The County Measure

Edwina Guckian recounts the life of her grandfather Hughie Guckian while visiting his old workshop. Edwina is a dancer and director of the Áirc Damhsa Culture Club. She is a previous recipient of the Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year award. For more see www.edwinaguckian.com

Ailie Blunnie performs "The Arrival of Na hUltaigh to Leitrim (1795/96)" for The County Measure. Ailie's song recounts the forced migration of thousands of people from Armagh and surrounding counties to Leitrim in the 1790s. "West to the Evening Sun" is Ailie's debut album, for more see www.ailieblunnie.com

Vincent Woods travels to his native Leitrim. He hears stories of Mohill from John Reynolds, boats along the canals and lakes, and visits sculptor Jackie McKenna in Manorhamilton.

"Annagh Lane" by Zack Boland is inspired by the street where he grew up. Zack Boland is a composer, arranger, and musician hailing from Co. Wexford. A graduate of MTU Cork School of Music, his music is deeply influenced by his roots, with much of his work reflecting the landscapes and memories of his upbringing.

Colm Tóibín is a novelist from Enniscorthy. Here he recalls a bridge over the River Slaney and the landscape and history of Wexford. Colm's most recent book "Long Island" (2024) is a sequel to "Brooklyn". His previous titles include "The Master", "The Testament of Mary", & "The Blackwater Lightship". For more see www.colmtoibin.com

This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods gets to know the coastline, people and nature of Co. Wexford.

"Keepsake" by poet Mícheál McCann recounts a journey between Derry and Belfast. Here he reflects on the nature of home while travelling with Marcel, his new cat. Mícheál most recent collection is "Devotion" (2024). He previously published the pamphlets "Safe Home" (2020) and "Keeper" (2022).

"Teenage dream's so hard to beat" by Soak. Here, Soak recalls memories of growing up in Derry City and the importance of home. Bridie Monds-Watson AKA Soak has released 3 albums: "If I Never Know You Like This Again" (2022), "Grim Town" (2019) & "Before We Forgot How to Dream" (2015). For more see https://www.soaksoaksoak.com/

Vincent Woods explores Co. Derry. He attends SuperCup NI, and meets new communities and cultures in Derry City. The County Measure also features Soak performing a new spoken word piece about growing up in Derry.

'Ceol crotaigh, uaill cois cladaigh' by Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair, a storyteller and writer from West Donegal. Here she explores the decline in numbers of the curlew population. Eithne's latest book is 'Caithréim agus Tóir' (2024). Her previous titles include 'Súil' (2018), 'Múscail, a Ghiorria' (2020), & 'An Craiceann agus a Luach' (2021).

Vincent Woods explores Co. Donegal. He visits the Arranmore RNLI, dry stone wall builders in Ballyshannon and a wonderful singer in Gaoth Dobhair.

Writer Mike McCormack recalls his childhood while growing up in Mayo. Here he describes a long car journey across the county. Mike is the author of several books including 'This Plague of Souls' (2023), 'Solar Bones' (2016), 'Forensic Songs' (2012), & 'Notes from a Coma' (2005).

Vincent Woods explores County Mayo. He travels to Inishturk Island, a community garden in Ballyhaunis and pets alpacas in Ballycastle.

"Vantage Point" by the Waterville based poet Paddy Bushe. Here Paddy recounts his love of the landscape near Cúm a’ Chiste and a special moment in history. Paddy has published several collections including Poems With Amergin (1989), In Ainneoin na gCloch (2001), & Peripheral Vision (2020). In 2006 Paddy received the Oireachtas prize for poetry.

'An Pláinéad Tiar' by Listowel poet and rapper Súil Amháin. The song flips the idea of the abandoned An tOileán Tiar (Blasket Island i.e Western Isle) into An Pláinéad Tiar (the Western Planet) and humans coming back to visit earth as a 'heritage' site. athPhORT is a new album by Súil Amháin & Bantum. For more see suilamhain.bandcamp.com/releases

Vincent Woods explores County Kerry. He visits a rainforest on the Iveragh pennsula, a neamhóg builder and enjoys African fusion dance in Tralee.

Sara Baume is a writer and visual artist based in west Cork. Here she recounts using Google Street View to virtually travel across the county towards her mother's house in East Cork. Sara's books include 'Spill Simmer Falter Wither,' 'A Line Made by Walking,' 'handiwork,' and 'Seven Steeples.'

"Only Ballhoppin" by Cormac McCarthy, a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor from Cork. 'I'm only ballhoppin ya' is a Cork phrase that means, 'I'm only winding you up'. The expression is one that Cormac associates with his grandfather. Cormac's album "On The Other Hand" was released in 2022. https://www.cormacmccarthymusic.com/

Vincent Woods explores County Cork. He takes a boat trip through the city, walks along the Marsh in Skibbereen and hears about St. Gobnait in Baile Mhúirne.

Writer Jan Carson recalls her Ballymena childhood and her grandfather's tales of a monkey. Jan is the author of several books including 'The Raptures' (2022), 'The Fire Starters' (2019), and 'Malcolm Orange Disappears' (2014).

In this episode Vincent Woods gets to know the coastline, people and nature of Co. Antrim.

Niamh Mulvey is a writer and editor who recently returned home from the UK to her native Kilkenny. Here she reflects on the life and legacy of Lady Desart, who built the cottage that Niamh now lives in. Niamh's debut novel "The Amendments" was published in 2024.

Vincent Woods explores Co Kilkenny. He visits the (real) Kilkenny Cats, Rothe House & the Castlecomer Coal Mining Museum. With writing from Niamh Mulvey & music from Annika Kilkenny

Comedian Kevin McGahern recounts the unique dialect and character of his native Cavan. Kevin is currently on a nationwide tour with his brand new show "Shy Talker."

This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the beauty and culture of County Cavan.