This Thursday will see the publishing of the first episode of the new series of The Clare Oral History Podcast with a tribute to the late Paddy Joe McMahon from Cappabane, Scariff.
Paula Carroll of Cuimhneamh an Chláir was fortunate to sit down to record Paddy Joe in 2024 and 2025. Paddy Joe died in June this year in his 92nd year.
Cuimhneamh an Chláir manager, Carroll says of Paddy Joe McMahon: “Whether it was his impressive recall of the history of his own place that was passed on to him, his knowledge of farming, the natural environment, wildlife or hunting, through to his love of singing, dancing and music, he had an ability to weave a story at an unhurried pace that held you spellbound.”
“In this episode he tells stories of landlords and gamekeepers, War of Independence house burnings, Travellers bringing mobile cinema to Cappabane, forgotten singers, “avenue grant dances” and more.” continues Carroll.
“We were blessed to have known him and fortunate to have been able to record him. Anyone who had the pleasure of his easy company and his incredible singing will not forget him. This is our small thanks to Paddy Joe for sharing his heritage and history so freely with us and allowing us to keep it in perpetuity for the people of Co. Clare.” adds Carroll.
Of podcasting Paula Carroll says it is the perfect way to share the treasures that are in the Cuimhneamh an Chláir archive. “Our interviews are for listening to and podcasting is the supreme way to listen to stories these days. It’s very powerful to hear your own history carried by the human voice.”
Produced by Paula Carroll, with sound supervision by Darragh Purcell, The Clare Oral History Podcast showcases the oral histories of Clare people recorded over the last 17 years in the county. This year’s series will focus on some of the finest tradition bearers and carriers of old stories in the Cuimhneamh an Chláir archive. It will give those interested in history and heritage the chance to hear it directly carried in the voices of the people who lived it.
The Clare Oral History Podcast Series 3 launches Thursday 8th October.
Thereafter episodes will be published every second Friday from Oct to Dec 2026. Earlier series of the podcast can also be found on Apple Podcastshttps://tinyurl.com/y99ket3h, on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/bdjpbkc5 Or just search for The Clare Oral History Podcast on any platform.
The Clare Oral History Podcast is funded by The Ireland Funds Heart of the Community Fund.