Documentary on Newstalk: Recent Episodes
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The Congolese guitar maestro, composer, and singer Niwel Tsumbu has become one of the most sought-after musicians in Ireland since he made this country his home in 2004. And this without ever consciously pursuing a career in music. Music was simply a passion he pursued, and it created its own road for him.
Niwel: A Life in Music explores Niwel Tsumbu's life in Africa, his reasons for emigrating to Ireland, the story of his life here, and some of his musical projects across a wide range of styles. These include Irish Trad, Classical and Jazz, as well as the Congolese styles of Rhumba and Soukous.
Samples of Niwel's music are interwoven with commentary from composer Mel Mercier, percussionist Eamonn Cagney, folklorist Ríonach Uí Ógáin, Niwel himself, and the presenter J.J. O'Shea, concluding with the premiere of an original composition recorded especially for the programme.
In addition the programme looks at the history and culture of the Congo – a country ravaged by ongoing wars and poverty, even though it offers vital material to the modern world in terms of rare minerals which are essential for today's technologies.
Niwel: A Life in Music is produced and presented by J.J. O'Shea and funded by Coimisiún na Meán.
Producer Patricia Baker of Curious Broadcast explores how food connects cultures, communities, and generations in Melting Pot.
Melting Pot is a story about food, recipes passed down through generations, dishes that remind us of home and family.
From Ukraine and Moldova to Nigeria, Lebanon, the Liberties of Dublin, and Zimbabwe, these are foods that carry memory. They hold the flavours of culture and the histories of the people who cook them.
These are not restaurant recipes. They are family recipes: meals cooked with love, carrying memory, tradition, and identity. They are everyday meals. Comfort food. Stories you can taste.
Featuring contributors from across Ireland’s diverse communities, Melting Pot explores how food preserves culture, creates connection, and helps people feel at home, wherever they are in the world.
Melting Pot is a Curious Broadcast production, funded by Coimisiún na Meán through the Television Licence Fee.
The Melting Pot Cookbook, featuring recipes from the documentary, is available to download free from biazine.com.
Featured Recipes and Contributors:
Ukraine
Borscht
Contributor: Olena Zhuravlyova
Moldova
Zeama (Chicken Soup)
Contributor: Angelina Kuchuk
Georgia
Nigvziani Badrijani (Walnut and Aubergine Rolls)
Contributor: Marina
Dublin, Ireland
Coddle
Contributors: Elizabeth Duffy, Liz Clayton and Angela Rooney
Lebanon
Kibbeh
Contributor: Rita Sakr
Zimbabwe
Pap and Beef Stew
Contributor: Normakhosi Ngwenya
Nigeria
Akara (Bean Fritters)
Contributor: Victory Nwabu-Ekeoma
Additional contributor: Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire
On this episode of Documentary and Drama on Newstalk, reporter Emma Tyrrell delves into the history of Dublin’s tenement buildings in “Beyond The Hall Door: Life in a Dublin Tenement”.
The documentary features firsthand accounts of former residents on what life was like in the capital’s most densely populated accommodation from the 1940s to the 1970s, from cooking and cleaning to school and work. They describe the move from dilapidated one-room homes to new council flats and the switch to suburbia.
Many of the recordings were made at one of Ireland’s best known tenement buildings, 14 Henrietta Street, in Dublin’s north inner city. The Georgian house was turned into a museum in 2018 and the documentary includes contributions from tour guide Pat Garry and social historian Donal Fallon.
The former residents featured in the documentary once lived in tenements on Henrietta Street, Mary Street, Jervis Street and Charlotte Street. They include Jane Lynch, Rachel Naylor, Peter Hayes, Michael McAuley and Stephen Norton.
A special thank you to the team at 14 Henrietta Street for their support in making this documentary. Also to Na Píobairí Uilleann, which allowed its headquarters at number 15 Henrietta Street to be used during the documentary.
Radio documentary ‘The Power of The People’ examines the significant impact of the ‘Dunnes Strikers’ on Ireland’s relations with South Africa and their contribution to the abolition of apartheid
On 19 July 1984 Mary Manning, a shop worker in Dunnes Stores on Henry Street in Dublin, refused to handle two grapefruit which had been imported from South Africa following an instruction from her union as a protest for the apartheid policies in place in the country. Mary was suspended and thus started what would become one of the longest running strikes in trade union history.
A new radio documentary produced by Kelly Crichton revisits the story, highlighting the tinder box atmosphere in Dunnes which helped lead to the strike, the evolution of the strikers' motivation and understanding as well as the dramatic and dangerous events that took place over the period of the strike.
The documentary follows the journey of the strikers, from the lack of support they received from politicians, the government, the church and other groups to being heralded as heroes. It shares the support they received from key people like their union official Brendan Archbold and Nimrod Sejake, who joined them on the picket line and had been a cellmate and fellow member of the African National Congress(ANC) with Nelson Mandela. Other supporters included Archbishop Desmond Tutu who helped them gain international recognition and the Reverend Jess Jackson.
It’s a story of determination, perseverance, love and triumph through adversity. Dunnes were approached for comment.
The documentary was supported by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.
In the mid-1980s, young people began leaving an economically devastated Ireland for other countries. By 1986, an estimated 150,000 undocumented Irish men and women were living in the United States. Without proper paperwork they could not access healthcare, report crime or keep bank accounts - and they faced arrest and deportation by INS agents.
A group of young Irish immigrants, many of them in their 20s and undocumented, set out with the lofty goal to reform U.S. immigration law in order to create an amnesty for Irish illegal aliens (and immigrants from other nations who were in the same boat).
But how could these young activists convince politicians in Washington of the merits of their campaign? And how were they going to do it in the two years before Congress ended?
This is the story of the Irish Immigration Reform Movement.
This Land is Your Land is produced and edited by Pavel Barter, narrated by Michael Mellamphy, and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.
Take a festive journey through A History of Irish Panto, a light-hearted and informative unveiling of the story of pantomime in Ireland.
This two-part documentary series focuses on the seasonal theatrical extravaganzas, from their origins on the streets of Venice in the 1500s, to their first mention in an Irish newspaper in the 1731. From the productions that spread across the country in the 1800s, to the star-studded pantos that we know and love today. From the geamaireacht, the first Irish language pantos at the Abbey Theatre, to 150 years of the tradition at the Gaiety Theatre.
In the local parish halls of today, just as in the grand Victorian theatres of the past, the Irish panto has had people rolling in the aisles for centuries. With contributions from theatre historians, advocates and panto fans and performers, we recount the story of a much-loved artform: a story 500 years in the making.
A History of Irish Panto is presented by Amy O’Dwyer and Donncha O’Dea, the team who brought you the IMRO-nominated documentary Extraordinary Éire.
Episode 1 – Panto of the Past, It’s Behind You!
Episode 2 – Panto is the Future, Oh Yes It Is!
Both episodes will be available as a podcast on GoLoud and all major platforms.
Written, researched and presented by Donncha O’Dea.
Presented, produced and edited by Amy O’Dwyer.
Thanks to our special guests Sinead Burke, Conor Doyle, Choy-Ping Ní Chléirigh-Ng, Annie Ryan and Ian Walsh.
Voice Actors: Aisling Breen and Stephen O’Leary.
A History of Irish Panto is dedicated to the memory of Joe Cleere.
The programme is funded by the Coimisiún na Meán, with the Television Licence Fee.
Take a festive journey through A History of Irish Panto, a light-hearted and informative unveiling of the story of pantomime in Ireland.
This two-part documentary series focuses on the seasonal theatrical extravaganzas, from their origins on the streets of Venice in the 1500s, to their first mention in an Irish newspaper in the 1731. From the productions that spread across the country in the 1800s, to the star-studded pantos that we know and love today. From the geamaireacht, the first Irish language pantos at the Abbey Theatre, to 150 years of the tradition at the Gaiety Theatre.
In the local parish halls of today, just as in the grand Victorian theatres of the past, the Irish panto has had people rolling in the aisles for centuries. With contributions from theatre historians, advocates and panto fans and performers, we recount the story of a much-loved artform: a story 500 years in the making.
A History of Irish Panto is presented by Amy O’Dwyer and Donncha O’Dea, the team who brought you the IMRO-nominated documentary Extraordinary Éire.
Episode 1 – Panto of the Past, It’s Behind You!
Episode 2 – Panto is the Future, Oh Yes It Is!
Both episodes will be available as a podcast on GoLoud and all major platforms.
Written, researched and presented by Donncha O’Dea.
Presented, produced and edited by Amy O’Dwyer.
Thanks to our special guests Sinead Burke, Conor Doyle, Choy-Ping Ní Chléirigh-Ng, Annie Ryan and Ian Walsh.
Voice Actors: Aisling Breen and Stephen O’Leary.
A History of Irish Panto is dedicated to the memory of Joe Cleere.
The programme is funded by the Coimisiún na Meán, with the Television Licence Fee.
A warning that sensitive topics and upsetting content are discussed in this documentary, including eating disorders, suicide and suicidal ideation.
It’s a common misconception that eating disorders only affect women. The fact is that an eating disorder can affect both men and women, boys and girls.
“Dying to Get Ripped” is a two-episode series by radio producer Orla Riordan for Newstalk that explores this issue. One that is becoming more prevalent amongst Irish men. This is episode one.
The documentary highlights the unique risk factors facing men, who may be suffering with an eating disorder such as over-exercising, over reliance on supplements and the use of steroids in the pursuit of the body beautiful. It will discuss the influence of social media in pushing products and a muscular ideal on young men as well as speaking to organisations who are working to reduce the stigma facing men with eating disorders.
The IRFU, Horseracing Ireland, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority all participate in the discussion surrounding policies in place for anyone suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating.
We speak to bodybuilders, health professionals, and family members as well as International Rugby Referee Nigel Owens on their own personal experiences with mental health issues, bulimia and anorexia, body dysmorphia and steroid use.
This documentary offers an insight into the growing issue with eating disorders and body dysmorphia among young Irish men as well as highlighting ways to seek help and recover.
Irish men are putting their health, fertility and even their lives at risk in search of the perfect body.
If you have been affected by anything referenced in this documentary, you can contact the Bodywhys helpline on 01 210 7906 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
A warning that sensitive topics and upsetting content are discussed in this documentary, including eating disorders, suicide and suicidal ideation.
It’s a common misconception that eating disorders only affect women. The fact is that an eating disorder can affect both men and women, boys and girls.
“Dying to Get Ripped” is a two-episode series by radio producer Orla Riordan for Newstalk that explores this issue. One that is becoming more prevalent amongst Irish men. This is episode one.
The documentary highlights the unique risk factors facing men, who may be suffering with an eating disorder such as over-exercising, over reliance on supplements and the use of steroids in the pursuit of the body beautiful. It will discuss the influence of social media in pushing products and a muscular ideal on young men as well as speaking to organisations who are working to reduce the stigma facing men with eating disorders.
The IRFU, Horseracing Ireland, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority all participate in the discussion surrounding policies in place for anyone suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating.
We speak to bodybuilders, health professionals, and family members as well as International Rugby Referee Nigel Owens on their own personal experiences with mental health issues, bulimia and anorexia, body dysmorphia and steroid use.
This documentary offers an insight into the growing issue with eating disorders and body dysmorphia among young Irish men as well as highlighting ways to seek help and recover.
Irish men are putting their health, fertility and even their lives at risk in search of the perfect body.
If you have been affected by anything referenced in this documentary, you can contact the Bodywhys helpline on 01 210 7906 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
On Documentary and Drama on Newstalk, reporter Josh Crosbie brings us ‘The Fragility of Peace: Tigray’s Forgotten War.’ This year’s IMRO-award-winning reporter travelled to the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia with Trócaire to examine the impact of conflict.
The Tigray war lasted from November 2020 to November 2022. It’s estimated that one million people have died since the war started and a further million people have been displaced from their homes. Many experts have described the war as the deadliest conflict of the 21st century.
Josh travelled to the area in November/December 2025 to bring us the latest update on how this war has affected communities and the economy, and met humanitarian workers who are trying to rebuild the lives of those impacted by the conflict and programme participants who are trying to survive in the aftermath of war.
We are brought inside IDP camps for displaced people, safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence, trauma-informed schools, educational and employment facilities.
A warning that sensitive topics and upsetting content are discussed in this documentary, including eating disorders, suicide and suicidal ideation.
It’s a common misconception that eating disorders only affect women. The fact is that an eating disorder can affect both men and women, boys and girls.
“Dying to Get Ripped” is a two-episode series by radio producer Orla Riordan for Newstalk that explores this issue. One that is becoming more prevalent amongst Irish men. This is episode one.
The documentary highlights the unique risk factors facing men, who may be suffering with an eating disorder such as over-exercising, over reliance on supplements and the use of steroids in the pursuit of the body beautiful. It will discuss the influence of social media in pushing products and a muscular ideal on young men as well as speaking to organisations who are working to reduce the stigma facing men with eating disorders.
The IRFU, Horseracing Ireland, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority all participate in the discussion surrounding policies in place for anyone suffering from an eating disorder or disordered eating.
We speak to bodybuilders, health professionals, and family members as well as International Rugby Referee Nigel Owens on their own personal experiences with mental health issues, bulimia and anorexia, body dysmorphia and steroid use.
This documentary offers an insight into the growing issue with eating disorders and body dysmorphia among young Irish men as well as highlighting ways to seek help and recover.
Irish men are putting their health, fertility and even their lives at risk in search of the perfect body.
If you have been affected by anything referenced in this documentary, you can contact the Bodywhys helpline on 01 210 7906 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
On Documentary & Drama on Newstalk, producer Mary Lavery Carrig brings you into the life of Mistura Oyebanj, a Muslim woman in her mid-20s. In June 2024, Mistura stood as a candidate in the Local Elections for the Tralee municipal district area, in Co Kerry.
From her arrival as a refugee child, to losing her mother in a tragic car accident, to putting her name on the ballot paper as a candidate in 2024, this is a heartfelt story.
You will listen to the Mayor of Kerry and the Mayor of Derry & Strabane District, to her family and friends, and you will get to know Mistura herself, the central character.
Cian McGrath and Zahid Khan Ahmadzai are Senior Editor and Assistant Editor, music by Matt Griffin, and the producer, researcher and narrator is Mary Lavery Carrig.
This documentary was funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.
First on Scene, Last to Heal: Emergency Workers and Fatal Collisions goes behind the scenes with the men and women of An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service and the fire service as they share stories about fatal collisions on Ireland’s roads, and how that impacts their way of thinking. Produced and presented by Alex Rowley, a young journalism student from Wicklow and IMRO-nominated broadcaster, it’s inspired by the contrasting ways different members of the emergency services deal with their trauma. Some choose to open up to friends, while for others, it’s as if nothing bothers them.
Due to a spike in road deaths in recent years, the topic has been high up in the news agenda, and rightly so, but every bank holiday we hear appeals from high-ranking Gardaí, Government Ministers and the RSA. Rarely, do we hear from those who actually deal with these collisions and see the devastation firsthand.
In the documentary, Paramedics Clodagh Murphy and Paul Malone, based in Waterford, tell us about the trends they see in responding to collisions and why they’re always keeping their own family members in the back of their mind. The documentary also goes on patrol with Gardaí Leanne McCarthy and Ken Driscoll of the Roads Policing Unit in Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. Ken bravely opens up about how it feels to break the news of a death to a family, comparing it to handing someone an “explosive device”.
We also speak with Sub-Officer Stephen Connolly from Monasterevin Fire Brigade in Co. Kildare, who speaks of the challenges faced by on-call emergency workers, who service their local community first and foremost. All emergency workers in the documentary have pleaded with people to put down their mobile phones, put on their seatbelts, follow speed limits, and not take drugs or alcohol when using the roads this Bank Holiday Weekend.
Analysis from Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Malie Coyne, contextualises the issue, and further hammers home the importance of looking out for our frontline workers.
Producer James Wilson looks at the darkest chapter in European history - the murder of six million Jews by Nazi Germany.
But what impact did this genocide have on Ireland?
In the Swastika’s Shadow: Ireland and the Holocaust explores how the Irish State dealt with Hitler, the Jewish community’s fight for survival and the heroism of the Irish people who resisted the Nazis.
Containing interviews with three Holocaust survivors, film director Lenny Abrahamson and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, In the Swastika’s Shadow casts new light on this harrowing chapter in Irish history.
Music provided by celloist Patrick Dexter and the Amsterdam Sinfonietta orchestra.
This documentary contains conversations that some listeners may find upsetting.
‘Roving Out’ is a radio documentary that celebrates the burgeoning musical culture of Ireland, by focusing on musical artists Mohammad Syfkhan, Varo, Qbanaa and Wise Wolf, who have all made Ireland their home. Named after the traditional song, ‘As I Roved Out’, it explores how these musicians decided to leave their own countries, some due to war and persecution, others for adventure to seek a new life on this island.
All of the artists have managed to find a foothold in the Irish musical community, where they have met like-minded people and managed to combine their own culture with Irish musical forms. The artists all represent different countries including Syria, Italy, France, Cuba and Palestine and the scope of their music takes in many genres from traditional and folk to R n’ B, pop and hip hop.
Mohammad Syfkhan - a Kurdish/Syrian Singer and Bouzouki player has released his debut album ‘I am Kurdish’ on the Leitrim based record label Nyahh records. He has played many gigs around Ireland including a sold-out album launch at the Bello Bar in Dublin. He will be appearing on festival bills throughout the Summer.
Varo are singers and fiddle players Lucie Azconaga and Consuelo Nerea Breschi, who met in Dublin in 2015. They have recorded a soon to be released collaboration album featuring Ian Lynch (Lankum), John Francis Flynn, Anna Mieke, Slow Moving Clouds, Inni-K amongst others.
Having spent her first year exploring a range of styles and genres, Cuban Irish artist Qbanaa returns in 2025 with the sound that may well come to define her. Qbanaa's forthcoming EP Elisa (her nickname in Cuba) containing snippets of found sounds, street recordings and conversations made in Cuba, poetic bilingual lyricism and immersive soundscapes makes for a collection of beautifully understated original music.
Talha AlAli, AKA Talha Wise Wolf, is a Palestinian psychotherapist, activist, hip-hop artist, and human rights defender. Since moving to Ireland in the 2010s, Talha has studied a Masters in Psychology and performed many gigs around the country.
The programme investigates the lives of these musicians before they moved to Ireland, their reasons for moving here, and how they have brought their unique musical cultures to boost the thriving music scene here. It celebrates the diversity of Ireland and its music, while also examining difficult subjects such as the circumstances that have caused some of the artists to migrate here, racism they have experienced and difficulties in integrating to Irish society at first.
For more, see Newstalk.com.
It's two years to the week since fighting broke out in Sudan, instigating what is now the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Reporter Sarah Madden visits Northern Bahr el Ghazal to see the fallout for herself, in 'Can You Hear Me? Dispatches From The World's Forgotten War'.
Telegram Tales from the Central Telegraph's Office, co-produced by Amandine Devine and Ellen McEvoy tells the story of the 24-hour thriving office that kept Ireland's communication on track during the 60s and 70s.
Nowadays we are all familiar with instant communication - e-mail, text, and social media, but there was a time when you had to send a telegram if you wanted to contact a person that didn’t have a telephone. The contributors Ann Duncan, Cormac O'Brien, Michael Confrey and Seán Creedon, document the history of the office, peppered with memories of their interactions with customers and colleagues. The backdrop is a growing Dublin City Centre and a period of huge change in Irish history from strikes to bombs, to marriages and christenings.
Telegram Tales is a nostalgic look at what was the communication of the 60s and 70s, such a necessity that many people had a full career in telegrams, which is a communication which has virtually been wiped out today.
Journalist Aisling Moloney brings us along on her move to Australia and tries to find out why thousands of young people from across Ireland are making the move Down Under.
The 28-year-old from Dungarvan in Co Waterford emigrated to Sydney in 2024, after several years of living and working in Dublin as a journalist with RTÉ and as Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail.
At the beginning of her journey, she meets a busker at Byron Bay, born to Irish parents who left for Australia's sunny shores in the 1960s. Fintan, the musician grew up on a hippie commune.
Aisling then speaks to young people on the Rainbow Walkway on Coogee Beach in Sydney about the draw of Australia and their experience of life in Sydney.
After hearing about how living so far away from home can be hard for many, she speaks to Central Coast GAA Club and visits 'The Doss House' and 'Frank Macs' where Irish gather in search of that feeling of home.
She then makes the trip to Perth to visit her sister Eimear, who has lived there for 13 years and is married with three children.
In the second part of this documentary, Aisling hears about some of the more difficult aspects of Australia, which include the experience of regional work and the difficulty of finding work in general.
She also hears some stories of reinvention, how some people make the move to earn big bucks, and how people deal with bereavement while living so far away from home.
We also get a taste of that lifestyle that people love in Australia, and come along to two of Aisling's favourite activities since arriving in Sydney, swimming and beach yoga.
"Home or Away - Living the Irish Australian Dream with Aisling Moloney" is presented and produced by Aisling Moloney. Editor and Executive Producer is Aoife Kearns.
Groundbreakers Series Two: Three documentaries that chart the life and work of older women who did not just live through a changing Ireland but who were the changemakers.
Three groundbreaking women have made positive changes in academia, engineering, the environment, and social justice. These women are known and highly regarded and loved within their area of expertise, but they are not known by the general public. We listen to their story, to celebrate them, to thank them for making Ireland a better place for us all.
Their lives tell the story of Ireland’s progression and change. One women’s story that brings us on an audio journey through the changes, over the last decades, to the issues she dedicated her life to. In Groundbreaker: Anita Hayes we explore the issues of seed sovereignty and biodiversity, in Groundbreaker: Mary Crilly we examine sexual violence and exploitation in Ireland and in Groundbreaker: Jane Grimson, we look at women in engineering and genderism in the workforce.
Warning: some readers/listeners may find this content upsetting
Mary Crilly is approaching her 40th year at the forefront of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork (SVCC). Her story traces the slowly changing attitude towards sexual violence against men and women in Ireland.
When Mary started the centre, Ireland was a place where a man could legally rape his wife, where domestic violence was often treated as a time-wasting nuisance and where any form of sexual assault or rape, no matter the victim’s age, status, or condition, was usually viewed as the woman’s fault. Marital rape only became a crime here in 1990; until then a husband could not be found guilty of the rape of his wife.
When they opened the centre, they were meet with hostility. Back then, what they were doing in the centre was not really accepted, they were told by many to pack up and stop what they were doing. But they held on and now 40 years on Mary would consider that they have made great progress in bringing sexual violence into the open, though she would reflect there is still a long way to go when it comes to victim blaming and protecting perpetrators. Crilly’s end goal is to work towards a society that does not tolerate sexual violence in any capacity.Mary’s mission is to keep the conversation going, because without this change will not happen.
If you have been affected by this, you can contact the Rape Crisis Centre on freephone 24-Hour National Helpline at 1800 77 8888.
Groundbreakers Series Two: Three documentaries that chart the life and work of older women who did not just live through a changing Ireland but who were the changemakers.
Three groundbreaking women have made positive changes in academia, engineering, the environment, and social justice. These women are known and highly regarded and loved within their area of expertise, but they are not known by the general public. We listen to their story, to celebrate them, to thank them for making Ireland a better place for us all.
Jane was the first female graduate in engineering in Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Being the only woman in the class, she was never expected to last. This was the 1960s, at a time when female engineers were almost unheard of, not just in Ireland but worldwide. Even now Engineering and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) struggle with gender bias. But in the 1960s, as a young woman, Jane sat as the lone female in a class of engineering students. But it never deterred her.
Jane went on to obtain a first-class honours degree and a Masters and PhD degrees in Computer Science in 1971 and 1981 respectively. She then went on to become Dean of Engineering and of Research. Throughout Professor Jane Grimson’s extraordinary career as an engineer she has achieved much and received many accolades. However, perhaps one of Jane’s most lasting legacies will be the hugely important role she has played as an advocate for women in engineering, science, and academia. She has mentored a generation of female engineers and is passionate about promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in STEM. As Provost and President of Trinity College Dublin Linda Doyle said ‘I would not be here without her”.
Their lives tell the story of Ireland’s progression and change. One women’s story that brings us on an audio journey through the changes, over the last decades, to the issues she dedicated her life to. In Groundbreaker: Anita Hayes we explore the issues of seed sovereignty and biodiversity, in Groundbreaker: Mary Crilly we examine sexual violence and exploitation in Ireland and in Groundbreaker: Jane Grimson, we look at women in engineering and genderism in the workforce.
Groundbreakers Series Two: Three documentaries that chart the life and work of older women who did not just live through a changing Ireland but who were the changemakers.
Three groundbreaking women have made positive changes in academia, engineering, the environment, and social justice. These women are known and highly regarded and loved within their area of expertise, but they are not known by the general public. We listen to their story, to celebrate them, to thank them for making Ireland a better place for us all.
Ground Breaker Anita Hayes centres on the life's work of Anita Hayes, who established Irish Seed Savers. She dedicated her life’s work to safeguard our future food crops by preserving the rich genetic diversity of the past, by creating a community of Seed Savers all over Ireland.
Anita founded the Irish Seed Savers in 1991 on a small farm in Co. Carlow. In 1996 the project moved to its present site in Scarriff and in 1997 a FAS community employment scheme secured a site and employment for many staff. It is now home to a seed bank containing more than 600 rare and endangered vegetable varieties, a native broadleaf woodland, and wildlife sanctuary. This provides a home for a thriving colony of heritage Irish black bees. Irish Seed Savers hold the national collection of Irish heritage apple trees in their orchards, numbering over 180+ varieties, as well as an orchard of over 33 self-rooting varieties of apple trees that require no grafting for propagation, the largest collection of this type of apple trees in the world. The genius of Irish Seed Savers is that the living ark of heritage crops is a much better way to preserve our horticultural heritage than in static seed banks, frozen in time and wrapped in cotton wool. The yearly renewed cultivation of these crops exposes them to the realities of climate change, to the evolution of circumstances in pest and diseases, and strengthens them to compete and thrive in the modern world and with them their heritage and stories.
Their lives tell the story of Ireland’s progression and change. One women’s story that brings us on an audio journey through the changes, over the last decades, to the issues she dedicated her life to. In Groundbreaker: Anita Hayes we explore the issues of seed sovereignty and biodiversity, in Groundbreaker: Mary Crilly we examine sexual violence and exploitation in Ireland and in Groundbreaker: Jane Grimson, we look at women in engineering and genderism in the workforce.
'Milk to North Kerry is like Oil to the Arabs’, produced and narrated by Mary Lavery Carrig, tells the story of the early days of Kerry Co-Op, a company established in North Kerry 50 years ago, laying roots for the multinational global giant we know today as Kerry PLC.
Interviewees are Billy Keane, Eamon Barry, Hugh Friel, Denis Brosnan, Tom O’Connor, Pat Golden and Tom O’Sullivan. They all recall, first-hand, those exciting, formative and busy days, 50 years ago.
This program offers fascinating insight into the dairy farming world of North Kerry 50 years ago and the series of events which occurred to bring about the formation of Kerry Co-Op, with seismic implications for the future. This is a story about community, perseverance, self-belief, empowerment, ambition and a drive to succeed, when dairy farmers and businessmen combined to realise a dream.
Mary Lavery Carrig set out to find the human face of Kerry Co-Op 50 years ago and in this documentary, she brings that human face of Kerry Co-op to you, the listener.
CREDITS
Music: Matt Griffin
Editor: Cian McGrath
Studio: Pat Donegan
Producer: Mary Lavery Carrig
Narrator: Mary Lavery Carrig
Thank you to Kerry Dairy Ireland for the use of the Jan 1974 Board of Directors photograph.
'Milk to North Kerry is like Oil to the Arabs', was made possible due to the support received from Coimisiún na Meán, funded through the television licence fee.
A father and his 14-year-old daughter set out on a journey across Japan to discover why Irish traditional and Celtic music have become fused into Japanese culture. In recent years, Nihonjin (Japanese people) have picked up fiddles, whistles, bazoukis and uilleann pipes, and begun playing Irish traditional music. Now Japanese musicians are bringing their take on trad back to us in Ireland. Pavel and his daughter Edie attend the annual Féile Tokyo, which draws musicians and dancers from across Japan. They meet performers in Kyoto and explore the historical, cultural and artistic connections between Ireland and Japan.
Shōgun Seisiún is edited, presented and produced by Pavel Barter and Edie Carey-Barter. Funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.
Featuring musical performances by:
Lisako Fukuda
O’Jizo (Kozo Toyota, Koji Nagao, Hirofumi Nakamura)
Ryo Kaneko
Suzaki Kazuhiko
Anona (tribute to Anúna)
Peter Cole Irish pub session night in Tokyo
The Field pub session night in Kyoto
Sharleen McCaffrey
Brendan Doyle
Galway City Chamber Choir
Eirsat-1: Ireland’s First Satellite is the remarkable story of a group of young Irish scientists and engineers who are determined to make Ireland a space-faring nation – by designing, building and sending Ireland’s first satellite into space.
Eirsat-1 is Ireland’s very first spacecraft, a research satellite that passes over our heads six times a day as it orbits the earth. Produced and presented by John Higgins, this moving documentary tells its story - and the incredible challenges faced and overcome by the determined group of students and staff in University College Dublin who launched it into space.
Eirsat-1: Ireland’s first satellite is produced, presented and edited by John Higgins of As the Crow Flies Productions, with sound mixing by Neil Kavanagh of Coach House Media. With special thanks to the European Space Agency and the staff and students of UCD. Supported by Coimisiún na Meán.
‘45 Years of Listening’ tells the story of the Dublin Lesbian Line – an essential, landmark community-led resource – through a collection of personal reflections from one of the original founders, and current volunteers.
Dublin Lesbian Line was founded in 1979 – a time in Ireland when homosexuality was invisible, unmentionable, and profoundly isolating – to provide a way for gay/queer/bi/questioning women to connect, meet, make friends, find a community, or even just to talk anonymously on the phone. In 1979, and in the years that followed, it took enormous courage to pick up that phone and dial. Homophobia, patriarchy/gender roles, and heterosexism were so normalized and taken for granted as ‘the way things should be’ that some callers to Dublin Lesbian Line couldn’t even get the words out once they had gotten through to the number. Others, like one-time caller and then volunteer, Marina, found it a lifeline — found not only support, but friends and community.
Ireland has changed, but many LGBTQ+ people still experience discrimination and hostility. Now, in 2024, 45 years later (and despite its legacy name), Dublin Lesbian Line (DLL) serves the entire country – and all genders. As the current volunteers and organisers point out: “We’re not just for Dublin, we’re not just a phone line, and we’re not just for lesbians.” DLL is a registered charity, and aside from offering a listening ear and advice, DLL acts as a reference point for other services (social, health, advisory), and the team at DLL also organises events and courses for the Lesbian community. In the words of volunteer Val, DLL strives to be an “open embrace”.
This programme gives the listener an opportunity to learn about diversity of experience in Ireland and reflect on aspects of Irish society and social history, and explore the work of a grass-roots community-led charity/organisation.
Information and support for the issues raised in this programme can be found at Switchboard, LGBTQIA support and resources, on 01 872 1055 or by visiting theswitchboard.ie. Please note: Anyone can call on any day, but Tuesday is a dedicated women’s night, 6.30-9pm.
’45 Years of Listening’ was produced, recorded, and edited by Shaun O’Boyle and Maurice Kelliher, shaunandmaurice.com, and was supported by Coimisiún na Meán.
Connect with Dublin Lesbian Line on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dublin-Lesbian-Line/100064358546983
Vision: The Story of Sister Margaret Coyne tells the remarkable story of Irish nun Sister Margaret Coyne, who ran an eye clinic near the Ethiopian-Eritrean border for decades, saving the sight of countless thousands - often in the midst of war, conflict and famine.
Produced and presented by her nephew John Higgins, her story is told in her own words and through the eyes of the Ethiopian and Irish people who know and worked with her - from her sister Sabina Higgins, to the Spanish doctors who stumbled across her clinic and started an international NGO to support her work, to Ethiopian people living in Ireland and those who live there now - as the Tigray region where she lived once again finds itself embroiled in a brutal civil war.
Vision: The Story of Sister Margaret Coyne is edited, presented and produced by John Higgins of As the Crow Flies Productions, with sound mixing by Neil Kavanagh of Coach House Media. With special thanks to Proyecto Vision and The Daughters of Charity. Funded by Coimisiún na Mean with the television licence fee.
Photo credit: John Higgins/Ivo Rovira
In 2020, a few weeks after Ireland entered one of the longest COVID lockdowns in the world, Patrick Dexter began uploading videos online of him playing the cello outside his cottage in County Mayo. In a matter of weeks, his life had changed forever.
Producer Hugh Hick and Documentary on Newstalk bring you an intimately-told story of music and landscapes – and the part both play in our lives, sometimes without us realising it.
Born and raised in Dublin, Patrick Dexter spent most of his twenties abroad, living for long stretches in Vietnam and the Netherlands. It was only after all this that Patrick and his partner Jan decided to try for a different type of existence. One as far away from the crowded city life they had always known as you could imagine. And so they moved to a tiny cottage outside Westport in Co. Mayo, determined to live an isolated and monkish lifestyle.
Then, in 2020, that all changed.
With COVID-19 spreading uncertainty into our lives and lockdowns confining us, Patrick began sharing videos of his own way of passing the days – sat outside in his garden, playing cello, the stunning landscape of the locality his background. What started as something to send to his friends quickly caught fire through Twitter and Instagram and within months was being viewed regularly by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
This documentary tells Patrick’s story through his own words as well as those of his family and friends, including producer Hugh Hick, who has known Patrick since they were teenagers.
But it’s not just Patrick’s story – it’s the story of a unique place in Ireland that continues to capture the hearts and minds of so many. And it’s the story of all of us, and why, at that most uniquely dark and incomprehensible of moments, something about a man playing cello to us through our screens compelled us and gave us something to latch onto.
‘Strings’ was made with the support of Comisúin na Meán with the television licence fee.
Here on Documentary and Drama on Newstalk, Ben Finnegan has travelled to the African country of Malawi to look at the effects of climate change, and how organisations like Trócaire are helping them in 'Low Emissions, High Price: Climate Change in Malawi'.
Citadel is a group of musicians formed at the Kinsale Road Accommodation centre in Cork city in 2018, who refuse to be put down by the system. They are from different countries, such as Burundi, South Africa, DR Congo, Angola and Tanzania.
The musicians perform songs from home, accompanied by rhythms and tunes from around the world. Citadel have played many concerts around Ireland and help to build bridges with the Irish community through their music.
Some of the musicians are refugees, others are newly arrived International Protection Applicants. They all speak different languages, but music is their universal language.
‘Citadel: Building Bridges Through Music’ is a documentary that explores the different stories of band members, how they came to be refugees in Ireland and the difficulties they face here. The founders of the band; Roos and Norbert speak about how they started the band and a not for profit organisation, International Community Dynamics.
In June 2023, International Community Dynamics hosted ‘The Festival of Belonging’ in the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork. With poetry, spoken word, a conversation cafe, an art exhibition by refugee and Traveller artists and a conference on belonging at UCC, it was a busy weekend. The highlight of the weekend was a performance by Citadel.
The documentary follows the band in the buildup to their performance, taking in rehearsals and nerves before they take to the stage on the night.
Citadel raises awareness and spreads joy, peace and understanding by sharing their music with each other and with the Irish community and this is reflected in the programme.
Produced by Alan Meaney.
Funded by Coimisiún na Mean with the television licence fee.
Documentary and Drama on Newstalk brings you the almost forgotten true tale of Laurence Carroll, a working-class Dubliner turned sailor, who embarked on a journey that traversed continents, identities, and cultures.
This documentary, titled Laurence Carroll’s Mindful Anarchy: U Dhammaloka, The Irish Buddhist of Rangoon, tells the story of an Irishman, who, after ordaining as a Buddhist monk in the early 1900’s, under his monastic name U Dhammaloka, ascended to celebrity status throughout Burma and Asia, for his denouncing of Colonial Christian Missionaries and campaigning for the rights of Buddhists, while skirting colonial sedition and treason laws.
Shedding light on the enigmatic life of a man who defied norms, embraced Buddhism, and faced down the British Empire, his remarkable odyssey is chronicled from his humble beginnings in Dublin to his tumultuous years as a sailor and hobo in the United States before his eventual arrival in Rangoon, Burma, circa 1880.
With 25 years of his life prior to his arrival in Burma shrouded in mystery, Carroll's transformation into U Dhammaloka marked a turning point in the anti-colonial resistance in Burma and the Southeast Asia region.
At the heart of this true tale lies U Dhammaloka's surely inevitable trial for sedition in 1911. The trial is a pivotal moment in Colonial Burma's history which drew international attention. Resonating with the masses, his defiance of colonialism garnered support from thousands, including multiethnic minorities across Burma and Southeast Asia, while at the trial, he is supported by Gandhi's esteemed associate Dr Pranjivan Metha.
Through interviews with those at the forefront of resurrecting Carroll's odyssey; dramatic reenactments, and factual storytelling, this programme reasserts U Dhammaloka's rightful place within Irish history and reveals the true reasons why this remarkable tale became almost lost to the sands of time.
The documentary is produced, edited, and presented by multimedia journalist and documentary maker Noel Sweeney. Funded by Coimisiún na Mean with the television licence fee.
Making Ireland Home, Henry McKean celebrates becoming an Irish citizen after 30 years with new Irish citizens.
Documentary on Newstalk presents a new documentary by producers Alan Meaney and Amanda Gunning go behind the scenes at the Another Love Story music festival in Co. Meath.
One of Ireland’s premier small festivals, Another Love Story has been running since 2014. Set in the beautiful surrounds of Killyon Manor House Co. Meath over 3 days in August, the festival showcases both Irish and international acts. It is a custom-made festival with a focus on sustainability, smaller crowds, and an emphasis on a kinder, gentler festival setting.
‘Another Love Story’ documentary delves into the running of ALS festival and the music and attractions available.
Founding members Peter O’ Brien, Emmet Condon, and Sam Bishop discuss some of the aspects of organising and hosting the festival. Live features from ALS 2023 include on-site chats with musicians, crew, and attendees, as well as musical performances showcasing the wide variety of genres and acts on offer to festival-goers. Crew and guests talk about distinctive features of ALS, including child and dog-friendly facilities, and sustainability efforts such as the Flushing Meadows compost toilets.
The programme features performances and interviews with musicians Villagers’ Conor O’ Brien, Brigid Mae Power, JFDR’s Jófríður Ákadóttir, DJ Hewan Mulugeta, and Negro Impacto’s Chi Chi and StrangeLove.
Other interviews include Psycare Ireland, Siobhan Kane of Young Hearts Run Free, and crew members Ali Morris, Octavian Fitzherbert, and Sarah Howlin.
Another Love Story was produced by Alan Meaney and Amanda Gunning. Narration by Amanda Gunning. The programme was funded by the Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee.
This documentary was produced by Valerie McHugh, with interviewee Aisling Smith and voiceover artist Jessica Bourke. It highlights Aisling's story with OCD, and her journey to recovery. It also includes a voiceover dramatisation of other people's experiences with OCD who have asked to remain anonymous.
Documentary on Newstalk presents a new documentary by independent producer Bairbre Flood. "Jewish Ireland" is an exploration of Jewish Irish history and culture - from Deli 613, to the Irish Jewish Museum: historians, musicians and Jewish groups and individuals share different aspects of modern Jewish culture in Ireland.
Edwin Alkin talks us through the various artefacts, photographs and exhibitions at the Irish Jewish Museum in Dublin, and explains some of the history of Jewish people in Ireland. Dr. Melanie Brown tells us what she learnt from her involvement with the Jewish Oral History Project and the Inter-Faith Council - and what it means to her to be Irish and Jewish.
Rabbi Zalman Lent and Rifky Lent at Deli 613 - the first kosher deli in Dublin in fifty years - share Jewish food and explain why they set up and how they’ve been received by the community. And then we head to Cork to meet klezmer composer Ruti Lachs, of the Cork Jewish Community and we’ll get her take on being one of the ‘new Irish’ Jews who’ve made Ireland their home.
‘Jews have been here since the time of the Normans. Jews are not strangers here, but they remain to be othered in a lot of ways. And that, to me, is very interesting. Why, after a thousand years, why is there still this othering?’ - Dr. Melanie Brown.
Produced by Bairbre Flood and funded by Coimisiun na Mean under the Sound and Vision Scheme.
Climate change, civil war in the south, a breakaway region in the north, hunger, internal displacement: these are just some of the issues facing Somalia.
Presenter Sean Moncrieff reports from the Horn of Africa in: Somalia: the complicated business of helping people.
The Newstalk host spent a week with aid agency workers and UN officials who describe the often frustratingly slow process of trying to help a country off its knees: not just through the provision of aid, but trying to convince parents of the benefits of education, of changing attitudes towards contraception and female genital mutilation and of establishing a democracy in the face of resistance from the all-powerful clans.
All this, along with the constant threat of suicide bomb attacks from the Islamist group Al-Shabaab. In Somalia, everything is complicated.
Documentary on Newstalk presents “The Iveagh Trust: How Ireland’s Richest Man Housed Dublin’s Poor”, in which producer Sarah Stacey explores the 133-year history of Ireland’s oldest housing charity.
The Iveagh Trust was founded in 1890 by Edward Cecil Guinness, head of his family’s famous brewing empire, who at the time was the richest man in the country. His vision was to provide safe, clean and affordable housing to the working poor of Dublin. In the nineteenth century the city was home to some of the worst slums in Europe, with families crammed into overcrowded and unsanitary tenements. Disturbed by the conditions he saw in The Liberties, where his brewery was based, Guinness invested a considerable amount of his fortune into building housing and communities in the area.
Sarah Stacey’s family connection to the Iveagh Trust goes back four generations. With the help of social historians, staff members and residents, including her own relatives, she looks at how one man’s generosity transformed the lives of thousands of Dublin families, and why the Iveagh Trust’s ongoing work is just as important in today’s housing crisis as it was over a century ago.
Contributors include Tracey Bardon, engagement co-ordinator at 14 Henrietta Street (the Tenement Museum), historians Cathy Scuffil and Alan Byrne, Rory Guinness, chairman of the Iveagh Trust and great-great-grandson of Edward Cecil Guinness, former Iveagh Trust community officer Kelley Bermingham, and past and present residents Paul Tester, Pat Stacey and Tina Brennan.
“The Iveagh Trust: How Ireland’s Richest Man Housed Dublin’s Poor” was produced and presented by Sarah Stacey, with additional production by Daniel Cahill and music composed by Emily Worrall. Special thanks to the Iveagh Trust and Dublin City Library and Archive. Funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.
A new radio documentary, 35 Years of GCN, produced by Shaun & Maurice for Documentary and Drama on Newstalk, explores the story of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community through the pages of Ireland's longest-running free LGBTQ+ publication and press.
The story of GCN (Gay Community News) is also the story of LGBTQ+ rights, history, and culture in Ireland. Since 1988, the magazine has reflected and documented the lives and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people. The first issue of GCN was published from a small office at the top of the Hirschfield Centre in Dublin’s Temple Bar, and since then it has been at the heart of the LGBTQ+ community.
35 Years of GCN explores some of the LGBTQ+ stories captured by the magazine. The programme features an interview with Tonie Walsh who co-founded GCN with Catherine Glendon during the height of the AIDS epidemic. It features an interview with Senator David Norris about the foundation of GCN in the same year that he won his case against the Irish government at the European Court of Human Rights (which ruled the existence of laws in Ireland criminalising consensual gay sex to be illegal).
The documentary also features interviews with former GCN editors Brian Finnegan and Lisa Connell, about the struggles and celebrations that have been documented by the nation’s LGBTQ+ paper of record—including the introduction of civil partnership, the passing of both the marriage and abortion referendums, and the introduction of the gender recognition act.
The programme was produced with funding from the Coimisiún na Meán Sound and Vision scheme.
Documentary on Newstalk presents ‘The White Line’, a new documentary that reveals the shocking truth about how Irish Traveller children were treated in Irish schools and the unacknowledged apartheid that existed in the Irish education system for over 5 decades.
Through personal testimony we hear how Traveller children were: kept separate from the settled children at all times; put in Traveller-only classrooms where they received little or no teaching; and were physically and mentally punished regularly simply because of who they were.
All the voices, including that of the narrator, in this documentary belong to members of the Irish Traveller Community. The interviewees come from many parts of the country, from Tipperary, to Galway to Meath and Dublin and for most, this is the first time they have told their story publicly.
‘The White Line’ was produced by Independent radio Producer Susan Dennehy. The Narrator was Christine Collins. The Final Mix was by Moynihan Russell Studios.
The programme was funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.
Documentary On Newstalk presents a new documentary by producer Pavel Barter. Telling the forgotten story of how Irish immigrants built a Wild West mining town two miles high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in Cloud City.
This portrait of Irish diaspora, in one of America’s most ruthless settlements, explores the lives of two characters whose names live on in Leadville lore: Mart Duggan from Limerick, one of the most fearsome yet respected lawmakers in the American West; and Michael Mooney, a union leader from Dublin who fought for worker rights.
This month (September, 2023) sees the opening of a memorial to the Leadville Irish, who until now had been forgotten in unmarked graves at the town’s Evergreen Cemetery.
Credits:Pavel Barter: presenter and producer.
Michael Mellamphy (Red Dead Redemption 2) plays Mart Duggan and Michael Mooney.
With thanks to David Wright (research) and Wil Masisak (VO recording).
Funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television License Fee.
In “The First Hundred Years: Albert Dryer and the Irish National Association” producer J.J. O'Shea explores the aims and achievements of an important Irish Cultural organisation founded in 1915 in Sydney, Australia, and the life of the man who was the driving force behind the association. The story of the Irish in Australia remains a relatively unexamined aspect of the Irish emigration story and this programme shines a light on some surprising aspects of that story.
"The First Hundred Years" was Produced by J.J. O'Shea.
Excerpts from the INA Centenary Oral History Project were used with the kind permission of the National Library of Australia.
This programme was supported by a grant from Coimisiún na Meán as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme.
Producer Michael Cullen introduces us to some of Ireland's most successful quizzers. "Know It All" looks at the quizzing scene in Ireland, and talks to some of its most successful participants, including two winners of Mastermind, and a winner of the million on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
Producer Patricia Baker of Curious Broadcast takes a walk past the many famous and infamous statues and monuments in Dublin, in the radio documentary Dead White Men, and considers who and how we commemorate. By talking with academics and arts practitioners she asks questions about the monuments that we have chosen to destroy, those we have kept and those perhaps we should not. This is a walk through the monuments controversy past and present.
Dead White Men is a Curious Broadcast Production, Funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee.
Unbeatable Together presented by Henry McKean is a documentary which celebrates the Special Olympics in Berlin, with all the success and tears of emotion as Special Olympics Ireland brought home 75 medals.
Clonmany is a small village in rural Donegal. On the edge of the village is a long, narrow single-story building with a tin roof. This plain building is home to World Champions. This is the home of Clonmany Tug of War club, who train here in the autumn and winter nights, pulling together for another tilt at European and World glory. They build them big, and they dream big, in Clonmany.
The World indoor championships are held every two years and will take place at the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny in February 2020. The championships will attract up to 1,000 competitors and spectators from around the World to Letterkenny. But in the weeks leading up to the championships there is growing unease about a strange virus from the east, Covid. Would Big Danny’s dream be scuppered?
‘Pulling Together’ was produced and edited by Jim Doherty with the aid of funding from the BAI’s Sound and Vision scheme.
Documentary On Newstalk presents "‘The Irish Divorce” an original radio series by Jonathan Farrelly.
"The Irish Divorce - ‘When you and your spouse over time start leading completely separate lives and sleeping in different rooms, but don't divorce because you're Irish Catholics.”
Told from the perspective of a Therapist and a couple that has gone through ‘an Irish Divorce’ and came out the other side, this series looks to uncover and go deep within the psychology of ‘The Irish Divorce’.
Our therapist, Debra Armstrong will take us on a journey from the outside in, while our couple, ‘Wil-ly and Breda’* will take us on their journey, from the inside out.
*Please note, due to the sensitivity of the topic and our couples wish to rename anonymous, their names have been changed and their testimonies have been recorded by actors.
During a recent period of unrest in the troubled Palestinian territories producer Brian Kenny travelled to meet those Palestinian women who are suffering both under the Israeli occupation and in a deeply patriarchal society.In the Hebron hills, we hear from a community denied access to their lands, education, and in some cases electricity. We hear how one strong woman rose up against all the odds facing down the IDF and illegal settlers to build a school ensuring the education of future generations.In the Gaza strip, described by one resident as an open prison, the community workers tell us about the daily struggles facing its inhabitants but primarily how it is the women that suffer the most, be it through a lack of access to education and rule over their own lives, or living in daily fear of Israeli attacks."Fighting on Two Fronts" showcases the struggles and triumphs of these women, highlighting their determination to fight for their rights and make a difference in their communities. From organizing protests at great personal risk to campaigning in their communities’ Palestinian women are often at the forefront of a difficult struggle for justice.Fighting on two Fronts was produced and edited by Brian Kenny (www.kennysound.com) with the aid of funding from the BAI’s Sound and Vision programme. Voice over and translation by Dina Al Jaro.
Across Ireland, people are doing exciting and important science, even though they didn’t train as scientists. They are documenting sightings of birds and insects, of lizards and newts. They are playing games that improve our understanding of the human mind, mapping meteors across our solar system, and testing the water in our rivers and streams. They are even helping unearth our history at archaeological dig sites. In this programme, we explore the field of ‘citizen science’, we find out about the projects people are contributing to, and we discover how it is improving our understanding of science.Citizen Science, was produced by Shaun & Maurice (aka science communicator Shaun O'Boyle and artist Maurice Kelliher) and was funded by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. ‘Citizen Science’ features:● Jonathan Mackey from DIAS Dunsink Observatory● Susan Hegarty from the DCU Water Institute● Claire Gillen from Neureka● Kieran Flood from The Irish Wildlife Trust● Tara Adcock from Birdwatch Ireland● Graeme Warren and Conor McDermott from UCD School of Archaeology
Documentary On Newstalk presents "Undocumented", independent producer Bairbre Flood brings us the stories of those who have been living in Ireland, Undocumented, and the impact the groundbreaking regularisation scheme has had. Last year saw the start of a groundbreaking regularisation scheme for thousands of people who’ve been living and working in Ireland for many years without papers. It came after ten years of campaigning by migrant communities working with the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) in the ‘Justice for Undocumented’ campaign.Albert Bello, Irene Jagoba, Neil Bruton and Claudiane Lima share their experiences of working on the campaign and why it’s so important to continue and broaden the scheme.Bello and Jagoba share how it has affected their lives and they explain why it’s vital that this scheme continues for new arrivals. For them, and all the people who’ve been living in a state of limbo for so long, this has been a life-changing scheme. And for those who missed out and for those still arriving it offers a template for how we can continue to regularise migration in Ireland.As of now, nearly 8,000 applicants have received a stable and secure status, with roughly 3000 people still waiting for their result. But some people - like Claudiane Lima who has been living in Ireland for nine years, with her children - didn’t qualify for the scheme. And there are people arriving all the time who could benefit from a continuation of a regularisation programme.‘We know the life - it wasn't easy,’ said Irene Jagoba. ‘We’re hoping that the scheme will continue without a closing date. So that no one - no undocumented people - will live undocumented for a very long time, because it was a tough life.’For more information on this ongoing campaign please go to the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland - www.mrci.ieProduced by Bairbre Flood with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) under the Sound and Vision Scheme.
The fascinating stories of five religious Irish women who worked in the missions abroad; why these women chose the life that they did and the challenges they faced not only on their missionary posting but also the difficulties encountered on return home to Ireland.CREDITS:‘Mission Possible’ was produced, recorded and edited by Grainne McPolin. Assistant Producer: Kelly Crichton Music: composed and arranged by JJO’Shea Music: ‘African Percussion’ PollyponyStudio facilities Thanks to Kerry College, Monavalley Campus, Tralee, Co Kerry Special thanks go to: Missionary Sisters of St Columban Missionary Sisters of The Holy Rosary Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Dr Carmen Mangion Historian Birkbeck University of London Dr Yvonne McKenna Sociologist and Author of ‘Made Holy: Irish Women Religious at Home and Abroad Sr Kathleen McGarvey OLA Mr David Rose Secretary General AMRI Sr Susanna Choi Congregational Leader Missionary Sisters of St Columban ‘Mission Possible’ documentary is dedicated to the memory of Radio Presenter Sheila O’Regan RIP.‘Mission Possible’ was funded by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. https://www.newstalk.com/documentary-and-drama-on-newstalk/mission-possible-1454985
The Fixer, a Newstalk exclusive documentary about Sean Moncrieff’s week in Ukraine. Presented by Sean Moncrieff, produced by Ausling Moore, with additional audio production by Lochlainn Harte.
To coincide with International Roma Day on April 8th 2023, Newstalk present a new radio documentary. Produced by independent radio producer Susan Dennehy, ‘A Roma Girl in Dublin’ reveals the personal experiences of four women from the Roma community living in Ireland. The stories of four women feature in the documentary ; Gabi Muntean, Vanessa Paszkowska, Sylvia Covaci and Marioara Rostas.‘A Roma Girl in Dublin' was produced and narrated by Susan Dennehy.Research by Sean Harper. Sound Mix by Moynihan Russell Studios.The programme was Funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.
Documentary on Newstalk, presents a new documentary by producers Shaun O’Boyle and Maurice Kelliher. In 'Looking Up' we meet the astronomers working in an historic observatory in Castleknock Co Dublin.DIAS Dunsink Observatory is a beautiful building, located in Castleknock in Dublin, and filled with centuries of space-related history, telescopes, stories, artefacts, diaries, and equipment.We take a tour of the observatory with astronomers who work in this historic building. We explore the site's history, and we discover what kind of scientific research happens there today - from studying solar flares to space weather, nearby planets to distant galaxies.Looking Up is a Shaun and Maurice production, produced by Maurice Kelliher and Shaun O’Boyle, and was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the sound and vision scheme.
Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie travels to Somalia with Trócaire to see the impact the worst drought in over 40 years is having on the country. He met with those who are providing supports on the ground and also with the families who have been affected as part of Trócaire's Lent Appeal.
Documentary on Newstalk presents - a new three part series, produced and narrated by Patricia Baker. Each documentary charts the life and work of one extraordinary woman who broke the ground for the next generation of women. Ground Breakers: Dervilla Donnelly is an insight into the life and work of Emeritus Professor of Organic Chemistry at University College Dublin, Dervilla Donnelly. The documentary traces the role she played in Ireland’s’ scientific success, not just with her own scientific research, but with her influence on science policy and as a mentor for some of Ireland’s leading scientist.Ground Breakers is a Curious Broadcast production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
As part of a series of three programs, Producer Patricia Baker looks at the life and work of three women, who broke ground for future generations. In this episode, a former Supreme Court Judge and member of the Council of State of Ireland, who has been involved in some of the most important children’s and women’s rights and child protection changes in Ireland.Ground Breakers: Catherine McGuinness, is a Curious Broadcast production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. Produced and narrated by Patricia Baker, final mix Domhnaill Corrigan, at Contact Studio. Choral music courtesy of the Culwick Choral Society. Original music score by Gerry Horan.For more on the series visit www.newstalk.com
Documentary On Newstalk presents "The Good Samaritans" - Produced by Bairbre Flood, made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Sound and Vision Scheme. What motivates us to help others, and why should we help others? What does the latest psychological research show us about our brains on altruism? And are there ways we can be more effective altruists - especially for those from other countries or future generations?Psychologist, Dr. Dean McDonnell tells us about the latest research into what’s really going on in our brains when we’re a good samaritan - and how we can encourage this in our children. We hear from Shaza Aldawamneh, a Syrian student in Cork who teaches coding online to refugees; long-time humanitarian Mary Coffey, missionary nun Sr Majella McCarron; MSF coordinator Sarah Leahy, and founder of ‘The Free Humanitarians’ Sean Binder. We’ll also have a look at how we can be more effective altruists with William MacAskill, author of ‘How To Good Better’ and ‘What We Owe The Future’.Produced by Bairbre Flood with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Sound and Vision Scheme. With thanks to The Kabin Studio Cork for their music, ‘Teach Love, Harsh Winter’.
The beauty, power and wonder of the sea as told by ex-fishermen, marine ecologists and environmental activists.Producer Bairbre Flood takes to the sea with Colin Barnes, Cork Whale Watch, on an ethical whale and wildlife tour, and meets with volunteers with the Bantry Bay Protect Our Native Kelp Forest campaign, lobster fisherman Kieran O’Shea, and marine biologist Shazia Waheed.Niall MacAllistar of Sea Kayaking With The Seals brings us out to explore Adrigole Harbour and Padraic Fogarty (Whittled Away: Ireland’s Vanishing Nature) of the Irish Wildlife Trust explains what can be done to help protect the seas.Produced by Bairbre Flood with funding from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision Scheme from the television license fee.
In ‘The Southern Cross – The Irish Argentine Connection’, radio producer Ciarán Ryan travels to Buenos Aires, Argentina to find out more about The Southern Cross, a newspaper that was launched in 1875 by an Irish priest.The Southern Cross has had a lively and fascinating existence since, and this is unpacked in this one-off documentary. A newspaper with a Catholic ethos at its core, The Southern Cross has been a significant part of the Argentine-Irish community for almost 150 years. In a pre-internet era, we will hear that it was very much a part of every Irish household in Buenos Aires and beyond. The project was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme.
‘A Man From Cork’ tells the fascinating true story of Dermot Fenton who made national headlines in 1998 following a rare heart and lung transplant operation which involved a race against the clock and a ‘mercy dash’ to London on the Irish Government Jet.
Narrated by his brother Pio, this documentary details the medical challenges Dermot faced with Cystic Fibrosis, his enduring spirit and sense of humour in the face of challenges, and the life altering impact his transplant would have for two other families that fateful night in 1998.
Narrated by Pio Fenton. Produced by Daniel Cahill. Archive News clips courtesy of Virgin Media Television.
This is a story about transformative nature of organ donation and the importance of living life to fullest.
In ‘Black and Irish, Navigating Racism In Ireland’, Producer Caroline Mudingo Dipanda examines institutional racism in Ireland within the Irish industrial care system and the education system.
We talk to Bukky Adebowale, born in Ireland, President of the student life at Maynooth University, Sandrine Ndahiro, PhD student in African Literature originally from Kenya and Cameroon-born artist Alicia Raye who spent her teenage years in Direct Provision centers. They share personal stories to explain how racism and discrimination is prevalent in their daily interactions in colleges and universities. We meet Black Irish teacher Alex Mbowua, activist Myriam Poizat (YARI), Adult learner advocate and Africa-Ireland Network's founder Joy-Tendai Kangere and Patricia Munatsi, the Policy Officer for the Irish Network Against Racism: overview of the education system and the national policies.
'Black and Irish, Navigating Racism In Ireland’ was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
“Eoin Hand, A Life in Football and More”. Former Republic of Ireland Senior Soccer Manager, Eoin Hand, reflects on a career at the top of Irish soccer, as a player and as a manager in the international limelight. Produced by by Peter Grogan and supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
From quiet full-moon swims to high energy races, cups of tea on the beach to glasses of prosecco by the Liffey, The Sea Is My Sky captures the community, competition, and joy of sea swimming on Ireland’s east coast. The Sea Is My Sky – was produced by Maurice Kelliher and Shaun O’Boyle, and was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme.
Producer Alan Meaney explores the disparity between male and female and female identifying musicians in Ireland in ‘Equalization’.
The programme features music and interviews with Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon, Ellll, LOLZ, Renn, Ódú and Aoife from Alien She. It is narrated by the singer and actor Tracy Bruen.
The contributors are Karan Casey and Pauline Scanlon (Fair Plé), Karen Miano (DIAXDEM Collective), Sally Ó Dúnlaing and Aoife Nic Dhonnacha (Girls Rock Dublin), Ellen King and Laura O’Connell (Gash Collective).
The programme was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme
Producer Jonathan Farrelly talks to some famous sporting sisters about what it's like to play on the same teams in football and camogie.
In episode two, we meet with Mary and Mena Sheridan, who lined out for both club and country in Ladies Football in Meath. We look at the family connections in ladies football and how they’ve played an important part in growing the sport.
Producer Jonathan Farrelly talks to some famous sporting sisters about what it's like to play on the same teams in football and camogie.
In episode one we meet camogie greats, past and present; Kate, Niamh and Joanne O’Gorman in Clare and the infamous Downey Twins, Ann and Angela in Kilkenny.
As part of Documentary on Newstalk producer J.J. O`Shea looks at the ways in which the Irish in America were able to assist the flood of Jewish immigrants escaping the pogroms of Eastern Europe and Russia in the nineteenth century and were in a position to help them overcome problems of prejudice, poverty and outsider status in “The Shamrock and the Star.”
The Shamrock and the Star features excerpts from an interview with the late Mick Moloney. Doctor Moloney was a leading authority on the role of the Irish in nineteenth century American Music and Song and we are very grateful for his contribution here.
Reporter Laura Donnelly travels to Kenya to document how the communities and aid workers are responding to the worst drought in 40 years. "When Rain Fails" is presented by Laura Donnelly and edited by Lochlainn Harte. The programme was made with thanks to Concern.
This weekend, Documentary on Newstalk airs the premiere of TRINITY, in which IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher looks at the lives of the many people who live, work study, and play in Trinity College.
Using a lively mix of interviews, location recordings, sound effects and music, TRINITY explores the stories behind Ireland’s oldest university.
Documentary On Newstalk presents "Extraordinary Éire" a fast paced dash through the history books. A two-part documentary series focusing on the discoveries, inventions and successes attributed to Irish people throughout history, many of which are largely forgotten by today’s society.
Episode Two, Up In The Éire, looks to the skies, and tells the stories of Irish aviation and the heroes of Irish flight, those who have emigrated and Irish products which have been sent to the four corners of the earth, chemists who furthered our understanding of gases, revolutionary astronomers and the first witch trials in Western Europe.
Written and narrated by Donncha O’Dea. Produced and edited by Amy O’Dwyer. Various voices by Aisling Breen, Anthony Kinahan, Margaret McAuliffe, Ste Murray, Ciaran O’Grady, David O’Meara and Deborah Wiseman.
The programme is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the Television Licence Fee.
Documentary On Newstalk presents "Extraordinary Éire" a fast paced dash through the history books. A two-part documentary series focusing on the discoveries, inventions and successes attributed to Irish people throughout history, many of which are largely forgotten by today’s society.
From perforated stamps to CGI animation, from Milk of Magnesia to Cream Crackers, an Irish person has had a hand in inventing and discovering some of the most commonly used things in everyday life. And as for amazing accomplishments and fascinating feats, Irish people throughout history have created societal changes which helped shape the world in which we live.
The first episode, Our Land, deals with the Irish affinity with the Irish sod, and tells stories of seismologists and farming revolutionaries, navigators who have discovered new lands, Irish sport and dance stars, and Irish men and women who have made a name for themselves in new lands.
Episode Two, Up In The Éire, looks to the skies, and tells the stories of Irish aviation and the heroes of Irish flight, those who have emigrated and Irish products which have been sent to the four corners of the earth, chemists who furthered our understanding of gases, revolutionary astronomers and the first witch trials in Western Europe.
Episode 2 – Up In The Éire – will air on Newstalk on Sunday June 5th at 7am (repeated on Saturday June 11th) Both episodes will be available as a podcast on GoLoud and all major platforms.
CREDITS: Written and narrated by Donncha O’Dea. Produced and edited by Amy O’Dwyer. Various voices by Aisling Breen, Anthony Kinahan, Margaret McAuliffe, Ste Murray, Ciaran O’Grady, David O’Meara and Deborah Wiseman.
The programme is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the Television Licence Fee.
‘Kila: Suas Síos - In and Out of Lockdown’ tells the story of how trad/indie band Kila traversed almost two full years of COVID-19 restrictions within the live music sector. The life blood of Kila is playing live; and while in the middle of a European tour during March 2020, COVID-19 hit. CREDITS - Producer was Noel Sweeney. The programme was presented by Ellie O’Byrne. Editor was Noel Sweeney. Assistant Producer was Ellie O’Byrne. All interviews were recorded by Noel Sweeney while all Live performances were recorded by Tom Skerritt. This documentary was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision Scheme through the television license fee.
Documentary On Newstalk presents 'Rebel Prisoner', the story of Seamus Cavanagh, a British army soldier turned Irish Volunteer who was interned in multiple prisons and camps between 1916-24 including Wormwood Scrubs, Frongoch internment camp and the prison ship Argenta.
Contributors: Colm Toland, Dr Adrian Grant, Michael Gallagher. Sound Recordist: Gerry Tracey, Mix and additional editing: Rory Donaghy at Blast Furnace. Voice actor was Aoife Schlindwein with traditional singing by Grace Toland.
Rebel Prisoner is a Raw Nerve production, produced and presented by Otto Schlindwein and funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
Image courtesy of Colm Toland - Seamus Cavanagh and Sara with children circa 1916
As part of Documentary on Newstalk a new programme by producer JJ O'Shea, telling the story of the development of 19th century mansion, Muckross House in “A Gift to The Nation”. “A Gift to The Nation”, tells the story of the development of Muckross House after it was gifted to the people of Ireland in 1932. Today the house is a museum and one of the most visited attractions in Ireland and in retrospect it may seem this is an obvious destination for its use, but several other possibilities were explored before that decision was reached. A Gift to The Nation is produced and presented by J.J. O`Shea and funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
Documentary on Newstalk, Producer Patricia Baker celebrates the medium of the wireless in: To Radio With Love. Every day in Ireland over three million people listen to the radio. As we go about our day, more often than not, it is the radio that informs, entertains and stimulates us. Originally broadcast in 2014, To Radio With Love is a radio documentary which consists of a series of letters, a love letter if you will, written and then read out over the air by a diverse group of individuals ranging from radio presenters, development workers, and slum radio practitioners, to civil rights activists, artists and poets. These audio letters tell the story of how radio helps build communities, gives a voice to local people, and shapes modern culture. A soundtrack of iconic radio broadcasts from around the globe accompanies the letters. The contributors on To Radio With Love are: Joe Duffy, June Rodgers, Keith Somerville, Rosemary Day, Pat Herbert, Tole Nyatta, Simon Maher, Theo Dorgan, Míchéal O’Muircheartaigh, Margaretta D'Arcy and Knut Aufferman. To Radio With Love is a Curious Broadcast production made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Produced by: Patricia Baker and Myra Hayes Edited by: John Gough Narrated by: Patricia Baker
This is not a story just about whiskey but one about identity, emigration, politics and life told through the water of life itself! The fact that the word whiskey comes from the Irish word uisce speaks volumes about the history our nation has with this world-famous beverage. However, it’s not as straightforward as the method of production being invented and the brand growing, the story of whiskey is one entangled in politics and history with twists and turns at every corner. It’s a story that goes as far back as Irish monks in 1000 AD, about a drink that ruled the world from its dominant distilleries in Dublin before it all came crashing down. As Irish whiskey died off Scotch took the reins, Japanese whiskey followed and it looked likely that Irish Whiskey would be lost forever to the history books. Out of the ashes a few key players began a rebuild and decades later Irish whiskey has made a dramatic comeback. This documentary tells the story of how it all started, how it almost ended and poses the question on its future. We hear from distillers, businessmen, publicans and historians from Dublin to Cork to Scotland’s Highlands to unpack the story of Whiskey, Uisce Beatha, the Water of Life. Produced and edited by Brian Kenny (www.kennysound.com) for Newstalk with the assistance of the BAIs Sound and Vision Scheme.
Exploring the harmful effect of man-made noise pollution on the whales and dolphins inhabiting Irish waters in a new radio documentary by producer John Higgins: A Sea of Sound Over 90% of Ireland’s territory is under the sea and this vast underwater environment is home to 25 different species of whale, dolphin and porpoise, from deep diving beaked whales hunting squid in the spectacular mountains and valleys of the ocean floor off our west coast, and humpback whales feeding and foraging here on their long migratory routes from Africa to Iceland, to resident species such as the bottlenose dolphins living all year round in the Shannon estuary. With each passing decade however, man-made noise in the ocean from sources such as fishing and shipping has effectively doubled, creating a dense acoustic smog which our marine mammals are forced to navigate through, impacting massively on these highly intelligent animals and their ability to feed, reproduce, migrate and communicate. What happens when the ocean becomes so full of noise that whales and other cetaceans can no longer hear each other sing? In the midst of a worldwide extinction crisis, the increasing number of dolphins and whales washing up injured or dead on Irish coves and beaches is a major cause for concern. A Sea of Sound also examines what can and is being done to turn down the volume of man-made noise in the sea and what might be done to try and protect this beautiful acoustic environment and the creatures that live there into the future. Over the course of the documentary John travels around the Irish coast, on land and on the water, talking to a diverse range of people who care about our marine environment, from scientists, conservationists and volunteers to politicians and fishermen. A Sea of Sound is an As the Crow Flies production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and is produced by John Higgins, edited by Francesca Lalor and mastered by Neil Kavanagh, Image Credit: Nick Massett
Through a mix of conversation with Dr Sabina Brennan and self-recordings, migraineurs Aaron, Siobhan and Fiona share their experience of life with migraine in "Imaginers" Dr Edward O'Sullivan, Director of the Migraine Clinic at Cork University Hospital takes us inside the migraine brain offering a medical and scientific perspective Credits: Producer/Presenter Sabina Brennan. Editor Emily Burke. Assistant Producer Angela Mezzetti.
"Whispers" is a drama telling the story of Jane, who through a series of misdiagnosis learns she has ovarian cancer. Set in her bathroom, having been sick during her daughter’s sixth birthday party, Jane reflects on the journey from diagnosis to the present day. Echoing the stages of grief, Jane battles through misdiagnosis and the feeling of not being listened to, to finding friendship and humour in the most unusual of places. She challenges the familiar mantra of ‘keeping positive’ and in turn finds herself challenged to tackle the issues of intimacy, mortality, life and love. "Whispers" was written and produced by Ruth Hayes. Directed by Eoin Ó hAnnracháin. Sound design by Ruth Hayes and sound engineer Warren Tivy. Cast Ruth Hayes, Claire J Loy and Shane Casey. "Whispers" was made with a grant from the broadcasting Authority of Ireland through the Sound and Vision Scheme Further resources. www.ovacare.ie www.cancer.ie www.emercaseyfoundation.com www.ovarian-cancer.ie
Episode Two On the one hundredth anniversary of the publication of James Joyce's masterpiece Ulysses; a two part radio drama that tells the story of Bloomsday, June 16th 1904. 'Strolling Through Ulysses'. This programme contains adult themes. Episode two will be available on next Sunday, Feb 13th. CREDITS: ‘Strolling Through Ulysses’; written and narrated by Robert Gogan. Script editing, various voices and direction by Eimear Finan. Produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. Music played by Danny Weir. Bloom Played by Paul Fred McCloskey The Reader played by Tracy Bruen Molly played by Zita Monahan-McGowan Stephen played by John Rogers Various voices by Bob Kelly, Francis Finan, Orla McGovern and Conor Geoghegan. The programme is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland,with the Television Licence Fee.
On the one hundredth anniversary of the publication of James Joyce's masterpiece Ulysses; a two part radio drama that tells the story of Bloomsday, June 16th 1904. 'Strolling Through Ulysses'. This programme contains adult themes. Episode two will be available on next Sunday, Feb 13th. CREDITS: ‘Strolling Through Ulysses’; written and narrated by Robert Gogan. Script editing, various voices and direction by Eimear Finan. Produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. Music played by Danny Weir. Bloom Played by Paul Fred McCloskey The Reader played by Tracy Bruen Molly played by Zita Monahan-McGowan Stephen played by John Rogers Various voices by Bob Kelly, Francis Finan, Orla McGovern and Conor Geoghegan. The programme is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland,with the Television Licence Fee.
Radio award nominated, "WHO KILLED BILLED?", written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Marc-Ivan O'Gorman, produced by Daryl Moorhouse of Tinpot Productions, tells the compelling story of the life and death of Irish-born Hollywood director William Desmond Taylor. A top director of his time, his murder in February 1922 became the biggest scandal of the day and ultimately changed Tinseltown forever as it led to the introduction of what would be known as The Hays Code. Taylor's story contains all the elements of a racy Hollywood plot; glamour, sex, drugs, betrayal, corruption, intrigue and, of course, murder. Funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
Documentary On Newstalk presents - "Childless" a new documentary by producer Hilary Fennell. "It’s hard to imagine that there remains a subject so taboo that although shared by one in five women over 45, it is never discussed. That subject is being childless, but not by choice." - Hilary Fennell, programme maker and journalist is one of a growing number of such women in Ireland. In this documentary she explores what it means to be childless in a child-centred society and breaks the taboo of ‘social infertility’ by hearing the stories of six women. "The thing that infuriates me most are the ‘bingo’ comments: ‘Why don’t you just adopt? Why not buy sperm? Why not use a surrogate?’ As if it was that simple,’ comments psychotherapist Jody Day." Presenter Hilary delves into the emotional, physical and social impact of childlessness and why she feels it is such a huge taboo. "All the media wants is the happy-ending-miracle-twin IVF stories, or the women who are childless by choice. Nobody ever talks about the years of baby-mania - hormone testing kits, invasive treatments, crazy diets, acupuncture, herbal remedies, reiki healing, you name it. All, for nothing,’ says children’s mental health support worker and a solution-based hypnotherapist Jemma White. Sensitive but probing, with interviews recorded on location in the subjects’ homes aided by creative soundscapes and a contemporary score by Daragh Dukes. "Childless" was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
Trigger for Change is new radio documentary, created by artist Sinead McCann in collaboration with The Bridge Project. Produced by Sinead McCann and Alan Meaney in collaboration with The Bridge Project. Music by Eamonn Bailey.
The documentary explores the challenges people with a criminal record face in securing employment on release from prison. It focuses on the difficult life stories of these people, but finds hope in their recovery and how they have built new lives through education, community engagement and employment.
This project is funded by the Arts Council Artist in the Community Scheme, managed by Create. The research and development was funded by Dublin City Council Culture Company
Trigger For Change is included in First Fortnight Festival 2022. www.firstfortnight.ie
Documentary on Newstalk, producer Lisa Gernon tells the story of the voices behind the phenomenal success of ‘Irish Women in Harmony’. In 2020 ‘Irish Women in Harmony’ a collective of over 40 Irish female artistes came together – while apart - to record a cover of The Cranberries’ hit ‘Dreams’ which was one of the most successful musical collaborations of 2020 and raised over 250K for domestic abuse charity Safe Ireland. ‘Irish Women in Harmony - Behind the Voices’ was produced by Lisa Gernon and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme. In ‘Irish Women in Harmony - Behind the Voices’ RuthAnne, Una Healy, Lyra, Karen Cowley from Wyvern Lingo and Erica Cody tell the story of how this amazingly talented group of women came together to make this happen and thus creating this inclusive, supportive, empowering musical community for Irish female artists.
IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher looks at the lives of the many people involved in running the busiest train station in Ireland in ‘Connolly Station – A Day in the Life’ Using a lively mix of interviews, location recordings, sound effects and music, Connolly Station – A Day in the Life explores the stories behind Ireland’s busiest railway station. 'Connolly Station – A Day in the Life’, was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, through the television licence fee.
In ‘The Wicklow Round’, radio producer Ciarán Ryan meets with and follows a number of runners who have taken on The Wicklow Round, a grueling 110km+ self-navigated challenge to 26 summits in the Wicklow Mountains. The documentary charts the origins of the ‘round’ back to the early part of this century, meeting some of the pioneers involved in setting the route and those who took it on first. The Wicklow Round gives a taste of what awaits in the Irish mountain running community, with plenty of mud, sweat and tears (to borrow from the title of contributor Moire O’Sullivan’s book on the round) along the way. The documentary was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, through the television licence fee.
Documentary on Newstalk presents “Captain Jack Crawford: The Poet Scout”. Producer Jim Doherty puts on his cowboy hat to tell the story of the Donegal man who became a Wild West hero, poet, and entertainer in “Captain Jack Crawford: The Poet Scout”. “Most people will have heard of such icons of the American West as Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, General Custer, Sitting Bull, and Calamity Jane; men and women imbued with a sense of adventure, who lived in dangerous and exciting times. But how many know the amazing story of their friend and contemporary, Captain Jack Crawford? Or that he was born and reared in Carndonagh, Co Donegal, and that he shaped much of what we know of today as the ‘Wild West’? Captain Jack (known as "The Poet Scout"), was a master storyteller about the Wild West and was one of the most popular performers of the late nineteenth century. Our documentary tells the amazing story of a penniless and illiterate teenager who fled famine and poverty in Ireland to achieve fame, fortune and adventure in the US.” “Captain Jack Crawford: The Poet Scout" was produced by Jim Doherty and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme
This week on Documentary On Newstalk - "The Troublesome Nun" a new radio documentary on the life and times of Margaret Mac Curtain, a Dominican Sister whose lifelong determination to write women into mainstream Irish history changed the narrative of Irish history forever. Margaret was a historian, a feminist, a teacher, a human rights activist, and a nun. ‘This documentary is an important way to capture the impact that Margaret had which was quite a wide impact.’ said Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland. ‘It was as an historian, as a feminist, long before people were calling themselves a feminist, as an educator, as a Dominican nun, and as a women with such warmth and kindness and humour, that she made everyone, male and female, love her for herself and what she gave of herself.
The Troublesome Nun is part of a forthcoming series of three documentaries, each one charting the life and work of one extraordinary woman who broke the ground for the next generation of women. These older women did not just witness a changing Ireland; they were the change makers themselves. The Troublesome Nun is a Curious Broadcast production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee, produced and narrated by Patricia Baker. Final mix Gerry Horan Contact Studio. Original Music score Gerry Horan.
Director Órfhlaith Foyle and producer Alan Meaney bring you the story of May Mullen. In 1900s Ireland, a fiercely independent woman rallies against traditional expectations in ‘May’s End’. CREDITS: ‘May’s End’ was written and directed by Órfhlaith Foyle. Produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. The cast are Tara Finn, John Burke, Gerry Howard, Joan Gildea, Eimir Creedon, Austin Prior and Gerry Ferguson. Original artwork by Órfhlaith Foyle. Original artwork by Órfhlaith Foyle.
This weekend on Documentary On Newstalk we remember the events of September the 11th 2001. And hear the story of its first official victim, proud Irish-American and chaplain to the New York Fire Department, Father Mychal Judge. This is "Last Hour - the story of 911's First Victim"
Credits: Last Hour - the story of 911's First Victim was produced by Sorcha Heron and narrated by Mary McEvoy. And was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
Simon Tierney presents a special programme to mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks in the US, as he investigates how the tragedy impacted Irish families.
‘Two Thieves’, a darkly-comic audio drama written by Hugh Hick and produced by Heather MacLeod. In an alternate dystopian society, two criminals are up for the public vote on a Government-sponsored radio programme – and only one can be saved. With echoes of Beckett, a biblical story becomes a contemporary exploration of populist rehabilitation and political manipulation, and whether in a world run on the fingertips of snap judgements and mob rule, can anyone really be saved? Bleak and comic in equal measures, Two Thieves holds a lens up to the things we think we know about the people we’ve never met. The drama features Mary Murray, Matthew Malone, Michael James Ford and Margaret McCauliffe with original music composed by Justin McCann. Two Thieves was written and directed by Hugh Hick, and produced by Heather MacLeod. The programme was made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.
As Team Ireland compete in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Documentary On Newstalk presents another chance to hear 2016's 'Personal Best – The Story Behind Irish Women in Paralympic Sport’ by Susan Dennehy. In 'Personal Best', radio producer Susan Dennehy profiles, and follows over the course of several months, the progress of two female athletes who went on to represent Ireland at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016. Through incredible personal stories, the massive impact sport can have on women’s lives is gently revealed. At just 21, swimmer Ellen Keane was about to compete in her third Paralympic Games. Ellen, who was born without her left forearm, went on to win a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016 and has recently won god at Tokyo 2020. For Deirdre Mongan who was 38, the 2016 Paralympics was her first time to compete at the Paralympics. Galway woman, Deirdre, was paralysed in a farming accident at the age of 14. She has never let her disability compromise her life, as well as being a world class athlete, she has a full-time job, and is mum to Amy, age 2. With exclusive access to the women and their families, this documentary is not just about elite athletes, it’s about daughters, mothers and wives who strive to fulfill their potential in both their everyday lives as well as in their sporting careers. CREDITS: ‘Personal Best – The Story Behind Irish Women in Paralympic Sport’ was produced and narrated by Susan Dennehy. The programme was made with the support of the BAI, Sound and Vision Grant.
"Full of Heart" examines the extraordinary events of October 9th 2016, when mother of one Michelle Herbert from Newcastle West, suddenly lost consciousness while playing in the Limerick Junior camogie county final. ‘About five minutes into the second half, I just felt dizzy and I put my hurley out to steady myself and I collapsed," Michelle recalls of the incident. Suffering a cardiac arrest, Michelle lay unconscious as her family including her husband Jer and son Conor watched on as she clung to life. In that moment the game ceased to be, the roar of the crowd faded as the seriousness of the situation became evident. Both sets of players who had fought against each other over the previous 40 minutes now fought together – for Michelle's life. Tournafulla’s Sarah Jane Joy had been marking Michelle when she collapsed. As fate would have it Sarah Jane is a nurse and her training took over immediately. Acting on instinct she began compressions. As players, mentors and supporters from both parishes watched on, Sarah Jane along with the help of other teammates battled to save Michelle's life. “Full of Heart” was produced by Connie Broderick and Joe McGill and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
Documentary on Newstalk presents a new two part series 'THE FARMERS WHO WENT WILD'. Mary Brophy retraces the story of the supposedly unlikely friendship between two farmers and an ecologist. And how their shared love of wildlife saw them attempt to reverse the devastating impacts of decades of intensive farming on biodiversity, in one Cork river valley. ‘The Farmers who went Wild’ is presented by Mary Brophy, written and produced by Neal Boyle, and was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the television license fee.
Documentary on Newstalk presents a new two part series 'THE FARMERS WHO WENT WILD'. Mary Brophy retraces the story of the supposedly unlikely friendship between two farmers and an ecologist. And how their shared love of wildlife saw them attempt to reverse the devastating impacts of decades of intensive farming on biodiversity, in one Cork river valley. ‘The Farmers who went Wild’ is presented by Mary Brophy, written and produced by Neal Boyle, and was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the television license fee.
This weekend on Documentary on Newstalk, producer Regan Hutchins tells the story of how thousands of books by Irish and International authors were banned in Ireland in the 20th Century.
This documentary assesses the impact of a strict regime of censorship on writers and readers over a 40 year period, leading up to the 1970s and it hears how censorship and self-censorship is not a thing of the past. Evil Literature and Censorship is presented and produced by award winning producer Regan Hutchins who is joined by Declan Kiberd, Aoife Bhreatnach, Jana Fischerova, Julia Carlson, Andrea Nagle, Noelle Dowling, James Kelly and Pól Ó Duibhir
Evil Literature and Censorship is funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound & Vision Scheme.
On Documentary on Newstalk, producer Jonathan Farrelly takes a trip back to Kilkenny in the 1980’s, when one of the greatest ‘dynasty’ teams in history began their famous streak of winning... in part two of a new radio documentary series: ‘Dynasty; The Greatest Ladies Teams Of All Time’. The Greatest Ladies Teams Of All Time’ was Produced by Jonathan Farrelly and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
The first in a two part radio documentary series: ‘Dynasty; The Greatest Ladies Teams Of All Time’. In 1948, the Dublin Camogie team went on a streak of winning All Ireland titles that may never be surpassed. ‘DYNASTY: The Greatest Ladies Teams Of All Time’ was Produced by Jonathan Farrelly and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
‘From Rebel Leader to Peace Activist: The making of George Lennon’ charts the life of the man who, inspired by tales of Patrick Sarsfield growing up, would go on to lead the West Waterford Flying Column during the Irish War of Independence. ‘From Rebel Leader to Peace Activist: The making of George Lennon’ is written and narrated by Simon Maguire, produced by Simon Maguire and Susan Cahill with original compositions and audio mastering by Scott Tobin.
Signing In: The ‘New Irish’ Writers, is produced by Bairbre Flood and funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound & Vision Scheme. Poets and editors from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India and South Africa give us an in-depth look at diversity in Irish writing and publishing. Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Christie Kandiwa, Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan, Khanyo Dlamini and Chiamaka Enyi-Amadi read their poetry of love, migration, family - and share their own unique experiences of ‘home’. They reflect on the power of language to shape identity, and the connection between writing and social change.
Producers Jonathan Farrelly and Dave Thorpe look at the story of the Baltinglass GAA team that won the 1990 football club All Ireland.
Produced by Simon Ó Gallchobhair ‘Town of Kings’ uncovers the hidden history of Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. The town of Dún Laoghaire, on the coast of Co. Dublin, is a place of hidden histories and contested identity. Founded on the ruins of fifth century fort, the building of a harbour in 1817 led to the creation of Dún Laoghaire. The town was renamed Kingstown following the drunken visit of George IV in 1821, before reverting to it’s original name in 1920. Town of Kings documents the rapid growth of this seaside Victorian town up to the present day. The program weaves together the perspective of historians and long time residents who have witnessed the town's contrasting fortunes. The historian Tom Conlon reveals the squalid slums of Kingstown hidden behind opulent retailers. The rise of nationalist Ireland is explored with an IRA assassination attempt in the town. Local residents who share their family history include pawn-broking in the 1920; selling newspapers on George's Street in the 1960s; old world pharmacists and a daring 1980's pig escape. Dún Laoghaire's main street has weathered good times and bad over the last 200 years as brought to life in: Town of Kings. CREDITS: Town of Kings was made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. The programme was produced and edited by Simon Ó Gallchobhair. Special thanks to all of the people of Dún Laoghaire and to Tom Conlon author of 'Victorian Dún Laoghaire: a town divided'. Town of Kings was originally broadcast in July 2018.
‘Behind the Wall’ tells the story of four men and women with Irish connections who lived behind the Berlin Wall. It is also an investigation into what it was like to live in one of the most guarded and restrictive countries in the world. Behind the Wall was originally broadcast on Newstalk in November 2014. In an unprecedented move, the East German authorities opened the border between East and West Germany on November 9th 1989. What they envisaged was the broadening of the travel rights of their citizens. What resulted was a different story: a deluge of people descended on the Berlin Wall and celebrated a new freedom, after 28 years of isolation. ‘Behind the Wall’ explores the very fabric of life in an extraordinary society while attempting to understand what drew people from Ireland to East Germany and vice versa.
CREDITS: ‘Behind the Wall’ was written, produced and edited by Simon Tierney.
Radio producer Shane Hannon brings us back half a century to the Apollo Program and our first steps on another world in: ‘Picking Up Some Dust’. The documentary was largely recorded pre-lockdown, and uncovers some fascinating Irish links to that ‘One small step.’ Producer Shane Hannon takes us on journey from the Texan Hill Country to the Dunsink dump, and from rural Indiana to a moon-themed housing estate in Coolock. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. CREDITS: Picking Up Some Dust was Produced and Narrated by Shane Hannon. Sound design by Rachel Hannon. Mastered by Neil Kavanagh. With thanks to all the contributors.
‘Angels of Mercy’ produced by Grainne McPolin, which explores the story of the women who left Ireland to train and work as nurses in England across the second half of the 20th Century and were an often overlooked but important element in the development of the UK National Health Service. We will hear how these young women began lives in a whole new world “I remember there were two Malaysian and three English girls living there as well, but the rest of us, we were from every corner in Ireland; we worked hard and we played hard and as a nurse you see life, you see death and also everything in between..” Angels of Mercy is a story told through the experiences of five Irish women of different generations who made their careers in nursing in England between 1950 and 1980. In addition, historians Professor Louise Ryan, Professor Jennifer Redmond and Dr Sarah O’Brien give context to the women’s narrative Presenter and producer Grainne McPolin worked as a nurse herself in England and brings her own experience to the narrative. “Angels of Mercy” was produced by Grainne McPolin and funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound and Vision Scheme.
Documentary On Newstalk celebrates Ireland’s cycling Greenway. On Your Bike, is an exploration of Ireland’s first greenway, the Westport to Achill route. Seen through the eyes of a group of social cyclists who travel it in a day, the programme also tells the history of the former rail line, and explores the lives of the diverse range of people who work, live and cycle along its route. On Your Bike was originally broadcast on Newstalk on Sunday 8th October 2017. CREDITS: ‘On Your Bike’ was edited and produced by Brian Gallagher. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.
Producers Maurice Kelliher and Shaun O'Boyle explore a global effort to improve brain health and reduce the impact of dementia, in "New Knowledge"
In Ireland, more than 55,000 people are living with dementia. In this documentary, we visit the Global Brain Health Institute in Dublin, and meet researchers who are looking for new ways to support people living with dementia, to better understand its causes, and to plan for a future where dementia is on the increase.
"New Knowledge" was produced by Maurice Kelliher and Shaun O'Boyle, and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
New Knowledge Transcript
"Letters from Midwinter" provides a rare insight into the private conversations of women in Ireland between 1970 and 2020, through their personal letters. Produced, written and narrated by Susan Dennehy. The Researcher and Script Editor was Joanna Marsden. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. Additional support was provided by An Post.
This week on Documentary on Newstalk - to mark the 60th anniversary of the Irish Wheelchair Association Newstalk is broadcasting "A Boy From The North West". Producer Susan Dennehy and writer Joanna Marsden team up to tell the story of Donegal-man Jack Kerrigan. Paralysed in a diving accident in 1949, he was one of the first wheelchair users to participate in Irish society and one of the members of Paralympics Ireland's first team in 1960. It is a poignant account of what it was like to be a wheelchair user in Ireland in the 50s & 60s. Jack’s memoirs are read by Mikel Murfi and original music is by Andrew Synott. The programme was made with the support of the BAI, Sound and Vision Grant.
This new radio documentary explores what happened when a physicist asked, “What is Life?” All life on this planet has something very important in common: DNA. It’s packed into every cell of our body, filled with instructions and tools for those cells to do what they need to do. It carries important information from one generation to the next, just as it did from the beginning of life throughout evolution to every living thing on the planet today. ‘What is Life?’ examines the impact of a series of public lectures given by Erwin Schrödinger in 1943 in Dublin, when he attempted to understand the chemistry of life and inheritance. "What is Life?" was produced by Maurice Kelliher and Shaun O'Boyle, and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound And Vision Scheme.
Centenarian Joe Veselsky takes us on a personal journey through his first thirty years, the most turbulent of the twentieth century in Eastern Europe. ‘No Ordinary Joe' is recounted by Joe Veslesky. Recorded, produced and edited by Éamon Little, with editing assistance from Ted Little. Sound mixing was by Alan Kelly. ‘No Ordinary Joe' was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television license fee, and received a special mention from the Whickers Radio & Audio Funding Award, 2020.
Another chance to hear the critically acclaimed, award winning ‘Coma’. In a small town somewhere in Ireland, a young man lies in a coma. His daily visitors confide in him and reveal their innermost secrets. COMA was produced by Macanna Teoranta and written by Kevin McCann and Peter Murphy Sound recording by Paddy Greenan and Shane O’Connor, with mastering by Maddu Kambamettu and editing by Seamus Callagy The play was performed by Catriona O’Reilly, James McInerney, Michael Olwell, Orla Cahill, Zoe Hickey, Joanne Brennan, Hugh Leddy, Fergal McAloon, Regina Donoghue, and Sean Nulty. COMA was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland via the Sound and Vision Scheme.
Four stories of separation & reunion. Giving an insight into Ireland’s very recent history when adoption was the number one solution to pregnancy outside marriage. "A Pocket of Time - The other side of the Irish Adoption Story", originally broadcast in April 2014 and was produced by Susan Dennehy. The programme was made with the support of the BAI, Sound and Vision fund.
Originally aired in 2016, produced by Eric Moylan and narrated by former professional boxer, olympian and Limerick man Andy Lee. This documentary examines the relationship between the Limerick and sport. A city where there is 101,000 capacity across 5 stadia for a metropolitan population of 105,000 people. What drives the passion for Ireland’s sporting capital? A City's Love Affair was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.
Journalist Sinead Aherne was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2017. Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women in Ireland. Most are over 50, but younger women can also get the disease too. Sinead was 32 when she was diagnosed. Produced and presented by Sinead Ahern, ‘Breast Cancer and Me’ explores life with cancer and life afterwards. ‘Breast Cancer and Me’ originally aired on WLR and was awarded silver in the documentary category at the 2020 IMRO Radio Awards. And was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee.
‘From Boxing to Bingo: The Story Of Dublin’s National Stadium’. Producer Brian Byrne tells the story of how the home of Irish boxing came to be home to so much more. It's where U2 signed their first record deal. It's where 16 Irish Olympic medallists got their first licks in. It's where, for the past 40 years, Bingo has been called 3 nights a week. It's where, for the past 4 year, sold-out crowds have come to watch OTT wrestling. And it’s where every Sunday you’ll find the All Nations Church gathered to pray. This 'where', is Dublin's National Stadium. Featuring voices from families for whom the stadium became more than just a building. ‘From Boxing to Bingo: The Story Of Dublin’s National Stadium’ aims to capture some of the magic moments the stadium has borne witness to over the years. CREDITS: ‘From Boxing to Bingo: The Story Of Dublin’s National Stadium’ was produced by Brian Byrne. And was funded by the Sound and Vision scheme. With special thanks to David McCartney, Ann Smith, Sinead Mooney, Gary O'Neill, Aonghus Óg McAnally, John Aherne, Art O'Brien, Francesca Lalor and Cian Hogan. As well as all those at the IABA, Over the Top Wrestling, and the All Nations Church who contributed. Managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the Sound and Vision scheme provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience.
Written by Niall Murphy The Fabulous Doctor Singer is based on true events from 1950s Ireland & brings to life the main players involved in a scandalous stamp collection scam that lead to one of the lengthiest court cases in the history of the Irish state. It tells the story of the most unlikely pyramid scheme of the 20th century and the flamboyant huckster, who masterminded it Dr. Paul Singer. Starring Steve Furst, Colin Murphy & Phelim Drew and an ensemble cast featuring Cillian O'Dee, Janet Phillips, Peter Campion, Maurice O'Donoghue, Donagh Deeney, Michelle Read, Marcus Lamb, Liam Heffernan, Gráinne Bleasdale and Sean T Ó Meallaigh this black comedy recounts the tale of an outrageous scam that made fools of the Gardaí, the Attorney General, thousands of investors and the most renowned legal minds of the day. This is a Macalla Teo production; written & directed by Niall Murphy, produced by Cian Mac Cárthaigh with sound supervision by Steve McGrath and Cúán Mac Conghail as Executive Producer. This radio play was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound & Vision funding scheme.
From the Amazon to the Emerald Isle looks at climate change through different eyes in various parts of the world yet all with an Irish link. We hear from Irishmen Peter Hughes and Liam Carey, who have spent a lifetime working in Latin America, about the devastation being caused to the Amazon and its indigenous peoples.
This weekend, Documentary on Newstalk airs the premiere of ‘The Bots’, in which IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher looks at the lives of those who live, work, study, and relax in the vicinity of Ireland's National Botanic Gardens. The Bots will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 30th August at 7am with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 5th September at 9 pm. Using a lively mix of interviews, location recordings, sound effects and music, The Bots explores the stories behind one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions, The National Botanic Gardens. Director Matthew Jebb gives an overview of the role of the Botanic Gardens and explains how it hosts six hundred thousand visitors each year. Matthew also tell of its research role, and how the blight that caused the Potato Famine of the Eighteen Forties was identified by the then director of the Gardens. Blathnaid Farrell, who grew up nearby, reminisces about the Gardens when she was a child, while librarian Alexandra Caccamo tells of a history going back much further, with some books in the library dating back to the sixteenth century. Matthew Jebb talks of the joys of living on site, and tells the story of the Director’s Residence, which predates the founding of the Gardens in 1795. Brendan Sayers gives an insight into the running of the glasshouses, and how tropical heat needs to be generated for some plant species. Glyn Anderson and Charlotte Salter Townsend talk about the guided tours they give, with Glyn reflecting on the refreshment options available to the modern-day visitor. Contributors and visitors reminisce lightly about their memories of the first thing they ever grew, while Ciaran Kavanagh and Alfreda O’Brien, who run the nearby Gravediggers pub, talk about the colourful associations between their premises and the Botanic Gardens. John Mulhern, Principal of the Teagasc College of Horticulture, discusses how hundreds of students study at their Glasnevin site within the Gardens, while Felicity Gaffney, the manager of the Visitor Centre, gives details of the surprising range of cultural and artistic events that are staged each year in the fifty-acre grounds. Matthew Jebb tell of the wildlife he’s encountered while living on site, and Colin Kelleher talks of his role as a taxonomist and the task of naming the vast numbers of specimens that have been catalogued in the Gardens. The programme concludes with contributors revealing what the Botanic Gardens means to them, and their hopes for its future. Quotes from THE BOTS: “The first place we made for was the glasshouse. And when you went in the heat would just hit you. In those days you wouldn’t have central heating at home – so that was super.” Blathnaid Farrell, childhood visitor to the Botanic Gardens. “Our back garden is about an acre and it backs onto the Botanic Gardens and the cemetery. The neighbours are basically the cemetery people and plants.” Ciaran Kavanagh, The Gravedigger Pub. “One of the real pleasures of the job is that I wake up at work each morning.” Matthew Jebb, Director, Botanic Gardens. “Our book collection extends back to the Fifteen Thirties.” Alexandra Caccamo, Librarian. “The pub, the cemetery, the Botanics, it’s like the Bermuda Triangle – you do disappear in that triangle in Glasnevin, and before you know it, four hours have passed.” Alfreda O'Brien, The Gravedigger Pub. “In the Herbarium there are about six hundred thousand dried specimens”. Colin Kelleher, Taxonomist. “The world is changing quite a lot, and I think the big positive is that more and more people are paying attention to the natural world.” Charlotte Salter Townsend, tour guide. “It took 25 years to put it together. There are 11 kilometres of glazing bars in this building, and it’s a work of art.” Matthew Jebb, Director, Botanic Gardens. “I used to go into the hothouse - when I missed Italy.” Ciaran Kavanagh, The Gravedigger Pub. CREDITS: The Bots was produced by Brian Gallagher, and funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. BROADCAST: The Bots will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 30th August at 7am with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 5th September at 9 pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE: 'The Bots can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.com PODCAST: The Bots is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
This weekend, Producer Tony Considine goes back in time to tell the story of Dublin’s first large-scale rock festival, the 1977 Thin Lizzy homecoming show at Dalymount Park. The show was staged to mark Philo's 28th birthday. 43 years on, we celebrate the event in his memory. The radio premiere of ‘Dancing in the Floodlights’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 23rd August at 7am, with a repeat broadcast airing on Saturday 29th August at 9pm. Image: Tony Considine 2020 ‘Dancing in the Floodlights’ Producer Tony Considine says: Despite their absence this year, attendance at music festivals is a rite of passage for Irish teenagers and twenty-somethings. Every summer sees stadium gigs at Croke Park and the Aviva on Lansdowne Road, festivals the length and breadth of the country as well as huge outdoor shows at the likes of Malahide Castle, Phoenix Park, Marley Park and St Anne’s. Yet, it was only a little over forty years ago that Dublin saw its first ever large-scale outdoor rock festival. And the venue was somewhere that has nearly been forgotten in terms of its place in Irish rock history, despite having stories connected to it involving Irish legends such as Phil Lynott and iconic international figures from Bob Marley to Beyoncé. While the likes of the Lisdoonvarna festival catered for the folk music scene from 1978 to 1983, the Lizzy gig pre-dated this by a year. Between 1977 and 1983, Dalymount was the only show in town for rock music fans looking for the festival experience on the island of Ireland. Original poster from Dalymount Park gig 1977 'Dancing in the Floodlights' tells the story of how that first concert came about, the impact it had on some of those who made it happen, who attended and who performed. It combines original interviews with Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham, Radiators from Space singer Steve Averill (aka Steve Rapid), Concert Promoters Pat and Marie Murphy, DJ Pat James and Journalist Frank McNally alongside music and archive footage from the time. CREDITS: ‘Dancing in the Floodlights’ was written, produced and sound engineered by Tony Considine. BROADCAST: The radio premiere of ‘Dancing in the Floodlights’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 23rd August at 7am, with a repeat broadcast airing on Saturday 29th August at 9pm. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE: ' Dancing in the Floodlights’ can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.com PODCAST: ‘Dancing in the Floodlights’ is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
In 'Against The Wire', Producer Bairbre Flood travels to Lesvos, Greece to talk to volunteers and refugees working in Moria Refugee Camp. ‘There are so many people there with different skills, who have a high educational background, but they are stuck there. They want to help develop their society. No one wants to come here to live here in that kind of situation.’ Abdul, from Ghana, coordinator of the One Happy Family school on the island. The radio premiere of ‘Against The Wire’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 2nd August at 7am, with a repeat broadcast airing on Saturday 8th August at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. Photo by Ahmad Rezai. In her radio documentary feature, ‘Against The Wire’, premiering this weekend on Newstalk 106-108fm as part of the Documentary On Newstalk Series, producer Bairbre Flood visits Moria Refugee Camp to talk to those trying to improve the situation there. We follow Irish nurse Elena Lydon who took a career break from her nursing job to volunteer with Medical Volunteers International, and who also helps care for over 300 unaccompanied minors in Moria camp. ‘Against The Wire’ meets Mustapha, an interpreter with Medical Volunteers International; Jameela, a mother trying to bring up her children in the camp; Adrianna, a medic with Boat Refugee Foundation; Ahmad, a photographer with ReFocus Media Labs, and Baqir, a teenager seeking a new life of safety. We also visit a medical clinic in Athens and talk to Catherin McMenamin (coordinator of MVI Athens) and Casandra Espinosa a former legal case worker with Khora (a Greek support organisation), to get an overview of the situation for refugees in Greece. Most of those stuck on the islands are hopeful that eventually they can move on to Athens and continue their journey. Producer Bairbre Flood notes: ‘I arrived on the island around the time of a spate of fascist attacks on refugees and volunteers - and with the looming presence of Covid-19 - which added to the already considerable pressures of day-to-day life in the camp. It was incredibly humbling to witness the huge amount of solidarity and support refugees create for each other even under these circumstances.’ CREDITS: 'Against The Wire' was produced by Bairbre Flood and was supported by the Simon Cumbers Media Fund. BROADCAST: The radio premiere of ‘Against The Wire’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 2nd August at 7am, with a repeat broadcast airing on Saturday 8th August at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE: 'Against The Wire’ can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.com PODCAST: ‘Against The Wire’ is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
The latest radio drama to be broadcast by Newstalk 106 – 108fm as part of its weekly Documentary & Drama On Newstalk series is ‘Belong’. ‘Belong’ is an original radio drama by Fred O’Connor & Daithí McMahon about one man’s experience of homelessness in modern Dublin The radio premiere of ‘Belong’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 26th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 1st August at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. 'Belong’ is a contemporary radio drama set in Dublin, told from the perspective of Christy - a single homeless man in his late fifties. Following the breakup of a long-term relationship he loses his job due to his mental health issues and is evicted from his bedsit when the property owner decides to convert the building into luxury apartments. Unable to find affordable accommodation, Christy is forced to take refuge in emergency hostels but eventually ends up sleeping rough on the streets. Christy's depression makes him extremely anxious, withdrawn, and afraid of connecting with new people or reaching out for help. Despite this, Christy befriends Kevin, a young man who spent much of his youth being abused while in foster care and now living on the streets. A rehabilitation opportunity emerges which can save Christy - but can he help Kevin avoid a life on the streets? In the radio drama, ‘Belong’ the authors aim to raise awareness for the homeless crisis in Ireland, and give those struggling on the streets a national voice. In highlighting the plethora of challenges facing those struggling to maintain a roof over their head, the issue of spiralling property crisis which is impacting generations of vulnerable people across the country is laid bare. Another key focus of the drama is the cultural stigma around mental health issues, the lack of key support services for those with limited means, and the resulting struggle for those affected to reach out and access help. The drama is also in recognition of the many staff and volunteers who are helping those on the streets of Ireland every day of the year through organisations such as the Simon Community, Focus Ireland and many more. This project was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. ‘Belong’ is brought to you by the multi-award winning team at Henchman Productions that brought the previous audio dramas Home Again, Matches and Yummy Mummy to Newstalk. The team has won six New York Festivals International Radio Awards, competed at the Prix Europa in 2015 and 2016 and won Best Drama at the PPI Radio Awards 2015. CREDITS: ‘Belong’ is a Henchman production written and directed by Fred O’Connor and Daithí McMahon. The drama was produced by Daithí McMahon and Aisling O’Connor and recorded at Tinpot Productions with sound by Sean Byrne. The role of Christy was played Morgan C. Jones with performances by Karen Scully, Ken Fletcher, Aoibheann McCann, Laura Kelly, Caroline Power and Fiach Kunz. Selected musical pieces by Kevin MacLeod. Funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee. Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. BROADCAST: The radio premiere of ‘Belong’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 26th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 1st August at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE: ‘Belong’ can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.com PODCAST: ‘Belong’ is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Listen and subscribe to Drama on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Award-winning radio documentary producer Francesca Lalor takes us on the road to celebrate the lost art of hitch-hiking in: ‘Anywhere But Here’ Recorded pre-Covid, and mixed during the lockdown in Dublin, Ireland, Producer Francesca Lalor’s latest radio feature takes the listener on a psychedelic road-trip, with the ultimate mix-tape on the car stereo. The premiere of Anywhere But Here broadcasts on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 19th July at 7am, podcast goes live at 8am, with a repeat radio broadcast on the following Saturday 25th July at 9pm. Anywhere But Here, is a sound-rich ride through some of the best-told stories from the golden age of hitchhiking. Featuring tales from the ‘60’s to the ‘90s, in a journey that is often dangerous and hugely fun, we consider safety and security, risk and reward, wanderlust, and the teenage urge to shake off a small town and explore the world.
In Anywhere But Here, we travel back in time to the golden hitchhiking days of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s, in an era when young people lined up on the roads outside of Dublin and London and all kinds of cities and towns to hitch a ride. The tales take us all over Ireland, and further afield, passing through Cornwall and Corsica, Killarney and Casablanca, with stories of hitching in Franco’s Spain, and the perils of hitching on the border during The Troubles. We hear pro-tips from seasoned hitchers, and consider how motorway systems, globalization and technology changed the landscape for hitchers, as thumbing a lift gradually became a thing of the past. With the advent of the motorway, and social and cultural changes, the old art of hitching has practically disappeared from our highways and byways. This documentary serves as a tip of the cap to golden times past, and a call to remember and tell our stories, to cherish our freedoms, to explore the world, and to stay close to nature. Anywhere But Here Producer Francesca Lalor says: “Hitching was an escape route for small-town girls with big dreams, and young lads from big smoky cities who dreamed of space and silence… Small fish in big ponds and big fish in small ponds, they all wanted to head on out down the road and put their best face forward, leave all of the stagnation and rules behind, and simply exist, putting themselves to the test, learning to survive away from the nest. They would encounter and handle all kinds of humans; they would get close to nature, eating from the hedge-grows, sleeping in the hedge-grows; they would dice with death and survive; they would laugh all night and sleep in barns; they would fall in love and have fights, shelter from thunderstorms, survive on bread and cheese and human kindness, and the sheer joy of being out and free, and in touch with the world and everything in it.” Song Lyrics by Woody Guthrie: “As I went walking, I saw a sign there. And on the sign it said “No Trespassing”. But on the other side, it didn’t say nothing. That side was made for you and me.” from This Land Is Your Land (The forgotten verse) CREDITS: Anywhere But Here was Produced and edited by Francesca Lalor. Recording by Josh Crosbie. Mastered by Neil Kavanagh. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. With thanks to all the contributors. Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. BROADCAST: The premiere of Anywhere But Here broadcasts on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 19th July at 7am. Podcast goes live at 8am, with a repeat radio broadcast on the following Saturday 25th July at 9pm. PODCAST: Anywhere But Here is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Premiere of new Irish radio drama on gangland feuds The latest radio drama to be broadcast by Newstalk 106 – 108fm as part of its weekly Documentary & Drama On Newstalk series is Idlewild. In Idlewild, producer Brian Gallagher brings us his radio adaptation of Jimmy Murphy’s stage-play, a drama in which the leaders of two feuding crime groups meet to explore the possibility of a radical sacrifice to end their bloody feud… The radio premiere of ‘Idlewild’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 12th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 18th July at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. IMRO-nominated producer Brian Gallagher’s latest work is an adaptation of renowned playwright Jimmy Murphy's powerful and topical drama, Idlewild, which deals with a murderous gangland feud... The Rev and The Bunny are the leaders of two feuding crime groups who meet, under truce, at a Dublin graveyard. Former boyhood friends, they have both ordered the killing of members each other’s families, but have agreed to meet in person to try to stop the escalating death toll. Their complicated back story emerges as they dig a grave – for whom it’s not clear. We learn of their shared experiences and strong bonds – but bonds that have been sundered by violence and betrayal. The scale of the cost of their crimes to society and their respective families becomes clear, and we learn that they have agreed that a radical sacrifice is the only way to end their bloody feud... Based on a successful stage play that toured Ireland, Idlewild translates well to the medium of radio, with the shifting dynamic between the two gang leaders evocatively created with dialogue, music, and sound effects. Featuring Rex Ryan and Ruairi Heading, Idlewild was written by Jimmy Murphy and adapted for radio and produced and directed by Brian Gallagher. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. BROADCAST: The radio premiere of ‘Idlewild’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 12th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast on Saturday 18th July at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. PODCAST: Idlewild is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Newstalk explores modern day slavery, also known as Human Trafficking. “There is evidence of human trafficking occurring in every village, in every town across the island of Ireland. And I don't think we know exactly how prevalent it is, because it is very much a hidden crime”. In the latest radio documentary to be broadcast by Newstalk 106 – 108fm as part of it’s weekly Documentary On Newstalk series, ‘Do Disturb’, Producer Patricia Baker looks at one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises; trafficking of human beings, referred to as modern day slavery. Ireland is not immune to this global catastrophe. Human trafficking is a growing criminal activity and justice issue in Ireland. The need for public awareness is paramount, and one Irish charity, MECPATHS, has a simple idea, that will open our eyes to this issue. The radio premiere of ‘Do Disturb’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 5th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast airing on Saturday 11th July at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. Lembagai KITA / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) Patricia Baker, Producer of 'Do Disturb' says: Trafficking of human beings, referred to as modern day slavery, is one of our largest humanitarian crises, with over 40 million adults and children enslaved worldwide. Half of these people are sold into the sex trade, the majority of whom are women and children. Ireland is not immune to this global catastrophe. The annual Trafficking in Persons Report, published recently by the US Department of State, further downgraded Ireland to ‘Tier 2 – watch list”, criticising the country for major failings in its treatment of human trafficking victims. Human trafficking is a growing criminal activity and justice issue here in Ireland. The need for public awareness is paramount. The statistics are frightening and overwhelming. How do we respond to such an issue? An Irish charity MECPATHS (Mercy Efforts for Child Protection Against Trafficking with the Hospitality Sector) took one small step. Hotels are known as one of the places where women and children are sex trafficked. MECPATHS is working with hotel groups to deliver training programmes for hotel staff on the indicators and protocol of reporting child sex trafficking. Do Disturb is about the importance of increasing public awareness and understanding that no matter how overwhelming this global issue is, there is something we can do to bring about change. Extracts from the ‘Do Disturb': “When we look at the global number it is estimated that over 40 million people suffer from human trafficking, also referred to as Modern Day Slavery, today. If we think of the times of the transatlantic slave trade which were shocking times, during the two centuries, there was about 15 million people in slavery. So the problem is worse now. “If we turn it back to here in Ireland, I have met women who have been trafficked into and within Ireland and used as a commodity. The people controlling them have often been Irish people, the people using the service have been Irish people. .. We have now turned people into a commodity and that generates income and profit to $150 billon a year”. Kevin Hyland OBE: Kevin is a renowned international specialist in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. His expertise has been shaped by 30 years experience as an officer in London’s Metropolitan Police Service, notably, as head of the Human Trafficking Unit. In 2014 Kevin was appointed as the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. In 2015 Kevin was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.), acknowledging his outstanding service in combating human trafficking. “I know from working overseas that human trafficking and child trafficking is on the rise. It is one of the fastest growing criminal industries is in the world. I would say that is our number one obstacle to overcome, is to overcome the perceived idea that human and child trafficking is something that happens overseas and not here in Ireland.” Ann Mara, Education Manager, MECPATHS “Interfere. Get stuck in there, be the noisy ol’ one. That would have made a difference in my case. If one person had stood up for me and said ‘this child matters enough to be removed from a situation where she is being abused on a daily basis’. That would have changed my life immeasurably. And it never happened. And people knew.” Hazel Larkin, Writer, teacher, activist. CREDITS: ‘Do Disturb’ is a Curious Broadcast production funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee. It was narrated and produced by Patricia Baker, with edit and final mix by Gerry Horan at Contact Studio. Music by Úna Keane. Sound and Vision Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. BROADCAST: The radio premiere of ‘Do Disturb’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 5th July at 7am, with a repeat broadcast airing on Saturday 11th July at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. PODCAST: ‘Do Disturb’ is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 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New documentary explores the lives of Irish girl orphans shipped to Australia during the famine In the latest radio documentary to be broadcast by Newstalk 106 – 108fm as part of it’s weekly Documentary On Newstalk series, producer J.J. O`Shea looks at the controversial scheme in which over 4000 young orphan women were shipped to Australia from workhouses all over Ireland during the Great Famine in “The Earl Grey Girls” The radio premiere of ‘The Earl Grey Girls’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 21st June at 7am, with a repeat broadcast airing on Saturday 27th June at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. In the years 1848 to 1850, in the midst of the Great famine, over four thousand young Irish women, teenagers as we would call them today, set sail on a voyage to the unknown. They were travelling to a destination and a way of life utterly different to anything they had yet experienced. The Great Famine National Monumentcc-by-sa/2.0 - © Bruce Hall - geograph.org.uk/p/23194 During the 1840’s an issue of real concern had emerged in Australia. There was a disproportionate amount of men on the British colony. It was said that in the outback the gender balance was eight men to one woman. This was because the majority of convicts sent out to Australia in previous decades had been male, as indeed were the settlers who had been encouraged to travel out on various assisted passage schemes. Women were desperately needed in the workforce, primarily in the role of domestic servants, and, of course, as potential marriage partners. A possible solution emerged in Ireland. In Ireland, during the years of the Great Famine, workhouses offered the only possible hope to numerous famine victims with nowhere else to turn. But they were overcrowded, dirty and disease ridden places. Among the numbers in these workhouses all over the country were thousands of young orphan women and the British Government devised a plan, under the management of Earl Grey, to offer free passage to Australia to some of these women. The idea was to address the gender imbalance in Australia and to help reduce the rising maintenance costs in the burgeoning workhouses. For the British Government it seemed like a clever solution to two problems. “The Earl Grey Girls” tells the story of the young women who travelled to the other side of the world as part of the Earl Grey scheme. It shows how the girls were chosen and transported without any real understanding of what lay ahead. It looks at their subsequent experience in Australia and their attempts to build a life far from home and it considers the animosity shown to the girls in the Australian press that led to the closure of the scheme. In addition the programme seeks to evaluate whether the scheme proved an opportunity or a tragedy for the girls who participated.
Interviews with the girls descendants in Australia, expert historians from Ireland and Australia, and excerpts from contemporaneous accounts, newspaper articles, letters and diaries are drawn on to create the fullest possible picture of the girls and their legacy. An original song, written especially for the programme, expressing the hopes and fears of the girls while on the voyage to Australia, and sung by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, is woven into the narrative.
CREDITS: "The Earl Grey Girls" was Produced by J.J. OShea and was supported by a grant from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh sang Seolaimíd
BROADCAST: The radio premiere of ‘The Earl Grey Girls’ airs on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday 21st June at 7am, with a repeat broadcast airing on Saturday 27th June at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast.
PODCAST: ‘The Earl Grey Girls’ is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full series here:
https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all
Documentary on Newstalk
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Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
New Spy Thriller airs on Newstalk The latest homegrown radio drama to be broadcast as part of the Drama On Newstalk series is The Dead Key, a contemporary spy thriller by Alan Meaney and Jason Gill. This weekend, Drama on Newstalk are proud to broadcast the premiere of a new original Irish radio drama, The Dead Key.
In The Dead Key, Producer Alan Meaney and director Jason Gill fashion a contemporary spy thriller and tale of family loyalty... Brendan Grattan was a young writer with the world at his feet, until a sex scandal caused him to spend the rest of his life in disgrace and silence. Back in Ireland for Brendan’s memorial, his niece Stephanie begins to doubt the official explanation of his disgrace. Was Brendan innocent after all? And if so, did his dishonour hide another, infinitely more terrible secret? Her probing introduces her to different associates from Brendan’s life; Marina, his mysterious former Russian lover and British spy David Prentice who demands to know if her uncle has passed on any ‘secrets’ after his death. The Dead Key unfolds over two episodes through Brendan’s posthumous narrative, spoken into a recording left for his niece, and Stephanie’s efforts to explore the mystery. BROADCAST TIMES: ‘The Dead Key’ (Episode 1) will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday June 7th 2020 at 7am, with repeat broadcast on Saturday June 13th at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. 'The Dead Key' Episode 2 premieres on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday June 14th 2020 at 7am, with repeat broadcast on Saturday June 20th at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. PODCAST SERIES: The Dead Key is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full Drama On Newstalk series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all Documentary on Newstalk Listen and subscribe to Documentary on Newstalk on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
CREDITS: ‘The Dead Key’ was written and directed by Jason Gill. It was produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. The cast are Martin Kelleher, Sarah Gordon, Anne Hoey, Pawel Starkowski, Irena Cvetkovic, Ollie Hegarty and Harry Smith. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee ABOUT THE PRODUCERS: Alan Meaney is an independent radio producer, based in Galway, specialising in dramas, documentaries and short features. His work has been aired on RTE, Newstalk, Resonance FM and on various community and regional stations. His radio dramas have been nominated for 7 European Radio Drama Awards. Heads Up - a series on positive mental health was the winner of a CRAOL Award in 2016. A Pilot’s Honour, won bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards 2018 in the drama category. You can listen to his work at www.alanmeaney.ie Jason Gill has been involved in community theatre since the early 1990’s, and has acted in almost 30 plays. He has written and directed his own full length plays, ‘The House of Peter’ performed to much acclaim in 1994 and ‘The Brothers Malone’, which was performed by Athlone Little Theatre group at festivals throughout Ireland during 2006 and 2007. He has also directed Billy Roche’s ‘Poor Beast in the Rain’ and Willy Russell’s comedy ‘One For The Road’. He worked as a journalist and columnist for twenty years, and has written a number of novels and short stories. He currently hosts ‘For Art’s Sake’, the weekly arts review programme and ‘Athlone Today’ a current affairs programme on Athlone Community Radio. He wrote and directed the Sound and Vision funded eight part radio detective series, The Killing of Sheila Price and the Sound & Vision funded radio dramas Love Was, When Harry Met Satan The Prime of Johnny Broody and Fairies Only Wear Wings. A Pilot’s Honour, written and directed by Jason, won bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards 2018 in the drama category. Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
New Spy Thriller airs on Newstalk The latest homegrown radio drama to be broadcast as part of the Drama On Newstalk series is The Dead Key, a contemporary spy thriller by Alan Meaney and Jason Gill. This weekend, Drama on Newstalk are proud to broadcast the premiere of a new original Irish radio drama, The Dead Key.
In The Dead Key, Producer Alan Meaney and director Jason Gill fashion a contemporary spy thriller and tale of family loyalty... Brendan Grattan was a young writer with the world at his feet, until a sex scandal caused him to spend the rest of his life in disgrace and silence. Back in Ireland for Brendan’s memorial, his niece Stephanie begins to doubt the official explanation of his disgrace. Was Brendan innocent after all? And if so, did his dishonour hide another, infinitely more terrible secret? Her probing introduces her to different associates from Brendan’s life; Marina, his mysterious former Russian lover and British spy David Prentice who demands to know if her uncle has passed on any ‘secrets’ after his death. The Dead Key unfolds over two episodes through Brendan’s posthumous narrative, spoken into a recording left for his niece, and Stephanie’s efforts to explore the mystery. BROADCAST TIMES: ‘The Dead Key’ (Episode 1) will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday June 7th 2020 at 7am, with repeat broadcast on Saturday June 13th at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. 'The Dead Key' Episode 2 premieres on Newstalk 106-108fm on Sunday June 14th 2020 at 7am, with repeat broadcast on Saturday June 20th at 9pm. Podcast goes live after first broadcast. PODCAST SERIES: The Dead Key is broadcast as part of the Documentary and Drama On Newstalk Series, which showcases the best of original, homegrown and groundbreaking Irish Radio features. Podcast full Drama On Newstalk series here: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/page/1/filter?filter_selected=show-filter&show=documentary-drama-newstalk&series=all CREDITS: ‘The Dead Key’ was written and directed by Jason Gill. It was produced, recorded and edited by Alan Meaney. The cast are Martin Kelleher, Sarah Gordon, Anne Hoey, Pawel Starkowski, Irena Cvetkovic, Ollie Hegarty and Harry Smith. The programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee ABOUT THE PRODUCERS: Alan Meaney is an independent radio producer, based in Galway, specialising in dramas, documentaries and short features. His work has been aired on RTE, Newstalk, Resonance FM and on various community and regional stations. His radio dramas have been nominated for 7 European Radio Drama Awards. Heads Up - a series on positive mental health was the winner of a CRAOL Award in 2016. A Pilot’s Honour, won bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards 2018 in the drama category. You can listen to his work at www.alanmeaney.ie Jason Gill has been involved in community theatre since the early 1990’s, and has acted in almost 30 plays. He has written and directed his own full length plays, ‘The House of Peter’ performed to much acclaim in 1994 and ‘The Brothers Malone’, which was performed by Athlone Little Theatre group at festivals throughout Ireland during 2006 and 2007. He has also directed Billy Roche’s ‘Poor Beast in the Rain’ and Willy Russell’s comedy ‘One For The Road’. He worked as a journalist and columnist for twenty years, and has written a number of novels and short stories. He currently hosts ‘For Art’s Sake’, the weekly arts review programme and ‘Athlone Today’ a current affairs programme on Athlone Community Radio. He wrote and directed the Sound and Vision funded eight part radio detective series, The Killing of Sheila Price and the Sound & Vision funded radio dramas Love Was, When Harry Met Satan The Prime of Johnny Broody and Fairies Only Wear Wings. A Pilot’s Honour, written and directed by Jason, won bronze at the IMRO Radio Awards 2018 in the drama category. Sound And Vision Funding Scheme: Sound and Vision is a funding scheme for television and radio that provides funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. The scheme is managed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.