The Tongs by the Fire
This dramatic picture was taken recently of the statue of Francis O’Neil. That’s a gorse fire raging in the background. The image was shared the image with me by my Read More …
Tag: Cork
The Kid On The Mountain
If you drive about ten minutes outside Bantry, you might come upon a solitary flute player in a quiet glen, surrounded by the foothills of the Kerry mountains. It’s Chief Read More …
Chief O’Neill: The Movie
This blog is delighted to announce the forthcoming movie adaptation of Chief O’Neill. Cork native John Crowley (Brooklyn, Intermission) is to direct. Cillian Murphy, also a native of County Cork, Read More …
Chief O’Neill: The Book, Coming This Summer
UPDATE: Due to Covid-19, publication has been delayed until May 2021. Walsh Whiskey, based in Carlow, produce a fine single malt whiskey called Writers’ Tears. It is my favourite tipple Read More …
East At Glendart
Nineteenth century figures who came from the Far West and loved the Far East.
The Grassy Green Pillow
On a recent visit to West Cork, I had the fortune to properly explore Tralibane and the surrounding area. I was bowled over by the hospitality of the people there, Read More …
Bantry Chief O’Neill Festival 2019
Bantry is a beautiful town in West Cork, not too far from Tralibane where Francis O’Neill was born. This year’s 2019 Chief O’Neill festival kicks off tomorrow (September 6) in Read More …
The Tragedy of Tralibane Bridge
If you closely read O’Neill’s work, Tralibane bridge turns out to be personally very important to him, as a place and a tune.
The Boys From The East
I have been struck recently by a number of remarkable historical connections between Japan and West Cork (and even Bantry in particular). Of course, O’Neill visited Yokohama in his early Read More …
Chief O’Neill Traditional Music Festival in Bantry
O’Neill released a major work of historical and contemporary research on the topic of Irish music in 1913 titled Irish Minstrels and Musicians. Not only did it advance the serious Read More …