The people, places and stories that make Northern Ireland unique, presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
Storm Debi Wrecks Garrison Tree
The strong winds of Storm Debi have destroyed a beautiful tree at Garrison on the shores of Lough Melvin. The artist, Michelle Duffy, has been painting the tree for as long as she can remember. She spoke to Anne Marie McAleese about the loss of the picturesque ash, and recalled a time when she and Anne Marie went together to visit that very tree.
And Singtonicity at Derry Well Woman is an innovative and creative way of improving health and well-being, through singing, breathing, voice-work and relaxation exercises. The group's leader, Siobhan Heaney, says that you can't worry and sing at the same time. She met Brian Kernohan at one of the group's sessions.
Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
11/18/2023 • 16 minutes, 31 seconds
The Highwayman of Macosquin and Limavady, and Derrylin's Resistance Fighter
Monica Massey Beresford, who grew up in Derrylin in Fermanagh, became a resistance leader in Denmark. She died in Waldheim concentration camp in 1945 but her courage and incredible life have been honoured by the Ulster History Circle with the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at Kinawley Parish Church on Main Street in Derrylin. Lord Dunleath of Ballywalter, her great nephew, and Lady Dunleath, told Anne Marie McAleese her story. With archive recording from the BBC TV programme, SOE: Subversion (1984).
And a highwayman, Joseph Scott, wreaked havoc around the mountain road between Limavady and Macosquin near Coleraine in the 1800’s. His life and times and eventual demise feature in the most recent edition of the Bann Disc, Coleraine Historical Society's Annual publication. Clive Hunter, who wrote the article, met Helen Mark at the ruins of the old family cottage in the townland of Camm to hear how the notorious brigand came to meet his death.
Programme presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
11/11/2023 • 16 minutes, 59 seconds
Tyrone Glass and Innova Dance
A new digital timeline telling the history of glass-making and a decade of Innova Dance.
11/4/2023 • 14 minutes, 36 seconds
The Passage Tomb at Slieve Gullion, and the Derry Man at the Court of Versaille.
Slieve Gullion welcomes visitors for its Footsteps in the Forest Halloween experience. Anne Marie McAleese also hears about the huge burial cairn at the summit of Slieve Gullion, known as The Calliagh Berra's House, which is the highest surviving passage tomb in the UK or Ireland.
Deirdre Donnelly reports on the story of a young curate from Derry, George Vaughan Sampson, who escaped the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette just before the French Revolution. He returned to Derry where he became headmaster of the city’s first school and later became rector of the Church of Ireland in Aghanloo near Limavady. Recently, his last resting place has been discovered, forgotten for almost 200 years, by Roe Valley historians, Betty and Matt Ferguson.
Presented by Anne Marie McAleese. Listen to the whole show on BBC Sounds.
10/28/2023 • 18 minutes, 35 seconds
Omagh's Showbands, and the Human Computer from Armagh.
Omagh's many musicians and showbands feature in a new exhibition called "Sights and Sounds of the Showband Era at the Strule Arts Centre in the town. Anne Marie McAleese called in to have a look around with the Heritage Officer for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Melissa Harpur.
And Ulster History Circle unveils a blue plaque for a "human computer" from Armagh. Hugh Breen was an exceptional mathematician and astronomer, the head of the Scientific School at the Armagh Mechanics’ Institute. Later he became a human computer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich where he was in charge of large amounts of vital numerical data. Sean Barden, the curator of the Armagh Museum told Anne Marie why he nominated Hugh Breen for the plaque.
Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
10/21/2023 • 15 minutes, 16 seconds
Fishing on the Faughan and Celebrating the Silent Valley
One hundred years ago the first sod was cut at the Silent Valley in County Down, to create the huge reservoir that eventually suppled water to the city of Belfast. It was a mammoth undertaking, which stretched the technology of the time. Gary Presho, NI Water’s water supply manager, and Anna Killen, the education officer explained how it all happened. Anna told Anne Marie McAleese why they were keen that schoolchildren were involved in the celebrations.
And in County Derry a very special book, described as the bible for anglers in the north west, has been republished by local anglers. Fly Fishing for Trout and Salmon on the River Faughan is so rare that first editions can change hands for more than a thousand pounds. It was written by E.C or "Clarkie" Heaney, also known as Black Spider. Helen Mark met keen fisherman, Gerry Quinn, on the banks of the river to hear more about this angling magnum opus.
Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
10/14/2023 • 16 minutes, 37 seconds
Brent Geese calling at Strangford Lough, and saving Green Lane Museum in the Roe Valley
Thousands of Brent geese arrive at Castle Espie on the shores of Strangford Lough in one of the biggest natural spectacles of the year. Anna Ashdown, the warden there, explains how to recognise their calls, and how to tell them from other geese.
And Helen Mark visits the Green Lane museum in the Roe Valley Country Park near Limavady. It's a place with many stories of the landscape, the people and a rich linen-industry heritage. But it was under threat of closure until a local heritage group stepped in. Helen meets volunteers, and also the park's first ever warden Danny O'Kane who set up the park some 40 years ago, and even saved the very building the museum is housed in
Presented by Helen Mark. Listen again to the whole programme at BBC Sounds.
10/7/2023 • 15 minutes, 31 seconds
Loving Lurgan
The town of Lurgan in County Armagh is a place which boasts Northern Ireland's biggest park, and its only "calendar house". In this special podcast, Anne Marie McAleese investigates a few of Lurgan's many stories, from the magnificent Brownlow House with its 365 rooms and 52 chimneys, to the graveyard which is the final resting place of both the great and the good. Presented by Anne Marie McAleese and with special reports from Helen Mark.
9/30/2023 • 28 minutes, 21 seconds
A pipe maker from Strabane, and the tale of a Tyrone emigrant.
Martin Gallen, known locally as Banba, has become the first ever uilleann pipe maker to join the Guild of Master Craftsmen. It's the highest qualification that professional crafters can attain. Brian Kernohan met him at the workshop where the musical magic happens.
And John Heagney tells the story of his father, Bernie, who left the townland of Kinnigillian at Dunamore near Cookstown in County Tyrone, more than a century ago. Aged 16, he left the family farm and went to Canada as part of the British Home Children programme. He would never see his parents again. His son, John, told Anne Marie McAleese that it was this poignant event that has now resulted in his novel called Traveler.
Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
9/23/2023 • 17 minutes, 39 seconds
Stained Glass of Derry, and a Statue for Tom Dunn in Rostrevor
David Caron, editor of the Gazetteer of Irish Stained glass windows, has been exploring the stained glass heritage of places of worship in Derry, including St Columb's Cathedral, St Eugene's Cathedral, and others. When Colum Arbuckle met him at St Eugene's Cathedral he learned about the process of creating these windows, and how many of them are left to celebrate.
And a statue is created to honour Tom Dunn in Rostrevor, County Down. He was a hedge school master, a prominent figure in the United Irishmen movement, and he taught both Presbyterians and Catholics. Fiona Pelgrum, an historical research consultant, and genealogist, explained the project.
Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
9/16/2023 • 11 minutes, 19 seconds
Witches of Islandmagee, and the Hidden Servants of Castle Coole House.
In 1711, eight women and a man were found guilty of witchcraft at Carrickfergus courthouse. A young girl new to the area, Mary Dunbar, had accused them of bewitching and tormenting her. They became known as the Islandmagee Witches. The majority were sentenced to a year in jail and forced to do time in the public stocks. Historian, Andrew Sneddon, tells Anne Marie McAleese what's known about those events, and she also hears about a new interactive exhibition in Carrickfergus museum.
And Castle Coole in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh was built to impress in the 1790s, as home to the Earls of Belmore, but with servants kept firmly out of sight. Deirdre Donnelly met Rona McKnight, Collections and House Manager at Castle Coole, along with two volunteers, Thomas Maguire and Lizzie Hogg.
Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
9/9/2023 • 19 minutes, 59 seconds
Giants in the Sperrins, and Storytelling in the Ring of Gullion
Mullaghcarn, the Glenelly Valley, Cranagh and Davagh Forest are all part of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail where three giant art installations have recently been created to showcase the geology, archaeology and heritage of the area. Deirdre Donnelly joined the Rural Tourism Officer for Derry City and Strabane District Council, Philip McShane, and Glenelly woman, Rose Mary Murphy, to explore the stories and see the giants.
And Colleen Savage explains a new cross border storytelling project in Mullaghbawn, called Border Talk, which is an effort to develop the storytelling community in both counties Armagh and Monaghan.
Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
9/2/2023 • 14 minutes, 42 seconds
A Tribute to Seamus Heaney from his home place.
A tribute to the poet Seamus Heaney, from his home place in Bellaghy, to mark ten years since his death. And Helen Mark visits a field of sunflowers in Killeague, between Coleraine and Limavady.
Presented by Helen Mark.
8/26/2023 • 15 minutes, 3 seconds
The Lough Erne Pilgrim Way and Opera in Glenarm
The Lough Erne Pilgrim Way is a new exhibition at Enniskillen Castle, celebrating many of the important religious sites on the islands of the lough. Catherine Scott, museums officer, tells Anne Marie McAleese that traditions, stories, superstitions, cures and names have been recorded even when the sites themselves have been lost.
And baritone Ryan Garnham from Ballynahinch is one of five talented opera singers appearing at the Glenarm Festival of Voice, and featuring arias, Irish art songs and ensemble pieces. Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
8/19/2023 • 15 minutes, 6 seconds
An Outstanding Cloughmills Environmentalist, and Linen in Lisburn
Environmentalist Patrick Frew from Cloughmills, who has been nominated for a National Lottery Award in the outstanding individuals section, chats to Anne Marie McAleese about a yurt, an old mill, and volunteering; and Anthea McWilliams from R-Space gallery in Lisburn explains the idea of the Linen Biennale - a celebration of the fabric that is synonymous with Northern Ireland. Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.
8/12/2023 • 15 minutes
30th Anniversary Special
A special 30th anniversary show, broadcast live from the "witch's hat", in Portstewart, presented by Anne Marie McAleese, Featuring some of the people who have contributed to the show over the years, Colum Sands, Ronan Lundy, Helen Mark, Dot Blakely, and John Toal, with a special tribute to Marie McStay. First broadcast in 2021.
8/13/2022 • 22 minutes, 33 seconds
Dot Blakely & Gortin Glen Forest Park
Dot Blakely is up with the birds in Stricklands & Sean Harper in Gortin Glen Forest Park
6/26/2021 • 18 minutes, 16 seconds
Centenarians and Seamus Heaney
Fermanagh and Omagh's centenarians and bringing Seamus Heaney's literature to life
6/19/2021 • 19 minutes, 6 seconds
Red Squirrels and Walking Tours
Joe Dowdall on Red Squirrels in Carnfunnock and Donna Fox on Walking Tours in Armagh
6/12/2021 • 17 minutes, 39 seconds
Ambrose Ricardo Honoured in Sion Mills
A Blue Plaque for Sion Mills soldier, philanthropist and founder of the Derry Feis.
8/24/2019 • 11 minutes, 52 seconds
Memories of Derry writer Joyce Cary
The grandson of Joyce Cary revisits his grandfather's summer home by the Lough Foyle.
7/20/2019 • 9 minutes, 34 seconds
Horse Therapy
Louise Moorhead at Equine Enrichment has combined her love of horses and her work as a counsellor.
5/25/2019 • 13 minutes, 11 seconds
Live from the North West 200
Ronan Lundy at the pits of Portstewart and the story of bike mad Ian Foster.
5/18/2019 • 14 minutes, 15 seconds
Lisburn's Indian god
To India via Lisburn, fishing in the River Bush and Loughgall's Orange Tree Festival.
9/22/2018 • 20 minutes, 32 seconds
'We even have overseas visitors... From Rathlin'
The Donkey Derby, Ballinderry's 350 year old church and Co. Armagh's Rare Breeds.
9/1/2018 • 16 minutes, 52 seconds
Sharks, Ballymoney's Diamond Bar and Tug O'War.
The French Revolution in Ballymoney, a story of love and tug of war, and seeing sharks.
8/14/2018 • 17 minutes, 29 seconds
Homer On The Beach
Homer's Odyssey on beaches, the magic of Lúnasa, and the life of Thomas D'Arcy Magee.
8/4/2018 • 22 minutes, 18 seconds
A Field of Dreams in Seskinore, Ballymena Steam and Coney Island.
A field of dreams in Seskinore, Ballymena steam and a life of solitude on Coney Island.
7/21/2018 • 17 minutes, 38 seconds
Badgers, Robots & Headless Horsemen
Badgers in County Down, cows milked by robots in Antrim and fairytales on the north coast
6/9/2018 • 22 minutes, 32 seconds
Portrush RAF, Cookstown Hub & Portaferry Choirs
Memories of Portrush RAF, Cookstown community hub & Portaferry choirs set sai
12/2/2017 • 18 minutes, 42 seconds
Irish Dance in Larne, Ennish Flax Mill and Keady Clachan
A history of Irish dancing in Larne, Ennish Flax Mill near Dungannon and Keady Clachan.
11/25/2017 • 21 minutes, 44 seconds
Brent Geese, Larne's Prison Ship and Boat Building in Moville
Strangford Brent Geese, Larne's Prison Ship and Men's Shed Boat Building in Moville
11/18/2017 • 22 minutes, 21 seconds
The Black Nun, a Headless Horseman and Pye Radio.
Two spooky ghost tales for Halloween, and Pye radio memories,
10/28/2017 • 19 minutes, 2 seconds
Devenish Island, Tullyhogue Fort &Ballycastle
Bernie Magill in Ballycastle, ancient clans in Tyrone and a trip to Devenish island.
8/12/2017 • 18 minutes, 17 seconds
Antrim show, Cushendun & City of Lisburn
A snapshot of Antrim show, Jo Zebedee in Cushendun, and a tour of Lisburn.
7/22/2017 • 17 minutes, 3 seconds
Ahoghill, Steam Engines, and Castlewellan Show
A wildlife haven in Ahoghill, steam engines in Ballymena, and the Castlewellan show.
7/15/2017 • 16 minutes, 21 seconds
A Day in Portstewart
As the Irish Open comes to Portstewart, Anne Marie takes a tour of her home town.
7/7/2017 • 15 minutes, 57 seconds
Bird Song & Greenisland Teddy Boys
Anne Marie & Dot listen to bird song, and Ronan Lundy hears about the Irish Open.
6/24/2017 • 17 minutes, 17 seconds
Messines Ridge, Singer Janet Dowd and Gelvin Historical society
Messines 100 years on, singer Janet Dowd's inspiration, and Gelvin remembers its past.
6/10/2017 • 16 minutes, 12 seconds
Spitfires, Porticos and Irish Dancing
One man's Spitfire adventure, Arts on the Ards peninsula & the untold Irish Dance story
5/27/2017 • 15 minutes, 15 seconds
Vintage motorcycle & Cushendall
A visit to Cushendall, a long lost motorcycle motorcycle - and tributes to Marie McStay
5/20/2017 • 21 minutes, 42 seconds
Gortin School, Model Trains & Bushmills Coopers
Anne Marie meets cask coopers and model railway enthusiasts, Declan Forde goes to Gortin
11/12/2016 • 16 minutes, 18 seconds
Lost Hill Fort, Quail Farm & Tyrone School of Music
A Quail farmer in Macosquin, music school in Dungannon and a Hill Fort in Armagh.
5/21/2016 • 21 minutes, 19 seconds
Hurtletoot House, Christmas on Rathlin and Reindeer
Meet the animals of Hurtletoot House, find out about Christmas on Rathlin - and Prancer!
12/12/2015 • 13 minutes, 19 seconds
Deep Sea Diving & Siege of Derry
Anne Marie meets a deep sea diver in Portstewart & Helen Mark tours the new siege museum
12/5/2015 • 16 minutes, 33 seconds
Your Place and Mine 31st October 2015: The Ghost of Boom Hall
Haunted House Derry, Pipes in Kesh and Antrim Hills.