Harvesting Our History

Harvesting The History

The podcast series that explores the natural landscapes of Offaly, connecting the people, the places, and the peatlands. Presented by Garret Daly.

With 42,000 ha of peatland in County Offaly, the history of both Bord na Mona and ESB operations goes beyond their landmass and energy production. The stories featured throughout this 13-part series focus on generational employment and the direct establishment of communities by these bodies in the 1950s. Harvesting a cultural consciousness by capturing the knowledge of the local people who are linked to this natural landscape and environment.

Listen to the Episodes:

The Good Old Days
Harversting the history
The pub is the hub – Episode 13
Publican Joe Gallagher refelcts on his decades at the Pullogh Inn, a hub of activity for generations right on the banks of the Grand Canal
Working for Living – Episode 12
Former Bord na Móna workers Sean Halligan and Gerry Doolin cast their thoughts back to days on the job and imagine a future of new possibilities.
It’s all changed now – Episode 11
Friends John Troy and Thomas Larkin contemplate the changing landscape and traditions that have shaped their communities.
Looking to the future – Episode 10
Teenagers Faith Kenny, Rory Byrne and Jake Coffey discuss their own experiences and interests with the boglands and share hopes for the future.
Anyone dying or getting married in Pullogh – Episode 9
Tales from the community and the canal banks as Mick Devery recounts the stories of growing up in Pullogh.
It takes a Village – Episode 8
Sean Craven and Seamus Barron from Kilcormac reminisce about the village and it’s close links with the peatlands and Bord na Móna.
Brick, Bog and Canal – the real BBC – Episode 7
Marie Regazzolli from Pullogh reveals stories of the Pullogh brick, her father’s working routines saving turf and saving the Guinness at turf parties.
Daingean duo – Episode 6
Pat McEvoy joined Bord na Móna in 1967 while Eugene Hewson started work there in 1977. Both men fondly remember the working days and the impact it had on their communites.
Won’t you take me back – Episode 5
Thirty year old Cloghan man Paul Daly shares stories of his grandparents, environmental challenges and even sings a song.
Tales from the Turraun – Episode 4
Reflecting on 86 years living in the area, Mary Dunican remembers a time before plumbing, electricty and phones surrounded by busy peatlands.
Boots, bog and the bard – Episode 3
Stories from Pullogh including football beside the canal and poetry to celebrate its history. After 44 years of referee duties Noel Cooney is considering hanging up the boots.
My Generation – Episode 2
Sean Dolan from Cloghan talks about life on the bog, helping his parents and the environmental issues that face his generation.
Near Neighbours – Episode 1
Tom Finerty and Paddy Cantwell, neighbours from Rahan share stories about saving the turf and farming challenges. Good friends swapping tales about changing times and good memories.