Say a Song

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin learns all about Máire Bhuí Ní Laoghaire’s epic Cath Chéim an Fhia from acclaimed singer Nell Ní Chróinín in Kilkenny. In Bewleys Café, Dagogo Hart puts the piece in a global context.

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin is in North Mayo with the Ó Mongáin family. She learns how Cúirt Bhaile Nua made it’s way back from America. Back in Dublin, Ciara Ní É tells us what the song can tell us about life in Ireland today.

In Limerick Doireann Ní Ghlacáin meets Caoimhe agus Séamus Ó Flatharta and they tell her the story of Anach Cuain. Doireann meets Stephen James Smith in Wexford and he tells her about his impression of the song and the lessons he learnt from it.

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin is in Kilkenny to meet Iarla Ó Lionáird and he tells her the story behind Caoineadh na dTrí Mhuire. In Dublin FELISPEAKS gives her take and explores the similarities between Irish and Nigerian laments.

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin heads for the Cobblestone Pub in Smithfield to meet Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and learn all about Malaí Ní Mhaoileoin. In Cork City, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh explores the parallels in the modern Irish female experience.

Doireann travels to the Waterford Gaeltacht to meet Ciarán Ó Gealbháin and learn all about An Ceannaí Bán. In Baldoyle, Theo Dorgan explores the story behind the song and what it can tell us about Ireland today.