Category Archives: Documentary

Forgotten Lives – The County Nursery, with Rita McCarthy

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Lily de Sylva talks to local author and social historian, Rita McCarthy, about her new book, ‘Forgotten Lives’. The book tells the story of the Kilrush mother and baby home known as The County Nursery, which was in operation from 1922 to 1932, and is published by Banner Books. Listen to the Banner BookCast audio here

Mikey's Mix

Whales of Wonder

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Dive-in to the under sea world of Whales and Dolphins in this educational series by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s education and outreach officer in the Kilrush branch, Sibéal Regan.
Ireland’s waters are home to at least 26 species of cetaceans, including humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and even the elusive blue whale. In 1991, Ireland became the first country in Europe to declare its waters a whale and dolphin sanctuary

Loop Head Climate Change

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The Loop Head Peninsula is a slender finger of land pointing out to sea from the most westerly point of County Clare, on Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Cinched between the ocean on one side and the Shannon Estuary on the other, this peninsula would be an island but for a meagre mile of land connecting it to the rest of Clare. The Loop Head peninsula is one of the places in Ireland which has been and will most likely be affected by the effects of climate change, as sea levels rise and more frequent and violent storm activity takes place. NUI Galway have 2 years to undertake an analysis on the effects of climate change and exploring and developing opportunities for a better and more sustainable future. Their approach is divided into 3 parts. Part 1 of which involves gathering historic data and local individual perception of the weather. To compliment NUI Galway gathering such information, RCB conducted interviews among Loop Head residents and discussed their experiences, memories, folklore, anecdotal evidence, biodiversity changes, structural damage, lived experiences, and likely future impacts. NUI Galway will use any broadcasts to inform their wider study and with a view to informing national policy in particular in promoting resilience.

In this 5 part series, presented by RCB’s Teresa Jackson & Chris Behan, we cover the findings, experiences and perception of those who took part, as well as a summary with Dr Thomas McDermott & Dr Tom Gillespie of NUI Galway in the final episode.

Old Farming Ways – Episode 7 – Fairy Forts and Communication.

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Old Farming Ways is a new Series presented by Adrian O’ Connor. In Episode 7,. Fairy Forts, Telegrams & Harvesting by Horse. Cross & Kilballyowen native, Paddy Naughton tells Adrian about Fairy Fort superstitions, electricity in the 1950’s and also how telegrams was the only way to sent for the vet in emergencies. We also chat about Tillage, Oats Barley and the days of one harvest by horse before the tractor came along.

Old Farming Ways – Episode 6: Old Stories of Land

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Old Farming Ways is a new Series presented by Adrian O’ Connor. In Episode 6, ‘Land History’ Cross & Kilballyowen native, Paddy Naughton tells us about his family’s land and the names tied to the fields and traditions. Paddy tells us about tillage and the different work the work horse would do on the farm back then.

Old Farming Ways – Episode 5: Ploughing

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Old Farming Ways is a new Series presented by Adrian O’ Connor. In Episode 5, ‘Ploughing’ Cross & Kilballyowen native, Paddy Naughton tells us about his earliest memories of ploughing with his father and family. Ploughing was done by horse in those days and barley, oats, potatoes and turnip was planted. Paddy tells us how the house drawn plough worked and the different names for the equipment used.

Old Farming Ways – Episode 4 – Land

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Old Farming Ways is a new Series presented by Adrian O’ Connor. In Episode 4, ‘The Land’ Lisheen native, Bernie O’ Connor tells us about his land and the old Gaelic names for each field, there translation and how some names were passed down thru the generations.

Old Farming Ways – Episode 3: Pig Farming

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Old Farming Ways is a new Series presented by Adrian O’ Connor. In Episode 3, ‘Pig Farming’ Carmel O’ Connor casts her memory back to when her father, William Commane of Rockmount Cross and the days when he kept over 300 pigs. Carmel tells us how her father used gruel to feed the pigs back in the old days and when it was phased out. She also tells us about her father’s ability to make their own clothes and how he taught her to sew & stitch. 

Old Farming Ways – Episode 2 – Turf

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Old Farming Ways is a new series by Adrian O’ Connor. In Episode 2, ‘Turf Cutting’ Bernie O’ Connor tells us about his days cutting turf in Lissycasey Co, Clare. He talks about his first experience with the bog, the tools used like the sleán and the hard work involved in cutting it, footing it and bringing the turf home for the winter to head farm house.

Old Farming Ways – Episode 1 – Old Machinery

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Old Farming Ways is a new series presented by Adrian O’ Connor. In Episode 1, ‘Old Machinery’ The hay car, or hay boggie, was used to bring in the hay from the fields. The trams of hay were winched on board using ropes and a ratchet system. Adrian chats with his uncle Bernie about those days when all the work on the land was done by horse drawn machines like the Hay Rake. The hay rake collected, or raked up, the hay in order to make ‘hay Trams’ in the fields. Bernie explains how a tumbling paddy worked.

Let Erin Remember

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During the first World War, tens of thousands of Irish men joined the British Army to fight in the Great War for Civilisation (1914-1918). They did this out of a sense of duty, to fight for the freedom of small nations, the promise of home rule for Ireland and to provide for their families.

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.


RCB Documentary – Che Town

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Why are there several images of Che Guevara around the small town of Kilkee on the west coast of Ireland? There is even a Che Do Beatha festival in Kilkee held in September. We attempt to find out why Kilkee is Che-town and what are the links between the Marxist revolutionary, Kilkee and Ireland.
Did Che Guevara visit Kilkee?
Stories tell that Che Guevara visited the town in 1961 and had a drink in the Marine Hotel. Jim Fitzpatrick the artist credited with the iconic high contrast artwork seen on posters and T-shirts everywhere picks up the story.

The Colleen Bawn

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In 1819 the body of a young girl washed up at Moneypoint in Kilrush, Co. Clare. Not yet sixteen years of age this girl’s life and death would become the inspiration for the Colleen Bawn who is known throughout the world in story, drama and opera. A girl who is said to have been an outstanding beauty, was murdered by her husband’s servant under his orders.

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.


Willie Born To Run

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Celebrating the achievements of local running legend Willie Keane. Comprising of five episodes, Willie Born to Run, offers an insight into Willie’s early life right through to the present day. Willie, from Kilkee, Co. Clare, and a prominent member of the local St John’s AC, was a winner of 56 All-Ireland NACA Irish Senior Titles and 16 Clare Championships, along with numerous Munster Senior gold medals. During his prime, his dominance, while competing in the National Championships, saw him beaten only once over a ten year period between 1969 and 1980. Willie, who competed for Ireland over a period in excess of ten years, was Clare Sport Star of the Year on three occasions and was presented with the Clare Person of the Year award for 2016. His incredible achievements are also recognised and on display at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. A cross country, track & field and road running legend of his generation, he was destined never to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. This is the story of Willie – Born to Run
Along with Willie, contributors will include, Colm Rennicks, Tommy McCarthy and Laurence Larkin, legends in their own right, who between them have an impressive collection of All Ireland medals and international caps. Former International Secretary for the NACA, Pat Duffy, also made the trip from County Louth to the home of Willie, kindly accompanied by his daughter-in-law Maria, to chat with presenter and producer, James Flanagan, to complete the lineup in what promises to be a warmly fascinating and educational experience for the listener.
The series was researched, presented and produced by RCB Programming Director, James Flanagan, with Laurence Larkin deserving special mention for his assistance in contacting contributors and providing guidance on factual accuracy throughout the production. The project was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
Mairead O’ Higgins Finnegan ( Station Manager) on behalf of RCB, wishes to express appreciation to all the contributors, who gave of their time to enrichen the documentary, and everyone else, both within the community and RCB, who helped in any way to ensure its successful completion.





Coore and It’s People

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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 first programme, COORE: A Place of Protection, Hardship and Generosity, largely serves as a historical place setting from around 485 AD with the first monastery settlement in West Clare, touching on the major historical and religious events that occur in West Clare over the next several centuries, and the influence those events have on shaping the culture of the people in Coore.

The second programme, COORE: A Time of Growth, begins in the 1920’s when Ireland is in civil war and introduces two Coore Clare Brigade local heroes as well as a review of the cultural and musical freedoms, and the educational environment following the war, that together define the birth of a new cultural identity.

The third programme, Coore: The Rise, the Fall and The Healing , opens around 1970. It tracks the sweeping changes that take place in the Coore community over the next forty-five years and closes with a review of the celebration events held throughout 2015 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer.

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.

The Phantoms of the Opera

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The programme is based on the Operatic Society and current reformed Choral Society in Kilrush and remembers the many talented performers who started their career in Kilrush during the 1950’s and early 1960’s while also highlighting the Choral Society’s current involvement in the community.

“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.



Kilrush Operatic Society Programmes
Kilrush Choral Society

Everyday is a Blessing Episodes 1-5/5

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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.














New Programme Aired – Mike Doctor, West Clare Poet

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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

The Clare Champion – Melissa remembers Mike ‘Doctor’

Raidio Corca Baiscinn welcomes Pupils of Coore National School on a tour of our studios.

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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!

Maritime Stories

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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