Podcasts about Portadown

Welcome to a new episode of the My Sporting Hero podcast, part of Nutmeg FC. The home of brilliant football stories – made in Scotland.So far this month, Nutmeg FC subscribers have enjoyed....* Brian Lee's article on the fascinating connection between fans of Morton and Serie B outfit Reggiana* Daniel Gray's latest Slow Match Report on Rangers' heroic draw with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finalAnd still to come....* The exclusive column from our tactics guy Adam Clery comparing Lewis Ferguson with Liam HendersonOnly paid subscribers to Nutmeg FC get every piece we produce straight to their inbox.This time on My Sporting Hero, our guest is Michael O'Neill.Portadown-born Michael played as a midfielder for several British clubs, including ones in Scotland where he is best remembered for spells at Dundee United and Hibernian. As a young man he set top-flight Newcastle ablaze with a stunning opening season. He moved to Tannadice and eventually fell out with notoriously thrawn United managerial legend Jim McLean. He also played over 30 times for Northern Ireland.Michael started out in management at Brechin City, made Shamrock Rovers Irish champions and led them into Europe, before taking the reins at Northern Ireland. He achieved the nation's first-ever qualification for the European Championship and progression to the second round of the finals in France in 2016. He also rescued Stoke City from relegation danger when he first joined the Potters.Michael is currently enjoying his second spell as Northern Ireland manager.His sporting hero is ‘Superbrat' and all-round tennis genius/guru John McEnroe.Nutmeg FC | Substack This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.nutmegfc.co.uk/subscribe

Le nouveau documentaire sur John Lennon, ‘'Borrowed Time'', sera présenté en avant-première au Cine International Film Festival de Londres le mois prochain. Le jeune chanteur Benson Boone a créé l'événement lors du festival Coachella en invitant sur scène Brian May, le légendaire guitariste de Queen, pour interpréter le monument du rock : "Bohemian Rhapsody". L'ancien batteur de Judas Priest, Les Binks, est décédé à l'âge de 73 ans le mois dernier, mais l'information vient seulement d'être officiellement annoncée. Sting a salué la reprise émouvante de son titre "Fragile", entendue dans Adolescence, la nouvelle série percutante de Netflix, qualifiant cette version interprétée par Emilia Holliday de "magnifique". L'ancien manager de Guns N' Roses, Alan Niven, a déclaré que le leader, Axl Rose, perçoit désormais 50% des revenus du groupe. Kraftwerk a signé un retour remarqué à Coachella, 16 ans après son dernier passage, le groupe allemand a proposé un set visuellement immersif et musicalement fidèle à son esthétique fondatrice. Mots-Clés : film ambitieux, images d'archives, interviews inédites, témoignages, décennie, vie, histoire complète, rencontre, Yoko Ono, tournée, 1981, communiqué de presse, collaboration, public, absence, effusion, désarroi, TikTok, déception, Instagram, musicien britannique, remercier, équipe, Portadown, Irlande du Nord, 1951, 1977, Eric Burdon, War, pop, américain, Francy, projet solo, bassiste, Deep Purple, Roger Glover, The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast, album, Stained Class, Killing Machine, 1978, live classique, Unleashed In The East, tournée, chanson, origine, offrir, Katie Leonard , série, chorale, Minsthorpe Community College, Yorkshire, épisode, tournage, scène finale, contrôle, anathème, alchimie, solo, ennuyeux, merdique, reprise, punk, 1993, The Spaghetti Incident, Chinese Democracy, 2008, plein air le Place des Palais, Bruxelles, expérience audiovisuelle immersive, cœur, futur, art. --- Classic 21 vous informe des dernières actualités du rock, en Belgique et partout ailleurs. Le Journal du Rock, en direct chaque jour à 7h30 et 18h30 sur votre radio rock'n'pop. Merci pour votre écoute Plus de contenus de Classic 21 sur www.rtbf.be/classic21 Ecoutez-nous en live ici: https://www.rtbf.be/radio/liveradio/classic21 ou sur l'app Radioplayer BelgiqueRetrouvez l'ensemble des contenus de la RTBF sur notre plateforme Auvio.be Et si vous avez apprécié ce podcast, n'hésitez pas à nous donner des étoiles ou des commentaires, cela nous aide à le faire connaître plus largement. Découvrez nos autres podcasts : Le journal du Rock : https://audmns.com/VCRYfsPComic Street (BD) https://audmns.com/oIcpwibLa chronique économique : https://audmns.com/NXWNCrAHey Teacher : https://audmns.com/CIeSInQHistoires sombres du rock : https://audmns.com/ebcGgvkCollection 21 : https://audmns.com/AUdgDqHMystères et Rock'n Roll : https://audmns.com/pCrZihuLa mauvaise oreille de Freddy Tougaux : https://audmns.com/PlXQOEJRock&Sciences : https://audmns.com/lQLdKWRCook as You Are: https://audmns.com/MrmqALPNobody Knows : https://audmns.com/pnuJUlDPlein Ecran : https://audmns.com/gEmXiKzRadio Caroline : https://audmns.com/WccemSkAinsi que nos séries :Rock Icons : https://audmns.com/pcmKXZHRock'n Roll Heroes: https://audmns.com/bXtHJucFever (Erotique) : https://audmns.com/MEWEOLpEt découvrez nos animateurs dans cette série Close to You : https://audmns.com/QfFankxDistribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Episode 96 – Flute Band Church Belfast | Pip & Rev RossIn this episode of Made to Parade, we're joined by Pip and Rev Ross to talk about an exciting new initiative: Flute Band Church Belfast.Building on the inspiring success of St Mark's Church in Portadown – which featured in a previous episode – Pip and Rev Ross share their vision for creating a space in Belfast where members of the marching band community can explore faith, fellowship, and music in a way that's relevant, welcoming, and rooted in their culture.We discuss the origins of the idea, how the work in Portadown has helped shape this new project, and what lies ahead as they prepare to launch in Belfast.Whether you're a regular listener or new to the podcast, this is a powerful and passionate conversation about community, calling, and connection – and how the band scene continues to inspire new expressions of faith.

A Dublin secondary school has been embroiled in controversy after it was claimed online that one of its teachers is the notorious GAA catfish. County Armagh woman Niamh Farrell denies being the catfish who deceived at least 40 people, including multiple Ulster GAA players. The Portadown woman has now secured a court injunction stopping Coláiste Éanna from continuing with a disciplinary process – which could have resulted in her losing her job. She insists she is not the infamous catfish but an investigation at the school found that she confided in its principal that she was. Ms. Farrell disputes that. ­ Host; Ciaran Dunbar, Guest; Ellen CoyneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dublin secondary school Coláiste Éanna has been embroiled in controversy after it was claimed online that one of its teachers is the notorious GAA catfish. Teacher Niamh Farrell denies being the catfish who deceived at least 40 people, including multiple Ulster GAA players. But an investigation at the school found that she confided in its principal that she was the catfish. She has now won an injunction to stop the school disciplining her. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Irish Independent's Ellen Coyne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode has focused on the Bannsiders' off the pitch efforts as we welcomed Bobby Farren on the show.Mr Farren was asked onto the show after the club announced this week its application to the Northern Ireland Football Fund for £10 million to support the development of the South Stand at The Showgrounds, transforming the venue into the North West Regional Stadium.Speaking to co-hosts Damian Mullan and Johnny McNabb, the Bid Manager explained the reasons behind the Bannsiders' bid, what they would do with the monies if successful and how the funding can help the local community.Furthermore, Mr Farren gave an update on the community pitch and how the synesthetic surface should be laid in the coming weeks.Of course, there is also a chat regarding on-the-pitch matters as Coleraine played out a 2-2 draw against Cliftonville, as well as looking ahead to this weekend's clash at home to Portadown.As ever, we would like to thank our sponsors the Lodge Hotel.

Declan McManus helped the Official Coleraine Podcast celebrate its 150th episode by being this week's guest on the show.On what was a landmark occasion for the podcast, the striker kindly joined co-hosts Damian Mullan and Johnny McNabb in an engaging chat.McManus discussed his career to date - which started at Aberdeen - and then in England, before arriving in Wales, helping The New Saints lift three league titles.The 30-year-old spoke about his time away from home at different clubs, having an understanding wife and how he has a burning desire to bring success back to The Showgrounds.He further elaborated on living on the north coast, linking-up with Matthew Shevlin and Jamie McGonigle in attack, as well as comparing Welsh football to the Irish League.The podcast also talks about last weekend's eye-catching win at Linfield and the upcoming clash against Portadown.As always, we would like to thank our sponsors the Lodge Hotel.

On this week's show we are joined by two men who startedtheir careers outside of the Irish League. Our first guest is former Finn Harps and Derry City man Ciaran Coll, who has quickly won over Glentoran fans with his defensive displays. We discuss his time so far at the Glens, his LOI playing days, Brandywell departure and look ahead to some big games on the horizon. Whilst our second guest is someone who played at the otherend of the pitch, turning out for the likes of Carrick Rangers, Ballymena Utd and Portadown to name a few. Shane Dolan gives us an insight into player recruitment, the growing reputation of the Irish League outside of Northern Ireland and his own experiences in football management since hanging up his boots.

Crusaders star Philip Lowry reacts to their win last weekend over Coleraine and looks ahead to a busy week with Portadown and Linfield in the league and an Irish Cup clash against his brother Stephen when Limavady United come to Seaview next week. Carrick Rangers first team coach and player Mark Surgenor discusses entering his 10th year at the club, gaining coaching experience and explains why he is not panicking despite his teammates failing to find the net in their last 5 league games. Plus we catch up with Portadown manager Niall Currie whose sides have performed above expectations this season. Can they keep it up? Will there be a couple of new faces added before the transfer window closes? We put those questions and more to him and find out what it's like to break the news to players that they are no longer a part of your plans.

Teenage kicks is the nature of this week's podcast as we welcomed Senan Devine on the show. Hosted by Damian Mullan and Johnny McNabb, the duo discuss Senan's fine start to life as a footballer after winning the SuperCupNI tournament, the Centenary Shield, the Premiership Development League and representing Northern Ireland at under-age level. There is also a discussion on Senan making the breakthrough to the first-team at The Showgrounds and how he has been given numerous opportunities since being handed his debut. Senan also talks about his education as he is currently playing his final year at Loreto College and the challenges of combining football with his studies. The trio also reflect on last weekend's postponed game against Portadown and this Saturday's clash away at Linfield. As ever, we would like to thank our sponsors the Lodge Hotel.

A mid-term report is the nature of the conversation on this week's episode of the Official Coleraine Podcast. Co-hosts Damian Mullan and Johnny McNabb share their views on the season to date, the highs and the lows , and aims for the rest of the campaign. The duo also reflect on potential recruitment in the January transfer window and last weekend's 3-3 draw against Glenavon at Mourneview Park. There is a conversation about this weekend's fixture against Portadown as we enter the festive period. As ever, we would like to thank our sponsors the Lodge Hotel.

Michael is joined by new Larne manager Nathan Rooney, Carrick Rangers star David Cushley and Portadown loanee Baris Altintop.

Cliftonville legend Joe Gormley, Glentoran boss Declan Devine and Portadown skipper Gary Thompson join Michael on this week's show. The Reds won at Windsor and are getting ready for a North Belfast derby on Friday night, the Ports are hoping to build on a big scalp last weekend and the Glens meanwhile are preparing to face Larne at the Oval. The trio share their thoughts on the league season so far and weigh in on the debate around the current standard of the Irish League after some questions were raised following Larne's heavy defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

Our guests this week are Glentoran's Danny Amos, Portadown's Ben Wylie and Glenavon's Barney McKeown who discuss settling in at their new clubs, bouncing back from setbacks and what they hope to get out of this campaign.

The body of Portadown woman Margaret Perry was found a year after she went missing, the bodies of three men the IRA itself accused of her murder were found three days later. The IRA also accused them, all members or former members, of being British agents. Their bodies were found by different roadsides in Northern Ireland's ‘murder triangle'. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. This podcast was originally published in January 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coleraine boss Dean Shiels discusses their transition to full-time football, new Portadown 'keeper Aaron McCarey prepares to face former club Glentoran and we ask Dean Smith if his Loughgall side can build on an impressive first season back in the top flight.

Born in Northern Ireland, Sam Curran (1921-1987) was saved in 1938 under the preaching of evangelists Joe Stewart and Fred Bingham. He married Miss Eleanor Alexander in 1944 and set up home in Mullavilly, near Portadown. In their 30's, desiring to dedicate their lives to the Lord, the Currans developed a burden for full time service. Through prayer, and the encouragement of Mr John McCann Snr., they felt led to go to Brazil as missionaries in June 1958, settling in The post Sam Curran – The Mind of Christ (32 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.

This is part two of a two part series, so I strongly recommend you listen to part one. This episode, from Northern Ireland, looks at events near Portadown during the period of just a few days at the height of the Troubles. Today the focus is on the quite dreadful Kingsmill Massacre which claimed the life of 10 innocent men. Find out more about the UK True Crime Podcast: https://uktruecrime.com Join me at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/UKTrueCrime Join me in Sheffield on 7 September https://armchairdetectiveswanted.com/events Join the UK True Crime Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/UKTrueCrime Buy my book 'Gone Fishing' about serial killer Angus Sinclair: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Fishing-Unsolved-Crimes-Sinclair/dp/1914277201 Sources: https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch75.htm https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/reavey-and-odowd-families-seek-answers-40-years-on-from-killings/34332992.html https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/a-ghost-estate-and-an-empty-grave-i-don-t-think-northern-ireland-was-worth-one-life-1.4761318 https://web.archive.org/web/20110714013648/http://www.madden-finucane.com/the_firm/cases/echr/2007march06_5.htm https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FlSvQ39WAAA1boi?format=jpg&name=large https://armaghi.com/news/tandragee-news/well-known-pubs-in-keady-and-gilford-go-on-the-market/237335 https://www.codastory.com/rewriting-history/northern-irelands-troubles/             https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=706430024922417&set=a.431211649110924&type=3&locale=en_GB&paipv=0&eav=Afbu3RKWwaZVKhU2eIfwja0svozktmOPQLo5KFputFcOIb_bPA8Vj44yztDUGQ7kqVg&_rdr https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/government-has-built-a-big-wall-to-hide-the-truth-says-troubles-victim-N5VEWVHXAFHYBBUOVWQ7OIIGLM/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Bar_bombing https://republican-news.org/current/news/2015/04/family_mark_tragedy_forty_year.html https://irishpeaceprocess.blog/2021/04/13/__trashed/ https://www.sundayworld.com/crime/irish-crime/sunday-worlds-crime-world-podcast-investigates-one-of-ulsters-bloodiest-24-hours/41222908.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Troubles_in_Portadown https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reavey_and_O%27Dowd_killings https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Reavey_and_O%27Dowd_killings https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f747d9ce90e0740d0c78473/20200722-FOI_2020_02349_Final_Response_Letter.pdf https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Kingsmill_massacre https://armaghi.com/news/markethill-news/kingsmills-inquest-has-fallen-far-short-of-any-form-of-tangible-justice/239961 https://www.westernpeople.ie/ten-murders-at-kingsmill-an-overtly-sectarian-attack-by-ira-coroner-rules_arid-14104.html Kingsmill massacre – Slugger O'Toole (sluggerotoole.com)

This episode, from Northern Ireland, looks at events near Portadown during the period of just a few days at the height of the Troubles. Three terrorist attacks saw nine innocent civilians killed in a series of revenge attacks at the Central Bar in Gilford and at the homes of the Reavey & O'Dowd families. And as we will see in the second part of the story (released on Tuesday 11 June) the violence still wasn't over. Find out more about the UK True Crime Podcast: https://uktruecrime.com Join me at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/UKTrueCrime Join me in Sheffield on 7 September https://armchairdetectiveswanted.com/events Join the UK True Crime Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/UKTrueCrime Buy my book 'Gone Fishing' about serial killer Angus Sinclair: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Fishing-Unsolved-Crimes-Sinclair/dp/1914277201 Sources https://cain.ulster.ac.uk/othelem/chron/ch75.htm https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/reavey-and-odowd-families-seek-answers-40-years-on-from-killings/34332992.html https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/a-ghost-estate-and-an-empty-grave-i-don-t-think-northern-ireland-was-worth-one-life-1.476131 https://web.archive.org/web/20110714013648/http://www.madden-finucane.com/the_firm/cases/echr/2007march06_5.htm https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FlSvQ39WAAA1boi?format=jpg&name=large https://armaghi.com/news/tandragee-news/well-known-pubs-in-keady-and-gilford-go-on-the-market/237335 https://www.codastory.com/rewriting-history/northern-irelands-troubles/             https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=706430024922417&set=a.431211649110924&type=3&locale=en_GB&paipv=0&eav=Afbu3RKWwaZVKhU2eIfwja0svozktmOPQLo5KFputFcOIb_bPA8Vj44yztDUGQ7kqVg&_rdr https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/government-has-built-a-big-wall-to-hide-the-truth-says-troubles-victim-N5VEWVHXAFHYBBUOVWQ7OIIGLM/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Bar_bombing https://republican-news.org/current/news/2015/04/family_mark_tragedy_forty_year.html https://irishpeaceprocess.blog/2021/04/13/__trashed/ https://www.sundayworld.com/crime/irish-crime/sunday-worlds-crime-world-podcast-investigates-one-of-ulsters-bloodiest-24-hours/41222908.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Troubles_in_Portadown https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reavey_and_O%27Dowd_killings https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Reavey_and_O%27Dowd_killings https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f747d9ce90e0740d0c78473/20200722-FOI_2020_02349_Final_Response_Letter.pdf

Chat with the tv legend, who last week was honoured by her home place of Armagh with the Freedom of the Borough. She talks about growing up in Portadown, still loving working on tv and the breast cancer charity she set up in memory of her daughter Karen

Our guests on this week's episode are all getting their hands on league-winners medals for the first time in their careers this weekend. From Larne we speak to Chris Gallagher, Brandon Diau joins us from Portadown and Limavady Utd are represented by Ruairi Boorman. Like most successful people, their stories involve hard work and difficult decisions but it's paid off for them.

After making 215 appearances and scoring 19 goals for the Bannsiders, it was only fair that we had former defender Kyle McVey on this week's show. The Coleraine man speaks about his breakthrough into the first-team set-up at The Showgrounds, working under three different managers during his time at the club and why he felt it was the right time to move to Linfield. 'Kyler' discusses his time at the Blues working under David Jeffrey and how he secured the move to Ballymena United thereafter who were then managed by Glenn Ferguson. The 37-year-old also delves into his time at Portadown, how he is currently playing for Bushmills United and the importance of family life. Hosted by Damian Mullan and Johnny McNabb, the trio also look back on last weekend's 1-1 draw against Dungannon Swifts at The Showgrounds. As ever, we would like to thank our sponsors the Lodge Hotel.

These next couple of shows will be talking about fan engagement and experience of following football in Northern Ireland. For Part 2 Grant sits down with YouTube sensation Blair McNally to review the NIFL League Cup Final between Portadown and Linfield as well as discuss Blair's journey across a range of ROI and Scottish Clubs. Featuring a guest appearance from Aurora Borealis! Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Bringing the Atmosphere to YOU!

Michael is joined by journalist Stuart McKinley to preview Sunday's League Cup final at Windsor Park and we also speak to players and managers from both clubs involved. Linfield are represented by boss David Healy, Daniel Finlayson and Chris Johns, whilst Lee Chapman, Gary Thompson and Niall Currie provide a Portadown perspective.

It's David Healy's Linfield who will be taking on Niall Currie's Portadown on Mothers Day Sunday at Windsor Park and who better to have on the show than a man who has been involved in some form at both clubs. Matthew Tipton, former manager at the Ports and player at the Blues, joins me to preview the 2024 Northern Irish League Cup Final. We examine both team's run to the final and assess where the final will be won or lost. We also give our predictions for the final too. Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.

Michael speaks to 4 of the clubs vying for a place in the Quarter-Finals of the Irish Cup. Ballymacash Rangers boss Lee Forsythe talks to us ahead of their clash with Premiership giants Glentoran, Rodney McAree discusses his cup aspirations at Dungannon Swifts, Newington boss Paul Hamilton is hoping his team can pull off a shock in Newry and Howard Beverland prepares to face a former club as Bangor go to Portadown.

On June 21 1991, Margaret Perry - a 26-year-old civil servant from Portadown - vanished. A year later her body was discovered in a shallow grave in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. What unfolds is a mysterious investigation into informers, British agents, the IRA and the infamous ‘Nutting Squad'. Today's episode of the Indo Daily comes from our sister podcast The BelTel where Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris security correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph. Host: Cianán Dunbar, Guest: Allison Morris See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The body of Portadown woman Margaret Perry was found a year after she went missing, the bodies of three men the IRA itself accused of her murder were found three days later. The IRA also accused them, all members or former members, of being British agents. Why was Margaret murdered? Who were her murderers and did one British agent kill three others? Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first show of 2024, Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton discusses new faces and a departure at the Reds, we get his thoughts on a proposed salary cap for the league and if we really need VAR in Northern Irish football. Plus Barry Gray discusses his decision to leave Warrenpoint Town for the manager's job at Newry City and Zach Barr reflects on his switch to Portadown, who have aspirations to reach the League Cup final and win the Championship this season.

In this second episode of the new series, Grant speaks to journalist Lewis Bennett about the Championship in Northern Ireland as an incredible second half of the season is set in store. Every club is discussed from Ards to Portadown as well as a discussion on an exciting Premiership Intermediate League title race also!! Music from Toby Johnson and Rory Hope

James Singleton, Leroy Millar and Andy Hoey are our guests this week. Glentoran have reached the Co. Antrim Shield final and are hoping to put a string of results together to climb the league table but face a stern test against Linfield tonight. Larne face the Blues in a Bet McLean Cup QF on Tuesday but first must navigate a Premiership away day in Ballymena and Loughgall are also on their travels, with a visit to Carrick Rangers coming up before their own QF v Portadown. The Shamrock Park outfit knocked them out of the Mid Ulster Cup earlier this week so revenge is on the menu.

The latest round of the League Cup had one of the longest ever penalty shootouts, upsets and extra-time drama so we've rounded up some of the key protagonists to share an insight into what went on. We speak to Coleraine 'keeper Gareth Deane, Larne striker Andy Ryan and Portadown midfielder Ryan Mayse. Plus we are joined by David Kerr from NIFL to discuss his new documentary 'Inside Cliftonville'.

Our guests this week are all on the move. Stephen McDonnell is Lurgan-bound having landed the job as new Glenavon boss, Premiership new-boys Loughgall are represented by their captain Ben Murdock who is hoping their upward trajectory can continue and Niall Currie is in a happier place after a recent run of wins has seen his promotion-favourites Portadown climb up the Championship table.

Derry and Donegal are not only marginalised by their geographic position on the periphery of the island of Ireland, but they are also very badly served by the transport infrastructure. They are not alone in this: there are also complaints from Sligo, Fermanagh and elsewhere in the West expressing similar concerns. After a long campaign, parts of the A6 road between Derry and Belfast have been upgraded - though it is still not a dual carriageway between Dungiven and Castledawson. It was back in the 1960s that there were government plans to provide a motorway link from Belfast to Derry – which has still not happened and probably now never will. Much of the immediate concern today is focused on the A5 road, between Derry and Dublin. In particular, the very high number of accidents and deaths along this road. It has been described as the most dangerous in Ireland, with 47 people killed in road accidents since plans were announced in 2007 to significantly upgrade it.  This is just one element of the transport infrastructure weakness in the North West region. Another can be seen clearly by looking at a map of the rail system. Derry is the end of the line, despite at one point in the city's history having four stations and lines emerging out from the city. Neighbouring towns to the West and the South such as Letterkenny, Strabane and Omagh no longer have any rail connectivity. Plans recently announced by the two administrations of the Republic and Northern Ireland indicate a possible partial reversal of past decisions closing rail lines. The all-island rail review was launched in 2021 by the South's transport minister and Green Party leader Eamonn Ryan along with the then NI infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon. The results of that review were published last month. For Derry, the proposals include one of great significance. This would be an additional rail connection to Belfast, achieved by reopening the rail link through Portadown, with the route travelling via Strabane, Omagh, Portadown and then through Lisburn into Belfast. Passengers could also connect on to Dublin via Portadown, with the Belfast to Dublin route potentially being upgraded for faster journey times. Other elements of the plan include a spur from the Derry to Portadown line heading into Letterkenny and the possibility of a new rail connection between Derry and Limavady. And there will be further work undertaken into cross-Dublin mainline connectivity, which would potentially lead to a Belfast to Cork service, without the need to divert to local services between the two major Dublin stations of Connolly and Heuston.  A core element of the plan is the electrification of mainline rail across the island as part of the strategy to decarbonise our economy and transport system. Broader aspirations of the plan include cutting traffic-related air pollution, congestion and also the desire in the South to spread housing demand, achieved through improved public transport connectivity. None of this is cheap. The entire programme outlined is costed at around €32bn, or £27bn. And before anyone gets too excited, even after – or maybe if – there is political agreement behind it, the plan would take a quarter of a century to deliver. And there is not even unanimous support within government in the Republic behind it, nor, of course, is there any sort of government in the North to either object or endorse it. It is significant that the consultation that accompanied the review had a disproportionately large response from residents in the North, especially the North West. This illustrates how important transport connectivity is for Derry and the rest of the region. The latest Holywell Trust Conversations podcast considers this transport infrastructure deficit in the North West and specifically the proposals contained in the all island rail review. These would substantially improve rail connectivity for Derry, Tyrone and parts of Donegal.  ‘Into the West' successfully campaigned against the possible closure of the rail line into Derry and is lobbying for renewed rail links in the North West. Steve Bradley of the group tells the podcast that while he welcomes the proposals contained in the review, it has not recommended everything the group is seeking. The podcast also hears from Northern Ireland roads expert Wesley Johnston, who considers what could be learnt from the overspends on the road construction programme in terms of the likely actual cost of such an ambitious programme of work on our rail system. This and earlier Holywell Conversations podcasts can be listened to through the Holywell Trust website. 

Life Cycles is an initiative in Derry to restore bicycles which would have been dumped. Monica Downey started the project during lockdown, when people were cycling for exercise and to get about. So far they have saved 790 bikes in partnership with Zero Waste North West, and given away 150 fully restored bicycles. Helen Mark went to visit. And Anne Marie McAleese hears the remarkable story of Robert Hart, from Portadown in County Armagh, who became one of the most powerful people in China. In the 19th century many Irish people worked and lived in China, Japan and Korea - but Hart was one of the most notable, involved in administering taxes on the opium trade, and presenting China overseas. His life and times are the focus of a new book by historian Robin Masefield from Holywood, County Down. Presented by Anne Marie McAleese.

The Orange Order wanted to march home from a church service in Drumcree back into Portadown, and still does. But the nationalists living on the Garvaghy Road opposed what they saw as a sectarian march. The stage was set for a clash over rights, identity, and freedoms and it brought NI to the edge of anarchy. Host: Ciarán Dunbar, Guest: Mervyn Jess. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I'll be chatting with Greg Quinn, the Acting British Consul General Calgary and former British Consul General Toronto. Born and raised in Portadown in County Armagh during the Troubles, Greg has a unique story to tell. I met Greg at the Toronto Irish Film Festival following a screening of the wonderful documentary, Young Plato. We got chatting and I told him that at the University of St. Michael's College, we were putting together a panel to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. I asked Greg if he would like to be on the panel and to my eternal gratitude, he agreed and provided some fantastic insights on the night. This chat is a bit more personal and I hope you enjoy it. 

Our guests this week all have reasons to feel a little impatient. Loughgall can't wait to play Premiership football having secured promotion as league winners, Portadown are wanting this tough season to be over but whether it ends on a high note or not remains to be seen and Bangor are bursting with excitement as they are set to be crowned PIL champions. This week we are joined by Loughgall manager Dean Smith, Portadown boss Niall Currie and Ben Arthurs from the Seasiders.

Paddy McNally opens up about a nightmare start to the season and Portadown's mission to escape the drop, we chat to Conor McCloskey about his return from injury and ask if Glenavon's fortunes are turning in time for end of season run-in and Mark Patton reflects on Integrated College Dungannon's Schools Cup final win and tells us how Loughgall are handling their title charge. 

The crime gang known as ‘The Firm' has something different about it, it's a cross-community crew. Based in the Lurgan and Portadown areas, the Firm includes former members of the Loyalist Volunteer Force as well as people with republican connections. The gang is heavily involved in drugs – and police allege they are connected to two murders. The Belfast Telegraph's crime correspondent, Allison Morris, joins Ciarán Dunbar, to explain more about the groupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's show we welcome former Irish League goalkeeper Michael Dougherty into the virtual studio. Doc joins Gareth and Barry to chat about his new coaching role at Derry City, and he also reflects on his own playing career with clubs including Glentoran, Crusaders, Portadown and Larne. We discuss the current state of goalkeeping in Northern Ireland, and some of the shot-stoppers Doc played alongside including Elliott Morris, Sean O'Neill and Conor Devlin.

On this week's show we are joined by Jordan Forsythe of Crusaders who talks about his screamer on Saturday and their hopes to continue to climb the table, Paul McElroy discusses his move to Portadown and Newry City skipper Darren King assesses their progress in the Premiership ahead of their game with Glentoran.

Are you the sort of person who has a dusty slow cooker in the press? Maybe you're bored of making the same meals over and over again? Good news, Ireland has a slow cooker EXPERT and he's got some incredible recipes for you. Nathan Anthony is the man behind ‘Bored Of Lunch' Instagram and TikTok which has exploded over the past couple of years. Inspired to help people eat healthier, cheaper and easier, he's written not one, but two books using both the slow cooker and the air fryer. The Portadown native joined Dermot and Dave to chat the benefits of slow cooking and air frying and even shared some recipes!

On this week's show Gareth Fullerton and Gerard Lyttle chat about Michael O'Neill's return as Northern Ireland boss, as well as all the latest action from the Irish Premiership. We have interviews with Northern Ireland legend Aaron Hughes, former international striker Iain Dowie who is currently helping out at Larne, and Portadown defender Paddy McNally. The bumper festive episode also sees the return of the BetMcLean charity bet - can we land a winner this weekend.

Conor meets UUP leader Doug Beattie in his office in Portadown. A long chat on his army career, his life in Ulster politics and his attempts towards a more progressive approach to Unionism. Along the way we get his views on the DUP, the Northern Ireland Protocol, LGBTQ+ community, relations with the EU, what it means to be Irish and our shared future.

Football is a numbers game and our guests this week, like us, are weighing them up. Jonny Addis is part of a Cliftonville team that are re-building defensive foundations as they accumulate clean sheets, Declan Caddell came out of retirement to make his 511th career appearance for Crusaders and Tony Gorman is a happier man after 3 points last weekend moved Dungannon Swifts 6 points clear of relegation rivals Portadown. In a week where we learned we are ranked in the top 10% of podcasts globally based on both follows and shares, we are on the happy side of the number-crunching and pay tribute to you, our listeners, in this episode for your amazing support.

This week we speak with Libby Clarke, a real character from Northern Ireland! We hear about her father Tom, and the beginnings of the legendary Automart in Portadown, as well as some early Charolais cattle. Libby inherited his passion for Balmoral show, an event she has a long time association with. With organising show, sales, and judging, charity work, as well as running an estate agency she must qualify as one of agriculture's busiest ladies, and such a pleasure to speak to.

Hey guys I really hope you enjoy this chat with my friend Phil Woolsey. Phil plays in a band called Papa Luna right now and they're preparing to release their debut album but Phil is best known from the band Joyrider when back in the 90's a we punk rock band from Portadown signed to a major, everyones dream. back in the day. Phils a friend of mine and we all went to Donegal for a weekend together so I took the opportunity to talk to him about what hes's doing now and the heady days of Joyrider. Check out Papa Luna on Spotify

Nous nous penchons aujourd'hui sur les adversaires de l'IRA et des républicains: l'armée britannique. Comment a-t-elle géré ce conflit? Quel a été le rôle des groupes armés protestants, qu'on appelle aussi les paramilitaires loyalistes? Etienne Duval en parle avec Aaron Edwards, un historien nord-irlandais du conflit, et Elie Tenenbaum, de l'Institut français des relations internationales (IFRI), à Paris. Historien militaire, il est notamment spécialiste des guérillas et insurrections. Photo: des membres de l'Ulster Volunteer Force lisent une déclaration signalant qu'après enquête interne, ils ont dissous la Brigade Portadown de l'organisation paramilitaire loyaliste de Belfast, Irlande du Nord, le 2 août 1996. Cette décision faisait suite à l'assassinat, le 7 juillet de la même année, d'un chauffeur de taxi catholique par la Brigade de Portadown. (© Pacemaker/Keystone/AP Photo)

Michael Ruddy is Portadown bound, but before he gets there, he chats to Darren on the Pottscast. Michael has won the Irish Cup and Co Antrim Shield during his time at Crusaders, he also spent time at Ards until Niall Currie and under Spike at Ballymena.  Enjoy the show; https://www.instagram.com/thepottscast/