Anne O’Hara – Mornington House

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This morning I had the absolute honour to speak with Anne O’Hara, wife of Warwick O’Hara – who reside at Mornington House Co. Westmeath.

Whilst there has been a house at Mornington since the early 17th century, it has been home to The O’Hara family since 1858. Steeped in history, this is to date, for me one of the most intriguing and most most probably the easiest and finest interviews I have ever done, in my life.

As a podcast the final audio result is a little rough-er around the frills than I would have liked, but for me the content in this case is what makes it so very special. That said, as best as was feasibly possible I have left it unedited almost in its entirety – mainly as I simply loved, personally, listening to almost every second of it over and over again.

I laughed, smiled and almost cried, with laughter in some cases as Anne spoke quite frankly and passionately about her and Warwicks home. What you did not have the honour of was the almost 40 minute conversation that took place prior to this audio from which I intended to take some notes. Surprising, possibly, I took none and simply listened and smiled.

Links to Mornington House

By |February 28th, 2011|All Posts, Parks, Places, Camping|7 Comments
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The Sodcast – Episode 29

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Listen to The Sodcast in MP3 – or subscribe/ listen to the podcast in iTunes. Alternatively, subscribe to the blog and listen to them right here. Missed Episode 28 of the garden podcast

First Up:

You can contact me in the following ways:

Recently On The Blog:

Images For The Podcast:

Links For The Podcast:

Atfar Construction

This Weeks Oddities:

The Early Days of the Dublin – Drogheda Railway Our speaker, Rev. Dr. Norman Gamble, a rail enthusiast, has studied the minute books of the railway company. His talk will cover the planning, construction and first four years operation of the railway.  Wednesday 9th March in the Presbyterian Church Hall, Dublin Road at 8 pm. All welcome. Parking available.

The 19th Century Celtic revival and Celtic cross tombstones in Glasnevin Cemetry by Dr. Peter Harbison in Fingal Local Studies & Archives, Clonmel House, Forster Way, Swords, on Wednesday 2nd March at 7.30 pm. Admission free. Tel. 8704486

If Maps Could Talk by Richard Kirwan former Director of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland. The talk is taking place on Wed 30th March at 7pm in Rush Library. The event is free to all, but it is important to book a place. You can do so by calling 01-8708414

And Finally:

Recorded at the Fingal Folk Club, what a nice way to end the podcast…. this will be playing over the weekend whilst I sit on the lawn on Sunday and have a cup of tea with my daughter ;)

Listen!

By |February 24th, 2011|All Posts, The SodShow|2 Comments
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The Sodcast – Episode 28


Listen to The Sodcast in MP3 – or subscribe/ listen to the podcast in iTunes. Alternatively, subscribe to the blog and listen to them right here. Missed Episode 27 of the garden podcast ?

First Up:

You can contact me in the following ways:

Recently On The Blog:

Images For The Podcast:

Links For The Podcast:

This Weeks Oddities:

And Finally:

By |February 19th, 2011|All Posts, The SodShow|1 Comment
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Frank Foley. Horticulturist. Legend. Part 1

*Yesterday I published [part 2] Franks conversation with me on roses.

A legend of the Irish horticultural scene and an accredited rose judge, more than that Frank Foley is a gentleman who took time out with me for a chat about gardening and his love for the hobby and profession.

From the beginning of his own interest in gardening to his first meeting of The Clontarf [Horticultural now] Garden Society all the way up to today. Personally, I love the bit were Frank talks about garden enthusiasts who never take summer holidays….. ;)

Many thanks to Clontarf Gardening Society for the introduction to Frank and to Frank for taking the time to chat with me. It was an honour Sir.

By |February 15th, 2011|All Posts, Horticulture Ireland|7 Comments
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Roses And Frank Foley [part 2]


On Saturday February 12th I met with Frank Foley.

Although published first, this is part 2 of the interview. You can listen to part 1 of the interview Frank Foley. Horticulturist. Legend. Part 1

A legend of the Irish horticultural scene and an accredited rose judge, I spoke with Frank about everything to do with roses. From the setting up of the rose garden in St Annes Park in Raheny to the judging of roses and just what it takes to have a rose named after you. From the growing of roses to just about anything else you can think of.

Brilliant. Genius. And for this gardener, an absolute honour.

I really should have published tomorrows story today as tommows chat is more about Frank and his journey in gardening. But, it being Valentines day today I decided to publish part 2 of my chat first.

Many thanks to Clontarf Gardening Society for the introduction to Frank and to Frank for taking the time to chat with me. It was an absolute honour.

By |February 14th, 2011|All Posts, Horticulture Ireland|0 Comments
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