Introducing the Magic of An Ríocht: A New 10-Part Bilingual (Irish and English) Audio Series Celebrating Kerry And The Young People Who Have Decided To Stay

Kerry, Ireland – In an inspiring new audio series, journalist Édaein O’ Connell and radio & TV presenter Jamie Ó Flannúra traverse the Kingdom of Kerry to bring listeners the voices and stories of ten young individuals who have chosen to remain in the county and make it their home. The series, titled ‘The Magic of Ríocht’, offers a unique bilingual exploration into why these young people are staying in Ireland amidst a backdrop of increasing emigration through the medium of Irish and English. 

According to the Central Statistics Office Population and Migration Estimates released in August of last year, approximately 27,600 Irish people left the country in the year leading up to April 2022. It’s a trend that has touched nearly every household, with familiar reasons like high rents, job scarcity, unfavourable weather, and housing issues driving many to seek opportunities abroad. Yet, there are those who defy these statistics, choosing instead to cultivate their lives and careers in the land of green and gold.

The Magic of An Ríocht delves into the hearts and minds of these young residents of Kerry, exploring their motivations, passions, and aspirations. Through ten captivating 15-minute episodes, Édaein and Jamie bring to life the experiences of young people from Listowel, Killarney, Dingle, and beyond. This series is more than a collection of interviews; it is a love letter to County Kerry, celebrating the spirit of resilience and the deep-rooted connection these individuals feel to their community. 

Each episode highlights the unique ways in which these young people are contributing to their localities, maintaining their cultural roots, and envisioning a future that is intertwined with the prosperity and vibrancy of their beloved county.

Meanwhile, Jamie Ó Flannúra added: “It was fantastic to meet and hear the amazing stories of so many young people who have made Kerry their forever home. I loved listening and seeing first-hand how they have immersed themselves into the county through the community events they are involved with. For me it has been brilliant to also see how they are also involved in promoting the Irish language and culture too within their locality too”

“There’s a lot of negative press about being a young person and deciding to stay in Ireland right now,” co-host Édaein O’ Connell says. “A week doesn’t go by without someone I know booking a one-way flight to Australia or Canada. It can feel like that narrative is the same for everyone in their twenties and early thirties, but this series shows that’s not entirely true. Kerry is a vibrant and bustling county that is not only keeping its natives here but is also now the adopted home of many. It’s been a joy to witness just how much love there is for communities here.”

The series includes 10 guests and here’s some info on a few of them  

Seaghan Ó Sulleabháin, a South Kerry farmer who is making quite the name for himself on TikTok along with his sidekick brandy. 

Enya Sheehy, a primary school teacher based in West Kerry and the woman behind the popular Dingle swimming group Snamh for the Soul. 

John Prendagast, from Tralee is an Irish language planning officer who returned to Kerry after years promoting the Irish language on an international stage 

This project was funded by Coimisiun na Meáin and the 10 episodes were originally aired on Radio Kerry throughout April and May. They will now be released as a 10-part audio series through June and July on Spotify, allowing an even wider audience to engage with these inspiring stories. 

Tune in to The Magic of An Ríocht from next Monday (June 3rd) to be inspired by the youthful voices of Kerry and to discover what keeps their feet firmly planted on home soil.

About the Creators: 

Jamie Ó Flannúra is a TV presenter, journalist, MC and Gaeilgeoir from Dingle. Jamie is skilled in TV presenting and has been the presenter of various children’s programmes including Eco Laoch & Cúla 4 ar scoil. Jamie currently works as a journalist & presenter for Nuacht Cula 4 (Irish language children’s news programme) and as a producer with the new children’s Irish language channel – Cúla 4 and TG4. He also worked as a producer for continuity links for Cúla 4, TG4 & MOC’s & has worked as a presenter for TG4 Foghlaim & Cula 4 ar scoil. Meanwhile, he is also a social media presenter & social media coordinator for a myriad of events in Dingle including the Dingle Food Festival & Dingle Races!

Édaein O’ Connell is a journalist, presenter and former Kerry Rose. A regular contributor to IMAGE.ie and the Irish Independent, Edaein has also written for British Vogue, The Sunday Times Style Magazine, Stylist and The Irish Times on everything from politics to pop culture in a light-hearted – and occasionally irreverent – style. She was the Munster Correspondent on the Jennifer Zamparelli Show on RTÉ 2FM for two years and can be regularly heard as a guest on Newstalk, Cork 96FM and more.