The County Measure

Vincent Woods travels to his native Leitrim. He hears stories of Mohill from John Reynolds, boats along the canals and lakes, and visits sculptor Jackie McKenna in Manorhamilton.

Ailie Blunnie performs "The Arrival of Na hUltaigh to Leitrim (1795/96)" for The County Measure. Ailie's song recounts the forced migration of thousands of people from Armagh and surrounding counties to Leitrim in the 1790s. "West to the Evening Sun" is Ailie's debut album, for more see www.ailieblunnie.com

Edwina Guckian recounts the life of her grandfather Hughie Guckian while visiting his old workshop. Edwina is a dancer and director of the Áirc Damhsa Culture Club. She is a previous recipient of the Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year award. For more see www.edwinaguckian.com

This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods gets to know the coastline, people and nature of Co. Wexford.

Colm Tóibín is a novelist from Enniscorthy. Here he recalls a bridge over the River Slaney and the landscape and history of Wexford. Colm's most recent book "Long Island" (2024) is a sequel to "Brooklyn". His previous titles include "The Master", "The Testament of Mary", & "The Blackwater Lightship". For more see www.colmtoibin.com

"Annagh Lane" by Zack Boland is inspired by the street where he grew up. Zack Boland is a composer, arranger, and musician hailing from Co. Wexford. A graduate of MTU Cork School of Music, his music is deeply influenced by his roots, with much of his work reflecting the landscapes and memories of his upbringing.

Vincent Woods explores Co. Derry. He attends SuperCup NI, and meets new communities and cultures in Derry City. The County Measure also features Soak performing a new spoken word piece about growing up in Derry.

"Teenage dream's so hard to beat" by Soak. Here, Soak recalls memories of growing up in Derry City and the importance of home. Bridie Monds-Watson AKA Soak has released 3 albums: "If I Never Know You Like This Again" (2022), "Grim Town" (2019) & "Before We Forgot How to Dream" (2015). For more see https://www.soaksoaksoak.com/

"Keepsake" by poet Mícheál McCann recounts a journey between Derry and Belfast. Here he reflects on the nature of home while travelling with Marcel, his new cat. Mícheál most recent collection is "Devotion" (2024). He previously published the pamphlets "Safe Home" (2020) and "Keeper" (2022).

Vincent Woods explores Co. Donegal. He visits the Arranmore RNLI, dry stone wall builders in Ballyshannon and a wonderful singer in Gaoth Dobhair.

'Ceol crotaigh, uaill cois cladaigh' by Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair, a storyteller and writer from West Donegal. Here she explores the decline in numbers of the curlew population. Eithne's latest book is 'Caithréim agus Tóir' (2024). Her previous titles include 'Súil' (2018), 'Múscail, a Ghiorria' (2020), & 'An Craiceann agus a Luach' (2021).

Vincent Woods explores County Mayo. He travels to Inishturk Island, a community garden in Ballyhaunis and pets alpacas in Ballycastle.

Writer Mike McCormack recalls his childhood while growing up in Mayo. Here he describes a long car journey across the county. Mike is the author of several books including 'This Plague of Souls' (2023), 'Solar Bones' (2016), 'Forensic Songs' (2012), & 'Notes from a Coma' (2005).

Vincent Woods explores County Kerry. He visits a rainforest on the Iveragh pennsula, a neamhóg builder and enjoys African fusion dance in Tralee.

'An Pláinéad Tiar' by Listowel poet and rapper Súil Amháin. The song flips the idea of the abandoned An tOileán Tiar (Blasket Island i.e Western Isle) into An Pláinéad Tiar (the Western Planet) and humans coming back to visit earth as a 'heritage' site. athPhORT is a new album by Súil Amháin & Bantum. For more see suilamhain.bandcamp.com/releases

"Vantage Point" by the Waterville based poet Paddy Bushe. Here Paddy recounts his love of the landscape near Cúm a' Chiste and a special moment in history. Paddy has published several collections including Poems With Amergin (1989), In Ainneoin na gCloch (2001), & Peripheral Vision (2020). In 2006 Paddy received the Oireachtas prize for poetry.

Vincent Woods explores County Cork. He takes a boat trip through the city, walks along the Marsh in Skibbereen and hears about St. Gobnait in Baile Mhúirne.

"Only Ballhoppin" by Cormac McCarthy, a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor from Cork. 'I'm only ballhoppin ya' is a Cork phrase that means, 'I'm only winding you up'. The expression is one that Cormac associates with his grandfather. Cormac's album "On The Other Hand" was released in 2022. https://www.cormacmccarthymusic.com/

Sara Baume is a writer and visual artist based in west Cork. Here she recounts using Google Street View to virtually travel across the county towards her mother's house in East Cork. Sara's books include 'Spill Simmer Falter Wither,' 'A Line Made by Walking,' 'handiwork,' and 'Seven Steeples.'

In this episode Vincent Woods gets to know the coastline, people and nature of Co. Antrim.

Writer Jan Carson recalls her Ballymena childhood and her grandfather's tales of a monkey. Jan is the author of several books including 'The Raptures' (2022), 'The Fire Starters' (2019), and 'Malcolm Orange Disappears' (2014).

Vincent Woods explores Co Kilkenny. He visits the (real) Kilkenny Cats, Rothe House & the Castlecomer Coal Mining Museum. With writing from Niamh Mulvey & music from Annika Kilkenny

Niamh Mulvey is a writer and editor who recently returned home from the UK to her native Kilkenny. Here she reflects on the life and legacy of Lady Desart, who built the cottage that Niamh now lives in. Niamh's debut novel "The Amendments" was published in 2024.

Comedian Kevin McGahern recounts the unique dialect and character of his native Cavan. Kevin is currently on a nationwide tour with his brand new show "Shy Talker."

'An Chailleach ó Lough an Leagh.' The band is composed of Daragh Slacke (guitar & vocals) Barry FitzGerald (drums), David Gough (bass), Pat McManus (fiddle), Clara Rose (vocals), Peter Sheridan (keys), and engineered by Jamie Byrne. The words are by poet Noel Monaghan. The band's recent album is 'Bealach na Bó Finne'

This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the beauty and culture of County Cavan.

In this episode the writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores County Monaghan.

Jamie Duffy introduces and performs "An Unquiet Eclipse." Jamie is a musician and composer from Glasslough. He recently appeared at the National Concert Hall and is currently working on his debut album. Jamie's single "Solace" has over 68 million streams on Spotify.

"Thinking of Names" by Evelyn Conlon recounts placenames in Monaghan. Evelyn is a novelist and short story writer originally from Rockcorry. Her most recent book is "Reading Rites: Books, writing and other things that matter" (2023).

In this episode the writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores County Monaghan.

Jamie Duffy introduces and performs "An Unquiet Eclipse." Jamie is a musician and composer from Glasslough. He recently appeared at the National Concert Hall and is currently working on his debut album. Jamie's single "Solace" has over 68 million streams on Spotify.

"Thinking of Names" by Evelyn Conlon recounts placenames in Monaghan. Evelyn is a novelist and short story writer originally from Rockcorry. Her most recent book is "Reading Rites: Books, writing and other things that matter" (2023).

Vincent Woods gets to know the culture, music and people of Co. Limerick.

Kevin Barry recalls his childhood visits to the home of his aunt in 1980's Ballingarry. Kevin is the author of "City of Bohane," "Beatlebone," and "Night Boat to Tangier."

MuRli performs "Cross Roads " exclusively for The County Measure. MuRli is a rap artist, producer and songwriter from Limerick. He is a co-founder of Narolane Records & a member of The Rusangano Family.

Kevin Barry recalls his childhood visits to the home of his aunt in 1980's Ballingarry. Kevin is the author of "City of Bohane," "Beatlebone," and "Night Boat to Tangier."

Vincent Woods gets to know the culture, music and people of Co. Limerick.

In this episode writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods travels from Ballon to the Blackstairs and hears that community spirit is alive and well in County Carlow. Tailors, bakers, artists and locals guide Vincent around the Dolmen County. With music by Laura Quirke and writing by Sarah Breen.

"The Well" by Laura Quirke is inspired by an old well near Mount Leinster and the dúchas archives. Laura is a singer, songwriter, musician, and one half of the duo Lemoncello.

Sarah Breen is a writer and journalist originally from Borris. Here she recounts returning to her homeplace along with her young family. Sarah is co-author of the Aisling series of novels, the most recent book is "Aisling Ever After" (2023)

County Longford. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.

Ballymahon raised and Berlin based Adrian Duncan is the acclaimed author of "Notes from a German Building Site." His most recent book is "Little Republics: The Story of Bungalow Bliss." Vincent and Adrian meet for a stroll around Ballymahon, before Adrian shares a new piece of writing about his Longford home.

County Longford. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.

Ríl Óg perform "Outset" exclusively for The County Measure. The members of Ríl Óg are Alex Walters (guitar), Dylan Hanly (accordion), Tomás Mulligan (banjo), and Setanta Flood (bodhrán). The band have played at festivals across Ireland and the UK.

Vincent Woods travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport. This Week he is in Tipperary.

Author Siobhan MacGowan was born in England to Irish parents and always regarded Tipperary as home. Vincent and Siobhan chat beside Lough Derg before she shares her new story "Tipperary So Far Away". Siobhan is the author of "The Trial of Lotta Rae" (2022) and "The Graces" (2023).

County Meath. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

"Moore's of Market Street" is set in Trim, Co. Meath and recounts the passage of time for an old shop. Belinda is the author of "Solace" (2011) and "Tender" (2015).

County Dublin. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.

Dublin 19 is a postcode of the capital that doesn't exist. Poet Stephen James Smith imagines his hometown in the distant future. Stephen's debut album is "See No Evil".

The RTÉ Concert Orchestra performs 'Bleá Cliath.' Siúbhán Ní Ghríofa composed this special piece of music for The County Measure. The 1st part is called Inis Mac Neasáin (the old Irish name for Irelands Eye) The 2nd part is a jig called Rince na Life (The Liffey Dance) followed by a tune called The Áras. For more see orchestras.rte.ie