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Born in Ennis, County Clare, Fr. Bernárd’s journey began in the traditional Ireland of the 1940s, shaped by school, family, and faith. But his path soon led him far from the familiar - from the seminary in Dromantine, Newry, to ordination in Newry Cathedral, and then on to the missionaries in Africa and the turbulent streets of New York in the 1970s, where he found both his calling and his true self.
In a conversation with Fender Jackson, they talk about forgiveness, angels, and the arrogance of certainty. Fr. Bernárd explores his belief that Catholicism is the last pagan religion in the West, and his sharp critique of Bible bingo interpretations of Leviticus.
Fr. Bernárd speaks candidly about discovering he was gay, ministering to the AIDS community at the height of the crisis, and facing the crushing pressures of faith, sexuality, and truth - including false allegations, expulsion from New York, and eventually becoming the first Catholic priest in the world to have a same-sex marriage.
It’s a story of defiance, compassion, and perhaps, time travel - an extraordinary conversation with one of Ireland’s most fearless and fascinating priests.
Links
https://www.frbernardlynch.com/
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Bass legend Gerry McAvoy takes us through a track-by-track journey of Photo-Finish, Rory Gallagher’s powerhouse 1978 album. In this wide-ranging conversation, Gerry shares insights into the sessions, the scrapped album, and the raw energy that defined Rory’s late-’70s sound.
Along the way, we talk Sex Pistols, click tracks and metronomes, Ted McKenna’s drumming, Status Quo, and the aftermath of the accident. Gerry also reflects on Carol Kaye’s influence, cropdusting adventures, and how tracks like “Only the Lonely”, “Memphis Hip Shake” (The Cult), and “Donegal Express” (Shane MacGowan) connect through spirit and groove.
Plus: tales from playing with Joe Bonamassa and plenty more behind-the-scenes stories from a life in rock ’n’ roll.
Relevant Links
https://songwhip.com/bandoffriends
https://www.rorygallagher.com/
Additional Links
Carol Kaye grooving the metronome
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While recording Episode 122 with Swinford’s own Breege Rowley, the editor-turned-documentary maker suggested to Fender that he speak with Nora McBurney - the voice behind her film ‘All Our Yesterdays’. So that’s exactly what he did.
Conversation includes: introductions; update on the movie ‘All Our Yesterdays’ by Breege Rowley; Swinford and Foxford, County Mayo; tracing Nora’s grandparents move from Swinford and Derryherbert, County Mayo to Pittsburgh, PA; competing in Irish dancing; soft shoe vs. hard shoe; Dan Rooney & The Pittsburgh Steelers; Croke Park; Michael Bublé; studying in Ireland; Trim Castle; Cnoc Suain, County Galway; having an Irish American identity; yinzers, yousens and Scots language; John Williams and Solace; Reverie Road; the Irish American connection; the nosiness of the Irish; the real estate industry in USA today; working from home; buying vs. renting property; Rory Sutherland’s view on the increase of property over the last few decades; recording the Voiceover for ‘All Our Yesterdays’ and other topics.
Links
https://www.instagram.com/theirishyinzer
https://www.facebook.com/theirishyinzer/
Additional Links
https://breegerowleyeditor.com/
https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast
Episode 122. Breege Rowley: Cinema & Television Editor
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Fender Jackson recently took part in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the London Irish Centre, marking seven decades of cultural connection and community spirit. The event paid tribute to the Centre’s rich legacy as a home for Irish arts, music, and heritage in London, while also highlighting its ongoing role in supporting the Irish diaspora. Fender’s coverage captured the atmosphere of pride and nostalgia, showcasing performances, speeches, and stories that reflected both the history and the enduring vibrancy of the Irish community in Britain.
Special thanks to the following contributors:
Performance of John Leary’s by Rosie (Tin Whistle) and Fender (Drums, Bass, Guitars, Percussion, Banjo, and Accordion)
Links
https://londonirishcentre.org/
https://londonirishcentre.org/our-services/community-development/survivorservice/
https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast
Ep. 181. London Irish Centre: Community Café
Additional Links
https://www.coventryirishsociety.com/help-support/irish-survivors
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Alastair Campbell speaks with Fender Jackson about the making, challenges, and enduring legacy of the Good Friday Agreement.
Conversation includes: Scotty Parker and Burnley F.C.; Tony Blair & Jonathan Powell’s optimism; the moment of realisation that the Northern Ireland problem could actually be solved; David Trimble, John Taylor & Ken Maginnis; The Irish Diaries; Bill Clinton & George Mitchell; Martin McGuinness, John Hume, Mo Mowlem & David Ervine; Bríd Rogers; sleep; Dennis Murray; the alignment with John Hume; Seamus Mallon; the hand of history; feeling the encouragement from the streets; the growing media pack; Alastair’s day-to-day role; John Holmes; social media and today’s political landscape; Bertie Ahern; the main stumbling blocks before the GFA was signed; Blair’s skills of constructive ambiguity; ‘The Chuckle Brothers’ (McGuinness and Paisley); Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; the other side to Paisley; Greenifying vs. Trimblification; Martin Ferris & Gerry Kelly; the legacy bill; London Irish Centre; Orla McBreen; Hilary Benn; Gaza and the Middle East and other topics.
Links
https://alastaircampbell.org/book/the-irish-diaries/
https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast
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While in Belfast, Fender Jackson had the opportunity to meet Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, widely recognised as a tireless booster for the city and a respected civic leader. Known for his energy, optimism, and commitment to showcasing Belfast on the global stage, Máirtín has played a central role in promoting its culture, business, and community spirit. Their meeting offered a chance to reflect on how individual leadership and passion can help shape a city’s story.
Conversation includes: early life; growing up in the war; learning gaelic; not getting involved in the troubles; school; venturing to South Belfast for the second time (despite having visited England, Dublin as well as holidays in Ballycastle and Irish college in Donegal); Patrick Crawford; Jim McCarron; Martha & Patrick Crawford; Máirtín’s mother starting up a peace movement; H-Block; landing the job of being the first journalist in the Andersonstown News; Hunger Strikes; acquiring the Anderstonstown News; Bernard O’Hagan, Bernard Davey; Sheena Campbell; Alex Maskey; Alan Lundy; Bobby Lavery and his son; judges; Sammy Douglas; Frank and James Millar in The Loup, Co. Derry; LGBTQ community; the gulf between the catholic and protestant communities today; Mo Mowlem; David Trimble; Paul Haller; Connla McCann; Presidents Michael D. Higgins and Mary McAleese; Rev. Ian Paisley & Martin McGuinness; Fr. Gerry Reynolds from Clonard; Peace Walls; Bertie Ahern, Bill Clinton & Tony Blair; Gaza; being the Lord Mayor; Buddhism; Van Morrison’s Bright Side Of The Road; Royal British Legion; the unionist community; plans for the future; religion; St. Vincent de Paul and other topics.
Links
Additional Links
https://belfastmedia.com/coroner-rules-that-patrick-crawford-15-was-shot-dead-by-british-soldier
https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/victims/humanface/chron/1980.html
https://belfastmedia.com/appeal-for-info-on-1975-rvh-killing
https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/sutton/alpha/O.html
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Rónán Ó Dochartaigh concludes his chat during the height of the season in Oideas Gael which is the Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School). Also a fitting tribute to the excellent work of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin and Seosamh Watson, the founders of Oideas Gael.
Conversation includes: the beauty and archeology of the Glencolmcille area; Silver Strand; Slieve League; St. Colmcille, history in the area, recommended clothing; transport to Glencolmcille; accessibility; getting in touch; the shop; An Coimín, in Gleann Fhinne; Tory Island; Liam Ó Cuinneagáin agus Seosamh Watson; winter activities and other topics.
Links
191. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 1
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Máirtín Ó Muilleoir encouraged Fender to share a selection of episodes on Irish Echo and Andersonstown News, showcasing the generosity of everyone who contributed their time and stories. These narratives form a mosaic of Ireland: its past, its present, and the living connections that stretch across the globe.
We thought it would be good to put together an episode that crystallises what The Ireland Podcast is as well as its origin story.. which dates back more than 100 years!
Sincere thanks to Máirtín for this opportunity.
Relevant Links
https://belfastmedia.com/atown
https://www.ria.ie/collections/archival-collections/heron-papers/
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A continuation of the celebration of Oideas Gael: Rónán Ó Dochartaigh, Course Manager of Oideas Gael, chats about its offerings, the rise of Irish language learning, and the unique culture of Glencolmcille, touching on immersion, Gaeltacht life, and the growing appeal of Gaeilge today.
Conversation includes: introductions; activated parts of brain; Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School) and some of the lessons therein; the growing popularity of Oideas Gael over the years; Rónán’s journey to his current position; the impact of Covid; Gaeilge sa bhaile (Irish at home); fág an bealach (get out of the way); Gaeltacht definition and their places in Ireland; Ráth Chairn and Baile Ghib in Meath; Slaughtneil and West Belfast; pop up Gaeltachts; Údarás na Gaeltachta; different levels of the courses; tumadh (immersion); the types of people who do the course; the Glencolmcille area; the different dialects of Irish; Michael Healy-Rae vs. Jim McGuinness; the influence of the Normans; teacher; (2025) prices; accommodation; getting here and other topics.
Links
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190. Eibhlis Farrell agus Ray McManus
Ray McManus (piano) and Eibhlis Farrell (fiddle) take us on a bilingual musical journey around Ireland, presenting a vibrant mix of tunes and songs from some of the counties across the island. The evening begins with an introduction by Rónán Ó Dochartaigh.
This performance was part of the entertainment programme for the Irish Language Summer Course 2025, recorded on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.
Counties and music featured:
1. Corcaigh (Cork):
Carolan's Draught
2. Tiobraid Árann (Tipperary):
Sliabh na mBan
3. Fear Manach, Ard Mhacha, Liatroim (Fermanagh, Armagh agus Leitrim):
Planxty Maguire: Planxty Maguire / O’Rourke’s Feast
4. Tír Eoghain (Tyrone):
The Mountains Of Pomeroy
5. Luimneach (Limerick):
Slán Le Máigh
6. Baile Átha Cliath / An Dún (Dublin / Down):
The Foggy Dew
7. Port Láirge (Waterford)
Sliabh Geal gCua
8. Casablanca
Ó Lá Go Lá (As Time Goes By)
9. Loch Garman (Wexford)
Boolavogue
10. An Dún (Down):
In Onóir Naomh Bronagh (Eibhlis Farrell)
11. Sligeach (Sligo):
Planxty Loftus Jones
Special thanks to Ray, Eibhlis and all at Oideas Gael for making this episode possible.
Links
www.oideasgael.com
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Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. This is the concluding and second part.
Conversation includes: starting up the first Irish language courses with Seosamh Watson; Liam being separated physically from the Troubles in the six counties; the first people on the early courses; Fr. McDyer’s Irish levels; John Heron; Downings; the immersive system of learning; the structure of the day; Milwaukee Irish Fest; World Trade Center Bombing 1993; Patrick Campbell; why people are attracted to coming to Oideas Gael; the quality of the teaching staff; Siobhán Ní Churraighín; Rónán Ó Dochartaigh; the topography of the west of Ireland; Brendan Lyons and the International Fund for Ireland; acquiring the land on which to build the school; Máire Brennan; Mary McAleese attending the course during her presidency; Ray McManus; Foras Na Gaeilge; Daniel O’Donnell and Mary McAleese breaking and entering into Oideas Gael; dealing with banks; Broca's area; Enjoy Irish! by Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair; Gael Linn and other topics.
Music in the background from Eibhlis Farrell and Ray McManus in rehearsal as well as the sean-nós singing class of Gearóidín Breathnach which were happening in two classrooms concurrently.
Recorded on Tuesday 29th July 2025 - 2 days after Donegal competed against Kerry in the All-Ireland football final.
Links
188. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin: Oideas Gael - Part 1
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Former teacher and Oideas Gael founder Liam Ó Cuinneagáin shares the story of how he grew the Irish language and cultural learning centre into one of the most successful and well-attended institutions in any of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. Part one centres largely around the amazing partnership between Fr. McDyer and Liam’s father Willie Ó Cuinneagáin formed which transformed the area.
Conversation includes: introductions; early life; education; studying psychology in UCD; Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; Seosamh Watson; connecting his Uncle Mickey and other family members in USA; Prof. Breandán MacSuibhne; Gleann Cholm Cille; Fr. James McDyer; Tory Island; McDyer bringing a weaving market into the area in 1950s; Willie Ó Cuinneagáin; Glencolmcille Folk Village; debating teams; Mansholt Plan; The Ireland House; Tom O’Donnell; Dean Charles Gray-Stack; Michael John Sweetman; Irish Press vs. Irish Independent; Éamon de Valera and other topics.
Relevant Links
Additional Links
https://www.dib.ie/biography/mcdyer-james-daniel-a5652
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Fr+McDyer%2C+Glencolmkille+Folk+Village
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Episode 187 Painter Erin Lawlor chats with Fender Jackson in Galway on Monday 4th August when her exhibition divining was presented at the Printworks Gallery in Galway as part of the Galway International Arts Festival, running from July 14 to 27, 2025. This was a Highlanes Gallery National Tour curated by Aoife Ruane.
Conversation includes: introductions; painter vs. artist; divining; Aoife Ruane; Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda; Source Arts Centre, Tipperary; curating the Drogheda municipal collection; Eddie Lawlor and Tullow, County Carlow; the complications of being brought up Anglo-Irish; moving to France; her father’s work with Co-operation North and John Hume; Peter Lawlor and The Lawlor Foundation; Irish Youth Foundation; Irish artistic identity; Roderic O’Conor; Jon Benington; Mary and Alan Hobart; Mainie Jellett; Evie Hone; Micheal Farrell; Isaac Newton; Sheela na gig; a deep dive into Erin’s techniques; David Bowie; portraits vs. landscapes; Philip Guston; Frank Auerbach; metapainting; German radical painting; Dr. Seuss vs. Caravaggio; background music; Beckett; Joyce; ‘Guernica’ by Picasso; Seamus Heaney; Kate Bush; writing; plans for the future; Irish With Mollie as well as other topics.
Links
Erin Lawlor website
Highlanes Gallery
https://highlanes.ie/exhibition/divining-erin-lawlor/
https://highlanes.ie/exhibition/a-sense-of-place-erin-lawlor-selects-drogheda-municipal-collection/
GIAF
https://www.giaf.ie/festival/event/erin-lawlor
The Source, Thurles
https://www.thesourceartscentre.ie/whats-on/visual-arts/erin-lawlor-divining
Irish Youth Foundation https://www.iyf.org.uk
Cooperation Ireland https://cooperationireland.org
Ep. 187 Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6olI2b5OcSjeO5MXabvkO1?si=37b1eb6114f34006
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Episode 185 European Medicines Agency Executive Director Emer Cooke chats with Fender Jackson in Amsterdam on Wednesday 9th July 2025.
Conversation includes: introductions; early life; being drawn to medicine; family and friends’ understanding; career and educational path; a comparison of the cultures between WHO and EMA; European and International harmonisation; being the Chair of International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA); politics vs. science; EMA responsibilities; EMA’s work with animals; antimicrobial resistance; maximum residue limits; the medicine journey from bench to bedside; the challenges of the pandemic; lessons learnt from the pandemic; AI; preparedness for the next pandemic; Health Threats Plan; pressures from pharmaceuticals and governments; conflicts of interests; public trust and misinformation; European public assessment reports; communicating; how being Irish affects Emer’s methods of working; unwinding; ‘Small Things Like These’ by Claire Keegan, and other topics.
Relevant Links
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The concluding part of a conversation centred around advice for any visitors to Galway Racecourse. Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025.
Conversation includes: what to expect on a day out at Galway Races; a break down of the different days; transport advice; advice for mobility issues; racing vs. Formula 1 and Bernie Ecclestone; jockeys as sports stars; Davy Russell; Patrick Mullins; the challenges of racing today; the racetrack itself including maintenance; the sponsors; Horse Racing Ireland and the prize money; the animal welfare; Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) vets; the Galway Racecourse team; the training involved; plans for the future; and other topics.
Relevant Links
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The second part of a conversation exploring the evolution of Galway Racecourse. Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025.
The history of the racecourse; other non-racing events at the racecourse; Elf Town Galway; Classic Fest vintage car show; the spirit of the Galway Races; Ballinrobe Racecourse; being part of the Galway Festival calendar; breast cancer research day; being part of and giving back to the community and having pride in the area; a look back over 40 years and looking forwards; Galway as a city of festivals and innovation; Moses Rowen; Gary, Rob and the Monroe family; Gerry Broderick; Michael O’Sullivan as well as other topics.
Relevant Links
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Episode 183 Singer, Songwriter and Broadcaster Malachi Cush chats with Fender Jackson from his home in County Tyrone on Tuesday 1st July 2025.
Conversation includes: introductions; Tyrone’s chances after beating Dublin; Armagh & Kerry; the new GAA rules; Malachi’s house as a ceilidh house (a house where people gathered for an evening of craic); a performance of ‘On Raglan Road’; Luke Kelly and other influences; Phil Coulter; early life; Fame Academy; Pam Sheyne and Carrie Grant; talent shows in mid-2020’s compared to 20 years previous; playing in Thailand; a performance of ‘Under A Moon Of Gold’; grief and parental love; God’s guiding light; recording with Phil Coulter; ‘The Town I Loved So Well’; ‘A City Dreaming’; Ukraine; Elvis and Phil; ‘Blessed Be The One’ and Joanne Cash; Rosemary McConaghie and Mark Scullion; Johnny Cash; The First Nashville Cowboy Church; the uncertainty of artists today; Conor Grimes and other topics.
Relevant Links
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Recorded in Galway on Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - pre-recorded to coincide with the lead-up to this year’s Galway Races, which begin on Monday, 28th July 2025.
In the first of a three-part special, Galway Racecourse CEO Michael Moloney joins Fender Jackson for a wide-ranging conversation that charts both his personal career path and the recent evolution of one of Ireland’s most iconic sporting venues. Michael reflects on how the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic became a catalyst for modernisation and change at Ballybrit.
Conversation includes: introductions; early life including education; working for horse racing Ireland; Plumpton Racecourse; Covid; comparison between Plumpton and Galway racecourses; the improvements made; how Michael prioritises the workload; implementing a culture of change; The Galway Plate; Knowledge Management; peer assists and other topics.
Relevant Link
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Episode 181 Fender Jackson visits the Lunch Club in the Kennedy Hall of the London Irish Centre on Fri 20th June 2025 and chats with Finola Marriott, Maeve Heath and Maria Connolly. This is a special year for the London Irish Centre as it marks its 70th anniversary.
In this special episode, Fender Jackson drops in to the Lunch Club at the London Irish Centre in Camden, London - a warm, vibrant hub for generations of the Irish diaspora. Set against a backdrop of laughter, tea, and stories, Fender chats with attendees and staff to explore the sense of community, identity, and belonging that the Centre fosters. From recollections of emigration and hard work to lighter tales of dances and reunions, the voices in this episode reflect a living thread that connects Ireland to London.
Sincere thanks to Finola, Maeve and Maria for their contributions and all at the London Irish Centre who have helped make this episode possible.
Relevant Links
https://londonirishcentre.org/
https://londonirishcentre.org/our-services/community-development/community-cafe/
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Episode 180 Fine Artist Kathryn Callaghan chats with Fender Jackson from her home in County Down on Thursday 26th June 2025.
Conversation includes: introductions; Kathryn’s journey towards being an artist; Outscape; Yard Gallery; Holywood, Co. Down; Gerard Byrne; Guggi; studying Fine Art HND; understanding Kathryn’s motivation as an artist; Daoirí Farrell; confidence; Kathryn’s pouring technique of painting; Jackson Pollock; Kathryn’s influence’s including Rothko; capturing the feeling; knowing when the piece is finished; John Cage and 4’33; less is more; working off an image; musical preferences; choosing colours; John and Killarney Falconry; illustration board; framing; Pete Fowler; the customers; Ciara O’Neill; current exhibition in Bushmills Inn; pricing paintings; making it as an artist; gallery commission; social media; accidents; Brian Eno and the Oblique Strategies; Colin Davidson; plans for the future; the Wild Atlantic Music Tours; Fender's freebies and other topics.
Relevant Links
https://www.kathryncallaghan.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/kcfineart
Fender's Freebies
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