Shows
PisrógsThe Devil HimselfAN DIABHAL, The Devil, Old Nick, The Old...Boy?
WE all know of the devil, he's the red fella with the horns who is likely to be the ruler of our infinite misery if indeed it is true that you should fast on Friday, he also is the mascot for hot sauces and red wine. He's a busy lad.
BUT the devil in Irish Folklore is far from the fallen angel of Danté's Inferno, at his best he's like Al Pacino in Devi's Advocate and his worst, like Elma Fud in Looney Tunes.
2022-04-0237 minPisrógsGrianán of AileachTHE STONE HOUSE OF THE SUN
THIS Donegal antiquity has been the quiet sentinel of Ireland, WITNESS to our shared history -
FROM the Tuatha Dé Danann to midnight mass, its a long-time fan of our stuff.
A temple for the sun god Baal,
THE original home of the O'Neill Clan, the site of Niall of the Nine Hostages conversion to Christianity by Old Man Patrick and the eventual hideaway for Catholics in penal times.
ARCHAEOLOGISTS also found a stone phallus there, for you stone-cold lovers out there.2022-03-0645 minPisrógsPlace of OisinKILLESHIN, Church of the Glen of Uise,
PLACE of Oisin.
TALES from Killeshin, Carlow and its surrounding areas chosen by YEE.
SONS of legends, MEN catching rabbits, HIBERNO-ROMAN arches, IRISH acres v ENGLISH acres,
NED of the HILL?
IT'S all in our spin around Killeshin! (AS well as a man who kills his goat in drunken anxiety).
STRAP into the passenger seat and put Mr. Gareth Quinn Redmond on the AUX baby.
Music - @GarethQuinnRedmond Illustration - @AislingLarkinDesign
2022-01-2641 minPisrógsHanged Priest, The Black Hand & ButterTALES from local areas submitted by YEE (@pisrogspodcast on Instagram).
THIS episode unwinds forgotten yarns from Dromore West SLIGO, Birr Co. OFFALY and Inchicore DUBLIN.
VENGEFUL knights, evil spirits, cursed churches, stolen BUTTER.
A lean mean and captivating spin through the land of IRE.2022-01-0536 minPisrógsWerewolves of OssoryAWOO, ehem.
IN this episode a priest and our old friend 'Gerald of Wales' come across a pair of werewolves, they have a chat with them and give them a bit of communion for their trouble.
LYNCANTHROPY, the transformation of humans into wolves.
IT'S a phenom that transcends borders, there are werewolves in Germany, Greece, The Balkins . . . and the counties Kilkenny and Laois.
OSSORY was a kingdom in Ireland which spread across these two counties, give or take.
2021-11-2845 minPisrógsFollies & Garden HermitsTHE BOY(S) discuss the weird, wonderful world of FOLLIES and their impractical existence, as well as their unlikely connection to the FAMINE.
EVER wanted an old man living in your back garden?
EVER want a slice of Egypt in your ends?
EVER build something to break?
ARISTOCRATS did.2021-10-2255 min
PisrógsConversations with a DruidNEW GROUND for the podcast,
WITH Aran preparing to venture into the bowels of the Amazon, Luke holds down the fort, but not alone, as the Pisrogs Podcast takes on its its first roguish interview with the rambunctious Ronan O'Raghallaigh!
RONAN is an artist from county Kildare who took the matter of disassembling his colonization into his own hands, by taking part in a Bealtaine Baptism over quarantine and becoming a 21st Century Druid.
HE'S also a really nice guy!
OPEN YOUR EARS TO:
Shamanic drum visions, spirit animals and personal journeys
Celtic art and its misreading as purely 'decorative'
...2021-09-301h 25
PisrógsInvention of MusicJOIN the boys as they discuss everything under the big sonic sun - From the mythological invention of music, to the instruments of the past, to the magic behind the instruments and their players . . . A meal for the ears!
“NO enemy speaks slightingly of Irish Music, and no friend need fear to boast of it. It is without a rival, Its antique war-tunes, such as those of O'Byrne, O'Donnell, MacAlistrum and Brian Boru, stream and crash upon the ear like the warriors of a hundred glens meeting; and you are borne with them to battle, and they and you charge an...2021-09-141h 14
PisrógsIrish Martial Arts & Faction Fighting“Bataireacht is a category of stick-fighting martial arts of Ireland. The concept of people swinging sticks at each other, in anger, dates far into pre-history.”
The 18th and 19th century Irish phenomenon known as the Faction Fight was essentially a mass brawl that involved hundreds and sometimes thousands of antagonists organised into groups and meeting at designated venues and dates such as fairs, markets, funerals, race meetings, patterns or any other large gathering.
Angry stick swinging, shin kicking, Irish wrestling, shillelagh making and Faction Fighting explored by the boys in this episode.
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by @aislinglarkindesign2021-08-121h 30
PisrógsEoin Roe O'NeillAN Irish mercenary in the Spanish army trained in the art of war by Franciscan monks.
EOGHAN Ruadh Ó Néill is one of the most famous members of the O'Neill Dynasty of Ulster, an Irish family which claim the lineage of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a legendary High King.
HAVING only left Ireland as boy in the Flight of the Earls, O'Neill became known as an incredible defensive tactician, oftentimes fighting and winning with significantly fewer soldiers than the enemy. He quickly rose the ranks of the Spanish garrison.
IT is often said that O'Neill's defensive capabilities could have ch...2021-07-291h 27
PisrógsBeans, Beads and Begora!You heard it, an episode of beans, beads and begora, tis mighty. We've kept it colloquial with the help of listener suggested stories. From stories of a man who danced himself dead to a ship of beans. Scary fairies to golden stalks to beat the ass, we've got it all.
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by Aisling Larkin Design (@aislinglarkindesign)2021-07-151h 00
PisrógsThe Fairy Cow (Part Two)CUID A DÓ. In part one the lads discussed the mythological origins of Glas Gabhnenn, an early Irish tale that involved giant cyclopes, glass towers, trapped princesses, sword-wielding champions and a magical cow!
IN PART TWO, The fairy cow takes centre stage!
ARAN and Luke read from an everlasting bucket of archival folk stories, learn about:
The first white and black cow in Ireland, EVER.
Tales of an evil Queen, her defiant son and his ability to put on weight DESPITE her best efforts.
A razor tempered with rat's blood . . . . Hold on, did we read that right?
LISTEN NOW, it's a...2021-07-0139 min
PisrógsThe Fairy Cow (Part One)CUID A HAON of our double bill dedicated to An Glas Gaibhnenn, The Gloss, or simply put The Fairy Cow.
THE Fairy Cow is a mythical beast who was said to have an abundant supply of milk.
COUNTLESS stories on The Fairy Cow exist all over Ireland, think of the oldest story you know and then think of that story's older brother. That's give or take how ancient this beauty is.
IN PART ONE, Luke and Aran dive into the mythological origins of Glas Gaibhnenn only to find:
CYCLOPS Giants,
GLASS towers,
CUNNING Smiths,
TRAPPED princesses,
A BATTLE at Sea,
...2021-06-1743 min
PisrógsFairy Wind, Love Charms & Milky TailsKick back and relax with this grab bag episode of Irish stories, riddles and love charms. From Fionn Mac Cumhaill's mother's shin bone to the fairy wind. Guaranteed laughs and Irish love.
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by Aisling Larkin Design (@aislinglarkindesign)2021-06-0358 min
PisrógsThe Tailteann GamesOLDER than the Olympics, a yearly 'sporting' event that was about so much more than feats of strength.
THE TAILTEANN GAMES drew crowds from all over Ancient Ireland to take part in competitions of swordplay, long jumps, crafting, storytelling . . . . There were even hills where mass marriages and the occasional divorce took place.
THE boys delve into the real history of the Tailteann Games, an event in honour of the Queen and God Tailtiu . . .
There's even evidence to suggest the Greeks took a little inspiration from the Irish.2021-05-201h 06
PisrógsBealtaine (Gaelic May Day)The light half of the year has finally arrived. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, nature is getting greener.
It is time to send the animals off to higher pastures, cut turf and prepare for the summer of working the land ahead.
Bonfires must be lit to cleanse and protect homes, people and animals.
The morning dew must be collected to ensure luck and prosperity.
The boys discuss all this and more in this episode on the Gaelic May Day Festival of Bealtaine
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2021-05-061h 10
PisrógsCrom CruachCHILD sacrifice, intense worship and a battle between an ancient idol and St. Patrick.
THIS all took place in the small clearing 'Magh Slecht' in the hills of Cavan where a golden idol to the god CROM CRUACH stood.
The boys journey to Magh Slecht, to explore Crom Cruach as a dark yet likely misinterpreted figure. Discover if there really was child sacrifice at Magh Slecht and why exactly it happened in the first place.
Gareth Quinn Redmond on music.
Aisling Larkin on the logo.
Pisrogspodcast on instagram.2021-04-221h 02
PisrógsLocal Stories, Piseóga and RiddlesJoin Aran and Luke this week as they explore their parish and townlands past with stories of treachery, ghosts, hauntings, strongman Seán Byrnes and Miles 'The Slasher'.
Also a sprinkling of Piseóga, superstitious beliefs and practices, and riddles throughout.
Thank you Gareth Quinn Redmond for the music.
Thank you Aisling Larkin (@aislinglarkindesign) for the logo.2021-04-081h 10
PisrógsBook of Invasions (Lebor Gabála Érenn)Ever wondered whose the first person to settle in Ireland?
Well there's a few first people, six groups in fact, and one group are gods, and one aren't gods... but both are related?
Lets start from the beginning.
Journey back in time with Aran and Luke to meet the many groups that settled, ruled and fought for Ireland (according to the Book of Invasions).
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2021-03-251h 10
PisrógsThe Bean Sí (Banshee)The Bean Sí, literally the Fairy Woman, has no abode. She comes near a house to wail for one who is about to die.
Those who know how piercing is the caoine, the people's lament for the dead, will realise what a dread visitant the Bean Sí would be.
Join Aran and Luke as they explore the Bean Sí's origins, purpose and alternative interpretations throughout the country.
Filled with tales both personal and from older generations.
Also hear of Luke's new internship with the Bean Sí's
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2021-03-111h 01
PisrógsAfter LifeThe Irish had and have a funny approach to death, that bit after life.
It's a very funny and uplifting one for an episode about death, that's all we'll say.
Come along with Aran and Luke to learn about the mad craic and practical jokes which would be carried out at Wakes, a celebration of the dead individuals life (It gets very Weekend at Bernie's).
ALSO discover Irish Folktales of journeys to heavenly islands where abundant feasts, parties and beautiful beautiful people await.
Thanks for the fan submission that made this episode possible!
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by...2021-02-251h 04
PisrógsDobhar-chúAt Glenade lake in County Leitrim a mythical creature known as the Dobhar-chú was said to have murdered a woman whilst she washed clothes, a tombstone exists supposedly depicting this act.
Aran and Luke dive in to the murky depths of the stories and songs about the legendary Dobhar-chú!
There's also a water horse too.2021-02-1039 min
PisrógsCailleachVeiled One, Crone, Witch. The embodiment of Winter, a creator deity and daughter of the Little Sun. The Cailleach is one of Ireland's oldest characters who very well may still be on this island.
Also explored in this episode are the colloquial Caillí, Witches, the like to fill your boots with butter or squeeze you to death.
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2021-01-281h 02
PisrógsThe Christmas SpecialThe boys cant meet in person but they can meet in spirit, a SEASONAL MIRACLE for the final episode of this season!
In this episode the lads chat about a long celebrated and peculiar Irish tradition, The Wren (or Wran, depending where you're from).
The tradition involves gaggles of lads all over Ireland chasing down the little bird dressed in false faces, tinsel, straw and- you know what, its best you just listen.
Learn about The Wren and laugh about much more in this fantastic Christmas themed episode.
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2020-12-2442 min
PisrógsBean Feasa (Woman of Knowledge)The boys explore An Bheán Feasa, wise women who possessed remedies for physical and spiritual ailments as well as being a diplomat between the the people of the physical world and the Good People of the netherworld.
If there was a prize for the wisest of the wise women, it'd go to none other than Biddy Early.
To the Church and the local priest, Biddy Early was a witch. To those of the locality who received her help, she was the closest thing they had to a living saint.
Join Aran and Luke to learn more about Biddy Early, a...2020-12-1755 min
PisrógsCity of the DeadWe are all used to epidemics at this stage. . .
But have you ever seen bodies rising from the ground?
Beacons burned night-after-night to ward away infectious air?
Farmers coughing blood at the roadside dropping one-by-one as a town is turned from a quiet borough to a 'city of the dead.'
Aran and Luke explore the experience of Charlotte Thornley in Sligo town during the cholera epidemic, an experience which went on to inspire her son, Bram Stoker.
Lastly, the boys chat about their own (comparatively minor) struggles after a year of Covid-19.
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by...2020-12-1059 min
PisrógsCuresPains? Cured. Burns? Cured. Warts? Cured. Childishness? Cured. Epilepsy? Cured.
You may find the cure to your ailments in this episode. Or if not, you may have a lead to tracking down your desired cure. Or discover your own ability to cure.....
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2020-12-031h 04
PisrógsThe Black PigAn omen of war, a massacre to come. The Black Pig brings nothing but hatred between men. Oh, he also wants your money when you're walking home late at night.
We explore the many representations of the Black Pig throughout Irish history and folklore.
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2020-11-2651 min
PisrógsScéalta SkerriesWhat is it a rich man wants, a poor man has, a blind man sees, and a deaf man hears?
Find out in this weeks fun episode filled with riddles, stories and superstitions from Skerries.
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2020-11-1941 min
PisrógsThe WhiteboysThe first secret oath bound society rose up to stand against the oppression and inequalities Irish tenants were experiencing from landlords and big land owners. Maybe we need to take a leaf from their book in these current times.......
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2020-11-1242 min
PisrógsWill-o'-the-WispYou step out into the darkness, time to head home. You begin to wander in the direction of home, only the faint moonlight offering any illumination. As you begin to doubt yourself, a blue glow emanates from a path to the left. You begin to follow...
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2020-11-0535 min
PisrógsThe Halloween SpecialAahhh the Halloween Special. Join us this week as we discuss the origins of Halloween in Samhain, from games to old customs. We also explore the Púca, with a story recounting the deeds of one of Ireland's greatest heroes.....
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2020-10-2955 min
PisrógsThe ChangelingHave you ever thought that a loved one is acting strange all of a sudden? They seem to have a full beard one day where previously there was none? They seem to know things they couldn't? They jump about and play the flute when no one is watching? Then perhaps, you're living with a Changeling.......
Music by Gareth Quinn Redmond
Logo by AislingLarkinDesign2020-10-2254 min