In this episode of the TwoMacs, Martin is back in the chair talking to acclaimed
novelist Anthony J. Quinn. Born on a farm in Kileeshil in 1971, Anthony was
drawn to books from an early age. As a child, he would construct a wee canopy
in a nearby field and lose himself reading stories by Enid Blyton. He also
started to write at a young age.
However, the Troubles cast a long shadow over his formative years and indeed
his nine noir novels deal with this dark subject and its legacy. His work is set
around the shores of Lough Neagh and presents an alternative view of the area
to the N.I. Tourist Board. His debut novel, Disappeared (2012) first appeared in
the US, introduced readers to Inspector Celsius Daly who would go on to appear
in three subsequent novels.
The fascinating discussion covers the nature of the writing process and how it
can often be a journey of discovery for the writer to arrive at the “emotional
truth” of a story. They also talk of the importance of telling stories that address
the wrongs of the past and thus allow people to feel that they have been heard.
Anthony’s latest book, Murder, Memoir, Murder (2022), his most personal novel
to date, was one of the Daily Mail’s Books of the Year. At present he is
working on a historical novel set in New York.

Anthony's Website www.anthonyjquinnwriter.com/

Plunkett McCallan - Oz and the magic of the O'Neill Cup.

Towering goalkeeper 'Big Oz' from Carrickmore reflects on two decades of championship football.

On the week of the Tyrone senior club final, 'Oz' (nicknamed after Oz in the hit 1980's TV comedy series Auf Wiedersehan, Pet) reflects on a career that saw him win six O'Neill Cup medals. It is a record held by over a dozen players, however no-one has played in as many finals, as over 20 years he played in 14 in all, with those six wins, six defeats and two replays.

He suggests that records are for statisticians and journalists as it is a team game and not about individual awards.

He recalls his time living in Coalisland and jokes that for all of 30 seconds he considered transferring to the Fianna.

He also remembers the glory days and disappointments and pays tribute to his team-mates, coaches and the many opponents he did battle with down the years, not least Errigal Ciaran who shared 12 O'Neill Cup wins with Carmen between 1993 and 2005.

Oz believes there is nothing better than the Tyrone knock-out championship format.

With a pre-match routine of a cigarette and tin of Red Bull, he went on to lose three finals in the last years of his career and regrets he did not get on the winning rostrum with the whole new squad of players.

During a suspension, after a league schemozzle, he played rugby with Dungannon and while it was a hugely enjoyable experience, his heart was always with Gaelic football.

These days, much more reflective, he doesn't get too excited although watching his sons Jack follow him into goals and Paddy further out the field was a nerve-wrecking experience.

A most wholesome Podcast with Plunkett McCallan who says any team that reaches an O'Neill Cup final deserves credit. They're not easy won in Tyrone.

Ádh Mór to Loughmacrory and Trillick in Sunday's final.

Aisling Hagan (Corr) - Class is permanent.

For over 25 years camogie star Aisling Hagan, formerly Corr, has graced the fields with her sublime skills.
Previously Tyrone Young Player and Senior Player of the Year, she has won awards for club, college, county, province and representing Ireland, as well as a winning summer in Chicago.
Aisling recalls the inspiration from her father Tommy, a boxing Olympian, and her mother Margaret a distinguished camóg who introduced her to the sliotar and camán (ball and hurl).
Lack of numbers at Derrytresk meant Aisling and her team-mates had to move to the Derrylaughan club.
She got the call-up for Tyrone when she was just 16 and went on to captain her county.
After an eight year break, and marriage to Petie Hagan from Kildress and three children later, this year she lined out for Tyrone again.
Which club will her three boys hurl for?!
She talks about the highs and lows of victory and defeat and a special day at The Washingbay when Kevin Barry's were crowned Ulster champions, going on to reach the All Ireland final.
There were also trips to Scotland, albeit once in a freezing bus, when she was selected to play for Ireland in a Shinty series. Again, 15 years later her recent performances have led to another call-up for Shinty trials.
Two weeks ago however, Derrylaughan lost in a county final and the disappointment was as profound as ever.
Irish dancing was another passion which also brought medals on the biggest stage, at All Ireland level.
Aisling's passion for camogie has never dimmed, last year's Club Player of the Year, she would love to see her beloved game attract more players and spectators.
This a lovely podcast with Production Manager Oliver delighted to welcome his niece and God-daughter!
For Aisling Hagan, playing camogie has been a wonderful journey... and it's not over yet!..