Another of my occasional posts about what I’m absorbing from the world of words and sounds – this time with a focus on all things Irish ??

TV

Derry Girls – If you havent watched this crackling comedy set during the troubles in Northern Ireland, then buckets of pure joy await you. Sharp writing and great performances, and a kickass soundtrack

The Young Offenders – The film that kicked off this series was a bit patchy for my taste, but the series is an absolute gem. Equal parts poignant and utterly hilarious. The season 1 episode on the bus with hostages, pizza and singalong Frank & Walters (as insane as that sounds) is a thing of comedic perfection

FILM

• Sing Street – From the director of Once, this joyous story about growing up and the power of music is just a bundle of delights. And the songs are pop perfection
  

• Handsome Devil – John Butler’s beautiful, gentle coming of age story in a rugby school in Dublin is so good. Andrew Scott (one of the truly great Irish actors) plays the mentoring teacher role impeccably alongside the two leads. I was lucky enough to meet John once at a gig and he was a true gentleman, both encouraging of my own creative aspirations and very open about his own

PODCASTS

Dreamgun Film Reads – Wildly funny live performances of rewritten movie classics in a short sharp hour – terrifically silly performances, stuffed full of jokes, and subtly perceptive critiques of films we know and love. To see them live is a gift, but this it the next best thing. The Matrix and Jaws episodes are particularly good.

Love & Courage – Ruairi McKiernan is a true lifelong champion of social justice, equality, inclusion and so much more. On these podcasts he sits down to speak with a wide spread of thinkers in the field of activism, politics, art and social inclusion – ranging from Christy Moore to Johann Hari, and Mariane Williamson. Many of them challenged my thinking process and assumptions. Easy to listen to, hours to ponder.