The Shnug

The Shnug Podcast: Ep 26 - Conclave

For Episode 26 of the Shnug podcast we were invited down by Gary Jackson and the lads from the Gathering to Thomand Park in Limerick City, for the Conclave gaming convention.
The Gathering is a Limerick institution and now holds the title of Ireland’s oldest gaming and hobby shop. Gary opened its doors in February 1997 after transforming the former premises, a fish and tackle shop, to a store of his own. There was no electricity, phone or running water, games were held by candlelight and dice rolls were difficult to confirm but 27 years later they are still here. The shop has always had a strict code universally applied whether to boy, girl, old, young, Professor or pauper, enjoy the game, play by the rules, win or lose. shake hands.
The Gathering is a safe space, it doesn't matter where you’re from, your socio economic background, if you are from the LGBTQI+ community, or on the spectrum or off it, as long as you treat people with respect you are welcome. This is thanks to the environment that Gary has created.
After running the shop for a year, Gary held the first gaming convention, Conclave, in Halla Ide, this year marks the 26th anniversary of that convention and it now calls Thomand Park home. You’ll hear from a whole host of people who have travelled from across the county for the event and they speak glowingly about the impact the Gathering, Conclave and in particular Gary has had on their lives. Gary is a community leader and has been for nearly 30 years. If it was up to me, I would award him the Keys of Limerick city for the work he has done in that time, walk into the store on any Saturday morning and you’ll understand immediately what I mean. Interviewees include Tommy Warden, Sheamus Hennessey, Saoirse & Leon O’Conner, Paul Gunning, John Williams and Gary Jackson.
 Conclave Abu, The Gathering Abu…

The Shnug Podcast: Ep 25 - Aine O’Brein

In Episode 25 of the Shnug podcast we speak to Aine O’Brein. Hailing from Kilfenora in County Clare, Aine has always had a lust for the creative arts. She is comfortable with wearing the all the hats, including Performance Artist, Singer, Musician, Actress, Song Writer, Curator, Artistic director, voice over Artist.
Aine’s first love was music, playing in a myriad of different bands in her early years. She then spent four years studying Theatre in Dublin’s Bull Alley and her training here would go on to inform all her artistic pursuits, as she performed at home and abroad with variety of different productions and troupes.
Recently she was involved with INVOCATION OF THE UNSEEN a work commissioned by Gallery 126 which referenced previous work with the HERSTORY Art Gallery show. She is also currently recoding her debut album with her band, AWNYA.
Another of Aine’s current projects is the KILFENORA ROAD SHOW. A travelling show of Actors, Singers, Dancers, Musicians and Theatre producers, that brings tradition and connection back to our communities. Traditionally informed and contemporarily explored.
Also shout out to little Bridgeen, making her podcast debut as well.
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The Shnug Podcast: Ep 24 - Sabrina Dinan

In Episode 24 of the Shnug podcast we speak to singer/songwriter Sabrina Dinan. We chat to her about her early life in Ennis and Galway and how friends convinced her to take a chance and start singing. While living in Australia she recorded her first EP ‘The Bondi Hotel’ and upon her return she began in her career in earnest, touring Europe and the States with Luka Bloom, while also sharing the stage with the likes of Damien Dempsey and Brendan Benson to name but a few. In 2006 she appeared on a tribute album to John Martyn alongside David Grey, Back and Paulo Nutini.
In the past year Sabrina has supported Declan O’Rourke, Mary Coughlan and Luka once again. She has also played and recorded with Ultan Conlon. Her most recent EP ‘The Beginnings’ came out in August of 2023 and she is currently working on her first album. Dates for her upcoming Irish and European tour can be found on her Instagram @sabrinadinan_music .

The Shnug Podcast: Ep 23 - Kettleboilers

For Episode 23 of the Shnug podcast we are joined by Galway’s favourite tea addicted trad band, Kettleboilers. A frenzied episode recorded in Tully’s bar Kinvara as 4 of the 6 members, Evan, Sophie, Luke and Jack took the spin out and regaled with stories and a few tunes. Hailing from across the country but based in Galway, Kettleboilers are a six-piece trad/rock/folk/punk band known for their raucous and rowdy live shows, infusing all their live shoes with a large dose of comedy to the mix.
We chat to lands about how they came together, their musical influences and how the traditional folk revival of the past few years made a big impact on them. They released their newest single ‘Bellyful’ last week and on the 17th they play the at the Paddys day village in Eyre Square and again that night with 'Dead Letter Devils' in Monroes.

The Shnug Podcast: Ep 22 - Hedge School Part 2

In Ep-22 we bring you the 2nd part of our series with Hedge School Doolin. An artist run, not for profit festival which hosts innovators and creators preforming, sharing & collaborating over 3 days, with music and literary workshops during the day and live music prefommaces at night.
Held at hotel doolin , the festival is run by doolin arts & Simon O’Reilly who were very kind to invite me down.  Part 2 below is a selection of some of the wonderful artists who appeared over the weekend.
Mark Graham is a lecturer in the Department of Arts at SETU (South-East Technical University), he is currently working towards a PhD in the area of Music Industry Ethics. Mark spent 10 years performing at home and abroad with the band King Kong Company. He has previously worked for Today FM and RTE Radio. His book, A Year of Festivals in Ireland, documented his quest to attend three festivals per week for an entire year.
Garry Keogh from Rollercoaster records which has been trading since 1990 in the marble city, first as Top Twenty before changing to their Rollercoaster Records in 2004. Originally led by the legendary Willie Meighan, until he sadly passed away in 2017, Rollercoaster has long been and continues to be the hub of the music scene in the metropolis of Kilkenny. They are specialists in all the music you don’t hear on daytime radio. Their label has released music by Arborist, Jon Throne and Malojian,
Maeva Byss is a spoken word artist, actress, and singer song-writer from the USA.  Her performances have spanned from Appalachia to Eastern Europe. A trained improviser and poet, she is currently attending the Masters programme for Creative Writing at the University of Limerick.
Branwen is a musician, composer, performance artist and puppeteer from the west of Ireland with a strong interest in folklore, dada, poetry and theatre. Led by a powerful imagination, Branwen’s art and music are usually fashioned into a surreal and potent experience which crosses the threshold into bizarre, surreal and magical territory. They are an award nominated artist, have performed their compositions on Other Voices, The National Concert Hall, Glastonbury and much more.  They have been the songwriter for well-known projects such as Twin Headed Wolf and Rufous Nightjar.
‘Noir femme of the winter season, Osaro is a hermit who delves into the literal Black arts of lonesome prayers, sensual poetry and guttural vocal chorals which she infuses in her live performances in the colder months. Osaro recently curated the award winning event BLACK JAM, a night of esoteric live music, hosted at Dublin Fringe Festival and Nuit Blanche Festival in Paris 2023’
Margaret O’Connor is an Irish-based Independent Accessories Designer, DJ and Conceptual Artist. She’s is best known for her work with millinery; Margaret recently launched her first accessories range in the National Gallery of Ireland.  Her creations have attracted the attention and been worn by a broad range of celebrities, ranging from Supermodel Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, Years and Years, Pink Floyd. She produces handmade eclectic couture designs and commercial millinery collections from her studio base in 68 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin.

The Shnug Podcast: Ep 21 - Hedge School Part 1

For Episode 21 of the Shnug podcast I was delighted to be invited to the Hedge School festival down in Doolin to interview some of the line-up. Hedge School is an artist run, not for profit festival for those who need to create. A place for unique collaborations and intimate encounters. The festival hosts innovators and creators preforming, sharing and collaborating over 3 days. With music and literary workshops during the day and live performances at night.
Held at Hotel Doolin every January, the festival is run by Doolin arts and Simon O’Reily who were very Kind to invite me down. Below is a selection of some of the wonderful artists who appeared over the weekend that I was lucky enough to chat to, with many more to come in Part 2, which will be released next week.
ELAINE MAI
Electronic powerhouse, Elaine Mai, has captivated fans and critics alike with her mesmerizing performances and unique blend of emotive dance music. Her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Home,’ garnered her two RTE Choice Music Prize nominations, while a recent exclusive publishing deal with dance music industry icon Nick Halkes and his joint venture with Sentric only amplifies her unstoppable ascent.  Currently crafting her eagerly awaited follow-up album.
DAITHÍ
Daithí is an Irish multi-instrumentalist producer that has long had a fascination with capturing organic sounds and samples. His name has become synonymous with raising the bar for the live dance experience, mixing in unique elements like his signature fiddle – a symbol of his traditional Irish upbringing – alongside a chorus of talented musicians who elevate songs that have been purpose-built for a widescreen arena. Bedded in electronica, Daithí’s sound has moved beyond a fusion of Ireland’s past and a contemporary present to a world of rich texture, veering from deep house music to ambient arrangements, in the form of instrumental narratives, stunning visuals and vocally-charged supporting characters.
DR. ROSALEEN MCDONAGH
DR. Rosaleen McDonagh is a Traveller woman with a disability, originally from Sligo. She has a BA in Biblical & Theological Studies, (TCD) an MPhil in Ethnic & Racial Studies (TCD) & an MPhil in Creative Writing (TCD). She holds a PhD from Northumbria University and is a member of Aosdána. Her award-winning plays include Mainstream, The Baby Doll Project, Stuck, She’s Not Mine, Walls & Windows, and Rings. Skein Press published her first collection of essays titled ‘Unsettled’ in September 2021.
ENDA GALLERY
Enda Gallery offers up his truest realisations and experiences in his songs and accompanies poetic lyrics with deeply moving piano playing. For 8 years he lived and performed in Berlin, a city which is itself a character within his songs and has inspired feelings of challenge and liberation in all of its forms. Now based in County Clare, he most recently released his collaboration with the two time Grammy-nominated producer duo Christian Rich called ‘So Easy, Pt. II’ Enda released his debut album ‘The Journey to Zero’ in 2021. It was named RTÉ Radio 1 ‘Album of the Week’ with the ballad ‘Don’t Let Me Win’ winning favour from Cerys Matthews on BBC6 and his follow up ‘It’s Alright’ featuring on the ‘BBC Introducing mixtape’ and the break-out series ‘Normal People’. His history of producing and developing unconventional artists such as Tolü Makay, Strange Boy and Kid Simius. His label is called ‘Welcome to the New World’.
EMMA LOHAN
“Beautiful ghostly swirls and elegant, sweet harmonies” -The Irish Times Emma Lohan, songwriter and performer, is reputed for entertaining her audiences with her wicked sense of humour and evocative melodies. Her one woman show with loop stations, and synths is reminiscent of LAURIE ANDERSON and ROZI PLAIN. Lohan (of NEW POPE and RIVERS & CROWS), moved to London in 2015 to record her debut solo album BLACK ATLANTIC. The album was an international success, receiving rave reviews from Irish RTE Radio 1 to KCRW Radio in the US. Following a busy year producing and touring the UK and Ireland in 2017, Emma moved to Mallorca to write her next album THE FISH AND BIRD SYMPHONY.
The Curly Organ
The Curley organ (AKA "Donal McConon") is a singer-songwriter/performance artist based in Galway and a long-standing member of the cities artistic community. Donal has made significant contributions to the Galway music scene through various projects, including Community, The Bastard Ghost, and My Fellow Sponges, a highly successful band in the region. Under the moniker of The Curly Organ. His performances are characterized by improvisation and spontaneity, and he stands out as a genuine artist.  He is driven in all his endeavours by, what he calls, a burning need to reach out into his direct environment and inspire a sense of play with whoever is there. His Microphonlandia is permission to play. Randomly throughout Hedge School attendees were offered a pair of headphones. If they chose to accept, they would have entered into an intimate performance shared only by them and the artist. What happened next entirely depended on the guest and what the artist perceives as their erred means to engage.
Aidan Duffy
Aidan is the youngest of ten home-educated children from an alternative household in rural Ireland. The sound that Aidan is crafting is alternative and flexible, treading a tightrope between fresh and nostalgic. With 3 EP’s under his belt 2023’s ‘Listen’ and ‘Look’, 2021’s ‘The Optimist’. Aidan uses lyrical themes that touch on such topics as loneliness, fear and guilt but also hope, love and levity. Aidan is a firm believer that music is meant to be, above all, felt.

The Shnug Podcast: Ep 20 - Dr Jp McMahon

In Episode 20 of the Shnug podcast we speak to chef, writer, restaurateur, painter Dr. Jp McMahon. Originally from Dublin Jp has been has been working in Galway for over 15 years, opening Cava in 2008 and Aniar in 2011, with the latter achieving a coveted Michelin star. Jp is also behind the ‘Food on the Edge’ international food symposium and the Galway based food network Blas Na Gaillmh and recently he also won Galway Business person of the year 2023, and author of two books.
We chat about the thought process behind his most recent publication ‘The Irish Cook Book’, which travels back thousands of years to delve into the history of Ireland’s food heritage and Irish cuisine, his love of using local produce and how this influences his restaurants; in particular Aniar, whose ethos in particular is intrinsically linked to the west of Ireland. We also touch on the pressure that comes with achieving and retaining a Michelin star and the creation of the ‘Blas Na Gaillmh’ network. That brings producers, restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels together under one roof via the events its hosts and its website, the next event being ‘Blas na Bealtaine’ in May. ‘Food on the Edge’ also returns to Galway in October to boot. Finally we touch on the legacy such a body of work leaves behind.
Aniar 2.0 reopens after refurbishments this Friday the 9TH of February.

The Shnug Podcast: Ep 19 - LiveStock Festival

In Episode 19 of the Shnug podcast we speak to founders of the LiveStock music festival Cormac Jennings and Sharon Sweeney. The inspiration for LiveStock stems from the organisers Cormac and Sharon’s wedding celebration held in 2019. The private event proved to be such a magical occasion that they decided to grow and adapt it to a wider audience. It has now grown into one of the most authentic festival experiences on the west coast. Set in a stunning location, centred around an ancient RingFort. LiveStock Music & Arts Festival hosts line up of over 40 international and Irish-based acts, alongside a wide range of workshops, seminars, entertainment, and activities for all ages. We chat to Cormac and Sharon about what sparked the idea for the festival, its ethos and the community that is involved in its creation and the plans for this year and beyond.
This year’s festival runs from the 5th - 6th of July in Aughrim, Co.Galway.