The High Kings have been part of the musical landscape in Ireland and farther afield for the past 15 years. The lads are about to embark on the first ever world tour and they’re just about to launch something special by way of their new album. Darren Holden of the High Kings talks to Ger about it all
“Quinn” is the name of a book released in December 2022 about former billionaire businessman Sean Quinn – The man who was too big to fail. The book was written by Emmy-nominated film producer, director and journalist, Trevor Birney who joins Ger to talk about Quinn.
There is definitely a knack to playing the harmonica. Remembering how Santa Claus brought many a young person a harmonica at Christmas down through the years and how not knowing what to do with the instrument resulted in many being forgotten about at the back of cupboards. In the off chance that Santa delivered some harmonicas this year Ger Sweeney went to meet one of Ireland’s best harmonica players, Mick Kinsella, to find out just how make the most of the gifted harmonica.
He first came on to the “music radar” as a member of The Johnstons in the late 1960s and since then we’ve seen Paul play and sing with Planxty, as a musical partner to Andy Irvine and as a solo artist. One of Ireland’s foremost singer/songwriters Paul Brady has penned a cross-section of hits for himself and others and has toured with greats such as Eric Clapton and Dire Straits and he is still going. His recently published memoir titled “Crazy Dreams” is a very honest account of his life to date. He spoke recently to Ger Sweeney about this.
Mick Hanly has been making music and singing songs for over 50 years. The Limerick man has just released his latest album called “Marathon”. It is a mixture of new Hanly compositions, a fresh sound to some familiar ones and a few covers. He talks to Ger Sweeney about it, and a few other things.
For over 40 years Tommie Gorman was a familiar face on our television screens and voice on our radios through his work with the Irish state broadcaster RTE. His book “Never Better – My Life in Our Times” is a fascinating read which details his career, the various elements attached to his roles, firstly as a cub reporter at the Western Journal in the West of Ireland and later as the North Western Correspondent, Europe Correspondent and Northern Correspondent for RTE. The book is a history lesson that takes us behind the scenes to some of the stories Tommie brought to us. Tommie spoke to Ger Sweeney on Talk Radio Europe about the book and his life.
“To Be Irish” is calling for all Irish businesses, craftspeople, makers and creators to register their information on the To Be Irish Christmas Gifting and Event Guide. A one-stop shop where you can find the perfect homegrown present for your loved one, or join festive happenings around the globe. To Be Irish is a digital hub for the global Irish family, creates meaningful connections with the Irish diaspora & those who have a grá for Ireland at home and abroad during key moments of the year. Now in its third year, To Be Irish returns to mark the special Christmas season from the 14 – 25 December 2022 presenting a festive programme for everyone at home and abroad to enjoy. Derived from the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy, initiated by Minister of State for the Diaspora, Colm Brophy T.D., To Be Irish is an opportunity to showcase events globally that celebrate Irish culture around Christmas; featuring seasonal traditions, community initiatives, crafts, and more. Gifting and Event registration is free and open to makers and creators from around the world with a clear connection to Ireland.
Minister Brophy spoke with Ger Sweeney recently
On 10th September 2022 the 420th anniversary of the death of Red Hugh O’Donnell occurs. Red Hugh died in Simancas and was buried a few miles away in Valladolid. For generations the final resting place of Red Hugh was sought and through persistence from people in both Donegal (where Red Hugh is from) and Vallodolid the mystery was solved. There is a special weekend of commemorations planned for the 420th anniversary in both Simancas and Vallodolid. In this piece Eddie Crawford and Brendan Rohan speak to Ger Sweeney from Donegal and Carlos Burgos joins the conversation from Valladolid to explain what is planned.
Martin Hayes has travelled the world with his fiddle. His performances and recordings expose his audiences to his personal interpretation of the traditional Irish music that has been handed down from generation to generation. Nights by the fire at home in East Clare as a boy listening to traditional music and playing with the Tulla Céilí Band as a teenager lit the flame of passion. We experience that passion every time we listen to Martin play, in whatever setting.
Recently, Martin and Ger Sweeney chatted for Ger’s Irish radio programme on Spain-based Talk Radio Europe. Here is that conversation.
The Irish Embassy in Madrid has compiled a list of activities happening across Spain to mark St. Patrick’s Day The infromation is below along with details of where further information is available. To add to this please email info@emeraldconnection.net and your event in Spain can be added here. Ger Sweeney will be promoting these events on his radio programme on Talk Radio Europe on 9th and 16th March. Having all of the information and contact details here in one place will allow him to direct traffic here rather than reading out endless contacts and web addresses that nobody will remember.
Barcelona
This year Iomramh Cultural Association and Irish in Barcelona present the 11th Kingspan Mediterranean Currach Regatta festival to celebrate St. Patrick´s Day, on Sunday 13 March. The race will kick off at 10h from Espigó de la Mar Bella (near Base Nàutica Municipal de Barcelona) and crews that row from the club in Barcelona will compete for the trophy with currach rowers coming from Ireland and the USA. Simultaneously (from 11h onwards), at CEM Mar Bella outdoor space, there will be Irish music, dance, Irish food & drink and plenty of fun for all the family. To view the full programme please click here
The Gran Central Hotel (main hall) will host Nancy Whiskey Irish Band with Gerardi & Anderson Dancers, on Thursday 17 March from 19-21h, and will be performing traditional tunes, Irish dancing and a Ceilí. Entrance is free and everyone is welcome. Celebrations will continue afterwards at The Cottage Irish pub and Gastro restaurant (booking required). On Friday 18 March the same group will play at The Wild Geese Irish Pub. And lastly, on Friday 25 at 22h, Delorgan Deeptap Dance Co. will offer a traditional musical titled “VIAJE A IRLANDA” EL MUSICAL CELTA, about the Irish Diaspora´s journey to America at the beginning of the century. It will be two hours of live music, Irish dance, history and acting. For more information on this please contact 932957900
On Saturday 19 March, the Escola Mediterránia de Dansa Irlandesa are putting on a show in the Centre Artesá Tradicionarius, at 17.30h. Following this there will be ceilidh dancing for everyone to enjoy. For more information on ticket sales please see their website.
Bilbao
The Irish-Basque Association LagunCara have put together a wide range of activities to celebrate St. Patrick´s Day this year. For information on all the events taking place, please consult their website.
La Rioja
The Centre of Irish Studies Banna/Bond EFACIS (European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies) of the Universidades de La Rioja, Burgos, Deusto y Zaragoza, will start their V International Seminar on St. Patrick’s Day (Irish Itinerary 2022): Gender Based Violence and The Art of Storytelling on St. Patrick’s Day 2022. For the full programme which will be open to students, teachers and general public in the Universidad de La Rioja please see here
Madrid
The Embassy in Madrid was delighted to work with Track Dogs once again on a video clip especially for St. Patrick’s Day, which we will be tweeting (@IrlEmbMadrid) on the morning of the 17 March for you to enjoy! Stay tuned….
The Asociación Educativa Oscar Wilde has planned an open day to celebrate St. Patrick´s Day, on Wednesday 16 March from 18-21h, in the Universidad Popular, Avda Baunatal 18 (San Sebastián de los Reyes). You are invited along to tell your story on what links you to Ireland and there will also be some music to enjoy. Everyone is welcome.
Irish Treble, along with some special guests, will be celebrating St. Patrick´s Day with a concert in Sala Galileo Galilei, on Saturday 19 March at 21h. For more information on the event and ticket sales please see here
The Spanish Irish Business Network (SIBN), in collaboration Electrocor Las Rozas Club de Fútbol, are pleased to invite their members and friends to a festive day to celebrate St Patrick´s Day in style! The Madrid Harps GAA, ELC Special Skills and IncluIndus Rugby Social players will be participating with sports activities, together with musical performance by Sunday Cover Sunday and much more fun and games for all the family. It will take place on Saturday 19 March from 13:30h onwards, in Campo de Fútbol El Abajon, C. Comunidad de Andalucía, 53, Las Rozas. Please follow SIBN social media (FB @SpanishIrishBusinessNetwork, twitter @sibnes) for more information
In the Sierra de Guadarrama, the Parroquia de la Virgen del Carmen in Alpedrete will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day from 17-20 March, with a variety of events including a charity race, a market, a barbeque, a concert and many fun activities for kids. The church will be illuminated in green for the occasion. For more information please contact Juan by email juandiazalonso@hotmail.com
Madrid Hash House Harriers will have their annual St. Patrick´s Day Run on Sunday 20 March at 13h. More details can be found here www.madridhhh.com
Málaga
The annual St. Patrick´s Day Mass will be taking place in the church of ‘San Patricio‘ in Málaga (C. Abogado Federico Orellana Toledano, 2) on Thursday 17 March, at 11h. Everyone is welcome and you are encouraged to wear something green to celebrate the day
In Benalmádena (Plaza de la Mezquita) the Irish Association of Spain will be organising St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on Thursday 17 March, starting with a mass in the Inmaculada Concepción church at 13h, followed by a parade and much more entertainment. Please check out the full programme here
Murcia
Lorca will be joining the St. Patrick´s Day celebrations with lots of activities for all the family, from the 11-17 March. You can consult the full programme of events here
Other events of interest to note
Tourism Ireland is launching a distinctive new music festival as part of its global celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday 17 March. The Green Button Festival will connect anyone anywhere around the globe with some of Ireland’s best-loved and up-and-coming musicians. Ireland is celebrating its legendary St Patrick’s Day festivities live and in-person for the first time in two years. But for those who can’t be in Ireland personally, the Green Button Festival is an invitation to celebrate Irish heritage, Irish tradition, and Ireland’s national day in a new and exciting way. The unique festival can be viewed wherever you are on St Patrick’s Day, via Ireland.com.
The Asociación Española de Estudios Irlandeses (AEDEI) will be launching issue 17 of their magazine to celebrate St. Patrick´s Day this year. It will be available at this link from Wednesday 16 March onwards. You may also wish to note that a new Centre for Irish Studies, Alka-Éire, has been founded in the Universidad de Alcalá.
You may also wish to follow the Irish Embassy on twitter (@IrlEmbMadrid) to keep fully up-to-date with all the activities.
