The County Measure

This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the culture, wit and landscapes of Co. Tyrone.

Ballinasloe based writer Nuala O'Connor has written a new piece of writing about being a "blow-in"

Vincent Woods travels around Galway. He visits a Travellers' youth group in Tuam, joins musician Máirtín O'Connor on the shore of Lough Corrib & joins marathon runners on Inisbofin

"'The Field". Offaly writer Ian Maleney contemplates a field on his father's farm close to Ferbane.

In this episode writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the county identity of Offaly. He finds community spirit in Daingean, the moon in Birr and green and gold in Tullamore.

Mundy performs "Urban Dreams" for The County Measure. Mundy is an acclaimed singer and songwriter from Birr. He has released 8 albums to date and is working on a new album. For more see https://mundy.ie

Writing from Olivia Fitzsimons, commissioned writer for The County Measure Wicklow. Olivia's debut novel "The Quiet Whispers Never Stop" was published in 2022.

Writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the uplands, valleys and coastline of Co Wicklow. He visits a mobile library in Rathdangan, a nature reserve in Newcastle, and learns to knit with the star designer of the sweaters from the film The Banshees of Inisherin.

Classical guitarist Michael Stedman performs "Wicklow Sojourn" for The County Measure. Michael sought to reflect our evolving sense of connection to wild Wicklow as we move from the well-trodden paths of Glendalough to the lesser-known trails of Glenmalure. For more see https://mstedmanguitar.com

"Ovidstown Hill" is a new piece of writing by Louise Nealon for The County Measure. Her debut novel "Snowflake" was published in 2021.

County Kildare. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

Michael Hughes is a writer from Keady, Armagh. His short story "The old man of Drumlarg" is inspired by his homeplace.

In this Stephen's Day episode of The County Measure, Vincent Woods travels to County Armagh and spends time with fisherman on Lough Neagh, road bowlers in Tullysaran, Rhymers in Armagh City and with storytellers on Sliabh Gullion.

Ríoghnach Connolly and Ellis Davies perform "Armagh" for The County Measure. Ríoghnach is a singer, flautist, and a previous recipient of BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year. Ríoghnach's musical projects include The Breath, Honeyfeet, and Lí Bán. For more see www.rioghnachconnolly.com

"Hillwalking in Laois" is a new poem by Pat Boran describing the landscape and nature of his native county. Pat is the current editor and publisher of Dedalus Press and his previous poetry collections include On a Wave of Light (2022), Building the Ark (2022), The Statues of Emo Court (2021), and Then Again (2019).

County Laois. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

"The Louth Measure" is a new piece of music by Irish fiddle player and composer Zoë Conway.

County Louth. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

A new piece of writing by Megan Nolan about watching the Waterford Football team with her father in the early 2000s. Megan is the author of "Acts of Desperation" (2001) and "Ordinary Human Failings" (2003).

Co. Waterford. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.

Waiting Space (Chris Falconer) performs 'Geography, History' for The County Measure. The song starts with a piano/vocal led 1st half (with lyrics based around the geography of the coast), which evolves into a much more populated/electronic 2nd half (with lyrics focusing on Waterford's Viking & Norman history). For more see www.waiting.space

"Wounds" is a short story set in the village of Pettigo, based on historical events. Ciarán is an actor and the author of "Skintown" and "The Sunken Road"

County Fermanagh. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.

"Open Door Fanore" is a new story by writer and music journalist Deirdre Cronin. It was inspired by the kindness of her cousin, the late musician Mick Moloney and a group of teenagers visiting North Clare.

County Clare. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.