Tag: C103 Local Radio

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday 31st May on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

Inspiration from the Past  –  Programme 2

Tomi  (Tomey)  Reichental

Thirty five members of his family perished in Auschwitz.  So, how did nine year old Tomi Reichental survive almost a year at the Nazi Concentration Camp in Bergen Belsen.

Timing, and Lady Luck lent a hand, but it was mostly the watchful eyes of his courageous Mother, Aunt and Grandmother that helped him through it all.

The one memory that will never leave him, is that of the emaciated body of his Grandmother being thrown like a sack of potatoes on to a mound of corpses.

Now an Irish citizen, Tomi Reichental joins John Greene on this week’s edition of Where the road takes me.

Starvation, disease, unbearable weather conditions and the brutality of Camp Commander Kramer and his side-kick, 22 year old Irma Grece – ‘The Beautiful Beast’, must all be overcome before liberation finally arrives. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday 31st May on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information re this Sunday evening’s programme (24th May 2020) on C103 at 7.  (S.R.)

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene speaks to a Consultant Oncologist who specialises in Prostate Cancer and a singer-songwriter who quotes Bob Dylan and Bono as his influences.

It’s worth mentioning that these are not two different people, but one person.  Throughout his life, Professor Joe o’Sullivan has been committed to improving the lives of patients with prostate cancer, through research and innovation.  His research programme is now recognised as a centre of excellence.  In between he has recorded three albums, the latest of which, ‘Instead of many shades of blue’, has just been released. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm this Sunday on C103″

Inspiration from the Past on WTRTM at 7pm on C103 Today

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday (17th May 2020) evening’s programme at 7 on C103.  (S.R.)

In unprecedented times like these, inspiration from others is a helpful tool to see us through.  In national and world history there are ample examples.

On Where the road takes me this Sunday evening, John Greene brings you the first of three programmes entitled ‘Inspiration from the past’.

The theme on all three is incarceration and how the incarcerated dug deep to battle unbelievable odds and in one case turn the tables on their captors.

While lockdown or self isolation for Covid-19 is definitely not  incarceration, it is hoped that the mental resolve of the people in our three stories will help you to deal with any problems associated with the aforementioned.

Programme one tells of how a romance blossomed in one of the most evil places on Earth, not only blossomed, but lasted for fifty eight years afterwards. [read more …] “Inspiration from the Past on WTRTM at 7pm on C103 Today”

Brendan Bowyer on “Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday (3rd May 2020) evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

‘Where the road takes me….. May 3rd….Programme one of two. 

When you mention a song called ‘The Hucklebuck’, the Royal Showband from Waterford comes attached.  These were the guys who put the word ‘Show’ into Showband.  Even the Beatles played support to them in a Liverpool gig.

The frontman was Brendan Bowyer whose parents were professionally trained classical musicians and singers. His gyrating hips and sheer athleticism on stage would put world famous athlete Aries Merritt to shame.  He was Ireland’s Elvis Presley. 

This week on Where the road takes me and in the first of a two part programme, John Greene speaks to Brendan Bowyer and we hear the songs that brought the band eight number one records.

We also meet his daughter Clodagh, an actor and professional tennis coach.  We hear about her part in ‘The Sopranos’ and her role as actor and co-producer in ‘The Ferry’.   This was a film which zoomed in on the role of men in the mother and baby homes scandal.  [read more …] “Brendan Bowyer on “Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” Emphasises Positivity This Sunday on C103 at 7pm

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme on C103 at 7pm.  (S.R.)

The theme of this week’s edition of Where the road takes is positivity – a vital component of getting through these difficult times brought upon us by Covid-19.

John Greene has invited past contributors to the programme to give their personal observations on the virus and how it has effected their area.  It is mandatory for all the contributors that their words are positive and of a helpful nature.

A politician, a nun, a publican, a poet, a farmer and a parish priest have their say on how we can emerge from this pandemic mentally intact and with a new and positive outlook on life.

Architecture critic with the Financial Times, Edwin Heathcote returns to tell us how he got into hot water with one of his suggestions on working from home. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” Emphasises Positivity This Sunday on C103 at 7pm”

“Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103

Many thanks to Presenter John Greene for advance information re this Sunday (19th April 2020) evening’s programme on C103.  (S.R.)

This week on ‘Where the Road takes me’, John Greene pays tribute to Mallow born musician, promoter, and New York based record company owner Paddy Noonan, who died on April 7th last, a few weeks short of his 84th birthday

An accomplished accordion player and entertainer, it was he more than most who paved the way for Irish artists in America.

From New York, his daughter Sheila joins us to talk about the difficulty of bereavement and saying goodbye to a loved one in a city ravaged by the Corona virus.

We speak to Donal Ring who provided the music at Paddy’s wedding to Galway woman Margaret Joyce and we delve into the archives to hear an interview recorded with Paddy Noonan eleven years ago.

And………. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103 This Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information on this evening’s programme – Easter Sunday, 1th April 2020.  (S.R.)

He once worked for the ESB and is a qualified electrician and draughtsman, but you won’t identify him as such.

Having spent five years studying the violin and classical music, he eventually joined, arguably, the wildest and most famous Irish band of all.

This week on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene speaks to John Sheahan about life prior, during and after the Dubliners.

Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney Mckenna and Ciaran Burke have all passed on, leaving John as the only remaining original member.

Having waited until his 80th year and prompted by his family, Sheahan has just released his debut solo album – ‘Flirting Fiddles’.  It’s a collection of his own compositions, some of which were written many years ago and confined to the attic.  There’s the beautiful ‘Autumn in Paris’ and ‘Waltzing with Angels’, which he has dedicated to the memory of Sr. Eugene a nun who often played music with him. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103 This Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103

Many thanks to Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this evening’s C103 programme – 5th April 2020.  (S.R.)

Recorded before social distancing came to place, we revert to the Michael McCarthy story, part one of which was broadcast two weeks ago.  This Sunday evening on Where the road takes me,  John Greene concludes this two part programme. 

Michael was co-founder of the Ritz Showband who were based in Bandon during the 1950s and ’60s.

While we reminisce on the golden era of the showbands on both programmes, we also hear about life afterwards.

Michael talks about his time in the motor industry, and  his concern for the environment and it’s wildlife inhabitants. It may be one small step, but by putting his money where his mouth is, he hopes that young people will take those concerns on board. Who can honestly say that mistreating the earth, hasn’t been in some way responsible for Covid-19 which has already claimed so many human lives..  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” This Sunday at 7pm on C103″

“Where The Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information re this evening’s programme on C103.  (S.R.)

Adhering to Covid-19 guidelines, Where the road takes me has had to make a few changes in its preparation over the next few weeks.

This week John Greene goes around the world to discover how various people are dealing with and coping with the virus.

In Hackney in the UK, we speak to Les McKeown, lead singer with the Bay City Rollers.

In Berlin in Germany, we get the views of Marcia Barrett, former lead singer with Boney M.

In New Orleans we speak to Professor John M. Barry from the Tullane University School of Public Health & Tropical medicine.  His advice is constantly sought on how lessons can be learned from the flu of 1918 which killed more than fifty million people, most of whom were young. [read more …] ““Where The Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” this Sunday at 7pm on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this evening’s programme – Sun. 22nd March 2020.  (S.R.)

The Showband era and a genuine concern for the environment, would rightly be regarded as an unusual combination or mix, for one radio programme.

But, not really however, when the main guest on the programme has a foothold in both.

On this week’s edition of Where the road takes me,  John Greene goes to visit Michael McCarthy, co-founding member of the Ritz Showband during the 1950s.

Michael is quick to admit that he is not an environmentalist in the Greta Thunberg sense, but he does share her concerns.

While also admitting to once being an offender himself, he now believes that saving the earth and the wildlife within, should start with the younger generation, and he has put the proverbial money where his mouth is. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” this Sunday at 7pm on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm This Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday (15th March 2020) evening’s programme on C103 .  (S.R.)

He fell from an escalator and broke a number of ribs.  He was diagnosed with pneumonia and suffered a slight stroke, all in the space of three weeks.

He recently celebrated his 97th birthday and none of the aforementioned setbacks seem to have bothered him greatly.  He is as sharp and as witty as ever.

John O’Leary is originally from Carrigroe near Clonakilty, but now living in Cobh.  You have met him on several occasions on Where the road takes me, mainly talking about his time in the Garda Siochana between 1942 and 1955, a time not without many incidents.

This week he reflects on his time in England.  We hear about Margaret Thatcher, the Yorkshire miners, the IRA hunger strikers and Fatima.  They’re all connected, in a way.

We hear how the actions of Gerry Fitt surprised him and his mood darkens as he remembers a tragic end to three Garda colleagues. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm This Sunday on C103″

Dixies Showband Recalled on “Where the Road Takes Me”

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information regarding his programme this Sunday (1st March 2020) at 7pm on C103.   (S.R.)

“He could pluck any type of song from anywhere and make it his own”.  A comment referring to Terry McCarthy, former lead singer with the Dixies Showband, who died suddenly in July of last year.

He was equally comfortable singing pop, ballads or Opera.

In the first of a two part programme on ‘Where the road takes me’ this Sunday evening, members of his family, friends and fellow musicians and singers join John Greene in a tribute to the former Dixies frontman, who took over from Brendan o’Brien in 1985.

We hear some of his recordings which emphasise the range of his voice and the vast repertoire he possessed.

Former Dixies manager Ronnie McGinn and drummer Joe Mac remember great days with the Dixies in Abu Dhabi.

His wife Marie recalls meeting him for the first time as a sixteen year old and his brother Tadgh talks about Terry’s other talent as one of the old style stonecutters.

And from the archives an interview recorded with him five years ago. [read more …] “Dixies Showband Recalled on “Where the Road Takes Me””

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’,  John Greene returns to Brandy-Hall on the eastern side of Castletownbere. 

We thank John for advance information regarding this Sunday Evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

We visit the monument to Timothy Harrington MP on the western side of the Millbrook Bar on Brandy-Hall Bridge.  In 1884, Harrington dismantled the Crown Prosecution’s case against the eight men accused of the Maamtrasna murders in 1882.  His investigation led to the end of Gladstone’s Government. 

We visit a monument on nearby Dinish Island which was erected to those who lost their lives at sea on the Beara Peninsula.

And we’re back in the Millbrook Bar for more music, song and story.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

Stephen Nolan on WTRTM on C103 at 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information on this Sunday’s “Where the Road Takes Me” – 9th Feb. 2020.  (S.R.)

Travelling to a Formula One Grand Prix in Silverstone, Brazil or the US, or how about meeting many of your favourite world famous Country Music or sporting stars, or taking a motorbike ride across Alaska.

Anyone of these may be on your bucket list.  However, on Where the road takes me this Sunday evening, John Greene meets a man who has managed to tick them all off, one by one.  And he’s not finished yet, having every intention of adding more to his long list of ‘have dones’.

Stephen Nolan was born in the village of Ballinspittle, once famous for its moving statue.  His job which provided him with the time and the finance to fulfill an amazing bucket list, is deserving of a programme on its own.

For forty years, Stephen has worked for the Catterpillar Company on the Oil Sands of Fort McMurray in Canada.

In his spare time, he has met Mohammed Ali, Marvin Haggler, Sugar Ray Robinson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. [read more …] “Stephen Nolan on WTRTM on C103 at 7pm Sunday”

George Murphy on WTRTM on C103 Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

Seventeen years ago, seventeen year old George Murphy entered ‘Youre a Star’, the reality talent show on TV.

He didn’t win it, but such was his immediate success afterwards, that most people still believe that he did.

A recording deal followed from Sony Ireland, and his debut album went to number one in the album charts.  His voice was hailed as unique by the likes of the late Ronnie Drew and Peggy Seeger.  When Martin Furey left the High Kings, Murphy took his place.

And then he hit hard times.  Becoming a father for the first time, he found himself jobless.

On Where the road takes me this week, George Murphy chats to John Greene about being wise in hindsight with regard to reality TV shows, and why being a member of the High Kings could never be permanent.

We hear how he re-invented himself and formed a new band called ‘The Rising Sons’, and  we also hear some songs from his new album. [read more …] “George Murphy on WTRTM on C103 Sunday at 7pm”

Millstreet on “Round the Fireside” on C103 Monday at 10:05pm

A wonderful assembly of people from the Millstreet and Cullen Areas will join Presenter Jimmy Reidy for the first of two C103 Programmes on Monday, 27th Jan. 2020 at 10:05pm for the “Round the Fireside” series.  Here we share some 11 images from our recording which took place on Tuesday, 14th Jan. in Freemount Heritage Centre.   Happy listening!   The second programme will be broadcast on Monday, 3rd Feb. at 10:05pm.  Tap on the images to enlarge.    Our group photograph features in the current copy of “Discover Duhallow” magazine which is presently in the shops – free of charge!  (S.R.)

Update: CLICK HERE to listen back to the programme.

[read more …] “Millstreet on “Round the Fireside” on C103 Monday at 10:05pm”

“Where the Road Take Me” – Bay City Rollers – C103 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter, John Greene for advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme – 5th Jan. 2020.  (S.R.)

It was certainly debatable, but they were heralded as the greatest group since the Beatles.

A bunch of scruffy youngsters from Edinburgh called ‘The Bay City Rollers’ became a tartan teen sensation in the 1970s.

By the late 70s, Rollermania followed and Les McKeown, Alan Longmuir, Derek Longmuir, Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood and Eric Faulkner were known worldwide.  

Songs like ‘Remember’, ‘Shang-a-Lang’ and ‘All of me loves all of you’ were top ten hits, while ‘Bye Bye baby’ remained at No 1 in the UK charts for six weeks in 1975. [read more …] ““Where the Road Take Me” – Bay City Rollers – C103 7pm Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” 7pm C103 This Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for information regarding this evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

This Sunday evening on ‘Where the road takes me’, we feature the last journey into the archives covering a period of thirty years.

From May of 1997 during a two day visit to Cape Clear Island, John Greene spoke to retired seaman Connie O’Donoghue and retired pilot Duncan MacLachlainn.  Connie had witnessed a number of his colleagues and fellow islanders perish, when a German submarine attacked his convoy off Tory island during WW11.

Duncan who was from East Cork, speaks mainly about his role as Secretery of the island branch of the IFA, and his hopes for the future of islanders and island farmers.

And during a visit to Tralee in 2013 we meet two former showband stars – Paddy Day who was a member of the Jim Cantwell Showband, and Tommy O’Connor from DJ Curtin and the Kerry Blues. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” 7pm C103 This Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday Evening

We thank Presenter, John Greene for information about this evening’s programme 7 to 8pm on C103.  (S.R.)

In this week’s edition of Where the road takes me, John Greene pays a visit to a small grocery shop in Bandon, where four generations have withstood fire and floods, World War2, a recession, changes in social habits and the challenge of Multi Nationals.

We meet the West Cork based press photographer who took the iconic photograph of an eighteen year old lady Diana Spencer in the see-through dress.

And on a lighter note from the archives…….we get to impart some correct information on a new signing at Old Trafford to a mis-informed former legend of the club. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday Evening”

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm on C103

Presenter John Greene celebrating 40 years of broadcasting shares some of his most memorable interviews from the past including features chatting with Mick O’Connell of Valentia Island and John B. Keane of Listowel.  C103 from 7 to 8pm.  (S.R.)

Update: Listen back to the programme HERE.

“Where the Road Takes Me” Sunday 7pm C103

We thank John Greene for advance information on this Sunday’s (24th Nov. 2019) radio programme.  (S.R.)

On “Where the road takes me” this Sunday evening, we feature the story of a man who as a young boy had an overwhelming desire to become a musician.

While there are hundreds of similar stories out there, not many can also factor in Bessborough Mother & Baby Home, fostering, arranged marriages and dowries,  running away from home in Drimoleague and working in London while still at school, or buying their first guitar from Jimi Hendrix.

‘Borrowing’ a few calves to buy his first set of gear, Oliver Kane has been a full time musician for almost all of his life.  He has played with some of the top bands and musicians, including a stint with Rory Gallagher, and has taken to the boards in all of London’s top ballrooms.

He was fifty four years of age before he discovered that his biological parents were from Tipperary.  His book ‘Auntie Annie – My saviour’, tells the story of the wonderful woman who reared him with her husband in Clodagh Drimoleague. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” Sunday 7pm C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Evening

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for advance information on this evening’s programme – Sun. 17th Nov. 2019 from 7 to 8pm.  (S.R.)

A regular contributor to Where the road takes me, Bantry based GP Dr. Denis Cotter passed away on Sunday November 3rd last.

This week on the programme, John Greene chooses excerpts from the many editions he contributed to over the past seven years.

The end result is a look at the life and times of a man whose family can be traced back to 1839 in Bantry.

Coming from a well known bakery family in the town, Dr. Cotter graduated from medical college as a GP, later setting up a practice in Newtown.

In between, Denis played rugby for club and Munster, at a time when playing or attending foreign games resulted in a mandatory ban.

Playing Gaelic Football with Bantry Blues, he later became team doctor and trained the senior team to two County Senior football titles in 1995 and again in 1998. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Evening”

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7 this Evening on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for advance information re this evening’s programme….10th Nov. 2019.  (S.R.)

This Sunday evening on C103, John Greene brings you another edition of ‘Where the road takes me’, as he returns to the Lough in Cork City’s Southside.

It’s the second and concluding programme which outlines the life and times of one of Cork’s best known entertainers Billa O’Connell. 

This week we hear Billa’s favourite songs and stories, and his time as entertainment manager at one of Cork’s famous hotels.

We hear about his decision to book Hollywood actor, boxer and singer, the gorgeous Gael himself Jack Doyle.

And, on hearing of the mutual admiration between Doyle and Cork hurler Christy Ring, Billa worked on bringing both stars together.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7 this Evening on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday on C103

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for advance information re this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

For well over half-a-century he’s been entertaining Cork audiences young and old.  The stage on Cork’s opera House became his second home.  

He was made a freeman of Cork City, and received an honorary MA Degree from UCC  for his contribution to Cork’s Cultural life. 

Most people don’t believe in fairytales, but he has good reason to, as he eventually got to marry Cinderella. 

On ‘Where the road takes me’ this week, John Greene goes to the Lough in Cork City to speak to Billa O’Connell. 

There’s songs and plenty of wit from the man who starred in many a Cork Opera House pantomime, and ‘Summer Revels’ which ran for two decades.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Sunday on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7 this Sunday Evening on C103

We thank C103 Presenter, John Greene for advance information re this evening’s programme at 7pm.  (S.R.)

Over the past few years,  John O’Leary became a popular and regular contributor to ‘Where the road takes me’.

Born in Carrigroe near Clonakilty in 1923, John spent  his early years in the Garda Siochana, patrolling the streets of Dublin. 

In past programmes, we heard his views on politicians from all parties who helped to form our State. 

In this week’s edition of the programme, John talks to John Greene about the many wonderful and colourful characters he encountered while patrolling the streets of our capital city. 

We hear tales of encounters with Brendan Behan, Christy Browne, Margaret Pearse sister of Padraig and Willie Pearse, and the Queen of Moore Street Ellen Comiskey.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7 this Sunday Evening on C103″

“Where the Road Takes Me” on Bere Island C103 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter, John Greene, for this week’s advance information on this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

This week on Where the road takes me,  John Greene heads for Bere Island, just off the Castletownbere coast on the Beara Peninsula.

He meets up with five people on the island, each with their own story to tell, but one thing in common –  they are all involved with Bere Island Community Radio. 

The island is a partner in the EU Grassroots Wavelength project which aims to set up low power community stations in rural communities in Europe.

Broadcasting three hours per week, Bere Island is joined on the project by Romania, Portugal and Madeira.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on Bere Island C103 7pm Sunday”

“Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Today on C103

Thanks to John Green for advance information on this evening’s Programme.  (S.R.)

After two weeks looking into the future of Bandon town, we head North this week on Where the road takes me. 

John Greene visits Liscarroll to see how this village has changed and survived.

We meet a publican, farmer and poet, three people in fact rolled into one.

Inspired by the Yukon poet Robert Service, Philip Egan has found loads to inspire him into writing a number of poetry books, in a village steeped in history.

  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” at 7pm Today on C103″