TwoMacs Podcast

Christopher Rafferty
Incredible MacRory Cup and O'Neill Cup winning memories.

As St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon bid to lift the MacRory Cup for the sixth time, the incredible build-up and scenes of their first win in 1991, are vividly recalled by goalkeeper on that day, Christopher Rafferty. 

He was also at the helm of Dungannon Clarkes when they ended a 64-year famine winning the O'Neill Cup, amid joy unbounded, in a penalty shoot-out against Trillick in 2020.

Christopher was destined for goal-minding following in the footsteps of his late father Jim who played Irish League football with Portadown and his grandfather Paddy Rafferty, an O'Neill Cup winner with Coalisland Fianna in 1946 and the Clarkes in 1951. 

He recalls the drive to win that first MacRory Cup under the masterful management of the late Martin O'Farrell and Peter Herron. It was a long-held yearning of college principal Fr Denis Faul who was carried shoulder high by delirious students after the final whistle on a mucky day in Coalisland. Fr Faul has also since passed away, having left the Academy a happy man, his dream fulfilled.

The A level results weren't the best that heady year as the celebrations went on and on...

There are loads of memories of schooldays, on off the football field, while Ronan also recalls the 'old' Academy 1970's style. 

Christopher went on to do goals for Dungannon Clarkes for 19 years and was manager when they made the breakthrough, another fantastic day of celebration. 

It was during Covid year with its social distancing and a run through round after round of extra-time, that was perhaps destiny, as they made their way to that final incredible shoot-out. The celebrations were again unbridled and not even repeated calls from Stephen Nolan could dampen the joy among the Clarkes' faithful. 

Oliver, Chris and Ronan also wonder would the Rahilly's and the Fianna cheer each other on in a final, as they did the neighbours from  Dungannon! 

A wonderful wander down memory lane recalling many great teachers, old school friends, college and club players and coaches.

* Good luck to St Patrick’s Academy in the MacRory Cup final on Sunday (February 8), as their students bid to make it six of the best!

Harry McGuigan - Mr Judo: The gentle art's giant soul. 

A life-affirming conversation with Harry McGuigan, a 7th dan black belt, all of 84 years, still coaching and doing gym work-outs. 

When Harry went to a Judo class in Hong Kong way back in the 1960s, it was to begin a passion he continues all of six decades later.

An introduction to another judoka Brother Lewis in Dungannon saw the formation of the local Ren Bu Kan Judo club that has attracted throngs of participants, with fifty-six going on to attain black belts under Harry's tutelage.

He recalls those first black belts Brian Daly and Patsy Jordan from Eglish, world class Avril Malley and takes pride in everyone who joined the club and won medals at all levels.
 
His own family excelled, with his children and grandchildren competing, as the only family to hold three generations of All Ireland medals.

Harry also had All Ireland success coaching Dungannon Tech GAA team and tells of the 1995 All Ireland senior football final, having breakfast and travelling to the game with the team as his late daughter Seánna RIP was married to captain Ciaran Corr.

There was also Superstar competitions against greats from other sports and the trip to Cuba to enhance his Spanish speaking, where he met his future wife. 

Listening to how Judo instils physical well-being and discipline, RonanMac and producer Oliver wonder if they should have stuck at the Judo, their visits to the Ren Bu Kan club, in the 1970s, all too brief!

Hugely popular, Harry recently received the Mid Ulster Coach of the Year award. 

Among the tributes, the podcast features a poignant poem penned in his honour by Brian McGills, a 4th Dan black belt prodigy of over 30 years.

Harry McGuigan: The gentle art's giant soul.

Pascal Canavan - Reflections on a great club and county career.

For over a decade, Pascal Canavan was a household name in club and county football with Errigal Ciaran and Tyrone. 
In a fascinating conversation he recalls many great games and a few controversies!
These days, along other Gaels, he raises awareness and funds to get critical treatment for children suffering from the genocide of Gaza. He has also called for an end to the GAA sponsorship from Allianz, a company complicit in funding the Israeli war machine. 
Pascal's early club days were not straightforward, as a local split saw him line out with the unaffiliated Glencull St Malachy’s while many of his mates played for Ballygawley St Ciaran's. A passionate GAA priest arrived and spun a few yarns to get the sides together. So began Errigal Ciaran. 
A county championship victory soon followed, on an unforgettable day playing alongside his brothers, and then an Ulster title. He was captain when they won a second provincial title. Ronan Mac wonders why Errigal Ciaran is the only senior club in Tyrone to conquer Ulster! 
A huge rivalry with Carrickmore is recalled, with players on both sides (including Pascal) winning a record six O'Neill Cup medals.
He remembers wearing the Tyrone jersey, an intense rivalry against Derry, a devastating controversial All Ireland defeat to Dublin and putting that into perspective with the passing years. 
The year after he ended his county career, he watched his little brother Peter ('God' to Tyrone supporters) lift the Sam Maguire Cup, a day of much emotion just months after the passing of their beloved father Sean. He recalls Peter commentating as Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh when they played at home and the great support of his parents and all his family. 
Pascal went on to manage college and club teams but nothing compares to playing.
A long-time religion teacher, he is aware of the many challenges facing our young people and suggests religion can still play a part. 
He also points out the GAA club and community makes a huge contribution to the formation of our youth.
There are great memories in this podcast and a bizarre invitation to pick a Canavan AI 'battle of the clans' inter-generational team... it would take some beating!
* Thank you to Canavan's for hosting the TwoMacs Podcast.

Karl McGuckin - a calling to sing.  
Classical singer Karl McGuckin from Edendork, takes time out from his busy festive schedule. 
The much heralded 'Candlelight Christmas' shows at Clonard Monastery, with his dear friend Malachi Cush, sold out within hours.
Karl also recently performed at the Royal Variety Show, an 'exhilarating experience' that will be on televised to millions on ITV on December 21st.
A bass baritone, he gives great credit to his mother Marguerite, a former showband singer, who most encouraged him to fulfil his potential. Both sides of his family (the Ballinderry McGuckins and Coreys from Brackaville) are laden with musical and football talent, among them his godfather Joe Brolly, an accomplished pianist and GAA All Star!
Karl's father Mick captained Derry while his uncles, cousins and brothers were also renowned footballers. 
Karl regrets his GAA career ended at the relatively early age of 29, however he did win a MacRory Cup medal and Ulster Colleges All Star. 
After winning an Intermediate club championship medal, he hung up the boots as combining football with life as a singer and barrister became too demanding. 
On the podcast he selects a beautiful and poignant song 'Fall On Me', performed with Malachi, in memory of his brother Paddy's beloved wife Marie, who tragically passed away three years ago. 
His choice of iconic song 'Old Man River' at the Proms in the Park was a revelation.
Karl also talks about the songs that most move him and pays tribute to other great artists. 
He has performed in musicals and operas while his shows are acclaimed. It is a 'calling' to sing that so enraptures his audiences. 
That tradition is being handed on as Karl and his wife Emma are introducing their toddler daughters to different types of music, the musical 'Frozen' a particular favourite! 
With Santa Claus arriving soon it is a magical time in the McGuckin home.
An end of year podcast that includes fabulous songs performed by Karl McGuckin!
* We wish all our listeners a merry and peaceful Christmas.

Pádraig (Paudie) Hampsey - leader, role model and inspiration.

Tyrone captain Paudie Hampsey lived the dream when he climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Sam Maguire Cup.
It was the cumulation of years of commitment and dedication. 

National recognition, however, has never dimmed his passion for his beloved club Coalisland Fianna and local community.

Two times an All Star, he recalls sharing the joy of winning All Ireland finals and club championships with his family and friends. Special memories. 

Paudie also looks back on his days in the boxing ring. Future pros Feargal McCrory and Conrad Cummings trained at the club with him. Three-times Ulster champion, he came close to winning All Ireland titles before putting all his efforts into football. 

It soon brought reward as he captained Tyrone minors to a provincial win and won an All Ireland U21 medal. 
There was also disappointment with club and county, losing finals, before winning the O'Neill Cup and the Sam Maguire. He pays tribute to all those he played alongside as well as the managers who guided them on the way. 

In 2021, as we made our way out of Covid restrictions, Tyrone reached the promised land for only the fourth time. An unforgettable day. Paudie recalls the key plays, other great leaders on that team, the winning speech, joyous scenes with family and his partner and very special memories of his son Cillian joining him on the field afterwards. 
The scenes bringing the Sam Maguire Cup to Coalisland (along with club-mates Michael McKernan and coach Peter Donnelly) are now part of the town's folklore.

Paudie also remembers the joy returning to Coalisland, along with his clubmates, with the O'Neill Cup. 

This is a local chat with Ronan Mac, a fellow Coalisland man, as Paudie reflects on an incredible GAA career and they share special memories of family and friends, some who have sadly departed. 
However, the idea of a GAA Royal Rumble is a hard sell...