Niall Hanna: Portrait of an ArtistMartin Mac returns to talk to Niall Hanna, the singer/songwriter from Derrytresk, a friend in more ways than one; since renowned singer Geordie Hanna was both Martin's uncle and Niall's grandfather. Niall tells how he grew up listening to recordings of his grandfather's songs and learning to play trad music. But in his teenage years he discovered Pink Floyd and the electric guitar. Later he joined an indie band and composed some songs whose titles he now chooses to forget. Eventually he returned to Irish traditional music and song.This podcast features three original songs written by Niall and taken from his latest CD The Roving Journeyman. Niall teaches at St Patrick's Primary school, Annaghmore, and the idea for the first song we hear - "The Collier McQuaid" - came while teaching P7 students about coal mining in Coalisland. From local history, we move to an extraordinary historical event played out on the international stage. No stranger to trad music, Oliver Corr adds much to the conversation. Martin reads a short extract from A Portrait of the Artist As A Young Man by James Joyce, which prompts a re-evaluation of the term "come-all-you". Joyce's novel also gave us the title for the podcast. So, do yourself a favour and spend some time in the company of a truly gifted and engaging artist.
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TwoMacs Podcast Ep46 Feargal McCrory
Feargal McCrory - From Brackaville to Brooklyn following a dream.Fearless Feargal McCrory has made huge physical and emotional sacrifices in his quest to win a World boxing title. That mission continued after last year's title challenge defeat, when the fight was stopped, leaving him hugely frustrated as he felt he had the answers to carry on. Feargal recalls the sounds and the smell and the huge blue punch bag, when his father Anthony, a decent boxer, took him to the boxing club when he was just six. To focus on a serious boxing career, he had to let go Gaelic football and he pays tribute to Paudie Hampsey who boxed in the club but gave his lot to football and an epic Tyrone career.Feargal trained under John Breen and Eamonn McGee in Belfast before taking his dream to a top gym in Brooklyn. While Ronan Mac seems starstruck with Madison Square Garden and the sights of New York, Feargal explains his focus is always on the fight. There are tough days too away from his young family for lengthy periods, missing his grandfather's funeral and children's birthdays as well as a lockdown cancellation and an injury setback. The Garden has rocked as Irish fans from home and across America make up his huge support, including his friend actor Barry Keoghan of Banshees of Inisherin fame. World title defeat last year to Lamont Roach Jnr was crushing. The bid for ultimate glory goes on.These days Feargal is at home training furiously. There will be a fight soon, perhaps in New York or even in Tyrone!Wherever the journey goes next, Fearless Feargal will give everything. A podcast from the heart from a devoted family man and truly dedicated fighter!
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TwoMacs Podcast Leo Quinn Ep 45
Leo Quinn - Family, Football and Fun! Leo Quinn enjoys the craic!.. Team Leader for Mid Ulster Youth Service, he is a life-long Coalisland Fianna member brought up in the traditions of the club. His father Tommy was long-term club secretary and team bus driver and older brother Martin managed the minors to championship victory. Leo also recalls his own great minor win and happy childhood memories about the town, including a glory night of snooker and trips to the cinema on the Lineside. Leo & Ronan share memories and pay tribute to the Fianna committee of 2003, the Centenary of the club that included the launch of the second 'Na Fianna' book and the Gala dinner as well as traipsing the roads selling tickets for a 'cow clap'.On the 20th anniversary of the U16 Paul McGirr Cup win, they roll call the players and remember a poignant and special tournament. However it wasn't all plain sailing with a county final defeat, and much worse, a traumatic accident that resonates with Leo to this day.Tyrone Crystal was good to him but their closure saw him embark on a new career. Perhaps it was meant to be... helping, along with others, enhance the welfare and development of our young people. Leo is often called on to MC at community events, a great character he makes a wonderful contribution to local life! (* There is a lot of Fianna in this podcast!)
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TwoMacs Podcast Kenny Archer Part 2 Ep44
Kenny Archer (Part 2) - Celebrating champions in Croke Park, Istanbul and Dungannon Square.A Liverpool fanatic, Kenny recalls the night of a life-time in Istanbul, the Tyrone reporters in the press box in Croke Park when the Sam Maguire Cup was won and pays tribute to Dungannon Swifts on their marvellous Irish Cup win. He also gives an insight into the selection process of the GAA football All Stars which causes much annual debate.Kenny's father passed away in 2020 and he shares a column he wrote in tribute to Jack Archer that recalled precious memories of childhood playing football in their backyard as his Dad shouting the name of his hero, Bobby Charlton. There's a wee gift for Kenny, a whiskey connoisseur, with World Whiskey Day approaching. And we celebrate the Swifts homecoming with their legendary fan Philomena Begley!
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TwoMacs Podcast Kenny Archer Ep 43
Kenny Archer (Part 1) - Deputy Sports Editor of the Irish News & Liverpool fanatic. When Kenny and Ronan two writers, newspaper columnists, sport lovers and Merseyside rivals got talking, it was inevitable the conversation would go on for a while.. .In the first part of TheMacs podcast, Kenny recalls the stars of his youth who fired his imagination: Campbell/Ward, Ovett/Coe, McEnroe/Connors, Hagler/Hearns and of course his beloved Liverpool 1978 European Cup winners.. Dalglish, Souness, McDermott... From Keenaghan, between Bush and Coalisland, he also remembers the frustration of attending the Royal School in Dungannon, a bastion of rugby when his first love was soccer as well as many happy hours roaming the countryside with his mates and his father's love for Manchester United and motor bike racing. Music as well is a passion from Adam and the Ants through to Blur and Oasis.A news hack back in the days with The Courier he was thrilled when Joe McAree asked him to cover Dungannon Swifts games and while he watched Gaelic football on TV, a Fianna Sports Editor brought him to his first Tyrone game... now he is a GAA football All Star selector!A household name in Gaelic games newspaper coverage and a brilliant columnist, Kenny also gives a fascinating insight into the comaraderie in the Croke Park press box covering Tyrone's fantastic All Ireland wins.
TwoMacs PodcastJoin two old friends, Ronan McSherry and Martin J McGuinness, as they sit down for candid and often unpredictable conversations on everything under the sun. With decades of friendship and life experience between them, Ronan and Martin dive into a wide range of topics—from culture, history, and politics, to personal stories, current events, and everything in between. They’re often joined by interesting guests, offering fresh perspectives and rich, engaging dialogue. Whether they’re reminiscing about their shared past, exploring new ideas, or simply having a laugh, each episode promises something thought-provoking and entertaining. Tune in for a mix of humor, insight, and a genuine look into the minds of two lifelong friends navigating the world together.
Ireland