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From Cape Breton to Carndonagh 26.03.08

FORMER Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Michael Phillips was in Carndonagh recently for the launch of a new radio series at ICRfm.
The series consists of 14 half-hour programmes examining the cultural ties between the maritime provinces of Canada including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and Irish traditions. Music, song, dance and literature is examined and compared in the new series.
The reception at ICR was attended by Mr. Phillips and his wife Oonagh, along with contributors to the series, Culdaff-based writer Hazel McIntyre and Dr. Liz Doherty of Buncrana.
The idea for the series was first mooted when a delegation from Inishowen Rural Development
Pictured recently at the ICRfm studios are from left Oonagh Phillips, Michael Phillips, Liz Doherty, Hazel McIntyre and Jimmy McBride.
and members from Inishowen Community Radio travelled to the Mirimichi area of New Brunswick in the maritime provinces some time ago on a cultural exchange and a reciprocal visit by a delegation from there to Inishowen the following year. Research shows that the North West of Ireland sent many people on the immigrant ships from Derry and Sligo to ports like Halifax and St. John’s. Therefore, it was felt that a strong Irish connection would still exist.
Jimmy McBride, chairperson and presenter on Inishowen Community Radio undertook to research the project. He sought help from experts in the field including author Hazel McIntyre, Buncrana academic and musician Dr. Liz Doherty, Buncrana musician P.V. O’Donnell; academics at the University of Fredricton, New Brunswick and and Renie Fitzgerald, a dance teacher from Cape Breton. Staff and volunteers at ICRfm helped with the production of the programmes.
They will air twice a week on ICRfm beginning on Tuesday, March 25 at 4pm and each Thursday and Tuesday thereafter at 4pm until May 8.
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