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From Cape Breton to Carndonagh
26.03.08
FORMER Canadian
Ambassador to Ireland Michael Phillips was in
Carndonagh recently for the launch of a new radio
series at ICRfm.
The series consists of 14 half-hour programmes
examining the cultural ties between the maritime
provinces of Canada including Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and Irish
traditions. Music, song, dance and literature is
examined and compared in the new series. |
The reception at ICR
was attended by Mr. Phillips and his wife Oonagh,
along with contributors to the series, Culdaff-based
writer Hazel McIntyre and Dr. Liz Doherty of
Buncrana.
The idea for the series was first mooted when a
delegation from Inishowen Rural Development |
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and members from
Inishowen Community Radio travelled to the Mirimichi
area of New Brunswick in the maritime provinces some
time ago on a cultural exchange and a reciprocal
visit by a delegation from there to Inishowen the
following year. Research shows that the North West
of Ireland sent many people on the immigrant ships
from Derry and Sligo to ports like Halifax and St.
John’s. Therefore, it was felt that a strong Irish
connection would still exist.
Jimmy McBride, chairperson and presenter on
Inishowen Community Radio undertook to research the
project. He sought help from experts in the field
including author Hazel McIntyre, Buncrana academic
and musician Dr. Liz Doherty, Buncrana musician P.V.
O’Donnell; academics at the University of Fredricton,
New Brunswick and and Renie Fitzgerald, a dance
teacher from Cape Breton. Staff and volunteers at
ICRfm helped with the production of the programmes.
They will air twice a week on ICRfm beginning on
Tuesday, March 25 at 4pm and each Thursday and
Tuesday thereafter at 4pm until May 8. |
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