The County Measure: Recent Episodes
RTÉ Radio 1
Writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of culture, music, sport, geography and politics.
Vincent Woods explores Co. Donegal. He visits the Arranmore RNLI, dry stone wall builders in Ballyshannon and a wonderful singer in Gaoth Dobhair.
"On Diarach" by the Friel Sisters. Anna, Sheila and Clare Friel are traditional musicians born in Glasgow with strong family roots in Doire na Mainséar. To date they have released two albums: 'The Friel Sisters' (2014), and 'Before the Sun' (2018). For more info see http://frielmusic.com/
'Ceol crotaigh, uaill cois cladaigh' by Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair, a storyteller and writer from West Donegal. Here she explores the decline in numbers of the curlew population. Eithne's latest book is 'Caithréim agus Tóir' (2024). Her previous titles include 'Súil' (2018), 'Múscail, a Ghiorria' (2020), & 'An Craiceann agus a Luach' (2021).
Writer Mike McCormack recalls his childhood while growing up in Mayo. Here he describes a long car journey across the county. Mike is the author of several books including 'This Plague of Souls' (2023), 'Solar Bones' (2016), 'Forensic Songs' (2012), & 'Notes from a Coma' (2005).
Vincent Woods explores County Mayo. He travels to Inishturk Island, a community garden in Ballyhaunis and pets alpacas in Ballycastle.
"Vantage Point" by the Waterville based poet Paddy Bushe. Here Paddy recounts his love of the landscape near Cúm a’ Chiste and a special moment in history. Paddy has published several collections including Poems With Amergin (1989), In Ainneoin na gCloch (2001), & Peripheral Vision (2020). In 2006 Paddy received the Oireachtas prize for poetry.
Vincent Woods explores County Kerry. He visits a rainforest on the Iveragh pennsula, a neamhóg builder and enjoys African fusion dance in Tralee.
'An Pláinéad Tiar' by Listowel poet and rapper Súil Amháin. The song flips the idea of the abandoned An tOileán Tiar (Blasket Island i.e Western Isle) into An Pláinéad Tiar (the Western Planet) and humans coming back to visit earth as a 'heritage' site. athPhORT is a new album by Súil Amháin & Bantum. For more see suilamhain.bandcamp.com/releases
"Only Ballhoppin" by Cormac McCarthy, a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor from Cork. 'I'm only ballhoppin ya' is a Cork phrase that means, 'I'm only winding you up'. The expression is one that Cormac associates with his grandfather. Cormac's album "On The Other Hand" was released in 2022. https://www.cormacmccarthymusic.com/
Vincent Woods explores County Cork. He takes a boat trip through the city, walks along the Marsh in Skibbereen and hears about St. Gobnait in Baile Mhúirne.
Sara Baume is a writer and visual artist based in west Cork. Here she recounts using Google Street View to virtually travel across the county towards her mother's house in East Cork. Sara's books include 'Spill Simmer Falter Wither,' 'A Line Made by Walking,' 'handiwork,' and 'Seven Steeples.'
Writer Jan Carson recalls her Ballymena childhood and her grandfather's tales of a monkey. Jan is the author of several books including 'The Raptures' (2022), 'The Fire Starters' (2019), and 'Malcolm Orange Disappears' (2014).
"I Think You Should Leave" by Belfast punk rockers Problem Patterns. 'Blouse Club' is their debut album and they will be performing at Glastonbury 2024. The band is composed of Beverley Boal, Bethany Crooks, Ciara King, and Alanah Smith. See https://problempatterns.bandcamp.com/album/blouse-club
Niamh Mulvey is a writer and editor who recently returned home from the UK to her native Kilkenny. Here she reflects on the life and legacy of Lady Desart, who built the cottage that Niamh now lives in. Niamh's debut novel "The Amendments" was published in 2024.
Vincent Woods explores Co Kilkenny. He visits the (real) Kilkenny Cats, Rothe House & the Castlecomer Coal Mining Museum. With writing from Niamh Mulvey & music from Annika Kilkenny
'An Chailleach ó Lough an Leagh.' The band is composed of Daragh Slacke (guitar & vocals) Barry FitzGerald (drums), David Gough (bass), Pat McManus (fiddle), Clara Rose (vocals), Peter Sheridan (keys), and engineered by Jamie Byrne. The words are by poet Noel Monaghan. The band's recent album is 'Bealach na Bó Finne'
This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the beauty and culture of County Cavan.
Comedian Kevin McGahern recounts the unique dialect and character of his native Cavan. Kevin is currently on a nationwide tour with his brand new show "Shy Talker."
Jamie Duffy introduces and performs "An Unquiet Eclipse." Jamie is a musician and composer from Glasslough. He recently appeared at the National Concert Hall and is currently working on his debut album. Jamie's single "Solace" has over 68 million streams on Spotify.
"Thinking of Names" by Evelyn Conlon recounts placenames in Monaghan. Evelyn is a novelist and short story writer originally from Rockcorry. Her most recent book is "Reading Rites: Books, writing and other things that matter" (2023).
MuRli performs "Cross Roads " exclusively for The County Measure. MuRli is a rap artist, producer and songwriter from Limerick. He is a co-founder of Narolane Records & a member of The Rusangano Family.
Kevin Barry recalls his childhood visits to the home of his aunt in 1980's Ballingarry. Kevin is the author of "City of Bohane," "Beatlebone," and "Night Boat to Tangier."
"The Well" by Laura Quirke is inspired by an old well near Mount Leinster and the dúchas archives. Laura is a singer, songwriter, musician, and one half of the duo Lemoncello.
In this episode writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods travels from Ballon to the Blackstairs and hears that community spirit is alive and well in County Carlow. Tailors, bakers, artists and locals guide Vincent around the Dolmen County. With music by Laura Quirke and writing by Sarah Breen.
Sarah Breen is a writer and journalist originally from Borris. Here she recounts returning to her homeplace along with her young family. Sarah is co-author of the Aisling series of novels, the most recent book is "Aisling Ever After" (2023)
Ríl Óg perform "Outset" exclusively for The County Measure. The members of Ríl Óg are Alex Walters (guitar), Dylan Hanly (accordion), Tomás Mulligan (banjo), and Setanta Flood (bodhrán). The band have played at festivals across Ireland and the UK.
County Longford. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.
Vincent Woods travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport. This Week he is in Tipperary.
Author Siobhan MacGowan was born in England to Irish parents and always regarded Tipperary as home. Vincent and Siobhan chat beside Lough Derg before she shares her new story "Tipperary So Far Away". Siobhan is the author of "The Trial of Lotta Rae" (2022) and "The Graces" (2023).
"Moore's of Market Street" is set in Trim, Co. Meath and recounts the passage of time for an old shop. Belinda is the author of "Solace" (2011) and "Tender" (2015).
County Meath. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.
Dublin 19 is a postcode of the capital that doesn't exist. Poet Stephen James Smith imagines his hometown in the distant future. Stephen's debut album is "See No Evil".
County Dublin. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.
Poet Amy Abdullah Barry describes her transition from Malaysia to Roscommon. "Flirting with Tigers" (2023) is her debut collection of poetry.
County Roscommon. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.
Vincent chat with harpist Fiachra Guihen at the grave of Turlough O'Carolan. "A Measure of County Roscommon" is a new piece of music composed by Fiachra.
"You can't have a rainbow without the rain" recounts the childhood memories of Michelle Gallen growing up in Tyrone. Her debut novel, "Big Girl, Small Town" was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award. Her critically acclaimed second novel, "Factory Girls", was published in 2022.
This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the culture, wit and landscapes of Co. Tyrone.
Niall Hanna composed a melody for 'Glencull's Flowery Veil." The words are by the nineteenth century Tyrone poet Patrick Farrell (1856-1938). Niall's debut album is Autumn Winds.
In this episode writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the county identity of Offaly. He finds community spirit in Daingean, the moon in Birr and green and gold in Tullamore.
Writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the uplands, valleys and coastline of Co Wicklow. He visits a mobile library in Rathdangan, a nature reserve in Newcastle, and learns to knit with the star designer of the sweaters from the film The Banshees of Inisherin.
Writer & broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the county identity of Down. He finds St Patrick's jawbone, visits the University of the Third Age and covers the waterfront at Kilkeel.
In this Stephen's Day episode of The County Measure, Vincent Woods travels to County Armagh and spends time with fisherman on Lough Neagh, road bowlers in Tullysaran, Rhymers in Armagh City and with storytellers on Sliabh Gullion.
Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of culture, music, sport, geography and politics.
Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of culture, music, sport, geography and politics.
County Fermanagh. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of culture, music, sport, geography and politics.
County Clare. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of culture, music, sport, geography and politics.
County Sligo. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of culture, music, sport, geography and politics.
County Westmeath. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of culture, music, sport, geography and politics.