North and South of the Gap: A Podcast about Donegal
By Marc Mc Menamin
Journey through the rich tapestry of Donegal’s history, culture, and landscapes in North and South of the Gap. Hosted by author and broadcaster Marc Mc Menamin, this podcast delves deep into the stories that shape Ireland’s wild northwest—on both sides of the iconic Barnesmore Gap. From ancient folklore and hidden heritage to modern voices and forgotten legends, each episode uncovers the people and places that make Donegal truly unique.
Bonus Episode: Danny O’Connor — From Ballyshannon to Berlin
Bonus Episode: Danny O’Connor — From Ballyshannon to Berlin
Recorded over Christmas back home in Ballyshannon, I catch up with Berlin-based singer songwriter Danny O’Connor. Formerly of Inuendo and now performing with Murphy’s Law, Danny talks about growing up in the North West, life in Berlin, and carrying a sense of home while playing festivals across Europe and venues like the Europa Center on Kurfürstendamm.
A warm, Christmas-time conversation about music, friendship, and life between home and away.
From all of us here at North and South of the Gap, we wish you a very happy New Year! May 2026 bring music, laughter, and adventures of your own.
28 Nov 2025
Quick Update from North and South of the Gap 🎙️
Episode Title: Quick Update from North and South of the Gap 🎙️
Description:
Host Marc Mc Menamin drops in with a quick update to wrap up the year! The podcast has grown massively — thanks to all your support. From chats with Charlie Mc Gettigan, Sean Mc Ginley, and Richie Fitzgerald (yes, we know… it’s been a bit Ballyshannon/Bundoran-centric 😅) — to what’s coming next. North and South of the Gap will be back in the new year with more stories and special guests from all across Donegal.
21 Nov 2025
Episode 10: Getting Down to Business with Oliver Donagher
In this episode of North and South of the Gap, we welcome Oliver Donagher of Fides Trustees SA. A native of Ballyshannon, County Donegal, and former president of the Geneva Irish Association, Oliver shares his journey from growing up in Donegal to building a career in Geneva, while staying connected to his Irish roots.
We talk about community, culture, and the importance of the Irish abroad — and explore the ties that continue to link home and diaspora.
14 Nov 2025
Episode 9: A Real High Flyer with Paul Grennan
Flying High – From the Air Corps to Aer Lingus with Paul Grennan
On this episode of North and South of the Gap, we’re joined by Paul Grennan, a former Irish Air Corps pilot who went on to fly with Aer Lingus. Paul takes us inside the world of military and commercial aviation, from the discipline of Air Corps training and missions to the challenges and rewards of flying passengers across the Atlantic.
With humour, insight, and passion, he shares personal stories from life in the cockpit, reflects on the transition between two very different flying careers, and offers a rare glimpse into what it really means to be a pilot.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about life at 30,000 feet, this conversation promises to be uplifting, inspiring, and full of fascinating insights.
7 Nov 2025
Episode 8: Sun Song & Soul with Triona O'Neill
Sun Song & Soul with Triona O'Neill
In this episode of North and South of the Gap, we welcome singer-songwriter Triona O’Neill. Now based in Los Angeles, Triona grew up in Ballyshannon, and her roots continue to shape her music and her story.
She talks about her journey from Donegal to LA, the inspirations behind her songwriting, and her deep love of music. Along the way, she also treats us to a few live performances, bringing her unique sound and voice right into the conversation.
A heartfelt and uplifting episode filled with music, memory, and the power of following your passion.
Please check out Triona's Music Online to hear the songs she played. They are omitted here for rights reasons.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6LUUy7538lpa6o1hMvJ39E?si=3RJY_WrVTiyBXHeiBgF10Q
31 Oct 2025
Episode 7: Talking History of all Varieties with Tommy Graham
Talking History of all Sorts:
In this episode of North and South of the Gap, we’re joined by Tommy Graham — editor of History Ireland magazine, host of the History Ireland Hedge School, and a native of Ballyshannon.
Tommy shares stories from his own life and reflects on how growing up in the northwest shaped his interest in history. We dive into a wide range of topics — from the power of local stories to the big national narratives — and explore why understanding the past is essential for making sense of the present.
This is a lively, wide-ranging conversation with one of Ireland’s leading voices on history and public debate.
24 Oct 2025
Episode 6: Between Ballybofey and the Big Smoke – with Robert Love
Between Ballybofey and the Big Smoke – with Robert Love
In this episode of North and South of the Gap, we sit down with Robert Love — a Donegal man with deep roots in both sides of the country. A founding member of the Dublin Finn Harps Supporters Club, a former journalist with the Donegal People’s Press, and a long-time Dublin resident, Robert brings a unique perspective on what it means to carry the spirit of the northwest across the Liffey.
We talk football, identity, journalism, and the changing face of both Donegal and Dublin over the past 25 years. Whether you're north or south of the gap, this one’s for anyone who’s ever felt the pull of two places they call home.
17 Oct 2025
Episode 5: Ballyshannon and Sam Maguire Part 3: Gary Walsh - The Man Between the Posts.
Ballyshannon and Sam Maguire – Part 3: Gary Walsh
In the final part of our three-episode series, we sit down with Gary Walsh — the Aodh Rua Ballyshannon shot-stopper who became Donegal’s All-Ireland winning goalkeeper in 1992 and earned an All-Star for his outstanding performances. Gary reflects on the pressure of guarding the net on GAA’s biggest stage, the camaraderie of that special team, and the pride of bringing Sam Maguire home to Donegal. A fitting conclusion to our celebration of Ballyshannon’s heroes from a golden summer in Donegal football.
10 Oct 2025
Episode 5: Ballyshannon and Sam Maguire Part 2: Brian Murray the Big Man in the Middle.
Part 2 – Brian Murray: From Ballyshannon to All-Ireland Glory
In this episode of North and South of the Gap, we sit down with Brian Murray, the Aodh Rua midfielder who played a central role in Donegal’s historic 1992 All-Ireland win. A native of Ballyshannon, Brian reflects on his journey from club football to the county’s greatest stage, sharing insights into the bond within the squad, the battles on the pitch, and the pride of bringing Sam Maguire home for the very first time.
Now living in Kildare after a long career with An Garda Síochána, Brian looks back on that golden summer and what it still means over 30 years later.
3 Oct 2025
Episode 5: Ballyshannon and Sam Maguire Part 1: Sylvester Maguire the Man from Clyhore
In Part 1 of our special three-part series, we shine a spotlight on the Aodh Rua Ballyshannon legends who played a key role in Donegal’s historic 1992 All-Ireland victory. This episode features Sylvester Maguire — a fiercely talented footballer whose grit and skill helped shape one of the county's proudest moments. Join us as we delve into his early days at Aodh Rua, his journey to the Donegal senior panel, and the lasting legacy he left both on and off the pitch.
26 Sept 2025
Episode 4: From Stage to Screen- Sean Mc Ginley
In this episode of North and South of the Gap, we sit down with acclaimed actor Sean McGinley to talk about his Donegal roots, his journey through the world of Irish film and theatre, and how the landscapes and characters of the northwest have shaped his life and career. From quiet beginnings to powerful screen roles, this is a conversation full of insight, heart, and a touch of home.
19 Sept 2025
Episode 3: Tangled up in Blues with Johnny "Boxtie" Gallagher
In this special episode of North and South of the Gap, we sit down with the electrifying Johnny Gallagher — frontman of the acclaimed Irish band Boxtie. Known for his raw energy, soulful guitar work, and magnetic stage presence, Johnny shares stories from both sides of the musical and geographical divide.
From growing up in Donegal to playing stages across Europe, Johnny opens up about the roots of his sound, the spirit of the northwest, and the road-tested philosophy that keeps him grounded. We talk tradition, travel, the power of live music — and what it really means to be an artist navigating the space between home and everywhere else.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the Boxtie buzz, this episode is a journey worth tuning in for.
13 Sept 2025
Episode 2: Richie Fitzgerald's Cold Water Eden
In this episode of North and South of the Gap, we paddle out with one of Ireland’s most iconic surfers — Richie Fitzgerald from Bundoran. From the rugged Atlantic coast to the world’s heaviest waves, Richie has spent a lifetime chasing surf and shaping Ireland’s place on the global surfing map.
We talk about growing up in a seaside town before it was a surf mecca, what it's like to stare down 50-foot walls of water, and how the ocean has shaped not just his life, but his outlook. Richie opens up about the highs, the wipeouts, and what it truly means to be connected to place, purpose, and passion.
Whether you’re a surfer or just someone who appreciates a great story from the edge of the world, this one is not to be missed.
13 Sept 2025
Episode 1: The Rock and Roll Kid - Charlie Mc Gettigan
Episode 1 – Charlie McGettigan: From Ballyshannon to Eurovision
In this premiere episode of North and South of the Gap, we sit down with Ballyshannon native and Eurovision legend Charlie McGettigan. From his early days on the Donegal music scene to winning the Eurovision Song Contest with Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids, Charlie shares stories of songcraft, identity, and the enduring magic of the northwest. A warm, heartfelt conversation that sets the tone for a podcast rooted in place, people, and passion.
Charlie performed: Feet of A Dancer, Back in the Cluain Barron Days, Narrow Gauge Medium and Adieu to Belashanny. These have not been included for rights reasons. But please check out the original recordings.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AtgxDje3xrDMAtyEWiupD?si=FbxNmsYpRFuDD0l5AuqBHQ
16 Jun 2025
North and South of the Gap: Trailer
North and South of the Gap: A Podcast about Donegal
By Marc Mc Menamin
Journey through the rich tapestry of Donegal’s history, culture, and landscapes in North and South of the Gap. Hosted by author and broadcaster Marc Mc Menamin, this podcast delves deep into the stories that shape Ireland’s wild northwest—on both sides of the iconic Barnesmore Gap. From ancient folklore and hidden heritage to modern voices and forgotten legends, each episode uncovers the people and places that make Donegal truly unique. Whether you're a local, a history buff, or simply curious about this storied corner of Ireland, this is the podcast for you.
About Marc Mc Menamin
Documentary Maker/Author
Marc Mc Menamin is a teacher, best-selling author and award-winning documentary-maker from Ballyshannon Co.Donegal. The Lost Mountaineers is Marc's seventh documentary for RTÉ Documentary on One and his eighth overall. His other documentaries include The Custom of the Sea (https://www.rte.ie/radio/doconone/1314029-the-custom-of-the-sea), a finalist at the 2023 Celtic Media Awards and The Lost Millionaire (https://www.rte.ie/radio/doconone/1233143-the-lost-millionaire) a finalist at the 2021 New York Festivals.
Marc has also produced Richard Hayes, Nazi Codebreake (https://www.rte.ie/radio/doconone/909437-richard-hayes-nazi-codebreaker)r which was a finalist at the 2018 New York Festivals. In 2018 the documentary was adapted into a book by Marc entitled Code-Breaker: The untold story of Richard Hayes, the Dublin librarian who helped turn the tide of WWII which remained in the top 10 of the Irish Non-Fiction Best Seller List for several months in 2018. Gill Books - History - Code-Breaker. A sequel Ireland's Secret War Dan Bryan, G2 and the lost tapes that reveal the hunt for Ireland’s Nazi spies was published in 2022 reaching #8 in the Irish bestseller list. Gill Books - History - Ireland's Secret War
Marc also produced the award-winning documentaries Peter Daly - Good Cop/Bad Cop? (https://www.rte.ie/radio/doconone/647510-documentary-peter-daly-nypd-special-investigations-unit-leuci-serpico-100kg-corrput-new-york-donegal-podcast) a finalist at the New York Festivals in 2014 and 2014 Prix Europa and Prix Italia as well as Seamus Darby and the Goal That Made Champions (https://www.rte.ie/radio/doconone/733418-seamus-darby-and-the-goal-that-made-champions) a finalist at the 2016 Celtic Media Awards.
In 2014 Marc produced The Beach Boys of Rossnowlagh (https://www.rte.ie/radio/doconone/647678-documentary-podcast-beach-boys-rossnowlagh-surfing-donegal) which is one of the most listened to and downloaded radio documentaries on the RTÉ Documentary on One website as well as being hailed as one of the Irish Times radio highlights of year in 2014.
Marc’s 2015 documentary Zandra: A Sentimental Journey (https://www.rte.ie/radio/lyricfm/clips/21722833/) The Lyric Feature aired on Christmas Day on Lyric Fm and has recently been adapted for the stage by acclaimed playwright Roseanne Lynch as Zandra, Queen of Jazz | Darn Skippy Productions which had a sold out run at Smock Alley Theatre in 2018.
Marc has also worked as Researcher and Assistant Producer on a number of TV documentaries most notably Virgin Media’s Sinn Féin: Who are they? and was a contributor to BBC's 2021 Series Road to Partition. As well as a stint on Tonight with Vincent Browne, he also worked as an intern to Stephen Donnelly TD. in Dáil Eireann in 2012. Marc also works as a reporter for RTÉ Radio 1’s The History Show and is a frequent on-air contributor to the program. He is also an occasional columnist with the Irish Man's Diary in the Irish Times.
Marc currently teaches English & History in St David's Holy Faith in Greystones. Outside of radio and teaching Marc is a fan of Donegal GAA, Finn Harps FC and an avid Cyclist and Sea Swimmer.
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