Tag: Where the Road Takes Me

“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 – 27th Feb. 2022 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 27th Feb.

Many radio presenters today cut their teeth or learned their trade during the Pirate Radio era, which ended on the night of Saturday December 31st 1988.

WKLR, based in Bandon, was one of the stations that closed permanently, as Minister Ray Burke’s broadcasting bill brought badly needed control and regulation to the radio industry in Ireland.

Some presenters from WKLR went on to a fulltime career on Independent radio, while others followed a different career.

This week on Where the road takes me, John Greene speaks to Martin Murphy and Paul Sheehan, two former presenters from the station.

Martin became an Airline Captain and instructor, flying out of Heathrow and Gatwick airports to European and African Countries.

Paul Sheehan became Campaigns and Communications Manager with Cork Simon.

It’s an in depth look at the Airline Industry, but also the constant battle to provide vital services to those who struggle to survive on a daily basis in Cork.

Where the road takes me – this Sunday evening at 7 on C103. [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 – 20th Feb. 2022 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 20th Feb.

We drive over and under them almost every day without a thought.  They help us cross rivers and other obstacles.  In Ireland we have hundreds of them, but they are disappearing fast and bringing with them golden nuggets of our historical past.  Bridges have featured in war, romance, social gatherings and the daily necessities of communities.

This week on Where the road takes me, John Greene looks at some of the historical bridges in East Muskerry.

We look at the background to Richard John Griffith, a much maligned man, but one responsible for Ireland’s premier genealogical resources.

We hear how once the British Army were welcomed into the homes of Ireland, as they excellently mapped the country with little resources.

And….

                   On Ruby’s Bridge, the story of a travelling harness maker and a railway servant who lived close by. [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 – 13th Feb. 2022 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 13th Feb.

Because of our historical past, this year is significant and bound to be a year of commemoration and in certain cases celebration. 

Because of Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown, many centenary events were cancelled last year, but will be carried over to this year. 

One such event will be the Battle of Clonmult – the 101st anniversary of which falls on Sunday week, February 20th.

On this week’s edition of ‘Where The Road Takes me’, John Greene looks back at the IRA’s heaviest defeat in a single engagement, during the War of Independence.

An informer, complacency, a catalogue of errors and strange decisions, a total disregard for the rules of war and illegal court-martials, all contributed to a battle that virtually wiped out the East Cork Flying Column and left deep scars on the local community, for years afterwards. [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 Feb. 2022 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 6th Feb.

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene travels to a quiet peaceful area, just outside of Clonakilty to meet a man who has had anything but a peaceful life. 

Apart from doing session work on Crocodile Dundee and on the TV series Baywatch, Stephen Housden has been lead guitarist with the Little River Band for 26 years. 

The band have been described as Australia’s most significant band and the first Australian band to crack it in the US.  Stephen Housden has been described as the best guitarist in the World.  

Although born in the UK and because of health problems, Housden’s parents were advised to take their eight year old son to warmer climates, so Australia seemed like a good choice.  History, destiny and a born talent took over from there. [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 Jan. 2022 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 23rd Jan.

As a child, Aileen Crean-O’Brien had heard about the exploits of her famous Grand-father.  As she got older, it was her dream that one day she would follow in his footsteps, literally and physically.

It was a big dream, when you consider that her Grandfather was Tom Crean, a veteran of three major expeditions to Antartica and the recipient of the highest award for bravery and lifesaving, during the heroic age of exploration. 

In a two-part programme on Where the road takes me, John Greene looks at the exploits of Tom Crean and the attempt by Aileen, her partner Bill, (now her husband) and her two sons, to follow the footsteps of her Grandfather to the ends of the earth and the most remote and dangerous part of the World.  [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 Jan. 2022 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 16th Jan.

On this week’s edition of Where the road takes me, John Greene concludes the two-part programme – ‘The Story and Music of Manfred Mann & The Kanturk Connection’.

Manfred’s mother Alma has married local man Donal Hanrahan and settled in Kanturk.  After the death of her husband, Alma’s health deteriorates and she develops Alzheimers.  Local couple Jackie and Teresa Carroll speak about looking after Alma during her final days. 

Manfred Mann talks about the futility of drugs, which were part of many musician’s life in the sixties. 

And………

                            The progression from Manfred Mann to Manfred Mann’s Earthband in the seventies.  The band still play to this day.  [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 Jan. 2022 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 9th Jan.

When British based pop star Manfred Mann discovers that his mother Alma intends selling up all she owns in Johannesburg and moving to Kanturk to marry a local man, he is concerned.  But his fears are unfounded as Donal and Alma spend many happy years together. 

In the first of a two part programme on Where the road takes me, John Greene discovers how a simple exchange of Penpal letters between Kanturk and South Africa results in romance and eventual marriage. 

Manfred Mann, for his part agrees to contribute to the story and the programme, if a promise is honoured to search for a local couple, who he says went far beyond what was expected of them as carers for his mother, especially during her final days. 

This two part programme has everything…….

Romance, escaping apartheid, avoiding music’s drug culture of the 60s and 70s, the search for Jackie and Teresa and of course the story and hit songs of Manfred Mann and later Manfred Mann’s Earthband. [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 last Sunday evening’s programme (details below) –26th Dec. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  A new programme is presently being broadcast on this Sunday, 2nd Jan. 2022 from 7 to 8pm. (S.R.)

The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in London, on December 6th 1921.

Back in Ireland and in between debates on the Treaty, Michael Collins took some downtime and headed home to Woodfield for Christmas.  It would be his last Christmas.  Eight months later he was assassinated in Béal na Bláth on August 22nd.

On Christmas day evening, Michael Collins and his brother Johnny walked to the top of Carraigaradhairc, close to what was now the burned out remains of the family home at Woodfield. 

Based on research and interviews recorded with Johnny Collins, Tim Crowley of the Michael Collins’ Centre has written a thirty minute radio play based on what the brothers discussed. 

The play – ‘Michael Collins’s Last Christmas’, was heard on “Where the road takes me” on St. Stephen’s Day evening, almost exactly one hundred years to the day later.

 

“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 – 19th Dec. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 19th Dec.

On the last occasion that John Greene met his guest on this  week’s ‘Where The Road Takes Me’, he was required to call him Sir.

This week, John  meets up again with Con O’Sullivan, or ‘Con Derrihy’ who was one of his former teachers in Secondary School. 

Fachtna O’Donovan from the Beara Historical Society also travels from Castletownbere to Con’s home near Tuosist in County kerry.

The recorded conversation ranges from the early education system to Donagh O’Malley, the Education Minister responsible for free education.

There are comparisons made between Patrick Kavanagh and Oliver Goldsmith, a look at the lives of Patrick Pearse and William Shakespeare and how Con drove students to and from school prior to the arrival of school busses.  [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 – 12th Dec. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 12th Dec.

This year has been a roller-coaster of various emotions for former BBC TV Current Affairs presenter Denis Tuohy.

In May he lost his son Chris to cancer and has now just seen his book published, based on his ‘Thoughts for Today’ slot on BBC Radio.

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’,  Denis, who resided in Castletownbere for a number of years,  joins John Greene to reflect on a number of events that made it to his book ‘Streets & Secret Places’

* There’s a moment of rare kindness from a Black & Tan Officer to his Mother, a young girl of 12 years of age in 1921.

* A personal chat with actor Richard Burton in Fishguard.

* A thought provoking moment from Mohammed Ali.

* How a positive event came from the Grenfell Tower Tragedy

and….

A moment, of what some may refer to as ‘weakness’, from the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher.  [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 – 5th Dec. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 5th Dec.

Ireland in the 19th and early 20th century was not the peaceful and law-abiding place we are led to believe.  People fought hard to survive and some were quite willing to take a life to ensure they did so. 

On ‘Where the road takes me’ this week, Ballycotton based author Peter O’Shea joins John Greene to talk about historic murders in South Cork – the subject of his fourth book in the series. 

And……….

                             Corkman and Eurovision singer Cathal Dunne on  post Trump life in America – The worry of his son Ryan who is a frontline policeman – how he and his wife Cathleen survived a Covid diagnosis and his research and new book on Coffin-Ships.  [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 – 28th Nov. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 28th Nov.

It’s a musical edition of ‘Where the road takes me’ this Sunday evening as John Greene speaks to Daniel O’Donnell as we approach his 60th birthday.

From dealing with Covid-19 to lockdown in Donegal and ceasing his legendary ‘meet and greet’ after concerts.

The singer also speaks about losing long time friend Ronnie Kennedy to prostate Cancer.  Ronnie who was Daniels accordion player since the early days passed away in September.

How the death of his father at a young age robbed the O’Donnell family of a great parent and a young man of a full life, that he so wanted to live.

There’s talk about road tripping with Majella in the United States and how opinions of his poor driving capabilities are greatly exaggerated.

And of course reaching the age of sixty is up for discussion as we also hear tracks from the album ’60’ and how the songs from it were selected. [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 – 21st Nov. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 21st Nov.

With the anniversary of the Kilmichael Ambush just over a week away, John Greene looks at one of the unsung heroes, rarely discussed or mentioned at this time. 

Father Patrick O’Connell, Parish Priest of Enniskeane risked his priestly career and his life by riding out at night to hear the confessions of the Column the night before the ambush.

A few short days later, while accused of undermining his Bishop, he rode to Castletownkenneigh in the dead of night to bury the three members of the Column who lost their lives in the ambush. 

In part one of the programme we look at the background to the man and his actions and we discover a handwritten account by Michael O’Driscoll, who fought at Kilmichael.

In parts two and three, a new radio play entitled ‘The Valliant Fr. O’Connell’,  written by Lar McCarthy and directed by Donie Walsh, gets its first hearing.  [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 – 14th Nov. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 14th Nov.

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene concludes the two part programme on the history of the Jeffers family of Bandon.

Author of ‘Jeffers of Bandon – A history’, Isla Jeffers speaks about the burning of Castle Bernard by the IRA in 1921.

From our archives, we get an as close as possible first hand account of what transpired at Castle Bernard from the nephew of the officer in charge of the IRA unit Seán Hales.

 And…….

Jeffers open Bandon’s first café in the 1950s and West Cork’s first Supermarket in 1960.  However, a little tweaking was necessary, when a sign which read ‘Please take a basket’, was taken literally by customers. [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 – 7th Nov. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 7th Nov.

This week on Where the road takes me and in the first of a two part programme, John Greene looks at the history of the Jeffers family.

When John Edward Jeffers came to work as a messenger boy in Bandon in 1855, he certainly did not envisage his future family becoming the biggest employers in the local area.

Although protestant, they took a neutral but dangerous stance during the war of Independence, going on to open the first supermarket in West Cork in 1960.

We also pay a visit to O’Donovan’s supermarket on South Main Street in Bandon on the day they celebrated fifty years in business.

The late Denis O’Donovan learned his trade in the grocery business at Jeffers, before opening his own shop in October 29th 1971.  [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 – 31st Oct. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 31st Oct.

The history of brewing in Cork is a two part programme which concludes this Sunday evening at 7 on C103.

There is particular emphasis on Beamish and Crawford, a brewery that John Greene discovers was a plucky underdog, rather than a serious contender.

Coming up this week…………. 

Alcohol abuse at the beginning of the 20th century – a time to decrease its strength.

Beamish and Crawford are forced to deal with the problems associated with two World Wars, a War of Independence and a Civil War.

and…..

Beamish and Crawford close their West Cork Bottling Plant in Bandon in 1967 with the loss of many jobs. We will meet some of the former workforce.  [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 – 24th Oct. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 24th Oct.

In the first of a two part programme on ‘Where the Road Takes me’ this week,  John Greene looks at the history of brewing in Cork.  It also encompasses the commercial and social life in the City and County.

The programme focusses mainly on the Cork Porter Company, which later became Beamish & Crawford, until its closure in 2009. 

In Bandon we look at the story behind Allman’s Brewery and Distillers, which was bought and closed by Beamish & Crawford.  We also meet some of the former workforce at the West Cork plant.  [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 – 17th Oct. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 17th Oct.

In October of 1966, NFA President Rickard Deasy staked his reputation and the reputation of his association on the pivotal farmers protest march from Bantry to Dublin. 

Low incomes, an unfair taxation system, rates and the refusal of Government to either meet with or recognise their association, led to the association President leading sixteen West Cork farmers out of Bantry on a 217 mile walk to the gates of Dáil Éireann. 

In the concluding programme on Where the road takes me,  John Greene meets three of the surviving sixteen.

We also look at the commodity strike of January 1967, which resulted in the jailing of 19 farmers and the confiscation of their machinery.  [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 – 10th Oct. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 10th Oct.

Having been described as a ‘Pip-Squeak’ Organisation by the late Charles J. Haughey, the NFA, later to become the IFA, decided to show the former Agriculture Minister at the time, that they were anything but.

Fifty five years ago, almost to the day, sixteen West Cork farmers began a gruelling 211 mile protest walk from Bantry to Dublin.  By the time they had reached Dublin, thirty thousand farmers had converged on Dáil Éireann.

Eleven of those West Cork farmers are since deceased.  Of the five remaining,  John Greene meets three of them on this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’.

In the first of a two-part programme we also meet some of those who remained behind to look after farm, home and family.  We also get access to the diary of Seán O’Brien of Goulanes, one of the six deceased.  Extracts from it are read by his Grandson Shane. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103 – Remembering Billa O’Connell

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 3rd Oct. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 3rd Oct.

Billa O’Connell was as much a part of Cork as ‘Pana’, the Mardyke or his beloved Lough in Togher.  The entertainer passed away on September 23rd last at the age of 91. 

This week on Where the road takes me, John Greene looks back at some of the recorded conversations he had with him at his home in Togher.

The burning of the Opera House, Summer Revels, marrying his real life Cinderella and bidding farewell to his great friend on and off the stage – Paddy Cummerford, are all up for discussion.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103 – Remembering Billa O’Connell”

“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 Sept. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 26th Sept.

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene goes in search of ‘characters’.  When your search takes you to the Northside of Cork City, it would be difficult to avoid them. 

Underneath the Bells of Shandon, we meet the ladies of Eason’s Hill Friendship Club.  Around the corner, Dan Linehan speaks about manufacturing boiled sweets, like Clove Rocks.  The same traditional methods and old machinery are in use since 1929. 

At the top of Cathedral Road, we meet iconic Northside shop owner Con O’leary who also dipped his toes in politics a number of years ago. 

And, Herbie Hendrick recalls almost seventy years as a band member and conductor of the Butter Exchange Brass and Reed Band, affectionately known as ‘The Buttera’. [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 – 19th Sept. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 19th Sept.

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene meets the third Cork City Northsider in the series ‘The tale of three Norries’.

Son of the late Singing Fireman John O’Shea, Tony O’Shea talks about his father, growing up on the Northside and being a true and proud Norrie, choosing a guitar instead of a hurley at the North Mon and his  own  career as a Cork City Fireman, before retiring at the age of 54. 

We also hear songs from his CD ‘My Lovely Rose and You’, the title track dedicated to his late mother. 

Next week……… [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 – 12th Sept. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 12th Sept.

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene continues the Tale of three Norries.

In Programme two we meet songwriter John Murphy who was asked to write a number of songs for a CD to commemorate the burning of Cork City in December of 1920.

Although a launch and promotional events were out of the question because of Covid-19, the CD has almost sold itself.

Only seventy copies remain, with all proceeds going to ‘Alana’s Butterfly Wings’ 

Like the other two Norries, John has a story to tell which is unrelated to music.

Born in the UK, John was brought to Ireland for adoption.  He relates his story articulately, speaking about his dysfunctional and unfit adoptive parents in Cork.

Living the life of a loner as a child, without love, care and affection, John still finds difficulty in socialising.  Meeting his birth-mother for the first time and benefiting from her company for two years before her death, is a part of his story told emotionally. [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 – 5th Sept. 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 5th Sept.

‘The tale of three Norries’ is a series beginning on ‘Where the road takes me’ this Sunday evening.

Basing himself in the North-Mon CBS School, John Greene meets three friends, all of whom attended the school.  All three are Norries to the core, all three are involved in music and all three have an interesting story to tell – not all of which involves music. 

In programme one, we meet singer-songwriter John Neville one of the co-founders of the Cork band North Cregg.

John is now pursuing a solo career and has recorded a song about Sunvalley Drive, where he grew up and ‘The Wobbling Man’, a song about his alcoholic father.

We are also joined by College Lecturer and New York Times opinion writer Jennifer Finney Boylan.

Boylan talks about her time at UCC and how ‘The Wobbling Man’ helped her enormously to take the final steps in her transformation from male to Transgender. [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 – 29th August 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 29th August

Recorded a year before his death and with promises of plenty more in the reserve, this was in fact the last of many recordings with John O’Leary in Cobh.  John passed away last April at the age of 98. 

This week there are tales of a visit to Fatima with a Margaret Thatcher connection.

There’s a tale of Margaret Thatcher and her bitter battle with the Yorkshire Miners.  There’s Margaret Thatcher and the Hunger Strikers and Margaret Thatcher and her Kenmare roots.

And the mood is sombre, as John recalls losing three colleagues and friends in tragic circumstanses,  from his days in an Garda Síochána.  [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 – 22nd August 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 22nd August

Back by popular demand is a well worn cliché, but it’s so appropriate for this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’.

Listeners to the programme just can’t get enough of John O’Leary who passed away earlier this year at the age of 98.

Originally from Rathbarry, but living in Cobh, John was a member of an Garda Siochana from 1942 to 1955, all of which was spent in Dublin. 

This week we go on the beat with John to meet Brendan Behan, Margaret Pearse, Boxing Cyclone the reclusive Bill Warren and partying with the wonderful trading ladies of Moore Street.

Dublin wit and characters, through the eyes of a Cork Garda. [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 – 15th August 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 15th August

On ‘Where the road takes me’ this week, John Greene concludes the story of Joe Mac.  The former drummer, singer and comedian is the only surviving member of the Dixies Showband following the death of Seán Lucey on July 28th last.

Now eighty five years of age and sixty seven years in show business, it hasn’t been all laughs.

In 1981, tragedy strikes the family when Joe and Anne’s son Aidan and his wife Linda are killed in a road collision. 

And……

       Why Brendan O’Brien’s electrocution in the Stardust Ballroom in Cork, was not the beginning of the lead-singer’s demise. [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 – 8th August 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 8th August

On July 28th last, with obvious sadness, we learned of the death of Seán Lucey, a former member of the Dixies Showband.

That leaves Joe Mac as the only surviving member of one of Ireland’s most popular bands.

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’ and in the first of a two part programme, John Greene brings you the Joe Mac Story.

We hear how Joe took the drums to his first gig on the Number 11 bus to Tivoli.

We hear how the Dixielanders became the Dixies and later Stage 2.

We hear how tragedy devastated his family in 1981 and his views on adoption.

And with Joe Mac, there’s always laughs and we bring you plenty of those too.0 [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 – 1st August 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 1st August

Dancing fanatics amongst you must be getting itchy feet at the moment.  The Foxtrots, quicksteps,  jives, waltzes and even the clingers may not be too far away, as you await the green light for a return to the dance floor. 

On ‘Where the road takes me’ this week John Greene offers a gentle reminder of what the dancing days of old were really like, just in case you had forgotten, which is highly unlikely. 

We meet two members of one of the most popular local dance bands ever to grace a dance-floor.

Twenty years of non-stop  performing must come with stories attached and there are plenty.   Mad cats, fires, political bomb scares and jiving in your underwear just add to the excitement. [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 – 25th July 2021 at 7pm on C103.  (S.R.)

Where The Road Takes Me – Sunday 25th July

This week on Where the road takes me, John Greene continues and concludes a look at the judicial system of the 19th and early 20th centuries.  The programme also includes a look back at historic murders of the era and their outcome. 

This Week…….

Thomas Street in Mitchelstown in 1913 and the constant arguing of a father and son that eventually goes too far.

In Curraghmore in 1874, the brutal and cowardly murder and robbery of an elderly couple.  While local suspects were questioned, most people regarded it as the work of an opportunistic mobile serial killer. 

And in Rockmills near Castletownroche during  the height of the Land war, so called middle-men were regarded as more ruthless than landlords.  Motives and suspects are plenty in this brutal and depraved murder of a locally despised family.   But did they hang the real culprits, or was it a case of anyone will do.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″