Connecting Through Heritage with Leitrim County Council

Contributors

John Reynolds has had an interest in the farming methods used by his ancestors since he learned them from his grandfather as a young boy. He takes us through the traditional way of sowing and harvesting perhaps the most historically important crop in Leitrim: the potato.

Tommy Earley has been farming his family’s plot on the shores of Lough Allen for many years. When he first learned about organic farming in 1996, he didn’t know much about it - but what he heard he liked. He’s since ‘gone organic,’ and has adopted a number of new working practices to the farm, such as introducing new habitats and conserving existing ones.

Contributors

Donna Gilligan is a museum archaeologist and heritage consultant, who has recently published an authoritative book chapter survey on Leitrim’s prehistory. As part of her work at the National Museum in Dublin, she has also studied prehistoric artefacts from Leitrim found in the museum’s collection. She discusses the significance of several of these objects, and explains the varied groups that settled in Leitrim during the prehistoric period.

Sam Moore is a prehistorian and archaeologist, and a lecturer in IT Sligo. He teaches listeners about the hugely important prehistoric site at Fenagh. The area is best-known for its medieval abbey, but millennia before that a series of prehistoric communities chose this site as a sacred place, building portal tombs and standing stones. Sam reflects on the significance of these monuments, as well as explaining how, in later times, their legacy is mixed with myth and folklore.

"Two heads are better than one” and when you have four heads working together, the possibilities are endless. In this special double episode, we delve into the charming village of Drumsna and its surrounding areas. Join us as we hear from four esteemed residents who have deep roots in the community.

Colleen Guckian, a longtime resident since the 1950s, shares her wealth of knowledge about the village. Fr. Francis Garvey, who grew up in Garvey's public house and now serves as the parish priest of Drumsna, offers a unique perspective on the village's history. Noel Duignan, whose family has been involved in the grocery and pub trade in Drumsna for generations, gives insights into the village's evolution. Lastly, Ella Gannon, a dedicated community member for many years, shares her experiences of Drumsna, its characters and its changing landscape. The fabulous four bring us through the streets of Drumsna, giving a detailed picture of life in and around the village from the 1950s to the present day. From tales of ceilí-ing to tales of arson – this is one not to be missed! (Part 1 of 2)

"Two heads are better than one” and when you have four heads working together, the possibilities are endless. In this special double episode, we delve into the charming village of Drumsna and its surrounding areas. Join us as we hear from four esteemed residents who have deep roots in the community.

Colleen Guckian, a longtime resident since the 1950s, shares her wealth of knowledge about the village. Fr. Francis Garvey, who grew up in Garvey's public house and now serves as the parish priest of Drumsna, offers a unique perspective on the village's history. Noel Duignan, whose family has been involved in the grocery and pub trade in Drumsna for generations, gives insights into the village's evolution. Lastly, Ella Gannon, a dedicated community member for many years, shares her experiences of Drumsna, its characters and its changing landscape. The fabulous four bring us through the streets of Drumsna, giving a detailed picture of life in and around the village from the 1950s to the present day. From tales of ceilí-ing to tales of arson – this is one not to be missed! (Part 2 of 2)

"They used to say that you could beat a Reynolds out of every bush in South Leitrim" - the wit and extensive knowledge of George Reynolds from Esker, Dromod shines through in this two-part episode. George is accompanied by his sons, Seoirse and Shane, who contribute to the lively conversation. Together, their collective memories paint a vivid picture of local history as they guide us through Esker and its surroundings in true "meitheal" style.

From the days of travelling picture shows and Lord Leitrim's escapades to stories of footballing legends, ghostly encounters, and childhood memories, the Reynolds family offers a captivating journey through time. The addition of a verse of song from George's granddaughter, Sadhbh, adds a personal touch to this family affair. Listen and enjoy! (Part 1 of 2)