S5E3: Manchán Magan - Deep Rooted In Irish Culture
For over 25 years Manachán Magan has been at the forefront of Irish cultural affairs. He first rose to public attention with the 1996 launch of Irish language television now known as TG4. Together with his brother Ruán, Manachán produced a ground breaking series of television programs exploring indigenous cultures across the globe
Since those early days, Manachán continues to drive the cultural conversation through multiple mediums. He has proved to be an accomplished journalist, theatrical performer, podcaster and author. The recent publication of 32 Words For Field and Listen To The Land Speak is redefining how Irish people interact with their ancient language and culture
Join us as we explore Manachán’s deep rooted Irishness and how he has carved out a space in public consciousness that differs from his extraordinary family. How he chooses to live a life unbounded by modern day conventions through the exploration of his unique perspective
Manachán Links
00:00 - Introduction
02:44 - Home Sights And Sounds
04:34 - Irish Homesteading?
06:40 - O'Rahilly Family Legacy
12:26 - The Midland Magans
14:33 - African Adventure
16:48 - Lessons From The Extremis
19:28 - A Sense of Disconnection
25:43 - TG4 Opens Up An Opportunity
29:41 - Film And Family Dynamics
31:18 - Bilingual Presentation Skills
33:01 - The No Béarla Experience
37:48 - The Great Hunger And Language Collapse
42:52 - Shame Trauma And Language Loss
47:46 - Book Success And Rootedness
52:33 - A Mysterious Portal?
01:00:41 - Rootedness And Belonging
01:04:22 - Popular Culture And The Irish Language
01:07:05 - Seamus Plug
01:12:51 - Recap
01:13:21 - Credits
Authour, Journalist and Cultural Maven
Manchán Magan is a writer and documentary-maker. His most recent book Thirty-Two Words for Field was a runaway bestseller. It inspired a picture book for children, Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature, with illustrator Steve Doogan, which was also a bestseller. Manchán writes occasionally for The Irish Times and presents The Almanac of Ireland podcast for RTÉ Radio 1.
