FERGUS SHIEL, founder and artistic director of Wide Open Opera, joins Eoin Drinan to discuss their upcoming opera style production of “The Importance of being Ernest”. The Crash Ensemble are providing the music for this production. With a running time of 90 minutes, the play is quick, witty and very well paced. Director Ger Barry…
Motor Neurone Disease
Ronnie O’Brien speaks to PETER FARRELL, who is the writer of a song called “Hey Mama It’s Christmas”, which is being released to raise funds for Motor Neuron Disease Ireland…
On Bolus Head: talking to the illustrator
BRIAN GORMLEY, artist joins Barbara Jennings to discuss a book he has been involved in which looks at the culture of Ireland and focuses on County Kerry. The book is called “On Bolus HEad” and is written with Michael Carter. Brian tells of how the literary tradition is so very alive in Ireland and talks…
Moore Street
BARBARA JENNINGS speaks to traders Margaret, Stephen & Marie from Moore Street about how the street has changed over the years & about the cost & struggle of keeping a stall going in Moore Street today…
Dublin One City One Book: Strumpet City
JANE ALGER, director of the UNESCO City of Literature programme, speaks to John Healy about the purpose of the programme. Jane talks about what the programme encourages, the book that the programme are celebrating this year, the events that they put together that connect to the book, the plot of the book itself based on the…
Kiruu, Singer/Songwriter
Noel speaks to KIERAN ALLEN (Kiruu), singer/songwriter. He talks about his background, how he started playing music, his involvement in different music projects to date, the diversity of his music, where you can find his music and what sort of music he listened to when he was younger. He plays his songs Sikupendi, a song about…
Monster Clock, a puppet musical at the Axis Theatre
DAN COLLEY speaks to Noel McGuinness about “Monster Clock”, a stage production being performed at the Axis Theatre in Ballymun. Dan is the shows director and speaks of the productions history and target audience. They discuss the story behind the show, where it has travelled to and where the name of the drama company came…
This Weeks Stories From The North Count Leader Paper
Noel Mc Guinness speaks to PATRICK FINNEGAN from the North county leader paper to update us with the stories from this weeks issue. They start of with the minister James Reilly who will open a new computer room for the youths of Swords, also about the new Lidl that will be opening & finally PATRICK…
The Importance of Press Freedom – Johnathan Rugman
JOHNATHAN RUGMAN of Channel 4 News joins Eoin Drinan on the eve of World Press Freedom Day. Johnathan speaks about his work in Turkey, getting locked up in Venezuela, and being accused of spying. He says the concept of press freedom differs a lot from region to region…
Bram Stoker historical walk and museum
Local historian DENIS MCINTYRE joins Pat Meehan in the Near FM studios to discuss the upcoming Bram Stoker historical walk, St Stephens Day 2012. The walk concludes in the Bram Stoker museum in Clontarf where there will be a discussion on the book of Dracula focusing on the links between the story and the area of Clontarf. They…
Sunrise Foundation – Integration of local newcomers into the community
John Healy talks to MATILDA CHONGWA from the Sunrise Foundation, a non-profit organisation to facilitate integration and full participation of newcomers into the community focusing on serious challenges like poverty, lack of education and inclusion. Our main aim is to facilitate the integration and full participation of the locals as well as newcomers into the…
National College of Ireland
Ronnie O’ Brien speaks to DR MICHAEL GOLDRICH, who is a learning & development officer with the National College of Ireland, about a programme being set up to teach sign language. NCI have developed a new course in sign language & deaf culture, and the first graduation will take place on June 16th 2011…
Cystic Fibrosis Research at Beaumont Hospital
As a follow up to the interview with Fergal Sommerville, who did the Channel Swim to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis, Noel interviews PROF. McELVANNEY to find out about the work they do in the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at Beaumont Hospital…
Bark in the Park For Irish Blue Cross
FIONN SCOTSCHECK talks to Noel McGuinness about the Irish Blue Cross’s annual Bark in the Park™ sponsored dog walks in St. Anne’s Park in Raheny to raise vital funds for sick and needy pets. The Irish Blue Cross can guarantee entertainment and fun for all the family, both 2-legged and 4-legged. After the walk, participants…

NearFM Spring Round up
DAVE O’CONNOR speaks to Noel McGuinnes about what is going on in NEARFM including celebrating thirty years of Near Media Co-op and a conference on “Social Justice Media” to mark the anniversary. He also speaks of what inspired him to get involved in Community Media. They also talk of “Folklore from the Dance Floor” a…
