The Ireland Podcast

The concluding part of an interview with Jane O’Leary, her first since being honoured with the prestigious National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award. For more than 50 years, Jane O’Leary has been breaking new musical ground in Ireland. We catch up with her to learn more about her life and musical style. Conversation includes: setting up the Concorde Contemporary Music Group; punk music; the...

For more than 50 years, Jane O’Leary has been breaking new musical ground in Ireland. We catch up with her to learn more about her life and musical style. Conversation includes: Jane the musician (listening, performing and composing); Milton Babbitt; early life in Connecticut; getting into music; studying in Vassar College, New York State; the importance of good teachers; being the second woman to...

Jah Wobble’s Invaders of the Heart chat with Fender Jackson after their gig in Róisín Dubh, Galway on Wed 3rd December 2025. Conversation includes: interviews with the band; Keith Levene’s guitar and guitar playing; the Soundman; the complications of performing this album; Dave Kane; Ruby Wood; the evolution of the tracks; Siouxsie & The Banshees; making ‘Metal Box - Rebuilt In Dub'; Yamaha 21...

Conversation includes: the (non-existent) comedy scene in Ireland in the 1970s and 80s; leprosy and space-travel; Ardal O’Hanlon; The Bogey Boys; Billy Roche; Young Ones; Tommy Tiernan; pioneering the comedy scene; Myles na Gopaleen; Hal Roche; setting up the Comedy Cellar above The International Bar on Wicklow Street, Dublin in the late 1980s with Mr Trellis, Barry Murphy, Kevin Gildea, Dermot Ca...

In this special milestone episode of The Ireland Podcast , Fender sits down with his own children for a heartfelt discussion about interviewing his parents. Together, they explore why capturing family stories matters, how to approach these conversations with sensitivity, and what it means to preserve memories for the next generation. Fender also offers thoughtful advice for anyone considering inte...

Born in Ennis, County Clare, Fr. Bernárd’s journey began in the traditional Ireland of the 1940s, shaped by school, family, and faith. But his path soon led him far from the familiar - from the seminary in Dromantine, Newry, to ordination in Newry Cathedral, and then on to the missionaries in Africa and the turbulent streets of New York in the 1970s, where he found both his calling and his true se...

Bass legend Gerry McAvoy takes us through a track-by-track journey of Photo-Finish, Rory Gallagher’s powerhouse 1978 album. In this wide-ranging conversation, Gerry shares insights into the sessions, the scrapped album, and the raw energy that defined Rory’s late-’70s sound. Along the way, we talk Sex Pistols, click tracks and metronomes, Ted McKenna’s drumming, Status Quo, and the aftermath of th...

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...

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 a...

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 th...

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 indi...

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...

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 Irelan...

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 Scho...

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, recor...

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...

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. ...

Episode 187 Painter Erin Lawlor chats with Fender Jackson in Galway on Monday 4th August when her exhibition divining was presented at the Printworks Gallery in Galway as part of the Galway International Arts Festival, running from July 14 to 27, 2025. This was a Highlanes Gallery National Tour curated by Aoife Ruane. Conversation includes: introductions; painter vs. artist; divining ; Aoife Ruane...

Episode 185 European Medicines Agency Executive Director Emer Cooke chats with Fender Jackson in Amsterdam on Wednesday 9th July 2025. Conversation includes: introductions; early life; being drawn to medicine; family and friends’ understanding; career and educational path; a comparison of the cultures between WHO and EMA; European and International harmonisation; being the Chair of International C...

The concluding part of a conversation centred around advice for any visitors to Galway Racecourse. Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025. Conversation includes: what to expect on a day out at Galway Races; a break down of the different days; transport advice; advice for mobility is...

The second part of a conversation exploring the evolution of Galway Racecourse. Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025. The history of the racecourse; other non-racing events at the racecourse; Elf Town Galway; Classic Fest vintage car show; the spirit of the Galway Races; Ballinrob...

Episode 183 Singer, Songwriter and Broadcaster Malachi Cush chats with Fender Jackson from his home in County Tyrone on Tuesday 1st July 2025. Conversation includes: introductions; Tyrone’s chances after beating Dublin; Armagh & Kerry; the new GAA rules; Malachi’s house as a ceilidh house (a house where people gathered for an evening of craic); a performance of ‘On Raglan Road’; Luke Kelly and...

Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025. In the first of a three-part special, Galway Racecourse CEO Michael Moloney joins Fender Jackson for a wide-ranging conversation that charts both his personal career path and the recent evolution of one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting venues...

Episode 181 Fender Jackson visits the Lunch Club in the Kennedy Hall of the London Irish Centre on Fri 20th June 2025 and chats with Finola Marriott, Maeve Heath and Maria Connolly. This is a special year for the London Irish Centre as it marks its 70th anniversary. In this special episode, Fender Jackson drops in to the Lunch Club at the London Irish Centre in Camden, London - a warm, vibrant hub...

Episode 180 Fine Artist Kathryn Callaghan chats with Fender Jackson from her home in County Down on Thursday 26th June 2025. Conversation includes: introductions; Kathryn’s journey towards being an artist; Outscape; Yard Gallery; Holywood, Co. Down; Gerard Byrne; Guggi; studying Fine Art HND; understanding Kathryn’s motivation as an artist; Daoirí Farrell; confidence; Kathryn’s pouring technique o...