In the concluding part of his conversation with The Ireland Podcast, Gerry Hanley reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped his musical journey. He shares stories of Sharon Shannon, Greg Cotter and the legendary London sessions of the 1970s, discusses why great musicians sound like themselves regardless of the instrument they play, and recalls the famous story of violin virtuoso Joshua Bell performing incognito as a busker in a Washington Metro station.
The episode also features Gerry's 1983 recording with Roudledum alongside tracks from his recent CD, bringing to a close a warm and thoughtful conversation about music, memory and community.
Roudledum - Traditional Irish Music And Song Jigs: Thrush In The Bush / Rocking Chair / Fahy's In C
Gerry Hanley - In The Middle Of It Hornpipes: Slopes Of Benbulben / The Swan On The Lake / The Showman's Fancy
Relevant Links https://gerryhanleymusic.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
224. Gerry Hanley: Trad Musician - Part 1
23/06/2026 | 51 mins.
In Part 1 of a two-part conversation, Galway accordion player Gerry Hanley reflects on a lifetime immersed in traditional music. He discusses the musicians who influenced him, the stories behind the tunes on his recent CD, sessions in Galway and London, and the role music has played throughout his life. The episode also captures a special moment as Gerry opens and plays a new accordion for the very first time!
The episode features tracks from Gerry's CD, including
Reels: The Land of Sunshine / Mulhaire's No. 9 / Laura Mulhaire's Jigs: Tommy Mulhaire's / Paddy Fahey's / The Piper's Chair Slow Air: Eanach Dhin Reels: Jackie Coleman's / The Bird in the Bush / Jenny's Wedding
The CD features Gerry Hanley on accordion, with Carl Hession on piano and production, Máirín Fahey on fiddle, and Eimear Coughlan on harp. Recorded by Eugene Killeen and mastered by Jack Talty.
Note: At approximately 25 minutes in, Gerry opens a newly arrived accordion and plays its first notes. This section lasts about five minutes and includes some packaging and handling noise. Listeners who prefer to skip ahead can jump forward to the next music track or discussion segment.
Relevant links https://gerryhanleymusic.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
223. Colin Murphy: How Ireland Thinks, Speaks and Remembers
18/06/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
What does Irish political culture reveal about how we think?
Writer, journalist and playwright Colin Murphy joins The Ireland Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, culture, history and storytelling.
Drawing on his new collection Colin Murphy's Political Plays: 100 Years of Irish History, Colin reflects on the relationship between political decision-making and national narratives, the influence of culture on public life, and why understanding politics requires more than understanding policy.
The conversation explores Ireland's distinct political culture, the role of ambiguity in Irish literature, the impact of travel and lived experience, the responsibilities of writing about real people and events, and the tension between historical truth and dramatic storytelling.
Along the way, we discuss Angola, South Africa, the financial crisis, documentary drama, David Hare, Jim Sheridan, Terence McKenna, consensus, individuality and the question of whether Irish culture encourages or resists dissent.
Topics include:
Irish political culture Storytelling and national identity Colin Murphy's Political Plays The Easter Rising and The Treaty The Bank Guarantee and financial crisis Truth versus drama Consensus and individuality Irish literature and ambiguity Culture, community and politics Terence McKenna and the idea that "culture is not your friend"
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
222. Racist Attacks in Belfast | John Manley
16/06/2026 | 24 mins.
John Manley, Political Correspondent with The Irish News, joins The Ireland Podcast to discuss the recent racist attacks in Belfast.
We explore how the unrest developed, the role of social media, loyalism, political leadership, immigration, trust in institutions, and the wider social and political context in Northern Ireland.
John also reflects on the challenges facing working-class unionist communities, the changing media landscape, and what gives him hope for the future.
Recorded in Belfast on 15 June 2026.
Relevant Links https://www.irishnews.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
221. Andy McKee: Modern Fingerstyle Guitarist
10/06/2026 | 27 mins.
Andy McKee is one of the world's best-known modern fingerstyle guitarists. His groundbreaking instrumental compositions and viral YouTube success helped introduce a new generation to acoustic guitar music. In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, Andy joins me in Galway to discuss his musical journey, the influence of Michael Hedges and Preston Reed, writing instrumental music, alternate tunings, fan-fret guitars and the enduring appeal of acoustic guitar.
Andy also reflects on being invited to Paisley Park by Prince, the impact of YouTube on his career, his love of Irish-made guitars, and why Ireland always feels a little like coming home. Recorded in Galway during Andy's Irish tour. Topics include:
Prince and Paisley Park The story behind Drifting Modern fingerstyle guitar Michael Hedges and Preston Reed Fan-fret and harp guitars Lowden and Avalon guitars Songwriting and creativity Touring Ireland
Relevant Links https://andymckee.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About the PodcastThe Ireland Podcast is a long-form interview series creating space for unhurried conversation about life on the island of Ireland and beyond.The ConversationsHosted by Fender Jackson and produced by Salthill Media, the podcast centres on listening rather than argument. Each episode features a single guest and allows time for reflection, context, and experience to emerge naturally. Guests include artists, musicians, writers, athletes, broadcasters, historians, and cultural figures whose work or perspective offers insight into place, memory, and lived experience.There is no political or religious agenda. The podcast does not seek to persuade, promote, or argue a position. Instead, it exists as a space for careful dialogue, where complexity is allowed and difference is approached with curiosity rather than confrontation.The HostFender Jackson grew up in Ulster and later lived in England and China before returning to Ireland and settling in Galway, where most episodes are now recorded. These experiences inform a listening-led, exploratory approach shaped by distance as well as proximity, and by an awareness of how place, movement, and memory intersect.ApproachThe Ireland Podcast approaches the island as a shared, lived place - shaped by multiple histories, traditions, communities, and viewpoints. In a post-conflict society, conversation itself has value. The podcast recognises the role that respectful dialogue, storytelling, and careful questioning can play in fostering empathy and understanding.Over time, it becomes an informal record of conversations about the island and its many expressions, offered quietly and without prescription. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland