This week on the podcast we chat to Ciaran who is a Self- employed, Actor, Wedding Celebrant & Trainer of Celebrants for weddings and funerals, naming ceremonies, Lecturer in Sligo IT, Drama Adjudicator & Hen party entertainer.

Here is some more information that Ciaran shared with us . . . 

An excellent communicator with a proven track record for delivering high quality theatre both as a performer and a director.
A natural facilitator and educator with a passion for sharing theatrical knowledge.
Possesses an in-depth practical understanding of working within the challenges of a demanding artistic environment.
Key Roles and Achievements
Lecturer in Sligo Institute of Technology 2015 - Present
• I deliver the Physical Theatre module as part of the Performing Arts BA in 2nd year.
I have facilitated Acting classes for 1st , 2nd and 3rd year students on the Performing Arts BA
• I deliver the modules Modernism in Drama, Literature and Facilitation and Drama to Performing Arts students.
• I direct and produce the public showcase for the New Writing module.


MA in Drama and Performance, University College Dublin 2014-2015
• Completed an MA. which required for graduation a devised Solo Performance and presentation of a Thesis.
• This undertaking demanded excellent time management skills and an ability to think and act strategically also developing my computer literacy and written communication skills.
• Advanced my understanding of the importance of the Arts, in particular theatre, to the cultural fabric of a community both locally and nationally.
Professional Actor 1991 – present
• In 2019, I developed and produced a solo theatrical performance piece “Is Mise le Meas” about the writer Flann O’Brien
• I have trained extensively in Corporeal Mime, Viewpoints and Suzuki, all disciplines rooted in sound physical technique, which have been developed to provide the actor with the skills to realise their potential and best artistic expression within a theatrical production.
• My vocal training has been developed over the last 30 years under the influence of numerous coaches and teachers but most specifically with the Roy Hart Theatre of Voice, France.
• As part of an ensemble since 1991, I have been engaged in all aspects of Theatre Production, prop making, costume sourcing and design, set design and construction, lighting design, Production management on National and International Touring schedules.
(For full listings of Theatre, Film and Radio performance credits please see addendum.)


Theatre Director 1998 - present
• In 2016 I established a Youth Theatre group in Tubbercurry. This project required a scheduled number of theatre workshops culminating in a devised performance to mark the opening of The Western Drama Festival.
• I have directed a number of productions for Blue Raincoat Theatre company.
• I have been Assistant Director to Kellie Hughes, Director Ad Astra Programme University College Dublin, The War Project with the Ad Astra scholars and UCD choral scholars, and Shakespeare’s Women presented by the Drama Studies students.
• I was the Assistant Director and Production Manager for Terrible Tales of Tubber which was performed by Tubbercurry Youth Drama Group in 2011.
• As Director of Footsteps Theatre Group, I directed and produced a number of shows that were presented as part of Cairde Arts Festival.

Training and Facilitation Ongoing
• I was the lead driver on a unique project to deliver drama workshops to a group of young adults from Sligo Down Syndrome, this collective became The Footsteps Drama group. Weekly drama workshops were held and the company presented a number of public performances as part of the stated goals of the project.
• In 2017, at the request of the Summerhill College English Dept., I created and produced a performance designed to provide students with practi

This week on the podcast we chat to Ciaran who is a Self- employed, Actor, Wedding Celebrant & Trainer of Celebrants for weddings and funerals, naming ceremonies, Lecturer in Sligo IT, Drama Adjudicator & Hen party entertainer.

Here is some more information that Ciaran shared with us . . . 

An excellent communicator with a proven track record for delivering high quality theatre both as a performer and a director.
A natural facilitator and educator with a passion for sharing theatrical knowledge.
Possesses an in-depth practical understanding of working within the challenges of a demanding artistic environment.
Key Roles and Achievements
Lecturer in Sligo Institute of Technology 2015 - Present
• I deliver the Physical Theatre module as part of the Performing Arts BA in 2nd year.
I have facilitated Acting classes for 1st , 2nd and 3rd year students on the Performing Arts BA
• I deliver the modules Modernism in Drama, Literature and Facilitation and Drama to Performing Arts students.
• I direct and produce the public showcase for the New Writing module.


MA in Drama and Performance, University College Dublin 2014-2015
• Completed an MA. which required for graduation a devised Solo Performance and presentation of a Thesis.
• This undertaking demanded excellent time management skills and an ability to think and act strategically also developing my computer literacy and written communication skills.
• Advanced my understanding of the importance of the Arts, in particular theatre, to the cultural fabric of a community both locally and nationally.
Professional Actor 1991 – present
• In 2019, I developed and produced a solo theatrical performance piece “Is Mise le Meas” about the writer Flann O’Brien
• I have trained extensively in Corporeal Mime, Viewpoints and Suzuki, all disciplines rooted in sound physical technique, which have been developed to provide the actor with the skills to realise their potential and best artistic expression within a theatrical production.
• My vocal training has been developed over the last 30 years under the influence of numerous coaches and teachers but most specifically with the Roy Hart Theatre of Voice, France.
• As part of an ensemble since 1991, I have been engaged in all aspects of Theatre Production, prop making, costume sourcing and design, set design and construction, lighting design, Production management on National and International Touring schedules.
(For full listings of Theatre, Film and Radio performance credits please see addendum.)


Theatre Director 1998 - present
• In 2016 I established a Youth Theatre group in Tubbercurry. This project required a scheduled number of theatre workshops culminating in a devised performance to mark the opening of The Western Drama Festival.
• I have directed a number of productions for Blue Raincoat Theatre company.
• I have been Assistant Director to Kellie Hughes, Director Ad Astra Programme University College Dublin, The War Project with the Ad Astra scholars and UCD choral scholars, and Shakespeare’s Women presented by the Drama Studies students.
• I was the Assistant Director and Production Manager for Terrible Tales of Tubber which was performed by Tubbercurry Youth Drama Group in 2011.
• As Director of Footsteps Theatre Group, I directed and produced a number of shows that were presented as part of Cairde Arts Festival.

Training and Facilitation Ongoing
• I was the lead driver on a unique project to deliver drama workshops to a group of young adults from Sligo Down Syndrome, this collective became The Footsteps Drama group. Weekly drama workshops were held and the company presented a number of public performances as part of the stated goals of the project.
• In 2017, at the request of the Summerhill College English Dept., I created and produced a performance designed to provide students with practi

This week on the podcast is yoga teacher Cathi Murphy

Here is some more information about her . . .

Are you from Sligo? Yes, born here in 1973 but left in 1990 to go to college in NUIG and in 1997 moved to US, first to NYC and then in 2002 moved to San Francisco California until 2016.

What do you love about living in Sligo?: Landscape, mountains, river, lake, ocean, woods--what's not to love!!
I love being able to get close to nature quickly and easily
I love being ack closer to family

If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: a little beer and wine bar that offered only a few choices but all seriously good and some cheese and olives! There was a spot like that down the road from my apartment in SF and I miss it soooooo much!

And I would love to see more live music EARLIER! I'm a boring old yogi now, so can't go out to the pub at 10/11 to hear all the great music that happens later on in the evening! California folks go to bed early and get up early, so lots of good entertainment in early evening. Miss that!

What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: 

getting back to live teaching following COVID19 pandemic
I'm delighted we have the online option and we've all benefitted from it in many ways (i'be been able to study with fabulous international teachers that I couldn't have traveled to) but NOTHING compares to LIVE!

What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: 

Favorite Restuarants
Montmarte for special occasions
Bridgefoot House only went once but loved it and was dying to go back but just didn't happen
Hargadons (my hubby loves it and I love him ;)
Can't beat Rugantino's
Love sitting at the counter in Fabbriccas for apps and drinks!

Bit's and Bobs around town!
Bread from Le Fournil
Coffee from Milligram (decaf for me these days, but their decaf is great!)
Avocado Toast with Hummus from Sweet Beat
Veggie Burrito from Tucos
Veggie Burger and Onion RIngs from Flipside (best Veggie Burger EVER!!!)
Love wandering around Libre, Kate's Kitchen and Cat and the Moon

Hazlewood (an outdoor cathedral)
Dooney Rock (total fairyland)
Knocknarea (never get tired of it)
The View from the Green Road (when I'm having a rough day and my mind is tight, I head up there and just sit and look out at the lake!)

Some links that Cathi shared with us . . .

https://youtu.be/W0TrLqDKVvA (Mindful Yoga & Meditation course promo)

https://youtu.be/wzMJzgY2rDA (Alignment Flow Yoga course promo)

www.anoisyoga.com

wwwyogahomesligo.com

This week on the podcast is yoga teacher Cathi Murphy

Here is some more information about her . . .

Are you from Sligo? Yes, born here in 1973 but left in 1990 to go to college in NUIG and in 1997 moved to US, first to NYC and then in 2002 moved to San Francisco California until 2016.

What do you love about living in Sligo?: Landscape, mountains, river, lake, ocean, woods--what's not to love!!
I love being able to get close to nature quickly and easily
I love being ack closer to family

If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: a little beer and wine bar that offered only a few choices but all seriously good and some cheese and olives! There was a spot like that down the road from my apartment in SF and I miss it soooooo much!

And I would love to see more live music EARLIER! I'm a boring old yogi now, so can't go out to the pub at 10/11 to hear all the great music that happens later on in the evening! California folks go to bed early and get up early, so lots of good entertainment in early evening. Miss that!

What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: 

getting back to live teaching following COVID19 pandemic
I'm delighted we have the online option and we've all benefitted from it in many ways (i'be been able to study with fabulous international teachers that I couldn't have traveled to) but NOTHING compares to LIVE!

What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: 

Favorite Restuarants
Montmarte for special occasions
Bridgefoot House only went once but loved it and was dying to go back but just didn't happen
Hargadons (my hubby loves it and I love him ;)
Can't beat Rugantino's
Love sitting at the counter in Fabbriccas for apps and drinks!

Bit's and Bobs around town!
Bread from Le Fournil
Coffee from Milligram (decaf for me these days, but their decaf is great!)
Avocado Toast with Hummus from Sweet Beat
Veggie Burrito from Tucos
Veggie Burger and Onion RIngs from Flipside (best Veggie Burger EVER!!!)
Love wandering around Libre, Kate's Kitchen and Cat and the Moon

Hazlewood (an outdoor cathedral)
Dooney Rock (total fairyland)
Knocknarea (never get tired of it)
The View from the Green Road (when I'm having a rough day and my mind is tight, I head up there and just sit and look out at the lake!)

Some links that Cathi shared with us . . .

https://youtu.be/W0TrLqDKVvA (Mindful Yoga & Meditation course promo)

https://youtu.be/wzMJzgY2rDA (Alignment Flow Yoga course promo)

www.anoisyoga.com

wwwyogahomesligo.com

On this weeks show we spend some time getting to know Louise Kennedy. 

Her short stories have won prizes and been widely published. In both 2019 and 2020 she was short-listed for the Sunday Times Audible Award, the world's richest prize for a single short story, and the An Post Irish Short Story of the Year. She has written for the Guardian, Irish Times, BBC Radio4 and RTE Radio 1. Bloomsbury will publish her debut collection of short stories, 'The End of the World is a Cul de Sac' in April.

Here is more about Louise . . . 

In the last four years I've earned both an MA and a PhD from Queens University Belfast, where I am currently holder of the inaugural Ciaran Carson 'Writing and the City' fellowship.

 I grew up in Holywood, Co Down, during the Troubles. My family left when I was twelve. After years of living in various places - London, Co Clare, Beirut, Dublin - I came to Sligo in 1999. I planned to stay for a year or so, but met a nice fella in a pub and am still here.

What do you love about living in Sligo?: 

I like that living in town, one is only a ten minute drive from beaches, lakes and mountains. That I could (just about!) afford to buy a house.

If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: 

The town is well-served by restaurants etc, but my daughter tells me there is poor choice in clothes shopping. With regard to the arts, there is a vibrant scene, with The Word at Sligo Library, Blue Raincoat, The Model, Hawkswell, etc. Cairde and Tread Softly are brilliant festivals that could hold their own with any in the country or beyond.

What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: 

The publication of my first book in April. And then I'll be working on final drafts of my first novel for most of the summer.

What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: 

Breakfast in Baker Boys. Lunch in Sweetbeat. Bread and cakes from Lyons. Dinner in Knox. Take-out from Miso. Bar food in Hargadon's. PInts in Shoot the Crows or Connolly's. Kate's Kitchen for everything.

Walking in Hazelwood or along the shore at Slish Wood. Or out from the town by Doorley Park: how many towns have a walk like that so close to it's centre? Standing on Hyde Bridge when the Garavogue River is in full, terrifying flow.
Browsing in Liber Bookshop.

How can people find you online? : Twitter @KennedyLoulou

On this weeks show we spend some time getting to know Louise Kennedy. 

Her short stories have won prizes and been widely published. In both 2019 and 2020 she was short-listed for the Sunday Times Audible Award, the world's richest prize for a single short story, and the An Post Irish Short Story of the Year. She has written for the Guardian, Irish Times, BBC Radio4 and RTE Radio 1. Bloomsbury will publish her debut collection of short stories, 'The End of the World is a Cul de Sac' in April.

Here is more about Louise . . . 

In the last four years I've earned both an MA and a PhD from Queens University Belfast, where I am currently holder of the inaugural Ciaran Carson 'Writing and the City' fellowship.

 I grew up in Holywood, Co Down, during the Troubles. My family left when I was twelve. After years of living in various places - London, Co Clare, Beirut, Dublin - I came to Sligo in 1999. I planned to stay for a year or so, but met a nice fella in a pub and am still here.

What do you love about living in Sligo?: 

I like that living in town, one is only a ten minute drive from beaches, lakes and mountains. That I could (just about!) afford to buy a house.

If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: 

The town is well-served by restaurants etc, but my daughter tells me there is poor choice in clothes shopping. With regard to the arts, there is a vibrant scene, with The Word at Sligo Library, Blue Raincoat, The Model, Hawkswell, etc. Cairde and Tread Softly are brilliant festivals that could hold their own with any in the country or beyond.

What are you looking forward to in the future in your personal and professional life?: 

The publication of my first book in April. And then I'll be working on final drafts of my first novel for most of the summer.

What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: 

Breakfast in Baker Boys. Lunch in Sweetbeat. Bread and cakes from Lyons. Dinner in Knox. Take-out from Miso. Bar food in Hargadon's. PInts in Shoot the Crows or Connolly's. Kate's Kitchen for everything.

Walking in Hazelwood or along the shore at Slish Wood. Or out from the town by Doorley Park: how many towns have a walk like that so close to it's centre? Standing on Hyde Bridge when the Garavogue River is in full, terrifying flow.
Browsing in Liber Bookshop.

How can people find you online? : Twitter @KennedyLoulou

I grew up in Sligo and went to college in Galway studying science and went on to do PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. I then got a very interesting job in a small Irish owned pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Ballymote called TopChem where I worked as development chemist, then senior chemist then New Projects Manager and was with the company while they grew from 6ppl in 2007 to over 30ppl in 2013 and they’ve grown considerably since. I really loved my time here and really found valuable all that I learned about organisational design, creating systems of operation, people and project management.

Anois Yoga
Louise, Cathi and I have connected many times over the years on various charity projects and community events. That connection deepened further while completing Subtle Body Anatomy training together in 2019/20. It was due to the individual and collective yoga-healing we experienced on our training journey that we felt compelled in the Summer of 2020 to come together and create an authentic and supportive online yoga community.
'Our Community needs Yoga NOW more than ever. 

Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: 
Born and Bred Sligo

What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: 
I’m a big Fan of the Sweet Beat and I’m not Vegan, I just love the nourishing wholesomeness of the food and its so damn tasty. I order Sweet Beat Lunches for participants on all my adventure Yoga excursions.
For evening dining 100% favourite place in the world to eat is Stoked, Strandhill.
In the past 2 years I have fallen head over heels in love with Benwiskin, often over looked brother to Benbulben.

How can people find you online? and if you would like to make a special offer to our listeners that would be great - just an idea. Thank you :) : A number of ways to find me online
If looking for Online Yoga www.anoisyoga.com
If looking for Outdoor Yoga www.yourwellbeingwarrior.com
If looking to find out more about the charity and the types of activities recommended for positive mental health visit www.havinalaugh.com

Two Offers
Online yoga 1 Month Pass : All you can eat live and on-demand yoga. Access all live classes, no pre-booking required, once you’re in you’re in. All recordings of recent live classes, catch the one you missed or repeat the one you like.
Outdoor Yoga Outdoor Yoga Pass: Use for either 3 Beach Yoga sessions or one Hike-to-Yoga Excursion.

I grew up in Sligo and went to college in Galway studying science and went on to do PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry. I then got a very interesting job in a small Irish owned pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Ballymote called TopChem where I worked as development chemist, then senior chemist then New Projects Manager and was with the company while they grew from 6ppl in 2007 to over 30ppl in 2013 and they’ve grown considerably since. I really loved my time here and really found valuable all that I learned about organisational design, creating systems of operation, people and project management.

Anois Yoga
Louise, Cathi and I have connected many times over the years on various charity projects and community events. That connection deepened further while completing Subtle Body Anatomy training together in 2019/20. It was due to the individual and collective yoga-healing we experienced on our training journey that we felt compelled in the Summer of 2020 to come together and create an authentic and supportive online yoga community.
'Our Community needs Yoga NOW more than ever. 

Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: 
Born and Bred Sligo

What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: 
I’m a big Fan of the Sweet Beat and I’m not Vegan, I just love the nourishing wholesomeness of the food and its so damn tasty. I order Sweet Beat Lunches for participants on all my adventure Yoga excursions.
For evening dining 100% favourite place in the world to eat is Stoked, Strandhill.
In the past 2 years I have fallen head over heels in love with Benwiskin, often over looked brother to Benbulben.

How can people find you online? and if you would like to make a special offer to our listeners that would be great - just an idea. Thank you :) : A number of ways to find me online
If looking for Online Yoga www.anoisyoga.com
If looking for Outdoor Yoga www.yourwellbeingwarrior.com
If looking to find out more about the charity and the types of activities recommended for positive mental health visit www.havinalaugh.com

Two Offers
Online yoga 1 Month Pass : All you can eat live and on-demand yoga. Access all live classes, no pre-booking required, once you’re in you’re in. All recordings of recent live classes, catch the one you missed or repeat the one you like.
Outdoor Yoga Outdoor Yoga Pass: Use for either 3 Beach Yoga sessions or one Hike-to-Yoga Excursion.

Most of my work is aimed at helping people have a better relationship with thoughts and emotions.  Working with people one to one but also working with groups & business.  Most people are caught up in focussing on what we need to do to feel better rather than prioritising how we want to feel.   It's not about me saying 'do this to feel' this because that's not realistic.  It's about pointing in a direction or asking questions so that whoever I'm working with can become aware of their own experience.  It's all about self awareness and exploration of that.  Recognising that part of us which is already at peace & all that springs from being in that space.

So here's a few resources to help with that exploration:

So first of all heres a guided meditation I've recorded which you may want to have a go at (it's one you can't get wrong, just follow me) there's also a chance for you to

ask any questions you have.

www.johngcoaching.com/sligo-life

Books John recommends  All can be ordered through Liber Bookshop Sligo

A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle

Shift Into Freedom - Loch Kelly

Liberation Is - Salvadore Poe

Being Aware Of Being Aware - Ruper Spira

Beyond Mindfulness - Stephan Bodian

If you are curious about the types of companies or events I work with heres a client list http://www.johngcoaching.com/businessclients

What do you love about living in Sligo?: I love the laid back nature of the place. I enjoy the outdoors so to have so many trails & walks and fields & beaches to run on is amazing. I love the community buzz of Strandhill. I also enjoy the peace and quiet.

If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: 
I would love for there to be a good quality small sized venue that could bring some alternative music to the area. When living in Dublin I was spoiled for choice with gigs where as here although theres an amazing wealth of talent it all seems to be folk and rock. Trickys used to be a great place for alternative gigs, since thats gone theres nothing really the hits the spot.

What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: 
Well I turned plant based 14months ago so favourite places to eat would be Stoked (defo my fav),Sweetbeat, Gallery Cafe & Miso. Im kinda lazy so only really go to the pubs within 100m of the house so thats The Dunes & The Venue (a special mention to the Swagman & Connollys if I get brave and venture out).

Most of my work is aimed at helping people have a better relationship with thoughts and emotions.  Working with people one to one but also working with groups & business.  Most people are caught up in focussing on what we need to do to feel better rather than prioritising how we want to feel.   It's not about me saying 'do this to feel' this because that's not realistic.  It's about pointing in a direction or asking questions so that whoever I'm working with can become aware of their own experience.  It's all about self awareness and exploration of that.  Recognising that part of us which is already at peace & all that springs from being in that space.

So here's a few resources to help with that exploration:

So first of all heres a guided meditation I've recorded which you may want to have a go at (it's one you can't get wrong, just follow me) there's also a chance for you to

ask any questions you have.

www.johngcoaching.com/sligo-life

Books John recommends  All can be ordered through Liber Bookshop Sligo

A New Earth - Eckhart Tolle

Shift Into Freedom - Loch Kelly

Liberation Is - Salvadore Poe

Being Aware Of Being Aware - Ruper Spira

Beyond Mindfulness - Stephan Bodian

If you are curious about the types of companies or events I work with heres a client list http://www.johngcoaching.com/businessclients

What do you love about living in Sligo?: I love the laid back nature of the place. I enjoy the outdoors so to have so many trails & walks and fields & beaches to run on is amazing. I love the community buzz of Strandhill. I also enjoy the peace and quiet.

If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: 
I would love for there to be a good quality small sized venue that could bring some alternative music to the area. When living in Dublin I was spoiled for choice with gigs where as here although theres an amazing wealth of talent it all seems to be folk and rock. Trickys used to be a great place for alternative gigs, since thats gone theres nothing really the hits the spot.

What are your must do Sligo recommendations? Restaurants/Walks etc.: 
Well I turned plant based 14months ago so favourite places to eat would be Stoked (defo my fav),Sweetbeat, Gallery Cafe & Miso. Im kinda lazy so only really go to the pubs within 100m of the house so thats The Dunes & The Venue (a special mention to the Swagman & Connollys if I get brave and venture out).