They would have looked forward to a brighter future for Ireland after the War’s end, where returning soldiers would be welcomed home and greeted as heroes. However, many of those that did return home were vilified and ostracised after fighting for four years in unimaginable horror. In Clare alone 7,000 men went and fought, 418 of those from Kilrush. This documentary tells the story of four O’Higgins brothers from Liscannor, Co. Clare who fought in World War 1, one of whom died at the age of 23. The other 3 brothers were forever impacted by their experience and like many Irish soldiers who fought, were never commemorated or recognised for their service, much to the anguish of their families. We will capture their story delving into what happened to them and how they were finally recognised on the 50th Anniversary of the end of the War.
“The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone”
Presented and produced by Lee Costello and interviews conducted by Dermot Hayes, and researched by the O’Higgins family.
Many people know the name Colleen Bawn but not all are aware that the inspiration for the stories/drama/opera was a beautiful young Limerick girl who married above her station only to be murdered after a relatively short period of marriage at her husband’s insistence.
In Gerald Griffin’s book “The Collegians”, on which the play “The Colleen Bawn” and the opera “The Lily of Killarney” are based upon, the story takes place in part in Kerry and the names have been changed but the truth is that the girl and her murderers were living in Co. Limerick and her body was washed up at Moneypoint, Kilrush, Co. Clare with her body being laid to rest in Kilimer, Co. Clare. In this documentary we aim to inform to highlight the tragic details of Ellen Hanley’s short life the impact her death had, not only on the dramatic arts but also on the people of both Limerick and Clare.
There are many varying accounts of Ellen’s life and death and here we speak with local historians about the life and the trial of her husband of less than two months John Scanlon and his servant Stephen Sullivan.
This three part series tells the story of Coore using the voices of people who have settled in the area. It describes the circumstances that brought them, their challenges, stories and achievements, as well as the prominent role religion has played in shaping the character of the community.
The central theme throughout the documentary series is the honour and the reverence the people of Coore feel for their heritage.
The documentaries include the voices not just of the people of Coore but also from esteemed historians and archaeologists.
RCB Radio is a non profit community radio station that aims to give a voice to local people and broadcasts in the South West area of Clare. The station welcomes new volunteers from all backgrounds who would like to get involved in media in any capacity and can provide full training and facilities for anyone wishing to fulfil their ambitions and interests in becoming involved in radio. Contact RCB on 065 9083022 or email for more information.
“Opera offers such deep sensations that they will remain in the heart for a life time.”
A famous quote by Andrea Bocelli, and this certainly rings true for all taking part in this documentary. The title “Phantoms of the opera” is a nod to all who have gone before and all who were involved in the operatic society in Kilrush. Keeping the spirit of the operatic society and individual’s alive in a celebration of what once was a integral part of both the rural and urban society of West Clare.
This programme puts a spot light on what once was one of the most famous opera houses in Ireland and rated 2nd to Dublin in terms of training performance and stage production. The Kilrush operatic society paid host to the most renowned operatic singers in the early stages of their career and many went on to national and international success.
The programme also celebrates today’s choral society, a unique group of people with drive and passion. Year after year putting on productions and the very rare operatic performance. The operatic society has not been operating for many years , however decades later it has now been reborn under the banner of the “Kilrush Choral Society”
The programme is narrated by Rose Keane and was produced and edited by award winning producer John Kinsella. RCB Radio is based in Kilkee and broadcasts in the South West area of Clare on 92.5 and 94.8 FM. Alternatively, you can can listen live online at RCB.ie. The TuneIn app can also be used get a clear reception on your phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV. Simply search for RCB or Raidio Corca Baiscinn. RCB is a non profit community radio station and welcomes new volunteers who would like ot get involved in media.
This new five part documentary series is based on the work of Clare Irish poet and international bestselling author and retired priest John O’ Donohue. The documentary provides a backdrop of his life and times in Co. Clare and the retrieval of the lost art of blessing. Many within the community knew John and enjoyed his writings on the Celtic traditions and the warm engaging flow of his teachings.
John had often remarked on his early childhood which formed his spirituality, highly influenced by his mother and father forming the basis for his Celtic wisdom and his best selling book “Ainm Cara”
The documentary will invoke the lost art of Irish blessing and the Celtic heritage which can be preserved through the realm of radio and heightened in it’s audio landscape to bring his blessings and positive teachings to the rural community of West Clare.
Interviews were carried out on location by Dermot Hayes at the homes of the contributors, namely, Leila Doohan, Patrick McCormack, Martina O’Dea, James Howard and Michael Neylon. RCB is very grateful to all who contributed to the making of this documentary.
Mike ‘Doctor’ was a poet and farmer from Boloughera, Cranny. The documentary examines the life of Michael McMahon and contains archived recordings , interview and selected readings from Mikes poetry.
Picture reproduced with kind permission of The Clare Champion
Pupils from third class and above, were trained by RCB Volunteer Trainer Melissa McMahon and Producer Sallyann Marron to use recording equipment, and were then set with the task of asking parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours in their communities – how they used to play when they were children. The pupils came from Annagh National School, Coore National School, Kilmihil National School, Querrin National School, Clohanes National School and Gaelscoil Ui Choimin in Kilrush.
The project has been a huge success, with children finding out the intricacies of pegging tops, spinning tops, pitching quaids and marbles, to name but a few. They have also found out about the amount of (unpaid!) work carried out by their parents and grandparents as they helped out on family farms and businesses. There was no such thing as pocket money, children were just expected to pitch in with the rest. Similarly, summer holidays consisted of turning turf, making hay and harvesting vegetables. It wasn’t all hard work though and there are fantastic tales from people as they reminisce about growing up. No matter what generation they are, all had fond memories of Christmas and Santa coming to visit!
West Clare has been shaped and moulded by the water that surrounds it. Here, Ireland’s
longest river the Shannon merges into the mighty Atlantic and from there the waters stretch
West towards America. The river and ocean have given rise to many stories and formed a
backdrop for many events over the years, some joyous, some sad, some scarcely believable,
as well as providing much needed employment and transport. This series features a cross
section of stories and events, from the mythical to the everyday and will help highlight the
continuing importance of maritime life in this region.
Each episode of Maritime Stories will see Raidio Corca Baiscinn travel along the coastline.
We’ll hear from a variety of contributors, from those working on the sea, to those who
organise the Currach regattas each summer, from those charged with saving the seafarers, to
those who watch and endeavour to conserve the wildlife. Each contributor offers a short
snapshot of their own involvement and invites us to share their perspective on why the waters
around West Clare are much more than just a scenic amenity.
Programme 1 – Michael Falsey – Quilty in the 1940’s
Programme 2 – Loopheaad Lighthouse visit
Programme 3 – Michael talty – Sea Veg Fertilizer ,Times Past.
Programme 4 – Part 1 The 1941 Plane Crash – Aideen O Mahony.
Programme 5 – Part 2 The 1941 Plane Crash – Aideen O Mahony
Programme 6 – Part 3 The 1941 Plane Crash – Aideen O Mahony.
Programme 7 – Wild irish sea veg pt 1 Evan Talty
Coming Soon!
Programme 8 – RNLI – Pauline Dunleavy Kilrush Lifeboat Staion
Coming Soon!
Programme 9 – Walk To Mutton Island Michael Falsey
Programme 10 – Brendan and Kitty Garvey Part 1
Programme 11 – Prog 11 Brendan and Kitty Garvey Part 2
Programme 12 – Mutton Island with Michael Falsey
Programme 13 – San Marcus 1588 Shipwreck with John Treacy
Programme 14 – Lighthouse Satellite Signals with Brendan Garvey
Programme 15 – Wreck of The Leon 1907 Song Michael Falsey
In May 1835 a young couple from Moveen set out to harvest seaweed to fertilize their garden as many others did at this time. What unfolded that day was recorded in Mary John Knott’s classic account of Kilkee at that time. This documentary examines the background to the seaweed industry then and now. It features contributions from Paddy Nolan, John Rattigan, Eileen Mulcahy and Michael O’Connell.
Download PDF: Two_months_at_Kilkee
It was produced by Jason Murphy and funded by the BAI under the Sound and Vision Scheme with the Television licence fee.
The Last Picture Show is a documentary produced by Conan Brophy for Raidió Corca Baiscinn in 2012. It was produced with the help of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s Sound & Vision scheme.
It highlights the history and stories associated with the Mars Cinema in Kilrush, now sadly closed.
The first programme explores the story of a much larger island called Fitha which was reportedly struck by a tsunami in 804AD, recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters. Fitha was devastated by the wave and reduced in size by two thirds, to leave Mutton Island. Dr Andy Pulham, a geologist with a special interest in West Clare’s geology, made a surprising discovery whilst out on the island, leading him to be able to identify some possible evidence of a tidal wave, which was very exciting.
