The Clonmel Exchanges

Clonmel Junction Arts Festival
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Places & Travel

This exciting new podcast project mentored by renowned podcaster Siobhán McHugh engages Tipperary writers to interview those who have loved and left Clonmel to make new lives around the world. It was created by Artistic Director Rebecca Lenehan with podcast consultant Siobhan McHugh and Tipperary Museum Curator Marie McMahon. Technical production is by Michal Durik, with original music composed by Eamon O'Malley. Clonmel Junction Arts Festival is principally funded by the Arts Council and Tipperary County Council. A partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

Episodes

  1. 29 Jun

    Writer Paul Harrison speaks to Desmond Doyle, who is now based in a tiny Alpine village in Austria.

    This tightly scripted episode captures Desmond’s wide range of talents and achievements, brought to life through his energy, enthusiasm and personal performances. Paul’s narration weaves together his artistic, political and community involvement into a coherent and engaging portrait, enriched by thoughtful commentary throughout. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  2. 24 Jun

    Writer Theresa Jones speaks to Ciara Laste, who is now based in London in the UK.

    This episode draws a neat symmetry between Theresa and Ciara, with Ciara reflecting on moving to London at the same age Theresa once arrived in Clonmel. Her story unfolds through theatre, city life, and family connections, while Theresa’s narration brings warmth and coherence, capturing Ciara’s energy and optimism. Vivid details of Clonmel life, from home-cooked dinners to pub routines, ground the episode in a strong sense of place. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  3. 24 Jun

    Writer Marie Walsh speaks to Stephen McMahon, who is now based in the UK having spent 20 years in China.

    This wide-ranging episode follows Stephen’s journey from Clonmel to the Middle East, China and the UK, capturing the curiosity and adaptability that shaped his life abroad. His affection for Clonmel and its people shines through, alongside a generous tribute to those who supported his path. Marie’s reflections on her own time in Canada add a resonant parallel, while Chinese folk music enriches the account of his father’s visit to China. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  4. 24 Jun

    Writer Barrie Peterson speaks to Kathleen O’Dwyer, who is now based in Sydney, Australia.

    This engaging episode showcases the easy rapport between Kathleen and Barrie. Through wide-ranging conversation, Kathleen emerges as warm, witty and endlessly curious, reflecting on a life that has taken her from Ireland to Australia, with stops in India and America along the way. Thoughtful narration and well-chosen music enrich the story, exploring migration, identity and the experience of belonging to more than one culture. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  5. 24 Jun

    Writer Eileen Heneghan speaks to Aileen Slattery, who is now based in Sydney, Australia.

    In this engaging episode, Aileen reflects on her journey from childhood in Clonmel to a successful legal career in Sydney. Guided by Eileen’s thoughtful and empathetic interviewing, she speaks candidly about family, loss, achievement and belonging. Aileen’s performances of Carrickfergus and The Parting Glass add warmth and emotion, while a contribution from her centenarian neighbour provides an unexpected highlight. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  6. 24 Jun

    Writer Suzanne Walsh speaks to Colm Breathnach, who is now based in Nebraska, USA.

    This episode reflects on what is lost and gained through emigration. Colm recalls his childhood in Clonmel, his love of the River Suir, and his journey from the heat of Georgia to the prairies of Nebraska. Through a thoughtful conversation, he reflects on career, community and belonging, ending with a moving tribute to the town that shaped him. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  7. 24 Jun

    Writer Rosaleen Quinlan speaks to Una McDonald, who is now based in Toronto, Canada.

    In this evocative episode, Rosaleen guides Una through memories of her childhood in Clonmel, painting a vivid picture of the town's close-knit community, from Fair Day excitement to religious processions. A rendition of Queen of the May and the lowing of cattle bring these memories to life, while Una reflects on her journey from Clonmel to Canada and the lasting influence of home on her life. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  8. 24 Jun

    Writer Dylan Lyons speaks to Padraic Slater, who is now based in Vancouver, Canada.

    This episode reflects on the complexities of emigration, as Paddy shares candid insights into nearly five decades abroad, guided by Dylan’s thoughtful and empathetic questioning. His memories of Clonmel offer a glimpse of a changing Ireland, while reflections on identity and belonging give the conversation wider resonance. The episode concludes with a moving reading of his original poem, drawing on Irish mythology, nature and history. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  9. 24 Jun

    Writer Eve O'Mahony speaks to Róisín Hahessy, who moved to Brazil in 2015 and is now based in Portugal.

    This episode unfolds like a warm conversation between friends as Roisin and Eve journey from Porto to childhood memories in Clonmel, on to Dublin and Brazil, and back again. Roisin shares perceptive reflections on family, social and cultural life across two very different Portuguese-speaking societies, drawing thoughtful connections between the places she has called home. She also pays tribute to a treasured fleece blanket from Clonmel's Clintons store that has travelled the world with her—a touching reminder of home, belonging and continuity wherever life takes her. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

  10. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    The Clonmel Exchanges - Trailer

    This exciting new podcast project mentored by renowned podcaster Siobhán McHugh engages Tipperary writers Barrie Peterson, Dylan Lyons, Eileen Heneghan, Eve O’Mahony, Marie Walsh, Moira Godwin-O’Byrne, Paul Harrison, Rosaleen Quinlan, Suzanne Walsh, and Theresa Jones to interview those who have loved and left Clonmel to make new lives around the world. The Clonmel Exchanges Podcast Project is a partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History

Trailer

About

This exciting new podcast project mentored by renowned podcaster Siobhán McHugh engages Tipperary writers to interview those who have loved and left Clonmel to make new lives around the world. It was created by Artistic Director Rebecca Lenehan with podcast consultant Siobhan McHugh and Tipperary Museum Curator Marie McMahon. Technical production is by Michal Durik, with original music composed by Eamon O'Malley. Clonmel Junction Arts Festival is principally funded by the Arts Council and Tipperary County Council. A partnership project with the Tipperary Museum of Hidden History.

Information

  • Creator
    Clonmel Junction Arts Festival
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Clonmel Junction Arts Festival
  • Show Website
    The Clonmel Exchanges