New podcast unearths untold stories of the Irish in Manchester
A POWERFUL new podcast is giving voice to the Irish community in Manchester, with stories of migration, music, identity, and belonging at its heart.
There's A Lot I Haven't Asked is an eight-part audio series that explores the resilience and legacy of the Irish in Britain's 'second city.'
Created by Manchester-born Irish actor and writer Hannah Donelon, the series features original music by renowned traditional musician Michael McGoldrick. It aims to capture the deeply personal – and often overlooked – experiences of Irish emigrants and their descendants.
There's a Lot I Haven't Asked Yet is about the Irish in Manchester
Beginning with tales of emigration in the 1960s and 70s, when the Irish were Britain's largest migrant minority, the series gradually moves forward in time to include the voices of second- and third-generation Irish Mancunians.
Through these stories, the podcast reflects on the challenges of leaving home, the bittersweet process of settling in a new country, and the enduring pride in Irish heritage.
Donelon describes the project as a 'privilege' and says she was struck by how eager people were to share what their Irish identity means to them.
'What was immediately clear during my interviews is how much we care about our Irishness – how much we want to celebrate it, understand it, and share it,' she said.
Hannah Donelon hosts the podcast series
Episodes are rich with memories of rural Irish childhoods, community halls filled with music and dance, and the contradictions of growing up between cultures.
Whether recalling GAA matches in local parks or late-night sessions in backroom pubs, the series invites listeners into a vibrant, emotionally resonant world.
While the podcast offers older listeners a chance to reminisce, it also speaks to younger generations searching for a deeper connection to their roots. And for those without an Irish background? 'Céad míle fáilte' – a hundred thousand welcomes.
The series offers a universal message: that everyone's story matters.
There's A Lot I Haven't Asked is produced by Ian Stewart and Gary Hadfield at Blueprint Studios, with support from the Consulate General of Ireland in Manchester and public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
It also benefits from contributions by Irish Mancunian and Made by Mortals.
Episodes will be released weekly starting Sunday, 1st June, and are available on all major streaming platforms and at theresalotihaventasked.co.uk.
See More: Irish, Manchestert, Podcast
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford community celebrates Irish and Polish cultures as part of vibrant and fun festival
Polska Éire is a nationwide event which celebrates the cultural exchange and integration between the Irish and Polish communities in Ireland. Polska Éire started in north Wexford 10 years ago, when Gorey library was contacted by the Polish Embassy to organise an event. After this first gathering, a group who were in attendance connected and decided to continue with the celebrations. Speaking after the festival in Gorey, organiser Ola Riquet said, "What started as an afternoon in the library turned into this huge thing, which we are very proud of. It's something that was inspired by that afternoon but also by our children. "Back then, our children were very small and some of us were only pregnant but we had a strong feeling that we have this amazing knowledge and heritage in us and we want to pass it on to our children. At the same time, we want our children to grow up as Irish citizens and be just a little bit richer because they have the knowledge from their parents'. In the years since then, the group have held many more events, taking part in the Polska Éire festival and creating other events for Irish and Polish people to get involved with. For the last two years, the group has gathered at Gorey Library every two weeks to introduce Polish legends to children. 'English speaking children are invited alongside Polish speaking children to listen to the legends of Poland. It's very interactive and we do arts and crafts to do with the legends. We dress up sometimes and make puppets. We have beautiful decorations that we painted,' said Ola. The group have also brought Polish music to Gorey, combining Polish music with traditional Irish music from the area. Among the events, are art exhibitions and screenings of Polish films at Gorey Cinema. On another special occasion, a delegation from Gorey travelled to Poland.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish porn star receiving horrific threats since sharing plans for virgin scenes
An Irish porn star has faced terrifying threats and sickening abuse since revealing plans to record sex scenes with male virgins. Meghan O'Neill, 33, from Antrim, is a former Catholic schoolgirl, who was taught by nuns, but now claims she has been treated worse "than a murderer". Meghan, whose brother was killed 12 years ago, spoke out after revealing that she plans to record a film of her having sex with up to 10 men. She said: "People would treat me less than a murderer. They say, 'You're scum of the earth'. They say it because 'you're a sex worker, a porn star'." Meghan - who fans claim is Ireland's biggest female porn star – revealed the abuse is worse online than in her "physical, day-to-day life". She said: "People know what I do and they hate it, they're angry. I am a porn star and I wanted to get into porn since I was a teenager. "It is viewed as shameful. I was brought up Catholic and I was taught by nuns." The mum-of-two said the "school gate" is "fine" – but added: "At the start, it was a shock for everybody. They were like, 'What?' "People did treat me differently at the start, but I think they've just got used to it now. "I'm Meghan, these people have grown up with me. They've known me before, they know me now. They don't care. "It is men on the internet. They have a lot to say. They say, 'I can't wait until your kids commit suicide'. "They say, 'I can't wait to see you getting hurt'. It is constant abuse. They want to attack me because I am a mother. "I share what I've had to deal with because I want the world to be a safer place for women." Meghan said her brother was a "drug addict from very young" and "was in and out of jail" but "had turned his life around" when he was "stabbed to death". She burst onto the porn scene last year and revealed in May 2024 that she was making €11,000 a week through her OnlyFans account. She later left the industry after breaking up with fellow Irish porn star Andy Lee, 35, from Dublin. But she last week revealed in The Irish Mirror that she is planning a return to her X-rated career for a shocking new movie. Meghan is looking for some Irish male virgins, aged 29 and over, to have sex with on camera for their first time. She said: "10 virgins will get to lose their virginity to a porn star. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "Irish men are more than welcome. It will probably be the majority of Irish men from all over the isle of Ireland. "I am happy to have sex with Irish men. I'm Irish and I love the Irish. I will tour the world after this if it goes well and do the same in different countries." Meghan added: "There are probably more men virgins than we like to believe. I talk to a lot of them daily on my OnlyFans account. Who will be the lucky 10?"
Irish Independent
4 hours ago
- Irish Independent
The top ten things to do in Sligo this week: June 4-10
There's no shortage of brilliant events taking place in Sligo this week, and if you're wondering what's on, we've compiled a list of the best things to do in the area this week. Cruinniú na nóg Cruinniú na nÓg takes place on Saturday, June 7. A day of free creativity for children and young people. Events take place in Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo Central Library and Tubbercurry Library. The full programme of events can be found at Emma Rawicz Stellar jazz saxophonist Emma Rawicz will be performing with her exceptional quartet featuring Elliot Galvin (piano), Kevin Glasgow (bass) and Asaf Sirkis (drums) at Hawk's Well Theatre on Thursday, June 5, Rawicz is a multi-award winning young bandleader and composer who is making waves on the UK music scene and beyond. Josephine Foster Abhainn Studio & October Nights are thrilled to welcome the acclaimed US singer Josephine Foster to Enniscrone this Saturday, June 7, as part of an Irish tour. Josephine Foster is an American artist celebrated as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. Her voice seems to drift from another time. Her music carries the soul of old folk songs, operatic hymns, and blues, yet moves freely, like a dream half-remembered. Tickets via eventbrite Is Mise Éire Eile: I am another Ireland A powerful new theatre piece coming to Hawk's Well Theatre, on Wednesday June 4. Is Mise Éire Eile: I am another Ireland tells the true story of a community confronting itself in the wake of protest and change. Following the performance, audiences are invited to stay for a panel discussion featuring company members, local community organisers, and elected officials. Zoid jazz quartet This is Irish musician Daniel Jacobson's first Irish gig since moving to Bristol in 2024, taking place at Lillie's on Friday, June 6. Since the move he's been getting involved with the Bristol jazz scene, playing with some of the many great musicians there at jam sessions around the city. Ailíse Maxwell and Friends Take a midday pause and enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music with Ailíse Maxwell and Friends as part of Lunchtime at the Well at Hawk's Well Theatre. Join Hawk's Well on Wednesday, June 4 at 1:10pm for a gentle and uplifting concert featuring original compositions and fresh interpretations of traditional music. Yonder Boys Yonder Boys will play live in Brees, Strandhill on Friday, June 6. Yonder Boys is an Americana/ Bluegrass/Folk trio with David Stewart Ingleton (vocals, banjo), Jason Serious (vocals, guitar), and Tomás Peralta (vocals, mandolin, bass). Presenting their new single 'Makeshift Family' and other songs off our up coming album to be released this year. Kenton Cool's Everest Everest/Sagarmatha/Chomolungma has long captured the imagination of mountaineers and aspiring adventurers as the pinnacle of climbing: simply the highest point on the planet that 'must be reached'. Kenton Cool - the 18x summit non-Sherpa record-holder – has created a new show to take audiences on a fascinating journey through the history of the highs and lows. See this show at Hawk's Well on Tuesday, June 10. Illuminations Enjoy a night of poetry and conversation – everyone's welcome, and admission is free at The Model on Thursday, June 5. There's an informal atmosphere and no need to sign up to read beforehand, you can just make your way there and enjoy yourself, read your own work or a favourite poem by a famous author. The Life and Times of Paddy Armstrong Fifty years after his wrongful conviction, at the age of 74, Paddy is facing into his twilight years and wrestling with a thousand turbulent memories. In Paddy, he relives the journey that forever altered his destiny. A one-man show, starring Don Wycherley as Paddy, the play is inspired by Paddy's memoir Life After Life, a Guildford Four Memoir. See this show at Hawk's Well on Saturday, June 7.
