In 1937 the Folklore Commission set about collecting local folklore throughout the Ireland. Schoolchildren were asked to interview their grandparents and neighbours and to write down the stories they told. The collection, 38,000 stories in all, can be viewed at Newcastle West Library.

Eileen O’Sullivan revisited some of the schools involved in the project and asked present day pupils to repeat the project. Here are some of the stories they collected.

Liam Flynn is a wood turner based in Abbeyfeale. His work is highly artistic and is much in demand, both at home and abroad. Here Lorcan MacCurtáin presents this item from the West Limerick 102 arts programme, Éagsúil.

 

The Palatine Story

In the 18th century settlers from the Palatinate in Germany arrived in West Limerick. The Palatines, as they became known, have kept their culture alive to the present day, while at the same time becoming part of the local community.

Lily Baker is a member of this unique community and here she speaks to Shiela O’Regan about her life and heritage.

 

Pat and Mary Brosnan lived in Somerset for a period of time when they were first married. Eddie Guirey interviewed them about their time in Somerset and the differences between life in Ireland and there.

Templeglantine

Templeglantine is a small parish between the towns of Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Here David Brown interviews Tadhg O’Maolcatha about it’s history and modern life there.

 

A Trip on the Community Bus

Taking a trip on the Community Bus is more than a case of simply getting from "A" to "B".  Music and story telling are a vital part of the service and, in a unique piece of multi-tasking, the co-ordinator also records the goings on to form the basis of a regular item on West Limerick 102.

Margaret Cunningham
 

Farm Radio's Brigid Hillier talks to Margaret Cunningham with whom she was staying on her visit to West Limerick.  Both are from a farming background and here compare notes.

Ollie Ryan

Farm Radio's Brigid Hillier interviews Ollie Ryan.  Ollie presents his own programme "Ollie Ryan Live" on Wednesday nights on West Limerick 102.