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PODCAST

The Ballad Lounge Podcast

Rory Makem; Máirtín de Cógáin

The Ballad Lounge Podcast Join Rory Makem & Máirtín de Cógáin, your hosts, lyric lovers and part time history buffs, on a captivating journey through the ages of song! Get involved as we delve into the rich tapestry of a single ballad, exploring its origins, transformations, and cultural significance. But this isn"t just a history lesson – it"s an exploration of the human spirit as expressed through music. Each episode, Rory & Máirtín brings to life the captivating story behind the ballad:

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All Episodes

00:27:48

Interview with Bryan Murphy - the Voice of North...

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2026/04/09

While we were sail on the Joanie Madden Folk 'n' Irish Cruise we had the wonderful opportunity to chat with the dashing Kerryman Bryan Murphy of the Gallivanters. He even kept his shirt on for the whole interview. Grab a cup o'tay and sit back, or get the dog ready for a walk and join us for another episode of the Ballad Lounge Podcast. https://www.bryanmurphymusic.com/the-gallivanters-bandhttps://www.instagram.com/bryanmurphy_music/Help out the show at

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01:07:53

An interview with Gerry Timlin of Co. Tyrone.

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2026/03/17

The life and times of one of the balladeers who blazed the trail in America for the rest of us to follow. We tried to have the interview live on the Joanie Madden FOlk 'n' Irish Cruise but the file didn't survive the journey and so we did it again. Grab a cúpán tae, sit back, and get to know Gerry. http://www.gerrytimlin.comhttps://www.facebook.com/gerry.timlin/

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00:45:34

A lovely chat with the Roscommon rambler Cathy Jordan...

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2026/02/25

This week we have a rare interview with the Roscommon rambler Cathy Jordan. A voice full of colour and warmth and a life story that is worth a book in itself. Rory & Máirtín caught up with the Dervish singer on the Joanie Madden Folk ‘n’ Irish cruise down in the warm waters of Belize in a quietish corner of the Solo lounge. It’s a very busy time for her as Dervish are currently airing their new PBS special and Cathy herself is touring the Cranky Island Song Project around the world. Grab a

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00:30:16

Rebel Songs, Part 5: God Save Ireland

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2026/02/19

This week we look into the well known Rebel song, "God Save Ireland,' by T.D. Sullivan. A song that became the unoffical Irish National Anthem for a many years.The Smashing of the Van and the subsequent public executions gave rise for a new push for Irish Independence and may have been the final act to get Ireland to reach for revolution on home soil. The German phiosopher Friedrich Engels said after the hanging of Allen, Larkin & O'Brien in Manchester, 'So yesterday morning the

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00:36:24

Rebel Songs, Part 4: Song from the Backwoods

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2026/02/11

Song from the Backwoods, a.k.a. Ireland Boys Hurrah!, a.k.a. Dear Old Ireland!This week Rory & Máirtín venture off to invade Canada 🇨🇦 with the Fenian Brotherhood. T.D. Sullivan’s 19th century ballad brings up the memory of the idea to take Canada and offer to trade to her back to England for the freedom of Ireland. A wild episode in Irish history. June 1866 was the first time the Tri Colour was raised in battle to claim victory and land at Fort Erie across the river from Buffalo New

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00:39:30

The Holly Bears a Berry - A Christmas Ballad

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/12/18

Welcome to "The Ballad Lounge" with your hosts, Máirtín de Cógáin and Rory Makem. Pull up a cozy chair, pour yourself a warm cup of cheer, and join us as we dive into the heart of the holiday season. Today, we're sharing our cherished Christmas traditions- stories wrapped in the warmth of family, festivity, and folklore. Plus, we'll be exploring the timeless charm of the song 'The Holly Bears a Berry," uncovering its rich history and melodic beauty. So, settle in and let

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00:54:44

A lovely chat with Belfast Balladeer Séamus Kennedy

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/12/03

Welcome to The Ballad LoungeJoin your hosts, Máirtín de Cógáin and Rory Makem, as they take you on a melodic journey through the heart and soul of Irish music. Each week, we dive deep into the stories, traditions, and voices that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of Irish culture. In this episode, we're honored to sit down with none other than Irish music legend Séamus Kennedy. With his rich vocals, masterful guitar work, and signature wit, Séamus shares tales from his musical journey, the

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01:03:22

An Interview with the Great Cork Singer Donie Carroll

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/11/20

Welcome to The Ballad Lounge, where stories meet song and voices carry tales from near and far. Rory and Máirtín are your hosts as they dive deep into the heart and soul of the song tradition. In today's episode, they're thrilled to sit down with the legendary Donie Carroll- a singer whose voice is as rich in history as it is in heart. Join us as we explore Donie's musical journey, his inspirations, and the events that have shaped his life.So, settle in, tune your ears, and let the

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00:32:26

Rebel Songs, Part 3: Carrigdhoun

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/11/05

Come to Máirtín's home town of Carrigaline, Co. Cork as we interrogate Carrigdhoun by Denny Lane. A song from 1845, part of the Young Islanders' collection. Rory gives us a good run down of the uprisings from 1803 to 1848.

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00:40:56

Rebels Songs, Part 2: The Rising of the Moon

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/10/29

Today we're exploring "The Rising of the Moon," a stirring Irish balladthat echoes the spirit of rebellion, resilience, and hope. In this episode, we'll unravel the historical backdrop of the song, born from Ireland's fight for freedom, and dissect its evocative lyrics that have inspired generations. We'll also discuss thepowerful role this ballad has played in folk traditions and how its message still resonates today. So, grab a cozy seat, let the music guide you, and join

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00:38:54

Rebel Songs, Part 1: The Wind that Shakes the Barley

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/10/21

We are moving away from the Pot Boilers and roaming o'er the roads of Rebellion. Starting with a song made famous from the singing of Sarah Makem, Rory's Granny. The Wind that Shakes the Barley brings us back to 1798 and the Pikemen of Wexford. Máirtín takes a quick dip into the well of Irish History, while Rory brings us back to the kitchen where it rejoined the Irish Vernacular and sings us out to send us home again. Join us for another great episode of The Ballad Lounge.

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00:33:30

The Rattlin’ Bog

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/10/15

The Rattlin’ BogWelcome to The Ballad Lounge, where we uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and stories woven into the world’s most iconic ballads. In this episode, we delve into one of the most well known cumulative songs in the Irish songbook, “The “Rattlin’ Bog.Join us as we dissect a song that brings out the child in all of us. A brilliant number for the classroom or indeed the pub. What makes it engaging? Why do we still sing it? Why does everyone wait with bated breath hoping for the

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00:33:18

Whiskey in the Jar

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/10/08

Welcome to The Ballad Lounge, where we uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and stories woven into the world’s most iconic ballads. In this episode, we delve into the timeless song, "Whiskey in the Jar".Join us as we trace its journey from traditional Irish folk roots to its electrifying rock renditions. We'll explore the song’s gripping tale of betrayal and outlaw spirit, dissect its lyrical evolution.Pour one for yourself, settle in, and let The Ballad Lounge serenade you with the

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00:30:20

I'll Tell My Ma

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/10/01

Welcome to the latest episode from The Ballad Lounge, where we dive into the rich history and cultural significance of the beloved folk song, "I'll Tell My Ma." This timeless tune, also known as "The Belle of Belfast City," has been passed down through generations, cherished for its catchy melody and charming lyrics. Whether you're a folk music enthusiast or new to the world of traditional tunes, this episode offers an insightful and entertaining look into the story behind "I'll Tell My Ma."

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00:28:36

The Moonshiner

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/09/24

This week we look at the ballad The Moonshiner. Is it Irish? Which side of the Atlantic does it come from? Or indeed the word Moonshiner, is it uniquely American? Come sit with Rory & Máirtín as they dive into it only to break out into distant memories of family singsongs.

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00:25:48

The Black Velvet Band

The Ballad Lounge Podcast ·

2025/09/17

Is the Black Velvet Band an Irish song? Was it based in Belfast or Tralee? Does it matter? Where is Van Diemen's Land? Should we still be singing it today? Join us as we explore the origins of one of Ireland's most recorded and beloved ballads for the past 80 years!

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16 results

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