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This bonus episode is an interview with Jerry Early and John Gallagher on their song, "I'll Go", which tells the story of the Arranmore RNLI rescue of the Dutch steamer Stolwijk. The interview discusses the songwriting process and the importance of keeping the story alive.

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The Tides That Tie – The Arranmore Lifeboat

For more than a century, the lifeboat crew on Arranmore have answered the call when someone is in danger at sea.

In this episode of The Tides That Tie, we hear from Nora Flanagan, Ciaran O’Donnell, and John McCafferty about the history and mission of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution station on Arranmore.

From early lifeboats powered by oars and sails to today’s modern rescue vessel, the story of the RNLI is one of volunteers, community support, and generations of islanders committed to saving lives along the rugged Donegal coast.

Their message is simple: when the pager goes off, they go.

Learn More or Support the RNLI

The RNLI is a charity that relies on public donations to operate its lifeboats and train its volunteer crews.

If you’d like to learn more or support their lifesaving work, visit:
https://rnli.org

Featured in This Episode

Nora Flanagan
Kieran O’Donnell
John McCafferty

To learn more about the Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group, visit:

https://www.biihg.com/

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In the heart of Lake Michigan lies Beaver Island, a place steeped in history and culture, closely linked to Arranmore County in Donegal, Ireland. This podcast episode of "The Tides That Tie" takes listeners on a journey through the significant role of the Beaver Island Historical Society in preserving the island’s rich heritage. With insights from original founders and local historians, the conversation highlights the dedication and passion that have kept the island’s history alive.

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Why has Ireland been so outspoken about Palestine?

In this episode of The Tides That Tie, guest host Micaela Cole of Beaver Island is joined by Brian Proctor and Fiona Ní Ghlóinn of Arranmore to explore why this issue resonates so deeply in Ireland.

Rather than advocating a position, this conversation focuses on context — how Irish history, colonial experience, displacement, and control of narrative continue to shape empathy and response today. Drawing on island life, generational memory, and lived experience, the episode offers American listeners insight into why many Irish people see familiar patterns when they look at Palestine.

This is a conversation about history, understanding, and how the past continues to inform how communities respond to the world around them.

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A Live presentation of the annual "Home for the Holidays" showcase on Beaver Island, recorded at the BIC Center on December 6, 2025. Featuring Holiday Carols and stories about Christmas past on the Island.

#TheTidesThatTie
#HomeForTheHolidays
#StoriesAndSongs
#BeaverIsland
#ChristmasOnTheIsland

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A live recording of Songs and Stories about Arranmore by Jerry Early, John Gallagher, Anne Connaghan and John Flanagan, recorded live at the 2025 Emerald Isle Irish Féile. Songs include:

• Loch Tay Boat Song
• The Souls of Old Fisherman
• Neilie Eoghan
• The Molleigh Jimmy Ward
• Island Fisherman
• Eddie Greene's Highland
• Little Bird
• I'll Go

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Summary

This episode of The Tides That Tie explores the deep connections between Beaver Island and Arranmore through the lens of boat building, specifically focusing on the Irish Currach. The conversation highlights the history, craftsmanship, and community spirit surrounding the Currach Club on Beaver Island, featuring insights from local builders and rowers. The episode emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and the role of storytelling in maintaining the heritage of these islands.

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A look at Arranmore after the Beaver Island Migration in verse and song.