TwoMacs Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Dympna Heron - Talking the talk and walking the walk. Dympna Heron, from Stewartstown, has been a busy woman in recent years, with her involvement in a range of local community initiatives.  Currently she is flat out, as they say, helping organise the Coalisland Camino which takes place on Sunday, August 16.  It was the brainchild of Feargal O'Donnell, the Manager of Coalisland Community Hub & Foodbank.  Another group most connected with the walk is 'Friends 2 Talk' that meets and walks regularly in order to offer mental and physical wellbeing to participants. The history and origin of the groups, which have many overlaps, is all explained in the podcast!  The Coalisland Camino is based on the famous Camino de Santiago that stretches across Portugal, Spain and France and is renowned for helping bring pilgrims to a mindset of peace, oneness and spiritual awareness.  The Coalisland Camino as well, provides wonderful booklets with explanations and depictions of local historical landmarks, mythology, wildlife... and is stamped at locations along the scenic  26.4km route. Over 200 people from all over Ireland took part in the first walk last summer.    This time there will also be booklets available in the Irish language as well as Irish speaking volunteers at the various stations and refreshment stops.  Dympna also recalls the setting up of Friends 2 Talk in 2019 following a number of tragic deaths.  Then came the dreadful Covid lockdown in 2020, when boxes of food and goods were delivered to those 'sheltering' and the realisation that many in the locality were struggling financially, some actually in work but unable to meet rising costs. This eventually resulted in the Communty Hub and Foobank as it is today. Based in St Patrick’s Hall, Coalisland, it confidentiality helps struggling families and has a range of schemes including the school uniform exchange and the Christmas hamper appeal. Oh! There's was also the fascinating 400 year enactment of the Flight of the Earls embarked on by Dympna and others in costumes of that time (1607), and we explain why Tullyhogue Fort with its most significant history is well worth a visit.  There's a lot in this podcast! It brings home the great community work being done and the decency of local people towards their neighbours.  Dympna Heron - a busy woman!  * Contacts for the various organisations are on the podcast and their Facebook pages.

Send us Fan Mail Bert Mohan - still whistling after all these years Some thought Tyrone referee Bert Mohan and Martin Mohan were two different people.  'They' are indeed one-and-the-same, and in this podcast, Bert explains how he attained the name.. Bert!.. it goes back to the 1970s!  Thirty years a GAA whistler, that includes taking charge of three senior club finals, he recalls an approach on Scotch Street in Dungannon that started it all off. That was shortly after he thought he'd hung up the boots, having won an Intermediate championship medal with Eglish. From the Brantry his early playing days were at the Aghaloo club but they were different times and later his mother felt it safer he make the move. It was a transfer didn't please everyone at Aghaloo! Bert gives us an insight into the world of the referee, many funny stories included, and shares his thoughts on more recent high-profile controversies.  He also played and managed the Tyrone Crystal soccer team and Ronan Mac, a fellow employee back in the day, recalls signing the form to join the team. However on reflection, he's sure the Saturday morning games, after a night at the Clubland, might not have passed the alcohol test! A master glass cutter, Bert toured America on behalf of the company giving demonstrations of the art.  They remember the conman from Plumbridge, a self-made millionaire apparently, who was going to save the factory in 1980 but vanished after being wined and dined and put up in fine hotels on the company's expense. Dungannon Co-Op saved the day and it did get another lease of life but eventually faded out of existence in 2010. A sad finish to what was a celebrated local institution and employer. Bert would encourage younger lads to take up the whistle and recalls the fulfilment of refereeing those big games. This is a podcast packed with memories and tributes to great local referees.  He continues to enjoy life with his wife Kate, children and 13 grandchildren who keep him on his toes!  Bert Mohan a hugely popular referee and character.  * Big call! TwoMacs producer Oliver is on the hunt for an All Ireland football final ticket for his cousin Sean McAndrew based in Birmingham (with St Brendan's GAA club there). * Sean's late father, John RIP, (Oliver's uncle) was on the last Mayo team to win the All Ireland in 1951. He later emigrated to England.  * If anyone...

Send us Fan Mail From darkness to light: a survivor's story. A huge thank you to Eamon Devlin who took time out from a flying visit to guest on the TwoMacs Podcast. It was a catch-up of sorts, as Ronan Mac and Eamon were friends as children, however Eamon's life was forever changed, at the age of 12, when his parents were brutally murdered by loyalists, acting in collusion with the 'security forces'. The double murder, on 7th May, 1974 of a most popular couple, who made a great contribution to the community, devasted people in the locality and across the county, while the shock and sense of revulsion reverberated throughout Ireland.  Jim Devlin was a household name in the GAA, a former Coalisland Fianna and Tyrone star. As we're reminded, 'one boy's football hero is another boy's Daddy'.  His wife Gertie was known by all as a most friendly and affable librarian in the town. They also appeared on stage in plays and musical productions.  Eamon recalls an idyllic childhood growing up in Congo, a townland in Edendork, happy school days, family trips to Portrush with his loving parents and sister Patricia and brothers Colm and John, the many cats around their home in the countryside and his mother's porridge. He recalls the harrowing events that changed  his life, and that of his siblings, overnight and moving to live with his uncles and to boarding school. The victims of those,  and many other murders, have not received justice and truth from the British government. Eamon talks of their delaying tactics and cover-up masked as "for national security reasons". He has lived in England for over 40 years and is "content", however the trauma of May, 1974  also remains a vivid experience.  Eamon's credo these days is to get out for a walk and meet people, wave at the passing bus and you might get a wave back, say 'hello', enjoy a cup of tea in a café and greet the waitress, as isolation is not good for us. With its terrible tragedy, this podcast is also on the side of life and hope.  May Jim and Gertie Devlin, Rest in Peace.  * We were delighted to present Eamon with a copy of the history of Coalisland Fianna GFC, that includes great photographs of his father and uncles, and tells of their exploits on the football field. 

Send us Fan Mail Music as Gift and Calling Martin's guest this week is Mairead Duffy - teacher, musician, singer/composer and director of Dungannon community choir Gathered Voices, which she founded in 2019. A native of Tuam, County Galway, Mairead came north in the early 1990s to study music at Jordanstown.  Her musical formation began early, with Mairead's grandmother teaching her some piano chords. It was love at first sound. She practiced constantly and soon took up the harp. Mairead's practice would eventually bring her to the famed stage of New York's Carnegie Hall, a venue she played twice - once in the august company of the Chieftains. Mairead obviously loves performing. As a rookie music teacher in Enniskillen she put on Westside Story (her favourite musical). She has a great gift for bringing people together. Last Christmas, Gathered Voices, which includes members of the East Timorese community, sang 'Silent Night' in Tetum, the language of East Timor.  Mairead sees her music as a calling, closely related to her faith, which is evident from her second choice of a piece of music, "Sweet Surrender" by Luke Parker. There were to have been three pieces of music, but the conversation between Mairead, Martin and Oliver flowed along with such joy and gusto that we had to settle for two. Truly, this podcast is a delight from start to finish. To listen to more of Mairéad's music check out these links https://maireadduffy.bandcamp.com/album/silver-tin-house Little Bridge  https://youtu.be/dmF0EaDbtIU?si=-vfSaby3EVWAKYyJ

Send us Fan Mail Dixie Robinson - heading to another Cup final. As Dungannon Swifts bid to win two-in-a-row Irish Cups, assistant manager Dixie Robinson reflects on a career in local soccer and GAA, that has brought glorious days as well as heartbreak in finals of both codes. It is a podcast packed with wonderful anecdotes and memories of great players and characters. Dixie recalls taking penalties in front of 100,000 spectators at the League Cup final in Wembley way back in 1979, and playing in the Irish league while trying to help his beloved home club Maghery win a first senior championship.  He has forged a remarkable bond with Joe McAree and his son Rodney (co-manager) at the Swifts and works full-time with Dungannon United Youth... a labour of love.  A classy winger, he remembers the first soccer pay cheque, a stint with Armagh seniors and reflects on the demands nowadays as players are pulled between both games.  Cup defeat was hard to take but the Swifts and Maghery both reached the Holy Grail, occasions of huge emotion.  The story of Johnny Montgomery is remarkable, a life-time soccer player who lined out for the first time with Maghery, when he was close to 40 years of age, and was on the team won their first senior Armagh championship.  Then there were the Brackaville Gaels who arrived at the carpark at the Swifts' ground, which cumulated in a historic Ulster championship win for the Owen Roes.  On his way to another Cup final, with the excitement around Stangmore Park building to a crescendo, as Dungannon Swifts face Coleraine in the Cup final, hopefully Dixie will get another singalong beside Philomena Begley leading the club's new anthem.. The Blanket on the Ground!

Send us Fan Mail Paddy Linden - a familiar face but who is he?! An instantly recognisable face in Coalisland but who is Paddy Linden? A reader at Mass for the past 30 years, the Belfast schoolteacher, who set up home in Brackaville, is also a leading organiser of the MacRory Cup, has worked with the youth at Ógras and coached GAA teams in the area; currently Edendork senior Ladies.  He talks about the importance of his faith and how it can be our refuge when trying to make sense of tragedy and loss. Paddy recalls his childhood on the war-torn Falls Road in Belfast and the trauma his beloved mother, and others, endured while bringing up young families.  His father, also Paddy, was an accomplished boxer, which young 'Pat' didn't know until he was told by a coach at the local boxing club. There are special memories of his father bringing him to Barry McGuigan world title fights.   There was also a meeting with the legendary George Best, whose father Dickie was a friend of Paddy's dad. The first time he went to play Gaelic football at school he arrived wearing a Manchester United jersey and shinpads. However Paddy went onto to play for Antrim minors and recalls the friends-for-life he made on the Christian Brothers' college team.  His teaching career soon had him working with great coaches and former McRory Cup adversaries at St Pats Maghera. On the Ulster Coaching and Games committee, he is the Ulster Council Colleges representative.  Paddy names lads he taught who went on to be sport stars and the local club players he coached he would most want on his team.  Paddy also bemoans the attitude missing in Antrim that brings success in Tyrone. Paddy and Ronan both recall a local sports' writer who made scathing comments about them in a newspaper.  It is a life well lived that includes great days following Manchester United, the joy of his children and grandchildren and trips away with his wife Emma. You won't be able to say you don't know that man who does the readings at Mass in Coalisland, after listening to this most uplifting podcast! 

Send us Fan Mail Paddy Linden - a familiar face but who is he?! An instantly recognisable face in Coalisland but who is Paddy Linden? A reader at Mass for the past 30 years, the Belfast schoolteacher, who set up home in Brackaville, is also a leading organiser of the MacRory Cup, has worked with the youth at Ógras and coached GAA teams in the area; currently Edendork senior Ladies.  He talks about the importance of his faith and how it can be our refuge when trying to make sense of tragedy and loss. Paddy recalls his childhood on the war-torn Falls Road in Belfast and the trauma his beloved mother, and others, endured while bringing up young families.  His father, also Paddy, was an accomplished boxer, which young 'Pat' didn't know until he was told by a coach at the local boxing club. There are special memories of his father bringing him to Barry McGuigan world title fights.   There was also a meeting with the legendary George Best, whose father Dickie was a friend of Paddy's dad. The first time he went to play Gaelic football at school he arrived wearing a Manchester United jersey and shinpads. However Paddy went onto to play for Antrim minors and recalls the friends-for-life he made on the Christian Brothers' college team.   His teaching career soon had him working with great coaches and former McRory Cup adversaries at St Pats Maghera. On the Ulster Coaching and Games committee, he is the Ulster Council Colleges representative.  Paddy names lads he taught who went on to be sport stars and the local club players he coached he would most want on his team.  Paddy also bemoans the attitude missing in Antrim that brings success in Tyrone. Paddy and Ronan both recall a local sports' writer who made scathing comments about them in a newspaper.  It is a life well lived that includes great days following Manchester United, the joy of his children and grandchildren and trips away with his wife Emma. You won't be able to say you don't know that man who does the readings at Mass in Coalisland, after listening to this most uplifting podcast! 

Send us Fan Mail Amy Toner & Shane McDonald - promoting inclusively for all children.  A hugely inspiring and uplifting chat with Amy Toner and Shane McDonald, aka MacDoodle, who are doing fantastic work with young people making sure that none get left out or left behind.  With a name like MacDoodle, this podcast veers down a few side roads as we wonder why girls don't get nicknames! We also remember the great player Amy's husband Brian was and the nicknames of a few of his team-mates!  It was Amy who started the Fianna All Stars when it became apparent that her daughter Maisie loved football, but was unable to participate in a traditional childrens' team because she has 'additional needs.'    The group has taken off, giving lots of children great joy under the guidance of their parents and specially trained coaches. It is a wonderful innovation with the joy, as well as the mental and physical health benefits it brings.  The kids love the games and making friends as well as going on trips to Clones, Croke Park and to other clubs.  Shane, a Leader at the local youth club Ógras, as well as the Welfare Officer with Coalisland Fianna and Chairman of the Fianna Runners, talks about his work with local young people, that also encompasses those with 'additional needs'.  The Fianna Runners has chosen the Fianna All Stars as their nominated charity this year. Plans are in place for a sensory garden at the club. The local community has been generous with a playpark among the donations. Amy and Brian are part of the Fianna Runners group while Amy also reveals that while she didn't play football, she is a kickboxing black belt!  Amy and Shane with others involved in the local groups are adding so much to the lives of our children. There is a place for every child... inclusively the key word. Local people, they talk also about their families and there is a poignant poem penned 88 years ago that links the Main Street of Coalisland ancestors of Amy, RonanMac and our production manager Oliver.  A feelgood podcast and good fun! * Anyone is welcome to bring their child to the Fianna All Stars, and join the Fianna Runners, regardless of their background or club affiliation, if they have one. 

The Two Seans are back A year later and local GAA afficionados Sean McCabe and Sean Quinn are back on the TwoMacs Podcast with a look at the season past and what's to come. It's a long chat but worth every minute, as the Brackaville and Clonoe stalwarts share stories, humour and memories of a bygone era of Gaelic games, including that great 1970's rivalry between the Dubs and Kerry.  Since their last visit, 'Glorious Clonoe' won the championship, Ronan welcomed the big bus pass and the Fianna's return to senior football while Sean Quinn reflects on life in the Junior league as well as co-commentating for Tyrone TV.  He also considers the fortunes of our club and county hurlers.  The club draws go on while there is a parish battle coming up to raise funds for a most worthy charity... we wonder which players will make a comeback, and will there be a schemozzle?! We recall journeys, not for the faint hearted, to play Mountjoy Emmets, that became Brocagh Emmets in 1980. Is David Clifford the greatest player ever? The Seans remind us of many great players, not least our own Frank McGuigan and Peter Canavan. They also consider the hurling legends although TwoMacs podcast producer Oliver later remarked that he was surprised by the omission of Tipperary legend Nicky English, an oversight perhaps!  The new rules get the thumbs-up but do they most suit Kerry?!  It's prediction time again and hopefully we'll do better than last time although Sean McCabe did correctly back his own O'Rahillys for the cup. The guests also reflect on those who have departed in the last 12 months, while we honour all our Gaels who have gone to their eternal reward. May they Rest In Peace.  It is an engaging, funny and nostalgic chat topped off with a recitation in the best style of story teller Sean Quinn.

John Hanna is an artist to his fingertips... He and Martin are friends in more ways than one. They get on well, as is evident from this podcast encounter. They are also cousins. Originally from Derrytresk, John is the youngest son of the late great Geordie Hanna, a traditional singer known the length and breadth of Ireland.  Seamus Heaney once said that making a living is one thing; poetry is something extra. John has worked all his adult life  but for him the 'something extra' is the art of making sticks - blackthorn, hazel and holly, to name a few. His interest started early, before the age of ten, when infant John handled a blackthorn stick belonging to a man named Tom Rah. In his teens the interest was still there. Geordie suggested Jimmy O'Neill of the Glen would be a good man to see. So, off John went to make contact with Jimmy, a colourful character who made blackthorn sticks. Buddhists say, 'If a pupil does not surpass the teacher, the teacher has not done his job'. Jimmy did his job extra well. He  gave John a certain book that allowed the younger man to develop his art and make contact with other stick makers. 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever, ' said poet John Keats. These sticks don't last forever - about 100 years, says John Hanna - but I say they are definitely beautiful. The conversation also touches on poetry, painting, acting and song with Oliver Corr making contributions to a discussion that both engages and delights.

Christopher Rafferty Incredible MacRory Cup and O'Neill Cup winning memories. As St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon bid to lift the MacRory Cup for the sixth time, the incredible build-up and scenes of their first win in 1991, are vividly recalled by goalkeeper on that day, Christopher Rafferty.  He was also at the helm of Dungannon Clarkes when they ended a 64-year famine winning the O'Neill Cup, amid joy unbounded, in a penalty shoot-out against Trillick in 2020. Christopher was destined for goal-minding following in the footsteps of his late father Jim who played Irish League football with Portadown and his grandfather Paddy Rafferty, an O'Neill Cup winner with Coalisland Fianna in 1946 and the Clarkes in 1951.  He recalls the drive to win that first MacRory Cup under the masterful management of the late Martin O'Farrell and Peter Herron. It was a long-held yearning of college principal Fr Denis Faul who was carried shoulder high by delirious students after the final whistle on a mucky day in Coalisland. Fr Faul has also since passed away, having left the Academy a happy man, his dream fulfilled. The A level results weren't the best that heady year as the celebrations went on and on... There are loads of memories of schooldays, on off the football field, while Ronan also recalls the 'old' Academy 1970's style.  Christopher went on to do goals for Dungannon Clarkes for 19 years and was manager when they made the breakthrough, another fantastic day of celebration.  It was during Covid year with its social distancing and a run through round after round of extra-time, that was perhaps destiny, as they made their way to that final incredible shoot-out. The celebrations were again unbridled and not even repeated calls from Stephen Nolan could dampen the joy among the Clarkes' faithful.  Oliver, Chris and Ronan also wonder would the Rahilly's and the Fianna cheer each other on in a final, as they did the neighbours from  Dungannon!  A wonderful wander down memory lane recalling many great teachers, old school friends, college and club players and coaches. * Good luck to St Patrick’s Academy in the MacRory Cup final on Sunday (February 8), as their students bid to make it six of the best!

Harry McGuigan - Mr Judo: The gentle art's giant soul.  A life-affirming conversation with Harry McGuigan, a 7th dan black belt, all of 84 years, still coaching and doing gym work-outs.  When Harry went to a Judo class in Hong Kong way back in the 1960s, it was to begin a passion he continues all of six decades later. An introduction to another judoka Brother Lewis in Dungannon saw the formation of the local Ren Bu Kan Judo club that has attracted throngs of participants, with fifty-six going on to attain black belts under Harry's tutelage. He recalls those first black belts Brian Daly and Patsy Jordan from Eglish, world class Avril Malley and takes pride in everyone who joined the club and won medals at all levels.   His own family excelled, with his children and grandchildren competing, as the only family to hold three generations of All Ireland medals. Harry also had All Ireland success coaching Dungannon Tech GAA team and tells of the 1995 All Ireland senior football final, having breakfast and travelling to the game with the team as his late daughter Seánna RIP was married to captain Ciaran Corr. There was also Superstar competitions against greats from other sports and the trip to Cuba to enhance his Spanish speaking, where he met his future wife.  Listening to how Judo instils physical well-being and discipline, RonanMac and producer Oliver wonder if they should have stuck at the Judo, their visits to the Ren Bu Kan club, in the 1970s, all too brief! Hugely popular, Harry recently received the Mid Ulster Coach of the Year award.  Among the tributes, the podcast features a poignant poem penned in his honour by Brian McGills, a 4th Dan black belt prodigy of over 30 years. Harry McGuigan: The gentle art's giant soul.

Pascal Canavan - Reflections on a great club and county career. For over a decade, Pascal Canavan was a household name in club and county football with Errigal Ciaran and Tyrone.  In a fascinating conversation he recalls many great games and a few controversies! These days, along other Gaels, he raises awareness and funds to get critical treatment for children suffering from the genocide of Gaza. He has also called for an end to the GAA sponsorship from Allianz, a company complicit in funding the Israeli war machine.  Pascal's early club days were not straightforward, as a local split saw him line out with the unaffiliated Glencull St Malachy’s while many of his mates played for Ballygawley St Ciaran's. A passionate GAA priest arrived and spun a few yarns to get the sides together. So began Errigal Ciaran.  A county championship victory soon followed, on an unforgettable day playing alongside his brothers, and then an Ulster title. He was captain when they won a second provincial title. Ronan Mac wonders why Errigal Ciaran is the only senior club in Tyrone to conquer Ulster!  A huge rivalry with Carrickmore is recalled, with players on both sides (including Pascal) winning a record six O'Neill Cup medals. He remembers wearing the Tyrone jersey, an intense rivalry against Derry, a devastating controversial All Ireland defeat to Dublin and putting that into perspective with the passing years.  The year after he ended his county career, he watched his little brother Peter ('God' to Tyrone supporters) lift the Sam Maguire Cup, a day of much emotion just months after the passing of their beloved father Sean. He recalls Peter commentating as Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh when they played at home and the great support of his parents and all his family.  Pascal went on to manage college and club teams but nothing compares to playing. A long-time religion teacher, he is aware of the many challenges facing our young people and suggests religion can still play a part.  He also points out the GAA club and community makes a huge contribution to the formation of our youth. There are great memories in this podcast and a bizarre invitation to pick a Canavan AI 'battle of the clans' inter-generational team... it would take some beating! * Thank you to Canavan's for hosting the TwoMacs Podcast.

Karl McGuckin - a calling to sing.   Classical singer Karl McGuckin from Edendork, takes time out from his busy festive schedule.  The much heralded 'Candlelight Christmas' shows at Clonard Monastery, with his dear friend Malachi Cush, sold out within hours. Karl also recently performed at the Royal Variety Show, an 'exhilarating experience' that will be on televised to millions on ITV on December 21st. A bass baritone, he gives great credit to his mother Marguerite, a former showband singer, who most encouraged him to fulfil his potential. Both sides of his family (the Ballinderry McGuckins and Coreys from Brackaville) are laden with musical and football talent, among them his godfather Joe Brolly, an accomplished pianist and GAA All Star! Karl's father Mick captained Derry while his uncles, cousins and brothers were also renowned footballers.  Karl regrets his GAA career ended at the relatively early age of 29, however he did win a MacRory Cup medal and Ulster Colleges All Star.  After winning an Intermediate club championship medal, he hung up the boots as combining football with life as a singer and barrister became too demanding.  On the podcast he selects a beautiful and poignant song 'Fall On Me', performed with Malachi, in memory of his brother Paddy's beloved wife Marie, who tragically passed away three years ago.  His choice of iconic song 'Old Man River' at the Proms in the Park was a revelation. Karl also talks about the songs that most move him and pays tribute to other great artists.  He has performed in musicals and operas while his shows are acclaimed. It is a 'calling' to sing that so enraptures his audiences.  That tradition is being handed on as Karl and his wife Emma are introducing their toddler daughters to different types of music, the musical 'Frozen' a particular favourite!  With Santa Claus arriving soon it is a magical time in the McGuckin home. An end of year podcast that includes fabulous songs performed by Karl McGuckin! * We wish all our listeners a merry and peaceful Christmas. 

Pádraig (Paudie) Hampsey - leader, role model and inspiration. Tyrone captain Paudie Hampsey lived the dream when he climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Sam Maguire Cup. It was the cumulation of years of commitment and dedication.  National recognition, however, has never dimmed his passion for his beloved club Coalisland Fianna and local community. Two times an All Star, he recalls sharing the joy of winning All Ireland finals and club championships with his family and friends. Special memories.  Paudie also looks back on his days in the boxing ring. Future pros Feargal McCrory and Conrad Cummings trained at the club with him. Three-times Ulster champion, he came close to winning All Ireland titles before putting all his efforts into football.  It soon brought reward as he captained Tyrone minors to a provincial win and won an All Ireland U21 medal.  There was also disappointment with club and county, losing finals, before winning the O'Neill Cup and the Sam Maguire. He pays tribute to all those he played alongside as well as the managers who guided them on the way.  In 2021, as we made our way out of Covid restrictions, Tyrone reached the promised land for only the fourth time. An unforgettable day. Paudie recalls the key plays, other great leaders on that team, the winning speech, joyous scenes with family and his partner and very special memories of his son Cillian joining him on the field afterwards.  The scenes bringing the Sam Maguire Cup to Coalisland (along with club-mates Michael McKernan and coach Peter Donnelly) are now part of the town's folklore. Paudie also remembers the joy returning to Coalisland, along with his clubmates, with the O'Neill Cup.  This is a local chat with Ronan Mac, a fellow Coalisland man, as Paudie reflects on an incredible GAA career and they share special memories of family and friends, some who have sadly departed.  However, the idea of a GAA Royal Rumble is a hard sell...

In this episode of the TwoMacs, Martin is back in the chair talking to acclaimed novelist Anthony J. Quinn. Born on a farm in Kileeshil in 1971, Anthony was drawn to books from an early age. As a child, he would construct a wee canopy in a nearby field and lose himself reading stories by Enid Blyton. He also started to write at a young age. However, the Troubles cast a long shadow over his formative years and indeed his nine noir novels deal with this dark subject and its legacy. His work is set around the shores of Lough Neagh and presents an alternative view of the area to the N.I. Tourist Board. His debut novel, Disappeared (2012) first appeared in the US, introduced readers to Inspector Celsius Daly who would go on to appear in three subsequent novels. The fascinating discussion covers the nature of the writing process and how it can often be a journey of discovery for the writer to arrive at the “emotional truth” of a story. They also talk of the importance of telling stories that address the wrongs of the past and thus allow people to feel that they have been heard. Anthony’s latest book, Murder, Memoir, Murder (2022), his most personal novel to date, was one of the Daily Mail’s Books of the Year. At present he is working on a historical novel set in New York. Anthony's Website www.anthonyjquinnwriter.com/

Plunkett McCallan - Oz and the magic of the O'Neill Cup. Towering goalkeeper 'Big Oz' from Carrickmore reflects on two decades of championship football. On the week of the Tyrone senior club final, 'Oz' (nicknamed after Oz in the hit 1980's TV comedy series Auf Wiedersehan, Pet) reflects on a career that saw him win six O'Neill Cup medals. It is a record held by over a dozen players, however no-one has played in as many finals, as over 20 years he played in 14 in all, with those six wins, six defeats and two replays.  He suggests that records are for statisticians and journalists as it is a team game and not about individual awards. He recalls his time living in Coalisland and jokes that for all of 30 seconds he considered transferring to the Fianna.   He also remembers the glory days and disappointments and pays tribute to his team-mates, coaches and the many opponents he did battle with down the years, not least Errigal Ciaran who shared 12 O'Neill Cup wins with Carmen between 1993 and 2005. Oz believes there is nothing better than the Tyrone knock-out championship format.  With a pre-match routine of a cigarette and tin of Red Bull, he went on to lose three finals in the last years of his career and regrets he did not get on the winning rostrum with the whole new squad of players.  During a suspension, after a league schemozzle, he played rugby with Dungannon and while it was a hugely enjoyable experience, his heart was always with Gaelic football.   These days, much more reflective, he doesn't get too excited although watching his sons Jack follow him into goals and Paddy further out the field was a nerve-wrecking experience.  A most wholesome Podcast with Plunkett McCallan who says any team that reaches an O'Neill Cup final deserves credit. They're not easy won in Tyrone.  Ádh Mór to Loughmacrory and Trillick in Sunday's final.

Aisling Hagan (Corr) - Class is permanent. For over 25 years camogie star Aisling Hagan, formerly Corr, has graced the fields with her sublime skills.  Previously Tyrone Young Player and Senior Player of the Year, she has won awards for club, college, county, province and representing Ireland, as well as a winning summer in Chicago. Aisling recalls the inspiration from her father Tommy, a boxing Olympian, and her mother Margaret a distinguished camóg who introduced her to the sliotar and camán (ball and hurl). Lack of numbers at Derrytresk meant Aisling and her team-mates had to move to the Derrylaughan club.  She got the call-up for Tyrone when she was just 16 and went on to captain her county.  After an eight year break, and  marriage to Petie Hagan from Kildress and three children later, this year she lined out for Tyrone again.  Which club will her three boys hurl for?! She talks about the highs and lows of victory and defeat and a special day at The Washingbay when Kevin Barry's were crowned Ulster champions, going on to reach the All Ireland final. There were also trips to Scotland, albeit once in a freezing bus, when she was selected to play for Ireland in a Shinty series. Again, 15 years later her recent performances have led to another call-up for Shinty trials.  Two weeks ago however, Derrylaughan lost in a county final and the disappointment was as profound as ever.  Irish dancing was another passion which also brought medals on the biggest stage, at All Ireland level.  Aisling's passion for camogie has never dimmed, last year's Club Player of the Year, she would love to see her beloved game attract more players and spectators.  This a lovely podcast with Production Manager Oliver delighted to welcome his niece and God-daughter! For Aisling Hagan, playing camogie has been a wonderful journey... and it's not over yet!..

Aisling Hagan (Corr) - Class is permanent For over 25 years camogie star Aisling Hagan, formerly Corr, has graced the fields with her sublime skills.  Previously Tyrone Young Player and Senior Player of the Year, she has won awards for club, college, county, province and representing Ireland, as well as a winning summer in Chicago. Aisling recalls the inspiration from her father Tommy, a boxing Olympian, and her mother Margaret a distinguished camóg who introduced her to the sliotar and camán (ball and hurl). Lack of numbers at Derrytresk meant Aisling and her team-mates had to move to the Derrylaughan club.  She got the call-up for Tyrone when she was just 16 and went on to captain her county.  After an eight year break, and  marriage to Petie Hagan from Kildress and three children later, this year she lined out for Tyrone again.  Which club will her three boys hurl for?! She talks about the highs and lows of victory and defeat and a special day at The Washingbay when Kevin Barry's were crowned Ulster champions, going on to reach the All Ireland final. There were also trips to Scotland, albeit once in a freezing bus, when she was selected to play for Ireland in a Shinty series. Again, 15 years later her recent performances have led to another call-up for Shinty trials.  Two weeks ago however, Derrylaughan lost in a county final and the disappointment was as profound as ever.  Irish dancing was another passion which also brought medals on the biggest stage, at All Ireland level.  Aisling's passion for camogie has never dimmed, last year's Club Player of the Year, she would love to see her beloved game attract more players and spectators.  This a lovely podcast with Production Manager Oliver delighted to welcome his niece and God-daughter! For Aisling Hagan, playing camogie has been a wonderful journey... and it's not over yet!..

Patsy Grant - changed times. He may not have a television or be glued to social media but Patsy Grant is well tuned into the ways of a constantly changing world.   His father Paddy fixed clocks and Father Time catches up with us all.  An artisan, Patsy has a great talent for stone sculpturing, painting and writing.  He recalls simpler times when Coalisland had a railway station and enjoying a wonderful journey by train with his mother to Cookstown.  He has fond memories of been given free rein to write stories in Primary School, his imagination fired often including local characters.  He also spent three teenage years in Belfast often running messages for the Christian Brothers and aul lads he met on the way along the Falls Road.  It was in Manchester his passion for stone carving began when seeing the fascinating gargoyles and other figure heads on ancient buildings.  He also produced incredible art work, including Irish mythology and historical figures, on banners for protests during the 1981 Hunger Strike and recalls the snake-carved walking stick he carved and gifted to Bernadette McAliskey - a story told in her TwoMacs Podcast.   So much has changed and gone, including the huge Chestnut tree on Kettle Lane in Brackaville and industries in Coalisland, while Patsy's beloved 'Garden of Tranquillity' that once drew many visitors and TV cameras, has become overgrown... "a bit like myself" he says.  He feels a connection with Ireland's past and the slaughter and forced starvation of a population in Gaza, while the demise of Lough Neagh also weighs heavily. In his poetry he expresses angst and anger as well as humour. His writing brings relief and expression... and it's excellent.. much better than he gives himself credit for!   He also has words of sympathy and kindness for a dear friend who tragically lost his son.   This is a wonderful podcast as Patsy looks back on his life and talks about nature, change, troubled times and hope.