The Country Girls in Conversation: A Tribute to Edna O’Brien.

A fascinating show hosted by Ruth O'Hagan in conversation with Carol McNamara in studio. 

Ruth and Carol spoke about Edna’s funeral mass in St. Joseph’s Church in Tuamgraney, her burial on Inis Cealtra/Holy Island, featuring Tommy Holland, Edna’s 2nd cousin who shares some of Edna’s Lineage in the footsteps of Brian Boru.There were local stories about Edna and her impact on the area, while sharing some truths that are now no longer rural legends.

Joining live from Cork was Dr Maureen O’ Connor, the Senior Lecturer from the School of English and Digital Humanities in UCC. Maureen brought us into the study of Edna O’Brien over the many years of her international academic career.

There were several reflections on Edna, and her impact, throughout the show:

-  Roisin Bugler a local Poet from Mountshannon, where Edna has been laid to rest, created an incredibly beautiful poem in honour of Edna’s passing.

 - Local writer and playwright Tara Sparling, who like Edna, is also from the village of Tuamgraney, spoke to Ruth and the listeners about growing up in a place where the immediacy of a leading role model of Irish and female writing, made writing tangible.

 - Trish Murphy Psychosexual Therapist and Irish Times Columnist, in a recording, offers insight on Edna’s impact on sexuality and desire. 

Ruth also recorded several fascinating interviews on Inis Cealtra / Holy Island before and after Edna’s funeral, such as John McColgan of River Dance fame as well as Journalists Helen Quinn and Marian Richardson. 

The show also includes some pieces of Edna’s favourite music, and soundscapes from her burial on Holy Island.

As originally broadcast on SBCR on Sunday 11th August 2024