Manchester’s 'Little Mayo' to feature on Radio 1 show
DISCOVER the enchanting district of ‘Little Mayo’, nestled in the heart of Manchester, as it takes centre stage in a hour-long radio show, 'Manchester’s Green Heart', airing on RTÉ Radio 1 this afternoon (Wednesday December 27, at 3 p.m.).
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Levenshulme, in south Manchester, which proudly houses one of the largest Mayo diaspora communities in the UK.
Tune in to embark on a cultural journey and hear the voices of the lively characters who call this thriving community home.
Among the featured personalities is Tony Hennigan, the director of the Manchester-based promotions company Young, Gifted and Green and CEO of Mayo Manchester Tourism and Business Group, whose Mayo heritage traces back to the picturesque village of Attymass.
Said Tony: “It was great to see RTÉ in the heart of Manchester’s Irish community and to chat to them about we have been doing to promote Irish culture in the area since 1989 and our work with Mayo County Council during the last 10 years with Mayo Manchester to develop relationships between the two areas and our annual Mayo Manchester Tradfest in Mayo. The festival is heading to Castlebar next August for the bank holiday weekend and it will be great fun.”
The show is presented by Deb Grant and produced by Emma Goswell, who popped into the Union Irish music bar, a Levenshulme Pub Company bar, which is owned by Mayo business man Lawrence Hennigan. They chatted to Alan Keegan, the voice of Old Trafford at Manchester United and author of three books about the Irish community in Manchester called ‘Irish Manchester’. Alan gave the show an insight into Manchester United’s Irish connections and revealed some of the fascinating facts in his three books about the Irish community in Manchester. Alan hosts the annual Mayo Manchester Tradfest in Mayo.
The team also chatted to the creative manager at Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance show, James Keegan. James also helps run the Manchester-based Keegan Academy of Irish Dance.
Other guests included Matt Kelly from the Irish Music Festival ‘Craic by the Creek’ and Joe Casserley, presenter of the Manchester Irish Radio show ‘On Eire’.
The show also visited the former site of the world famous Palace Nightclub, venue for many big Irish events, St. Peter’s GAA Club, St. Mary's in Levenshulme, newly opened Bia Cafe Bar, and Mulligan's bar.
Said presenter Deb Grant: “As an Irish person who has recently arrived in Manchester, it’s a thrill to be searching for the city’s Irish heart - people from all walks of Irish life have given up their time and shared their stories with us, not to mention countless cups of Barry’s tea, and I can’t wait to pass that warmth and generosity on to our listeners.”
Article courtesy of Mayo North Tourism