Sin Scéal Eile

Pauline is a musician, mother, great friend and incredible matchmaker (I speak from experience). We had the chats about what it means to be from Dingle and what it was like growing up without an ounce of anonymity in the town. She currently finds herself researching a new body of work, one which will explore the subject of immigration, but from unheard perspectives. Rx

I caught up with MayKay just as she was about to host a Palestine fundraiser table quiz in Kerry. Fundraising, activism and advocacy is something she does a lot of these days, often taking her away from her career as a musician, TV host and “panel moderator”.She’s had a busy few 12 months. She released her first solo record after years of releasing tunes as part of Fight Like Apes. It’s fascinating to hear how her journey with music started, and equally as interesting learning what colour her debs dress was.

Una is a music agent, but really she spins loads of plates for her artists. She’s gotten to a stage in her career where she now works exclusively with sounders (like Lisa Hannigan and Paul Noonan). In the last few years she started her own festival, Hibernacle, which has evolved into a beautiful wee event in the Dublin mountains showcasing gorgeous music, poetry and art. Rx

Of course Bébhinn is incredibly easy to chat to, she’s a tour guide. She chats to people for a living! Today she took me to Lough Boora in Offaly. It’s a bogland like no other, full of incredible sculptures, old bog trains and interesting facts about the land. I never would have known of its existence without Bébhinn, and sure isn’t that what you really want in a local guide. Herself and her partner (and her dog) are going to go full time soon, after both doing their National Tour Guide exams and getting their fancy driving licences which means they can chauffeur tourists about. Her reasons for wanting to be a tour guide? To show everyone how amazing Ireland is. Can’t say fairer than that!xR

Tony Murray was my college lecturer. I didn't like college, college didn't like me. I was surprised to see Tony's name pop up in my inbox (and a little bit panicked too if I'm honest, PTSD). Tony was a great lecturer. He gave me a piece of advice that I've implemented my whole career “always have a project and always finish it”. So projects like this one, Sin Scéal Eile and my previous book, Twilight Together, are almost habitual thanks to Tony.Tony and I talked at length about the college, what we loved, what we hated. We chatted about his time as a student too. However, when it boiled down to editing this podcast, I feel it was the subject we ended on that was most important. The topic of his daughter's future care.Tony and his wife Susan have long been lobbying the government for additional support for disabled people. Recently they set up Before We Die. It's a group of adults, who are 70+ and currently caring for their disabled, grown children. Tony's worry is what will happen to his daughter, Aoife, who is intellectually disabled and can't live independently, when he and his wife pass. At present there is no plan, or even reassurance from the government that there even will be a plan coming soon. Rx

Nazli is a young Muslim woman from Turkey, she’s a member of the LGBTQ+ community and an award winning, fine art photographer. In her work she covers issues such as self identity, religion and sexuality (and how these can exist together). Her work is bold, courageous and also a bit tongue in cheek. Even though verbal communication can be difficult, English is not her first language, she speaks so passionately about being LGBT and reconciling that with her Faith. “In Ireland, you are free and don’t have to live underground. Here, I faced my religion, my identity, my gender. I wanted to make peace between all these versions of me, so I did. I started wearing my hijab and being myself.”Together we got silly in the garden. Pegging dishclothes and flowers to the washing line. Nazli took off her shoes to expose her bright yellow socks in great contrast to her black outfit. She pretends to delicately smell a little flower and then produces the most genuine and brilliant smile of this whole series so far. Nazli is a delight. She’s a warrior who is living life utterly true to herself. xR

Ann is a public health professional specializing in HIV/AIDS and sexual health. She’s a staunch advocate for migrant women. She goes above and beyond to ensure that the awareness of HIV/AIDS passes no one, and that anyone who needs medical care, can access it. Rx

Ruth is a preserver of folk and heritage crafts, minding them and teaching others, so that we don’t lose the skills forever. They spin wool from Donegal sheep, extract linen from flax seeds and even grow specific plants in their garden in order to naturally dye it all. Rx