TwoMacs Podcast

Ronan McSherry & Martin McGuinness
  • 4.7 (3)
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TwoMacs PodcastJoin two old friends, Ronan McSherry and Martin J McGuinness, as they sit down for candid and often unpredictable conversations on everything under the sun. With decades of friendship and life experience between them, Ronan and Martin dive into a wide range of topics—from culture, history, and politics, to personal stories, current events, and everything in between. They’re often joined by interesting guests, offering fresh perspectives and rich, engaging dialogue. Whether they’re reminiscing about their shared past, exploring new ideas, or simply having a laugh, each episode promises something thought-provoking and entertaining. Tune in for a mix of humor, insight, and a genuine look into the minds of two lifelong friends navigating the world together.

  1. TwoMacs Podcast Ep 64. Dixie Robinson

    5 DAYS AGO

    TwoMacs Podcast Ep 64. Dixie Robinson

    Send us Fan Mail Dixie Robinson - heading to another Cup final. As Dungannon Swifts bid to win two-in-a-row Irish Cups, assistant manager Dixie Robinson reflects on a career in local soccer and GAA, that has brought glorious days as well as heartbreak in finals of both codes. It is a podcast packed with wonderful anecdotes and memories of great players and characters. Dixie recalls taking penalties in front of 100,000 spectators at the League Cup final in Wembley way back in 1979, and playing in the Irish league while trying to help his beloved home club Maghery win a first senior championship.  He has forged a remarkable bond with Joe McAree and his son Rodney (co-manager) at the Swifts and works full-time with Dungannon United Youth... a labour of love.  A classy winger, he remembers the first soccer pay cheque, a stint with Armagh seniors and reflects on the demands nowadays as players are pulled between both games.  Cup defeat was hard to take but the Swifts and Maghery both reached the Holy Grail, occasions of huge emotion.  The story of Johnny Montgomery is remarkable, a life-time soccer player who lined out for the first time with Maghery, when he was close to 40 years of age, and was on the team won their first senior Armagh championship.  Then there were the Brackaville Gaels who arrived at the carpark at the Swifts' ground, which cumulated in a historic Ulster championship win for the Owen Roes.  On his way to another Cup final, with the excitement around Stangmore Park building to a crescendo, as Dungannon Swifts face Coleraine in the Cup final, hopefully Dixie will get another singalong beside Philomena Begley leading the club's new anthem.. The Blanket on the Ground!

    1hr 5min
  2. TwoMacs Podcast Ep 63 Paddy Linden

    19 APR

    TwoMacs Podcast Ep 63 Paddy Linden

    Send us Fan Mail Paddy Linden - a familiar face but who is he?! An instantly recognisable face in Coalisland but who is Paddy Linden? A reader at Mass for the past 30 years, the Belfast schoolteacher, who set up home in Brackaville, is also a leading organiser of the MacRory Cup, has worked with the youth at Ógras and coached GAA teams in the area; currently Edendork senior Ladies.  He talks about the importance of his faith and how it can be our refuge when trying to make sense of tragedy and loss. Paddy recalls his childhood on the war-torn Falls Road in Belfast and the trauma his beloved mother, and others, endured while bringing up young families.  His father, also Paddy, was an accomplished boxer, which young 'Pat' didn't know until he was told by a coach at the local boxing club. There are special memories of his father bringing him to Barry McGuigan world title fights.   There was also a meeting with the legendary George Best, whose father Dickie was a friend of Paddy's dad. The first time he went to play Gaelic football at school he arrived wearing a Manchester United jersey and shinpads. However Paddy went onto to play for Antrim minors and recalls the friends-for-life he made on the Christian Brothers' college team.  His teaching career soon had him working with great coaches and former McRory Cup adversaries at St Pats Maghera. On the Ulster Coaching and Games committee, he is the Ulster Council Colleges representative.  Paddy names lads he taught who went on to be sport stars and the local club players he coached he would most want on his team.  Paddy also bemoans the attitude missing in Antrim that brings success in Tyrone. Paddy and Ronan both recall a local sports' writer who made scathing comments about them in a newspaper.  It is a life well lived that includes great days following Manchester United, the joy of his children and grandchildren and trips away with his wife Emma. You won't be able to say you don't know that man who does the readings at Mass in Coalisland, after listening to this most uplifting podcast!

    1hr 17min
  3. TwoMacs Podcast Ep62 Amy Toner & Shane McDonald

    29 MAR

    TwoMacs Podcast Ep62 Amy Toner & Shane McDonald

    Send us Fan Mail Amy Toner & Shane McDonald - promoting inclusively for all children.  A hugely inspiring and uplifting chat with Amy Toner and Shane McDonald, aka MacDoodle, who are doing fantastic work with young people making sure that none get left out or left behind.  With a name like MacDoodle, this podcast veers down a few side roads as we wonder why girls don't get nicknames! We also remember the great player Amy's husband Brian was and the nicknames of a few of his team-mates!  It was Amy who started the Fianna All Stars when it became apparent that her daughter Maisie loved football, but was unable to participate in a traditional childrens' team because she has 'additional needs.'    The group has taken off, giving lots of children great joy under the guidance of their parents and specially trained coaches. It is a wonderful innovation with the joy, as well as the mental and physical health benefits it brings.  The kids love the games and making friends as well as going on trips to Clones, Croke Park and to other clubs.  Shane, a Leader at the local youth club Ógras, as well as the Welfare Officer with Coalisland Fianna and Chairman of the Fianna Runners, talks about his work with local young people, that also encompasses those with 'additional needs'.  The Fianna Runners has chosen the Fianna All Stars as their nominated charity this year. Plans are in place for a sensory garden at the club. The local community has been generous with a playpark among the donations. Amy and Brian are part of the Fianna Runners group while Amy also reveals that while she didn't play football, she is a kickboxing black belt!  Amy and Shane with others involved in the local groups are adding so much to the lives of our children. There is a place for every child... inclusively the key word. Local people, they talk also about their families and there is a poignant poem penned 88 years ago that links the Main Street of Coalisland ancestors of Amy, RonanMac and our production manager Oliver.  A feelgood podcast and good fun! * Anyone is welcome to bring their child to the Fianna All Stars, and join the Fianna Runners, regardless of their background or club affiliation, if they have one.

    1hr 2min
  4. TwoMacs Podcast Ep61 Sean McCabe & Sean Quinn Return

    15 MAR

    TwoMacs Podcast Ep61 Sean McCabe & Sean Quinn Return

    Send us Fan Mail The Two Seans are back A year later and local GAA afficionados Sean McCabe and Sean Quinn are back on the TwoMacs Podcast with a look at the season past and what's to come. It's a long chat but worth every minute, as the Brackaville and Clonoe stalwarts share stories, humour and memories of a bygone era of Gaelic games, including that great 1970's rivalry between the Dubs and Kerry.  Since their last visit, 'Glorious Clonoe' won the championship, Ronan welcomed the big bus pass and the Fianna's return to senior football while Sean Quinn reflects on life in the Junior league as well as co-commentating for Tyrone TV.  He also considers the fortunes of our club and county hurlers.  The club draws go on while there is a parish battle coming up to raise funds for a most worthy charity... we wonder which players will make a comeback, and will there be a schemozzle?! We recall journeys, not for the faint hearted, to play Mountjoy Emmets, that became Brocagh Emmets in 1980. Is David Clifford the greatest player ever? The Seans remind us of many great players, not least our own Frank McGuigan and Peter Canavan. They also consider the hurling legends although TwoMacs podcast producer Oliver later remarked that he was surprised by the omission of Tipperary legend Nicky English, an oversight perhaps!  The new rules get the thumbs-up but do they most suit Kerry?!  It's prediction time again and hopefully we'll do better than last time although Sean McCabe did correctly back his own O'Rahillys for the cup. The guests also reflect on those who have departed in the last 12 months, while we honour all our Gaels who have gone to their eternal reward. May they Rest In Peace.  It is an engaging, funny and nostalgic chat topped off with a recitation in the best style of story teller Sean Quinn.

    1hr 36min
  5. TwoMacs Podcast Ep 60 John Hanna

    1 MAR

    TwoMacs Podcast Ep 60 John Hanna

    Send us Fan Mail John Hanna is an artist to his fingertips... He and Martin are friends in more ways than one. They get on well, as is evident from this podcast encounter. They are also cousins. Originally from Derrytresk, John is the youngest son of the late great Geordie Hanna, a traditional singer known the length and breadth of Ireland.  Seamus Heaney once said that making a living is one thing; poetry is something extra. John has worked all his adult life  but for him the 'something extra' is the art of making sticks - blackthorn, hazel and holly, to name a few. His interest started early, before the age of ten, when infant John handled a blackthorn stick belonging to a man named Tom Rah. In his teens the interest was still there. Geordie suggested Jimmy O'Neill of the Glen would be a good man to see. So, off John went to make contact with Jimmy, a colourful character who made blackthorn sticks. Buddhists say, 'If a pupil does not surpass the teacher, the teacher has not done his job'. Jimmy did his job extra well. He  gave John a certain book that allowed the younger man to develop his art and make contact with other stick makers. 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever, ' said poet John Keats. These sticks don't last forever - about 100 years, says John Hanna - but I say they are definitely beautiful. The conversation also touches on poetry, painting, acting and song with Oliver Corr making contributions to a discussion that both engages and delights.

    1hr 2min
  6. TwoMacs Podcast Ep 59 Christopher Rafferty

    4 FEB

    TwoMacs Podcast Ep 59 Christopher Rafferty

    Send us Fan Mail Christopher Rafferty Incredible MacRory Cup and O'Neill Cup winning memories. As St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon bid to lift the MacRory Cup for the sixth time, the incredible build-up and scenes of their first win in 1991, are vividly recalled by goalkeeper on that day, Christopher Rafferty.  He was also at the helm of Dungannon Clarkes when they ended a 64-year famine winning the O'Neill Cup, amid joy unbounded, in a penalty shoot-out against Trillick in 2020. Christopher was destined for goal-minding following in the footsteps of his late father Jim who played Irish League football with Portadown and his grandfather Paddy Rafferty, an O'Neill Cup winner with Coalisland Fianna in 1946 and the Clarkes in 1951.  He recalls the drive to win that first MacRory Cup under the masterful management of the late Martin O'Farrell and Peter Herron. It was a long-held yearning of college principal Fr Denis Faul who was carried shoulder high by delirious students after the final whistle on a mucky day in Coalisland. Fr Faul has also since passed away, having left the Academy a happy man, his dream fulfilled. The A level results weren't the best that heady year as the celebrations went on and on... There are loads of memories of schooldays, on off the football field, while Ronan also recalls the 'old' Academy 1970's style.  Christopher went on to do goals for Dungannon Clarkes for 19 years and was manager when they made the breakthrough, another fantastic day of celebration.  It was during Covid year with its social distancing and a run through round after round of extra-time, that was perhaps destiny, as they made their way to that final incredible shoot-out. The celebrations were again unbridled and not even repeated calls from Stephen Nolan could dampen the joy among the Clarkes' faithful.  Oliver, Chris and Ronan also wonder would the Rahilly's and the Fianna cheer each other on in a final, as they did the neighbours from  Dungannon!  A wonderful wander down memory lane recalling many great teachers, old school friends, college and club players and coaches. * Good luck to St Patrick’s Academy in the MacRory Cup final on Sunday (February 8), as their students bid to make it six of the best!

    1hr 18min
  7. TwoMacs Podcast Ep 58 Harry McGuigan

    25 JAN

    TwoMacs Podcast Ep 58 Harry McGuigan

    Send us Fan Mail Harry McGuigan - Mr Judo: The gentle art's giant soul.  A life-affirming conversation with Harry McGuigan, a 7th dan black belt, all of 84 years, still coaching and doing gym work-outs.  When Harry went to a Judo class in Hong Kong way back in the 1960s, it was to begin a passion he continues all of six decades later. An introduction to another judoka Brother Lewis in Dungannon saw the formation of the local Ren Bu Kan Judo club that has attracted throngs of participants, with fifty-six going on to attain black belts under Harry's tutelage. He recalls those first black belts Brian Daly and Patsy Jordan from Eglish, world class Avril Malley and takes pride in everyone who joined the club and won medals at all levels.   His own family excelled, with his children and grandchildren competing, as the only family to hold three generations of All Ireland medals. Harry also had All Ireland success coaching Dungannon Tech GAA team and tells of the 1995 All Ireland senior football final, having breakfast and travelling to the game with the team as his late daughter Seánna RIP was married to captain Ciaran Corr. There was also Superstar competitions against greats from other sports and the trip to Cuba to enhance his Spanish speaking, where he met his future wife.  Listening to how Judo instils physical well-being and discipline, RonanMac and producer Oliver wonder if they should have stuck at the Judo, their visits to the Ren Bu Kan club, in the 1970s, all too brief! Hugely popular, Harry recently received the Mid Ulster Coach of the Year award.  Among the tributes, the podcast features a poignant poem penned in his honour by Brian McGills, a 4th Dan black belt prodigy of over 30 years. Harry McGuigan: The gentle art's giant soul.

    51 min
  8. TwoMacs Podcast Ep 57 Pascal Canavan

    11 JAN

    TwoMacs Podcast Ep 57 Pascal Canavan

    Send us Fan Mail Pascal Canavan - Reflections on a great club and county career. For over a decade, Pascal Canavan was a household name in club and county football with Errigal Ciaran and Tyrone.  In a fascinating conversation he recalls many great games and a few controversies! These days, along other Gaels, he raises awareness and funds to get critical treatment for children suffering from the genocide of Gaza. He has also called for an end to the GAA sponsorship from Allianz, a company complicit in funding the Israeli war machine.  Pascal's early club days were not straightforward, as a local split saw him line out with the unaffiliated Glencull St Malachy’s while many of his mates played for Ballygawley St Ciaran's. A passionate GAA priest arrived and spun a few yarns to get the sides together. So began Errigal Ciaran.  A county championship victory soon followed, on an unforgettable day playing alongside his brothers, and then an Ulster title. He was captain when they won a second provincial title. Ronan Mac wonders why Errigal Ciaran is the only senior club in Tyrone to conquer Ulster!  A huge rivalry with Carrickmore is recalled, with players on both sides (including Pascal) winning a record six O'Neill Cup medals. He remembers wearing the Tyrone jersey, an intense rivalry against Derry, a devastating controversial All Ireland defeat to Dublin and putting that into perspective with the passing years.  The year after he ended his county career, he watched his little brother Peter ('God' to Tyrone supporters) lift the Sam Maguire Cup, a day of much emotion just months after the passing of their beloved father Sean. He recalls Peter commentating as Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh when they played at home and the great support of his parents and all his family.  Pascal went on to manage college and club teams but nothing compares to playing. A long-time religion teacher, he is aware of the many challenges facing our young people and suggests religion can still play a part.  He also points out the GAA club and community makes a huge contribution to the formation of our youth. There are great memories in this podcast and a bizarre invitation to pick a Canavan AI 'battle of the clans' inter-generational team... it would take some beating! * Thank you to Canavan's for hosting the TwoMacs Podcast.

    1hr 20min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

TwoMacs PodcastJoin two old friends, Ronan McSherry and Martin J McGuinness, as they sit down for candid and often unpredictable conversations on everything under the sun. With decades of friendship and life experience between them, Ronan and Martin dive into a wide range of topics—from culture, history, and politics, to personal stories, current events, and everything in between. They’re often joined by interesting guests, offering fresh perspectives and rich, engaging dialogue. Whether they’re reminiscing about their shared past, exploring new ideas, or simply having a laugh, each episode promises something thought-provoking and entertaining. Tune in for a mix of humor, insight, and a genuine look into the minds of two lifelong friends navigating the world together.

Information

  • Creator
    Ronan McSherry & Martin McGuinness
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TwoMacs Podcast
  • Show Website
    TwoMacs Podcast

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