Hidden Heartlands History Hike with Athlone’s Vincent Harney
Despite the “Off the Beaten Craic” theme to the current Irish Stew podcast series, on this episode hosts Martin Nutty and John Lee follow the well-worn track of history that flows through Athlone like the broad River Shannon.
Their guide is the affable Vincent Harney of Athlone Guided Tours, a well-researched, perceptive storyteller who peels back the layers of the Athlone story from atop Athlone Castle, while crossing the Shannon, and as they trod the ancient streets back into the very heart of Irish history.
Along with local history, Vincent shares his story of growing up in a big farm family in nearby Cornafulla, the post office his parents operated, his own time as postmaster, and lessons learned working the family farm.
“In the post office, I loved hearing the old people’s stories and hearing about their history. And we would know the history of the fields around us, like the one field given away for a loaf of bread during the famine,” Vincent recalls.
Inspired by those stories, Vincent started a new career leading historical walking tours to share how Athlone’s origins as a river ford placed it at the crossroads of Irish history, how Norman and Cromwellian armies both marched over its first timber bridge, about the accommodation built into the stone bridge for the gentry's sail boats, and why the railway bridge was considered an engineering marvel of its day.
Vincent reveals Athlone's surprising connections to the Titanic disaster with the sad tale of the ill-fated passenger Margaret Rice, whose body could only be identified by the shoes she wore, purchased from the venerable Parsons of Athlone in the red brick building that still stands today at the corner of Custume Place and Northgate Street.
Vincent spins a happier tale about Athlone native John McCormack, tracing the singer’s unlikely rise from a working-class family to global fame as one of the greatest tenors of all time.
1923 Portrait of John McCormack by William Orpen; McCormack birthplace and plaques
The episode wraps with Vincent making a compelling case for visiting Ireland and coming to Athlone when you do, reminding us, “the history of Ireland is here in Athlone.”
Next week, Irish Stew talks organic farming and agritourism in Offaly with Margaret Edgill of Mt. Briscoe Farm and Pippa Hackett, former Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Links
Athlone Guided Tours
Hidden Heartlands Travel Resources
Irish Stew Links
Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 32; Total Episode Count: 135
00:00 - Introduction
04:07 - Cornafulla: The Hill of Blood
07:09 - Athlone Deep History
09:12 - Athlone's Bridges
13:25 - Athlone Guided Tours
16:17 - Titanic Stories
19:12 - Count John McCormack
27:01 - Seamus Plug
28:42 - John & Martin Recap
33:44 - Credits
Vincent Harney
Athlone Tour Guide
Vincent Harney of Athlone Guided Walking Tours has a deep-rooted connection to the town and its rich history. After retiring as postmaster of the nearby Cornafulla Post Office, he’s dedicated his time to sharing Athlone’s fascinating past with visitors and locals alike.
With a passion for storytelling, local folklore, and historical landmarks, Vincent brings Athlone’s heritage to life, offering an engaging and immersive experience. Whether you’re exploring Athlone for the first time or rediscovering its hidden gems, Vincent’s insider knowledge and warm personality make every tour memorable and insightful. His Athlone Guided Tours is dedicated to uncovering the stories, legends, and history of the capital of Irish Midlands, Athlone.
