The Ballad Lounge Podcast

Amazing Grace

This episode is about one of the most well know songs in the english languge. A hymn by John Newton called Amazing Grace. Rory has done a deep dive finding an amazing connection to Ireland in this ballad. Listen in as they explore the life and times of a decrepid man who had a big hand in bringing about the end to the slave trade in the nineteenth century.

Note: this talk about slavery could be triggery to some, please be advise that Rory & Máirtín are not historians and do their best to get it right.

Like, share, comment! We would love to hear from you.

If you would like to help out the show you can go to https://buymeacoffee.com/balladloungepodcast

Welcome back to The Ballad Lounge! This week, we are diving deep into the spirited and legendary tale of "An Poc ar Buile" (The Mad Puck Goat). Join us as we explore the rich history of this beloved song—from its poetic origins in West Cork to the iconic voices that brought it to the global stage—and recap some incredible recent moments in traditional Irish music.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The Pen of Dónal Ó Mulláin: A look at the brilliant mind who penned the original words to "An Poc ar Buile." We discuss Ó Mulláin’s roots in Cúil Aodha, his place among the great local poets, and the vital role of the Oireachtas na Gaeilge festival and competitions in championing and preserving such crucial Irish language compositions.

• The Legacy of Seán Ó Sé: A heartfelt tribute to his unmistakable voice, his groundbreaking work with Seán Ó Riada, and how his definitive rendition of "An Poc ar Buile" cemented the tune into the bedrock of the traditional Irish canon.

• High Seas Trad on Geantraí: Swapping stories and highlights from the phenomenal Geantraí special, filmed right aboard the unforgettable Joanie Madden Folk 'n' Irish cruise. https://joaniemaddencruise.com

• St. Patrick's Day on TG4: Looking back at the magic of the March 17th broadcast on TG4 and celebrating the thriving community of musicians and listeners who tuned in.

Show Links & Resources:

• Watch the Geantraí Special: Catch the Joanie Madden cruise special that aired on March 17th over at TG4:

  https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/categories/irish-music-series/play/?pid=6390422923112&title=Lá%20Fhéile%20Pádraig%202026&series=Geantraí&genre=Ceol&pcode=754570

  
  

If you would like to chip in and help out the show you can buymeacoffee.com/balladloungepodcast

While we were sail on the Joanie Madden Folk 'n' Irish Cruise we had the wonderful opportunity to chat with the dashing Kerryman Bryan Murphy of the Gallivanters. He even kept his shirt on for the whole interview. Grab a cup o'tay and sit back, or get the dog ready for a walk and join us for another episode of the Ballad Lounge Podcast.

https://www.bryanmurphymusic.com/the-gallivanters-band

https://www.instagram.com/bryanmurphy_music/

Help out the show at https://buymeacoffee.com/balladloungepodcast

The life and times of one of the balladeers who blazed the trail in America for the rest of us to follow. We tried to have the interview live on the Joanie Madden FOlk 'n' Irish Cruise but the file didn't survive the journey and so we did it again. Grab a cúpán tae, sit back, and get to know Gerry.

http://www.gerrytimlin.com

https://www.facebook.com/gerry.timlin/

This week we have a rare interview with the Roscommon rambler Cathy Jordan. A voice full of colour and warmth and a life story that is worth a book in itself.  Rory & Máirtín caught up with the Dervish singer on the Joanie Madden Folk ‘n’ Irish cruise down in the warm waters of Belize in a quietish corner of the Solo lounge.  It’s a very busy time for her as Dervish are currently airing their new PBS special and Cathy herself is touring the Cranky Island Song Project around the world. 

Grab a cúpán tae, sit back, and enjoy the chat. 

This week we look into the well known Rebel song, "God Save Ireland,' by T.D. Sullivan. A song that became the unoffical Irish National Anthem for a many years.

The Smashing of the Van and the subsequent public executions gave rise for a new push for Irish Independence and may have been the final act to get Ireland to reach for revolution on home soil.

The German phiosopher Friedrich Engels said after the hanging of Allen, Larkin & O'Brien in Manchester, 'So yesterday morning the Tories, by the hand of Mr. Colcraft, accomplished the final act of separation between England and Ireland. The only thing that the Fenians still lacked were martyrs.'

Get a cúpán tae and sit back with Rory & Máirtín, this is a big story to be told.

Song from the Backwoods, a.k.a. Ireland Boys Hurrah!, a.k.a. Dear Old Ireland!

This week Rory & Máirtín venture off to invade Canada 🇨🇦 with the Fenian Brotherhood. 

T.D. Sullivan’s 19th century ballad brings up the memory of the idea to take Canada and offer to trade to her back to England for the freedom of Ireland. A wild episode in Irish history. 

June 1866 was the first time the Tri Colour was raised in battle to claim victory and land at Fort Erie across the river from Buffalo New York.

Welcome to "The Ballad Lounge" with your hosts, Máirtín de Cógáin and Rory Makem. Pull up a cozy chair, pour yourself a warm cup of cheer, and join us as we dive into the heart of the holiday season. Today, we're sharing our cherished Christmas traditions- stories wrapped in the warmth of family, festivity, and folklore. Plus, we'll be exploring the timeless charm of the song 'The Holly Bears a Berry," uncovering its rich history and melodic beauty. So, settle in and let the spirit of the season carry you through this special episode.

Welcome to The Ballad Lounge

Join your hosts, Máirtín de Cógáin and Rory Makem, as they take you on a melodic journey through the heart and soul of Irish music. Each week, we dive deep into the stories, traditions, and voices that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Irish culture.

In this episode, we're honored to sit down with none other than Irish music legend Séamus Kennedy. With his rich vocals, masterful guitar work, and signature wit, Séamus shares tales from his musical journey, the inspiration behind his timeless ballads, and some unforgettable moments from the road. So, grab a seat and relax in The Ballad Lounge where every song tells a story and every guest has a tale worth hearing.

Welcome to The Ballad Lounge, where stories meet song and voices carry tales from near and far. Rory and Máirtín are your hosts as they dive deep into the heart and soul of the song tradition.

In today's episode, they're thrilled to sit down with the legendary Donie Carroll- a singer whose voice is as rich in history as it is in heart. Join us as we explore Donie's musical journey, his inspirations, and the events that have shaped his life.

So, settle in, tune your ears, and let the melodies guide you. This is The Ballad Lounge.

Check out www.MercyCentre.org for the charity that Donie speaks about.