
91 episodes

Blarney Pilgrims Irish Music Podcast Darren O'Mahony, Dominic Black
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- Music Interviews
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5.0 • 43 Ratings
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The Blarney Pilgrims Podcast is a weekly journey to the heart of Irish music. We interview players of Irish music about how they first came to the music and the place it occupies in their lives now. We use the word ‘heart’ intentionally, because heart is what this music, and the people who play it, are all about. It’s a funny, warm and often unexpected journey – and the tunes are crackin' too.
Dominic Black has made radio shows for the BBC and NPR stations in the USA. He's also an oral history producer, essayist and editor. Dominic owns five different tin whistles, all in the key of 'D.'
Darren O'Mahony is an advertising creative director. He's currently learning the Irish fiddle, but really he wants to get a set of uilleann pipes.
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Angela Usher Interview (Banjo, whistle, tenor guitar)
Tin whistle with Marian Egan (Flannery) in Hulme. Touring New Zealand and Australia. First banjos and joining Curragh. Toss the Feathers and choosing work over the road. The social side of learning. Joe and Jack Cooley and the lost tapes from America. The Love of Lucia, Kitty’s Twelve Roses and The Gort Mile.
In this episode Angela plays:
Port Chuilinn / The Munster Buttermilk / Bobby Casey's (Banjo jigs)
The Coalminers / Patsy Toughey's / Finbar Dwyais (Tin whistle set)
Flat Water Fran / Little Fair Cannavans (Tenor Guitar)
The Rainy Day / My Margann / Coleman's Cross (Banjo reels)
To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:
Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy
Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.
To buy Angela's album 'The Gort Mile' go here: https://www.angelaushermusic.com/shop/
To read her beautiful liner notes go here: https://www.angelaushermusic.com/about-the-album/
To follow Angela online go here: https://www.facebook.com/ange.durcan
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Podcast Recommendations:
At the top of the show Darren mentions a rake of podcasts he thinks are worth your time and money. Give them a whirl and let us know what you think.
Irish Music Stories by Shannon Heaton: https://shannonheatonmusic.com/ims/
Tell Me A Story by Eddie Lenihan: https://shows.acast.com/tell-me-a-story-with-eddie-lenihan
Fire Draw Near by Ian Lynch: https://campsite.bio/firedrawnear
Blindboy Podcast: https://play.acast.com/s/blindboy
Get Up In The Cool by Cameron DeWhitt: https://getupinthecool.fireside.fm/
That's it for another week. Angela thank you so much for all your time, chats and tunes.
Cheers,
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Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.
We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.
For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.
And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.
Darren & Dom
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast -
Enda Murray Interview (Songs of the Last Convict Ship)
Irish Fenian rebellion prisoners and the songs of the last convict ship to Australia. Ned Of The Hill, John Boyle O'Reilly and Exile In The Kingdom. The Stardust Hotel and the birth of Drogheda Boxing Club. The London squat scene, Jamaican sound systems and the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Secret Family Recipes and looking back at tradition with rose tinted glasses. No Bother.
In this episode we hear:
O'Niell's March
Last Rose Of Summer
Freedom - Exile In The Kingdom
Ned Of The Hill
Goodnight Sweetheart
Make sure you check out Enda's ABC Australia documentary 'Songs of the last convict ship'. You'll find it here on the ABC's site: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/the-history-listen/songs-of-the-last-convict-ship/12767044
If it's geo-restricted in your country you can listen as a podcast via Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/songs-of-the-last-convict-ship/id1337405260?i=1000495597902
You'll find everything you need to know about Enda's film work on his website, including the brilliant 'Secret Family Recipes' here: http://virusmedia.com.au/
Enda also sent us the video he made for Exile In The Kingdom back in the day. Exile In the Kingdom features Tony Conaghy, John Hodgins, Joe McCormack and Gavin Kierans. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeWesoxGPE0&feature=emb_logo
The book I mentioned about the socio-political effects and consequences of ecstasy and rave culture is called 'Altered State: The Story of Ecstasy Culture and Acid House'. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/269851.Altered_State
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To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:
Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy
Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.
--
Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.
We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.
For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.
And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.
Darren & Dom
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast -
Maċa Interview (Fiddle, guitar, bodhran)
Buying your first guitar with your confirmation money. Playing 182 tunes in two hours. Winning Réalta agus Gaolta. Cutting your teeth in Raglan Road Orlando. Finding a mentor in Kíla's Rónán Ó Snodaigh. Translating the craic. Avoiding the abyss of lockdown and a casual Disney Princess flex.
In this episode Maċa play:
Devil's Den
Something Blue
Feel Like Home
Call On You
Buy Maċa's new album 'Spiral' here:
https://macaofficial.com/
Follow them on the socials here:
https://www.facebook.com/macaceol
https://www.instagram.com/ceol.maca/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1L87V_SmApBE1phXvDw8_g
Catch Maċa live during the Irish Music Magazine's St. Patrick's Day From Home Facebook Live gig.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2823877824517871
Finally here's that link to the Paddy Glackin and Jolyon Jackson 'Hidden Ground' album I mention at the top of the podcast. NOT TO BE MISSED!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UTjsLyEgog&ab_channel=PereGrino
To listen, stream or download this episode simply click a link below:
Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy
Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.
Saoirse, Naoise and Ciara thank you so much for everything getting this chat together. Legends!
Cheers,
Darren
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Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.
We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.
For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.
And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.
Darren & Dom
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast -
Shane Lestideau Interview (Fiddle, baroque violin, violin d'amore)
Finding Michael Jackson in the Blue Mountains after ten years in a Buddhist Bush community. A year of four hour nights. Mozart with a Sligo lilt. Ten hour train trips for one hour lessons. Scottish baroque music, modal tunes, violin d'amore, and combining art music and folk music.
Catch Shane Lestideau in Queenscliff during the Boxwood Festival from the 19th to the 21st of Feb 2021. Joining Shane at Boxwood are Maggie Carty, Máirtín Staunton, Andy Rigby, Aifric Boylan, Chris Norman and Coral Reid.
For tickets, online registration and Zoom Huddle info, go here:
www.boxwood.org
In this episode Shane plays:
Capricorn Rising
Castle Kelly's / The Ivy Leaf / The Otter’s Holt / The Glass of Beer
The Horseman's Port
Tam Lin / The Juggler
Sonata on the Lea Rig
To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:
Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy
Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.
To Find out more about Shane go here:
https://www.shanelestideau.com/
To follow Shane online go here:
https://www.facebook.com/shane.lestideau/
Shane, thank you so much for this.
Cheers,
--
Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.
We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.
For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.
And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.
Darren & Dom
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast -
Aidan Crossey Interview (Mandolin)
Stiff Little Fingers, punk rock, rebel songs and finding your tribe. Getting your head shard. Good listening makes good music. An Achill Island session and a musical awakening. Losing good friends and finding solace in music. GameStop, countercultures, DIY creativity, Inflammable Material, and of course, The Irish Mandolin... 1-2-3-4!
In this episode Aidan plays:
My Singing Bird / The Bird In The Bush
Junior Crehans / Nightcap
McQuillans Hill (Original)
Michael Gregory's (Original)
Kilnamona Barndance (From the playing of Martin Hayes)
To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:
Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy
Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.
Please make sure you head over to Aidan's website, it's well worth the visit: https://theirishmandolin.com/
While you're at it make sure you follow Aidan on Twitter: @TheMandolin
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I bloody loved this chat Aidan. Thank you so much for sharing your stories, your tunes and for being the kick up the arse I needed to finally listen to The Stiffs.
Legend!
mandolinfluencer
D
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Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.
We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.
For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.
And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.
Darren & Dom
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast -
Rus Bradburd Interview (Fiddle)
Digging into tunes. Paddy Jones. The Draoicht. Sports and music, and finding your place in both. Coaching basketball in Ireland and the Tralee Tigers. Carl Hardebeck, The Blind Bard of Belfast. The fiddle as an old person's instrument. Sliabh Luachra. Padraig O'Keeffe. Paddy on the Hardwood. Slow airs in sessions and New Mexico polkas.
In this episode Rus plays:
Westfort Gals
The Pikeman's / Down The Glen (Marches)
Farewell To Whiskey / The Dark Girl In The Blue Dress
Leaving Lerwick (Paddy Jones Slow Air)
Kerry Polka / Purple Lillies
To listen, stream or download simply click a link below:
Our website: https://blarneypilgrims.com
iTunes: https://apple.co/2A6tUPm
Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/3cPTkis
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3eIwBFy
Or alternatively, simply search your favourite podcast app for the Blarney Pilgrims.
You can find out more about Rus on his website here:
https://www.rusbradburd.com/
You'll find Rus's book 'Paddy on The Hardwood' here or ask about it at your local book shop:
https://unmpress.com/books/paddy-hardwood/9780826340276
Paddy Jones 6 YouTube videos. Absolutely worth a watch:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEMlutJrUsOZnj84sQ-aVbsTNpUxqw7pt
During the interview Rus mentions Carl Hardebeck. This is a great piece about him here:
The Blind Bard of Belfast: Carl Gilbert Hardebeck:
https://www.historyireland.com/18th-19th-century-history/the-blind-bard-of-belfast-carl-gilbert-hardebeck-1869-1945/
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Become a Patron Saint of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast.
We want the podcast to be free to listen to for as many people as possible. But without the support from at least some of you we couldn’t keep putting out an episode a week. That’s why we’re asking you to become a Patron (Saint) of the podcast. www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
So, for the price of a pint, or a half pint for that matter, you can help keep this show on the road and be safe in the knowledge you have a halo above your head.
For your good deed you will secure your place in traditional Irish music podcast heaven. But most importantly, you’ll have helped pay for the other 99% of listeners that don’t or can’t chip in.
And that, my friend, is a hell-of-a-nice thing to do.
Darren & Dom
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.facebook.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.instagram.com/blarneypilgrimspodcast
www.twitter.com/BlarneyPodcast
Customer Reviews
A wonderful connection to the world of Irish trad
Cracking interviews and wonderful music, this podcast is a great way to connect with the Irish trad scene, and feel like a part of it. It’s also a very worthy project, documenting the fascinating stories of important figures in the community (young and old) and following their musical ancestry, exploring different styles and their origins, and generally tracing the shape of this wonderful community.
As a new convert to the scene (and a budding fiddle player), this is an inspiring and engrossing listen.
Thanks, lads!
The best!
The best podcast I have ever listened too. Just love it and hang out for each new Episode to get lost in. Onya lads!
Great work gents.
Thoroughly enjoying.