Tudor Artisan Hub - 2025 Bealtaine Festival

‘Radio Rock’ - Reimagining the birth and broadcast of ‘Radio Carrick’ amidst the pulse of 1980s Life – is an original short drama written and directed by Mary McGrath echoing Carrick-on-Suir's local Radio Station ‘Radio Carrick’ that was on air from August 1980 until October 1981. Radio Carrick was run voluntarily, covering every genre of music and programme type. It was a voice to and for the town and served the Community with local news and interests.

Radio Carrick presenters and founding members interviewed that inspired this drama included Gerry and Maryann Gannon, Peg Power, Mary O' Hanlon, Liam Butler, Johnny Irish and Nicholas De Paor.

Click here to listen to the interviews with the founding members and presenters

“Radio Carrick was not just a medium of entertainment and communication but a vital mirror reflecting the unique character and spirit of our town" Gerry Gannon.

‘Radio Rock’ will be performed by Sheenagh and Michael Raggett, Aileen O'Keeffe, Pat Quinn Bolger, Jacquie Ahern, Dennis Barry, Enda O'Driscoll, Peter McGrath and Paula O’Dwyer.

Produced by Linda Fahy, Tudor Artisan Hub, is supported by drama consultants Maria Clancy and Barry Comerford.

Radio Rock will be staged on Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th, 2025, 8pm in Brewery Lane Theatre, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary E32 HD74.

Booking opens Good Friday - 18th April, 2025. Call 086 2560609 to book your seat - or stop into the Tudor Artisan Hub at 42 Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir.

Photoshoot by Noreen Duggan Photography during rehearsals in the upstairs art gallery, Tudor Artisan Hub.

Meet the leading artists on this project.

Mary McGrath, a talented writer and director from Carrick-on-Suir, has been an integral part of Margaret O'Brien's writers’ collective, Writing Changes Lives, for several years. Her longstanding collaboration with the Tudor Artisan Hub and the Arts Collective has resulted in numerous creative projects over the past decade, showcasing her dedication to the arts and her community.

Mary's passion for theater is evident in her performances at the renowned Brewery Lane Theatre. Her work there has not only highlighted her acting and directing skills but also her ability to weave compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

This latest project marks Mary's third foray into social history dramas centered around her beloved hometown of Carrick-on-Suir. These dramas are more than just historical explorations; they serve as heartfelt love letters to the town and its people, reflecting Mary's deep connection to the place where she was raised. Through her work, Mary captures the essence of Carrick-on-Suir, celebrating its rich history and vibrant community.

Mary works best with deadlines and cake!.

'Radio Rock' Producer Linda Fahy, owner of the Tudor Artisan Hub in Carrick-on-Suir, is a fervent advocate for the arts. Her dedication to community involvement, artisan support, and cultural promotion enriches lives.

Collaborating with writer/director Mary McGrath on another social history initiative, Linda aims to preserve cultural heritage, foster community connections, and inspire appreciation for local narratives.

OUTCOMES FOR ‘RADIO ROCK’ AN ORIGINAL SOCIAL HISTORY PERFORMING ARTS PRODUCTION:

Echoes of the Airwaves from a garage at 13 Dunbane, Carrick-on-Suir broadcasting on 1512kHz from 8 am to 6pm in 1980/1981.

To bring to life the stories gathered from ‘Radio Carrick’ founders and show presenters from Heritage Week 2024 and give audiences further context in imaginative ways into this pivotal era in our social history.
To remember, honour and celebrate the founders and presenters of Radio Carrick, these trailblazers were as diverse as the shows they hosted. Each brought their unique flair and passion, creating a tapestry of voices that resonated with listeners. The station became a living chronicle of Carrick-on-Suir's social history, reflecting the hopes, challenges, and triumphs of its people.

Radio Carrick's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of local radio to inform, connect, and inspire. Through the stories of its founders and presenters, we catch a glimpse of a time when a small town dared to dream big, and in doing so, created a lasting impact on its community and beyond.

Creating a live social history drama offers a powerful and vivid way to connect with our past and keep our heritage alive. By transforming historical events and figures into a theatrical experience, we engage audiences in a dynamic exploration of history. It creates a bridge between the past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of our heritage in creative ways. By bringing the history of Radio Carrick to life, we hope to honour and celebrate the stories shared by its founders and show presenters and ensure their legacy continues to resonate with future generations.

PRESS RELEASE

BEALTAINE FESTIVAL - 'RADIO ROCK' NEW SOCIAL HISTORY DRAMA BY MARY MCGRATH

'Radio Rock’ - Reimagining the birth and broadcast of ‘Radio Carrick’ amidst the pulse of 1980s life is an original short drama written and directed by Mary McGrath, produced by Linda Fahy, the Tudor Artisan Hub to be staged during Bealtaine Festival 2025. This new work of fiction echoes Carrick-on-Suir's local pirate community radio station ‘Radio Carrick’ which was on the air from August 1980 until October 1981. Radio Carrick was run voluntarily, covering every genre of music and programme type. It was a voice to and for the town and served the community with local news and interests.

Last Summer we interviewed Radio Carrick presenters and founding members Gerry and Maryann Gannon, Peg Power, Mary O' Hanlon, Liam Butler, Johnny Irish and Nicholas De Paor in-person and online, their stories and memories inspired the script for this new social history play. “Radio Carrick was not just a medium of entertainment and communication but a vital mirror reflecting the unique character and spirit of our town" says Gerry Gannon. The local news and events in the play were sourced from the 'Carrick Opinion', the local newspaper at the time, put together by a dedicated team led by John and Kay Denby.

‘Radio Rock’ will be performed by Sheenagh and Michael Raggett, Aileen O'Keeffe, Pat Quinn Bolger, Jacquie Ahern, Dennis Barry, Enda O'Driscoll, Peter McGrath and Paula O’Dwyer and is supported by drama consultants Maria Clancy and Barry Comerford. This latest project marks Mary McGrath's third foray into social history dramas centered around her beloved hometown of Carrick-on-Suir. These dramas are more than just historical explorations; they serve as heartfelt, humorous love letters to the town and its people, reflecting Mary's deep connection to the place where she was raised. Through her work, Mary captures the essence of Carrick-on-Suir, celebrating its rich history and vibrant community.

Radio Rock will be staged on Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th, 2025, 8pm in Brewery Lane Theatre, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary E32 HD74.

Booking opens Good Friday, April 18th, 2025. To book, call Linda 086 2560609 or stop into the Tudor Artisan Hub, 42 Main St., Carrick-on-Suir E32 FW66.

This is a FREE event supported by the Tipperary Arts Office and Tipperary County Council in association with Bealtaine - which is an Age & Opportunity Arts initiative, funded by the Arts Council and the HSE.

There will be a collection bucket at the door, donations to assist with the operational costs of the Tudor Artisan Hub will be warmly welcomed after the performances. Thank you for supporting this Community Arts production

Opening performance of Radio Rock Saturday May 10, 2025 in Brewery Lane Theatre.

Photos by Martin O'Brien Photography

Wow what an amazing weekend celebrating the Bealtaine Festival with the staging of 'Radio Rock'...Reimagining the birth and broadcast of ‘Radio Carrick’ at 13 Dunbane amidst the pulse of 1980s Life – a wonderful original short drama written and co-directed by Mary McGrath echoing Carrick-on-Suir's local Community Radio Station that was on air from August 1980 until October 1981.

We staged three sold-out performances of Radio Rock at Brewery Lane Theatre, the audience's reactions were electrifying, filled with roars of laughter ...these shows stirred up a wave of nostalgia, transporting attendees back to a bygone era. The play evoked cherished memories of days gone by, when the airwaves were alive with the vibrant sounds of Radio Carrick. This connection to the past - with the local, national and international news from the 80s resonated deeply with the audiences, reminding them of the shared experiences from that memorable time....

A heartfelt thanks to the amazing Mary McGrath for crafting an incredible drama, skilfully transforming personal stories into a captivating, entertaining work of fiction. Her piece beautifully reflected the memories and era of Radio Carrick in the early '80s, capturing an essential chapter in the social history of Carrick-on-Suir. This is Mary’s third social history drama production with the Tudor Artisan Hub, which is secretly, as Mary puts it "Her little love letters to the town and people where she was raised"
There are so so many people to thank that helped with the staging of Radio Rock...

From Mary's introduction to the performances:
"First and foremost to all the people who took the time out to be interviewed last year – Gerry and MaryAnn Gannon (on zoom from Australia), Peg Power, Mary O’Hanlon, Johnny Irish (on zoom from UK), Nicholas de Paor and Liam Butler... "Thank you for sharing your memories and thank you for trusting me with them. The pleasure and privilege was mine. We want to remember, celebrate, honour and thank all involved in Radio Carrick 1980/1981 at 13 Dubane through this original production.

To the amazing cast for coming on board for this crazy journey and who put up with all my madness - Thank you, Thank you - you were amazing!! Gerry & Maryann Gannon characters were performed by husband and wife duo Michael and Sheenagh Raggett – this was their first time performing together on stage! Mary O’Hanlon character played by Pat Quinn Bolger and Miss Carrick – Operatic Society was played by Aileen O'Keeffe and Miss Carrick Galvin’s Bakery by Jacquie Ahern. Presenters Nicholas De Paor character was played by Enda O'Driscoll and Johnny Irish was played by Dennis Barry.

Our entertaining Newsreaders Dick Flannery and Nuala Browne De Brún were performed by Peter McGrath and Paula O’Dwyer. What an amazing cast line-up! and a pleasure to work with, thank you for sharing your time and talents with us all so generously!

Thank you to my co-director Maria Clancy whose input has been invaluable, Barry Comerford for his expert guidance; the production would not be what it is without both of you. To the amazing team at Brewery Lane Theatre - my brother Mark McGrath and his crew for all their help with the set. Alban for lights and Angelina for sound. Rose Anne for kindly facilitating the staging of this production in the middle of their rehearsals for the Clancy Brothers Festival play. Thank you to Box Office, front of house and tearoom teams.
Thank you to writer Margaret O'Brien for her constant encouragement with all our creative projects and loaning us her PoetryPlus lights for Saturday night's tearoom gathering.
To have my play staged here in Brewery Lane Theatre is a bucket list tick for me....but none of this would have been possible without Linda Fahy, my co-creator and tormentor. This time last year this play was a comment I made to Linda and look what she made happen!

We’d like to thank photographers Noreen Duggan and Martin O’Brien for capturing this production through the lens.

Aileen Hahessy from the Nationalist Newspaper and Carrick's Three Counties for the press releases to promote our Bealtaine Festival performances.

Thanks to Elaine Carroll for allowing us to use her amazing collection of Carrick Opinion Newspapers from the 80s – that she has been minding for over 45 years! The local news and events in this play have been sourced through the Carrick Opinion, the local newspaper at the time, put together by a dedicated team led by John and Kay Denby. They were an invaluable resource for the writing of this play.
Thanks to Gay Brazel, Peter McGrath, Dennis Barry, Michael Raggett, the Hub and Brewery Lane for helping with sourcing props for the Radio Rock set....and Michael Lonergan for helping me research the Miss Carrick Competition.

A big thank you to Jane O'Driscollfor manning the hub, while Linda was dragged away to set up for rehearsals and performances. Everyone should have a Jane in their life!

Thank you to the Tipperary County Council, Tipperary Arts Office and its partners for supporting the making of ‘Radio Rock’ for the 2025 Bealtaine Festival – a National Festival Celebrating Arts & Creativity as we age.

Now - Why did I write this original social history drama? Community Radio was the background of my childhood. How amazingly cool were these young people who were involved in setting up ‘Radio Carrick’ in our Community, who were not only trailblazers but vision makers, wall breakers who helped mould and change the face of broadcasting in Ireland. Look what they did for our Community! And if they had as much fun doing it as I had writing this play, it must have been a riot. " - Mary

To you the audiences who came along to support this superb production and kindly donating to the Tudor Artisan Hub- Thank you, Thank you❤

Post-performance photoshoot of Radio Rock Saturday May 10, 2025 in Brewery Lane Theatre.

Photos by Martin O'Brien Photography

Radio Rock writer and co-director Mary McGrath with Producer Linda Fahy, Tudor Artisan Hub

Photos - Martin O'Brien Photography

Radio Rock Photoshoot by Noreen Duggan Photography, capturing precious moments Sunday May 11th, 2025 in Brewery Lane Theatre as we celebrated Bealtaine Festival 2025 - remembering, celebrating and honouring the founding members and presenters of 'Radio Carrick' the community pirate radio station set up at 13 Dunbane, Carrick-on-Suir in 1980/1981.