Jerry Lynch was part of the Lynch family from North Clare which is steeped in music and tradition. His lovely tenor voice was always a joy to hear and his presence in any room always brought delight to those present. Jerry passed away on Sunday 29th June and news of his death took everyone by … More PJ Curtis and Cormac MacConnell pay tribute to Jerry Lynch
The rediscovery of the burial place of Red Hugh O´Donnell in Valladolid in Spain reminded us of the historic and centuries-old friendship between the Spanish and Irish People. It also brought about fresh opportunities for both countries in terms of tourism. There is a forgotten and scholarly article which focuses on another projected Spanish attempt … More Did James Blake poison Red Hugh O’ Donnell? Paper published in 1950 looks at Blake and his appeal to Spanish King for Revolt in Ireland in 1602
Bernadette Hughes was born in Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan. She moved to London in her early twenties, met a man called James Minnion whom she married and had two children with. The marriage broke down after a number of years and Bernadette and her husband shared custody of the couple’s two children. Some time later Bernadette … More Family of Bernadette Cooper, who vanished in 1993, issues fresh appeal for information
Singer, and now songwriter, Kathleen Malone is based in Doolin in Co. Clare. Kathleen is part of the Lynch family that is so closely associated with The Kilfenora Céilí Band and has been immersed in music, song and dance since she was born. As the years move on Kathleen has a greater grá for her … More Kathleen Malone releases new album in support of Burren Chernobyl Project
This episode is the second part of Bowyer’s Limerick, a documentary that Ger Sweeney produced with the late Brendan Bowyer. Brendan was a native of Waterford but moved to Limerick when he was two and remained in the city until he was a teenager. Limerick has always been one of his “homes” in Ireland and … More The Emerald Conversations Episode 11. Bowyer’s Limerick Part 2
This is the first part of a documentary that Ger Sweeney produced with the late Brendan Bowyer. Brendan was a native of Waterford but moved to Limerick when he was two and remained in the city until he was a teenager. Limerick has always been one of his “homes” in Ireland and he was very … More The Emerald Conversations Episode 10. Bowyer’s Limerick Part 1
In August 1981 Brendan Bowyer was already an international superstar and I was 14 years old. I was on my school holidays and was working part time as a “DJ” at a local pirate radio station called “Raidió Luimní” which was headed by a man called John “The Man” Frawley, himself a former lead singer … More My Brendan Bowyer Story by Ger Sweeney
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
