Episode Notes

This is bonus episode No. 5 of the podcast.

An Draíocht is a radio documentary I produced in 2023. With the assistance of Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan, Sliabh Luachra musician in residence, I immerse myself in the music of Sliabh Luachra by going on a quest to track down six Irish traditional vinyl records released in 1977.

It was first broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM on Sunday 12 March 2023 and received a repeat broadcast on Sunday 12 November 2023.

Reviews

Mick Heaney – The Irish Times
“The engagingly meandering quest that follows is as much temporal, historical and even spiritual as it is physical, with diversions into everything from the flying columns during the War of Independence and the geography of Sliabh Luachra to the 1990s indie scene in Cork city. Above all, McDermott seeks to discover the peculiar magic – an draíocht – evoked by the hypnotically raw music captured on the LPs he so craves. Ultimately, the specialist premise serves as a starting point to take the listener on an idiosyncratic but fascinating journey: it’s one of those rare occasions where the overused J-word seems appropriate. An Draíocht is an evocative reminder of the magical role music can play in our lives.”

Declan Lynch – Sunday Independent
“An Draíocht is a Lyric Feature made by Paul McDermott - a powerful piece on the music of Sliabh Luachra.”

Siobhán Long – The Irish Times
“An Draíocht - a great documentary tracing the elusive, seminal Sliabh Luachra recordings of Julia Clifford, Denis Murphy, Patrick O’Keeffe et al. An odyssey beautifully recounted by ⁦Paul McDermott.”

David Long – Into Paradise
“Bostik, a donkey that doesn’t need directions, a deaf and brilliant music teacher, a trip to the Crawford gallery, and some beautiful music are just some of the things you will come across in this great music documentary.”

For Further Reading:

For further information, articles, reviews, interviews and features about An Draíocht - the music of Sliabh Luachra see the documentary’s page here.