The Ireland Podcast

Henry Cluney, founding member and guitarist of Stiff Little Fingers and currently with XSLF, joins Fender Jackson for a deep dive into “Alternative Ulster”.
Together they listen through the recording and explore Henry's recollections of how the song was written, arranged and recorded - from its instantly recognisable guitar intro and droning open D string to the bass, drums, vocals and production.
Henry recalls the beginnings of Stiff Little Fingers, working with Jake Burns, Ali McMordie and Brian Faloon, manager Gordon Ogilvie, and the circumstances that led to “Alternative Ulster” being recorded.
The conversation also goes beyond the song itself: punk in Belfast during the Troubles, Island Records, The Undertones, songwriting, the changing relationships within Stiff Little Fingers and Henry’s reflections on the band today.
Part interview, part musical analysis, this is an attempt to understand not simply the story behind “Alternative Ulster”, but why the record sounds the way it does - and why, nearly five decades later, that opening remains instantly recognisable.

Part interview, part musical analysis, this is an attempt to understand not simply the story behind “Alternative Ulster”, but why the record sounds the way it does - and why, nearly five decades later, that opening remains instantly recognisable.

Relevant Links
https://www.facebook.com/XSLFBELFASTNORTHENIRELAND/

Editor’s Note: During the conversation, Henry Cluney discusses his recollection of the writing of “Alternative Ulster” and Gordon Ogilvie’s contribution to the lyrics. The original 1978 Rough Trade release credits the song to “Fingers/Ogilvie”. Jake Burns has subsequently said publicly that he wrote the song largely himself, with Gordon Ogilvie contributing one line. These differing accounts are noted here for context.
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Falling Slowly sounds simple. But underneath Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s Oscar-winning song are some beautiful musical choices.
In this episode of The Ireland Podcast, musician and host Fender Jackson goes inside the song - listening to the original recording and using guitar and piano to explore why it works.

We look at the opening chords, the suspended harmony, the melody and its relationship to the words, Glen and Markéta’s vocal harmonies, the unusual notes that create tension, and the way strings, bass and arrangement gradually transform the song.

Along the way, Fender reflects on Glen Hansard’s life and music, Once, The Frames, Markéta Irglová and the extraordinary journey that took “Falling Slowly” from an intimate song to the Academy Awards.

Falling Slowly - Inside the Song

The Ireland Podcast — Episode 235
Recorded in Galway, Ireland.
🎧 The Ireland Podcast - Recording the island.

Chapters

— Glen Hansard's story
— Once and Markéta Irglová
— The opening chords
— Why the suspended chord matters
— The melody is remarkably simple
— Glen and Markéta's vocal harmony
— The strange note that shouldn't work
— Strings and arrangement
— How the song changes live
— The Oscar
— Remembering Glen

Glen Hansard photograph: Conor Masterson
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Mary McAleese served as President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Born in Belfast, she became the first President of Ireland from Northern Ireland and held office through some of the most significant years of the peace process.

In this conversation, recorded at Oideas Gael in Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal, Mary reflects on her life, her presidency and the people and events she witnessed at close quarters.

She discusses John Hume and Gerry Adams and the conversations that helped shape the peace process; David and Daphne Trimble; Ian Paisley; the Omagh bombing; and the relationships and encounters that took place away from public view.

Mary also recalls Queen Elizabeth II and the extraordinary journey towards the Queen’s historic 2011 state visit to Ireland, including their shared interest in the ancient sporting traditions of hurling and shinty.

The conversation ends in Irish, as Mary talks about her affection for Gleann Cholm Cille, the Irish language and Oideas Gael - and shares some fond memories of Fender’s father, Seán Ó hEaráin, a classmate of hers at Oideas Gael.

Recorded at Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal on Wed 29th July 2026.

Full episode on YouTube which includes subtitles for Irish section at the end. Subscribe to The Ireland Podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.
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Who was Glen Hansard away from the stage?

Following Glen Hansard's funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, this episode captures the thoughts and memories of friends, collaborators and fellow musicians on the day they gathered to say goodbye.

Created as both a tribute and a historical record, these conversations preserve first-hand reflections while they were still fresh. Together, they form a mosaic of Glen Hansard's life - revealing not only the celebrated musician, but the generous, humble and deeply human person remembered by those who knew him best.

Contributors include:

• Victoria Mary Clarke
• BP Fallon
• Barry Donovan
• Mick Cronin
• George Morphy
• and others.

Interviewer: Fender Jackson
Recorded: Tuesday 4 August 2026
Locations: St Patrick's Cathedral & The Lord Edward, Dublin
Thumbnail photograph: Conor Masterson. Used with permission.

With sincere condolences to Glen's family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.
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On Monday 3 August 2026, hundreds of people gathered at the Baroque Chapel, Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital Kilmainham, to pay their final respects to Glen Hansard.

Rather than recounting Glen's remarkable career, this episode documents something more immediate: the memories of the people who came to say goodbye.

Friends, fellow musicians and admirers reflect on the man they knew, his generosity, his humility, his artistry and the lasting impact he had on their lives. Together, their stories paint a deeply personal portrait of one of Ireland's most beloved musicians.

Interviewees include Michael Fayne, Vojta Cimpl, Athos Chambers, Loren, Barry Donovan, Lloyd Chambers, Ravinol (Ravi) Chambers and Conor Masterson, whose shot the cover photograph.

Recorded at 3:41pm on Monday 3 August 2026, this episode preserves a unique moment in Irish cultural history as people gathered to honour Glen Hansard's life and legacy.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
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