Cork Creative

On this episode of the Cork Creative podcast, host Geraldine Hennessy is joined by Ciarán MacArtain, the artistic director and co-founder of Strive Theatre. Ciarán discusses his route into the arts, from his early inspirations and youth theatre roots to studying Drama and Theatre Studies at UCC.

He shares the story behind co-founding Strive Theatre, a company built on the ethos of staging new, site-specific work rooted in Cork City whilst making theatre accessible to non-traditional audiences through affordable ticket prices. Listeners will get an inside look at Strive’s structured Play Development Scheme, the delicate balance between creative ambitions and the realities of administration and funding, and the importance of building collaborative teams that prioritise the project over individual egos.

Ciarán also talks about his company's evolution towards devised and documentary forms, culminating in their latest project, Goll - an experimental folk opera retelling the mythic character Fintan, developed over three years in collaboration with the Cork band MacBóchra.

Tune in for a fascinating glimpse into Cork's vibrant cultural landscape and the dedication required to sustain an independent theatre company.

In this deeply moving episode of Cork Creative, Patrick sits down with retired FDNY firefighter Danny Manning to discuss his 23-year career, his deep-rooted family ties to Cork, and the unbreakable brotherhood of the firehouse.

Danny shares a gripping firsthand account of 11 September 2001 before the conversation moves across the Atlantic to the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance near Kinsale. Danny beautifully articulates why this living memorial - founded by Cork nurse Kathleen Murphy and dedicated to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives - is so deeply special to the FDNY community. He shares his hopes for its long-term preservation and expresses profound gratitude to the people of Ireland for their ongoing support and remembrance.

Writer and historian Carina McNally joins the Cork Creative Podcast to explore how West Cork’s stunning landscape, rich folklore, and deep-rooted histories shape her storytelling. From her debut novel Mithim set in Cromwellian Ireland to staging her play The Crow’s Old Gold, Carina shares insights into historical trauma, ancient goddesses, and navigating the publishing world. Join us for an inspiring conversation on creative confidence and bringing Ireland's forgotten voices back to life.

Novelist Rebecca Murphy joins the Cork Creative Podcast to dive into her lifelong love of storytelling. From her Cork roots and studying Drama and English at UCC, to how her theater training sharpened her ear for dialogue and scene-building, Rebecca shares how she elevates the richness of ordinary lives. She also takes us behind the scenes of writing her debut novel, Blood and Water, discussing the challenges of drafting with self-compassion, the power of writing communities like the Faber Academy, and the thrill of winning the RTÉ Today Show novel competition.

On the Cork Creative Podcast, creative director Stanley Notte discusses Cork’s distinctive language, humour, and Northside/Southside rivalry, and how those influences shape his work. He reflects on growing up in London and returning to Cork in the 1970s, describing how freedom, friendships, and a fascination with words deepened his connection to the city. He explains how writing, visual art, spoken word, and product design emerged later in life, and how creativity supported his recovery from depression and informed his openness about mental health. He describes collaborating with musicians, performing in venues from festivals to Cork Prison, and the challenges of moving from the Naval Service to an irregular arts income. He shares plans for music releases, events, more performances, and ongoing Cork-inspired work.