Grey Heron Media

30/08/2024

This week we are in Abbeyfeale in our rich collaboration with to explore the rich life of communities across Limerick Abbeyfeale.ie

04/07/2024

26/04/2024

Our new piece for CountryWide RTE Radio 1 features the glorious harmonies of Canate Deo Polish Choir and rich reflections on identity, migration, and the power of coming together to sing - airing this Saturday 27th April 8am-9am RTÉ Radio 1

[ Polish Arts Festival - PAF - Festiwal Sztuki i Kultury Polskiej w Limerick, Limerick Gospel Choir Limerick Leader Ballyhoura Development CLG Limerick Arts Office ]

29/12/2023

“This is Living” our new documentary for RTE Radio 1 - airs 10am Saturday 30th December
Sound rich and full of joy and insights into the living traditions that connect us - do tune in CountryWide RTE Radio 1 RTÉ Radio 1

15/09/2023

We are delighted that Hands in Harmony Deaf Community Choir are holding the Shannon premiere of their documentary film, which was made through the Living and Learning Communities project - an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG in partnership with Clare Local Development Company. It was facilitated by Grey Heron Media. The documentary gives compelling insight into Deaf Culture, Irish Sign Language and life experiences of members of the Deaf community in Ireland. The film launch takes place in St. Senan's National School in Shannon on Wednesday 20th September from 7pm. See the poster below for full details, and how to book.

Hands in Harmony Deaf Community Choir are having another film launch in shannon on the 20th September as part of sign language awareness week 2023, We are really looking forward to seeing u all there! If interested please email [email protected]

11/09/2023

We are so excited for the premiere of "Knockanrawley - Our Place", tomorrow evening (Tuesday 12th September) 7pm in Tipperary Excel Heritage Centre . It is a Co-Creative film, made by Knockanrawley Resource Centre CLG., in collaboration with Grey Heron Media. It is funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee. It has been an absolute pleasure working on this film with the Knockanrawley community this year. It tells the story of community development in action at Knockanrawley, with insights from the people for whom Knockanrawley is making a real difference in their lives. Only the last few tickets remain for the premiere. Phone Knockanrawley (062) 52688. Here's a short film trailer to give you an idea of what to expect! See you there!

Tipperary Arts Office Knockanrawley Resource Centre Knockanrawley.Resource.Centre Creative Places Tipperary Town Tipperary Town Tipperarytown.ie Tipp Town Revitalisation Tipp Town Revitalisation Tipp Mid-West Radio Tipperary County Council PPN Tipperary

12/06/2023

We finish the ShannonDragons "Living and Learning Communities" series with the film "Shannon Dragons- Reflections by founder Brid O'Connell", where founding member, Bríd O'Connell reflects on why she set up the dragon boat club, eager for others to experience the joy of "Wellness on the Water".

ShannonDragons is a dragon boat club that is welcoming to all, whether you are a breast cancer survivor, supporter or an athlete. You too could benefit from "Wellness on the Water"! If you think you would like to join Shannon Dragons, just drop them an e-mail to: [email protected]

Last year, as part of "Living and Learning Communities", we at Grey Heron Media had the honour of collaborating with Shannon Dragons to create this piece, as well as four other audio pieces, and another short film.

Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG , in partnership with Clare Local Development Company . It is facilitated by Grey Heron Media.

This film is a co-creative production, developed by Shannon Dragons Dragon Boat Club under the Living and Learning Communities Project- an Initiative of Ballyhoura…

06/06/2023

In the final "Living and Learning Communities" audio piece from ShannonDragons , club member Geraldine Murphy immerses us in the thrilling experience of being on the River Shannon, with the wind on your face, birds singing, and swans gliding past.

Thank you Ger for sharing your story.

ShannonDragons is a dragon boat club that is welcoming to all, whether you are a breast cancer survivor, supporter or an athlete. For Ger, before she joined the club, water sports were not a big part of her life, but now she doesn't want to be off the water! You too could benefit from Wellness on the Water! If you think you would like to join ShannonDragons, just drop them an e-mail to: [email protected]

Last year, as part of "Living and Learning Communities", we at Grey Heron Media had the honour of collaborating with ShannonDragons to create this piece, as well as four other audio pieces, and two short films.
Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG , in partnership with Clare Local Development Company . It is facilitated by Grey Heron Media.

This audio piece is a co-creative production, developed by Shannon Dragons Dragon Boat Club under the Living and Learning Communities Project- an Initiative of Ballyhoura…

31/05/2023

In this next "Living and Learning Communities" audio piece from ShannonDragons, club member Kathleen O'Donnell reflects on her personal story, and what led her to joining the club, taking up paddling on the River Shannon.

Thank you Kathleen for sharing your story.

ShannonDragons is a dragon boat club that is welcoming to all, whether you are a breast cancer survivor, supporter or an athlete.
Kathleen talks of finding her “me time”. You too could benefit from Wellness on the Water! If you think you would like to join Shannon Dragons, just drop them an e-mail to: [email protected].

Last year, as part of "Living and Learning Communities", we at Grey Heron Media had the honour of collaborating with ShannonDragons to create this piece, as well as four other audio pieces, and two short films.

Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG, in partnership with Clare Local Development Company. It is facilitated by Grey Heron Media.

This audio piece is a co-creative production, developed by Shannon Dragons Dragon Boat Club under the Living and Learning Communities Project- an Initiative of Ballyhoura…

22/05/2023

In this reflective audio piece from Shannon Dragons, club member Catherine Sheehan shares her very personal story, and the reasons why she wanted to begin paddling on the River Shannon with ShannonDragons. Thank you Catherine for sharing your story.

ShannonDragons is a dragon boat club for breast cancer survivors and supporters. Last year, as part of "Living and Learning Communities", we at Grey Heron Media had the honour of collaborating with ShannonDragons to create this piece, as well as four other audio pieces, and two short films.

Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG, in partnership with Clare Local Development Company. It is facilitated by Grey Heron Media

This audio piece is a co-creative production, developed by Shannon Dragons Dragon Boat Club under the Living and Learning Communities Project- an Initiative of Ballyhoura…

10/05/2023

In this powerful audio piece, ShannonDragons member Fiona McKeon describes the strength and empowerment she has experienced since taking up dragon boating. She has rediscovered the thrill of competitive sport, something she thought she had left behind, as the responsibilities of adult life took over. But making time for her sport has given her a new confidence, as well as incredible experiences, like joining the Irish dragon boat team!
Last year, as part of "Living and Learning Communities", we at Grey Heron Media had the honour of collaborating with ShannonDragons - a dragon boat club for breast cancer survivors and supporters, working together to create this piece, as well as four other audio pieces, and two short films.
Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG, in partnership with Clare Local Development Company. It is facilitated by Grey Heron Media

This audio piece is a co-creative production, developed by Shannon Dragons Dragon Boat Club under the Living and Learning Communities Project- an Initiative of Ballyhoura…

28/04/2023

In this immersive audio piece, ShannonDragons member Sarah McCarthy reflects on the healing and empowerment that comes from taking up dragon boating. Joining the Shannon Dragons crew of breast cancer survivors and supporters, she has progressed from complete beginner to experienced paddler. Each week, she has become familiar with the natural beauty of the River Shannon, all while being encouraged and supported by the women on the boat.

Last year, as part of "Living and Learning Communities", we at Grey Heron Media had the honour of collaborating with ShannonDragons - a dragon boat club for breast cancer survivors and supporters, working together to create this piece, as well as four other audio pieces, and two short films.

Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG, in partnership with Clare Local Development Company. It is facilitated by Grey Heron Media

This audio piece is a co-creative production, developed by Shannon Dragons Dragon Boat Club under the Living and Learning Communities Project- an Initiative of Ballyhoura…

19/04/2023

Over the past year, as part of "Living and Learning Communities", we had the privilege of collaborating with ShannonDragons- a dragon boat club for breast cancer survivors and supporters.

We worked together on the making of two short films and five audio pieces. These audio-visual pieces tell the story of the club itself, as well as the experiences of six of its members.

Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG, in partnership with Clare Local Development Company. It is facilitated by Grey Heron Media

We facilitated members of Shannon Dragons to plan, record and have editorial control over their films and audio pieces, resulting in powerful results, with compelling personal stories.

We encourage you to view the Wellness On The Water film, to find out if you too might like to try out dragon boating.
ShannonDragons have a beginner's session coming up this Sunday 23rd April 2023. Find out more on their page, or email [email protected]

This film is a co-creative production, developed by Shannon Dragons Dragon Boat Club under the Living and Learning Communities Project- an Initiative of Ballyhoura…

30/03/2023

Tomorrow evening, Shannon Dragons will hold the world premiere of their film and audio pieces, created through Living and Learning Communities, an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG, in partnership with Clare Local Development Company. We at Grey Heron Media have had the privilege of facilitating the Living and Learning Project. It has been wonderful to work with members of Shannon Dragons, bringing across their individual stories, what brought them to Shannon Dragons, and the exciting world of dragon boating!
The premiere takes place in Castle Oaks Hotel, Castleconnell, County Limerick at 7.30pm tomorrow (Friday 31st March 2023).

11/02/2023

This morning, CountryWide RTE Radio 1 featured a report where our Mary McDonnell joined members of Cork Speleological Group for a subterranean adventure, exploring Old Desmond Cave, Co. Tipperary. Group members Stanislaw Drapala, Michael Burford and Denise McCullagh discuss their love of caving, and the joy of encountering exquisite formations while journeying underground. You can listen back here:

10/02/2023

How do you feel about the idea of crawling through narrow spaces deep below the ground? Listen in tomorrow (Saturday) morning to CountryWide RTE Radio 1 to hear how our reporter Mary McDonnell got on when she joined members of the Cork Speleological Group on a subterranean adventure, descending into Old Desmond Cave, Co. Tipperary. With caving suits on, helmets and head torches firmly fixed in place, Stanislaw Drapala, Michael Burford and Denise McCullagh led Mary on an exploration of the cave, sharing their love for caving and potholing, which they do regularly as a club, with tiny shovels at hand to explore new passageways. The beauty of witnessing pristine formations makes the muddy journey worthwhile.
Hear sounds from the cave tomorrow on CountryWide RTE Radio 1 , which begins just after 8am.

Photos by Stanislaw Drapala.

07/01/2023

This morning CountryWide RTE Radio 1 featured a report from Naomhóga Chorcaí , as our Mary McDonnell went along to try out currach rowing.
Listen back here: https://on.soundcloud.com/1cpLL

In the midst of modernity in Cork City, there’s an unusual sight - a fleet of traditional Irish currachs, making their way up the River Lee, to the city centre, propelled by teams of rowers. These rowers are members of Naomhóga Chorcaí. They row for the fun of it, for the banter and camaraderie, and for the connection it gives them to our nautical heritage. They are rowing traditional currachs, many of which were made in Cork City itself, at Meitheal Mara, a community boatyard. At the weekly "public row", all are welcome to board the currachs, even those like our Mary McDonnell who have no experience of rowing. All that’s required is team spirit, and a respect for these traditional crafts which make such a striking scene as they travel up river, one by one, from the pontoon at Shandon Boat Club.

In the midst of modernity in Cork City, there’s an unusual sight - a fleet of traditional Irish currachs, making their way up the River Lee, to the city centre, propelled by teams of rowers. These row

06/01/2023

January is a great time to start something new, with a whole year ahead to explore your interests and surprise yourself. Listen in tomorrow morning (Saturday) on CountryWide RTE Radio 1 just after 8am as our Mary McDonnell tries out currach rowing at the Naomhóga Chorcaí weekly Public Row. Setting off from Shandon Boat Club, she meets Naomhóga Chorcaí members including John Tynan who has fallen in love with rowing, having found peace, magic and poetry in the journey up the River Lee, through the heart of Cork City.
Many of the club's traditional Irish currachs have been made in Cork City itself, at Meitheal Mara, a community boatyard. The Naomhóga Chorcaí members row for the fun of it, for the banter and camaraderie they experience each week, and for the connection it gives them to Ireland's nautical heritage.

24/12/2022

This morning, CountryWide RTE Radio 1 featured a festive audio piece, where our Mary McDonnell met some of the international members of Kilfinane Community Choir, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, as they arrived for a Christmas gathering at choir member Diarmuid McIntyre's house. Amongst the guests were six Ukrainians who arrived to Kilfinane this year, and their friend Fran Stone, who has been teaching them English. They reflect on their favourite Christmas songs, and what it means to them to be part of the choir, especially at this time of year.

Listen back here: https://on.soundcloud.com/vh38M

Happy Christmas from all at Grey Heron Media!

Kilfinane Community Choir Kilfinane Community Council Kilfinane

We meet members of Kilfinane Community Choir, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick as they arrive for a festive pre-rehearsal gathering at choir member Diarmuid McIntyre's house. Recently, some new members have jo

23/12/2022

Listen in tomorrow morning (Saturday - Christmas Eve) to CountryWide RTE Radio 1! In a very festive audio piece, our Mary McDonnell meets members of Kilfinane Community Choir, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, as they arrive for a pre-rehearsal Christmas gathering at choir member Diarmuid McIntyre's house.

Recently, some new members have joined the choir, amongst them six men and women from Ukraine. They reflect on their experiences of arriving to Kilfinane, their favourite Christmas songs, and what it means to them to be part of the choir, especially at this time of year.

Happy Christmas from all at Grey Heron Media!

Kilfinane Community Choir Kilfinane Community Council Kilfinane

16/09/2022

Tomorrow on CountryWide RTE Radio 1
The serene beauty of the Gap Of Dunloe draws visitors from near and far. But what they might not realise is that high above the jaunting cars, cyclists and tourists, there's another side to the Gap! Known as one of the best places in Munster to go rock climbing, the area has become a meeting place for enthusiasts of this exciting activity. Our Mary McDonnell faced her fear of heights, going along to meet members of Cork Climbing Club who discussed their love for rock-climbing, convincing Mary to give it a go! Hear how she got on tomorrow (Saturday) morning on CountryWide RTE Radio 1 from 8.10am.

02/09/2022

Tomorrow (Saturday) on CountryWide RTE Radio 1 :

Exploring the countryside by bike gives a great sense of freedom, as well as being eco-friendly. But the thoughts of tough hills and long distance cycles might see you leaving your bicycle in the shed, gathering dust.

In Mulranny, County Mayo, sustainability is at the heart of community life, (It's a Sustainable Energy Community as part of the SEAI). Members of Mulranny Green Plan group were searching for ideas to get more locals out cycling, leaving the car at home.
They decided on a Community E-Bike Share Scheme, purchasing three electric bicycles for community members to share. The hope was that these powerful e-bikes would make cycling easier for people of all generations.

The bikes are kept in the voluntary run tourist office, where they're charged from renewable energy, thanks to solar panels on the roof. Our Mary McDonnell went along to Mulranny, meeting locals who were eager to try out the E-bikes on the Great Western Greenway. You can listen to the report tomorrow morning (Saturday) on CountryWide RTE Radio 1 from 8.10am.

Mulranny Tourism Mulranny Community Futures

25/07/2022

Roller skating has grown in popularity recently, with adults and children alike enjoying the freedom and joy of gliding on four wheels. The East Cork Rollers group are building a sense of togetherness through skating, as they learn from one another, building confidence as well as friendships. Our Mary McDonnell joined in the skating fun for a report for CountryWide RTE Radio 1 . Her nerves at pulling on the skates were put at ease with encouragement from Gillian Newman, founder of East Cork Rollers .
You can listen to the piece here: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22124564/

19/07/2022

It's Traveller Pride Week 2022 and we're delighted to announce the broadcast of "This Is Our World", produced by Tipperary Rural Travellers Project in collaboration with Grey Heron Media. The three episodes of "This Is Our World" will be broadcast on Cork Community Tv over three consecutive nights this week. You can view the broadcasts online at www.corkcommunitytv.ie.

Episode 1: Wednesday 20th July at 8pm. Repeated Thursday 21st July at 2pm
Episode 2: Thursday 21st July at 8pm. Repeated Thursday 22nd July at 2pm
Episode 3: Friday 22nd July at 8pm. Repeated Saturday 23rd July at 2pm

In 'This Is Our World', Traveller Leaders of the Tipperary Rural Traveller Project (TTRP) are joined by viewers on an exploration of Traveller identity, tradition, and social issues against the backdrop of TTRP’s initiatives, and Traveller life in County Tipperary.

In Episode 1 ‘We Face Discrimination Every Day- Now, We Work For Change’, we introduce the work of Tipperary Rural Traveller Project, examining the challenges and discrimination faced by Travellers, and the impact of these challenges on Traveller mental health. As disadvantage so often begins with inadequate accommodation, we meet members of the Travelling community in Tipperary, discussing experiences, and the change that is needed.

In Episode 2, ‘With Education, We Are Empowered, Traveller Leaders of the Tipperary Rural Traveller project recount negative experiences at school, and how they ‘missed out’ on education. Children still face discrimination in school, many leaving without being able to read or write. Not willing to let this happen, these Traveller Leaders have sought education for themselves, so that they can assist Traveller children with their studies, through a unique ‘Family Learning’ programme.
Additionally, now armed with education, several Traveller Leaders have also become
Primary Healthcare Workers, bringing education on health and wellbeing to the community. They are combatting the fear and misinformation surrounding healthcare, which often stems from a lack of literacy, as well as from experiences of discrimination in the past.

In Episode 3, 'Our Identity & Culture Are Disappearing- We Are Taking Action', we reflect on an aspect of Traveller culture that is recognised strongly by TRTP-the keeping of horses. For many Travellers, horses are the last part of visible Traveller culture, and a way of life that is being denied. Many Travellers are left with no choice but to move into estate houses, where keeping horses is forbidden. We examine the issues, as well as the solutions.
Denial of cultural expression, along with discrimination and disadvantage leads to depression, and an extremely high rate of su***de amongst the Traveller community. This final episode in the series ends with a ‘call to action’ on mental health, delivered by Margaret Casey- Traveller, advocate, and Co-ordinator of Tipperary Rural Traveller Project.

01/07/2022

Listen in to CountryWide RTE Radio 1 tomorrow morning (Saturday) from 8.10am, to a hear a piece we recently recorded with the wonderful cast and crew of the "Everything Must GO" show at Clonmel Junction Arts Festival . Set in the empty former Superquinn building in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, this immersive theatrical production by Asylum Productions , Once Off Productions and Junction Festival is a "shopping" experience from another dimension! It explores themes of vacancy and dereliction, ultimately asking "what is a town centre worth?". We chatted to the cast about the impact of vacancy, and whether change is possible.

Pictured- Cliona Maher, Festival Director of Clonmel Junction Arts Festival and Aideen Wylde, Writer and Co-creator of "Everything Must GO".

24/06/2022

Through "Living And Learning Communities", we've had the wonderful opportunity recently to collaborate with Clare Leader Forum (an independent group of people with disabilities, working to provide a voice on disability issues in Clare).

Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG in partnership with Clare Local Development Company, facilitated by Grey Heron Media.

We facilitated members of Clare Leader Forum to plan, record and have editorial control over the making of a film and two audio pieces, telling their own stories, and sharing their experiences. The finished productions are compelling, challenging, and powerful. Here is the full length audio documentary (with subtitles), made by Clare Leader Forum.

23/06/2022

We recently collaborated with Clare Leader Forum (an independent group of people with disabilities, working to provide a voice on disability issues in Clare). Through 'Living And Learning Communities', we collaborated on the making of a film, and two audio pieces.

Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG in partnership with Clare Local Development Company, facilitated by Grey Heron Media.

We facilitated members of Clare Leader Forum to plan, record and have editorial control over their film and audio pieces, telling their own stories, and sharing their experiences. The enthusiasm, dedication and creativity of the group has meant that the finished productions are compelling, challenging, must-see viewing. Here is the short audio piece (with subtitles), made by Clare Leader Forum .

22/06/2022

We've had the great pleasure of collaborating with Clare Leader Forum (an independent group of people with disabilities, working to provide a voice on disability issues in Clare).

We worked with Clare Leader Forum through the Living And Learning Communities project, producing a collaborative film, and two audio pieces. Living and Learning Communities is an initiative of Ballyhoura Development CLG in partnership with Clare Local Development Company, facilitated by Grey Heron Media.

We facilitated members of Clare Leader Forum to plan, record and have editorial control over their film and audio pieces, telling their own stories, and sharing their experiences. It has been an incredible collaboration. The enthusiasm, dedication and creativity of the group has meant that the finished productions are compelling, challenging, must-see viewing.

Here is the film piece "Nothing About Us Without Us" by Clare Leader Forum.

21/06/2022

This is a brilliant opportunity- no charge and open to 18-25 year olds (Students and non-students)
[Our Diarmuid McIntyre has been involved in the development of the workshop materials as part of the SNAP Project with WIRED and Hearsay International Audio Arts Festival ]

Tickets are available from https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/exploring-sexuality-gender-expression-through-storytelling-workshop-tickets-370410988237