Harvesting The History
The podcast series that explores the natural landscapes of Offaly, connecting the people, the places, and the peatlands. Presented by Garret Daly.
With 42,000 ha of peatland in County Offaly, the history of both Bord na Mona and ESB operations goes beyond their landmass and energy production. The stories featured throughout this 13-part series focus on generational employment and the direct establishment of communities by these bodies in the 1950s. Harvesting a cultural consciousness by capturing the knowledge of the local people who are linked to this natural landscape and environment.
Near Neighbours - Episode 1
Tom Finerty and Paddy Cantwell, neighbours from Rahan share stories about saving the turf and farming challenges. Good friends swapping tales about changing times and good memories.
My Generation - Episode 2
Sean Dolan from Cloghan talks about life on the bog, helping his parents, and the environmental issues that face his generation.
Boots, bog and the bard - Episode 3
Stories from Pullogh including football beside the canal and poetry to celebrate its history. After 44 years of referee duties Noel Cooney is considering hanging up the boots.
27th Tales from Turraun - Episdoe 4
Reflecting on 86 years living in the area, Mary Dunican remembers a time before plumbing, electricty and phones surrounded by busy peatlands.
4th Won’t you take me back - Episode 5
Thirty year old Cloghan man Paul Daly shares stories of his grandparents, environmental challenges and even sings a song.
July 11th Daingean duo - Episode 6
Pat McEvoy joined Bord na Móna in 1967 while Eugene Hewson started work there in 1977. Both men fondly remember the working days and the impact it had on their communites.
July 19th Brick, Bog and Canal - the real BBC - Episode 7
25th July It takes a Village - Episode 8
Sean Craven and Seamus Barron from Kilcormac reminisce about the village and it’s close links with the peatlands and Bord na Móna.
August 1st - Anyone dying or getting married in Pullogh - Episode 9
Tales from the community and the canal banks as Mick Devery recounts the stories of growing up in Pullogh.
August 8th - Looking to the future - Episode 10
Teenagers Faith Kenny, Rory Byrne and Jake Coffey discuss their own experiences and interests with the boglands and share hopes for the future.
August 15th - It’s all changed now - Episode 11
Friends John Troy and Thomas Larkin contemplate the changing landscape and traditions that have shaped their communities.
August 22nd - Working for Living - Episode 12
Former Bord na Móna workers Sean Halligan and Gerry Doolin cast their thoughts back to days on the job and imagine a future of new possibilities.
August 29th - The pub is the hub - Episode 13
Publican Joe Gallagher refelcts on his decades at the Pullogh Inn, a hub of activity for generations right on the banks of the Grand Canal.
The Good Old Days
In this video, special memories are shared and stories told.
