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.
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193. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 2
Rónán Ó Dochartaigh concludes his chat during the height of the season in Oideas Gael which is the Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School). Also a fitting tribute to the excellent work of Liam Ó Cuinneagáin and Seosamh Watson, the founders of Oideas Gael.Conversation includes: the beauty and archeology of the Glencolmcille area; Silver Strand; Slieve League; St. Colmcille, history in the area, recommended clothing; transport to Glencolmcille; accessibility; getting in touch; the shop; An Coimín, in Gleann Fhinne; Tory Island; Liam Ó Cuinneagáin agus Seosamh Watson; winter activities and other topics.Linkswww.oideasgael.comhttps://www.siopagaeilge.ie/191. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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192. Fender Jackson: Introducing 'The Ireland Podcast'
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir encouraged Fender to share a selection of episodes on Irish Echo and Andersonstown News, showcasing the generosity of everyone who contributed their time and stories. These narratives form a mosaic of Ireland: its past, its present, and the living connections that stretch across the globe.We thought it would be good to put together an episode that crystallises what The Ireland Podcast is as well as its origin story.. which dates back more than 100 years!Sincere thanks to Máirtín for this opportunity.Relevant Linkshttps://belfastmedia.com/atownhttps://www.irishecho.com/https://www.ria.ie/collections/archival-collections/heron-papers/ 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.
Ireland