The Ireland Podcast

Born in Ennis, County Clare, Fr. Bernárd’s journey began in the traditional Ireland of the 1940s, shaped by school, family, and faith. But his path soon led him far from the familiar - from the seminary in Dromantine, Newry, to ordination in Newry Cathedral, and then on to the missionaries in Africa and the turbulent streets of New York in the 1970s, where he found both his calling and his true self.In a conversation with Fender Jackson, they talk about forgiveness, angels, and the arrogance of certainty. Fr. Bernárd explores his belief that Catholicism is the last pagan religion in the West, and his sharp critique of Bible bingo interpretations of Leviticus.Fr. Bernárd speaks candidly about discovering he was gay, ministering to the AIDS community at the height of the crisis, and facing the crushing pressures of faith, sexuality, and truth - including false allegations, expulsion from New York, and eventually becoming the first Catholic priest in the world to have a same-sex marriage.It’s a story of defiance, compassion, and perhaps, time travel - an extraordinary conversation with one of Ireland’s most fearless and fascinating priests.Linkshttps://www.frbernardlynch.com/

Bass legend Gerry McAvoy takes us through a track-by-track journey of Photo-Finish, Rory Gallagher’s powerhouse 1978 album. In this wide-ranging conversation, Gerry shares insights into the sessions, the scrapped album, and the raw energy that defined Rory’s late-’70s sound.Along the way, we talk Sex Pistols, click tracks and metronomes, Ted McKenna’s drumming, Status Quo, and the aftermath of the accident. Gerry also reflects on Carol Kaye’s influence, cropdusting adventures, and how tracks like “Only the Lonely”, “Memphis Hip Shake” (The Cult), and “Donegal Express” (Shane MacGowan) connect through spirit and groove.Plus: tales from playing with Joe Bonamassa and plenty more behind-the-scenes stories from a life in rock ’n’ roll.Relevant Linkshttp://www.bandoffriends.eu/https://songwhip.com/bandoffriendshttps://www.rorygallagher.com/Additional LinksFuel To The Fire (Instrumental) - Band Of FriendsCarol Kaye grooving the metronome

While recording Episode 122 with Swinford’s own Breege Rowley, the editor-turned-documentary maker suggested to Fender that he speak with Nora McBurney - the voice behind her film ‘All Our Yesterdays’. So that’s exactly what he did.Conversation includes: introductions; update on the movie ‘All Our Yesterdays’ by Breege Rowley; Swinford and Foxford, County Mayo; tracing Nora’s grandparents move from Swinford and Derryherbert, County Mayo to Pittsburgh, PA; competing in Irish dancing; soft shoe vs. hard shoe; Dan Rooney & The Pittsburgh Steelers; Croke Park; Michael Bublé; studying in Ireland; Trim Castle; Cnoc Suain, County Galway; having an Irish American identity; yinzers, yousens and Scots language; John Williams and Solace; Reverie Road; the Irish American connection; the nosiness of the Irish; the real estate industry in USA today; working from home; buying vs. renting property; Rory Sutherland’s view on the increase of property over the last few decades; recording the Voiceover for ‘All Our Yesterdays’ and other topics.Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/theirishyinzerhttps://www.facebook.com/theirishyinzer/Additional Linkshttps://breegerowleyeditor.com/https://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcastEpisode 122. Breege Rowley: Cinema & Television Editor

Fender Jackson recently took part in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the London Irish Centre, marking seven decades of cultural connection and community spirit. The event paid tribute to the Centre’s rich legacy as a home for Irish arts, music, and heritage in London, while also highlighting its ongoing role in supporting the Irish diaspora. Fender’s coverage captured the atmosphere of pride and nostalgia, showcasing performances, speeches, and stories that reflected both the history and the enduring vibrancy of the Irish community in Britain.Special thanks to the following contributors:Deirdre Fraser - Volunteer, London Irish CentreMark Paul - London Correspondent, Irish TimesFionnuala Carr - Irish DancerJennifer Hegarty - Trustee, London Irish CentreHelen - Volunteer, London Irish CentreLeah - London Irish Centre visitorDarren - Security & Events, London Irish CentreKatie Doyle - Survivors Integrated Service ManagerRosie - Irish Dancer & MusicianSarah - Irish Dancer Eva - Future founder of the London Korean CentreSusan - Irish DancerSheena Vallely - Fiddle PlayerBradon Smith - Fiddler PlayerPaul Kerins - Banjo PlayerHannah Pender - Director of Programme & EventsSéamus MacCormaic - CEO of the London Irish Centre Performance of John Leary’s by Rosie (Tin Whistle) and Fender (Drums, Bass, Guitars, Percussion, Banjo, and Accordion)Linkshttps://londonirishcentre.org/https://londonirishcentre.org/our-services/community-development/survivorservice/https://thesunnybanks.com/www.theirelandpodcast.comhttps://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcastEp. 181. London Irish Centre: Community CaféAdditional Linkshttps://www.coventryirishsociety.com/help-support/irish-survivorshttps://frea.org.uk/

The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, brought peace to Northern Ireland after decades of conflict by establishing a power-sharing government and ensuring that any constitutional change would happen only by consent. Alastair Campbell, then Tony Blair’s Director of Communications and Strategy, played a key role in the negotiations, helping to shape the messaging, diplomacy, and relationships that made the agreement possible. He shared his reflections and behind-the-scenes stories with The Ireland Podcast when Fender Jackson visited him at his home in London on Thursday, 25 September 2025.Conversation includes: Scotty Parker and Burnley F.C.; Tony Blair & Jonathan Powell’s optimism; the moment of realisation that the Northern Ireland problem could actually be solved; David Trimble, John Taylor & Ken Maginnis; The Irish Diaries; Bill Clinton & George Mitchell; Martin McGuinness, John Hume, Mo Mowlem & David Ervine; Bríd Rogers; sleep; Dennis Murray; the alignment with John Hume; Seamus Mallon; the hand of history; feeling the encouragement from the streets; the growing media pack; Alastair’s day-to-day role; John Holmes; social media and today’s political landscape; Bertie Ahern; the main stumbling blocks before the GFA was signed; Blair’s skills of constructive ambiguity; ‘The Chuckle Brothers’ (McGuinness and Paisley); Máirtín Ó Muilleoir; the other side to Paisley; Greenifying vs. Trimblification; Martin Ferris & Gerry Kelly; the legacy bill; London Irish Centre; Orla McBreen; Hilary Benn; Gaza and the Middle East; Nick Matthews, the Garden Girls and other topics.Linkshttps://alastaircampbell.org/book/the-irish-diaries/www.theirelandpodcast.comhttps://linktr.ee/theirelandpodcast

While in Belfast, Fender Jackson had the opportunity to meet Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, widely recognised as a tireless booster for the city and a respected civic leader. Known for his energy, optimism, and commitment to showcasing Belfast on the global stage, Máirtín has played a central role in promoting its culture, business, and community spirit. Their meeting offered a chance to reflect on how individual leadership and passion can help shape a city’s story.Conversation includes: early life; growing up in the war; learning gaelic; not getting involved in the troubles; school; venturing to South Belfast for the second time (despite having visited England, Dublin as well as holidays in Ballycastle and Irish college in Donegal); Patrick Crawford; Jim McCarron; Martha & Patrick Crawford; Máirtín’s mother starting up a peace movement; H-Block; landing the job of being the first journalist in the Andersonstown News; Hunger Strikes; acquiring the Anderstonstown News; Bernard O’Hagan, Bernard Davey; Sheena Campbell; Alex Maskey; Alan Lundy; Bobby Lavery and his son; judges; Sammy Douglas; Frank and James Millar in The Loup, Co. Derry; LGBTQ community; the gulf between the catholic and protestant communities today; Mo Mowlem; David Trimble; Paul Haller; Connla McCann; Presidents Michael D. Higgins and Mary McAleese; Rev. Ian Paisley & Martin McGuinness; Fr. Gerry Reynolds from Clonard; Peace Walls; Bertie Ahern, Bill Clinton & Tony Blair; Gaza; being the Lord Mayor; Buddhism; Van Morrison’s Bright Side Of The Road; Royal British Legion; the unionist community; plans for the future; religion; St. Vincent de Paul and other topics.Linkshttps://belfastmedia.comAdditional Linkshttps://belfastmedia.com/coroner-rules-that-patrick-crawford-15-was-shot-dead-by-british-soldierhttps://cain.ulster.ac.uk/victims/humanface/chron/1980.htmlhttps://belfastmedia.com/appeal-for-info-on-1975-rvh-killinghttps://cain.ulster.ac.uk/sutton/alpha/O.html

Máirtín Ó Muilleoir encouraged Fender to share a selection of episodes on Irish Echo and Andersonstown News, showcasing the generosity of everyone who contributed their time and stories. These narratives form a mosaic of Ireland: its past, its present, and the living connections that stretch across the globe.We thought it would be good to put together an episode that crystallises what The Ireland Podcast is as well as its origin story.. which dates back more than 100 years!Sincere thanks to Máirtín for this opportunity.Relevant Linkshttps://belfastmedia.com/atownhttps://www.irishecho.com/https://www.ria.ie/collections/archival-collections/heron-papers/

A continuation of the celebration of Oideas Gael: Rónán Ó Dochartaigh, Course Manager of Oideas Gael, chats about its offerings, the rise of Irish language learning, and the unique culture of Glencolmcille, touching on immersion, Gaeltacht life, and the growing appeal of Gaeilge today.Conversation includes: introductions; activated parts of brain; Scoil Samhraidh (Language and Culture Summer School) and some of the lessons therein; the growing popularity of Oideas Gael over the years; Rónán’s journey to his current position; the impact of Covid; Gaeilge sa bhaile (Irish at home); fág an bealach (get out of the way); Gaeltacht definition and their places in Ireland; Ráth Chairn and Baile Ghib in Meath; Slaughtneil and West Belfast; pop up Gaeltachts; Údarás na Gaeltachta; different levels of the courses; tumadh (immersion); the types of people who do the course; the Glencolmcille area; the different dialects of Irish; Michael Healy-Rae vs. Jim McGuinness; the influence of the Normans; teacher; (2025) prices; accommodation; getting here and other topics.Linkswww.oideasgael.comhttps://www.siopagaeilge.ie193. Rónán Ó Dochartaigh: Oideas Gael Course Manager - Part 2