This month, Eddie recounts the curious tale of Dennis O'Rourke and how his meeting with a stranger on the way to the Tulla horse-fair pulls him into Other World. Dennis is drawn into the Big House, a place where caution is called for against every creature that you might encounter. This tale was originally told to Eddie by Jimmy Armstrong, a patient in Our Lady's hospital in Ennis. Jimmy's stories are available in Eddie's recently republished book, The Man In The Big House.

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This month, Eddie brings us an in-depth insight into the traditions surrounding Irish wakes. He speaks about how our relationship with death has changed over time, and the importance of honouring the rituals surrounding it. In particular, Eddie focuses on the games that would occur at wakes, amusements and customs that helped pass the long night with the departed. Arm wrestling, cards, rope climbing and dancing with the dead - all games found at an Irish wake.

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Eddie recites the frightening tale of what happens when two farmers from Quin in Co. Clare interfere with the Good People who called Corbally fort their home. On an October's evening, Pat and Sean were returning home from an unproductive day's hunting. On glimpsing a goose on the grounds of the fort, a rifle shot rang out and the two men thought their hunting luck was improving. What they didn't realise was the true nature of the beast they had just injured, and the retribution that would follow their actions.

This tale is taken from Eddie's recently republished story collection entitled 'The Man In The Big House'.

If you enjoy the stories in this podcast, you can support us through the donations page, or purchase books directly from Eddie through his online store.

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Dogs and cats and horses and rats. Eddie explores how these animals have long been the subject of Irish folklore stories, and what messages or foreboding they may bring. He explains the long held belief that dogs and horses have the gift of seeing the Other, especially in the dark of night. Eddie also recalls the terrible fate that may befall you if you offended a poet and they decided to send the rats on you out of spite.

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This month, Eddie speaks of the banshee in Irish culture, and the fear her wail instilled in those who heard it. The banshee, or the badhbh as she is also known, is a female spirit who gives a warning of impending death. Eddie reflects on a frightening story once told to him by an elderly man that left him convinced that the banshee is more than just a dark figure of the imagination.

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Eddie speaks about the macabre subject of graveyards in Ireland, and the rituals and piseogs that surround them. He explains the delicate process of burying a body, and what charms and objects may be placed in the grave, from a deck of cards to a fiddle bow. He also mentions the care required around one's behaviour in a graveyard, unless they wish to find that the next hole being dug is one intended for themselves.

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Continued from Eddie's previous discussion last month, Eddie picks up where he left off on his journey into the place names of Ireland. Listing each town through it's Irish translation, he continues to build a visual landscape from the names of towns and villages. Part 2 or a 2 part series.

This episode is kindly sponsored by Creative Ireland.

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This month, Eddie discusses the place names of Ireland. He traces how the Irish version of the name often contains important geographical references to the land itself. Eddie looks at the English version of these names, and explores what is being lost in the translation of the original language. Using over 50 examples of Irish towns and villages, Eddie paints a picture of the physical landscape of Ireland encoded through words and names. Part 1 of a two part special.

This episode is kindly sponsored by Creative Ireland.

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This month, Eddie tackles the contentious subject of the Black and Tans and their arrival in Ireland in 1920. He traces their history as constables recruited into the Royal Irish Constabulary, and the reasons and incentives that brought them into the conflict. He explains how the terror they inflicted on the Irish public resulted in a profound sense of resentment and fear towards them. Burnings, raids and beatings, the Black and Tans exposed the Irish to a reign of intimidation and dread. Comprised of stories and facts recorded with people who lived through that era, Eddie shows the different aspects of their occupation and the dark legacy left in their wake.

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After months on hiatus spent working on his new book, Eddie returns with another episode of the podcast. This month, Eddie looks at the idea of Holy Wells in Ireland. He explores their origins in pagan worship and how they were assimilated into Christian culture over time. He speaks of some of the strange customs that visitors to the well would enact, from tying ribbons to nearby trees to circling the well clockwise three times. He also lists all the potential ailments that might find relief and treatment from the waters of the holy well.

This episode is kindly supported by Creative Ireland.

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