Bass legend Gerry McAvoy takes us through a track-by-track journey of Photo-Finish, Rory Gallagher’s powerhouse 1978 album. In this wide-ranging conversation, Gerry shares insights into the sessions, the scrapped album, and the raw energy that defined Rory’s late-’70s sound.Along the way, we talk Sex Pistols, click tracks and metronomes, Ted McKenna’s drumming, Status Quo, and the aftermath of the accident. Gerry also reflects on Carol Kaye’s influence, cropdusting adventures, and how tracks like “Only the Lonely”, “Memphis Hip Shake” (The Cult), and “Donegal Express” (Shane MacGowan) connect through spirit and groove.Plus: tales from playing with Joe Bonamassa and plenty more behind-the-scenes stories from a life in rock ’n’ roll.Relevant Linkshttp://www.bandoffriends.eu/https://songwhip.com/bandoffriendshttps://www.rorygallagher.com/Additional LinksFuel To The Fire (Instrumental) - Band Of FriendsCarol Kaye grooving the metronome Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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197. Nora McBurney: The Irish Yinzer
While recording Episode 122 with Swinford’s own Breege Rowley, the editor-turned-documentary maker suggested to Fender that he speak with Nora McBurney - the voice behind her film ‘All Our Yesterdays’. So that’s exactly what he did.Conversation includes: introductions; update on the movie ‘All Our Yesterdays’ by Breege Rowley; Swinford and Foxford, County Mayo; tracing Nora’s grandparents move from Swinford and Derryherbert, County Mayo to Pittsburgh, PA; competing in Irish dancing; soft shoe vs. hard shoe; Dan Rooney & The Pittsburgh Steelers; Croke Park; Michael Bublé; studying in Ireland; Trim Castle; Cnoc Suain, County Galway; having an Irish American identity; yinzers, yousens and Scots language; John Williams and Solace; Reverie Road; the Irish American connection; the nosiness of the Irish; the real estate industry in USA today; working from home; buying vs. renting property; Rory Sutherland’s view on the increase of property over the last few decades; recording the Voiceover for ‘All Our Yesterdays’ and other topics.Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/theirishyinzerhttps://www.facebook.com/theirishyinzer/Additional Linkshttps://breegerowleyeditor.com/https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcastEpisode 122. Breege Rowley: Cinema & Television Editor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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196. London Irish Centre: 70th Anniversary
Fender Jackson recently took part in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the London Irish Centre, marking seven decades of cultural connection and community spirit. The event paid tribute to the Centre’s rich legacy as a home for Irish arts, music, and heritage in London, while also highlighting its ongoing role in supporting the Irish diaspora. Fender’s coverage captured the atmosphere of pride and nostalgia, showcasing performances, speeches, and stories that reflected both the history and the enduring vibrancy of the Irish community in Britain.Special thanks to the following contributors:Deirdre Fraser - Volunteer, London Irish CentreMark Paul - London Correspondent, Irish TimesFionnuala Carr - Irish DancerJennifer Hegarty - Trustee, London Irish CentreHelen - Volunteer, London Irish CentreLeah - London Irish Centre visitorDarren - Security & Events, London Irish CentreKatie Doyle - Survivors Integrated Service ManagerRosie - Irish Dancer & MusicianSarah - Irish Dancer Eva - Future founder of the London Korean CentreSusan - Irish DancerSheena Vallely - Fiddle PlayerBradon Smith - Fiddler PlayerPaul Kerins - Banjo PlayerHannah Pender - Director of Programme & EventsSéamus MacCormaic - CEO of the London Irish Centre Performance of John Leary’s by Rosie (Tin Whistle) and Fender (Drums, Bass, Guitars, Percussion, Banjo, and Accordion)Linkshttps://londonirishcentre.org/https://londonirishcentre.org/our-services/community-development/survivorservice/https://thesunnybanks.com/www.theirelandpodcast.comhttps://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcastEp. 181. London Irish Centre: Community CaféAdditional Linkshttps://www.coventryirishsociety.com/help-support/irish-survivorshttps://frea.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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195. Alastair Campbell: Good Friday Agreement
The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, brought peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict by establishing a power-sharing government and ensuring that any constitutional change would happen only by consent. Alastair Campbell, then Tony Blair’s Director of Communications and Strategy, played a key role in the negotiations, helping to shape the messaging, diplomacy, and relationships that made the agreement possible. He shared his reflections and behind-the-scenes stories with The Ireland Podcast when Fender Jackson visited him at his home in London on Thursday, 25 September 2025.Conversation includes: Scotty Parker and Burnley F.C.; Tony Blair & Jonathan Powell’s optimism; the moment of realisation that the Northern Ireland problem could actually be solved; David Trimble, John Taylor & Ken Maginnis; The Irish Diaries; Bill Clinton & George Mitchell; Martin McGuinness, John Hume, Mo Mowlem & David Ervine; Bríd Rogers; sleep; Dennis Murray; the alignment with John Hume; Seamus Mallon; the hand of history; feeling the encouragement from the streets; the growing media pack; Alastair’s day-to-day role; John Holmes; social media and today’s political landscape; Bertie Ahern; the main stumbling blocks before the GFA was signed; Blair’s skills of constructive ambiguity; ‘The Chuckle Brothers’ (McGuinness and Paisley); Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; the other side to Paisley; Greenifying vs. Trimblification; Martin Ferris & Gerry Kelly; the legacy bill; London Irish Centre; Orla McBreen; Hilary Benn; Gaza and the Middle East; Nick Matthews, the Garden Girls and other topics.Linkshttps://alastaircampbell.org/book/the-irish-diaries/www.theirelandpodcast.comhttps://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
While in Belfast, Fender Jackson had the opportunity to meet Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, widely recognised as a tireless booster for the city and a respected civic leader. Known for his energy, optimism, and commitment to showcasing Belfast on the global stage, Máirtín has played a central role in promoting its culture, business, and community spirit. Their meeting offered a chance to reflect on how individual leadership and passion can help shape a city’s story.Conversation includes: early life; growing up in the war; learning gaelic; not getting involved in the troubles; school; venturing to South Belfast for the second time (despite having visited England, Dublin as well as holidays in Ballycastle and Irish college in Donegal); Patrick Crawford; Jim McCarron; Martha & Patrick Crawford; Máirtín’s mother starting up a peace movement; H-Block; landing the job of being the first journalist in the Andersonstown News; Hunger Strikes; acquiring the Anderstonstown News; Bernard O’Hagan, Bernard Davey; Sheena Campbell; Alex Maskey; Alan Lundy; Bobby Lavery and his son; judges; Sammy Douglas; Frank and James Millar in The Loup, Co. Derry; LGBTQ community; the gulf between the catholic and protestant communities today; Mo Mowlem; David Trimble; Paul Haller; Connla McCann; Presidents Michael D. Higgins and Mary McAleese; Rev. Ian Paisley & Martin McGuinness; Fr. Gerry Reynolds from Clonard; Peace Walls; Bertie Ahern, Bill Clinton & Tony Blair; Gaza; being the Lord Mayor; Buddhism; Van Morrison’s Bright Side Of The Road; Royal British Legion; the unionist community; plans for the future; religion; St. Vincent de Paul and other topics.Linkshttps://belfastmedia.comAdditional Linkshttps://belfastmedia.com/coroner-rules-that-patrick-crawford-15-was-shot-dead-by-british-soldierhttps://cain.ulster.ac.uk/victims/humanface/chron/1980.htmlhttps://belfastmedia.com/appeal-for-info-on-1975-rvh-killinghttps://cain.ulster.ac.uk/sutton/alpha/O.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Ireland Podcast is a celebration of arguably the coolest island on the planet. It is a force for good for all four provinces of the island, and beyond! Launched in October 2023 The Ireland Podcast is hosted by Northern Ireland born Fender Jackson and produced by Salthill Media. Please help secure the future of The Ireland Podcast by sharing and rating favourably. For more information please visit www.theirelandpodcast.com. Celebrate the island! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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