Youth Exchange)

Tune: "Triumph Theme," from Production Music Made for Irish Music StoriesArtist: Matt Heaton (guitar)

Tune: "High Part of the Road" (Jig), 1976 field recording made by Liz Carroll Artist: Bridge Céilí Band