Ireland: A Revolving Story
It all started when Suzi showed up to Paul Callaghan’s place in Chicago with some recording equipment. He had contacted her regarding these stories he had written about his boyhood during the 70s and 80s during the Troubles in the North of Ireland. It was exceptional, and she had never heard of nor read anything like this. It was obvious that this musician with an Irish accent and storytelling talent needed to be recorded.
The stories stand alone and are available to listen to below. The Boyhood Stories of Paul Callaghan give a glimpse into his youth. A few of Paul’s stories are also interwoven into what became a 3-act series called Ireland: A Revolving Story. His stories not only lead us down a path into Ireland’s past full of conflict, but also shed light on the turmoil going on in the north of Ireland today, where in the aftermath of Brexit, the island’s future is very much up in the air.
Telegraph.co.uk
In Act I we introduce you to the current struggle in Ireland caused by Great Britain’s departure from the European Union. In ACT II, we take you into the past, into what was called the Troubles, a violent conflict that lasted 30 years, and leads up to the unrest today. Trouble has again erupted and the issue at core is reminiscent of a history of a divided island. By Act III you understand the stakes and are now able to understand the dilemma– is Ireland going to unify, should it and what will be the cost either way?
Through story, a history lesson, and current events reporting, we hope to awaken something in you. Enjoy!
'Ireland: A revolving Story' is a fine and timely examination of a border dispute that directly concerns the United States and which led Nancy Pelosi to address a European parliament, and will also figure in President Biden's presidency and re-election campaign. It isn't between Russia and Ukraine, it's between Great Britain and Ireland. The United States and the European Union are co-signatories to the 1998 peace deal, the Good Friday Agreement, which ended 30 years of conflict, and are so written into political developments that infringe on that historic settlement.
~ Jim Cusack, former Irish Times Security Editor (02/02/2022)
I just listened to the first episode and am very impressed. I have never heard anything more professional or engaging. Absolutely wonderful. I love the storytelling with the music and touch of humanity throughout.. Your voice is perfect. The information is scholarly but not pedantic. Great balance. Lovely. Congratulations!
~ Lynn Webster (01/21/22)
I am full sure you have pulled off the impossible... this will give those who don't understand what has gone down here a good understanding of what has. Wonderful from you.
~ Martin McAllister (02/06/2022)
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Paul Callaghan, whose boyhood stories we hear throughout the piece, grew up in Culloville, an area in South Armagh County and at the heart of the action during the Troubles. His stories talk about clashes between British soldiers, IRA men, and Catholic countrymen like himself, but also about the beautiful hilly countryside and the river Fane that he and his friends played in throughout their childhood.
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