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/

Ciara O'Flynn- Conservation Officer with Cork City Council

Ciara O’Flynn wants to show people how amazing Cork City is!

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.

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! 

Dave Mac

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

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.

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

Fermoy Man Jamie O'Connell On Becoming An Author

Jamie O’Connell discusses his writing

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?

Leah Rose (Glanmire) On Debut Single ‘Good Night’

Glanmire Singer Leah Rose Tells of Journey To Releasing First Single

Leah talks turning 25 and the importance of releasing her first single to mark the moment.

She studied songwriting in Dublin in the BIMM Institute gaining a wealth of experience from the other musicians on the course.

For more information on Leah’s music visit: https://www.instagram.com/leahrosemusic/?hl=en

Sharon Manning - Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance

Cruinniú na nÓg Day of Youthful Creativity Saturday 12th June

Cruinniú na nÓg is a creative festival for children and young adults, and Sharon and daughter Karina have cooked up, shot, edited and produced a promo video featuring their dance troop of 56 dancers between the ages of 6 -24, dancing in pods at various hot spots around the Wild Atlantic Way.

Other events on display include ; Music Generation Cork, GMC Beats workshop and plenty more…

To find out more about Cruinniú na nÓg visit: Cruinniú na nÓg – A day of free creativity for children and young people (creativeireland.gov.ie)

Joan Denise Moriarty – School of Dance (joandenisemoriartyschoolofdance.ie)

Sharon Manning - Joan Denise Moriarty School of Dance

Sharon Manning discusses Cruinniú na nÓg creative festival for children and young adults

Cruinniú na nÓg is a creative festival for children and young adults, and Sharon and daughter Karina have cooked up, shot, edited and produced a promo video featuring their dance troop of 56 dancers between the ages of 6 -24, dancing in pods at various hot spots around the Wild Atlantic Way.

Other events on display include ; Music Generation Cork, GMC Beats workshop and plenty more…

To find out more about Cruinniú na nÓg visit: Cruinniú na nÓg – A day of free creativity for children and young people (creativeireland.gov.ie)

Joan Denise Moriarty – School of Dance (joandenisemoriartyschoolofdance.ie)

Danny Denton - Literary Curator of 'A City + A Garden' Audio walking trail

Sounds from a safe harbour is a new immersive storytelling experience available around Cork City

Literary curator Danny Denton tells us about A City and A Garden, commissioned by Sounds from a Safe Harbour in association with Body & Soul and presented as part of Brightening Air | Coiscéim Coiligh, a nationwide, ten-day season of arts experiences brought to you by the Arts Council. It’s a new state-of-the-art sonic experience that combines story and song produced by some of Ireland’s most exciting writers, musicians, and voice artists.

From Friday 11 – Sunday 20 June, visitors will discover, through free smartphone technology, the stories and songs that lie hidden in the trees and bricks of our city spaces. There are 2 trails across Cork City:

ROUTE 1 – Cork City – Sundays Well Road (Rose Construction hoarding) to Red Abbey Square.

A Northside rebel tells us how on a mad dash through the city streets she lost her heart – and various other bits of herself – to a lovely boy from West Cork in “Town: A Love Story in Body Parts” by Lisa McInerney. Narrated by Hilary Rose with accompanying music by Fish Go Deep.

ROUTE 2 – Cork City – Mardyke Bridge (Skate Park) to Bell’s Field

A lone man, invisible to you or me and stuck in some in-between place, slips through time as he follows a path from riverside to graveyard to hilly climb in “Now, Voyagers” by Louise Hegarty. Narrated by Conor Lovett with sound design by The Quiet Club and song by Seán O’Sé.

For more info visit: Sounds from a Safe Harbour // SFSH

Kelsey London-Based Singer/Songwriter from Watergrasshill

Kelsey Talks Up Her First Release” I Only Like Your Eyes”

Back home in Wategrasshill cause of you know what Watergrasshill musican Kelsey here tells Dave about her new single and journey into music to date.

Dave Mac

Kelsey London-Based Singer/Songwriter from Watergrasshill

Back home in Wategrasshill cause of you know what Watergrasshill musician Kelsey here tells Dave about her new single and journey into music to date.

Jeanette Cronin - MUA

See Jeanette Cronin Make Up Artist Tutorials ON RedFM Facebook Through June

Jeanette from Killmallock has been in Cork since college and has been a singer, hair dresser and now makeup artist with 66.8K Insta followers, a large portion of which came from jumping on a TikTok makeup trend.

A relative newcomer to the industry, up to age 33 Jeanette had a varied background; she studied music in Cork and was involved in signing in clubs, after this she studied Counselling and psychotherapy and then worked in a salon for 10 years.

Jeanette will be demonstrating her skills, with videos posted on Red FM’S Facebook page every Thursday throughout the month of June.

Corks RedFM 104-106 – Home | Facebook

Alex Pentek Sculptor and designer of Kindred Spirits, Choctaw famine sculpture, Midleton

Alex Pentek’s piece commemorates the Native American tribe’s magnificent gesture during the Great Famine

The power of art to connect, inspire and tell a story is beautifully and powerfully encapsulated in Kindred Spirits, a distinctive and much-loved sculpture, located at Bailick Park in Midleton. Created by Alex Pentek, the piece was commissioned by Cork County Council in 2013 and commemorates the donation of $170 (a huge sum for the time) by the Choctaw Nation to the Irish people during the Famine.

The piece, referred to locally as ‘the feathers’, comprises nine 20ft-high stainless steel feathers, each one unique, in the shape of an empty bowl. It is a feat of artistic ingenuity, design and engineering, taking heavy-duty materials and making them appear as light and delicate as the air that blows through them.

Pentek, who lives near Grenagh, Co Cork, says he wanted to encompass the Irish and Choctaw stories of oppression in the piece, and he did extensive research on the history of both nations ahead of making it.

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Cork ETB student Anna Jakobek accepted into the Washington Leadership Programme

Cork ETB student Anna Jakobek host of #ThisIsMe exhibition at Crawford Gallery

Cork ETB student Anna Jakobek has recently been accepted into the Washington Leadership Programme and has written a testimonial about her time in Mayfield Training Centre.

Anna recently hosted Cork ETB’s Youthreach and Community Training Centres #ThisIsMe exhibition and anthology at Crawford Gallery.

For more info visit: https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-40298996.html

Amy O' Brien Mitchelstown Winner of "Trend Micro What's Your Story?" Competition (along with Anna Keyes, Eleanore Robb & Alannah Wyrnn all of YMCA Cork)

“Trend Micro What’s Your Story?” Winner Tells Us What She Did & Why

Anna Keyes, Amy O’Brien, Eleanore Robb and Alannah Wyrnn joined YMCA Cork last year, where they met online.

Celebrating its 10th year, Trend Micro’s What’s Your Story? annual video competition posed a very fitting question to Ireland’s youth, ‘How did the internet help you get through this past year?’ Leaders in cloud security, Trend Micro’s What’s Your Story? competition is an annual highlight in their Internet Safety for Kids & Families (ISKF) programme. It is designed to give young people a platform to educate themselves and others on responsible use of the internet and to nurture this safe space. Featuring a quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet to summarise the roll the internet played in their lives last year, ‘I could be bound in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space’, it was Anna Keyes, Amy O’Brien, Eleanore Robb and Alannah Wyrnn from YMCA Cork who were crowned overall competition winners. In just two minutes they demonstrated how technology was intertwined in all of their individual interests from learning guitar with the assistance of YouTube tutorials to cooking along to Instagram lives. Commenting on their winning submission Alannah says, “It got personal. Lockdown allowed us the time to focus on our own personal needs and the internet was a huge support for personal development, growth and friendship”. While for Anna and Amy, it was the fostering of friendships which stood out most, “The internet allowed us to find like-minded people where we could learn and broaden our views on so many things that we are passionate about”. “What is amazing about our overall winners this year, is that before the cheque presentation they had never met in person before. The students from Ballydehob, Mitchelstown, Dunmanway and Carrigaline joined YMCA last year, where they met online. Our increased dependence on the internet this past year has created some challenges, but also great opportunities. In the case of these talented young people, they showed the world how the internet has positively impacted their lives and literally brought them together.”

Cork Singer songwriter Sarah Hickey

Sarah Hickey Cork Singer songwriter talks about her new song ‘Free’

Currently completing a master’s degree in Cork School of Music, Sarah has previously released a track titled Hollow and new song, ‘Free,’ is her follow up that’s perfectly timed for the easing of restrictions. Self-described as: Reflective, Ethereal and Earthy, Free was produced with the assistance of Cork Musicians/Producers Peter Piggott, Herbie Mac, Chris McCarthy and mixed by Christian Best and master by Ruairi O’Flaherty, all carried out remotely.

For more info on Sarah visit: https://sarahhickeymusic.wordpress.com/
https://music.apple.com/ie/album/free-single/1560132677

Kayleigh Cole – 17-year old Ballincollig F1000 Driver

Cork Driver Kayleigh Cole Talks About Racing for Second Time At Donington Park

Kayleigh is heading to the UK this weekend for the 2nd round of the F1000 UK championship. Which in layman’s terms is a race carried out on a 1000 CC bike engine, which has you going from 0- 60 Km per hour in 3 seconds and up to speeds of 150MPH.

Having started with Karting 3 or 4 years back Kayleigh wanted more of a challenge, her love for motor racing came about when she attended rallies with her father from a young age and decided she was sick of watching from the sideline and wanted to be behind the wheel.

Little did she know that she would then go on to race in the likes of Silverstone and Donington. As well as going on to win a best newcomer award.

We wish Kayleigh the best of luck this weekend!!

To see how she gets on visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/750MotorClubTV

Liz Scott Hall - My Town, My Plan

Liz Scott Hall – SECAD Programme Participant from Carrigaline

SECAD Sustainable Communities Training Programme is a FREE programme aimed at community groups, volunteers, businesses, young people and individuals who are interested in developing and nurturing sustainability within their local communities. The initiative will support participating communities to identify sustainability goals, while helping them to develop a community plan that strives for social, environmental and economic benefits for all. The core programme will run until June 2022, beginning in September this year with a series of weekly workshops that will cover a wide range of important sustainability topics.

This latest initiative follows SECAD’s 2019-20 ‘My Town, My Plan’ programme, during which eight communities (Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Rosscarbery, Kinsale, Carrigaline, Youghal, Cobh and Midleton) started a process of planning for their local area. The closing date to register for the introductory workshops is 24th May. For further information on the SECAD Sustainable Communities Training Programme, and to register please contact noconnell@secad.ie or info@secad.ie / or tel 021 4613432 or 087 9672515.

Will and his team Zipp are looking to expand the availability of E- Scooters

Ballincollig man Will O’Brien on his role with E-scooter Operator ‘Zipp Mobility’

Will and his team Zipp are looking to expand the availability of E- Scooters to the public using a crowdfunding platform, with the hope that they can expand to country’s such as Portugal and Poland as well as Cork. With a concept that is similar to that of the Coca Cola bicycle scheme and was set up by Dublin man Charlie Gleeson.

If you would like to help support this cause visit: Spark Crowdfunding – Equity Crowdfunding Platform in Ireland

Sally Barnes of Woodcock Smokehouse West Cork

Woodcock smokehouse recently enjoyed a visit from Chef and owner of Randaddy’s beachfront restaurant

Sally has a smokehouse between Skibbereen and Castletownsend in rural West Cork She has first-hand experience of the fishing industry, as she was married to a fisherman. Sally has been smoking fish for the the past 40 years. She is now passing on her wealth of knowledge to these who are interested in classes down in her smokehouse. Woodcock smokehouse recently enjoyed a visit from Chef and owner of Randaddy’s beachfront restaurant in Lahinch County Clare. Randy recently shot an online TV series, available on his social accounts and on rte.ie/lifestyle form Saturday 30th, called Randy’s Real Taste of Adventure: East of Ireland Tour. This 6 part mini-series saw him leave his restaurant of ten years behind to take to the highways and byways of Ireland on his first Irish adventure exploring the South and East of Ireland. He covered 8 counties in just 6 days visiting a dozen food businesses and enjoying some great Irish adventure in the great outdoors.

For more info visit: RTÉ Lifestyle | Food, Fashion, Living, Travel & Motors (rte.ie)
https://www.facebook.com/randaddys/

Introducing Skibbereen Singer Songwriter Rushes

Cork Musician Rushes Talks Up New Single ‘Wide Eyed’

Skibbereen musician Rushes explains Stevie G’s influence on his musical formation and of how he brought him into RedFM aged just 17 to play his first song, something that gave him a huge boost and inspired him to want to come back bigger and better the next time. Later his 2019 debut EP ‘Glimpse’ earned him an astonishing 1.5 million streams on Spotify. Now new single ‘Wide Eyed’ is but the first in a series of 10 tracks he’s releasing under the title ‘Glow Child.’ The main message behind the song ‘Wide Eyed’ is about self doubt and cutting ties with the past.

To hear more music from Rushes visit: Rushes | Spotify

Kevin Walsh - Musician and Cork School of Music Graduate

EMBRACE THE WORLD: CORK SONGWRITER LAUNCHES Fund it FOR SUPERGROUP SINGLE in aid of AUTISM CHARITY

Announcing the launch of a Fund it crowdfunding campaign for Cork-based singer, songwriter Kevin Walsh, in support of his debut single, Embrace the World, a super-group song in aid of the Autism charity, AsIAm. Kevin’s inspiration for the super-group style of performance comes from the Band Aid charity singles of Bob Geldof, and the recently successful Irish Women in Harmony singles. AsIAm, set up by Adam Harris in 2014, aims to provide a one-stop shop for the Autism community in Ireland. Their mission statement emphasises education, empowerment, advocacy and community, four areas which strongly resonate with Kevin, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of five. ‘Music is my way of expressing myself to the world around me,’ says Kevin.

Embrace the World is set to be released later this year, to support the project, follow the progress, and enjoy some unique rewards make your donation at the following link https://fundit.ie/project/embrace-the-world

Andy Carr - Fundraiser for mental health awareness

Andy is doing 10k for 35 days leading up to his 35th Birthday

Tomorrow is going to be the first of 35 days that Andy will run 10k up until his 35th Birthday. It is all in aid of mental health awareness and the work that is carried out by Lisheen’s House in West Cork.

If you wish to find out more on his fundraising efforts visit: Lisheen’s House, Preventing Suicide & Self Harm – Home | Facebook
Fundraiser by Andy Carr : 35 in 35 for mental health awareness (gofundme.com)

Gerry White discusses documentary about Collins Barracks

Gerry White – Former member of the Irish Defence Forces

Gerry is a retired company quarter master Sargent, after providing 43 years of service to the Irish army.

So who better to talk to about Frameworks Films documentary about Collins Barracks.
A Building that has been a part of Cork’s history for over 200 years.

It was built by the British because of a fear of Napoleon in order to have Cork properly armed, as well as a warning to Cork people not even think about having a rebellion and also to improve the quarters of the British troops who were stationed in Cork.

You can watch this documentary back at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADPmZOm8X8U

Phil Healy - Ireland's Fastest Woman

Ballineen Sprinter & Olympian-to-be Phil Healy is the new Clóna Milk Ambassador

Phil who holds the 100 metres record as Ireland’s fastest woman has teamed up with Clóna  as Ambassador for Clóna’s New Vitamin Enriched Milk. Clóna was founded in Cork in 1919, by the Hurley family on their Clonakilty farm, they can also claim to having the first pasteurised milk bottles in Munster. Phil will compete in this year’s Olympics and hopes it will be in 3 separate events, 200 Metres, 400 Metres and mixed relay.

We wish her all the best in her endeavours!

Ian Walsh - Pontious Pilate & The Naildrivers

Pontious Pilate & The Naildrivers new single – ‘Own Your Spectrum’

21 years young, Pontious Pilate & The Naildrivers are a nine-piece band that include founding member Ian Walsh on drums and, fellow survivor through all the incarnations over the years, lead singer Sean McDonnell. Influenced by Punk, Ska and Reggae, they are an outrageously fun live band that have to be experienced to be fully and properly understood.

See the video for latest song “Own Your Spectrum” here:

Stan Notte Creations

Stan Notte – Cork Boi! Nothing But A Ghost Town

Cork Boi! Nothing But A Ghost Town A look back at living with Covid – Pure Cork Style.

Also available on Stan’s website is various types of merchandise including Cork orientated Mugs, Hoodies, t-shirts and Art.

All of which can be found at: https://youtu.be/6ZUaxd-vuqw
https://stannottecreations.ie/
https://stannottecreations.ie/videos

Vanessa Byrne and Niamh O'Leary, students at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Blarney

Student Enterprise Programme National Finalists from Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal

Vanessa Byrne and Niamh O’Leary, students at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Blarney, won the Cork Student Enterprise Programme with by making a ‘Bosca Cóisir’ – essentially, a series of 100% recyclable and biodegradable boxes, which, when opened, reveal personalised photos and messages for loved ones and friends.

They will represent Cork in the ‘virtual’ National Final Friday 14th streaming live from Croke Park, hosted by Rick O’Shea with Leo Varadkar as special guest, they will be up against 20 other schools and we wish them the best of luck!

David Howard - Cystic Fibrosis Sufferer & Fundraiser

David Howard from Currabinny has raised €6,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland washing cars

If your car needs a wash and you are also feeling charitable David will clean your car from his home in Curraghbinny. In aid of Cystic Fibrosis which is something that David suffers from himself, it’s a decease that effects the lungs, the pancreas and makes it challenging to breathe. So far David has already raised over €6,000, and would appreciate it if you would help him continue to raise more by visiting : https://www.instagram.com/davidnvdhoward/

Fundraiser by David Howard : Help raise vital funds for cystic fibrosis Ireland (gofundme.com)

Sean Daly is attempting to break world records using his basketball skills

Skibbereen’s Sean Daly Sets Sights On Setting World records

Sean is attempting to break world records using his basketball skills, after some inspiration from his PE teacher at the start of the closing of schools in January. He took it apon himself to look up world records which he could try breaking.

One of which was to break a record for bouncing 2 basketballs simultaneously while blindfolded,which he did for 2 hours 6 minutes. He is also aiming to break the record in Skibbereen sports centre for the most bounces of 2 basketballs in 1 minute. The elements involved in trying to officially set a record is making sure you have proper balls and two time keepers, as well as video footage for evidence. We wish Sean all the best with his forthcoming record breaking attempt!

Kit Barrett is a student of Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa's Music Management and Sound Course.

Kit Barrett speaks about “Live n Gigging” end of year show by Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa Music Management and Sound Course

Kit Barrett is a student of Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa’s Music Management and Sound Course.

The Music Management and Sound Course can boast graduates such as Stephanie Rainy and Mick Flannery.Those hoping to follow in their footsteps include: Kit with a Soul and R n B set, Rita Doherty with Jazz music, a band called Moss who play Heavy Rock and Dylan Wentz and They Might Be Retro Sloths who are influenced by Johnny Marr and The Stone Roses.

All of which is overseen by Kit as event manager and Covid officer

To keep an eye on future events visit: https://www.facebook.com/CSNLiveNGigging/

Sinead Crowley discusses this year's Darkness into Light

Sinead Crowley encourages people to join the Darkness Into Light walk on Saturday 8th by visiting : darknessintolight.ie

We hear about this year’s virtual darkness into light, a fundraising event that was started by Imelda O’Keeffe and Viv Mulqueen in Clonakilty 8 years ago.

Sinead who was volunteering from day 1 is still helping out prior to them stepping as side.
However now more then ever it is just as important if not more so to keep the event going in order to promote the importance of mental health and looking after it.
With funds going to Pieta House.

The walk is a very special one with a great bond with each member of the community looking out for one another, or remembering loved ones, family or friends who  have challenges in the current climate.

Registration forms for the event can be found at: https://www.darknessintolight.ie/home-page-2021

Aoife Desmond talks about Test Site

Aoife Desmond talks about Test Site: Urban Art Research Project on Kyrl’s Quay

TEST SITE is a collaborative, urban research project based on Kyrl’s Quay, Cork City. Co-created by Ailbhe Cunningham + Aoife Desmond, the project works at the intersection of art, architecture and ecology. Engaging with natural and built heritage, the project uses site-specific architectural interventions, film/performance work, discursive talks and live events to respond to a vacant ‘island’ site on Kyrl’s Quay, Cork City Centre.

Aoife and a number of others including Ailbhe Cunningham, Mary Kelleher and Cáit Ní Dhuinnín are all working on an urban research project on Kyrl’s Quay, at the end of Cornmarket Street. On a site which was H.Parker & Sons / Cork Timber, Slate & Cement Co. timber yard and sawmill.

Aoife and her team decided to take advantage of the empty space to draw the attention to the space, as well as it’s artistic potential and how the public can participate in the building of our city.

They are aiming to be open by the end of June, with live talks, live performances, music and film.

It is a temporary installation for a two month period, but it’s hoped that it may become a long running project.

For more information visit: testsitekyrlsquay.ie

Introducing 21-year old Ballycotton Singer-Songwriter Cillian

Ballycotton Singer-Songwriter Cillian talks about new song ‘My Life’

Written over lockdown “My Life” documents Cillian’s approach to becoming an artist and singer. The message is to follow your dreams.

Hear his new single now:
My Life – Single by Cillian | Spotify

Billy Ramsell - Cork Poet

Cork Choral Festival runs online until May 2nd

At this year’s Cork Choral Festival poet Billy Ramsell will have his specially commissioned piece – ‘A Singing City’ – voiced by Elmarie Mawe. The meaning behind Billy’s poem is looking into Cork’s rich history as a singing City but also looking into the future when the event will hopefully be held in reality and Cork will get it’s voice back again next year. Under normal circumstances the event would attract up to 5000 singers and 50,000 visitors from all over the world throughout the City and County. This year’s event will have free interactive workshops. As well as 48 international Choirs from across the globe. There will also be a big group singing experience with Ardú Director Ciaran Kelly.

For more information about this year’s festival visit:http://2021 Cork International Choral Festival | Cork International Choral Festival, Cork, Ireland (corkchoral.ie)

Lorraine Maye - Director of Cork Midsummer Festival

Hear all about Cork Midsummer Festival 2021 – a hybrid affair running running June 14th – 27th

Lorraine and her team have designed a hybrid event of online and In Real Life.

There are 5 main strands including: Online, City Stage (Port to the Fort), City Stage on your doorstep, City Gallery and City Rising, Emerging Artists.

Events within the strands include: A Silent Disco, Hip-Hop,Street Art,Music,Dance and Outdoor socially distant workshops for kids and many more..

To see the exciting events at this year’s festival as well as this years participants visit: https://www.corkmidsummer.com/

Ciaran Fitzgerald of The Blue Haven, Kinsale

Blue Haven, Kinsale team walking to the US – virtually – in Aid of Kinsale Youth Support Services

Ciaran and Blue Haven Kinsale team are full of praise for the work of Kinsale Youth Support Services and in order to show support 47 participants are walking the distance from Kinsale to sister town of Newport, Rhode Island, a total distance of 4,890 KMs throughout the month of April.

If you would like to support this worthy cause visit: https: //ie.gofundme.com/f/friends-of-the-blue-haven?utm_campaign=p_cp_url&utm_medium=os&utm_source=customer

Cork Singer Songwriter - Stephanie Rainey

Stephanie Rainey’s new single “Ross and Rachel” is out now

We hear from the extraordinary Cork Singer Songwriter Stephanie Rainey and the release of her new single “Ross and Rachel”. Written at the end of 2019 with the assistance of London-based Cian Ducrot, Stephanie describes this as a song she really fell in love with and has been exited about releasing it for a long time.

The song tells the story of the ups and downs in a relationship,whist using Ross and Rachel from friends as an analogy, it’s especially relevant now with a Friends reunion only around the corner.

To hear more of Stephanie’s music visit: https://stephanierainey.com/
https://www.facebook.com/stephanieraineyband/

Schull Actress Ayoola Smart (‘Smother’ and ‘Killing Eve’) talks about her career to date

Schull Actress Ayoola Smart on opening the 12th edition of the First Cut! Youth Film Festival currently underway online

The Schull native who spent 9 years in London, making the move over to attend drama school, tells us about the 9th First Cut! Youth Film Festival which is taking place online. Ayoola played the role of Kathy in the RTE drama smother and also Audrey in Killing Eve, both of which can be found on the RTE player. Getting these parts is a fantastic achievement considering how tough it can be to get roles in acting , this is something else she goes on to discuss.

If you would like more information on the First Cut! Film Festival visit: https://firstcutfilmfestival.com/

Joe O'Leary - Award winning Levis' Bar/Live venue Ballydehob

Joe from Levis talks about the Ballydehob Jazz festival happening online over the May Bank Holiday Weekend

Joe talks about opening up food trucks providing Ramen last year to the people of West Cork. Aside from food trucks they have been lucky enough to be able to stream gigs online during the middle of the pandemic. Now that experience will assist in making the Ballydehob Jazz Festival happen online over the forthcoming May Bank Holiday. Find out more here.

For more information on this years Jazz festival visit: https://ballydehobjazzfestival.org/

Pat Collins - West Cork Film Maker

‘Henry Glassie: Fieldwork’ a new meditative film by West Cork man Pat Collins

Drimoleague director Pat Collins got his first taste of world cinema aged 18 at the Cork International Film Festival and has since been editor of Film West magazine and a mentor of Cork Film Centre.

Since then he has gone on to make numerous documentary’s and films. Pat talks about his most recent film which examines the life of American Folklorist Henry Glassie, a curious character who discover different cultures and people through the things they make.

The title of the film is “Fieldwork” and it is a meditative film for those who are into creativity.

It has also been released in the UK.

To watch Fieldwork now visit: https://ifi.ie/film/ifi-documentary-festival-henry-glassie-field-work/
https://queensfilmtheatre.com/Whats-On/Henry-Glassie

Shane Deane Head Chef Celtic Ross Hotel – where a warm West Cork welcome awaits!

Celtic Ross Head Chef Shane tells us of C.R.A.F.T. (Celtic Ross Artisan Food Truck)

The ‘Celtic Ross Artisan Food Truck’ – C.R.A.F.T – West Cork – is a permanent fixture on the terrace of the Celtic Ross Hotel. Serving vibrant West Cork street food CRAFT offers you the opportunity to sample their passion for local produce and enjoy a cup or two of Stone Valley’s celebrated coffee, brewed using beans freshly roasted in nearby Clonakilty. The team at the family-owned Celtic Ross are avid supporters of all things local and up to 35 local food and beverage producers are showcased on the menus of CRAFT West Cork and in the hotel itself.

Tue in to RedFM’s Breakfast show this week for the chance to ‘Taste the Real West Cork’ by winning a two-night stay for two at the Celtic Ross Hotel Rosscarbery including dinner on an evening of your choice the Kingfisher Bar and Bistro, recently awarded with an AA rosette in culinary excellence.

Cork Singer-Songwriter Rebecca Houlihan

“Voices” from Cork singer songwriter Rebecca Houlihan

Rebecca has been singing all her life but it was while in Australia performing in a number of bands that her career began.

Through networking online Rebecca became acquainted with Kevin Sunray where he reached out with instrumental tracks and Rebecca then came up with the perfect accompaniment to one of his tracks which then became known as voices.Which tells the story of a women crying out in pain to a man that can’t hear her anymore because he is listening to other voices.

There is also a music video to go with the song which was shot with the assistance of Jarek Sowinski of JS productions outside Fountainstown beach.

Check out the video for voices and more of Rebecca’s music at: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaHoulihanMusician/

Danielle McLaughlin of Fiction at the Friary

The 17th Cork World Book Fest runs from Tues 20th – Sun 25th

Hosted by award winning writers Danielle McLaughlin and Madeleine D’Arcy, Fiction at the Friary is a free monthly event in the Friary Bar (currently online). On the 25th they host an event called “The Secret Life of Book Bloggers” at 3 o’clock as part of the Cork World Book Fest. The festival, which turns 17 this year, runs from Tuesday 20th to Sunday 25th April and incorporates UNECSCO World Book Day on April 23rd. This year will see writers from Australia, Latin America, Ireland and Northern Ireland read from their work in events taking place online. The programme also includes events with partners UCC and, for the first time, Nano Nagle Place and Fiction at the Friary in bringing writers and readers together.

The Fest is a participative, inclusive event, connecting readers with established and emerging Irish and international authors. It also caters for all age groups with Teen Day coming back on Wednesday 21st April, which includes authors Louise O’Neill and Shane Hegarty as well as the launch of the popular Graphic Novel Project. There will also be discussions on children’s books from around the world, and on the role of literature in climate change. Languages featured during the fest include Spanish, Galician, Catalan, Basque, Latvian, German, Chinese, Indonesian, Irish and Hebrew.

To book tickets for these events, which are free to attend, visit http://corkworldbookfest.eventbrite.com or www.corkworldbookfest.com

Alan Dalton - Notes to Cork Purple Campaign

Remember your loved ones battle with cancer through the ‘Notes 4 Cork ARC’ Campaign

Alan Dalton of Notes to Cork, with whom RedFM partnered on the ‘Love Notes to Cork’ and ‘Love Notes to Mum’ campaigns, here talks of a new campaign called Notes for Cork ARC, a campaign dedicated to the memory of Alan’s late Aunt Breda who passed from cancer in 2019. The mission is to turn Cork purple whilst also raising money for cancer and remembering loved ones who are no longer with us. It’s an installation of over 200 posters across the City and suburbs.

Donations gratefully received and you can leave a message in memory of a loved one who sadly passed away or perhaps overcame cancer on a billboard by donating upwards of €20. All donations to Cork ARC Cancer Support House.

To support this worthy cause visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/notes-4-cork-arc

Ciaran Cullinane Cycling Cobh to Belfast in aid of Breaking the Silence

East Cork trio to cycle the distance between Cobh and Belfast to raise funds for Cork suicide prevention charity

Jack Wyse, Kyle Langford and Ciaran Cullinane are taking part in a one month challenge in aid of Breaking the Silence, charity based in Cobh but serving Cork and beyond. The trio will cycle over 430KM, the equivalent of cycling from Cobh to Belfast, while also completing a sea swimming challenge at the same time.

The one month challenge will commence on Monday April 5th 2021. The challenge consists of a 30KM cycle on one day and a swim on the next, consecutively for the month, while raising money along the way.

Breaking The Silence are a voluntary group who provide FREE Suicide Intervention & Prevention training to communities across Cork and beyond. Their mission is to help “Create a Suicide Safer Community by connecting the person at risk of Suicide with life preserving resources”.

An iDonate page has been set up and donations can be made by clicking www.idonate.ie/cycle4bts

Gavin McEntee Director of The Broken Crow Theatre company

Sample some of the ‘Play it by Ear’ programme of audio shows recorded as live from Everyman Theatre Cork

Broken Crow have had a residency at the Everyman Theatre for the last couple of years, at present they are working on the “Play It by Ear” series which is a number of audio dramas such as Martin McDonagh’s A Skull in Connemara which Gavin helped produce recently.

There are a number of shows in the series being live streamed from the stage in the Everyman Theatre, if you are interested in checking any future productions visit:

https://www.facebook.com/EverymanCork/

https://everymancork.com/

Tristan O'Donovan musician from Kealkill in West Cork

18 year old West Cork musician Tristan O’Donovan tells us of his catchy new single “Bottle O’ Red”

Eighteen-year-old Corkman Tristan O’Donovan’s “Bottle O’Red” is a sunny reggae-tinged track with rock and R&B notes. A cheeky and full-bodied debut single, it has already racked up thousands of hits on Spotify and for its music video on YouTube.

“It was pure chance,” Tristan explains, humbly. “Last year, me and my friend Daniel Duffy started making music in my stepdad’s mobile home in Kealkill. This song is about a girl I never got the chance to have a second date with, due to the lockdown. I uploaded it to Spotify, and then I forgot about it to be honest!” Lucas Skannel, a blacksmith shared it on his popular Facebook page, Colla Forge, after which interest exploded, unbeknownst to Tristan.

‘Bottle O’Red’ is a swaggering and confident track. Tristan’s vocals sail assertively above rhythmic guitar slashes and a bright drum beat. Hard to place in terms of genre, his sound borrows from the spirit of Bob Marley’s output as much as it does from the surf-rock stylings of Ocean Alley, with perhaps a pinch of the lovable cheekiness of Anderson Paak. Tristan O’Donovan began playing guitar at the age of the 12, after his father died, popular local musician Tony O’Donovan. In 2020, he dropped out of the Leaving Cert to focus fully on music, producing songs in his stepfather’s mobile home in Kealkill, in West Cork. ‘Bottle O’Red’ was produced, mixed and mastered there, with his long-time friend and collaborator, Daniel Duffy.

To hear more of Tristin’s music visit: https://www.tristanodonovan.com/

Kieran O'Donovan Focus Ireland Service User

Join RedFM & Cork City FC & support the ‘virtual’ Big Rebel Sleep Out for Focus Ireland April 24th

5 years into recovery Kieran chats about how Focus Ireland is still a massive support to him, this comes about after 19 months of treatment in a residential facility. He also talks about how now more than ever homelessness is on the rise as a result of the pandemic. Focus Ireland have helped give Kieran a purpose and routine in life again.

On the 24th of April Focus Ireland want you to do the virtual Big Rebel Sleep Out.

To support or take part visit: https://www.focusireland.ie/

Rachel Gleeson, Corcadorca Theatre Company’s new Company Manager

Corcadorca Theatre Company: Ireland’s Site-Specific Theatre Specialists

Rachel Gleeson announced as the new company manager at Corcadorca Theatre Company.

Rachel worked as an actor for 15 years, performing on the main stages across the country as well as abroad on international tours. She holds a BA in Drama & Theatre Studies from Trinity College, a Law Degree from The Honorable Society of King’s Inns and an MA in Arts Management & Creative Producing from UCC. Rachel has been working as Assistant Producer at Corcadorca since July 2020.

Rachel: “I am thrilled to be embarking upon this new chapter with Corcadorca; a company that not only has stood at the heart of civic celebration in Cork for 30 years, but is also one of Ireland’s leading producers of off-site theatre. In taking on this role, I hope to bring fresh eyes, new perspectives and a renewed dedication to supporting new work and emerging artists. I want to thank the board for putting their trust in me to take on this legacy and greatly look forward to rolling out our exciting plans for this year and beyond, alongside Pat Kiernan.”

If you would like more information on Corcadorca email: info@corcadorca.com

Asha Woodhouse newly elected UCC student union president

Asha Woodhouse on being elected UCC Student Union and being the first female president in 18 years

Asha saw off 2 of her male competitors to become the first female student union president in 18 years, picking up 53 % of first preference votes.

Just after competing her undergraduate in Environmental Science Asha is now doing a masters in environmental law. She is using what she learnt from her time as a student to put back into focusing on sustainability in her term as president. Also discussed is how important the college experience is from a social point of view and how she is looking forward to a day when on campus learning can go ahead again.

Jack O'Regan of the ‘West Talk’ Insta Page

West Talk Insta page fundraiser for Lisheen House mental health support service in West Cork

Set up by local West Cork man Jack O’Regan West Talk is an Instagram page that promotes West Cork business and recently he ran a socially distanced fundraising initiative for Lisheen House in Skibbereen, who provide support to those who are struggling with mental health.
Since starting West Talk I’ve wanted to find a way of using the page to give back to the community. I have set up a fundraiser in aid of @lisheenshouse
Lisheen House provides support to people who are struggling with their mental health or who are in crisis. It’s a great charity that offers a lot of services such as support, training and counselling. They also have a “Phone a friend” service for the elderly people in the area who are experiencing loneliness.

For more information on Lisheen House visit: https://lisheenshouse.ie/tag/lisheens-house/

Niamh Murphy on Cork Businesses Association President's Dinner At Home highlighting Corks Food Culture

Cork Business Association Presidents Dinner At Home – A Cork Food Collaboration

An exceptional evening of celebration, awards, great food, light entertainment and networking, and panel discussions with business and civic leaders, has been planned for the President’s Dinner At Home and Cork Business of the Year Awards, which takes place virtually this year on April 17. The dinner is always a stunning showcase of Cork produce, and this year will be no different.   Attendees will enjoy a Taste of the City at Home culinary experience, which is a collaboration between Cork’s top hotel chefs and well-known Nash19 owner and past CBA President, Claire Nash.  Claire, who has been a leading organiser in Cork’s famous Long Table Dinner over the past few years, says “the quality of the food will be on a par with the Long Table and will showcase our favourite local producers and the extraordinary talent of local chefs who are pushing the boundaries with their food.” The Cork Business of the Year Awards will also be presented on the evening.  The finalists were announced last week and 7000 public votes have already been received.  Voting is open on CBAAwards.ie for the remainder of the month. The chefs involved in the food experience are from the Metropole, the Imperial, the Cork International, the Kingsley, Nash19, and Vienna Woods. The Cork Business Association is encouraging everyone to dress up on the night and to share their experience on Twitter.  They will be linking into people’s homes via social media and there’ll be plenty of prizes for the best dressed, the best presented meal, and the best tweet!” The charity partner is Marymount University Hospital & Hospice, and the awards and event are sponsored by JCD, Centra, Peninsula, and The Irish Examiner is the media partner. Tickets are priced at €95 per person (€190 for the dinner for 2) and are on a first come first served basis. To book or for more information see CBAAwards.ie, contact (021) 427 8295 or info@corkbusiness.ie .

If you would like to cast your vote visit: https://cbaawards.ie/

Lor & Michelle (Keating & Barry) ‘My Tribe – Indie’ TV Contributors

‘My Tribe – Mo Threibh’ Indie episode features Indie/Cure Heads Lor & Michelle – available to view on RTE Player

Having featured on the Indie episode of the series my tribe which looks into the various music scenes in Ireland in the past and present. They talk about being Cureheads and the tattoo they got of the band to literally mark the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the last time they had seen them live. Other Cork contributors to this series include Michelle Ring (Dance) and RedFM’s Stevie G (Hip Hop).

Aside from this they also chat about how they became friends and shared a love of the same music.

Watch this production by mind the gap now at : https://www.rte.ie/player/series/my-tribe-mo-threibh/SI0000008291?epguid=IP000066495

Eddie Kiely talks all things FIFA Records and Emperor of Ice Cream

Cork band Emperor of Ice Cream new single Puerile

Since Emperor of Ice Cream announced their return from a twenty-five-year hiatus in May 2020 and with the release of their long-awaited debut album ‘No Sound Ever Dies’ last August, they have embarked on a chapter that very few, if any, expected would be written. The acclaimed debut long player entered the official Irish album charts upon release while also taking the No.1 spot in the indie album charts. Due to the wide acclaim for the album and the associated singles the band have not only appeased their long-established cult following but have garnered a new legion of supporters around the globe, which in turn has created a renewed demand for the bands back catalogue.

April 16th will see Emperor of Ice Cream release ‘The EP Collection 93-94’ a compilation of their three extremely well-received EPs (Overflow, William and Know Me) which unless you were lucky enough to pick up a physical copy back in the pre digital 90’s, were no longer available. Puerile will be the 2nd single released from the forthcoming compilation album following on from Overflow earlier this year. It was recorded at Protocol Studios London with Swedish producer Adam Kviman at the controls and is a three-minute indie guitar track that once again displays the Emperors trademark compulsive rhythms, creative chord choices and frontman John Haggis’ gift for melody. ‘Puerile’ will be available on all platforms from Mar 26th. The EP collection 93-94 can be pre-ordered now via Bandcamp and is available as a digital download and a limited-edition cd.

To find out more about Fifa records and Emperor of Ice Cream visit:

https://www.facebook.com/corkfifa/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCebV6OxkyVhTVD-b6sAEUMQ

Cork Comedian Sinéad Quinlan – Winner of Stand Up & Be Funny

Comedy Quizzes at Home with with Sinéad Quinlan

Cork’s rapidly rising comedy star and face from the telly (RTÉ’s The Den/Ray D’Arcy Show/Seriously Sinead?/Winner of Stand Up & Be Funny) is on a mission to keep people laughing while they #StayHome. Sinéad has been bringing laughs (and even some knowledge) to comedy fans at home through her private virtual quizzes – which are now available for bookings. Just because we’re in lockdown doesn’t mean we can’t have the craic & cans together (but apart).

These interactive comedy quizzes are produced by WOMP Events, a Galway-based digital events firm which was formed during the first lockdown of 2020. Full information and booking via wompevents.com.

Find Sinéad Quinlan on Insta @sineadquinlan_

Zoe Tiburzi Mallow U16 Basketballer

Mallow U16’s are dribbling all the way from Mallow to the National Basketball arena in Tallaght…all without leaving their home’s

This weekend Zoey and her teammate’s are carrying out a socially distanced dribbleathon in aid of Mallow Search & Rescue. The total distance from Mallow to the national basketball arena in Tallaght is 210 KM and, whilst remaining in their own back garden’s, they’ll dribble 10K each and would really appreciate your support.

We wish the girls and their coach Niall O’Connell the best of luck Saturday

If you would like to donate to this fundraiser visit: https://ie.gofundme.com/f/u16-dribblethon-fundraiser

Mallow Basketball CLUB – Home | Facebook

Dylan Howe from Cork band - Rowan

Cork band Rowan on signing with Beverly Martel and releasing a new album and EP

After releasing an EP at the end of 2020 Rowan made traction on Spotify, as a result of this success Beverly Martel a U.S. record label approached them looking to sign them for an EP and album, which will help the band gain international recognition.

Rowan is made up of : Fionn Hennessy-Hayes on drums and Kevin Herron on Guitar and Dylan Howe on Vocals.

To hear more of the bands music visit:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2-Rsmb8Em-wKS5Zg9-E2yQ

Michelle Ring – Ex of legendary Union Quay bar The Donkey's Ears

Featured in RTE show ‘My Tribe – Dance’ available on the player

The Donkey’s Ears was located on Union Quay just across from Cork City Hall. Starting as a pub with a morning licence they could see that there was something special happening in relation to the dance music scene in Cork in the late 80s/early 90s so they wanted in on the action and got Michelle’s brother Mark (Donkeyman) to DJ reggae music in the pub and it became the pre-Sir Henry’s spot to go to.

Also featuring on the series is a number of Corkonians including: An Indie episode with Lauren Michelle, Stevie G, Aoife Nic Canna and Ray Cuddihy talking Hip Hop .

Other topics Michelle discussed was the lasting friendship’s that she developed as a result of Sir Henry’s as well as the atmosphere and unity at the time.

Watch on playback at: My Tribe – Mo Threibh – RTÉ Player (rte.ie)

London-based classically trained Cork singer songwriter Braynin

‘Too Late’ the first of four singles from Cork’s Braynin

Inspired by fleeting love amidst the chaos of lockdown, the Irish wordsmith paints the scene of being friend-zoned on his rooftop, comparing an unnamed lover to the stunning views of London at sunset​ ​from his lofty bedroom studio; “city sunset glittering red – how could I have ever impressed you?” Bold brass, luscious smooth strings, and mellow melodic wind textures, subtly create an orchestral bed of sound on which his gritty sparkling vocals sit. This impressive pop production comes as no surprise as Braynin draws from his extensive musical upbringing, clearly ​hinting at the world-class musical education he received at the renowned Yehudi Menuhin School. Having been awarded a scholarship, he left his home in ​Cork- Ireland ​at a young age to study violin and piano at the London-based specialist music school.

Braynin’s debut single introduces him as a new artist, but this is certainly not his first rodeo. The gifted prodigy amassed 100 million streams as a songwriter/producer during 2020 alone, writing and producing for the likes of global DJ Imanbek and Darkroom/Interscope’s newest signee, Cian Ducrot. The multi-instrumentalist has single-handedly written, produced, mix-mastered, and performed the song, showcasing Braynin’s mastery of his craft; a definite artist to watch. “Too Late” is the first of four songs Braynin has lined up for 2021.

BRAYNIN ON WRITING “TOO LATE” :

“To be honest this is one of the first songs I wrote truly from the heart. Quite frankly, it came together so effortlessly I was speechless. I fell madly for this girl, and after being friend-zoned, I wrote this song. I wanted to impress her, hoping she would change her mind, and I think it worked! Definitely more love songs coming soon, that’s for sure.”

Corina Gough of Geary's Bar in Charleville

What’s your most memorable Irish Pub experience? #thebestofthepub

Having already booked acts to perform in the Pub for when lockdown ends Corina is really looking forward to that day.

Although Pubs are closed Guinness and Diageo have an initiative called raising the bar, where you can use the hashtag #bestofthepub in order to tell your stories about how central the Pubs are to Irish society. Be it meeting someone famous, Catchphrases from your favourite bartender or Celebrating winning a Match with your team.

Corina shares some of her stories such as Charleville winning the Club championship as a well as having Coronas perform live on Arthur’s Day in 2012.

Billy O'Callaghan Barrack Street Band

The Barrack Street Band (or ‘Barracka’) have been part of the Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade every year since 1889

The Barrack Street Band have been part of the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Cork City every year since 1889 with the exception of 2011 when they were in Savannah, Georgia leading the out their St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The band hope to get back to practice as soon as possible as there is no practice going on at the moment, aside from those younger members of the band who are getting lessons online in partnership with Music Generation Cork.

To look back at the Barrack Street Band’s contribution to the Cork Parades of the past visit: https://www.facebook.com/DeBarracka1837/videos/253484683097255/

Martin O 'Driscoll Chairman of Blood Bike South

Blood Bike South provides a vital out-of-hours medical delivery service for Cork

Blood Bike South is a voluntary out of hours Motorcycle and Car courier service which helps with the transportation of Blood as well other medical materials to and from Hospitals and other Medical facilities.

The origins of Blood Bike can be dated back to London in 1969, then in 2012 Ireland decided to follow suit with setting up 3 different groups: Blood Bike East, Blood Bike West and Blood Bike South.

Normally the ones to lead out the St Patrick’s Day parade which in turn helped them gain awareness of the service they provide, however without this year’s parade and in these challenging times for a lot of charities they would be greatly appreciative of your donations.

To help with the continued running of these services visit: https://www.bloodbikesouth.ie/

Sophie from Ballycotton Duo Kudos

Sisters Sophie & Laura O’Keeffe on new Kudos single

The new single from the girls ‘Molly’ is about loving someone who is struggling with addiction, it also addresses the risks and dangers involved with substance abuse.

If you would like to hear more music by Kudos visit:

https://www.facebook.com/kudosinfo/

Singer Lisa Lambe on the IMBOLC Project

IMBOLC: a special celebration of contemporary Irish female artists on the RTÉ Player

IMBOLC was the ancient Celtic festival in honour of the pagan goddess Brigid, who was evoked in fertility rites and oversaw poetry, crafts and prophecy and a very special celebration of contemporary Irish female artists featuring Erica Cody, Emma Langford, Síomha, Ciara Meade, Dea Matrona, Wyvern Lingo and Lisa Lambe is on the RTE player now.

After multiple reschedules and having evolved with the levels from socially distanced live shows to a full broadcast recording, IMBOLC performances were filmed on the shores of Lough Derg at Birdhill and GarryKennedy in early February this year and was part-funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht Sport and Media from the Live Performance Support Scheme.

Over 64 artists and crew worked on the show to present an all-female line up hosted by Maykay in honour of the original female goddess generating 141 days of work.

IMBOLC is a celebration of the pagan period of a rebirth following the dark which began on the 1st February, St. Brigid’s Day.

Speaking about this special event artist Erica Cody said, “We have come so far, endured so much, but we have conquered even more. To me, being a woman is celebrating what we have overcome and what we continue to build and achieve, not only today but every day. To spread love and acknowledge our struggles to ALL our sisters”

Joining Erica at the event, Emma Langford comments, “More than ever before I feel a connection to the pagan festival of Imbolc this year – a time to burst from the bud, to step out of the darkness of winter and into the Spring, to take ownership of the space around us and draw energy from nature. Ireland needs as much light as it can get right now.”.

Tania Pantoja Director of AMDIE Mexico

Regular features of Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade AMDIE invite you to learn Mexican dancing online

From Mexico City Tania says she loves the peace and tranquility of Ireland and more particularly Cork. AMDIE is a group based in Cork that was formed in 2014 to let people enjoy Mexican traditional dance and music. AMDIE are a wide varying community from different diverse cultures who come together to learn Latin American Choreography. This group is open to everyone with interest in dance. You don’t need previous dance experience. amdie.org

If you are looking for an exciting new class to join visit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MEXICANDANCEIRELAND/posts/

Email: amdiegroup@gmail.com

Soulé - Musician/Singer songwriter

Soulé on her role in this years online Saint Patrick’s Festival fun

Soulé is one of Ireland’s freshest young voices at the forefront of the new wave of Irish pop, boasting an impressive back catalogue in a relatively short space of time. For St Patrick’s Festival 2021, in response to the festival’s audio-visual SOLAS concept, Soulé will be pulling out all the stops to treat us to an incredible live performance bursting with colour, light, dance and theatre. In an SPF exclusive, composed of mostly brand new and yet to be heard music it also tells her personal story of love and life through expertly crafted styling and choreography alongside world class set and lighting design. Filmed at the all new home of the Complex, one of Dublin’s key creative, arts and performance spaces Soulé’s show will be the ultimate showcase of what Irish pop looks and sounds like in 2021. Her SPF show will be a one off chance to catch her perform her new music, with official releases due from early summer on via Diffusion Lab.

Solas x Soulé is commissioned by St. Patrick’s Festival and supported by TikTok.

To watch her performance visit: https://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/events/soule-live-the-complex

Paddy McMahon Nurse/Humanitarian

Donate to Mothers First now by texting Mother to 50300

Whist in Varanasi in India Paddy saw a child dying of malnutrition. Off the back of that he set up a charity called ‘Mother’s First’ with the aim of helping malnourished pregnant mothers and children in Varanasi.

Recently he conducted a ‘Barefoot Paddy’ walk, which was to mark an event that happened in 1850 during the famine when 124 starving people set off from Tracton to the workhouse in Kinsale. This was to draw parallels with what happened then to now. As a result of the pandemic the are now 135 million people who are now into severe food insecurity. The reason it is being brought to your attention on international woman’s day is because women are disproportionately affected by every bad thing that happens.

They are Currently in a financial crisis because of being unable to carry out any fundraising. So they are now asking the public to consider texting Mother to 50300 which will then donate €4 to the charity which will have provide food for malnourished mothers for 2 weeks.

If you would like to donate to mother’s first visit: https://mothersfirst.net/contact-us/

Eoin Hennessy - East Cork Music Collective

New East Cork Music Collective Charity Cover of David Bowie’s Heroes in aid of Blood Bike South

The music collective is back raising funds for a worthy cause the frontline workers of Blood Bike South, following up from their previous cover of what’s up by 4 non blondes with David Bowie’s Heroes.

The collective features musicians playing instruments that include: Guitars,Drums,Bass,Slide Guitar,Keyboards and of course vocals from fantastic Cork singers.

The line up of the collective includes: David Dots Tobin, David Quirke, Stephen Balvin, Dan Murphy, Jamie Stanton, Brian O’ Glanby, Leah Ahern, Wayne Mc Sweeney, Ryan Mc Sweeney, Steve Leahy, Mo O’Connor, Sinéad McCarthy, Ruairi De Leastar, Sean Carroll and of course Eoin Hennessy.

It was mastered by Jamie Stanton an mixed by Dan Murphy.

To hear more from East Cork Music collective visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHt7t2IV6hOv-E5AK0NUJFw

Or watch the video for Heroes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcXfdJgHxXo

Alan Finn Band leader of Shandrum Ceili Band

Watch The Shandrum Ceili band on Saint Patrick’s Festival TV March 12th to 17th

Alan from Buttevant is band leader with Shandrum Céili band operating from North Cork. Resurrected in 2015 as part of the All Ireland competition, Alan suggested that they use the name that the original band would have used, he then got the go ahead from Michael O’ Mahony the old band leader.

The band will be given the opportunity to perform on St. Patrick’s Day with the scenic backdrop of Doneraile Estate. While Cian Broderick a Rockchapel native will be given the honour of doing Sean-nós dancing with the band on the day.

Pre recorded in the spacious setting with a 15 minute set of Reels and slides which are local to the Area, with the help of Videographer Cal O’Callaghan.

Watch the Band’s performance from the comfort of your own home: https://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/

Jon Hynes Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre

7 year old west Cork hero Michael Walsh’s role in a dramatic Dunworley Beach rescue

17 year old Michael Walsh is a student at Clonakilty Community College, who took part in the Young Mariner programme at Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre.

Whilst out for a walk with his mother at a deserted Dunworley beach. Or at least what appeared to be deserted, until they came across a Towel, Keys and Phone. Thinking it was suspicious Michael climbed up high to try and get a better view of the surrounding area when he heard the faint cry of a Lady trapped in a sea arch under a blow hole.

When hearing that the Lady was struggling his training from the Young Mariner programme instinctively kicked in ,he asked his Mother to call 911 and he went up to get a buoyancy aid and a throw rope after first establishing contact with the Lady in trouble. He kept calm while buying her time until the Coastal Cliff rescue services arrived, along with a helicopter and the RNLI all reaching the scene within 15 minutes.

Well done to Michael, The Paramedics, Coastal Rescue and Courmacsherry Lifeboat service headed up by Coxswain Sean O Farrell, Mechanic Stuart Russell and crewmembers Mark Gannon, Peter Nunan and Sean Maxwell.

Bill Maybury – Singer/Songwriter to the stars

Ballineen man Bill Maybury on writing hit songs for Ryan Mack and more

After leaving school Bill went to Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa and later did a BA in CIT Cork School of Music.

Whilst Stateside in Martha’s Vineyard he met a lawer who encouraged him to make the move to LA and even gave him a spin to LA in his Jet. Then when he moved to LA he put up an instagram post looking for somewhere to stay and Ryan O’Shaughnessy guided him in the direction of both a manager and accommodation.

This then led to an internship with Crush music management. Who represent such high profile names such as :Sia,Lorde,Fall Out Boy and Green Day.

In the coming months Bill has written with and for: Tim Chadwick,Cian Ducrot and Lenii.

Baxter Robot of Cork Band - Happy Alone

Happy Alone new single “Lets Run Away” a deliberate 90’s grungy throwback

Chatting about the band’s love for grunge and the fact that they weren’t old enough to see Nirvana play Sir Henry’s.

Happy Alone is made up of: Baxter, Slee and Jay.

To hear more of the band’s music visit: https://www.facebook.com/happyalonehappy/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/07cGsRL23DtuPJnawMKACY?si=IXeQmlQYS7qQrqvuMJHpyw&nd=1

Aoife Ahern Tour/Event Manager to the stars

Blackrock girl Aoife has worked with everyone from Madonna to Prince to Daft Punk

Aoife was a tour manager to such artists as; Mumford and Sons, Tame Impala and former first lady Michelle Obama. Other artists that Aoife would have formed relationships with from working with MCD would be; Madonna, Prince, Jay Z, Beyonce, Arcade Fire and Daft Punk.

Like all good stories Aoife’s career as a tour manager started in Cork, where she was involved in a Hip Hop night with Fresh and Funky.

Following this she went to Dublin and became acquainted with a promoter called Gilly Robertson who was involved with the Notting Hill carnival and Fresh and Funky in London and he asked her to set up an event in Dublin at a club called HQ. This then became Spirit where Aoife sold out student nights to over 2,500 people for 5 years on a weekly basis. After this she started working for MCD promotions.

West Cork Singer Songwriter Mide Houilihan

Mide Houilhan on life under lockdown & new song ‘Without Me,’ which fits these times perfectly

Míde who was working in a Pub and as a musician in her spare time now has plenty of time on her hands to focus on her music, as a result of having time to dwell on her thoughts more she was able to generate more ideas. Her song ‘Without Me’ which was written before lockdown is even more relevant now as it’s about missing someone you haven’t seen in a while.

With the help of Unemployable  Records’ Paul and Mick as well Christian Best the new EP ‘Shifting Gears’ was recorded in Monique Studios in Cork.

If you would like to hear more music from Míde visit: https://soundcloud.com/midehoulihanmusic

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2l1PVhauAouqxAZ0wH06Ay

Jennifer Corcoran Refill Ireland on Hydration Hub Comp

Refill Ireland want to award the title of ´Cork’s First hydration hub´

Jennifer is a Coordinator for Refill Ireland which is a Cork based company. Founded by Gary Fitzpatrick who is also the lead coordinator. They have now set up a competition for a Cork business to win the title of Cork’s First hydration hub. In order to win the title the business would need to be green and considerate of the environment. The winner will receive a contactless water dispenser to the value of €2000 as well as being added to Refill Ireland’s national tap map. Which will allow the public free access to drinking water in Cork City, with the aim of getting rid of as much single use plastic as possible.

There’s now a number of these taps throughout the county with thanks to Cork City Council and Refill Ireland. In such locations as: Douglas Park, Fitzgerald’s Park, Bishopstown, Ballincollig as well as Terry O’Sullivan and Tramore Valley Park as well as 1,500 areas around the country

If you would like to save yourself from being out of pocket from buying another bottle of water as well as saving the environment visit: https://refill.ie/tap-map/

To enter your business in the running to win a Contactless Water dispenser visit: https://refill.ie/win/

Artistic Director Cork Circus Factory Cormac Mohally (Lords of Strut)

Cork Circus Factory Online Zoom Classes

Cormac tells us about how Cork Circus Factory have received funding from the Arts Council. The Circus Factory is located in a warehouse down by the marina and has equipment such as a trapeze and stilts, tight wires and street performance would also come under the banner of Circus. If you fancy trying to learn to juggle via zoom Comac is now giving online classes, a skill he says teaches resilience. If you don’t have juggling balls don’t worry because there is a tutorial on their YouTube account teaching you how to make them.

There’s also a number of other classes which Cormac is giving online at :

https://circusfactorycork.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d6NEyD1FKg

Abbey Blake frontwoman of Mayfield’s 'Pretty Happy'

Post-punk art noise outfit ‘Pretty Happy’ release ‘Salami’

A Mayfield Art Punk/Post Punk trio: Guitarist and Vocalist Abbey Blake, Bassist Arann Blake, Drummer Andy Killian

In terms of their approach to songwriting it takes shape from the band being spontaneous and deciding afterwords what music they want to keep.

We hear the last song that the band wrote before lockdown called Salami. Which Abbey describes as her tribute to Cork, which was written after a shopping trip to Dunnes in Ballyvolane.

For more information about Pretty happy visit: https://www.prettyhappyband.com/

Violinist Brendan Garde from Blackrock

Cork School of Music ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ Brendan Garde on free Cork Orchestral Concert Series

Working as a freelance professional musician since completing his masters two years ago, Brendan has been playing the Violin since the age of 7 and began to take it very very seriously from age 16.

This Saturday (20/02) at 6 PM Brendan on violin accompanied by Gary Beecher on piano will stream an ‘as live’ recorded concert from The Curtis Auditorium. It is the 2nd in a six part series by Cork Orchestral society.

They will be playing works by composers such as Mozart, Brahms and Chopin.

To view this free event visit: http://www.corkorchestralsociety.ie/programme/

Lenii

Cork’s Lenii on making beats in NYC & new track ‘White Lie’

Inspired by Stevie G & an early love of Old Skool Hip-Hop, Ellen Murphy from College Road dreamt of being a music producer. Aged just 15 she scored a transition year place at a music college in New York called Dubspot. From there she got into DJing. Lenii returned to Cork to finish school and began studying psychology in UCC but went back to Dubspot for a tech internship and there crossed paths with her now ex-manager TJ Marsé who encouraged her to use her voice and she hasn’t stopped since…

To hear more about Lenii visit: https://www.leniimusic.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaNFm-5hLhZPFEGUhpFbtNg