Vinny O'Donnell - The making of the acclaimed 1986 'Up Tyrone' cassette.

When Kevin McCabe struck a penalty to the net to take Tyrone to their first All Ireland final in 1986, the county rejoiced while musicians Vinny O'Donnell and Joe McCurry quickly penned a song, 'Come on Tyrone', that has become the theme tune of All Ireland appearances. Literally overnight, they also put together a cassette packed with Tyrone themed songs, that was snapped up by supporters locally and overseas.
Vinny talks about the making of the cassette and how 36 years later, in 2021, the timeless song was still being played when Joe's son Darren ('Dazzler') was one of the stars of All Ireland final glory.
He also recalls the great contribution of Coalisland singer/songwriter, the late Dessie Symington, who also hastily wrote the Tribute to Frank McGuigan and sang the Ballad of Iggy Jones (written by Seamus McKeown) for the cassette.
During the podcast it becomes apparent Ronan Mac's hero was McGuigan, known as 'The King', while Vinny had a huge admiration for 'Wee Iggy Jones'.
There are memories and music shared with tributes to our great players, songwriters and musicians.
Vinny also recalls, with great fondness, balladeer John Mitchell who passed away in 2022, and his song 'My Hearts in Dungannon', also on the cassette, that was played as his remains were borne from St Patrick’s Church after his Requiem Mass.
A wonderful podcast with Dungannon man Vinny O'Donnell whose love for music, football and his hometown and county has never dimmed. Enjoy this mix of conversation and nostalgic songs.
Clarification: The song titled 'The King' performed on the cassette by Carmel McKenna is a tribute to country singing legend the late Brian Coll.
* The full version of 'Here's to Dennis Taylor' can be heard at the conclusion of Podcast 41 with Pearse Kelly

Nick Griggs - a running sensation
Since hitting the running tracks just seven years ago, Nick Griggs' performances have been nothing short of sensational.
At 16, he had the athletics' world sit up and take notice when he won the European Under 20 crown at 3,000 metres.
Since then the 20-year-old Newmills lad has broken a host of middle distance records, has the best time ever for a park-run and is the third youngest male to run a sub-four minute mile.
He has created huge local and national excitement consistently being on the winning podium for Ireland in individual and team events. He also qualified for the World senior championship at just 18 lining up against greats of the calibre of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
An unassuming star, Nick talks about his journey through school, the support of his parents Andy and Royanne, his late brother Josh RIP and the coaches who have helped him along the way. He recalls the European title just weeks after the tragic passing of Josh, at just 19 years, and how his running success helped bring comfort to him and his family in their profound grief.
Nick also has fond memories of playing Gaelic football at Brackaville Owen Roes club before going on the journey that has brought him a professional athletic contract.
He gives a great insight to the life of an elite athlete, however there has also been the disappointment of missing out on the last Olympic games and recent injury set-back, which thankfully is behind him. He enjoys a bit of downtime too!
He will be volunteering at the annual Camp Joshua in memory of his brother and Joshua Green (22), a young soccer player from Dungannon, who also sadly passed at a very young age. It is a wonderful initiative bringing together hundreds of children from across the community, to participate in sports and crafts and have a lot of fun at Brackaville GAA ground.
Nick is an inspiring young man with the goal of being an Olympian. No doubt he has the talent and dedication to make his dreams come through!

Hurling As Poetry
In days gone by, a wise old poetry-loving Kiltegan priest told Martin Mac that hurling is the poetry of Gaelic sport. He spoke of the sheer grace and beauty of the game when it is played well, it's hallowed history that dates back to antiquity and of the legendary players,
Ring, Doyle, Nicky English, Joe Canning..
featured in hurling's ever growing Hall of Fame. Now Martin knows little about hurling but is a confessed reader of poetry. After a chat with Ronan, who'd yet to come down off the high he got from attending this year's hurling final, the idea for this podcast was born.
The two Macs are not lukewarm guys. Once they have an interest in something, they are all in. This passion for their particular subject is on display in the discussion that follows. Ronan recounts not only tales of incredible games he witnessed, but reveals his reverential love for this unique game that only seems to deepen with every passing year.
Martin begins with a bawdy limerick that has rthymn and rhyme but not an ounce of poetry. From there the only way is up as he contends that both hurling and poetry nourish the human spirit. It's simply a matter of having the eyes to see and ears to hear.
As one would expect from the TwoMacs, the discussion is spirited and humorous but it would also make you think.

Niall Hanna: Portrait of an Artist
Martin Mac returns to talk to Niall Hanna, the singer/songwriter from Derrytresk, a friend in more ways than one; since renowned singer Geordie Hanna was both Martin's uncle and Niall's grandfather.
Niall tells how he grew up listening to recordings of his grandfather's songs and learning to play trad music. But in his teenage years he discovered Pink Floyd and the electric guitar. Later he joined an indie band and composed some songs whose titles he now chooses to forget. Eventually he returned to Irish traditional music and song.
This podcast features three original songs written by Niall and taken from his latest CD The Roving Journeyman. Niall teaches at St Patrick's Primary school, Annaghmore, and the idea for the first song we hear - "The Collier McQuaid" - came while teaching P7 students about coal mining in Coalisland.
From local history, we move to an extraordinary historical event played out on the international stage. No stranger to trad music, Oliver Corr adds much to the conversation. Martin reads a short extract from A Portrait of the Artist As A Young Man by James Joyce, which prompts a re-evaluation of the term "come-all-you". Joyce's novel also gave us the title for the podcast. So, do yourself a favour and spend some time in the company of a truly gifted and engaging artist.

Feargal McCrory - From Brackaville to Brooklyn following a dream.
Fearless Feargal McCrory has made huge physical and emotional sacrifices in his quest to win a World boxing title. That mission continued after last year's title challenge defeat, when the fight was stopped, leaving him hugely frustrated as he felt he had the answers to carry on.
Feargal recalls the sounds and the smell and the huge blue punch bag, when his father Anthony, a decent boxer, took him to the boxing club when he was just six.
To focus on a serious boxing career, he had to let go Gaelic football and he pays tribute to Paudie Hampsey who boxed in the club but gave his lot to football and an epic Tyrone career.
Feargal trained under John Breen and Eamonn McGee in Belfast before taking his dream to a top gym in Brooklyn.
While Ronan Mac seems starstruck with Madison Square Garden and the sights of New York, Feargal explains his focus is always on the fight. There are tough days too away from his young family for lengthy periods, missing his grandfather's funeral and children's birthdays as well as a lockdown cancellation and an injury setback.
The Garden has rocked as Irish fans from home and across America make up his huge support, including his friend actor Barry Keoghan of Banshees of Inisherin fame.
World title defeat last year to Lamont Roach Jnr was crushing. The bid for ultimate glory goes on.
These days Feargal is at home training furiously. There will be a fight soon, perhaps in New York or even in Tyrone!
Wherever the journey goes next, Fearless Feargal will give everything. A podcast from the heart from a devoted family man and truly dedicated fighter!

Leo Quinn - Family, Football and Fun!
Leo Quinn enjoys the craic!.. Team Leader for Mid Ulster Youth Service, he is a life-long Coalisland Fianna member brought up in the traditions of the club. His father Tommy was long-term club secretary and team bus driver and older brother Martin managed the minors to championship victory.
Leo also recalls his own great minor win and happy childhood memories about the town, including a glory night of snooker and trips to the cinema on the Lineside.
Leo & Ronan share memories and pay tribute to the Fianna committee of 2003, the Centenary of the club that included the launch of the second 'Na Fianna' book and the Gala dinner as well as traipsing the roads selling tickets for a 'cow clap'.
On the 20th anniversary of the U16 Paul McGirr Cup win, they roll call the players and remember a poignant and special tournament.
However it wasn't all plain sailing with a county final defeat, and much worse, a traumatic accident that resonates with Leo to this day.
Tyrone Crystal was good to him but their closure saw him embark on a new career. Perhaps it was meant to be... helping, along with others, enhance the welfare and development of our young people.
Leo is often called on to MC at community events, a great character he makes a wonderful contribution to local life!
(* There is a lot of Fianna in this podcast!)

Kenny Archer (Part 2) - Celebrating champions in Croke Park, Istanbul and Dungannon Square.
A Liverpool fanatic, Kenny recalls the night of a life-time in Istanbul, the Tyrone reporters in the press box in Croke Park when the Sam Maguire Cup was won and pays tribute to Dungannon Swifts on their marvellous Irish Cup win.
He also gives an insight into the selection process of the GAA football All Stars which causes much annual debate.
Kenny's father passed away in 2020 and he shares a column he wrote in tribute to Jack Archer that recalled precious memories of childhood playing football in their backyard as his Dad shouting the name of his hero, Bobby Charlton.
There's a wee gift for Kenny, a whiskey connoisseur, with World Whiskey Day approaching.
And we celebrate the Swifts homecoming with their legendary fan Philomena Begley!

Kenny Archer (Part 1) - Deputy Sports Editor of the Irish News & Liverpool fanatic.
When Kenny and Ronan two writers, newspaper columnists, sport lovers and Merseyside rivals got talking, it was inevitable the conversation would go on for a while.. .
In the first part of TheMacs podcast, Kenny recalls the stars of his youth who fired his imagination: Campbell/Ward, Ovett/Coe, McEnroe/Connors, Hagler/Hearns and of course his beloved Liverpool 1978 European Cup winners.. Dalglish, Souness, McDermott...
From Keenaghan, between Bush and Coalisland, he also remembers the frustration of attending the Royal School in Dungannon, a bastion of rugby when his first love was soccer as well as many happy hours roaming the countryside with his mates and his father's love for Manchester United and motor bike racing.
Music as well is a passion from Adam and the Ants through to Blur and Oasis.
A news hack back in the days with The Courier he was thrilled when Joe McAree asked him to cover Dungannon Swifts games and while he watched Gaelic football on TV, a Fianna Sports Editor brought him to his first Tyrone game... now he is a GAA football All Star selector!
A household name in Gaelic games newspaper coverage and a brilliant columnist, Kenny also gives a fascinating insight into the comaraderie in the Croke Park press box covering Tyrone's fantastic All Ireland wins.