Seán Murphy on C103 Regarding the Reopening of “The Pub”

Seán Murphy of The Pub in Carriganima was interviewed by Patricia Messinger on C103’s “Cork Today” on Tuesday morning (22nd Sept. 2020) before 11am in regard to the Reopening of The Pub following the COVID-19 shutdown since March 2020.   The excellent Interview may be heard hereSeán’s Interview begins 33 minutes into the Podcast….after the ad!  Seán is pictured wearing the visor in our photo below. (S.R.)

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 13th Sept. 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

The four part series ‘The Makers and Collectors’ continues this Sunday on Where the road takes me at 7.

The series looks at the musicians, composers and collectors who have contributed to the survival of Traditional Irish Music down through the years.

In Part 3, John Greene visits Ardgroom on the Beara peninsula and the town of Skibbereen to find out more about Canon James Goodman.

Goodman who was a Church of Ireland Rector, was also a staunch Unionist.

This amazing man who was a fluent Irish speaker and lecturer, managed to collect and catalogue over 2,300 Irish tunes and songs during the latter half of the 19th Century. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 6th Sept. 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

‘Traditional Irish Music – The Makers & Collectors’, continues on Where the road takes me this Sunday evening. 

In part two, John Greene meets with Rathduff fiddle player supreme Matt Crannitch, former De Danann box player Jackie Daly from Kanturk and the bands co-founder Frankie Gavin.

We also hear how champion tin-whistle player from Dublin Mary Bergin hid her involvement with traditional music in the early days, because of it’s percieved ‘un-coolness’.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 30th  August 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Traditional music in Ireland is very much part of our culture. 

Beginning this Sunday on Where the road takes me, and in a series entitled ‘Traditional Music – The Makers & Collectors’, John Greene meets some of the finest traditional musicians in the country. 

Members of the Dwyer family, Matt Cranitch, Jackie Daly, Mary Bergin and Frankie Gavin will join us. 

And we look into the life of Canon James Goodman, the Church of Ireland Clergyman and staunch Unionist, who compiled over 2,300 Traditional tunes.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 23rd August 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

A colourful and unique politician, former Fine Gael TD for Cork South-West PJ Sheehan, died on August 10th last.  His wife Frances died just seven days previously on August 3rd.  Inseparable in this life, they are together again in the next.

In 2002 John Greene sat down with both of them in a room behind the family grocery store in Goleen.  It was a week before Christmas and seven months after PJ had lost his seat in Dail Eireann after 21 years. 

This wasn’t to be a political interview, or a lament for the loss of a Dail seat, but instead a look into the lives of a unique couple from the moment they were born.

PJ speaks about ………..

Growing up in Kilbrown and his enterprising father.

Taking over the business and receiving a ‘gift’ of a lorry from his father, which he himself had to pay for.

And…….  That famous last joust with Charles J. Haughey.

Frances speaks about………

How a ‘pretence’ story from home  forced her return from England.

Being far from impressed when she initially heard that her husband  was entering politics.

And …  An opportunity to gather her thoughts and plans while driving her husband to and from Dáil Éireann………………  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 16th August 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

On a rummage for old books while cocooning, author Alice Taylor comes across one that she believes could change your outlook on life. 

Alice joins John Greene on this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’ to talk about it, and we track down its author in San Francisco Bay, who explains what exactly he means by ‘changing your life’. 

We also conclude our tribute to the late Johnny O’Mahony of Tooreenduve, Ballydesmond, who died in 2015.

While we will never know what his views on Covid-19 would have been, we do know his views on diseases of old and their so-called cures.

And Fr. Pat McCarthy who offered up Johnny’s funeral mass, remembers a colourful character with an ever so sharp memory.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 9th August 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

There’s a long road to travel this week, as John Greene invites you to join him for ‘Where the road takes me’, as we take in Crookstown, Farnanes, Ballydesmond and Churchtown.

We conclude our look at the life of legendary horse trainer Vincent O’Brien in Churchtown.

Rosaleen Tonson-Rye looks at her early years in Ryecourt, as Hubie Hurley from Shandangan recalls some ‘horsey’ stories from the estate.   And……..

                        Saturday August 8th next  is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Johnny O’Mahony of Ballydesmond, who died on January 2015.

A regular contributor to the programme, we look back on some of the stories from a man who at 95 years of age, was able to boast of a Degree in 3rd Level Education and a diploma in Social Studies.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 2nd August 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

There’s a mixed bag of subjects and a lot of miles to cover on this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, as John Greene goes in search of interesting stories and the people behind them.

In Churchtown we look back at the lives of legendary horse trainer Vincent O’Brien and poet Seán Mac Giolla Mear.

After his sister and father died young, Hubie Hurley from Farnanes, tells us how his wonderful mother, managed,  with just ten shillings a week, to make skilled and artistic tradesmen and a nurse out of her three sons and  daughter.

Once a stately home on beautiful lands, Ryecourt House near Crookstown was one of three local houses burned during the ‘troubles’ in June of 1921.  We pay a visit to Rosaleen Tonson-Rye who still lives on the grounds.

And……………….

                       A native of Toames in Kilmichael, Canon Humphrey o’Mahony joins us from Scotland to talk about the dissolution of the monasteries in Ireland, and how Kilcrea Abbey in Farnanes was one of the largest to fall foul of Cromwell and his Henchmen’s murderous plans. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 26th July 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Seven years ago on ‘Where the road takes me’, we brought you the intriguing and at times unbelievable story of a Land-War shooting during Ireland’s troubled past in the late 19th Century.

The following year we brought you an update on the story, identifying the man with the gun, but stressing sympathy for his actions, as he was, we felt, a victim of circumstances, as was, some others felt, the victim himself.

There are many strange and eerie happenings attached to this story.

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, and two days before the 132nd anniversary of the shooting, we return to the story for very good reason.

Back in 1920, a local priest known for his fire and brimstone sermons and accurate predictions, visited and blessed the scene.  Soon afterwards he stated that despite Mother Nature’s and man’s best efforts to remove it, a visible reminder of the shooting would remain at the scene for one hundred years.

Many strenuous efforts were made down through the years to destroy it but failed.  The one hundred years are now up and we return to the scene to discover how accurate, if at all, the priest was back in 1920, and if a conclusion can be brought to a story that was tragic, intriguing and eerie. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm on Sunday 12th July 2020 on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

Having once been described as ‘the man in the shadows’,  he emerges from them this week, to speak to John Greene on Where the road takes me, and we discover that he has quite a lot to say for himself. 

Mid-ways through the four part series, we change from singer to songwriter and meet Johnny Duhan, author of iconic songs such as ‘The Voyage’ and ‘Don’t give up till it’s over’.

A writer of poetry, novels, essays on various subjects and people, a spiritualist and a keen fan of Johann Sebastian Bach, the former leader of 1960’s beat group ‘Grannies Intentions’, believes that his audiences diminished, once he announced he was a practicing Catholic. 

Apart from Joni Mitchell, Johnny Duhan doesn’t have a songwriting mentor.  He firmly believes that most big hit songs would never have made it, without the backing of ‘The Machine’ as he refers to it.  He also likens himself to Cervantes fictional character ‘Don Quixote’.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm on Sunday 12th July 2020 on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding his programme this Sunday, 5th July 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

The life, times and songs of Country Music star Margo and songwriter Johnny Duhan, currently feature on ‘Where the road takes me’, in a series entitled ‘The Singer & the Songwriter’

On this week’s programme, John Greene concludes the story of Margo….

This week we hear about her battle with alcohol, as she strives to come to terms with a cancelled wedding, a horrific car crash and the weight of a promise made to her father before he died. 

But the good times outweigh the bad as she sings with Johnny Cash and Glen Cambell, tours with Hank Locklin and in Dolly Parton discovers a friend when she needs one.

There’s also a few family facts to be set straight as well, including a supposed falling out with Daniel that never happened.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding his programme this Sunday, 28th June 2020 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

This Sunday evening on Where the road takes me, John Greene begins a four-part series entitled  ‘The Singer & The Songwriter’.

Featured in parts three and four, songwriter Johnny Duhan reflects on a difficult upbringing, his time as frontman with beat-band ‘Granny’s Intentions’, the importance of  his song ‘The Voyage’, and why he is often referred to as ‘the man in the shadows’. 

The series begins this Sunday evening with Country singing star Margo O’Donnell, who never wished or meant to be a singer.

In the programme Margo speaks about…………

How the promise made to her father on his deathbed, weighed her down for years……..

How her future husband backed out of their wedding, two weeks before it was due to take place…

How the final straw was a horrific car crash which kept her off the stage for months, leading to loneliness, depression and leaning on alcohol for support.

And………there’s a few myths about her family to be cleared up as well. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this week’s programme at 7pm on C103 on Sunday, 21st June 2020.  (S.R.)

This week on ‘Where the road take me’, John Greene concludes the three part programme ‘Inspiration from the past’.   

The failure of the 1916 Rising, proved, that while the Irish were willing, they weren’t able or ready for the power of the enemy.    Those who were rounded up in its aftermath were shipped off to Frongoch prison camp in a remote part of Wales, and left basically to their own devices.  The camp now became known as a ‘University of Revolution’.  As a result, when the ‘War of Independence’ came about, the Irish were still willing, but as a result of the secret training they received at Frongoch, they were now also ready and able.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding his Sunday (14th June 2020) Radio Programme.  (S.R.)

It’s a Where the Road Takes Me ‘Special’ this week, as John Greene brings you the story of a Lockdown with a difference.

In a working-class district of West London, a mother calls her son, who has Asperger’s Syndrome’, downstairs for dinner.

Both she and her husband are unaware that their youngest has amassed 73 million dollars while trading in the financial markets on his home computer in his bedroom.

Neither are they aware that their son will become the focus of a global manhunt for allegedly causing the most mysterious financial crash in history.

Multi agencies, including the FBI will seek his extradition to the US where he faces a total of 378 years jail term.  

This is a ‘David and Goliath’ story at it’s very best.  But why is a home lockdown involved and still is, as we speak.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” Features Centenarian Margaret from West Cork – C103 This Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s Programme – 7th June 2020 – at 7 on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday June 7th

Margaret Crowley

Not everybody gets a new cooker for their birthday, and even fewer get a new cooker for their birthday, when they reach 100 years.

Born in Lehina, Lislevane near Courtmacsherry on May-day 1920, Margaret Crowley arrived in this world as one pandemic ended.  One hundred years later, she is still around to witness another one begin. 

When her mother died at the young age of forty, there were nine children to be raised.  Her father rejected all calls to have his children separated and sent to Upton and Clonakilty.  During the following years, he proved himself to be a loving, caring and very capable parent.

On this week’s edition of Where the road takes me’, Margaret tells her story to John Greene

Her son Jim joins us to wax lyrical about his amazing mother.

And we track down Fr. Tom Sexton who was by cared for as a two year old  by Margaret, after his mother died in childbirth.

[read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” Features Centenarian Margaret from West Cork – C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday 31st May on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

Inspiration from the Past  –  Programme 2

Tomi  (Tomey)  Reichental

Thirty five members of his family perished in Auschwitz.  So, how did nine year old Tomi Reichental survive almost a year at the Nazi Concentration Camp in Bergen Belsen.

Timing, and Lady Luck lent a hand, but it was mostly the watchful eyes of his courageous Mother, Aunt and Grandmother that helped him through it all.

The one memory that will never leave him, is that of the emaciated body of his Grandmother being thrown like a sack of potatoes on to a mound of corpses.

Now an Irish citizen, Tomi Reichental joins John Greene on this week’s edition of Where the road takes me.

Starvation, disease, unbearable weather conditions and the brutality of Camp Commander Kramer and his side-kick, 22 year old Irma Grece – ‘The Beautiful Beast’, must all be overcome before liberation finally arrives. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday 31st May on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information re this Sunday evening’s programme (24th May 2020) on C103 at 7.  (S.R.)

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene speaks to a Consultant Oncologist who specialises in Prostate Cancer and a singer-songwriter who quotes Bob Dylan and Bono as his influences.

It’s worth mentioning that these are not two different people, but one person.  Throughout his life, Professor Joe o’Sullivan has been committed to improving the lives of patients with prostate cancer, through research and innovation.  His research programme is now recognised as a centre of excellence.  In between he has recorded three albums, the latest of which, ‘Instead of many shades of blue’, has just been released. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

Inspiration from the Past on WTRTM at 7pm on C103 Today

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday (17th May 2020) evening’s programme at 7 on C103.  (S.R.)

In unprecedented times like these, inspiration from others is a helpful tool to see us through.  In national and world history there are ample examples.

On Where the road takes me this Sunday evening, John Greene brings you the first of three programmes entitled ‘Inspiration from the past’.

The theme on all three is incarceration and how the incarcerated dug deep to battle unbelievable odds and in one case turn the tables on their captors.

While lockdown or self isolation for Covid-19 is definitely not  incarceration, it is hoped that the mental resolve of the people in our three stories will help you to deal with any problems associated with the aforementioned.

Programme one tells of how a romance blossomed in one of the most evil places on Earth, not only blossomed, but lasted for fifty eight years afterwards. [read more …] “Inspiration from the Past on WTRTM at 7pm on C103 Today”

Brendan Bowyer on “Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday (3rd May 2020) evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

‘Where the road takes me….. May 3rd….Programme one of two. 

When you mention a song called ‘The Hucklebuck’, the Royal Showband from Waterford comes attached.  These were the guys who put the word ‘Show’ into Showband.  Even the Beatles played support to them in a Liverpool gig.

The frontman was Brendan Bowyer whose parents were professionally trained classical musicians and singers. His gyrating hips and sheer athleticism on stage would put world famous athlete Aries Merritt to shame.  He was Ireland’s Elvis Presley. 

This week on Where the road takes me and in the first of a two part programme, John Greene speaks to Brendan Bowyer and we hear the songs that brought the band eight number one records.

We also meet his daughter Clodagh, an actor and professional tennis coach.  We hear about her part in ‘The Sopranos’ and her role as actor and co-producer in ‘The Ferry’.   This was a film which zoomed in on the role of men in the mother and baby homes scandal.  [read more …] “Brendan Bowyer on “Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” Emphasises Positivity This Sunday on C103 at 7pm

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme on C103 at 7pm.  (S.R.)

The theme of this week’s edition of Where the road takes is positivity – a vital component of getting through these difficult times brought upon us by Covid-19.

John Greene has invited past contributors to the programme to give their personal observations on the virus and how it has effected their area.  It is mandatory for all the contributors that their words are positive and of a helpful nature.

A politician, a nun, a publican, a poet, a farmer and a parish priest have their say on how we can emerge from this pandemic mentally intact and with a new and positive outlook on life.

Architecture critic with the Financial Times, Edwin Heathcote returns to tell us how he got into hot water with one of his suggestions on working from home. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” Emphasises Positivity This Sunday on C103 at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103

Many thanks to Presenter John Greene for advance information re this Sunday (19th April 2020) evening’s programme on C103.  (S.R.)

This week on ‘Where the Road takes me’, John Greene pays tribute to Mallow born musician, promoter, and New York based record company owner Paddy Noonan, who died on April 7th last, a few weeks short of his 84th birthday

An accomplished accordion player and entertainer, it was he more than most who paved the way for Irish artists in America.

From New York, his daughter Sheila joins us to talk about the difficulty of bereavement and saying goodbye to a loved one in a city ravaged by the Corona virus.

We speak to Donal Ring who provided the music at Paddy’s wedding to Galway woman Margaret Joyce and we delve into the archives to hear an interview recorded with Paddy Noonan eleven years ago.

And………. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103 This Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information on this evening’s programme – Easter Sunday, 1th April 2020.  (S.R.)

He once worked for the ESB and is a qualified electrician and draughtsman, but you won’t identify him as such.

Having spent five years studying the violin and classical music, he eventually joined, arguably, the wildest and most famous Irish band of all.

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene speaks to John Sheahan about life prior, during and after the Dubliners.

Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney Mckenna and Ciaran Burke have all passed on, leaving John as the only remaining original member.

Having waited until his 80th year and prompted by his family, Sheahan has just released his debut solo album – ‘Flirting Fiddles’.  It’s a collection of his own compositions, some of which were written many years ago and confined to the attic.  There’s the beautiful ‘Autumn in Paris’ and ‘Waltzing with Angels’, which he has dedicated to the memory of Sr. Eugene a nun who often played music with him. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103 This Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103

Many thanks to Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this evening’s C103 programme – 5th April 2020.  (S.R.)

Recorded before social distancing came to place, we revert to the Michael McCarthy story, part one of which was broadcast two weeks ago.  This Sunday evening on Where the road takes me,  John Greene concludes this two part programme. 

Michael was co-founder of the Ritz Showband who were based in Bandon during the 1950s and ’60s.

While we reminisce on the golden era of the showbands on both programmes, we also hear about life afterwards.

Michael talks about his time in the motor industry, and  his concern for the environment and it’s wildlife inhabitants. It may be one small step, but by putting his money where his mouth is, he hopes that young people will take those concerns on board. Who can honestly say that mistreating the earth, hasn’t been in some way responsible for Covid-19 which has already claimed so many human lives..  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103″

“Where The Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information re this evening’s programme on C103.  (S.R.)

Adhering to Covid-19 guidelines, Where the road takes me has had to make a few changes in its preparation over the next few weeks.

This week John Greene goes around the world to discover how various people are dealing with and coping with the virus.

In Hackney in the UK, we speak to Les McKeown, lead singer with the Bay City Rollers.

In Berlin in Germany, we get the views of Marcia Barrett, former lead singer with Boney M.

In New Orleans we speak to Professor John M. Barry from the Tullane University School of Public Health & Tropical medicine.  His advice is constantly sought on how lessons can be learned from the flu of 1918 which killed more than fifty million people, most of whom were young. [read more …] ““Where The Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” this Sunday at 7pm on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this evening’s programme – Sun. 22nd March 2020.  (S.R.)

The Showband era and a genuine concern for the environment, would rightly be regarded as an unusual combination or mix, for one radio programme.

But, not really however, when the main guest on the programme has a foothold in both.

On this week’s edition of Where the road takes me,  John Greene goes to visit Michael McCarthy, co-founding member of the Ritz Showband during the 1950s.

Michael is quick to admit that he is not an environmentalist in the Greta Thunberg sense, but he does share her concerns.

While also admitting to once being an offender himself, he now believes that saving the earth and the wildlife within, should start with the younger generation, and he has put the proverbial money where his mouth is. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” this Sunday at 7pm on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm This Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday (15th March 2020) evening’s programme on C103 .  (S.R.)

He fell from an escalator and broke a number of ribs.  He was diagnosed with pneumonia and suffered a slight stroke, all in the space of three weeks.

He recently celebrated his 97th birthday and none of the aforementioned setbacks seem to have bothered him greatly.  He is as sharp and as witty as ever.

John O’Leary is originally from Carrigroe near Clonakilty, but now living in Cobh.  You have met him on several occasions on Where the road takes me, mainly talking about his time in the Garda Siochana between 1942 and 1955, a time not without many incidents.

This week he reflects on his time in England.  We hear about Margaret Thatcher, the Yorkshire miners, the IRA hunger strikers and Fatima.  They’re all connected, in a way.

We hear how the actions of Gerry Fitt surprised him and his mood darkens as he remembers a tragic end to three Garda colleagues. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm This Sunday on C103″

Dixies Showband Recalled on “Where the Road Takes Me”

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding his programme this Sunday (1st March 2020) at 7pm on C103.   (S.R.)

“He could pluck any type of song from anywhere and make it his own”.  A comment referring to Terry McCarthy, former lead singer with the Dixies Showband, who died suddenly in July of last year.

He was equally comfortable singing pop, ballads or Opera.

In the first of a two part programme on ‘Where the road takes me’ this Sunday evening, members of his family, friends and fellow musicians and singers join John Greene in a tribute to the former Dixies frontman, who took over from Brendan o’Brien in 1985.

We hear some of his recordings which emphasise the range of his voice and the vast repertoire he possessed.

Former Dixies manager Ronnie McGinn and drummer Joe Mac remember great days with the Dixies in Abu Dhabi.

His wife Marie recalls meeting him for the first time as a sixteen year old and his brother Tadgh talks about Terry’s other talent as one of the old style stonecutters.

And from the archives an interview recorded with him five years ago. [read more …] “Dixies Showband Recalled on “Where the Road Takes Me””

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’,  John Greene returns to Brandy-Hall on the eastern side of Castletownbere. 

We thank John for advance information regarding this Sunday Evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

We visit the monument to Timothy Harrington MP on the western side of the Millbrook Bar on Brandy-Hall Bridge.  In 1884, Harrington dismantled the Crown Prosecution’s case against the eight men accused of the Maamtrasna murders in 1882.  His investigation led to the end of Gladstone’s Government. 

We visit a monument on nearby Dinish Island which was erected to those who lost their lives at sea on the Beara Peninsula.

And we’re back in the Millbrook Bar for more music, song and story.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

Stephen Nolan on WTRTM on C103 at 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information on this Sunday’s “Where the Road Takes Me” – 9th Feb. 2020.  (S.R.)

Travelling to a Formula One Grand Prix in Silverstone, Brazil or the US, or how about meeting many of your favourite world famous Country Music or sporting stars, or taking a motorbike ride across Alaska.

Anyone of these may be on your bucket list.  However, on Where the road takes me this Sunday evening, John Greene meets a man who has managed to tick them all off, one by one.  And he’s not finished yet, having every intention of adding more to his long list of ‘have dones’.

Stephen Nolan was born in the village of Ballinspittle, once famous for its moving statue.  His job which provided him with the time and the finance to fulfill an amazing bucket list, is deserving of a programme on its own.

For forty years, Stephen has worked for the Catterpillar Company on the Oil Sands of Fort McMurray in Canada.

In his spare time, he has met Mohammed Ali, Marvin Haggler, Sugar Ray Robinson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. [read more …] “Stephen Nolan on WTRTM on C103 at 7pm Sunday”