My Town

Framed by hills and lakes and a mountainous landscape, with the River Lee sweeping through it, just a stone’s throw from Gougane Barra. This big-hearted, down-to-earth little village has been hit hard by a declining population but positive shoots are returning with people restarting their lives here. We meet Deirdre and Conor the musicians who have toured the world but have come back to a new home and Mike and Darcie originally from the UK set up their little farm The Lost Valley Dairy and have never looked back. The village has also inspired with its heartwarming approach to the international protection candidates now housed at The former Lake House Hotel and have made it their temporary home. But first we kick it off with Joe Creedon – his family run business is the heartbeat of the village and it has been described as ‘the friendliest bar in Ireland!’  

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to uncover the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

Athenry is more than just a ballad sung on the terraces. This is a town where the past and present intertwine to create a truly special place. Alison meets up with two unique clubs that have found a way to relive the past  but embrace the future. First stop is the fascinating 1316 Medieval Fight Club, modern-day knights who clash in a spectacle of skill and strength (and it’s not against the rules to talk about it!), and Gliondar Arts Club a safe space where young students bring joy and colour to the streets of Athenry with their spectacular stilt-walking performances!

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to uncover the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

This town literally punches above it’s weight. Alison first meets one of boxing’s brightest rising stars, Carlagh Peake. This world beater is so unassuming and humble about her incredible achievements. Then we meet some inspiring pupils at Ballyhaunis Community School where the motto is “Unity In Diversity”  Then on to the Ballyhaunis Language Café a great example of a positive and practical integration initiative. Our final destination is the Ballyhaunis Mosque, a symbol of the town's commitment to religious freedom and interfaith harmony.  Ballyhaunis stands as a testament to the power of inclusivity, where over 40 nationalities come together to create a vibrant tapestry of cultures.

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to uncover the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

Arvagh (Arva) is in a very unique location, where the three provinces of Ulster, Leinster and Connaught meet. Meaning "battlefield" in Irish, it has a rich history, dating back to the battles between the kingdoms of Ulster, Leinster, and Connaught. Today, the action is in the community rather than the battlefield! Alison meets Carol and Irish wolfhound Shan who become our official guides! Then a World Irish Dancing Champion, and the Arvagh Aqua Amigos, a group of swimmers who brave the cold waters of Garty Lough year-round. Then it’s the owners of the Clutterbug Thrift Shop a place where sustainability meets community spirit. First stop is the Breffni Arms Hotel with it’s warm, inviting atmosphere and father daughter team of Eamonn and Ciara Gray.

 Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to uncover the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

This little gem in the heart of Carlow is brimming with energy and a diverse mix of residents who make it a truly special place. Alison meets Máire in Siopa Glas, an award winning community thrift shop whose motto is “Sustainability is a lifestyle” and they tell us about their important link to the Ukrainian community.  Fadi Almasri tells us his truly inspiring story from arriving as a Syrian refugee in 2014 to opening the town’s first pharmacy. John Paul Payne from Carlow Pride Festival chats in the local café about his journey to bring Carlow their first ever pride parade. Founded in 2019, it made history attracting 3,500 attendees! And finally local photographer Rachel Fennelly tells us how community support was instrumental as she set up her small business and settled here with her young family.

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to uncover the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

Home to around 60 islanders, and just 5km by 2.5km in size Inis Turk Island really punches above its weight - it may be small but it has a big heart and a real community resilience. Alison meets some of those islanders. She visits the world famous GAA pitch used by Guinness and Under Armour campaigns and is welcomed by the local school with only three pupils. Travelling from Louisburgh via the passenger ferry, ‘The Pirate Queen’ and piloted by the charming young captain, Oisín. He is only 25 and looks more like a boyband member than the stereotypical ship Skipper! So, get on board. It’s only a short ferry trip but a world away.

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to uncover the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

Former city dwellers James Kavanagh and William Murray take Alison on a tour of their new country life. We learn what a 'snooze web' is and uncover an incredible secret held by the house. Then on to Meadow Lane Riding School to meet this lovely local business who run the friendliest riding school in Ireland!

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to uncover the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

The Kilcormac community has a strong bond that holds them together. Alison speaks to the Meals On Wheels heroes, a thriving Craft Group, 'Failte Isteach' English classes for Ukrainian residents to their very proud GAA club to the most unique place of all; a pioneering family run Hemp Farm!

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to champion the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

Castleblayney in Monaghan is a hub of intercultural communities. Alison visits members of the community who help connect lots of different ethnic backgrounds and celebrate their cultures. She also chats to one of the town's most famous exports; international beauty influencer Keilidh Cashell who credits her hometown and Irish people's support for her success and reveals just exactly what Blayney is mad for!

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to champion the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme. 

At the foot of the Comeragh Mountains is a village that is a perfect example of community in action. Through determination and hard work they built a community centre that is now the hub of their village. Young and old now come together to shape it's future. But first Alison visits a unique retreat nestled in the heart of nature.

Join Today FM's Alison Curtis as she travels around Ireland to champion the diverse, interesting and unique voices that make up Ireland today and discover the heart and soul of rural Ireland. 

This project is co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound and Vision Scheme.