While recording Episode 122 with Swinford’s own Breege Rowley, the editor-turned-documentary maker suggested to Fender that he speak with Nora McBurney - the voice behind her film ‘All Our Yesterdays’. So that’s exactly what he did.

Conversation includes: introductions; update on the movie ‘All Our Yesterdays’ by Breege Rowley; Swinford and Foxford, County Mayo; tracing Nora’s grandparents move from Swinford and Derryherbert, County Mayo to Pittsburgh, PA; competing in Irish dancing; soft shoe vs. hard shoe; Dan Rooney & The Pittsburgh Steelers; Croke Park; Michael Bublé; studying in Ireland; Trim Castle; Cnoc Suain, County Galway; having an Irish American identity; yinzers, yousens and Scots language; John Williams and Solace; Reverie Road; the Irish American connection; the nosiness of the Irish; the real estate industry in USA today; working from home; buying vs. renting property; Rory Sutherland’s view on the increase of property over the last few decades; recording the Voiceover for ‘All Our Yesterdays’ and other topics.

Links

https://www.instagram.com/theirishyinzer

https://www.facebook.com/theirishyinzer/

Additional Links

https://breegerowleyeditor.com/

https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

Episode 122. Breege Rowley: Cinema & Television Editor

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Fender Jackson recently took part in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the London Irish Centre, marking seven decades of cultural connection and community spirit. The event paid tribute to the Centre’s rich legacy as a home for Irish arts, music, and heritage in London, while also highlighting its ongoing role in supporting the Irish diaspora. Fender’s coverage captured the atmosphere of pride and nostalgia, showcasing performances, speeches, and stories that reflected both the history and the enduring vibrancy of the Irish community in Britain.

Special thanks to the following contributors:

• Deirdre Fraser - Volunteer, London Irish Centre
• Mark Paul - London Correspondent, Irish Times
• Fionnuala Carr - Irish Dancer
• Jennifer Hegarty - Trustee, London Irish Centre
• Helen - Volunteer, London Irish Centre
• Leah - London Irish Centre visitor
• Darren - Security & Events, London Irish Centre
• Katie Doyle - Survivors Integrated Service Manager
• Rosie - Irish Dancer & Musician
• Sarah - Irish Dancer 
• Eva - Future founder of the London Korean Centre
• Susan - Irish Dancer
• Sheena Vallely - Fiddle Player
• Bradon Smith - Fiddler Player
• Paul Kerins - Banjo Player
• Hannah Pender - Director of Programme & Events
• Séamus MacCormaic - CEO of the London Irish Centre 

Performance of John Leary’s by Rosie (Tin Whistle) and Fender (Drums, Bass, Guitars, Percussion, Banjo, and Accordion)

Links

https://londonirishcentre.org/

https://londonirishcentre.org/our-services/community-development/survivorservice/

https://thesunnybanks.com/

www.theirelandpodcast.com

https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

Ep. 181. London Irish Centre: Community Café

Additional Links

https://www.coventryirishsociety.com/help-support/irish-survivors

https://frea.org.uk/

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The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, brought peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict by establishing a power-sharing government and ensuring that any constitutional change would happen only by consent. Alastair Campbell, then Tony Blair’s Director of Communications and Strategy, played a key role in the negotiations, helping to shape the messaging, diplomacy, and relationships that made the agreement possible. He shared his reflections and behind-the-scenes stories with The Ireland Podcast when Fender Jackson visited him at his home in London on Thursday, 25 September 2025.

Conversation includes: Scotty Parker and Burnley F.C.; Tony Blair & Jonathan Powell’s optimism; the moment of realisation that the Northern Ireland problem could actually be solved; David Trimble, John Taylor & Ken Maginnis; The Irish Diaries; Bill Clinton & George Mitchell; Martin McGuinness, John Hume, Mo Mowlem & David Ervine; Bríd Rogers; sleep; Dennis Murray; the alignment with John Hume; Seamus Mallon; the hand of history; feeling the encouragement from the streets; the growing media pack; Alastair’s day-to-day role; John Holmes; social media and today’s political landscape; Bertie Ahern; the main stumbling blocks before the GFA was signed; Blair’s skills of constructive ambiguity; ‘The Chuckle Brothers’ (McGuinness and Paisley); Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; the other side to Paisley; Greenifying vs. Trimblification; Martin Ferris & Gerry Kelly; the legacy bill; London Irish Centre; Orla McBreen; Hilary Benn; Gaza and the Middle East; Nick Matthews, the Garden Girls and other topics.

Links

https://alastaircampbell.org/book/the-irish-diaries/

www.theirelandpodcast.com

https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

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While in Belfast, Fender Jackson had the opportunity to meet Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, widely recognised as a tireless booster for the city and a respected civic leader. Known for his energy, optimism, and commitment to showcasing Belfast on the global stage, Máirtín has played a central role in promoting its culture, business, and community spirit. Their meeting offered a chance to reflect on how individual leadership and passion can help shape a city’s story.

Conversation includes: early life; growing up in the war; learning gaelic; not getting involved in the troubles; school; venturing to South Belfast for the second time (despite having visited England, Dublin as well as holidays in Ballycastle and Irish college in Donegal); Patrick Crawford; Jim McCarron; Martha & Patrick Crawford; Máirtín’s mother starting up a peace movement; H-Block; landing the job of being the first journalist in the Andersonstown News; Hunger Strikes; acquiring the Anderstonstown News; Bernard O’Hagan, Bernard Davey; Sheena Campbell; Alex Maskey; Alan Lundy; Bobby Lavery and his son; judges; Sammy Douglas; Frank and James Millar in The Loup, Co. Derry; LGBTQ community; the gulf between the catholic and protestant communities today; Mo Mowlem; David Trimble; Paul Haller; Connla McCann; Presidents Michael D. Higgins and Mary McAleese; Rev. Ian Paisley & Martin McGuinness; Fr. Gerry Reynolds from Clonard; Peace Walls; Bertie Ahern, Bill Clinton & Tony Blair; Gaza; being the Lord Mayor; Buddhism; Van Morrison’s Bright Side Of The Road; Royal British Legion; the unionist community; plans for the future; religion; St. Vincent de Paul and other topics.

Links

https://belfastmedia.com

Additional Links

https://belfastmedia.com/coroner-rules-that-patrick-crawford-15-was-shot-dead-by-british-soldier

https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/victims/humanface/chron/1980.html

https://belfastmedia.com/appeal-for-info-on-1975-rvh-killing

https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/sutton/alpha/O.html

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Rónán Ó Dochartaigh concludes his chat during the height of the season in Oideas Gael which is the Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School). Also a fitting tribute to the excellent work of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin and Seosamh Watson, the founders of Oideas Gael.

Conversation includes: the beauty and archeology of the Glencolmcille area; Silver Strand; Slieve League; St. Colmcille, history in the area, recommended clothing; transport to Glencolmcille; accessibility; getting in touch; the shop; An Coimín, in Gleann Fhinne; Tory Island; Liam Ó Cuinneagáin agus Seosamh Watson; winter activities and other topics.

Links

www.oideasgael.com

https://www.siopagaeilge.ie/

191. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 1

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Máirtín Ó Muilleoir encouraged Fender to share a selection of episodes on Irish Echo and Andersonstown News, showcasing the generosity of everyone who contributed their time and stories. These narratives form a mosaic of Ireland: its past, its present, and the living connections that stretch across the globe.

We thought it would be good to put together an episode that crystallises what The Ireland Podcast is as well as its origin story.. which dates back more than 100 years!

Sincere thanks to Máirtín for this opportunity.

Relevant Links

https://belfastmedia.com/atown

https://www.irishecho.com/

https://www.ria.ie/collections/archival-collections/heron-papers/

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A continuation of the celebration of Oideas Gael: Rónán Ó Dochartaigh, Course Manager of Oideas Gael, chats about its offerings, the rise of Irish language learning, and the unique culture of Glencolmcille, touching on immersion, Gaeltacht life, and the growing appeal of Gaeilge today.

Conversation includes: introductions; activated parts of brain; Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School) and some of the lessons therein; the growing popularity of Oideas Gael over the years; Rónán’s journey to his current position; the impact of Covid; Gaeilge sa bhaile (Irish at home); fág an bealach (get out of the way); Gaeltacht definition and their places in Ireland; Ráth Chairn and Baile Ghib in Meath; Slaughtneil and West Belfast; pop up Gaeltachts; Údarás na Gaeltachta; different levels of the courses; tumadh (immersion); the types of people who do the course; the Glencolmcille area; the different dialects of Irish; Michael Healy-Rae vs. Jim McGuinness; the influence of the Normans; teacher; (2025) prices; accommodation; getting here and other topics.

Links

www.oideasgael.com

https://www.siopagaeilge.ie

193. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 2

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190. Eibhlis Farrell agus Ray McManus

Ray McManus (piano) and Eibhlis Farrell (fiddle) take us on a bilingual musical journey around Ireland, presenting a vibrant mix of tunes and songs from some of the counties across the island. The evening begins with an introduction by Rónán Ó Dochartaigh.

This performance was part of the entertainment programme for the Irish Language Summer Course 2025, recorded on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.

Counties and music featured:

1. Corcaigh (Cork): 

Carolan's Draught

2. Tiobraid Árann (Tipperary): 

Sliabh na mBan

3. Fear Manach, Ard Mhacha, Liatroim (Fermanagh, Armagh agus Leitrim): 

Planxty Maguire: Planxty Maguire / O’Rourke’s Feast

4. Tír Eoghain (Tyrone):

The Mountains Of Pomeroy

5. Luimneach (Limerick):

Slán Le Máigh

6. Baile Átha Cliath / An Dún (Dublin / Down):

The Foggy Dew

7. Port Láirge (Waterford)

Sliabh Geal gCua

8. Casablanca

Ó Lá Go Lá (As Time Goes By)

9. Loch Garman (Wexford)

Boolavogue

10. An Dún (Down):

In Onóir Naomh Bronagh (Eibhlis Farrell)

11. Sligeach (Sligo):

Planxty Loftus Jones 

Special thanks to Ray, Eibhlis and all at Oideas Gael for making this episode possible.

Links

www.oideasgael.com

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Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. This is the concluding and second part. 

Conversation includes: starting up the first Irish language courses with Seosamh Watson; Liam being separated physically from the Troubles in the six counties; the first people on the early courses; Fr. McDyer’s Irish levels; John Heron; Downings; the immersive system of learning; the structure of the day; Milwaukee Irish Fest; World Trade Center Bombing 1993; Patrick Campbell; why people are attracted to coming to Oideas Gael; the quality of the teaching staff; Siobhán Ní Churraighín; Rónán Ó Dochartaigh; the topography of the west of Ireland; Brendan Lyons and the International Fund for Ireland; acquiring the land on which to build the school; Máire Brennan; Mary McAleese attending the course during her presidency; Ray McManus; Foras Na Gaeilge; Daniel O’Donnell and Mary McAleese breaking and entering into Oideas Gael; dealing with banks; Broca's area; Enjoy Irish! by Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair; Gael Linn and other topics.

Music in the background from Eibhlis Farrell and Ray McManus in rehearsal as well as the sean-nós singing class of Gearóidín Breathnach which were happening in two classrooms concurrently.

Recorded on Tuesday 29th July 2025 - 2 days after Donegal competed against Kerry in the All-Ireland football final.

Links

http://www.oideas-gael.com

188. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin: Oideas Gael - Part 1

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Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. Part one centres largely around the amazing partnership between Fr. McDyer and Liam’s father Willie Ó Cuinneagáin formed which transformed the area. 

Conversation includes: introductions; early life; education; studying psychology in UCD; Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; Seosamh Watson; connecting his Uncle Mickey and other family members in USA; Prof. Breandán MacSuibhne; Gleann Cholm Cille; Fr. James McDyer; Tory Island; McDyer bringing a weaving market into the area in 1950s; Willie Ó Cuinneagáin; Glencolmcille Folk Village; debating teams; Mansholt Plan; The Ireland House; Tom O’Donnell; Dean Charles Gray-Stack; Michael John Sweetman; Irish Press vs. Irish Independent; Éamon de Valera and other topics.

Music in the background from Eibhlis Farrell and Ray McManus in rehearsal as well as the sean-nós singing class of Gearóidín Breathnach which were happening in two classrooms concurrently.

Recorded on Tuesday 29th July 2025 - 2 days after Donegal competed against Kerry in the All-Ireland football final.

Relevant Links

http://www.oideas-gael.com/

189. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin: Oideas Gael - Part 2

Additional Links

https://www.dib.ie/biography/mcdyer-james-daniel-a5652

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fr+McDyer%2C+Glencolmkille+Folk+Village

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