96 TEARS

In a contemplative guest post, Kieran Cunningham reflects on his personal journey following major life changes, including open-heart surgery and a cancer diagnosis. He expresses deep grief over the loss of family members and the impact of multiple tragedies, feeling emotionally closed off. As he navigates health challenges, Cunningham revisits poignant memories from his childhood, particularly the summer of 1996, blending music and nostalgia. He acknowledges the complexity of coping with illness and loss, emphasizing the role of music in helping him process his experiences and seek connection amid sorrow.

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THE SOUL TRAIN

Last February marked the tenth anniversary of the death of Fergus O’Farrell, the Cork-born singer, writer and leader of his band, Interference. Born with muscular dystrophy, he died after a well-documented struggle with the disease. His music and his spirit –which are formidable in equal part - are captured with elan in Michael McCormack’s film,... Continue Reading →

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THE FRANKS AND DAMO: A TALE OF TWO CITIES

A December run of shows with The Frank and Walters in Cork and Damien Dempsey in Dublin prompts a look at ageing, live music, and loyal hometown crowds. It’s a reflection on two enduring acts and why they and their gigs still resonate

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BRIAN: WHATS SO FUNNY ABOUT PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING?

On April 10, 1999, I was in the producer’s chair in Studio 4 in RTÉ while we aired a special episode of a live Saturday night chat show called Kenny Live, hosted by Pat Kenny. The show was paying its respects to the late actor and comedian, Dermot Morgan, who died unexpectedly the previous year... Continue Reading →

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OASIS AND THE IRISH IN THEM

For the week that’s in it, we asked our Toronto Bureau Chief – and long-time Oasis anorak – Eoin O’Callaghan, to file a guest post about the Irish influence on Noel Gallagher’s work.   Margaret ‘Peggy’ Sweeney was an emotional wreck when she arrived in Manchester from Charlestown, Co. Mayo, in 1962. Like so many... Continue Reading →

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