Hello and welcome
to Ireland’s Own.

It’s Oscar season and in this week’s cover story, Tom McParland takes a look at some big budget Hollywood productions that didn’t guarantee Oscar success. For a lot of Hollywood movie makers the formula for Academy Award success was simple: big names + bigger money = lots of statuettes. But in quite a few cases it proved to be a formula for spectacular failure, writes Tom.

In ‘Messiah’ on the Street, David E. Norris recalls how Handel’s ‘Messiah’ made its debut on Fishamble Street. David Mullen continues his Islands of Ireland series, and this week he visits Valentia, Co. Kerry.

Stand and Deliver! Ita Marguet looks at the myth, folkore and legend associated with highwaymen in Ireland, and beyond. Brian Inglis, the journalist, author and broadcaster is remembered by Paddy Ryan.
In his Role of the Irish in WW2 Series, Con McGrath profiles John Bryan, the Corkman who proved himself a persistent escaper.

Pat Poland writes about ‘When Blackrock Castle Burned Down’. They may have been the largest in Ireland, but Pat explains why Cork’s fire engines were useless on the night.

Maria Hoey remembers poet and prolific writer Katharine Tynan Hinkson, while this week’s original short story is ‘Lockdown Gift’, by Geraldine Mills. Cathal Coyle continues his ‘Wonders of the World’s Museums’ series, this week featuring ‘Flag from San Ildefonso Warship’, which rests in the National Maritime Museum, London.

The Witness Statements are back, featuring Oscar Traynor, the Republican fighter and visionary politican. Eamonn Duggan examines the role played by former TD and Minister, Oscar Traynor, in the struggle for Irish freedom in part one of a three-part series.

We have all this for you to enjoy alongside you regular favourites such as Cassidy Says, Dan Conway’s Corner, Marjorie’s Kitchen, Pete’s Pets, Stranger Than Fiction, jokes, songs, puzzles, pen pals and much more. Enjoy the read, stay safe, and I will look forward to talking to you all again next week.

                                                                                                         Best wishes,

Seán Nolan, Editor, Ireland’s Own