The Pogues are a Hiberno-English band who stand as one of the greatest musical acts to (almost) come out of Ireland. Their lead vocalist, and Rebel Voice uses that term loosely, is possibly the finest song-writer of all time. Leonard Cohen could only wish to be as good as Shane MacGowan. This ballad is another […]
The Pogues are a raucous lot. They are the stuff of legend in Ireland and anywhere Irish people assemble, which is a lot of places across the world. Although a Hiberno-English band, their sound is all Irish, as is their attitude. They would be classified as a trad/folk punk band, but are so much more. […]
Ireland. It’s a small island on the western fringe of Europe. It has mountains, myths and madness. It contains some of the most beautiful and gentle people you will ever meet, and (sadly) some of the worst. But regardless of the citizens, who for the most part will give you a ceád míle fáilte (hundred […]
Lisa O’Neill is from Cavan close to the English-imposed border in Ireland. She is a fairly fresh voice on the Irish folk scene and a favourite of local DJs who know their music. He voice is certainly distinctive and her lyrics are insightful and profound. She is one to watch for the future. If you […]
This renowned and beautiful Irish ballad was reputed to have been written by James McGarvey from the County Derry portion of Slieve Gallion mountain. The mountain itself is divided between counties Derry and Tyrone although the vast majority is in the former, the latter being a veritable wasteland full of head-the-balls. This rendition is performed […]
The scandal of the Magdalene Laundries and the orphanages of Ireland run by the Catholic Church is surely one of the most sickening episodes of history on the Emerald Isle. The Church was all-powerful and the children were its greatest victims. Members of the public may have suspected that there were serious problems, but few […]
Podge and Rodge are Irish institutions… unfortunately. This pair of cursing and swearing sex-obsessed puppets were renowned for their adult language and conversation. With Podge and Rodge nothing was sacred. In this clip, they interview reality TV star, Rebecca Loos, who was famous for her involvement with David Beckham. They do not pull their punches. […]
You’ll Ruin Your Dinner by Damien Corless Rebel Voice wonders how many readers spent a childhood trying to consume as many sweets as possible, even at the risk of incurring a parent’s wrath and the associated dire warnings of life with no teeth. If the Irish experience is in any way standard, then quite a […]
Ireland is a nation steeped in both the supernatural and paranormal. Whether it is selkies, banshees, leprechauns or politicians, the Emerald Isle has more than its fair share of scary and corruptible creatures. Yet one Otherworldly entity holds a grip upon the people more than any other, and that is the fairies. Travel around rural […]
The Poc Fada na hÉireann is the All-Ireland final for the ancient sport of the poc fada. This involves hitting a ball (slíotar) around a mountain course in the fewest strikes (poc) possible. There are qualifiers held around the country throughout the year to select the best athletes. On the big day, men, women and […]
The Raggle Taggle Gypsy is a folk standard across Ireland and tells of a woman who leaves her husband to run away with a gypsy. It is followed up by another popular melody, this time it’s a traditional music number, Tabhair dom do laimh, which means give me your hand. If you enjoyed this, please […]
Patrick Kavanagh was born in County Monaghan in 1904 and died in 1967. He was a colourful and combative character who wrote of the life of the rural people of Ireland. He had an ongoing dispute with the Irish poet and playwright, Brendan Behan. Kavanagh‘s most famous poem is Raglan Road which is now best […]
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