The Galway Podcast (SalthillMedia)

Episode 26. A conversation with musician, journalist and, in this case, author John Robb. John is currently on tour in Ireland promoting his new book 'The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth'. 

John discusses the early days of the internet, the early days of punk, the ethos of punk,  the misconceptions and nuances of punk and goth, the influences and key players of goth music including Jim Morrison, The Doors, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, The Velvet Underground & Nico, John Lydon, The Cure, Joy Division, Ian Curtis, Section 25, Virgin Prunes, Bauhaus (particularly 'Bela Lugosi’s Dead'), Daniel Ash, The Cult, Southern Death Cult, Ian Astbury and other topics.

For more information about John you can click these links:

https://www.instagram.com/johnrobb77/

https://www.facebook.com/johnrobbofficial/

https://www.theguardian.com/profile/johnrobb

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Robb_(musician)

https://twitter.com/johnrobb77

 

Conversation with Dr. Kevin Lynch from University of Galway about the effects of nature on Galway and the west coast of Ireland and what we can do about it. Three calls to action:

1. Stay off the sand dunes
2. Get involved in the planning for tackling flooding
3. Become a volunteer and turn up to events

Visit Kevin's Blog dunes.ie for more info.

Episode 43. This episode was initially scheduled to be published on The Galway Podcast but we published it on The Ireland Podcast first. Now we are publishing it here. Apologies to those who are subscribed to both channels. If you are not subscribed to The Ireland Podcast, please do! 

This episode brings you Nicole Schwabacher, a teacher turned author at the start of her literary career where she discusses her first novel: Inyo's Ring. As it is described on her website:

"A young sailor’s quest for survival turns into an epic battle for love, freedom, and justice in this gripping reimagined legend of the Tudor Era.

The coast of Ireland, 1588: Aboard a lone galleon, part of what once was the mighty Armada, Inyo Fernández has barely survived weeks of starvation and harrowing sea battles, when his ship is far off course, heading straight into a catastrophic storm.

In Ireland, the O’Malley chieftain’s granddaughter, Finley, has only recently discovered how badly her world is broken. And now, she and the entire clan are about to be plunged into a desperate struggle against foreign domination.

​So much is already at stake, and hiding someone hunted by the English will endanger everyone’s lives even more. Finley, however, is inexplicably drawn to the stranger and can’t shake the feeling that she knows him. But how?

Amid uncertain days, a spark ignites between Finley and Inyo, a growing flame that outshines the darkness around them. Yet both know that inevitable heartbreak looms because Inyo simply has to flee.

When Finley’s kin are ambushed and captured, facing the gallows, Inyo and Finley unexpectedly find themselves catapulted into untold dangers across the sea."

There's a challenge in this episode to turn this book into a screenplay and then who knows what may become of it?

Pam Finn (a.k.a. PR Pam) has made a wonderful documentary around the visit of President John F. Kennedy’s to Galway in 1963, only five months before his assassination. Amongst other things Pam discusses the impact of JFK’s visit to Galway, why she choose to make this movie, why JFK chose to come to Galway, the route in which he took. where the helicopter came from and where it travelled to, sourcing the interviewees for the film, her advice to parents who have children who might be interested in the movie business, where the movie can be seen, the impact this documentary is having on Galway so far, to storyboard or not to storyboard, how much footage was shot, the challenges of filming outside in Galway, funding such a project and her plans for the future.

Please support Pam by buying the film at www.jfkthethreemiles.com.

Special thanks to her dog Boo and to Cormac agus Na Cataí Cáis for also starring in this episode. Thanks.

Episode 32. A wide ranging interview with the General Manager of Galway Golf Club: Niall McGahon. Discussion includes how Niall got the position, his mentor Michael Moss, peer assists, the club’s size, managing the wishes of 1400 adult members, Justin Rose, modernising a golf club with so much history, Niall's first gold club aged 4, Sammy Hempel, Alan Hunter, the mid-Atlantic accent, Ricky Elliott, the different stages of being a great golfer, the demands put upon elite golfers, Joe Lyons, Ronan Mullarney, Liam Nolan, how golf can be a lonely sport at the elite level, why does Ireland punch above its weight in some sports, the difference in Derry and Galway vernacular, encouraging kids in golf, Derry Seniors’ new management, how we learn as children, how we parent, the care the club has shown Niall, being a networker and unbeknownst to it, the passing of our parents, Billy Connell, Bernadette, the challenges, the achievements as well as other topics.

 

Relevant Links

http://www.galwaygolf.com

Episode 44. A great day out in Galway with fine dignitaries and artists unveiling a plaque in Rahoon Cemetery to commemorate the relationship between James Joyce and Galway via the ex boyfriend of Nora Barnacle, Michael ‘Sonny’ Bodkin. Vocals by the esteemed Noel O'Grady.

Episode 24.  The second half of the conversation with Séamus Finneran about his adventures in music promotion. Discussion includes the merchant navy, getting a resident visa in Australia, setting up a tour, Seamus Eagan - Sufferin’ Gales, Willie Creedan, Martin Hayes, Michael Flatley,  Helen Bommarito, Davy Spillane, San Francisco Celtic Festival, Eddie Stack, Peter O’Neill, The Plough & Stars, Randall Bays,  Port Fairy Folk Festival, The Brunswick Music Festival, The National Celtic Festival, The National Folk Festival, setting up a tour from the opposite side of the planet,  Green Linnet Records, the importance of reflecting after booking a tour, Eilish O’Connor, Kieran Halpin, Jackie Daley, Maura O'Keefe, The Three Weeds venue Sydney, Dennis Cahill, The Guinness Tour, John Nicholls, Donal Lunny, Sharon Shannon, Altan, Mary Black, The Irish Echo paper, promoting gigs, hiring publicists, booking a tour, booking jazz clubs, The Basement Sydney, Lúnasa, being the inspiration for putting Lúnasa together, booking their first gig which was headlining a festival, Trevor Hutchinson, Donogh Hennessey, Blue Mountains Folk Festival, Bob Charter, Gaynor Crawford,  Jaslyn Hall, The World Music Show, Triple J station, Sydney Morning Herald, Seamus Begley, Jim Murray, John Dunford, Fergus Lenahan, Sydney Recital Hall, The Masters Of Tradition, Dave Power, Steve Cooney, Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Seamie O’Dowd, selling out the Sydney Opera House twice, Jim Murray, Jack Maher, Maureen, Canice Mills, Alan Connor, Paul Brady, Shooglenifty, Andy M. Stewart, Gerry O’Beirne, Breaking Trad, Donall Murphy, Niall Murphy, Mike Gavin, The Rambling Boys, Sean Smith, David Munnelly, Alan Burke, Gino Lupari, Capercaillie, Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson, Dick Gaughan, Mary Coughlan, Balfa Toujours, Paul Kelly, The Lyric Theatre Sydney, Bruce Giles, Chris Richards, Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald,  Paul Brady and his most emotional concert, Crowded House, Seabill Hotel, Neil Finn, Mary Coughlan, James Delaney, Big Pond’s foray into streaming, Monday, Clare O’Meara, Paddy Keenan, Sean Tyrrell, Susan O’Neill, Mick Flannery, The Landsdowne Club, Shooglenifty and more!

Episode 39. This weeks guests are John Cunningham and Amelia Walker. They are here to talk about a new book released this year which is called Hardiman and Beyond. Hardiman and Beyond was edited by John along with Ciaran McDonough and it is the follow up to a famous publication released in 1820 called ‘History of the Town and County of the Town of Galway’. So Hardiman and Beyond is basically a recap of Galway since then. And excellent it is too.

We walk through the history of how the book came into existence, all the different contributors as well as delving into the content and way in which the book is divided. We go through each of the contributors and what they did. Those people are Síobhra Aiken, Marie Boran, Sarah-Anne Buckley, Richard Butler, Brian Casey, Mary Clancy, Mary Cunningham, Anna Falkenau, Elaine Feeney, Dara Folan, Adrian Frazier, Gerard (Gerry) Hanberry, Jonathan Hannon, James Hardiman, Anne Hodge, Michael Kavanagh, Úna Kavanagh, Tom Kenny, Mícheál Mac Craith, Gerard Madden, Charlie McBride, Maria McGarrity, John Mulhern, Méabh Ní Fhuartháin, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Jimmy O’Brien Moran, Lillis Ó Laoire, Nollaig Ó Muraíle, Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh, James Pethica, Lionel Pilkington, Henrike Rau, Alison Titley, Tony Tracy, Chaosheng Zhang. Also mentioned are the Festival Galway contributors of Kernan Andrews, Páraic Breathnach, Sarah Clancy, Martin Conneely, Maura Cronin, Dave Donovan, Lelia Doolan, Kerry Guinan, James Harrold, Ollie Jennings, Fred Johnston, Lali Morris, Judy Murphy, Lorna Siggins.

Artwork by John Mulhern.

Relevant Links

• Arden Publishing purchasing link: https://ardenpublishing.sumupstore.com
• Hardiman & Beyond, The Arts & Culture of Galway Since 1820 is available from Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, Kennys Bookshop and Dubray Books Galway, and from https://ardenpublishing.sumupstore.com

Hardiman & Beyond social media: @hardimansgalway

• HardimansGalway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardimansgalway
• HardimansGalway Twitter: https://twitter.com/hardimansgalway
• HardimansGalway Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hardimansgalway

Amelia social media: https://www.instagram.com/design_amelia

Amelia Design Twitter: https://twitter.com/design_amelia

Amelia Design: http://www.ameliadesign.net

Episode 25. A highly amusing conversation with Bam Artiste, who can often be seen on Shop Street selling his paintings or playing his drum and singing and entertaining the passers-by.

Bam has been a fixture on the streets of Galway for almost 20 years. He tells his story of how he came from Jamaica where he received his education in engineering, to travelling to Scotland and then to Ireland. Hear how he is methodical in his approach to his work which is now seeing him venture into the world of programming.

This is the first half of a two part conversation. Part two follows next week.

An in depth conversation with Ireland's first Heritage Officer, Jim O'hUiginn (Higgins) from Galway City Council. Jim explains a bit about his background and then walks us along the timeline of Galway from 12,000BC up until the present day. Jim also gives what could be called a manifesto into a better Galway.

 

Dedicated to James Sheridan.

 

The Galway Podcast is a Salthill Media original production.

Episode 23.  A conversation with Séamus Finneran about his adventures in music promotion. Discussion includes the merchant navy, getting a resident visa in Australia, setting up a tour, Seamus Eagan - Sufferin’ Gales, Willie Creedan, Martin Hayes, Michael Flatley,  Helen Bommarito, Davy Spillane, San Francisco Celtic Festival, Eddie Stack, Peter O’Neill, The Plough & Stars, Randall Bays,  Port Fairy Folk Festival, The Brunswick Music Festival, The National Celtic Festival, The National Folk Festival, setting up a tour from the opposite side of the planet,  Green Linnet Records, the importance of reflecting after booking a tour, Eilish O’Connor, Kieran Halpin, Jackie Daley, Maura O'Keefe, The Three Weeds venue Sydney, Dennis Cahill, The Guinness Tour, John Nicholls, Donal Lunny, Sharon Shannon, Altan, Mary Black, The Irish Echo paper, promoting gigs, hiring publicists, booking a tour, booking jazz clubs, The Basement Sydney, Lúnasa, being the inspiration for putting Lúnasa together, booking their first gig which was headlining a festival, Trevor Hutchinson, Donogh Hennessey, Blue Mountains Folk Festival, Bob Charter, Gaynor Crawford,  Jaslyn Hall, The World Music Show, Triple J station, Sydney Morning Herald, Seamus Begley, Jim Murray, John Dunford, Fergus Lenahan, Sydney Recital Hall, The Masters Of Tradition, Dave Power, Steve Cooney, Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Seamie O’Dowd, selling out the Sydney Opera House twice, Jim Murray, Jack Maher, Maureen, Canice Mills, Alan Connor, Paul Brady, Shooglenifty, Andy M. Stewart, Gerry O’Beirne, Breaking Trad, Donall Murphy, Niall Murphy, Mike Gavin, The Rambling Boys, Sean Smith, David Munnelly, Alan Burke, Gino Lupari, Capercaillie, Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson, Dick Gaughan, Mary Coughlan, Balfa Toujours, Paul Kelly, The Lyric Theatre Sydney, Bruce Giles, Chris Richards, Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald,  Paul Brady and his most emotional concert, Crowded House, Seabill Hotel, Neil Finn, Mary Coughlan, James Delaney, Big Pond’s foray into streaming, Monday, Clare O’Meara, Paddy Keenan, Sean Tyrrell, Susan O’Neill, Mick Flannery, The Landsdowne Club, Shooglenifty and more!

Exploring some of what Galway has to offer during the St Patrick's Day celebrations. Featuring conversations with:

• Jason Craughwell - Programme Coordinator with Galway Sports Partnership. Find out more at GalwayActive.ie
• William Fitzgerald - Programmer of the cinema Palas.ie
• Tracy Bruen - Multi instrumentalist and fantastic songwriter TracyBruen.com
• A representative from GalwayFest.com
• And a song from The Curly Organ

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh go léir!

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone! 

Episode 19. We are joined with Jane O'Leary and Sally Coyle who discuss their involvement with Galway Music Residency over the years, the role of ConTempo Quartet in Galway, the upcoming Galway International Arts Festival and the concerts in which ConTempo will be performing as well as the challenges of describing contemporary music.

Also included in the discussion are Music for Galway, the Galway Arts movement, Ed Bennett, West Cork Chamber Music Festival, Christopher Marwood, Siegmund Nissel, getting Galway Music Residency up and running, Matthew Berrill, Hamza El Din, minimalism, Philip Glass, Miles Davis, the negative image of contemporary music, composing music that is popular but without dumbing down, getting into contemporary music for new listeners, free concerts in St. Nicholas Collegiate Church the first Tuesday of every month, Elizabeth Maconchy, female composers, Bill Whelan, Dave Flynn, Amanda Feery, Padraic Keane, Séamus & Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, Finghin Collins, Arvo Pärt, Oscar Wilde, Eduard Vilde, Rhona Clarke, music oscillating between art and science, the pros and cons of putting a child in music classes and music lessons, how a string quartet functions, a string quartet's ranges and arrangements, Turlough O'Carolan, commissioning music in the 17th century, Beach Boys, the closeness of timbral qualities in siblings and cousins, the future of contemporary music in Ireland.

Episode 27. Second half of a highly amusing conversation with Bam Artiste, who can often be seen on Shop Street selling his paintings or playing his drum and singing and entertaining the passers-by.

Bam has been a fixture on the streets of Galway for almost 20 years. He tells his story of how he came from Jamaica where he received his education in engineering, to travelling to Scotland and then to Ireland. Hear how he is methodical in his approach to his work which is now seeing him venture into the world of programming.

This is the second half of a two part conversation. Part one is Episode 25.

Episode 45 is a very in-depth conversation with Katharine Mac Mághnuis from the Athenry Music School where she discusses her background, the birth of Athenry Music School, the philosophy of Suzuki Education, the lessons available, her suggestions for how much practise a child should do, the school regulations, awards and partnerships, upcoming events as well as other topics. Photo by Brad Anderson.

 

Relevant Links

https://athenrymusicschool.com

Episode 40. Discussion with Niamh Ryan who is a sex, love & relationship coach. a mentor as well as other things. Niamh empowers women to come home to their womb space. She has had a very personal health journey which she shares on this episode.

Along with being a mentor Niamh even runs Sunrise Social Galway which is a coffee/swim/hiking group. She has a studio in Liosban and discusses that too. Niamh also discusses her experience in the corporate and legal world as well as other topics. WARNING: This episode discusses some adult themes.

 

Relevant Links

Website: www.spiralwithniamh.com

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/spiral_niamh

https://www.instagram.com/wildroseholistics

Wild Rose Holistics: Wild Rose Holistic Galway — Spiral with Niamh

www.spiralwithniamh.com/wildroseholistic

https://www.instagram.com/sunrisesocialgalway/

Tune Into Niamh's Podcast: The Unbound WOMBON Delve deeper into Niamh's wisdom on her podcast, exploring the realms of love, sexuality, and relationships. A platform for candid conversations and transformative insights.

https://open.spotify.com/show/6FYJqgLa8ZkUKeMFvxMptr?si=riAUpSHxTB6TSyQkceq0NQ

 

Virtual Assistant Lauren Kavanagh

https://www.instagram.com/laurenkavanagh.co

Episode 37. Conversation with our two youngest guests where they discuss what it takes to become All Ireland champions. A truly inspirational conversation covering the early inspiration which motivated the girls getting into football,, life in England, Salthill Knocknacarra GAA, Roisín's grandfather Michael Duignan who used to play with Saint Michael’s GAA, the great O’Donnell football family, becoming All Ireland Winners, playing for Club and County, the different positions on the field, self-motivation, the Leaving Cert, composing music, choosing a university, University of Limerick, Boston Scientific, Christopher Reeve, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, Galway being a big wee town, strokes, life not always being a bed of roses, becoming ladies, their ambitions for the future, Taylor Swift, and a whole bunch of other topics. Go n-éirí an bóthar leo!

 

Relevant Links

https://galwaylgfa.ie

https://skgaa.clubforce.com

https://www.stmichaelsgalway.ie

https://www.instagram.com/sportsfileben (Photographer)

 

Episode 42. The first episode of 2024 is a recording from the Galway Bay Cycling Club's Christmas Party in December 2023 featuring Liam Moran, Seán Hernon and Oonagh McArdle.

Liam and Oonagh talk about a wide range of topics including the Galway Bay Cycling Club, its members, how to become a member, why you should consider becoming a member, the club's achievements, the barriers to entry, the future for the club, the need for someone to take on a social media role, safety in cycling as well as other topics.

Seán also talks about his Mizen to Malin record and how he broke it, how it was then broken by Ronan McLaughlin and his ambitions to reclaim that record. Seán gives some great inside tips on how he hopes to do that as well as other talking points.

Relevant Links

https://galwaybaycycling.com

Episode 13. Age Action have a simple but meaningful vision. They strive:

"For a society that enables all older people to participate and to live full, independent lives."

Jipe Kelly is the Programme Manager for Age Action in the West of Ireland and he joins The Galway Podcast to discuss the vital services that Age Action provides particularly around:

• Enabling Older people to become active digital citizens so they can use the internet, smart phones etc.
• Age Action's Care & Repair - to enable older people to remain in their own homes, in their own communities, living as independently as possible, through the improvement of their housing conditions and their level of comfort, security and wellbeing. So for example, if someone is discharged from hospital and need to move their bedroom downstairs or perhaps they need grab rails installed.
• their development of a community hub which Age Action is piloting which is aimed at providing services to reduce the feeling of isolation among older adults.

 

For more information please visit

www.ageaction.ie or phone 091 527 831

Thank you.

This is Episode 13 of The Galway Podcast.

 

 

Episode 46 brings you an in depth conversation with the tourism officer of Galway City Council, Mr Ruairí Lehmann. Ruairi discusses the challenges and joys of his job, how popular Galway is as a tourist destination, how Galway County and Galway City work in tandem with each other, the importance of the tourists and students to the economy to Galway and the west of Ireland, development plans for the future, the different festivals - big and small, the tourism season of Galway, how Galway is a MedTech capital globally, balancing Galway's heritage with its developing future, public consultations, the challenges of opening a new business in Galway, what the council are doing with sustainability and green energy, short term lets and new legislation, the night time economy as well as other topics.

 

Relevant Links

https://www.galwaycity.ie

 

Photo by Professor Chaosheng Zhang

https://www.instagram.com/chaoshengzhang

 

Additional Links

https://atasteofgalway.com

https://www.wildlands.ie

https://gleg.ie

https://www.giaf.ie

https://tonnta.eu

https://www.instagram.com/ar_imeall

https://www.localenterprise.ie

 

 

Episode 22. A conversation with Prof Thomas Ritter who, with his team in University of Galway, is embarking on a journey of advancing treatments for rare eye diseases in Europe. Restore Vision is a project funded by the European Commission aiming to develop and test new treatments for 7 rare eye diseases (REDs). The consortium joins 10 European key players on rare eye diseases and is led by University of Galway.

With 25+ years of experience in immunology and gene therapies for eye diseases, Prof. Ritter’s research focuses on novel gene and cell therapies. He earned his Ph.D. in 1994 from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, and completed his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Marseille Center of Immunology in 1995.

At Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany, Prof. Ritter led the gene therapy program in experimental transplantation under Prof. Volk’s directorship. He obtained significant funding from the German Research Foundation, Ministry of Health and Research, and industry (Schering).

In 2002, he completed his ‘Habilitation’ in Immunology, becoming an assistant professor in 2003. Since joining the University of Galway in 2005, Prof. Ritter secured significant funding from various agencies, totaling approximately €7M.

He has published 90+ research articles and 30 reviews in peer-reviewed journals, delivered 50+ invited lectures, and served as Vice-Dean for Research at NUI Galway. He is an Associate Editor for Molecular Therapy, serves as a referee for high-impact journals, and is involved in multiple European networks for Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST-Action).

For more information visit:

https://restorevision-project.eu

https://www.aniridia.eu

 

Episode 33. A wide ranging interview with the Tournament Director of Galway Bridge Club: Gay Keaveney. 

Gay discusses his achievements in competitive bridge, his role as tournament director, the challenges and achievements, how bridge is misrepresented as an older people's sport, how and why people of all ages could and should get involved in bridge, the history of the bridge centre and the ingenious way in which they acquired the building, Michael O'Kane, the late Paddy Walsh and his son David who runs Lapteck in Galway city centre, the social aspect of bridge, the two halves of the game (bidding and playing), being called upon for advice by other tournament directors, Fergal O'Boyle, why you should play a simple game and other topics.

Relevant Links

https://www.bridgewebs.com/galway/

 

A conversation with Dr. Andrew Westphal, Research Physicist of UC Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory. Andrew is the author of over 200 scientific papers and an active researcher in the scientific field known as cosmochemistry and he talks about how his travels have brought him to playing in Irish music sessions in Galway and a bit about his work. He even sings for us a song in Gaelic!

The second half of a conversation with Donegal's James Gallagher who has been living in Galway for quite a few years. James talks us through what it is like to make a living as a musician, straddling the world of busking as well as playing in one of Ireland's most popular tribute bands: The Dubliners Experience. See if you can spot the difference in James' singing voice and that of Luke Kelly!

 

For more information please visit their website:  www.thedublinersexperience.com

 

Gerard ‘Gerry’ Mulholland (Jarír al-Majar) Part 1: Wake   Episode 11. This is the first part of a two part celebration of the life of Jarír al-Majar (Gerry Mulholland). It is a snapshot of memories recorded by some of the friends and family of Gerard Mulholland at the O'Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Galway on Saturday, 13 May from 4.18 p.m. to 7.37p.m.    These memories are presented in the chronological order in which they were recorded, interweaved by recordings of Gerry from the internet. Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and who made recordings of Jarír’s music available on the internet as well as through private messages.    Huge thanks to all the Mulholland family for their blessing for this project to have been given the go ahead, and a special thanks to Breda, Gerard’s twin.     I worked closely with Breda to ensure that Gerard’s memory be treated with the utmost respect that it deserves. It was Breda's grace, dignity and compassion that has made this project a very special one for the memory of Jarír al-Majar.    A final word of appreciation to Jarír al-Majar. The ripples continue after the stone lands at the bottom of the water bed. You were, and continue to be, an inspiration.   ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ. Alhamdulillah. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.  May he rest in peace.    Fender Jackson

Episode 41. An end of the year special brings you a conversation straight from the Christmas party of the Galway Bay Cycling Club between two people who have broken the record for cycling from Mizen to Malin. 

Sean Hernon who knocked 15mins off the male record in 2021 with a time of around 17h 20m interviews this year's female record holder Karen Cassidy. 

Sean actually held back on asking Karen any questions in advance of this conversation so what you have here is a genuine deep dive into the prep work Karen underwent, the challenges she faced, what kept her motivated and why she would ever dream of doing anything like this again.

Sean was interviewed separately along with other members of Galway Bay Cycling Club and you should be able to hear that conversation in the next episode. In the meantime enjoy this very insightful conversation.

Special thanks to Karen, Sean and all at GBCC for this episode.

Relevant Links

https://galwaybaycycling.com

Episode 35. A celebration of one of the gems of Galway City, arguably the biggest gem: Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church. Walking us through the discussion is Ireland's first Heritage Officer, Jim O'hUiginn (Higgins) from Galway City Council. 

In Episode 2 Jim cited this church as one of his favourite buildings in Galway and here he discusses why as well as the urgent reparation work which is currently being undertaken. Jim also mentions how dating takes place, his involvement with the data collection from various graveyards in Galway, his favourite stone angel, the Claddagh ring and other topics.

 

Relevant Links

https://stnicholas.ie

Images on Instagram 1

Images on Instagram 2

Images on Instagram 3

https://historicgraves.com

 

Salthill Media is proud to announce the launch of another podcast: The Ireland Podcast. Be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast player or go to salthillmedia.com to hear episodes. Thanks.

Episode 12. To follow on from the highly successful first episode celebrating Jarír al-Majar's life we thought it would be beneficial to run a few episodes highlighting the services and events that are available to people in the older categories. 

This first instalment is a conversation with Brian McCabe from Senior Times around what will be on in this year's 50 Plus Show: For people who don't act their age! 

The 50 Plus show will be in the Galmont Hotel on the 6th & 7th June. Admission is free by registering at www.seniortimes.ie or calling 01 496 9028.

Senior Times has a website, a magazine, a podcast and they run events for those who are over 50. For more information you can go to seniortimes.ie.

Brian is the organiser of the 50 Plus Show as well as director of Senior Times.

Gerard ‘Gerry’ Mulholland (Jarír al-Majar) Part 2: Funeral

Episode 15. This is the second part of a two part celebration of the life of Jarír al-Majar (Gerry Mulholland). It is a snapshot of memories recorded by some of the friends and family of Gerard Mulholland at the Rahoon Cemetery and Sliding Rock bar, Galway on Monday, 15 May from 12.19p.m. to 5.19p.m. 

These memories are presented in the chronological order in which they were recorded, interweaved by recordings of Gerry from the internet. Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and who made recordings of Jarír’s music available on the internet as well as through private messages. 

Huge thanks to all the Mulholland family for their blessing for this project to have been given the go ahead, and a special thanks to Breda, Gerard’s twin.  

I worked closely with Breda to ensure that Gerard’s memory be treated with the utmost respect that it deserves. It was Breda's grace, dignity and compassion that has made this project a very special one for the memory of Jarír al-Majar. 

A final word of appreciation to Jarír al-Majar. The ripples continue after the stone lands at the bottom of the water bed. You were, and continue to be, an inspiration.

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ. Alhamdulillah. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.  May he rest in peace. 

Fender Jackson

Episode 10. Conversation with Aedín Moloney about her one woman production of 'Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom'. Aedín discusses her take on the (in)famous soliloquy and why she believes it is actually very misunderstood and arguably quite asexual.

Aedín discusses the collaboration of renowned author and fellow Joyce enthusiast, Colum McCann as well as the deeply personal involvement of her father,  the late Paddy Moloney (Musician, Composer, Founder and leader of The Chieftains).

Aedín also reminisces about her childhood days in Galway and why bringing 'Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom' to the west is a form of homecoming as well as part of her father's dying wish. 

For more information please visit: 

https://www.yesreflectionsofmollybloom.com/

'Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom' will be staged in Town Hall Theatre, Galway at 8pm on 30th May 2023. Rating: 16+

A conversation with Dr. Tomás Finn who is a lecturer in University of Galway. Tomás gives a detailed and balanced account of the political goings-on before, during and after the Good Friday Agreement (a.k.a. The Belfast Agreement) which is an international agreement which effectively brought about an end to the 30 year conflict in Northern Ireland.

Correction: Gregory Campbell did not join the civil rights movement.

Episode 16. Writer Frank Fahy has had a varied career as a teacher, journalist, publisher and musician. This  episode is promoting his upcoming book A Father’s Love and Other Stories which will be launched at Súil Eile Coffee and Wellness Centre, Barna between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday, June 14.

One of Frank’s biggest achievements is the founding and running of Write-On. Write-On is a voluntary, not-for-profit community group which consists of authors who critique each others’ work. An anthology of the best material is published every year and Write-On has also honoured certain of their members who have created a body of work of a sufficiently high standard to merit its own publication.

For more information you can visit write-on.ie and you can go to Frank’s book launch which is doubling up as his “surprise birthday party” which he has organised for himself!

Episode 36. Sinéad McKiernan in conversation talking about services offered, Yoga’s popularity in Galway and the world, Mysore, India, anxiety attacks, being true to oneself, panic disorders, agoraphobia, the health benefits of yoga, which yoga style suits which people, the pressures put upon the body by overstimulation of the brain, karma, Hinduism, intentions vs. gratitudes, Catholicism, Buddhism, Sam Harris, tuning out stress, getting ill, body image, what a typical class looks like, sleeping in class, online vs. real. vs. pre-recorded lessons, corporate work, good leadership, data driven aims to improving wellness within the workplace through improving productivity, staff retention and other topics.

Relevant Links

www.moveandbreathe.ie

www.livewellworkwell.ie

Episode 17. Brian Arkins is a Professor Emeritus of Classics at the University of Galway. He was educated at Clongowes Wood College and at University College Dublin, where he obtained an M.A. in Classics and a Ph.D in Latin. He is the author of 14 books and counting.

Brian will give a lecture in Galway Arts Centre at 6pm on Bloomsday, June 16, 2023. The lecture will be entitled ‘The Prototypes of Joyce’s Character, Leopold Bloom’.  Admission will be free.

Although Brian has been on the radio many times this is his first podcast appearance. We are thankful that we were given the opportunity to have had so many insights into Ulysses shared by Brian.

Furthermore, given that the conversation took place the day after Aédin Moloney’s spellbinding performance of ‘Yes! Reflections Of Molly Bloom’, we are privy to an extra layer of understanding of this densely faceted masterpiece.

Episode 21. The 'Ar Imeall' Fesitval is underway. It is the brainchild of Chris Duignan. The festival is in its second year and lasts 18 days - last year's ran for 17 days. The beauty of Ar Imeall is that it is a platform for local artists and musicians. It also serves as a training ground for anyone who is interested in production and all the goings-on regarding staging a performance or an exhibition. 

We took a walk up to Aras Na Gael to catch up with Chris and we got to sit in on a Modular Synth Workshop with Donnacha Walsh as well as catching up with Nathan and Aoibheann, a couple of art gallery punters who were ambushed into becoming art critics. Thanks to you both!

You can find out more information on the Instagram account of Ar Imeall. 

What is The Galway Podcast? Who is The Galway Podcast for? Who is producing this content? Why is he doing it? What makes him think he's right for the job? Why is he living in Galway now? What is Salthill Media?

Episode 18. A quick conversation and presentation from Ireland's first Heritage Officer, Jim O'hUiginn (Higgins) from Galway City Council updating us all on the conservation repair and consolidation works carried out at Menlough, Tirellan and Merlin castles a.k.a. The 3 Castles Project.

This recording was grabbed at the 13th Annual Galway City Heritage Conference 2023. Download the programme - https://tinyurl.com/4rmnvpp5

For more information, please email planning@galwaycity.ie

Second half of a conversation with Sharon Shannon covering all manners of things, most of which centre around Galway including performing for ‘The Hostage’ by Brendan Behan in the Druid Theatre in Galway and beyond, Alec Finn, Frankie Gavin, Seán Smyth, The Quays, Brendan Regan, Kevin Hough, composing, Steve Earle, Gerry Hanley, life in Doolin, life in Cork, Páraic Mac Donnchadha, Andrew McNamara, The Tulla Céilí Band, sessions in Tigh Neachtain's,  the difference in sessions in Doolin and Galway, Arcady, The Waterboys, her daily routine at home, her manager John Dunford, The Purty Loft, Dún Laoghaire, Mike Scott, BP Fallon, her favourite cities in the world (apart from Galway), the excesses on the road, the success of Galway Girl, Director James Clenaghan and her work with him, Top Dog Gaffo video, O’Connors pub in Doolin, driving through Salthill as a kid, favourite place in Galway, Bruce Du Ve, Tom Giblin, her sister Mary and her brother Garry, her tribute to Gerard ‘Gerry’ Mulholland (Jarír al-Majar) as well as other topics.

Sharon is an ambassador for Madra: an organisation which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs. You can find out more information here:

www.madra.ie.

Sharon is also the National Ambassador for Rosabel’s Rooms, a Galway-born child loss project that is reaching out to bereaved parents and families all over Ireland.

https://hospicefoundation.ie/our-supports-services/bereavement-loss-hub/rosabels-rooms/

The other half of this conversation is available on The Ireland Podcast.

Top Dog Gaffo video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3UE55kshmk

 

Some conversation with random strangers on the street including Warren Garrett. Followed by a good craic conversation with John Keane, the Honorary Consul General of Ireland in Seattle which is one of Galway's sister cities in USA. John also does a lot of work with the Irish Heritage Club and he even has his name inscribed in the Seattle Stone in Galway. Finally a cover of 'Scorn Not His Simplicity' by Fender Jackson.

An overview of the festivities in Galway on Saint Patrick's Day on 17th March 2023.  Fender Jackson converses with random strangers with music from The Ol' Times.

Some of the floats in this year's parade included: People from the Ukrainian community, Galway City School of Judo, United Women Galway, Scoil Bhride, Galway Bay Rugby Club, Galway Mosque, Mosque of Mary, Shine With Siobhan Flanagan, Galway Go Karts, Amach LGBT, Funky Drums, Galway Scout Club, Galway Sea Scouts, Galway Hooker Sailing Club, An Tóstal, Krewe Of Europa Tampa Florida, Some car that broke down outside the Cathedral, Some Jesus fans, Liam Mellows GAA Club, Some Darth Vaders and Mandaloria, Galway Filipino-Irish Community, Club Iománaíocht from Barna.

Clíona Standun talks about how, with her sister Laragh, they run Standún in the heart of Connemara. Included in the conversation is how their grandparents met, the first shop, a long cycle, the Connemara bus, selling sweaters and bicycles etc., 700 knitters around the country, sending sweaters to Nordstrom, assembling the different parts of the sweaters, being the first company to export the Aran sweater, dealing with mail orders, when they first started selling online, working as a teenager in the shop, November and December being the busiest months, the shop being a great environment to grow up in, getting a buzz out of working there, getting off the grid, the rising costs of small businesses, rates, a message to policy makers, how it’s increasingly difficult to run a business in Ireland, championing the indigenous arts, the appeal of Irish made products, the cost of labour and the availability of people, the costs of running a business in Ireland, how customers want to support Irish businesses and Irish manufacturing vs the right price point, how Standún does their best to support Irish made products, the heartbreaking sight of villages with boarded up shops, the supermarket factor, the challenges of being a business in Spiddal, how tourists love Connemara, the foresighted skills of Donal Standún, how he built it into a strong business as a tourist destination, the education provided by being on the shop floor, the best place to buy an Aran sweater according to the Wall Street Journal, customer service being in the Standún DNA, and how Donal prioritised that, the percentage of sales being online, the future of retail, how the business has grown every year since 2015, how Galway city is quite competitive, how Standún is a destination store, the future plans, Merino wool, early wetsuits, lanolin, hand knitting vs machine knitting, the 1950s and 1960s, their aunt Dearbhaill Standún, caring for Aran sweaters, woolite, employing about 22 staff, being full-on busy right up until 5pm Christmas Eve, as well as other topics.

A walkabout in Clifden, a coastal town in the Connemara region of County Galway. Clifden has a population of about 1,600 people. Chats and insights with the locals, tourists and travellers...and a Guinness World Record Breaker! Special thanks to Marie Walsh for this episode and kudos to her and all the Clifden Traditional Music Festival team for making the event such a success now and for the previous 26 years.

Episode 14. A conversation with Elizabeth Power who is the coordinator for Domestic Violence Response. Although DVR help a mix of all ages this discussion is from the angle of assisting older adults.

This series of talks all spawned from the episodes celebrating the life of the late Jarir al-Majar a.k.a. Gerard 'Gerry' Mulholland. (The second episode is coming very soon!) I thought it would be good to highlight some of the great work charities do for the benefit of older adults.

I reached out to my friend Shannon Corless who is on a sabbatical but is the head of older people's services in HSE. Shannon pointed me in the direction of some fantastic charities. So far this is the second recording to have taken place, the first one being with Jipe Kelly from Age Action. I am hopeful to record some more conversations with other charitable organisations in the future. (I must categorically state that there is no connection between Gerry Mulholland and domestic violence as far as I am aware. By all accounts there was not a bad bone in Gerard's body.)

Although this is only the second conversation with a charity aimed at providing services to older adults there seems to be already a pattern forming: they need help. When I was at the 50 Plus show for the last two days someone told me (from a different organisation) that "these charities are doing the work that the state should be doing." (Ouch!) I am sure that politicians may argue otherwise but in any case these people are doing life-changing work and need all the assistance we can offer. Please do what you can. Go to www.domesticviolenceresponse.com and do what you can to help.

Thank you,

Fender Jackson

Episode 34. Collette discusses how she got interested in sailing, her travels to Antartica, her scary experiences at sea and dealing with those crises moments, the epiphany moment when she realised that she could sail in Galway, the history of the club and its connection with Nicky Dolan, the amount of members and how amazing they are, the courses available, the different roles within the club, the iconography of the hookers, the “replunging” of Loveen, the location of the club, the support from local businesses, Galway Bay Seafoods, Galway Bay Tours, Galway City Museum, Scoil Bhride (especially Class 5), Galway Sea Scouts, The Port Of Galway, McHugh Property Holdings, her message to members and non members as well as other topics.

 

Relevant Links

https://www.galwayhookersailingclub.ie

https://www.galwaybaytours.com

https://www.thedocksidedeligalway.com

https://www.scoilbhrideshantalla.ie

https://galwayseascouts.com

https://theportofgalway.ie

 

Honorable Mentions

McHugh Property Holdings

A conversation with Donegal's James Gallagher who has been living in Galway for quite a few years. James talks us through what it is like to make a living as a musician, straddling the world of busking as well as playing in one of Ireland's most popular tribute bands: The Dubliners Experience. See if you can spot the difference in James' singing voice and that of Luke Kelly!

For more information please visit their website:  www.thedublinersexperience.com

This is the first half of a two part conversation. Part two will be published next week.