Stories of Ireland and the Irish: Recent Episodes
Ger Sweeney
Patricia Trainor is a retired university teacher at the University of Malaga. She is originally from Belfast and is interested in Ireland and all things Irish. Patricia taught Irish Studies to Spanish students BUT also to Erasmus students who came from all over the world. These stories were prepared for Patricia's contribution to Spain's Irish radio programme "Live on Eire" which is presented by Ger Sweeney.
Patricia walks us through some of the memorable film locations that have graced our screens over the years from across Ireland.
Patricia continues her series on the numerous opportunities for fabulous movie locations on the island of Ireland but specifically looks at a bumper year for movie production across Ireland.
Continuing her stories on the many available sites across Ireland that make for ideal locations for film makers, Patricia tells us some anecdotes about some of the sites chosen.
As she starts a new series, Patricia tells us about some of the wonderful locations across Ireland that have been used for Hollywood blockbusters over the years.
This is the final story in Patricia's series on bodies of water on the island of Ireland. In this episode Patricia tells us about some of the country's waterfalls.
Today Patricia tells us about Athlone, the town in the middle of the country, and water.
IN this episode Patricia tells us the story of Lough Gill. There is also poetry and waterfalls mentioned.
The River Avoca is most likely known to more people than we realise as it was a regular feature on a long-running and hugely popular television series. In this episode Patricia tells us the story of this well known Co. Wicklow river.
In this episode we continue Patricia's stories about the lakes and rivers on the island of Ireland with the stories of the Three Sister Rivers - The River Nore, The River Barrow and the River Suir.
In this episode Patricia is taking a break from telling us about the rivers and lake of Ireland. As it's only a few days before Christmas Patricia tells us a Christmas Tale.
There are versions of the Banks of My Own Lovely lee and there are plenty of stories about the river too. Patricia continues her series of stories on the rivers and lakes of Ireland with this episode.
As an island Ireland is surrounded by water. However, there is an abundance of water ON the island and in this series Patricia tells us the story behind some of those bodies of water. In this episode we hear about the River Foyle
In this episode Patricia tells us about the River Boyne which rises at Trinity Well, Newberry Hall, near Carbury, County Kildare, and flows towards the Northeast through County Meath to reach the Irish Sea between Mornington, County Meath, and Baltray, County Louth. It's 112 KMs in length but it's history is even longer.
Patricia continues her series on the water on the island of Ireland. Today she tells us about the River Liffey and some of its bridges.
Lough Neagh is a very important source of water for Northern Ireland. In this episode Patricia tells us the story of the Lough and its importance.
Patricia starts a new series in this podcast and for the next while she will be telling us about the rivers and lakes of Ireland. Today with fittingly start with the country's longest river, The River Shannon.
This is the final story in Patricia's series on the cities of the island of Ireland. In this episode she brings us north of the border to Newry
Heading North of the border again Patricia tells us about another of the island's great cities, and one of the newest - Lisburn
It's an island on the Shannon and it's referred to as the Treaty City. Patricia tells us the story of Limerick
It is often referred to as the Marble City and the people of Kilkenny are known as "Cats". Find out more about Kilkenny as Patricia continues her series of stories on great cities of Ireland
We're back in Northern Ireland for the next installation of Patricia's stories about the cities on the Island of Ireland. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland but more importantly it is Patricia's home town.
It's not the oldest city in Ireland, as you know from a previous podcast, but it is the biggest and the capital. In this episode Patricia tells us about it.
We head North again in this episode and Patricia tells us the story of the beautiful, and relatively new city of Bangor in Co. Down
A part of Ireland's west coast that has great ties to Spain is the topic of this episode from Patricia as she continues to tell us the story of some of the island's great cities. The City of the Tribes - Galway is our destination on this occasion.
We go North again for this episode as Patricia continues to tell us about some of Ireland's cities.
Imagine - 100 episodes since we began. In this 100th story Patricia continues her series on cities on the island of Ireland with some information on Cork.
Continuing her series on cities on the island of Ireland, in this episode Patricia tells us about Armagh
In this episode Patricia starts a new series of stories. This series looks at a brief history of some of the cities on the island of Ireland. Today Patricia tells us about the isalnd's oldest city - Waterford.
Nine of the Nine Hostages was responsible for much in his lifetime. St. Patrick is one and another is the O'Neill clan. There was much to him and in this episode Patricia talks us through it.
The Green, White and Orange of the Irish Tricolour has not always been our national flag. On this episode, Patricia gives us the details.
Many will be aware of the "Tara Broach" but did it really get its name from the famous Hill? IN this episode Patricia has the answer and the story of the Hill.
Patricia tells us about a little spot in the Caribbean that has amazing links with Ireland and the citizens of Montserrat are very proud of them.
Patricia tells us that the most commonly thought-of "Emblem" of Ireland may not be the correct one. In this episode she tells us about the official emblem.
This is the start of a new series of stories from Patricia. In this episode she tells us about the many names that are associated with Ireland.
Concluding her series in which she told us about everyday words and phrases that are used across the world but which have their origins in the Irish Language, Patricia Trainor has another fascinating story. How the Irish saved Latin is also part of this.
"Beyond the Pale" is a familiar expression and "Boycott" an often-used word but where do they come from? Patricia explains all in this episode
This episode continues Patricia's stories on language and words which can be traced back to Ireland and the Irish language. This story tells us the origins of the expression to "chance your arm", it also tells us about the word "Quark" and informs us on where the name "Tories" comes from, as in the political party.
You might well ask what the connection between avocados and malapropisms is. In this episode Patricia answers that.
This is a break from the current series on Words but well worth it. Recently, Patricia returned to her hometown (or city) of Belfast. In this episode she discusses the many changes she sees since she lived there. She also discusses what has not changed.
This episode continues Patricia's series on how some of the most common words used have their origins in the Irish language. In this episode we hear the origins of some words found in everyday English spoken across the world
There are so many words that are commonplace these days and we maybe don't realise that their origins lie in the Irish language. In this episode Patricia takes us through some of them.
This story about Belfast Castle brings Patricia's series on well-known Irish castles to a close. New topic for the next series coming very soon.
The song says "Limerick You're A Lady" and there has been a grand old lady sitting on the edge of the River Shannon in Limerick for Centuries. Her name is King John's Castle and in this episode Patricia tells us her story
This irish castle is very well known and has been a plce where the rich and famous have laid their heads for decades. There is a lot more to the story of Ashford Castle though as Patricia explains in this episode.
The Marble City, as Kilkenny is known is home to one of Ireland's most beautiful castles. In this episode Patricia tells us the story of Kilkenny Castle
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's most visited castles. Patricia tells us the story of Blarney Castle in this episode
Birr Castle has had a great history, having global attention focused on it during the 19th Century. It continues to be important scientifically and for tourism in Co. offaly.
For this episode we head to Co. Clare as Patricia tells us the story of Bunratty Castle.
Cashel Castle is a splendid castle perched on top of the rock of Cashel in Co. Tipperary. Patricia has the details
Patricia continues her look at some of Ireland's greatest castles and in this episode we hear about Cahir Castle in co. Tipperary.
In this episode Patricia commences a series that focuses on some of Ireland's beautiful castles. We start with Dunluce Castle
This story tells us about the Irish man who is responsible for the U.S. Dollar sign ($). There are more characters in this story from Malaga, the United States and others.
In her final story about famous / progressive Irish women, Patricia tells us about Ireland's first female President, Mary Robinson
One of Ireland's best known historical women. Countess Markievicz had a remarkable life and this is the story of that life.
Patricia tells us the story of another amazing Irish woman....one that has been honoured by NASA
This is the story of Ireland's female patron saint, St. Brigid. This is the first in a series of stories from Patricia about great Irish women.
Patricia told this story on the Christmas edition of Live on Eire. She takes us through the many unique smells and tastes of Christmas in Spain and in Ireland. There is mention of some of the traditions in each country too.
While the Irish roots of Princess Grace may have been widely known, there are less who know that Princess Charlene can also claim Irish heritage. Patricia fills in the gaps.
It is time to share information on some of the world's famous women with Irish roots. In this episode Patricia tells us about Princess Grace.
You may not know but there is a connection between John le Carré and Ireland. Patricia tells the story here.
Continuing the series of globally known figures with Irish roots, that not everyone will be aware of. In this episode Patricia tells us that Chaim Herzog, the 6th Israeli President was born in Belfast.
This episode is the first in Series 10 with Patricia. In this, and the five subsuquent episodes, Patricia tells us about global figures who have Irish roots that many, or most of us, were unaware of. Today we hear about Charles De Gaulle's Irish roots and how proud he was of them.
This is the last in the series about some of the islands off Ireland's coastline. Last but by no means least, Patricia tells us the story of Tory Island.
Continuing her stories about the Islands off the coast of Ireland Patricia tells us about Achill Island in this episode.
Like so many of Ireland's Islands the Blasket Islands have contributed so much to the county's history and culture. In this episode Patricia tells us the story of the Blaskets
Situated off the coat of Galway and Clare, the Aran Islands truly are heavenly. Patricia tells us about these three magnificent islands in this episode.
In this episode Patricia continues her stories about the Islands off the Irish coast. This is all about the Skellig Islands.
In this episode and the subsequent five, Patricia tells the story of some of Ireland's islands. In this episode she tells us about Rathlin Island.
We all love a cream cracker and it was invented by the Jacobs brothers from Waterford. In this episode, Patricia tells us all about them.
Louis Brennan was born in 1852 in Castlebar, co. Mayo. He and his parents moved to Melbourne, Australia in 1861. He started his career as a watchmaker and a few years later was articled to Alexander Kennedy Smith, a renowned civil and mechanical engineer of the period. Patricia has more on Brennan's story.
William Campbell is an Irish biologist and parasitologiest known for his work in discovering a novel therapy against infections caused by roundworms, for which he was jointly awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Father Nicholas Joseph Callan was born in Darver in Co. Louth on 22 December 1799. He was apriest and scientist along with being Professor of Natural Philosophy in Maynooth College in County Kildare from 1834. He is best known for his work on the induction coil.
The original Tayto crisp factory was founded in 1954 in Dublin by a local man known as Joe "Spud" Murphy, who is credited with having invented the world's first ever seasoned crisp.
Rynd was born in Dublin in 1801 and attended medical school at Trinity College where he was reputed to be a "wayward" student, known for his busy social life and love of fox hunting. He became a member of the Royal college of Surgeons in 1830. In 1836 he took a surgical post in the Meath Hospital working alongside William Stokes and Robert Graves. Dr Rynd, who had a lucrative private practice, also served as medical superintendent of Mountjoy Prison. Rynd is known for inventing the hollow needle used in hypodermic syringes
Roger David Casement, known as Sir Roger Casement, CMG, between 1911 and 1916, was a diplomat and Irish nationalist. He worked for the British Foreign Office as a diplomat, becoming known as a humanitarian activist, and later as a poet and Easter Rising leader.
We all know at least one story about Che Guevara. We know that he was born in Argentina and is known across the world as a Marxist revolutionary, but what a lot of people may not know is that Che had Irish blood coarsing through his veins. Likewise, many do not know the link between the West Clare seaside resort of Kilkee and the iconic image of Guevara that is known the world over. In this episode, Patricia tells us that very story.
Continuing our look at Irish people who have imacted positively the lives of the people of Latin America. In this story Patricia tells us about Thomas Wright who was born in Drogheda and went on to establish the Equadorian Navy.
Peter campbell was bron in Tipperary in 1780 and is credited as the founder of the Uraguayan Navy
William Brown was born in Foxford Co. Mayo in Junw 1777 and went on to become the founder of the Argentine Navy.
This story contains the introduction and exchange with Ger Sweeney before Patricia relates her new story. It involves the previously heard-about St. Colmcille and heads ends with the story of the Stone of Destiny
Patricia and Seamus both grew up in Northern Ireland. Following a visit by Seamus to Malaga he and Patricia became friends so this personal telling of Seamus Heaney's story makes it very special.
Isabella Augusta Persse was born in 1852 at Roxborough, near Kilchreest, South Co Galway. From a young age she had an interest in literature. Meeting a young William Butler Yeats in the 1890s was a turning point for both of them and they became lifelong friends and collaborators.
Patricia's story of C.S. Lewis as part of the feature where she told us about famous Irish people
A Christmas story from Patricia about seeking a turkey for Christmas dinner and how you can't fool all the grandchildren
Ireland and the Irish has a claim to fame when it comes to one of the world's favourite brandy
It is said that every day is a learning day. Patricia tells us a story that demonstrates that its often the teacher who learns the lesson.
All dressed up, wearing high heels and heading towards the bus station to collect a VIP. Patricia tells the story of trying to change a tyre while trying to get to the airport and not really dressed for repairs.
Patricia's husband had every faith in her baking prowess. So much so she was "volunteered" to bake one of her in-laws favourite cakes. What could possibly go wrong?
A personal story from Patricia. New to Spain with little Spanish, the phone rang in her in-laws house. What to do!!
In 2020 there was a lot of fuss abou Red Hugh O'Donnell's remains. Archaeologists in Spain believed they discovered the burial place of 16th Century Irish nobleman Red Hugh. A dig on a street in Valladolid in northwest Spain revealed the remains of the church where O'Donnell is believed to have been buried. Patricia gives us the latest
Charles Stewart Parnell was an Irish nationalist politician who served as Leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party from 1882 to 1891 and Leader of the Home Rule League from 1880 to 1882. He served as a member of parliament from 1875 to 1891.
Over Nine Waves is the title of a book written by Marie Heaney. Patricia tells the sory of the story
A pint of plain, a pint of porter, a pint of the black stuff....the pint of Guinness has many names, and many fans. Patricia tells us about porter and its origins.
It was inevitable in many ways that friends Cú Chulainn and Ferdia would be pitted against each other. Patricia tells us the background and how events unfolded.
He's a legendary figure that has captured imaginations for generations. Patricia tells the story of Cú Chulainn
There are a lot of streets named after the Irish. Patricia takes us through them, especially Calle de los Irlandeses in Madrid.
Patricia tells us about our names and where they come from. The story winds its way round to Macha, the Godess of the Horses
Patricia tells us about one of the island of Ireland's most visited attractions, the Giant's Causeway
Irish placenames and their origins have always been a mystery to the non-Irish. Patricia shines a little light on the matter here.
According to Calvert Watkins, Professor of Linguistics at Harvard University Ireland has the oldest vernacular literature in the world. Patricia takes up the story.
On 21st September 2019 the Museum of Literature Ireland (otherwise known as MoLI) opened in the heart of Dublon City. The name is a nod to James Joyces' Molly Bloom. There was a lot of coverage and excitement in advance of MoLI's opening. Patricia spoke to Ger Sweeney on Live on Eire about it.
Patricia tells us the story of Kilkenny native St. Fiacre who was born near the end of the sixth century. He grew up in a monestary and was known for his experiments with herbal medicine.
It is well known that Irish people like their whiskey. However, it appears that we like our sherry just as much, as Patricia explains in this story about the Sherry Houses of Spain
Sean MacBride, born in 1904 was a veteran of the War of Independence and the Civil War. He played a major part in Irish and international politics. He had an extraordinary career that is outlined here by Patricia.
Ambrose (Ambrosio) O'Higgins was born in Co. Sligo in 1720. He left for Spain in 1751 and went on to become a colonial administrator. He served the Spanish Empire as military governor of Chile and Viceroy of Peru. Chilean independence leader Bernardo O'Higgins was his son.
The 4th September 1607 was a sad day for Irelandand it came to be known as the Flight of the Earls
In 1152 Dervorgilla, wife of the brutal Tiernan O'Rourke, King of Breifne, was abducted (along with many cattle) by Dermot Mac Murrough, King of Leinster, some say at the behest of her brother. This was part of an ongoing power struggle, over the high Kingship that had gone to Turlough O'Connor, King of Connacht.
Two irish saints that are often confused becasue of their names. Colmcille (christened Columba) was an Irish abbot and missionary evangelist credited with spreading Christianity in what is today called Scotland at the start of the Hiberno-Scottish mission. Comcille was an Irish missionary notable for founding a number of monastries across Europe.
Maud Gonne was an English-born Irish republican revolutionary, suffragette and actress. She was won over to Irish nationlism by the plight of evicted people during the land wars. Maud also actively agitated for Home Rule and was well known for being the muse and long-time love interest of Irish poet W.B. Yeats.
Patricia tells us a story about herself as a young girl in Belfast. She had notions of being royalty - and with good reason.
In the year 1601 Hugh O'Donnell and Hugh O'Neill asked King Filipe of Spain for his assistance in fighting the English.
Patricia tells the story of Francis Brown, a seminarian, who was gifted a ticket to sail on the Titanic. An unexpected turn of events meant that he was not onboard when the liner sank. His obsession with photography proved to be invaluable though.