Heritage at the Heart
Heritage at the Heart
Heritage at the Heart
This series of podcasts on heritage and nature in Monaghan is presented by Shirley Clerkin and presents interviews with local people, custodians and heritage specialists recorded onsite.  Listen to lots of lively discussions and stories about these heritage places and their values.  Each podcast is about 15 -30 minutes in length and accompanied with specially commissioned music by distinguished Monaghan composer Michael Gallen. Funded by Monaghan County Council and the Heritage Council.  Recording and editing by Noel Murphy.
S3 Ep5: Locally made: Weaving the weft with Liz Christy
Liz Chirsty, artist and weaver shows Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer around her studio and working looms where she crafts luxurious scarves inspired by art, nature and the Monaghan landscapes. Recorded at Swallow Studios, Annyalla 
Dec 24, 2022
36 min
S3 Ep4: A burning issue for climate on Sliabh Beagh
Dermot Brannigan, Chief Fire Officer and others chat with Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer on the top of windy Sliabh Beagh to talk about the bog, damage caused by fire and how by working together to produce a wildfire management plan is creating benefits for biodiversity and climate.  Also features Paul Sherlock of the CANN project, and Paddy Sherry, local stakeholder.  
Dec 22, 2022
27 min
S3 Ep3: Traditionally home with the Mulligan family
Kevin, Clare and their son Mide welcome Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer to their restored vernacular farmhouse where they discuss the challenges and benefits of working and living in an old building. Accompanied by some pet dogs! 
Dec 21, 2022
39 min
S3 Ep2: Botanically yours with Alexis Fitzgerald
Alexis Fitzgerald, botanical recorder for County Monaghan meets Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer on the shores of Lough Muckno, Castleblayney to talk about what inspires him in the natural world, and his forthcoming publication on the flora of the county. 
Dec 18, 2022
35 min
S3 Ep1: Having "an eye" on heritage and climate with Sammy Leslie
Sammy Leslie, of Castle Leslie talks to Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer about managing a historic estate, her plans for rewilding some of the woodlands and pastures, all with a focus on climate change. Recorded in Castle Leslie, Glaslough.
Dec 14, 2022
38 min
S1 Ep5: Market Houses
Shirley Clerkin is joined by local historians Martin Brady and Larry McDermott, and architectural author Kevin Mulligan in Castleblayney to talk all about the history of market houses, towns and how big old buildings can help regeneration of towns and villages.
Aug 20, 2021
15 min
S1 Ep4: Folk Art and Historic Headstones
Shirley Clerkin is in Donagh Old Graveyard with sculptor Marc Kelly and local historian Paddy McQuaid where they discuss the style and symbolism of the memorials in the graveyards in Monaghan from the seventeenth century onwards.
Aug 17, 2021
21 min
S1 Ep3: The Puzzle of Placenames
Shirley Clerkin is joined in Clones by heritage enthusiasts James Sheerin and Larry McDermott to tease out some placename meanings from Clones and elsewhere, and the heritage of the land that can be gleaned by diving into an exploration of what places are called.  Music – Landmark and The Seed in March by Michael Gallen Recording and editing – Noel Murphy. Funding – Podcast is funded by the Heritage Council and Monaghan County Council 
Aug 15, 2021
23 min
S1 Ep2: A Natural exploration of Hedgerows
Heritage Officer Shirley Clerkin is joined by environmental scientist Jennifer McAree for a stroll along a diverse, abundant hedge in Ballinode to discuss the wildlife of hedges, good management, trees and history of hedges in Ireland.  Music – Landmark and The Seed in March by Michael Gallen Recording and editing – Noel Murphy. Funding – Podcast is funded by the Heritage Council and Monaghan County Council.
Aug 10, 2021
16 min
S1 Ep1: The Patterns of Holy Wells
Heritage Officer Shirley Clerkin is joined by local heritage experts Mary Kerley and Paddy Sherry for a walk to a holy well in the townland of Aghavilla or Achadh an Bhile (the field of the sacred tree), where they talk about the traditions and patterns associated with these venerated sources of water.   Music – Landmark and The Seed in March by Michael Gallen Recording and editing – Noel Murphy. Funding – Podcast is funded by the Heritage Council and Monaghan County Council 
Aug 7, 2021
18 min