Notes on Dún Laoghaire

Notes on Dún Laoghaire

Dún Laoghaire’s vibrant history features everything from its ancient origins, archaeological finds, convict transport stories, and inventive residents, to notable cultural and musical figures like Sarah Purser, Herbert Brenon, Kevin McClory, and The Boomtown Rats....
Mick Lavelle (1930-2013) – The Entertainer of Westport

Mick Lavelle (1930-2013) – The Entertainer of Westport

One of the best-loved faces in Westport, Co Mayo, the late Mick Lavelle was renowned for rolling up on a nearby seat in Matt Molloy’s pub and bursting into a ballad or a bawdy verse. He reckoned he knew  the words to over a thousand songs, including ten about Donegal,...
Notes on Athlone, County Westmeath

Notes on Athlone, County Westmeath

The stories of a Victoria Cross winning drummer boy, a world heavyweight boxing champ, a deadly hurricane, the Earls of Athlone, Count John McCormack, and a brilliant bandmaster who performed at the inauguration of six US presidents. Extracted from Past Tracks. Irish...
The Artane Band & Lily Allen

The Artane Band & Lily Allen

It was a proud day in the history of Scotshouse. On Saturday 14 August 2009, residents of the enterprising Monaghan village were treated to the spectacle of Ireland’s most famous brass band marching through its street. The Artane Band were performing as part of the...