Vinny O'Donnell - The making of the acclaimed 1986 'Up Tyrone' cassette.

When Kevin McCabe struck a penalty to the net to take Tyrone to their first All Ireland final in 1986, the county rejoiced while musicians Vinny O'Donnell and Joe McCurry quickly penned a song, 'Come on Tyrone', that has become the theme tune of All Ireland appearances. Literally overnight, they also put together a cassette packed with Tyrone themed songs, that was snapped up by supporters locally and overseas.
Vinny talks about the making of the cassette and how 36 years later, in 2021, the timeless song was still being played when Joe's son Darren ('Dazzler') was one of the stars of All Ireland final glory.
He also recalls the great contribution of Coalisland singer/songwriter, the late Dessie Symington, who also hastily wrote the Tribute to Frank McGuigan and sang the Ballad of Iggy Jones (written by Seamus McKeown) for the cassette.
During the podcast it becomes apparent Ronan Mac's hero was McGuigan, known as 'The King', while Vinny had a huge admiration for 'Wee Iggy Jones'.
There are memories and music shared with tributes to our great players, songwriters and musicians.
Vinny also recalls, with great fondness, balladeer John Mitchell who passed away in 2022, and his song 'My Hearts in Dungannon', also on the cassette, that was played as his remains were borne from St Patrick’s Church after his Requiem Mass.
A wonderful podcast with Dungannon man Vinny O'Donnell whose love for music, football and his hometown and county has never dimmed. Enjoy this mix of conversation and nostalgic songs.
Clarification: The song titled 'The King' performed on the cassette by Carmel McKenna is a tribute to country singing legend the late Brian Coll.
* The full version of 'Here's to Dennis Taylor' can be heard at the conclusion of Podcast 41 with Pearse Kelly

Nick Griggs - a running sensation
Since hitting the running tracks just seven years ago, Nick Griggs' performances have been nothing short of sensational.
At 16, he had the athletics' world sit up and take notice when he won the European Under 20 crown at 3,000 metres.
Since then the 20-year-old Newmills lad has broken a host of middle distance records, has the best time ever for a park-run and is the third youngest male to run a sub-four minute mile.
He has created huge local and national excitement consistently being on the winning podium for Ireland in individual and team events. He also qualified for the World senior championship at just 18 lining up against greats of the calibre of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
An unassuming star, Nick talks about his journey through school, the support of his parents Andy and Royanne, his late brother Josh RIP and the coaches who have helped him along the way. He recalls the European title just weeks after the tragic passing of Josh, at just 19 years, and how his running success helped bring comfort to him and his family in their profound grief.
Nick also has fond memories of playing Gaelic football at Brackaville Owen Roes club before going on the journey that has brought him a professional athletic contract.
He gives a great insight to the life of an elite athlete, however there has also been the disappointment of missing out on the last Olympic games and recent injury set-back, which thankfully is behind him. He enjoys a bit of downtime too!
He will be volunteering at the annual Camp Joshua in memory of his brother and Joshua Green (22), a young soccer player from Dungannon, who also sadly passed at a very young age. It is a wonderful initiative bringing together hundreds of children from across the community, to participate in sports and crafts and have a lot of fun at Brackaville GAA ground.
Nick is an inspiring young man with the goal of being an Olympian. No doubt he has the talent and dedication to make his dreams come through!

Hurling As Poetry
In days gone by, a wise old poetry-loving Kiltegan priest told Martin Mac that hurling is the poetry of Gaelic sport. He spoke of the sheer grace and beauty of the game when it is played well, it's hallowed history that dates back to antiquity and of the legendary players,
Ring, Doyle, Nicky English, Joe Canning..
featured in hurling's ever growing Hall of Fame. Now Martin knows little about hurling but is a confessed reader of poetry. After a chat with Ronan, who'd yet to come down off the high he got from attending this year's hurling final, the idea for this podcast was born.
The two Macs are not lukewarm guys. Once they have an interest in something, they are all in. This passion for their particular subject is on display in the discussion that follows. Ronan recounts not only tales of incredible games he witnessed, but reveals his reverential love for this unique game that only seems to deepen with every passing year.
Martin begins with a bawdy limerick that has rthymn and rhyme but not an ounce of poetry. From there the only way is up as he contends that both hurling and poetry nourish the human spirit. It's simply a matter of having the eyes to see and ears to hear.
As one would expect from the TwoMacs, the discussion is spirited and humorous but it would also make you think.