Encore with Claire O' Brien

Episode 107

On this week's installment of Encore with Zoe Ryan - an appeal, an award and an announcement. Cliona Higgins reflects on creating 'Clay by Clio' and reveals her plans to expand, starting with stocking her creations in Midlands-based retailers. Laois-based Photographer Paul Fetherstonhaugh discusses how he went from capturing stills of wildlife to shots of astronomical objects and one of his photographs being shortlisted in a prestigious astrophotography competition. Offaly-born film and television professional Christopher Galvin on what inspires his writings ahead of launching his first book, 'The Thing About Giants,' in his hometown of Croghan this week.

Episode 106

On this week's installment of Encore with Zoe Ryan - the return of two highly anticipated annual events in the midlands and a seemingly outside the box pairing which turned out to be a winning combination for a couple of midlands creatives. Chair of the Mullingar Literary Festival Laurence Meehan gives us a rundown of this year's festivities whilst Pat Kenny, a member of the Inklings Writing Group, offers us a sneak peak with a live recital of one of his writings. Offaly-based Artist Emma Barone and Singer Kathrena Ryan on combining their respective crafts to create, 'Aligning with Summer,' an intuitive art and sound healing workshop taking place in Birr this weekend. Westmeath native and Artistic Director of Tullamore International Summer Organ Series Charles Marshall walks us through their 2026 concert schedule.

Episode 105

Encore with Zoe Ryan

Episode 104

This week on Encore with Zoe Ryan Ballinagore born teacher Olive Robinson tells us about bringing Vanessa Galligan’s acclaimed play ‘My Therapist Needs Therapy’ to Athlone Little Theatre for three special performances next weekend in an effort to raise funds for much needed resources. Following their set at Dunamaise Arts Centre’s Battle of the Bands competition earlier this month, newly formed, midlands-based four-piece southern rock band 'Soulberry' discuss their unique sound and what’s next for them. Soprano Helen Hancock reveals her knack to getting more people listening to opera music and the challenges of pursuing a career in classical music ahead of her concert at St Mary's Church of Ireland in Athlone this weekend alongside The Triskel Ensemble. And on the eve of the homecoming of their original play 'The Burned Man' to Esker Arts, Patrick Fogarty and Daniel Murray of Fomóire Productions reflect on the journey so far of going independent.

Episode 103

Coming up tonight on Encore with Zoe Ryan. Peggy McHale, Programmer at Dublin International Film Festival, gives us all the details on the ESB Short Film Award, their collaboration with the electricity company to mark their milestone anniversaries (25 and 100 years respectively), offering young film makers in the midlands and across the country the chance to have their short film funded and premiered at DIFF 2027. In the aftermath of the Road to Forest Fest Battle of the Bands competition in Portlaoise last weekend, we have music from contestant, up-and-coming singer songwriter Becca Mitchell. Tullamore business owner, chef turned pole dancing instructor Savanna Jacqueline, discusses her latest venture - opening the first games cafe in the Midlands, appropriately titled, 'The Bards Rest.' Floral Artist Anna Browne of Big Sky Flowers explains spatial poetry ahead of her upcoming workshop in the artform at Castlepollard Library.