Voices Of Pres Voice Of Cork

We dive into a life shaped by curiosity, courage, and a touch of Cork mischief with Harry Cussen who joins us all the way in Toronto. What begins as a nostalgic look at youthful antics in Cork quickly turns into something far more extraordinary — the story of a teenager bold enough to run away to England, already showing the restless spirit that would define his life. From wheeling and dealing on the Coal Quay to setting off for Toronto joining the Canadian RAF, this isn’t just a story about the past. Well into his eighties, he’s still in motion — still doing business, still telling stories, and still deeply connected to the arts, helping bring theatre like Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer to new audiences. It’s a portrait of a true Cork character: enterprising, adventurous, and proof that the drive to keep going never really fades.

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Marian Carey's career at Pres spans over nearly three decades encompassing an array fo roles from PE teacher, to rugby coach, TY coordinator and eventually Deputy Principal. The latter move marked a significant change in Pres as she became the first female to take on a senior management role in the once male dominated school. As rugby coach Marian has had the pleasure of seeing the raw rugby talent of many players who graced the pitch and she reflects fondly on those who made it to the big teams thereafter. It's a heartfelt conversation and she chats about the characters she worked with and the changing culture of the school.

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Ireland rugby international Michael Bradley has seen it all from the muddy pitches along the Mardyke to stadiums across the world. From his early days at Pres to representing Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, and later to coaching stints that took him from Connacht to Edinburgh, from Georgia to Italy, Michael’s career has been marked by adaptability, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game and its people.

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The legendary rugby correspondent for the Irish Times Edmund Van Esbeck joins podcast producer Eanna O'Loinsigh for an in depth chat about life as a journalist on the sidelines. Edmund has been writing about the game since the 1960's. He's written multiple books on rugby and has seen every celebration and commiserations on the muddy pitches. He also recalls some of the great rugby players that graced the hallways of Pres.

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This one is for the writers, poets and literature enthusiasts as we have a man who has introduced the famous poets of Ireland to the enthusiasts of Italy. Alessandro Gentili translated the works of poets in 'Soundings' into Italian and continues today to translate the works of Seámus Heaney to Leanne O'Sullivan cross country. What sparked the flame for his interest in Irish literature? Well he's joined by podcast producer Eanna O'Loinsigh and actor and former Pres teacher Kieran Ahern as they decipher the words and works of literature.

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Christy Keneally has had an interesting life since leaving the doors of Presentation Brothers College Cork. He's a prolific writer, a former television presenter, a communications consultant, lecturer and ordained priest. Christy entered the doors of Pres as a chaplain in the 1970's, however his life path has had many interesting twists and turns. He has written 5 novels, 4 books of poetry, 3 autobiographical works and 2 non-fiction. He encompassed this all, while overcoming the grief of losing his mother at a young age. Well we don't want to give everything away at once, tune in to hear a tale of warmth, humanity and unconditional kindness.

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Five Irish fathers versus one vast Atlantic ocean. Former pupil Conor McCarthy alongside his comrades 'Team Power of 1' reflects on rowing the gruelling 5000km across the Atlantic in honour of his friend's daughter Saoirse O’Driscoll in an effort to raise funds for Children’s Health Foundation and Heart Children Ireland. From sleepless training to storm-tossed miles, they battled waves, wind, and exhaustion until the grit turned to glory. They did it in 39 days and 14 hours placing third overall, while raising more than €400,000.

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Keeping on deck with this maritime running theme, we brace ourselves for the gruelling and strenuous row across the Atlantic as alumni Seán Underwood and Eoin O'Farrell bring us through their harrowing journey. Through sheer perseverance, determination and stubbornness, they took on the challenge of rowing from Cork across the shattering swells of the Atlantic to be be greeted by cheering family and friends. But with that came huge questions of self-resilience, one they credit their former school Presentation Brothers College for. Batten down the hatches and prepare yourself for an inspiring tale.

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Regarded as a national treasure in Irish sailing Donal McClement has sailed across the Atlantic dozens of times. His grá for sailing anchors in his family and upbringing. Here he recounts his adventurous life, which commenced in the classroom at Presentation Brothers in 1953. Following his time at school, he joined the Royal Air Force in 1964, while in 1979 he skippered the winning yacht in its class in the Fastnet Race. Life has been all go for Donal and this one is for the adventurous and adrenaline chasers.

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Former pupil, RTÉ Southern Correspondent, presenter and podcaster Tom MacSweeney is reeling in the years of his life in journalism in print and television broadcasts. Tom was the host of the much beloved maritime programme 'Seascapes' despite coming from a non-martime background. He reflects on his days on the beat as a journalist which brought him across the country including a stint up the North during the Troubles. He returns to the classroom and reminisces on his school days in Pres which became the catapult in launching him into a lengthy career.

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