Henry Cluney, founding member and guitarist of Stiff Little Fingers and currently with XSLF, joins Fender Jackson for a deep dive into “Alternative Ulster”.

Together they listen through the recording and explore Henry's recollections of how the song was written, arranged and recorded - from its instantly recognisable guitar intro and droning open D string to the bass, drums, vocals and production.

Henry recalls the beginnings of Stiff Little Fingers, working with Jake Burns, Ali McMordie and Brian Faloon, manager Gordon Ogilvie, and the circumstances that led to “Alternative Ulster” being recorded.

The conversation also goes beyond the song itself: punk in Belfast during the Troubles, Island Records, The Undertones, songwriting, the changing relationships within Stiff Little Fingers and Henry’s reflections on the band today.

Part interview, part musical analysis, this is an attempt to understand not simply the story behind “Alternative Ulster”, but why the record sounds the way it does - and why, nearly five decades later, that opening remains instantly recognisable.

Part interview, part musical analysis, this is an attempt to understand not simply the story behind “Alternative Ulster”, but why the record sounds the way it does - and why, nearly five decades later, that opening remains instantly recognisable.

Relevant Links

https://www.facebook.com/XSLFBELFASTNORTHENIRELAND/

Editor’s Note: During the conversation, Henry Cluney discusses his recollection of the writing of “Alternative Ulster” and Gordon Ogilvie’s contribution to the lyrics. The original 1978 Rough Trade release credits the song to “Fingers/Ogilvie”. Jake Burns has subsequently said publicly that he wrote the song largely himself, with Gordon Ogilvie contributing one line. These differing accounts are noted here for context.

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Falling Slowly sounds simple. But underneath Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s Oscar-winning song are some beautiful musical choices.

In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, musician and host Fender Jackson goes inside the song - listening to the original recording and using guitar and piano to explore why it works.

We look at the opening chords, the suspended harmony, the melody and its relationship to the words, Glen and Markéta’s vocal harmonies, the unusual notes that create tension, and the way strings, bass and arrangement gradually transform the song.

Along the way, Fender reflects on Glen Hansard’s life and music, Once, The Frames, Markéta Irglová and the extraordinary journey that took “Falling Slowly” from an intimate song to the Academy Awards.

Falling Slowly - Inside the Song

The Ireland Podcast — Episode 235

Recorded in Galway, Ireland.

🎧 The Ireland Podcast - Recording the island.

Chapters

— Glen Hansard's story

— Once and Markéta Irglová

— The opening chords

— Why the suspended chord matters

— The melody is remarkably simple

— Glen and Markéta's vocal harmony

— The strange note that shouldn't work

— Strings and arrangement

— How the song changes live

— The Oscar

— Remembering Glen

Glen Hansard photograph: Conor Masterson

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Mary McAleese served as President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Born in Belfast, she became the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and held office through some of the most significant years of the peace process.

In this conversation, recorded at Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal, Mary reflects on her life, her presidency and the people and events she witnessed at close quarters.

She discusses John Hume and Gerry Adams and the conversations that helped shape the peace process; David and Daphne Trimble; Ian Paisley; the Omagh bombing; and the relationships and encounters that took place away from public view.

Mary also recalls Queen Elizabeth II and the extraordinary journey towards the Queen’s historic 2011 state visit to Ireland, including their shared interest in the ancient sporting traditions of hurling and shinty.

The conversation ends in Irish, as Mary talks about her affection for Gleann Cholm Cille, the Irish language and Oideas Gael - and shares some fond memories of Fender’s father, Seán Ó hEaráin, a classmate of hers at Oideas Gael.

Recorded at Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal on Wed 29th July 2026.

Full episode on YouTube which includes subtitles for Irish section at the end. Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.

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Who was Glen Hansard away from the stage?

Following Glen Hansard's funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, this episode captures the thoughts and memories of friends, collaborators and fellow musicians on the day they gathered to say goodbye.

Created as both a tribute and a historical record, these conversations preserve first-hand reflections while they were still fresh. Together, they form a mosaic of Glen Hansard's life - revealing not only the celebrated musician, but the generous, humble and deeply human person remembered by those who knew him best.

Contributors include:

• Victoria Mary Clarke

• BP Fallon

• Barry Donovan

• Mick Cronin

• George Morphy

• and others.

Interviewer: Fender Jackson

Recorded: Tuesday 4 August 2026

Locations: St Patrick's Cathedral & The Lord Edward, Dublin

Thumbnail photograph: Conor Masterson. Used with permission.

With sincere condolences to Glen's family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.

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On Monday 3 August 2026, hundreds of people gathered at the Baroque Chapel, Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital Kilmainham, to pay their final respects to Glen Hansard.

Rather than recounting Glen's remarkable career, this episode documents something more immediate: the memories of the people who came to say goodbye.

Friends, fellow musicians and admirers reflect on the man they knew, his generosity, his humility, his artistry and the lasting impact he had on their lives. Together, their stories paint a deeply personal portrait of one of Ireland's most beloved musicians.

Interviewees include Michael Fayne, Vojta Cimpl, Athos Chambers, Loren, Barry Donovan, Lloyd Chambers, Ravinol (Ravi) Chambers and Conor Masterson, whose shot the cover photograph.

Recorded at 3:41pm on Monday 3 August 2026, this episode preserves a unique moment in Irish cultural history as people gathered to honour Glen Hansard's life and legacy.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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Why has Ireland become one of the world's strongest supporters of Palestine?

In this episode, Zoe Lawlor, Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), discusses why so many Irish people identify with the Palestinian cause, Ireland's policy of military neutrality, accusations of antisemitism, Zionism, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and whether peace between Israelis and Palestinians remains possible.

The Ireland Podcast has no political or religious agenda. Its purpose is to provide a platform for respectful, long-form conversations that help listeners better understand different perspectives on Ireland and the issues that shape it.

Topics include:

• Why Ireland has become one of Palestine's strongest international supporters

• The origins and aims of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign

• Israel, Gaza and the humanitarian crisis

• Hamas and the attacks of 7 October 2023

• Zionism and anti-Zionism

• Antisemitism and anti-racism

• Ireland's policy of military neutrality

• The BDS movement

• The prospects for a two-state solution

• Whether lasting peace is still achievable

The Ireland Podcast is a long-form interview series exploring Ireland through conversations with politicians, academics, journalists, artists and public figures. Guests are invited to explain their own views in depth, with the aim of recording the island's stories, ideas and debates.

Relevant Links

https://www.ipsc.ie/

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Ten years after the Brexit referendum, what has actually changed?

In this final episode of our three-part series, Professor Katy Hayward looks beyond the politics of 2016 to examine Brexit's long-term consequences for Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

We discuss:

• Has Brexit been an economic success or failure for Northern Ireland?

• Has Brexit made a united Ireland more likely?

• Who, if anyone, has benefited?

• Has Brexit strengthened or weakened the Union?

• How has it changed relations between Britain, Ireland and the European Union?

• Why does the Windsor Framework continue to matter?

• What happens if a border poll is eventually called?

• How will historians judge Brexit in fifty years' time?

Along the way, Prof. Hayward offers one of the most memorable explanations of the Windsor Framework you'll ever hear - describing it as a mythical creature: "a pony dressed up with a little glitter in its mane, an ice cream cone on its head... it shouldn't really exist."

Whether you supported Leave or Remain, this conversation aims to explain rather than persuade.

This is Part 3 of a special three-part series on Brexit.

Relevant Links

https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-brexit-governance-ni/

https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/brexit-and-beyond/

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Jeffrey Donaldson was once regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in unionism. A former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Privy Counsellor, and key negotiator during some of the most significant moments in post-Brexit politics, his conviction has sent shockwaves through Northern Ireland.

In this episode, Irish News Political Correspondent John Manley traces Donaldson's political journey, from his early years in the Ulster Unionist Party and move to the DUP, through the Good Friday Agreement, St Andrews Agreement, Brexit, and the Northern Ireland Protocol, before examining the political fallout following his conviction.

The conversation also explores:

• The origins and evolution of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)

• Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson, Arlene Foster and Gavin Robinson

• Why Jeffrey Donaldson became leader

• The internal struggles within unionism

• The impact of Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol

• The future of the DUP

• The rise of the TUV and changing unionist politics

• The political response from Sinn Féin and other parties

• Whether the Donaldson scandal could reshape unionism for years to come

This episode is intended as an exploration of the political context surrounding one of the most significant developments in modern Northern Irish politics.

The Ireland Podcast celebrates the people, places, culture and ideas that shape Ireland through long-form conversations.

Hosted by Fender Jackson.

Relevant Links

https://www.irishnews.com

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How did Brexit move from referendum result to international treaty?

In Part 2 of this three-part conversation, Professor Katy Hayward traces the negotiations that reshaped relations between Northern Ireland, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Together we explore Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement, the backstop, Boris Johnson's renegotiation, the Northern Ireland Protocol, the search for technological solutions, and why the Irish border became the central challenge of Brexit.

Professor Hayward also discusses the competing priorities of London, Dublin, Brussels and Belfast, and explains why some of the proposed solutions were described as "unicorns".

This is Part 2 of a three-part series examining Brexit through the eyes of Northern Ireland.

Topics include

• The Irish border dilemma
• Theresa May and the backstop
• Boris Johnson's renegotiation
• The Northern Ireland Protocol
• The search for alternative arrangements
• UK–EU negotiations
• The Good Friday Agreement
• Northern Ireland after Brexit

Relevant Links

https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/post-brexit-governance-ni/

https://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/brexit-and-beyond/

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As he approaches his 87th birthday, John Heron joins his son, Fender Jackson, for a deeply personal conversation about a lifetime of learning, community and his 42 consecutive years attending Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille.

John reflects on discovering the Irish language, the friendships that have lasted decades, dancing with Mary McAleese, the vision of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, and why he believes anyone who spends a fortnight in Donegal with Oideas Gael will leave speaking Irish.

Best known to many as co-founder of Heron Bros, this conversation instead reveals the man behind the business: a lifelong learner whose love of language, music and people has shaped more than four decades of summers in the Donegal Gaeltacht.

A warm and affectionate conversation that celebrates Oideas Gael, the Irish language and the power of preserving family stories for future generations.

Relevant Links

https://www.oideasgael.ie/

https://youtu.be/emdJYEfbhBY

https://www.irishnews.com/

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