The popular Cavan Heritage podcast is back, promising an enlightening and engaging exploration of Cavan's rich heritage and culture.
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The highly anticipated Season 3 of the “Where We Belong” podcast was officially launched Oct. 4th at the Breffni Gallery, located within Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan.
Commissioned by Cavan Heritage Officer Anne Marie Ward of the Cavan Heritage Office, the popular podcast is hosted by Savina Donohoe and directed and produced by local documentary filmmaker and actor Alan Bradley.
The podcast delves into a vast range of topics related to the arts, nature, history, and culture of Cavan, often referred to as the Lake County.
Bradley, who has appeared in numerous international commercial campaigns, said the podcast was a big hit when it first aired in 2021.
Listenership, he explained, has been strong among Cavan residents, but it has also come from fans across the world.
That includes listeners in the United States, the U.K., Canada, Ethiopia, Germany, South Africa, and Sweden, as well as reaching Number 9 in Austria's history podcast charts.
How the Project Evolved
Bradley explained that Ward reached out to him during the Covid-19 lockdown with the idea of exploring Cavan's heritage in podcast form.
“During that difficult time, people were more isolated than ever before so we made the podcast with the aim of bringing them closer to Cavan and celebrating the rich heritage the county has to offer,” he said.
“It went down really well so we decided to record a second series and now a third one.”
Bradley added that County Cavan's heritage is perfect for such a podcast.
“Cavan people are great storytellers so that helps a lot when working exclusively with audio,” he said.
“There’s a wealth of heritage and culture in the county that is somewhat untapped so it was exciting to get to bring all of that to the public and make it accessible to all.”
What to Expect in the Third Season
Here's what listeners can expect in this new season.
- Celebrating Generations of Women with the ICA: Discover the enduring legacy of the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) as Donohoe engages in a conversation with Kathleen Farrelly, the current president of the Cavan Federation, and lifelong member Lila Beattie. The ICA has been uniting women across generations, making a significant impact on Cavan's community life.
- The Magic of the Frolics in Ballyjamesduff: Join Donohoe in a discussion with Joe Moynagh, Trevor Smith and Michael Callaghan as they explore the captivating history of this cherished Cavan institution that has been bringing joy and showbiz to the hearts of its people for over 70 years.
Photo courtesy of Virginia Pages, Cavan, Ireland Facebook page. - The Ancient Virginia Brooch: In this episode, Donohoe sits down with Sheila Courtney, an esteemed member of the Virginia Historical Society. Sheila's dedication to preserving the ancient Virginia brooch for future generations has made her a key figure in Cavan's heritage. Join us as we explore the fascinating story behind this Cavan artifact.
- Reflections on Rural Ireland: As rural towns across Cavan evolve with each passing generation, Donohoe talks to the recently retired Barney Cully of Cully's Craft Bakery in Arva. Cully shares his insightful observations on the changing face of rural Ireland, drawing from a lifetime of experience in the bread baking business.
- GAA: The Heartbeat of Cavan Communities: In a special episode, Donohoe engages in a heartfelt conversation with Paddy and Eugene O'Reilly from the Cavan Gaels. These brothers reflect on their lifelong dedication to the GAA and what this beloved sport truly means to the people of Cavan.
The podcast is available for free and is streaming on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Bradley says that “Where We Belong” is a captivating journey through the heart of Cavan, delving into its remarkable history, vibrant communities, and the people who have shaped the county right up to the present day.