Kaia Purcell Miss Cork City

Kaia Purcell chats about her time representing Cork City at Miss Ireland

22 year old French and Spanish Graduate Kaia Purcell has been crowned Miss Cork City, and recently represented Cork in the Miss Ireland contest. As a result of the pandemic it was a longer experience for Kaia then the competition would normally run for. Starting in 2020 with Miss Cork. Then progressing to the semi- final and final of Miss Ireland.

Entries for the 2022 competition are being accepted at: Miss Ireland (miss-ireland.ie)
Or download the Miss Ireland App.

Singer Songwriter Paul Casey

Paul Casey talks up his new single slipstream

Under the recommendation of Christian from MAKO DC and formally Cyclefly, Dave chats to Paul who has been playing guitar since the age of 16 doing covers and since the pandemic he found the space and time to write his own material, including his new single slipstream.

For more information about Paul’s music visit: https://twitter.com/paulmacasey

Roz Crowley Author/Publisher Macroom: Mountain Dew

More on Ireland’s First Rock Festival

Author & publisher Roz Crowley on her book Macroom Mountain Dew, Ireland’s first outdoor music festival in Macroom in the late 70s,available at Waterstones, Nano Nagle Place on Douglas Street and online. Roz chats about how the idea for the festival came about as well as the established artists in attendance.

Hear the full chat here

https://d21uc2jkdtk9j5.cloudfront.net/shows/dave-macs-cork-history-matters/

Cathy and Dave - The Cinemile Podcast

Cathy and Dave talk up their award winning Cinemile Podcast

Award-winning movie podcast, where Married couple Dave and Cathy podcast their walk home from the movies. As featured in The Observer, The Guardian, Le BBC & now they are Local Legends on Dave Mac’s Drive too! thecinemile.com for more.

Micheal O' Riordon of Farranree Community clean-up

Micheal set up an initiative to clean his local park in Farranree

Micheal was sick of bringing his kids to the local park in Farranree and looking at how much of a mess it was, as well as the hazards such as broken glass and shredded metal from Coke cans. So he put up an advert using the hashtag Civic Pride North Side and he is encouraging the public to be part of the solution rather than the problem by bringing any cleaning equipment they have to Pophams Field and helping out this Saturday from 11am.

Roz Crowley- Author of Macroom Mountain Dew

Roz Crowley’s book tells of Ireland’s first outdoor music festival in Macroom

In advance of a forthcoming Cork History Matters podcast Dave Mac here complies a sample of the conversation he had with author & publisher Roz Crowley whose book Macroom Mountain Dew, available at Waterstones, Nano Nagle Place on Douglas Street and online, tells the tale of Ireland’s first outdoor music festival in Macroom in the late 70s. The Mountain Dew festival first featured Marianne Faithful in a dome borrowed from the Rose of Tralee committee and then by Cork’s very own local hero, the international rock superstar that was Rory Gallagher. Other acts to feature include Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, The Chieftains, Paul Brady, Horslips, Paul Young, The Dubliners, and many more.

Katie Jane Cronin new host of Red Hits on RedFM

Katie Jane is back on RedFM weeknights from 7 with the hottest newest freshest music first

The Kerry native is back fresh from a festive climb up Carrauntoohil and is ready to present you with music, chat and banter weeknights from 7.

Gary Wade on Cork short ‘Standing Up’

Writer & producer Gary Wade on Cork shot short dropping on YouTube New Years day

The trailer for Gary’s film has already received 2,500 views. It’s a 35 min comedy flick that members of society who have dyslexia or anxiety should be able to connect with.

Gary who has a background in teaching got inspiration from the film when he noticed that not every student has the same needs.

To see the film premiere visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcsHjb6moY0

Miki Barlok- Photographer/Fashion Designer

Miki Barlok- Chats about his new clothing brand Gnarly Peaks

Sinéad O'Keeffe talks up Red Friday

Sinéad O’Keeffe talks up Red Friday

With the return of spectators Sinéad chats about this year’s Cork club championships.
Including the Senior division footballers of St.Finbarr’s claiming victory over Clonakilty and in the Hurling Midleton beating Glen Rovers.

Throughout December there’s a new initiative in place called Red Friday.

Dave will be giving away Cork GAA club season tickets for 2022. As Cork’s RedFM are proud sponsors of the Hurling Leagues.

To see what other types of packages they have available visit : https://gaacork.ie/2021/12/03/redfridaywithcorkgaa/

Stephanie Rainey- Cork singer songwriter

Stephanie Rainey chats parenting and her cover of Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’

Éadaoin O’Donoghue - Playwright

Éadaoin O’Donoghue on her new play ” Hail to the great wave”

Corcadorca Theatre Company have just celebrated their 30th Anniversary and are now full steam ahead with Éadaoin O’Donoghue’s new play, Hail to the Great Wave! which is open at CTDC (Corcadorca Theatre Development Centre) in Triskel nightly (except Sunday) at 8pm until Saturday, December 4th.

Hail to the Great Wave! is a dark, sweet, comedy about a couple surviving during the apocalypse. Ironically, it was first scheduled for production in Spring 2020 and was put on hold as a result of the covid pandemic. This is a play that looks at the heroism of ordinary people, the insanity of the times we live in, and the necessity of hope…and teabags. Playwright and actor, Éadaoin says, “it is a strange time to make theatre. Antigen tests, masks, rehearsing in a room with other people again, but still being very careful. There’s a sense of precarity and fragility. It’s also the exact time we need theatre.”

Starring Éadaoin and Moe Dunford, directed by Pat Kiernan, with set design by Owen Boss, lighting design by Aedín Cosgrove and costumes by Valentina Gambardella, Hail to the Great Wave!

For more info visit: https://triskelartscentre.ie/events/hail-to-the-great-wav

Bill Cremin of Cool Running Events

Bill talks about the ultimate outdoor winter experience in Cork this year – The Alpine Skate Trail at Fota

Brought to you by the creators & operators of Cork On Ice (since 2007) and iceskating.ie. Skaye through the woodlands of Fota on a brand new skating experience, the first of its kind in Ireland.

Fiona Clark - Director and CEO Cork International Film Festival

Fiona Clark on the 66th Cork International Film Festival in cinemas & online from Friday 5th

In cinemas and online from Friday 5^th to Sun 21^st, the 66th Cork international film festival runs for a full 17 days and is safe & fully Covid compliant. With documentary’s, features and short films from Cork Ireland & around the world. Including: Disco Pigs, Road runner, Clueless, Boiling Point and Big. There’s also a trail of discovery around the City available.

You can now download  the app for free and purchase your tickets at: https://corkfilmfest.org/the-66th-cork-international-film-festival-2021/download-the-myciff-app/

Aaron Wolfe - Principal at Colaiste Eamann Ris

Aaron on visiting the world’s most haunted school here in Cork

Fear Park is a scare event held every October. We are a live immersive walk through horror maze. Coláiste Éamann Rís – formally known as Deer Park CBC – hold a scare house every Halloween, as a family friendly community based night of spooky scary fun. This is the biggest fundraising event in the schools calendar. All proceeds of the night go straight back into the school so between students, parents, staff and volunteers it’s a spooky night to remember.

The event happens this Friday the 29th of October.

To book your tickets on Eventbrite visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/fearpark-2021-tickets-185009547537?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Irish Musician and Director - Damien Dempsey and Ross Killeen

Damien Dempsey & Director Ross Killeen on music documentary ‘Love Yourself Today’

Part documentary, part concert film, Love Yourself Today is an emotive celebration of modern spirituality and the power of music to heal, it centres around the music of Irish singer songwriter Damien Dempsey but also turns the lens onto his fans. Every Christmas in Dublin, the crowds gather for Damo’s Christmas gig at Vicar Street. For many, these shows have become a cathartic ritual, a safe space where emotions can be laid bare. Through the prism of the concert, we meet Dempsey and three members of the audience. We hear their stories, unravel their grief and find the light in the darkness through communal art. With themes of addiction, loss but also hope and positivity, Dempsey’s music often reflects his fans’ pain, alleviates their anguish and ultimately provides peace as they ‘sing all their cares away’.

The film is in cinemas from Friday 5th of November.

https://motherland.ie/film/love-yourself-today-official-trailer

Rachel O'Donovan- Teacher/Pianist

Rachel chats about how her piano playing videos that went viral during lockdown

Rachel started posting videos during the first lockdown of her playing songs on the piano such as; Tiësto’s Adagio for Strings with the man himself re-sharing the video. Along with Mark McCabe’s Maniac 2000 which Mark also reposted. Other fans include Brian O’Driscoll, Jenny Green and Jerry Cinnamon.

Rachel has an opening spot at Block Rockin” Beats in Cork Opera House this Sunday.

For tickets visit: Block Rockin’ Beats Live with Today Fms Dec Pierce and guests – Over 18s – Live : Cork Opera House

Accomplished Musician Gavin James

Gavin James on the release of his single – Greatest hit

Colette Lewis- Arts and Ageing Podcast

Colette Lewis chats about how skills the elderly have can be useful in modern society in her new podcast

The Arts and Ageing podcast was launched last week. It’s an 8 part series with a new episode released every Monday. It was an initiative originally funded by the Arts Council and initiated by Cork City Council.

The podcast looks at creative ways at engaging with the elderly.

Including a part called local know- how, where older members of the public talk about skills they have and how they are still relevant in modern society. Like for example Kevin Jones’s skill of knitting fishing nets.

If this has wet your appetite visit: https://open.spotify.com/show/5poyW4Xgjpc0Gf7IaIDW1C

Sandy McGroarty‎ of Cork's Public Participation Network (PPN )

Sandy chats about the Cork Public Participation Network who have seats to fill on Cork County Council

The network is voluntary and works at a community level across the County and represents over 1000 groups. With the aim of giving a voice to these community groups. The organisation dates back to 2014 when town councils were scrapped. The PPN then stepped in with 31 groups across the Country. In Cork there’s one for the City and one for the County. Any community can join for free and gain access to free training which is designed for community groups in relation to: Social Media, GDPR, Fundraising and how to access funding. The are 3 types of groups in the network: Environmental, Social inclusion and General Community groups.

If you our someone in your group would like to fill one of 37 seats available on the committee visit: Cork County PPN – Public Participation Network

Danny O' Donoghue frontman of the legendary Irish band The Script

Danny talks about playing Cork at Musgrave Park next year & how crowd behaviour has changed since gigs returned

The script are back playing gigs already and are extra excited. Danny chats about how the concert goers aren’t on their phones as much and are living in the moment and how it took for them playing their hit “The Hall of Fame” for the stadium to light up in Romania.

We hear their new single “I want it all”

Olympian Race Walker & Egg Ambassador Rob Heffernan

Rob Heffernan – at Turners Cross to watch his son captain Ireland U-17’s – talks up ‘World Egg Day’

Rob is talking about how important eggs are as a superfood not only for athletes but for everyone. He chats about how you can cook so many different meals with eggs which are also very tasty and healthy .

He speaks from Turners Cross as he awaited watching his son Cathal captain the Republic of Ireland under 17 to victory over Andorra last night in the European Championship playoffs.

For more information about world egg day visit: https://www.bordbia.ie/industry/news/press-releases/celebrate-world-egg-day-with-bord-bias-delicious-egg-recipes/

Peter Martin Ardú Street Art project organiser

Peter talks about brightening up Cork’s streetscape through Ardú Part 2

Ardú Street Art project recently announced their return with some of the country’s most exciting street artists brightening up Cork city’s streets from now until October 15^th. Commissioning artwork from home grown talent of the highest level is the main aim of Ardú. The 2021 edition features four large scale murals by renowned artists: Friz at St Finbarr’s Road, Shane O’Malley at Lower Glanmire Road/Horgan’s Quay, Conor Harrington at Bishop Lucey Park, and Asbestos at South Main Street. Friz’s piece is nearly completed and start dates for the remaining artists will be announced soon on Ardú’s social media. The public are invited to visit the mural sites while the artists’ work, observe their process and finished pieces, and also get involved at an exciting series of hands-on activities at Wandesford Quay Courtyard – which are supported by Backwater Artists Group, Cork Printmakers, the Lavit Gallery and Cork City Council Arts Office through the Arts Council of Ireland’s In The Open – Faoin Spéir award. Peter is Co- organiser of Ardú part 2 along with Shane O’Driscoll who is also organising this initiative attempting to bring life back to the City in the form of street art and large scale murals that are painted by Cork and Irish based artists. Artist Friz is commissioning a special print to mark Ardú 2021 and the support at Cork Printmakers. The print will be available to purchase.

For more details, visit Ardú’s social media pages:

Twitter @ArduStreetArt https://twitter.com/ArduStreetArt

Instagram: @ArduStreetArt https://www.instagram.com/ardustreetart

Anri Ó Domhnaill (Henry O’Donnell) Swimmer and Adventurer

FinSwim2020 sees Anri set to become the first man to fin swim around the entire coastline of Ireland

The Finswim Expedition started out from Carrickfin Blue Flag beach on the North West Donegal Coast on 17th September 2020. Anrí Ó Domhnaill (Henry o Donnell)  was aiming to attempt a finswim and  circumnavigation of the entire coast of Ireland with support from his expedition team. He also aimed to raise €100k for two worthy charities, Irish Cancer Society (ICS) and Water Safety Ireland (WSI). They reached the half way point off the Waterford coast earlier this year raising €43K for the charities but unfortunately the event was seriously disrupted and suspended due to the covid pandemic. Anrí continued training and planning amid the uncertainty generated by the covid situation in the hope that the event could resume.

Expedition Revival – after alot of hard work, serious planning by anrí and effort from the expedition team and support from the local community in Bunmahon , Dungarvan and other Waterford coastal areas , finswim is back on course along the south coast from Ardmore / Youghal area towards Ballycotton and onwards towards Valentia in the coming months. He reached south east of Kinsale this week.

For more information on Henry’s fundraising efforts visit: finswim2020.com

John Blek Cork Singer Songwriter

On tour in Germany John Blek chats new album & getting back in front of audiences

John is currently on tour in Germany, he is arriving home to Cork in 3 days. Where he will be doing a number of gigs around Ireland for October. With gigs in Cork that include: The Triskel Arts Centre on October 16th, Mallow Arts Festival on October 27th and Tracton on November 20th. Next year he will also be playing in Coughlans, Douglas Street on February 3rd and 4th. He has released a new album titled On Ether & Air which is out now. It’s the final part of a challenge that John set himself of recording 4 Records in a 4 year period. With a theme of: Sea, Earth, Fire and Air.

To hear more music from John visit: https://johnblek.com/

Caoimhe Taylor Ballyhass Adventure Group Mallow & Coachford

Caoimhe on ‘Fly High for Heroes’ Air Ambulance Fundraising Adventure Race

You’re spoilt for choice at Ballyhass Lakes with activities such as: Axe Throwing, Zip Lining and High Ropes.There’s also a Coachford  branch with other activities. Such as an assault course and wakeboarding.

Being located so near to Rathcool where the Irish Community Air Ambulance is located, Ballyhass decided to set up a fundraising effort. The price of availing of the Air Ambulance is €3500.

Meaning that they need to raise 3 and a half Million every year to keep the service tipping over.

The event is for 16+ it’s cost is €50 pp.

For an Adventure Race and Bake Sale. From 12pm-6pm on Sunday 3rd of October.

For more information visit: https://www.ballyhass.ie/activity/fly-high-for-heros-adventure-race/

Darren Lynch – Amateur Cyclist Bouncing Back With Good Deed

West Cork Man Darren Lynch Organises Air Ambulance Charity Cycle Two Months After Serious Accident

The first Air Ambulance Charity Cycle will take place in West Cork on Saturday, October 2nd. Caheragh native, Darren Lynch is organising the 60km event to thank the Irish Community Air Ambulance following his own experience this summer. Darren was involved in a serious cycling accident in July and was treated at the scene and then airlifted to hospital to treat his injuries by the crew of the charity Air Ambulance.

The Irish Community Air Ambulance is Ireland’s first and only charity-funded HEMS Air Ambulance. It works in partnership with the National Ambulance Service and responds to serious incidents and medical emergencies from its base in Rathcoole in North Cork. The entry fee for the Air Ambulance Charity Cycle is €50. Donations can also be made online. For more information about the service or to make a donation directly to the Irish Community Air Ambulance visit https://communityairambulance.ie

If you wish to take part in the event or even just donate visit: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11414248_friends-of-the-charity-air-ambulance-cycle.html

Chris O'Donovan Cork Missing Person's Search and Recovery

Search Coordinator Chris O’Donovan on the work of voluntary group ‘Cork Missing Person’s Search and Recovery’

Thermo Fisher Scientific, based in Currabinny, has opened up applications to its €50,000 Community Partnership Grant scheme. Applications are open until the 8th of October to community groups in the lower harbour area who are making their communities healthier, cleaner and/or safer and can be made at www.thermofisher.com/csr/community-partnership-grant

This is the second year in a row they’ve done this scheme, and Cork Missing Person’s Search and Recovery was one of the groups who benefitted last year. Chris O’Donovan is the group’s search coordinator.

Cork singer songwriter Kev Olden calls from Toronto

We hear ‘Hush’ from Kev Olden

John Calnan of the legendary Cork institution that is Quay Co-op on Sullivans Quay

John Calnan on the Framework Films Quay Co-Op documentary screening at Indie Cork Sunday

A documentary made about The Quay Co-op is featured in this year’s Indie Film Festival which was produced by Emma and Eddie of Frameworks Films. It was founded in 1982 and John has worked there since 1985. A large number of those who set it up would have been members of communities back then that would have been seen as outside the norm such as: Lesbian, Gay, CND and Anti- Apartheid. It was seen as somewhere that gave a voice to those communities, somewhere where you weren’t judged for being different. John also chats about how important it is that the public are now aware of topics such as climate change, something the Co-op had been campaigning for 40 years ago.

For more info about the documentary visit: https://frameworksfilms.com/

Tomasz Madajczak – Skibbereen-based Visual Artist

Tomasz Madajczak – Cork County Council recipient of the PLATFORM 31 bursary award

Tomasz is a recipient of the inaugural PLATFORM 31 bursary award. He screened 4 art films as part of the No Space project at Uillinn Arts Centre in west Cork as part of culture night last Friday night, in which he collaborated with other artists in Ireland, Australia, Pakistan and Sweden.

For more info about Tomasz visit: Installations/Projects (tomaszmadajczak.com)

Cork Culture Night 2021 Spotlight (supported by Cork City Council & Cork’s RedFM

Karen Underwood (Soul singer extraordinaire), Aoibhie McCarthy (Sample Studios), Gillian Hennessy (Triskel Arts Centre) all talk Culture Night

Karen Underwood took the time to chat with Dave ahead of her performance at Cork Opera House. She performed her ‘Black American Song Book’ – a fusion of soul and gospel and everything associated with black culture. Aoibhe McCarthy of Sample Studios in Churchfield laid out what they do – offer an affordable space for artists as well as graphic designers, theatre performers, dancers and film makers – and their involvement in culture night. Finally Gillian Hennessy also discussed Triskel Arts Centre involvement in Culture night 2021 too.

For more information: Sample-Studios – Sample-Studios Triskel Arts Centre

Elaine Coakley - Studio Director at Backwater Artists Group

Elaine Coakley explains what Backwater Artists do for visual artists in Cork

Backwater is an artist studio in Wandesford Quay, near Clarke’s Bridge. The idea behind the studios is to provide artists with a work area plus an exhibition space and a dark room.

There’s a total of 68 members at present.

For more info about Backwater visit: https://backwaterartists.ie/

Cara Cullen Kabin Studio Knocknaheeny Music Creator

Teenager Cara Cullen tells of the impact Knocknaheenys Kabin Studio has had on her & on The Kabin’s role in Culture Night 2021

The Kabin Studio (Harbour View Road, Hollyhill, Cork), supported by Music Generation Cork City, is a non-profit community space that has grown out of a love for hip hop, original music, and more recently, horticulture. They believe in a holistic approach that includes the facilitation of music workshops, the recording and production of original songs, and the nurturing of a community vegetable garden in a neglected urban setting surrounded by social housing.

Check out the Kabin at: The Kabin Studio Cork – Home | Facebook

Niall Owens Film Director

Niall Owens on debut feature film ‘Gateway’

Niall’s first feature film will screen at Gate Cinema North Main Street this Sunday as the opening film of IndieCork. He describes it as like a love child of Love/Hate and The Shining, a criminal story with a physiological horror element.

The film will open the 9th IndieCork.

For more info visit: https://indiecork.com/about/

Zoe Hendrick - Miss Cork and Second Runner-Up at Miss Ireland 2021

Miss Cork Zoe Hendrick chats about the recent Miss Ireland 2021 contest

Zoe chats about how important it is to be comfortable in your own skin which is something that she is passionate about telling others, as well as ignoring how things can be viewed on social media platforms. She encourages people to take a break from it every now and then, although that is easier said than done for Zoe who is a digital marketing analyst.

Skibbereen music maker Rushes

Rushes on debut album release ‘Glowchild’

Video for the lead album track, ‘Lost in Therapy,’ shot all around West Cork including Lough Hyne hits the world Wednesday 15/09/21

Rushes describes his style of music as covering numerous genres including: hip hop, pop and R&B.

To hear more of Rushes music visit: Rushes (facebook.com)

Joe Kelly - It Takes A Village

Joe Kelly on ‘It Takes A Village’ festival in Trabolgan next weekend.

There’s a number of acts at the event including: Those nervous animals, John Francis Flynn, Fish go Deep ,Daithi and Paul Noonan of Belx1. As well as comedy from Sinead Quinlan and Cork’s RedFM’s Laura O’ Mahony and Stevie G.

On top of that there’s podcasts to be enjoyed from the likes of Blindboy.

All on a 121 acre site.

FOR OVER 21s.

If you are interested in booking a house to attend the event visit: It Takes a Village

10 time All- Ireland winner and Cork footballer Valerie Mulcahy

Valerie Mulcahy takes her place on RTE’s Ultimate Hell Week: The Professionals (Wednesdays RTE 1)

Ultimate Hell Week- The Professionals

RTÉ One from 8th of September for 6 weeks.

18 celebrity recruits take part in a grueling special forces selection course designed by former members of Ireland’s elite Special Forces unit, the Army Ranger Wing (ARW).

The Professionals: Jake Carter, Peter Stringer, Laura Nolan, Stephaine Roche, Ryan Andrews, Marc O’Neill, Eamonn McGee, Niamh Cullen, Valerie Mulcahy, Deric Hartigan, Rory O’Connor, Andrew Trimble, Barry Murphy, Melanie Nocher, John Sharpson, Paul Olima, Anna Caplice and Darren O’Sullivan.

Commences Weds 8th of September.

Trisha Lewis AKA Trisha Transformations

Trisha Lewis chats about a new Dove campaign she’s involved with

Trisha Lewis AKA Trisha Transformations is Izzy’s local legend. She chats about a new Dove campaign she’s involved in, which is helping people to be themselves online. Plus she gives us some top tips about how to reset when in comes to getting back into the gym and getting more organised with food.

Jess Leen - Playwright & Musician

Jess Leen chats about the one person show she both wrote and stars in called ‘Waiting for Wi-fi’ and on most recent song ‘Paranoid’

Waiting for Wi-fi tells the story of a girl named Maggie who is travelling around South America. Well actually…she has locked herself on her room since lockdown in 2020 and it’s now 2023, she is pretending to travel the world on green screen.

Jess also chats about single ‘Paranoid’ which has an electro pop vibe. It was produced by Jess along with the assistance of Brian Casey in Wavefield with melody from Tiz McNamara.

To hear more music from Jess visit: Filmmaker | Jessica Courtney Leen

Laoise Leahy- Musician

Laoise Leahy kicks off Soul in the City tonight in Triskel Arts Centre

Cork Comedian Colm O' Regan

Colm O’ Regan chats ‘Curious Gardens’ at Doneraile estate this weekend

Introducing Curious Gardens: a series of one-day festivals of tunes, chats and laughs in the walled gardens of two historic houses, presented by Schweppe Curtis Nunn and Emperor’s Robes in partnership with the Office of Public Works. From the people who bring you MindField, Trailer Park and Salty Dog at Electric Picnic come two brand new, day-long festivals in the beautiful, intimate surroundings of the historic walled gardens at Doneraile Estate, Co. Cork (September 5^th) and Emo Court, Co. Laois (September 9^th) that celebrate the essence of the Irish summer festival. Curious Gardens takes you through the keyhole of these secret gardens to witness the planting of seeds, turning of soil, tending of vines, blooming of flowers and nurturing of green shoots. Birdsong will be joined by human music; the buzz of bees will accompany enlightening conversations and the hissing of summer lawns will give way to laughter as the walled gardens in Doneraile Court and Emo Court spring into life. Experience intriguing entertainment including music, talks and comedy; a hamlet of interactive installations ranging from a Calcutta-style bus, to a forgotten circus, to an Alpine snow chalet, with great food and drinks, loads of picnic benches with room to roam and much more.

Doneraile Estate, Co. Cork – Sunday, September 5th

Music : JYellowL // Dublin Gospel Choir // Jafaris // Interskalactic // Cooks But We’re Chefs // Steo Wall

Words: An Irishman Abroad Podcast hosted by Jarlath Regan with special guest Hilary Rose (The Young Offenders) // Colm O’Regan: Climate Worrier // Waterford Whispers News: Live with special guest Mary Ann // Elaine Feeney // Sinéad Gleeson // Lisa McInerney // Jennifer O’Connell // Martin Collins // Mairtín Mac an Bhaird // Oein De Bhairdúin // Marty Mulligan // Willzee Casey // David McDonagh

Interactive installations: Après Ski // Lord Ganesh’s Larder

For further information about this event visit: Curious Gardens – Doneraile Estate, Cork — TakeYourSeats.ie

Cormac Mohally - Pitch'd Circus & Street Arts Festival Sept 2nd-5th & 9th-12th

Cormac Mohally on the many events of this years Pitch’d Circus & Street Arts Festival

The opening event of this year’s Pitch’d Circus & Street Arts Festival is Pure Daycent Chats with Paddy O’Brien and Noelle Ní Ríagáin, two Master Storytellers and Listeners, who are inviting the public to join them at the Douglas Street Parklet by the Cork Flower Studio for a cuppa and a chat from September 2nd to 5^th and 9^th to 12^th.

How do you feel about where you live, what you love or hate about it, and how do you see it in 100 years? Tell them what the funniest thing that’s happened to you on the streets of Cork, or what’s your favourite Cork expression? Pure Daycent Chats want to know!

Other events include on Culture Night Friday 17^th – RedFM media partners to Culture Night – where you’ll find a Circus street disco on the Coal Quay. Elswhere and on other dates you’ll find Pop- up shows, Tumble Circus performing a brand new show, a workshop with Tom Campbell that shows you how to cover yourself completely in recycled rubbish, a community cabaret show, a circus street arts trail, and all to be finished off in Red Abbey square on Sunday 26th of September with an event called Pure decent rhymes which features GMC creating story’s from the public in Rap form.

There’s Plenty of more events available to check out at: PITCH’D – Programme of events (pitchdfestival.ie)

Tian Herbert of Steps of Hope Cork

Cork billboards paint a picture of hope for mental health recovery and Tian Herbert chats about what’s involved

Eddie Butt Emperor of Ice Cream bassist

Eddie Butt from Emperor of Ice Cream on new single – Weather Vane

Cork’s Emperor of Ice Cream new single ‘Weather Vane’ is out now on FIFA Records, mixed by Graham Finn and produced by the band it captures the zeitgeist of this isolationist day and age, where social relations can be somewhat strained. Moods, motives and expectations can sometimes make us feel like we are caught up in a tornado of emotions when a relationship hits a rocky patch. This song is about the hope that remains even when things are falling apart. Offering driving rhythms and the Emperors trademark basslines, the band lays the foundations for raw and melodic guitars, topped by elegant, lush vocals and harmonies. A natural direction for the band, they bring in a fresher and raw sound, letting the parts speak for themselves rather than enveloping them with pedals and tricks. Since re-emerging on the scene in May 2020, Emperor of Ice Cream have embarked on a chapter few anticipated would be written. Their debut record’s first anniversary is marked by a second pressing on vinyl and CD. Entering the official Irish album charts at number 35 upon release, the LP topped the independent charts and was among the top 20 best-selling Irish releases of 2020.

Garnering a new legion of supporters around the globe and a renewed demand for the band’s back catalogue resulted in the release of a compilation album of their three early Sony-backed EPs (‘Overflow’, ‘William’ and ‘Know Me’), having sold out in the pre-digital 90’s. The album reached number 21 in the official album charts, rising to number 3 in the independent charts. While the limited-edition physical copies were sold out on release day, it is still available as a digital download via bandcamp.

If you would like to hear more music from the Emperor of Ice cream visit: https://emperoroficecream.bandcamp.com/merch

13 Year-old Saanvi Kaushik from Frankfield

Saanvi Kaushik Cork winner of a global tech award

Saanvi Kaushik from Frankfield in Cork city has won the Technology category at Technovation, a global competition that saw 5,900 girls from 60 countries develop 1,700 mobile apps that solve community problems. Stellar, the App developed by Saanvi, was selected as the best in the Technology category beating entries from all over the globe.

Saanvi who is 13 years old developed Stellar, an easy-to-navigate app, to provide timely and affordable Paediatric Occupational Therapy services to children that need them. Saanvi’s mother is an Occupational Therapist and during lockdown she saw first-hand her parent’s struggle to deliver care. Stellar provides a safe platform to Occupational Therapists so they can deliver remote appointments, monitor progress, and develop individualised programmes for children.

Ceara O'Connor Event executive for Rowing Ireland

Rowing Ireland National Headquarters is in Farran Woods scene of the annual National Rowing Championships

Ceara talks about how rowing has grown in popularity as a sport amongst Irish people especially after the success of our recent Olympians. The national rowing centre is based in Cork and the championships will see 503 crew’s compete in 55 categories making for 130 races over 3 days.

Lord Mayor Cllr Colm Kelleher

Lord Mayor Cllr Colm Kelleher chats about making Cork City a more ‘playful’ place with a culture trail for smallies & adults to enjoy culture trail

The Lord Mayor talks about his reign as mayor so far, and chats about the playful culture trail. Which has 30 fun things to do across a range of museums and galleries.

It’s an initiative sponsored by Cork City Council. It’s set up to make these amenities more child friendly and help kids get more culture.

Available are such events as scoot down the marina, skim a stone across the Lee and ring the bells of Shandon.

He also chats about the banter back and forth between the Mayor of Limerick and himself, and how they are meeting one another at the county bounds with hurleys for “hurls at high noon”.

Form more info on this event visit: https://purecork.ie/plan-your-trip/blog/2021/july/play-trail

Trees Please Co-founder Tom Jordan

Tom talks about a Cork environmental action group that grows and plants trees.

Tom Jordan, co-founder of Cork environmental organisation Trees Please, studied history in UCC and worked many jobs while living in Cork city for 18 years. A self-taught musician, he plays with Cork folk ensemble Blind Poets and eagerly anticipates the return of live gigs. In the meantime, you may find him in the woodshed, learning about bees or tending his garden and tree nursery near Dunmanway.

To see our goal of ‘more trees’ realised we soon agreed that a lot of people starting small nurseries, growing local seeds and rejuvenating the local environment would be the best solution. And that is how our environmental action group, Trees Please, came to be. Our role is to facilitate people who want to plant trees. We are not ourselves experts, but we have organised woodland walks and foraging expeditions with native woodland specialists, including heritage officer Ted Cook, who cares for many of Munster’s ancient trees including the Muskerry Oak and has also fostered many young forests around Macroom.

Ecologist Daniel Buckley gave us a terrific tour of Currabinny woods near Carrigaline during the easing of Covid restrictions last summer, while Mike Collard, who founded Future Forests nursery in Kealkill, brought a group of Trees Please enthusiasts on a terrific tour just before Covid struck in January 2020. By providing this point of contact Trees Please has become a touchstone for many people who wanted to grow trees but didn’t know how. We encourage all types of tree planting, from windowsill nurseries to larger-scale planting. Trees please also collaborate with Green Spaces for Health, Green Spine Gurranabraher and Churchfield ,St Mary’s Health Campus and Friends of the Glen as well as other Community groups.

To find out more about Tom’s vision visit: https://tripeanddrisheen.substack.com/p/our-cork-2040-cork-could-be-a-wonderful

Or find out more on Trees please at: https://m.facebook.com/planttreescork/

Terence McSweeney Manager of Cope Foundation

Terence McSweeney on Cork’s leading role in inclusive sports ahead of talks of Cope Foundations Golf Classic at Monkstown Golf Club

The Cope foundation are holding one of many golf classics at Monkstown Golf course on the 19th and 20th of August.

Copes policy is mainly to help people with intellectual disabilities and Autism.

So for this golf classic they have decided to get two blind and two amputee golf teams involved as well as a team of Special Olympic golfers.

Terence talks about how those who are Amputees or blind would overcome the challenges of golf. As well as how everyone has a right to be included in sport and social activities.

For more information about Cope visit: https://www.cope-foundation.ie/

Cork Singer Songwriter Sean Murphy (All The Queen's Horses)

Monkstown’s Sean Murphy Talks Up New Single, His Move to Cobh & International Song Comp Success

Having lived in Dublin as well as London for a lengthy period of time Sean is coming home to Cork! Here he tells us how he came 3rd in an international song writing contest previously won by another Cork man, Mick Flannery. Selected by a serious jury panel including: Tom Waits, Coldplay, Bastille and Fleet Foxes, the comp attracted 26,000 applicants from 158 countries.

His homemade lockdown album saw him score a record deal, his new label submitted the song – and new single – ‘Jocelyn’ album and it saw him finish third. A huge result!

The songs theme is the Irish diaspora of the 60’s and how difficult a journey it would have been for many of them, specially it tells the story of one girl who went abroad and things didn’t work out for…

To hear more of Sean’s Music visit: All The Queens Horses – Official artist website All The Queen’s Horses (allthequeenshorsesmusic.com)

Steph Cooke of Telus International

Steph Cooke chats about the initiative to earn funds for AWARE and My Lovely Horse

On September 10th Steph and 500 of her colleagues at Telus aim to walk Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest mountain… well not actually Kilimanjaro but the equivalent of 97 KM in aid or My Lovely Horse Rescue and AWARE.

The aim is to raise €50,000 for the two charities. The 97K can be done as part of a team or individually.

Steph visited My Lovely Horse rescue and fell in love with two Horses and decided to adopt them and they are now residing with her in Ballycotton.

If you would like to support this fundraising effort visit: #GOALLOUT TELUS Days of Giving 2021 | Fundraising Event Ireland (idonate.ie)

Jim Fahy - Stonemason

Stonemason Jim Fahy a part of this years Heritage open day with 45 online viewings of notable Cork buildings

Jim talks about a secret language “Bearlager na Saor“ that stonemasons used to communicate, a language that was used around the country with a stronghold in Munster.

He also talks of his involvement in Cork heritage open day online.

There’s 3 minute guided tours of over 45 buildings across Cork this Saturday.

Including Riverstone House in Glanmire, The Quaker Meeting House, The Courthouse, Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills, Blarney Castle, Cork Opera House and Collins Barracks.

Not forgetting Carpenter’s Hall based Stonemasons.

To view these amazing buildings visit: Cork Heritage Open Day – Cork City Council

Clodagh Kearney Tutor at Mahon Community Pop academy

Clodagh on ‘Lose Yourselves in Hope’ the debut single from Mahon Community Pop Academy

Clodagh talks to us live from Germany about Mahon Community Pop academy which is an initiative of music Generation Cork City and in partnership with Cork academy of music. They have released a single called ‘Lose Yourselves in Hope,’ a song completely written by the students of Mahon Community Pop academy.

Those involved in the songwriting process were:

Alexander Lawton,Eimear Halihan (guest player from Rebel Brass)
Sean Hurley,Adam McNamara,Lucy O’ Sullivan,Lyneisha Gaule
Aoife O’Brien and Wiktor Owczarek

The tutors include : Clodagh Kearney

Stephen Manning Jr, Andrew Moran and Mark Kelleher

All carried out through zoom sessions every Wednesday for an hour. Where the teens were able to get their frustration about to pandemic out in the form of music. However they did want it to be an upbeat and catchy song at the same time.

To hear the song visit: https://youtu.be/inTD1QdWqY8

Eoin O'Mahony - O’Mahony’s Family Butchers

Eoin O’Mahony on Cork’s beloved Old English Market

Trading in the heart of Cork city centre since 1788, the English Market is a roofed food market in one of the most important heritage buildings in Ireland and is made up of local stallholders and traders, who work together and independently to bring an eclectic mix of fresh, traditional, local and international produce to the people of Cork and beyond.

That includes Eoin O’Mahony of O’Mahony’s Family Butchers. A family run craft butchers that specialise in Dry-Aged meats and innovative cuts of meat –  located on The Grande Parade Entrance at The English Market market, trading since 1974. O’Mahony’s was started by Eoin’s mum Katherine O’Mahony and since then Eoin and sister Eimear have joined her behind the counter and become integral to the business and are backed by generations of skilled trade. They have been bringing the best local meat to dinner tables in Cork for over 40 years and also supply meat to 20 restaurants in Cork City. Nearly every product you see in O’Mahony’s originates in Munster, and half of those come from their family farm, Ballea Farm. Since we work directly with farmers and suppliers, our supply chain is short and our food miles stay low. By keeping it local, we’re able to serve you meat that’s in season and always at its best. You will always expect to find innovative cuts of meat and a unique offering at O’Mahony’s – they were the first in Cork to stock ‘Macroom Buffalo’ – Buffalo is a sustainable, all natural, locally produced product. A favourite among customers is the very popular ‘Buffalo Burger’.

To get your hands on some of their produce visit: O’Mahonys Family Butchers – Old English Market, Cork (omahonysbutchers.com)

Paula Nolan of Qualtrax

Rochestown native Paula Nolan on her 10 day 1,500 KM cycle challenge from Mizen to Malin

Paula is one of fifteen cyclists facing into a 10 day cycle challenge covering a distance of 1,500 KM. All in aid of much needed funds for breakthrough cancer research.

Starting off in Mizen head in beautiful weather as Paula and the group made their way up the country it wasn’t quite as glorious while they made there way to Malin head eventually arriving on Sunday 8th of August.

This is not the only fundraising effort from Qualtrax they have raised close to 1 million with previous events.

It was all spearheaded by former chairman Dermot Costello who sadly passed away from bowl Cancer in January 2018.

If you would like to donate to the Crowdfunding page visit: Ride2amillion | Fundraising Event Ireland (idonate.ie)

Cork Singer Songwriter Mick Flannery

Mick Flannery talks up new concept album created in collaboration with Susan O’Neill

Mick and Susan were put together due to the fact that they share a manager Sheena Keane who thought that a collaboration would sound well between the two.

Mick describes the whole album as telling a story between a couple.

The album ‘Baby Talk’ is out on September 3rd.

Carol Walsh - Manager of Cork Craft and Design in Douglas Woollen Mills

Carol Walsh talks up Cork Craft Month which is taking place throughout August

Carol and her team of 110 designers are playing a part in Cork Craft Month with over 70 events throughout August. Which is aimed at showcasing the talented creators and designers of Cork.

These various types of Crafts include: Ceramics,Woodwork,Jewelry,Basketmaking and Bookbinding.

There’s plenty of events to attend with some available online too.

For more info visit: https://www.corkcraftanddesign.com/corkcraftmonth/

Myles Gaffney - Singer songwriter

Myles talks about ‘Make Some Noise’ for the Shine a Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness group online from Firkin Crane tonight

The group was founded 12 years ago in the north side of Cork City. It is the 3rd time this particular event has taken place, it will take place in the Firkin Crane. However it can only be viewed virtually unfortunately because of you know what.

Acts will be taking to the stage tonight at 7 PM.

The acts performing include John Spillane, The Lost Gecko and Dots Tobin,

it’s being streaming in association with Unity Media.

Sadly Myles has known people who took their own lives and decided something needed to be done. So he set up the concert on order to bring attention to the services available in relation to mental health.

If you want to view the concert you can check out the artists Facebook pages or go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UHmSccgXNY

David Casey of Casey's Furniture

David Casey talks about 100 years of Casey’s Furniture

Victor Murphy of O'Mahony's Bar Watergrasshill

Victor Murphy on: The Good Room presents ‘Live at O’ Mahony’s of Watergrasshill’

The Good Room recently announced a brand new series of 21 live music and comedy events set to take place outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of O’Mahony’s of Watergrasshill. Each event will be staged in O’Mahony’s beautiful open air tented courtyard, with socially distanced tables for groups of 4 and 6, from July 29th to September 10th. These shows are supported by the Live Performance Support Scheme from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

 Only 100 lucky patrons per show will be able to attend these fully seated events featuring some of Ireland’s best musicians, comedians and singers over the course of six weeks this summer. The line up includes The Frank and Walters, Lisa Hannigan, Paul Noonan, Neil Delamare, Stephanie Rainey, John Spillane, Greenshine, Bernard Casey, Sinead Quinlan, Jerry Fish with many more gracing the stage from the August Bank Holiday weekend through to September 10th.

 Events kick off over the August Bank Holiday weekend with a free show on Thursday 29th July when Cork based acoustic blues, folk and bluegrass outfit Jawbone led by guitar wizard Alan Comerford take to the stage. The following evening Friday 30th July, award winning comedian Neil Delamere will perform as part of the COCO Comedy series hosted by Cornelius The Comic. On Saturday 31st July, burlesque specialist Foxy P. Cox will present the Peacock Parlour, a varietease cabaret show with everything from burlesque, circus, drag, acrobatics and sideshow thrills. The most successful pop act to come out of Cork, The Frank and Walters will finish off the bank holiday festivities on Sunday 1st August.

Tickets for all 21 shows are available to buy online at uTicket.ie and limited tickets are available from O’Mahony’s Of Watergrasshill.

https://uticket.ie/venue/o-mahony-s-of-watergrasshill

Dave Minogue – Director of Cork Shot Feature Film

Dave Minogue tells of directing debut feature film “Poster Boys” much of which was shot in Cork

Keith Duffy, Ian Dempsey and Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Bobby Kerr get in on the fun in the new Irish road movie Poster Boys. The debut film from director Dave Minogue stars Trevor O’Connell, Ryan Minogue-Lee and Aoife Spratt and is billed as having “a lot of heart while showing off the beauty of the Irish landscape and the quirky towns across the country”. “Set in contemporary Ireland during a time of extortionate rents and expensive pints, Aoife (Spratt) dupes her hapless brother Al Clancy (O’Connell) into babysitting her ten-year-old son Karl (Minogue-Lee) while she attends a weeklong music festival in Barcelona. “In a desperate attempt to save his job, the dysfunctional uncle lets his young nephew skip school so the reluctant duo can embark on a cross-country adventure in a stolen campervan.” The cast also includes comedian Joe Rooney and Mallow actor Amy Hughes with music from Bell X1, Horslips, Joe Dolan, and an original score by Vyvienne Long from the album A Lifetime of High Fives.

In selected Cork cinemas now, it’s available to VOD on iTunes and Google from August 23rd.

Anna Geary - Cork Camogie Legend

Anna Geary on TV show “Why Girls Quit Sport” available on the RTE player

Anna Geary is on a crusade to find out why teenage girls give up on sport and exercise.

Huge numbers of teenagers give up sports during their teenage years, and girls are 3 times more likely to give up than boys. By the age of 13 -15 teenage girls are living by the label “not sporty” according to research from Sport Ireland. For presenter Anna Geary, sport has played a vital role in her life and she is desperate to understand and investigate the drop-out rate among teenage girls.

This series follows 4 time All-Ireland winning Cork Camogie captain as she takes on her biggest challenge yet: to create a Ladies Gaelic football team from the students of Ringsend College, a school on the outskirts of Dublin city where just a handful of female students play sports. In just 8 weeks Anna will have to  encourage the girls to sign up, turn up, and form a team which is ready to play against other school teams in a GAA blitz. Meeting experts throughout, Anna will look at current research which aims to explain the current state of play, and learn some startling statistics about the impacts of inactivity on teenagers’ mental health.

Dylan Howe - Rowan

Dylan from the band Rowan talks up new single ‘Love Gets in the Way ‘

Dylan briefly spoke to Dave about his band Rowan’s new single, ‘Love Gets in the Way,’

released last November on the bands first EP ‘No One is Safe Here’.

For more information on Rowan visit: Rowan Band | Rowan (rowantheband.com)

Dr Danielle O’Donovan, Programme Manager at Nano Nagle Place

Danielle O’Donovan on: New Playful Culture Trail – 30 Fun Things For Kids To Do In Cork This Summer

Are you looking for interactive, educational, and playful things to do with your kids this summer? Museums, galleries, and attractions in Cork City have come together to create a Playful Culture Trail, featuring 30 fun and playful places where kids can explore the city’s culture, heritage and green spaces through play. Families participating in the trail will have the opportunity to hop through labyrinths at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, design costumes for superheroes at Crawford Art Gallery, find their Bog Age at the Cork Butter Museum, trace tombstones at St Peter’s Church, make daisy chains at Nano Nagle Place, enjoy the playground at the Old Cork Waterworks, and lots more.The full trail is highlighted on a colourful and child friendly map that can be picked up along with a unique tote bag, colouring pencils, a Pure Cork pencil, and a bookmark, from attractions and hotels in the city.

Get ready by picking up your free canvas goodie bag or download the virtual map at purecork.ie/playtrail, Get set by choosing where you want to visit, and go, go, go before the summer is out!  Some venues are free and others offer family rates.  For more see purecork.ie/playtrail. Follow @corkcitycouncilofficial on social media for updates on the Cork Cultural Play Trail and Cork as a Playful City. Hashtags are #LetsPlayCork #ActiveCorkCity and anyone who uses these when enjoying the trail could be in with a chance to win spot prizes.

For more info visit: https://www.corkcity.ie/en/things-to-do/playful-culture-trail/

Clive Davis: Chairperson of Cork LGBT+ Pride

Clive Davis on Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival Underway from Saturday 24th to Sun August 2nd

Cork Pride Chairperson Clive Davis: “The Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival are delighted to partner with our friends at Cork’s Red FM once again, and are thrilled that this annual partnership has developed into the creation of Cork Pride Radio, our new pop-up radio station, which is a first for a Pride Festival in Ireland. On the 24^th July, the 2021 Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival will burst into life again, although not quite as we usually know it! We’ve just launched our full line-up of over 20 Cork Pride 2021 events, head on over to our corkpride.com website – we hope you’ll be as excited as we are!”

Available on the new look redfm.ie website, on corkpride.com  and on the Irish radio player app, Cork Pride Radio promises pride classics to make you dance, pride anthems to make you sing, lots of modern pride favs like Lady Gaga and all of RedFM’s amazing selection of hot new music. It’s definitely something to banish the blues and to turn up loud! So if your life has been feeling a little dull of late, resuscitate yourself with a quick blast of Pride giving CPR – that’s Cork Pride Radio, on RedFM’s Red Hot.

For a full list of information visit : Cork LGBT+ Pride Festival (corkpride.com)

Joe Dalton Shine A Light Suicide & Mental Health Awareness

Joe Dalton on the 3rd ‘Make Some Noise’ event streaming live from Firkin Crane Fri 30th

#MakeSomeNoiseCork Presented by Shine A Light Suicide & Mental Health Awareness CLG Streamed live by Unity Media Network From the Firkin Crane Cork @ 7pm to 8.15pm On Friday 30th July

The main purpose of the event is to raise awareness of positive mental health, and to signpost people to the services and resources in their localities. A collaboration with Cork City Partnership and sponsored under the Healthy Ireland campaign and a Government of Ireland initiative small grants for 2020 and by Cork City Council.

Myles Gaffney, The Lost Gecko, Dots Tobin are with us again this year. We have changed the line-up for the event again this year by adding some of Cork’s most talented artist’s, special guests, John Spillane & Ger Wolfe, renowned singers’ songwriters and poets.

Please join us on the night for information on services in your area and nationally and entertainment by Cork’s finest talent. “Talking is a sign of strength not weakness”

visit: https://www.facebook.com/shinealightgroup/?hc_ref=ARS8WMYW5nuqLcrElxewWjWc5ejPq7J95gHmWFPMZpscuhBWu8RNkm_IB1uMNs-NRJI&fref=nf&__tn__=kC-R

Lyra On Performing at Subterranean Sessions & Recent Test Gig at Kilmainham

Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth: Cork’s Lyra on performing in Mitchelstown Caves

Filmed in the atmospheric and awe-inspiring caverns of the Mitchelstown Cave, Subterranean Sessions will air on RTE 2 on Thursday July 15th at 22.30h. Subterranean Sessions: Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth, is presented by Roisin O and Barry Murphy (Hermitage Green) and features stunning performances from Lisa Hannigan, Gavin James, Paul Noonan, Lyra, Talos, Eve Belle, Moncrieff and Roisin O. Recorded live, Subterranean Sessions was filmed in the beautiful Mitchelstown Cave in December 2020. The superb acoustics and the vast natural auditorium of the cavern makes for a unique and unforgettable concert experience. Set in spectacular surroundings that will simply take your breath away, Subterranean Sessions has captured unforgettable performances from some of Ireland’s leading artists. Some of the highlights include musical gems such as Lisa Hannigan’s ‘Fall’, Gavin James’ ‘Nervous (OOH)’, Paul Noonan’s ‘Some Surprise’ and Lyra’s ‘New Day’. Producer Shane Dunne says: “At the point this was recorded we as an industry hadn’t worked or seen our colleagues for months. While we are still very much in the worst impacted industry of the pandemic, recordings like this were such a special few days for artists and crew alike. It was a chance to feel normal, to feel valued and to see brilliant artists express themselves in a beautiful location. Now as we hopefully see green shoots and look to the future, it’s nice to look back to those dark December days in South Tipperary and believe this time, that some summer night we’ll see our friends again.” Subterranean Sessions was part-funded by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media through the Live Performance Support Scheme. Subterranean Sessions: Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth will air on RTE 2 on Thursday 15 July 2021 at 22.30h.

‘Speedo Mick Giving Back Tour’

Speedo Mick walking Britain & Ireland tip to toe in nothing but his Speedos

Speedo Mick has set his sights on a new mega mission – to walk 2,000 miles across the UK and Ireland and hand out up to £250,000 to worthy causes. Mick Cullen, 56, has trekked thousands of miles, attended hundreds of football matches and raised more than £650,000 in recent years – all while dressed only in a pair of blue swimming trunks. And the huge Everton fan has now embarked on a five-month trek across the UK and Ireland to hand out cash raised from his previous adventures – as well as raising even more. Super-fit Mick, who has twice been nominated for a Pride of Britain Award, first hit the headlines in 2014 by swimming the English Channel in just under 16 hours – despite being a novice swimmer. He turned up to Everton’s next home game in a pair of blue Speedos with ‘Channel Swimmer’ written on his chest, and his famous look was born. And in 2019 he completed a 1,000-mile walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End and raised half a million pounds, far exceeding his initial target of £100,000. His newest mission, the ‘Speedo Mick Giving Back Tour’, will cover 2,000 miles, taking in five capital cities – London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin and Belfast. Starting from Stornoway, in Scotland’s Western Isles, and ending in Liverpool, the route will cover a string of towns and cities, and Mick will walk up to 20 miles per day across five months. He’ll only be wearing his trademark blue undies, as well as a swimming cap, Everton scarf and a pair of boots. He wants to raise more money to donate in future, with Mick just £350,000 away from hitting the £1million mark since he began in 2014.

Shane Dunne talks Subterranean Sessions & Return of Gigs

Shane Dunne Subterranean Sessions – Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth RTE 2 10.30 Thurs July 15th

Filmed in the atmospheric and awe-inspiring caverns of the Mitchelstown Cave, Subterranean Sessions will air on RTE 2 on Thursday July 15th at 22.30h.

Subterranean Sessions: Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth, is presented by Roisin O and Barry Murphy (Hermitage Green) and features stunning performances from Lisa Hannigan, Gavin James, Paul Noonan, Lyra, Talos, Eve Belle, Moncrieff and Roisin O.

Recorded live, Subterranean Sessions was filmed in the beautiful Mitchelstown Cave in December 2020. The superb acoustics and the vast natural auditorium of the cavern makes for a unique and unforgettable concert experience.

Set in spectacular surroundings that will simply take your breath away, Subterranean Sessions has captured unforgettable performances from some of Ireland’s leading artists. Some of the highlights include musical gems such as Lisa Hannigan’s ‘Fall’, Gavin James’ ‘Nervous (OOH)’, Paul Noonan’s ‘Some Surprise’ and Lyra’s ‘New Day’.

Producer Shane Dunne says: “At the point this was recorded we as an industry hadn’t worked or seen our colleagues for months. While we are still very much in the worst impacted industry of the pandemic, recordings like this were such a special few days for artists and crew alike. It was a chance to feel normal, to feel valued and to see brilliant artists express themselves in a beautiful location. Now as we hopefully see green shoots and look to the future, it’s nice to look back to those dark December days in South Tipperary and believe this time, that some summer night we’ll see our friends again.”

Subterranean Sessions was part-funded by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media through the Live Performance Support Scheme.

Subterranean Sessions: Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth will air on RTE 2 on Thursday 15 July 2021 at 22.30h.

Anna Mulcahy - Kinsale Arts Weekend

Chairperson Anna Mulcahy Talks Up The Kinsale Arts Weekend

This year Kinsale Arts Weekend festival runs from July 8^th to 11^th and as we emerge from the trauma of a global pandemic, the theme of the festival “The Year the world changed” which was inspired by the David Attenborough documentary, offers opportunities to reflect, heal and hope through the power of the creative arts.

• The festival programme has been tailored to allow for safe enjoyment in the context of COVID-19 restrictions and reflects both outdoor events as well as innovative “drive in” shows.

The exciting 2021 programme reflects the festival’s aims to celebrate many diverse art forms and artists from the worlds of theatre, dance, music, comedy, literature, crafts, and film as well as the visual arts come together over one weekend to delight and inspire locals and visitors.

• Singers, Song Writers and Musicians, John Spillane, Lorraine Nash, Paddy Dennehy, Jack O’Rourke, Marian Cassidy, and Emmet O’Connor feature alongside local and loved artists over the four-day event at the “drive in” Saile venue.
• Irish National Opera present an outdoor screening of “The Lighthouse” by Peter Maxwell Davies at the Bowling Green, one of Kinsale’s beautiful and historic locations.
• Families and young audiences will enjoy a creative adaptation of a much-loved children’s classic, featuring “a terrible pair of foul folk” and a “feathered and furry rebellion” alongside a variety of other innovative dance, storytelling and theatre pieces at locations across the town.
• Alannah Hopkin partakes in a live Q&A on her recently published book “A very strange man”, selected by Sebastian Barry as his “book of the year” at the Tap Tavern.
• Kinsale will become a live gallery incorporating shop windows alongside traditional galleries, enabling the display of the wonderful work of both local and national artists.  Come to the Spaniard to experience the explosion of colour and creativity in the work of Omin, the renowned international muralist and graffiti artist.
• Kinsale’s beautiful harbour and magnificent seascape provide a natural setting for a variety of other events such as poetry readings, craft making and drama.

Kinsale, offering a variety of high-quality accommodation and restaurant options for all budgets makes it a destination of choice in which to connect with friends, festival fans and artists alike.

The festival, organised by a team of local professionals, artists and residents benefits from an inspiring and inclusive community spirit that aims to place Kinsale firmly back on the road to recovery during the summer of 2021.

“Walk ins” are possible for most events on the programme, but to be certain of your place, why not visit kinsaleartsweekend.com and book your ticket now!.

Kinsale Arts Weekend Events | Eventbrite

Sarah McKenzie Formula Women Racing Candidate

Sarah McKenzie (Monkstown) Competing for Spot in GT Cup Racing Series.

Sarah is one of just 6 Irish applicants, amongst a total of 300 women all vying for a prize of racing in the GT Cup series. The idea behind Formula Women racing is to provide training to women with limited or no racing experience and offer them the chance to take a place in the GT Cup racing series. It has been run previously in 2004 with over 10,000 applications and as it was so successful they decided to bring it back this year for a televised event. Sarah first became interested in racing at the age of 10 by her mother and has been obsessed ever since. She discovered Formula women through a motor sport podcast, It’s a sport that requires passion for driving over experience when starting off. In order to prepare there’s an on track assessment in the UK and training in Mondello park.

She needs sponsorship support, find out more here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2BN3EchrqsyxmG4sDstfTg

Kevin Young - Coxswain with Courtmacsherry RNLI

Lone sailor rescued after Yacht suffers broken mast plus steering and engine failure after 14 days at sea

The Courtmacsherry All Weather Trent Class RNLI Lifeboat was called out Tuesday June 29^th at 9.10am, to go to the aid of a 32 foot Yacht with a lone sailor on board that got into difficulties 15 miles south west of Courtmacsherry Bay in West Cork. The Courtmacsherry All Weather Lifeboat, Frederick Storey Cockburn under volunteer Coxswain Kevin Young and a crew of 4  were away quickly from their moorings, as a pan pan alert was issued by the Coastguard, that the yacht had suffered a broken mast, disabled steering plus engine failure and required immediate assistance.   The yacht was at sea for the past 14 days while on passage from the Azores to Ireland when the incidents occurred in poor conditions over the past few days.  Once the Lifeboat reached the causality at 10.10 am, Lifeboat Coxswain Kevin Young assessed the situation and as the causality was completely disabled, a decision was taken to put the Lifeboat towline on board the yacht and proceed under tow to the nearest port of Courtmacsherry.  The weather at sea had improved overnight and the Lifeboat proceeded at a safe towing speed back to safe surrounds of the Courtmacsherry pontoon, while also putting one crewperson on board the yacht to help a very tired skipper as they took the yacht alongside while traversing the Harbour Channel and final arriving to the Village Pontoon at 1.15pm.  The skipper of the Yacht suffered the mast break four days ago and without any sleep since in gusting weather, was mighty glad to be on safe grounds of Courtmacsherry after being completely disabled at sea earlier this morning.

The Courtmacsherry RNLI Lifeboat voluntary Lifeboat Operations Manager Brian O Dwyer said “We are all so relieved that the crewmen was rescued so quickly this morning and praised the great response of all the crew and officers who left their workplaces and rushed to the station, in order to help a fellow seaman in distress at sea this morning”. The Courtmacsherry RNLI Lifeboat Crew involved in this morning’s callout were Coxswain Kevin Young, Mechanic Pat Lawton and crewmembers Tadgh McCarthy, Evin O Sullivan and Conor Tyndall.  The Lifeboat has now refuelled and re stocked, in readiness of whenever the next call to action may occur.  This was the 17^th callout of 2021 for the All Weather Lifeboat Station in Courtmacsherry.

Kathleen Riordan - Organiser of Eco Tiny House raffle

Live Life Off Grid in a Tiny Luxury Custom-built House

Dripsy woman Kathleen moved to the UK aged 18 and got stuck but finally moved back home two years ago. The only way it was affordable for her to make the move home was through arranging for a custom-built off grid eco tiny house to be constructed. Which she is now raffling to raise funds to build on Beara. 5% of the proceeds will go to Cork Penny Dinners and Cork’s Simon Community.

Included in the home is :An open plan kitchen-living Room, with underfloor heating, and a “Hobbit” wood burning stove. There is a sliding door that leads to the bathroom and a very large shower, and includes “The Villa” high spec composting loo (includes integral fan, no odours.) A staircase with storage leads to two double bedrooms.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning this home visit: Enter Raffle to Win Eco Tiny House Raffle Ireland Hosted By Thereasa Riordan (raffall.com)

Jack Daly - APC (Alimentary Pharmabotic Centre) Scientist on World Microbiome Day in Cork

Microbiome Day – What is it? And Why is it Important?

Sunday 27 June was World Microbiome Day – a worldwide celebration of all things microbe. APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre is a lead coordinator and had three highlight events – Reading of Children’s book ‘There’s a Zoom in my Poo’ by Felice Jacka; Microbiome Friendly Brunch, an online cooking demonstration by Darina Allen in conversation with fermented food researcher John Leech; and Ask the Experts-Sustainability and Microbiomes, an information session hosted by Jack Daly a scientist from The Lough for the public to post questions to APC microbiome experts. Catch up on apc.ucc.ie

Declan O'Shea of Cork Band Mako DC

We hear the new single “Adore” from Cork band Mako DC

The band is made up of ex-Cyclefly members Declan O’Shea and Christian Montagne with Lawrence Sweeney on Bass and Ciaran O’Neill on drums.

Their new single ‘Adore’ is an experimental track as well as observations on everyday life.

Declan talks of his past rock n roll adventures in ‘Cyclefly ‘playing festivals like Woodstock and numerous arena tours.

For more on Mako DC visit: https://mako-dc.com/home

Rua on Single 'Pretty Good Right Now'

From Dunmanway To Los Angeles Rua Talks Music

‘Pretty Good Right Now’ is a nostalgic yet hopeful folk-pop summer tune to see us through the final stretch as we transition out of pandemic blues and trust in the pretty good times we have ahead. Definitely a song to blare while driving with the windows down at sunset.

Rapper Alex Brady Talks About Short Film ‘Throwing Shapes’

Short Film ‘Throwing Shapes’ Music Generation Cork City

‘Throwing Shapes’ the culmination of two years of writing, performing and development with a core group of eight young artists from The Kabin in Knocknaheeny. Performers/writers: Alex Brady, Ava Collins, Cian Hearn (Gatch), Katelyn O’Sullivan, Kayleigh Russel, Patrick (Ricky) Salmon Anson, Daniel Sheehan (Jester). Featuring supporting artists from the Kabin MGCC programme’s junior and senior groups. These young people are central to The Kabin Studio –a Cork Education and Training Board facility in Knocknaheeny run in partnership with GMC Beats and MGCC –and the film showcases their music, their words, their performance and their journey in expressing themselves through Hip Hop. This is music and art that is unmistakably of Cork City. The film explores this familiar landscape through a lens coloured by the experience of the year we’ve just had and the creativity that sparks in challenging circumstances.

Executive Producers : Ayla Amano and Brendan Canty (Feel Good Lost who have created videos for Hozier, Dermot Kennedy, Saint Sister)

Directed by Rosie Barrett and filmed by Albert Hooi (recent work includes Gemma Dunleavy’s Up The Flats and Jape’s Sentinel project)

Co-produced by GMCBeats at the Kabin Studio, Music Generation Cork City Cork, Graffiti Theatre Company, Cork Midsummer Festival

Project support from Music Generation’s Creativity and Collaboration Fund, the Department of Education and Skills, Arts Council Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Cork City Council’s Arts in Context fund, City Northwest Quarter Regeneration Fund, Cork Midsummer Festival and Youth Work Ireland. Creative facilitation team: Niall Cleary (Graffiti Theatre and Fighting Words), 0phelia aka Ophelia McCabe, Garry McCarthy (GMCBeats, The Kabin Studio)

For more information on future works visit: The Kabin Studio Cork – Home | Facebook

Mel O' Doherty On Debut Novel "Fallen"

Author Mel O’ Doherty On West Cork Literary Festival Appearance

Fallen is Mel O’Doherty’s debut novel. When Michael Connolly was a child in the 1970s, his mother Elaine told him about all the things that happened to her in that place. All that the nuns had done.  The doctors encouraged Elaine to talk, and talk she did. She even tried to tell the public. She wrote letters to the newspapers. She made signs and picketed Mass. The good  pious parishioners silenced her. The doctors told her she was delusional. Her husband didn’t post her letters. Her son didn’t believe her. Three decades later, still caught in the guilt from that time, Michael sits watching the news about the mother and baby homes unfolding, and realises, with his mother long gone, that she had been telling the truth all those years ago. Fallen is a stark and beautifully written account of the impact on one family of a shameful chapter in modern Irish history.

‘Fallen is a powerful, engrossing, deeply moving novel. I loved it.’ Roddy Doyle

‘A hugely powerful novel, full of heart, empathy and quiet passion.’ Joseph O’Connor.

‘A quietly devastating novel. Mel O’Doherty crafts this powerful story with the lightest of touches and yet every sentence seemed to sink its teeth into me. I will be thinking about Fallen for quite some time.’ Jan Carson

Mel O’Doherty was shortlisted for the Francis MacManus Award in 2019. In 2020 he was shortlisted for the Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Award and longlisted for The Sunday Times Short Story Award. His stories have been published in Southword Literary Journal and The Irish Times and broadcast on RTÉ Radio. He is an English teacher by profession. Fallen is his debut novel and it is published by Bluemoose Books in June 2021. He lives in Douglas, Cork with his wife and three children.

Ciara O'Flynn - Conservation Officer with Cork City Council

2nd Cork City Urban Orienteering Route to Include The Marsh & South Parish

The aim of this initiative is to show people how amazing Cork City is and allows you to take in Shandons Old and Historic buildings, while also getting outdoors and keeping fit at the same time.

It is urban course with tiles marked on the routes with an online map.

The 2nd route will go through The Marsh and into the South Parish. It launches Fri 25th at Wandesford Quay from 5.30 PM – 8 PM.

If you fancy having your artwork featured on the new route you can in a competition which involves drawing a sketch of a historical building on a ceramic tile.

If you would like to take in the route in your own time or want more info visit:

https://www.corkcity.ie/en/things-to-do/parks-outdoors/orienteering/shandon-orienteering-project/

Kathie Richardson - Actress and Model – on leading a horse through the streets of Cork

Corcadorca’s “Where is the Horse?”

As part of Cork Midsummer Festival 2021, Corcadorca Theatre Company presents FitzHenry, a theatrical Anglo-Irish horse, is visiting this year’s festival taking in the city and its environs until 27th June.

 “Where is the Horse?” is part of Corcadorca’s development of a large-scale, outdoor, theatre piece based upon Frank O’Connor’s seminal short story ‘Guests of the Nation’ which will be presented as part of Cork Midsummer Festival in 2022. This will be a creative collaboration between Kevin Barry, the celebrated Irish writer, recently long-listed for the Booker Prize, Mel Mercier, Tony-nominated and multi award-winning composer and sound designer, and Corcadorca’s Artistic Director, Pat Kiernan.

 
This year, as part of the development, they have created a two-person theatrical horse, designed and made by Elisa Gallo Rossa, and led by performer Kathie Richardson to represent the often uneasy relationship between Ireland and England. Kathie will walk the horse around various locations, at undisclosed times, during the festival, catching the public by surprise… keep an eye out for FitzHenry! 

Fermoy Man Jamie O'Connell On Becoming An Author

Fermoy Author’s Debut Novel “Diving For Pearls” is a Must-Read

In Diving for Pearls, a young woman’s body floats in the Dubai marina. Her death alters the fates of six people, each one striving for a better life in an unforgiving city. A young Irish man comes to stay with his sister, keen to erase his troubled past in the heat of the Dubai sun. A Russian sex worker has outsmarted the system so far – but will her luck run out? A Pakistani taxi driver dreams of a future for his daughters. An Emirate man hides the truth about who he really is. An Ethiopian maid tries to carve out a path of her own. From every corner of the globe, Dubai has made promises to them all. Promises of gilded opportunities and bright new horizons, the chance to forget the past and protect long-held secrets. But Dubai breaks its promises, with deadly consequences. In a city of mirages, how do you find your way out?

Jamie O’Connell , from Fermoy, was Highly Commended for the Costa Short Story Award 2018, short-listed for the Maeve Binchy Award and the Sky Arts Future’s Fund, and long-listed for BBC Radio 4 Opening Lines Short Story Competition. He teaches in University College Dublin. Diving for Pearls is his debut novel and is published by Doubleday Ireland.

To check out Jamie and more talented writers at this years west Cork literary festival visit: Literary Festival – West Cork Music