Dursey Island Discs
From August 8th
Launches on Tuesday August 8th, 8pm, at Lehanmore Community Centre
Inspired by BBC Radio 4’s long-running series, Desert Island Discs, Beara Arts Festival presents its own series of podcasts, Dursey Island Discs.
Dursey Island Discs features three Dursey Islanders – Gerald Murphy, Rosarie O’Neill and Martin Sheehan – along with four others who have close associations with the island: Pat O’Neill, Penny Durell, Anne Finch, and Desmond O’Reilly.
All seven are interviewed by local writer Carina McNally and asked to imagine what records, book, luxury item and companion they would wish to have with them if they were ever marooned on Dursey, the only island in Ireland that is connected to the mainland by cable-car.
The interviews are available as podcasts below, and will also be broadcast at Lehanmore Community Centre, the last café on the mainland before the cable-car to Dursey, from August 8th.
Gerald Murphy grew up on Dursey. He now lives in Glenera, and returns to the island daily to farm.
Rosarie O’Neill grew up on Dursey. She now lives in Eyeries, where she runs Formanes House B&B. She returns regularly to the island.
Penny Durell lives in Ballinacarriga, overlooking Dursey Island. She is the author of the island history, Discover Dursey.
Martin Sheehan grew up on Dursey. He now lives in Castletownbere, and returns regularly to the island to farm and fish.
Anne Finch lives in Castletownbere and also has a home on Dursey. She maintains the website durseyisland.ie.
Desmond O’Reilly is a lawyer in London and has a holiday home in Adrigole. His mother, Kathleen Causkey, came from Dursey.
Pat O’Neill lives in Garnish. He has delivered the post to Dursey for the past 38 years.
Dursey Island Discs is presented by Carina McNally, recorded by Cormac O’Connor and produced by Marc O’Sullivan Vallig.
