Gerry's Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerard_devine_poetry

Videos used in this podcast:

The Hurley Maker: https://youtu.be/sFYIz-lzmwE?si=g0eqLbIn0cqwX415

The Quarryman: https://youtu.be/z9rkr1ONVRs?si=Yp0fn5YL-izKQBDM

Website: https://www.gerarddevinepoetry.com/

Welcome back to the Irish Snug Podcast! In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Gerard Devine — a man who truly embodies the heart of the Irish spirit.

From walking the thin red line as a full-time firefighter in Dublin City to crafting poetry now taught in the very school he once attended, Gerard’s story is one of grit, resilience, creativity, and heritage. His journey spans continents, trades, and passions — from construction sites in Boston and San Francisco to the firehouses of Dublin, and from the roar of Gaelic games to the quiet reflection of poetry.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Life in the Dublin Fire Brigade and the universal brotherhood of firefighters
• Growing up in Dublin’s north inner city and the legacy of family, culture, and tradition
• Gerard’s experiences working and playing GAA football & hurling across the United States
• The deep-rooted role of Irish communities abroad, especially through GAA clubs and Irish pubs
• His late-in-life journey into poetry — sparked during recovery from a serious injury
• The story behind his powerful poems like The Quarryman, The Poet, The Firefighters Call, & The Hurley Maker.
• How his work has come full circle — now being taught in his old school
• Reflections on identity, pride, hardship, and leaving a legacy

Gerard shares unforgettable stories — from his father’s days in Guinness, to encounters with legends, to the realities of emigration and finding purpose. His poetry, like his life, is raw, honest, and deeply rooted in Irish identity.

This episode is about more than one man’s journey — it’s about tradition, resilience, and carving your mark on the world.

Whether you're a firefighter, an emigrant, a lover of Irish culture, or someone chasing meaning in your own life — this conversation will stay with you.

Subscribe, like, and share to support the podcast!

Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug

#IrishSnugPodcast #GerardDevine #IrishPoetry #GAA #IrishCulture

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode of The Irish Snug, host Tim Grant welcomes the inspiring Mollie Guidera, known globally as Irish with Mollie. Mollie is a visionary educator dedicated to stripping away the classroom stigmas of the Irish language and replacing them with the beauty of its history, logic, and soul.

From teaching in the Basque Country to reaching over 12,000 students in 85 countries, Mollie shares how her grandmother’s "unconditional love" sparked her journey. We dive into the "language healing" movement, the fascinating world of Hiberno-English, and why the Irish diaspora—especially in America—is the engine behind the current Gaeilge renaissance.

Whether you're a fluent speaker, a "recovering" learner from your school days, or just curious about your roots, this conversation explores how the Irish language is a "remembering" of who we are.
*In this episode, we discuss:*
The "Silent" Letters: Mollie explains her grandmother’s wisdom on why Irish is actually logical and musical once you find the rhythm.
Language as Healing: The profound connection between Gaeilge and the brain, including moving stories of how it reaches those with dementia.
Irish-American Identity: A candid talk on the "Irish accent," the history of the diaspora, and moving past the gatekeepers of culture.
Modern Renaissance: The impact of social media, the internet, and bands like Kneecap in making Irish vibrant and relevant for a new generation.

*Resources & Links Mentioned*

*Learn with Mollie:*
Official Website: https://www.irishwithmollie.com
The Gaeilge Guide: Mollie’s book on sparking your connection to the language and legacy.
Free Resources: Download the Ciorcal Comhrá (Conversation Cheat Sheet) and sign up for her bilingual weekly newsletter.

*Language & Media Resources:*
TG4: Ireland's national Irish-language broadcaster (Check out their documentaries and kids' TV).
Gaeilge Weekly: A must-listen podcast for learners.
Scéal (Story) & Seachtain (Week): New Irish language supplements and podcasts from the Irish Times and Independent.
Duolingo: For daily vocabulary practice.

*Cultural Inspiration:*
Manchán Magan: Explore the work of this "language healer" and author.
Glasnevin Cemetery: Tour Glasnevin and walk the history of Michael Collins and Constance Markievicz. https://www.dctrust.ie/experience-glasnevin/tours-and-highlights.html
The Basque History of the World: The book that influenced Mollie’s perspective on indigenous language pride.

🪉 *FOLLOW THE IRISH SNUG:*
Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug

#Ir

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Welcome back to The Irish Snug! In this episode, host Tim Grant sits down with his cousin, the incredible Dawn Doherty. From being an All-Ireland tin whistle champion to her current role as a master music therapist, Dawn’s journey is a masterclass in keeping Irish culture alive and thriving in the modern world.

Born in NYC and raised in Castlebar, County Mayo, Dawn shares her unique perspective on the "bridge" between Ireland and New York. We dive deep into:

The Healing Power of Trad: Dawn’s work using Irish music to unlock memories for dementia patients and providing a vital outlet for children with autism at the Aisling Irish Community Center.
The Art of Teaching: From the "Music Munchkins" (ages 3–4) to the McLean Avenue Adult Singing Club, Dawn breaks down her philosophy on mentoring the next generation of musicians.
The Road to the Fleadh: Why song selection is everything in competition and how she prepares her students for the world stage at the Fleadh Cheoil.
The Gaeilge Revival: The modern "spark" in the Irish language and the importance of teaching Gaeilge in a fun, accessible way.

Whether you’re a musician, a fan of Irish history, or just looking for a bit of "craic," this episode is for you.

🎓 TEACHER’S SPOTLIGHT: DAWN DOHERTY
Dawn is a pillar of the New York-Irish music scene, offering a wide range of programs for all ages and abilities:
For Kids: Tin whistle, singing, and "Music Munchkins" classes at the Aisling Center.
For Adults: Private online whistle lessons and the popular McLean Avenue Adult Singing Club.
Specialized Therapy: Private music therapy sessions for elderly patients and scholarship-based programs for children with special needs.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Dawn Doherty’s Official Website: https://dawndohertymusic.com (For music lessons, music therapy inquiries, and performance dates).
The Aisling Irish Community Center: https://aislingcenter.org/
Kneecap (Amhrán Na Scadán): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=323QYC9XHY0

🎵 RECOMMENDED LISTENING:
Dolores Keane: The Voice of Ireland
Seán Keane: Traditional Master

🪉 FOLLOW THE IRISH SNUG:
Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show