"Promotional image for 'Harvesting the History' featuring two older men against a black background. The title 'Harvesting the History' appears in the upper left corner. One man has a serious expression while the other is smiling."

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:

  • "Promotional image for 'Harvesting the History' featuring two older men against a black background. The title 'Harvesting the History' appears in the upper left and one man with a black background

    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.

  • A woman, Mary Dunican, is shown from the chest up against a black background. She has short, light brown hair, wears glasses, and is smiling faintly. She is wearing a white top with horizontal red stripes and red trim around the collar. In the top left corner, there is a dark rectangular overlay with the text "HARVESTING THE HISTORY" in white. In the top right corner, several logos are visible, including "Offaly Local Development Company," "LCDC," and "Ireland's National Development Plan 2040."

    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.

  • A man, identified as Noel Cooney, is shown from the chest up against a black background. He has white hair, wears glasses, and has a serious expression. He is wearing a dark blue and yellow polo shirt with various logos, including one for "Carroll's" and another likely associated with a Gaelic football club. In the top left corner, there is a dark rectangular overlay with the text "HARVESTING THE HISTORY" in white. In the top right corner, several logos are visible, including "Offaly Local Development Company," "LCDC," and "Ireland's National Development Plan 2040."

    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.

  • A smiling young man with dark, curly hair and a beard is shown in a recording studio setting against a dark background. He is positioned in front of a lime-green-and-black professional microphone on an adjustable arm. He is looking towards the right side of the frame. In the top left corner, there is a dark rectangular overlay with the text "HARVESTING THE HISTORY" in white. In the top right corner, several logos are visible, including "Offaly Local Development Company," "LCDC," and "Ireland's National Development Plan 2040."

    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.

  • Two men, Tom Finerty and Paddy Cantwell, are shown from the chest up against a dark background. Tom, on the left, has white hair and wears a blue cardigan over a patterned sweater. He looks directly at the viewer with a neutral expression. Paddy, on the right, has white hair and a beard, and wears a dark top. He is laughing, looking towards the right side of the frame. In the top left corner, there's a dark rectangular overlay with the text "HARVESTING THE HISTORY" in white. In the top right corner, several logos are visible, including "Offaly Local Development Company," "LCDC," and "Ireland's National Development Plan 2040."

    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.

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

Learn more about what we do.