This episode features the last person to win the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland, Eimear Quinn. I’m releasing this on the 24th anniversary of that win. On that fateful night in Oslo Eimear sang a Brendan Graham composition called “The Voice”. My conversation with Eimear covers her love of music from a young age, THAT … More The Emerald Conversations Episode 9. Eimear Quinn
Legendary singer/songwriter and musician Barry McCabe features in this episode. Barry is from Virginia in Co. Cavan and has spent his adult life travelling the world playing music, entertaining people, gathering stories and making great memories.
The band Shaskeen celebrates 50 years on the road this year. Tom Cussen was the man that put the band together in London in 1970. David Sanders wasn’t even born in 1970 but today he is the latest recruit to the band that has done so much to promote traditional Irish music and song over … More The Emerald Conversations Episode 7. Tom Cussen and David Sanders from Shaskeen
Many organisations have looked at their operations since the Covid-19 pandemic hit and many have made changes to what they offer, and how they offer it. The Irish Cultural Centre in London is one such organisation and in this episode of the Emerald Conversations Ger Sweeney talks to Rosalind Scanlon, a Director of the Centre. … More The Emerald Conversations Episode 6. Rosalind Scanlon, Director, Irish Cultural Centre, London
It was like a homecoming – when Brendan Grace played a gig in Ennis. Killaloe was where Brendan and his wife Eileen called home when they were in Ireland. On the night of January 1st 2019 Brendan played his last Ennis gig at a packed West County Hotel. Ger Sweeney who had interviewed Brendan on … More The Emerald Conversations Episode 5. Brendan Grace
Manus walsh is one of Ireland’s most talented artists. His inspiration comes from many sources but the fact that he is based in Ballyvaughan in the heart of the Burren in Co. Clare ensures that the inpsiration tap never runs dry. Just after he launched a new exhibition in November 2018 Manus took some time … More The Emerald Conversations Episode 4. Ger Sweeney talks to Clare-based Artist, Manus Walsh
Mike Murphy’s career at RTÉ began in the early 1960’s. Mike’s dulcet tones can still be heard but not on the Irish national airwaves but as the voice of the new Senior Times’ podcast series. When the podcast series was launched Ger Sweeney chatted with Mike about it, and about his long and distinguished career … More The Emerald Conversations Episode 3. Ger Sweeney talks to Irish Broadcasting Legend, Mike Murphy
In November of 2018 Ger Sweeney spoke to Des Kenny of Kenny’s Bookshop and Art Gallery in Galway. In this conversation Des tells the story of the family run business.
John Lynch is the leader of the world renowned Kilfenora Céilí Band. In this conversation with Ger Sweeney from 2018 John talks about the village of Kilfenora, the origins of the band and what’s on the cards for future years.
In a message on the most recent Global Irish Newsletter, Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon TD assured the Irish Diaspora that the government is working very hard to support them with their various needs during the Covid-19 crisis. Some people need help to get back to Ireland at this … More Government Working to Keep Irish Diaspora Connected and Supported
