Documentary On One - Rté Documentaries

A really uplifting and feel good story. In the 1950s this Australian cabaret band were hugely popular at weddings/parties. They eventually split up. Now, 36 years on, aged in their 70s and 80s, the band has re-formed. However, not everything goes to planSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 2005, producer, Ronan Kelly, came across three 13-year olds walking along the street in Athlone wearing wetsuits. Wetsuits!? In a town miles from the sea?! At the time, Irish Rail said that this report glorified crime. See what you think.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1984, Anne Lovett, a 15yr old from Co. Longford died giving birth beside a grotto. Her baby son also died. After Anne’s death, the Gay Byrne show received so many letters, they devoted an entire programme to reading them out - a seminal moment in Irish broadcasting & 12 yrs later, Lorelei Harris, made this multi award winning documentary. (1996)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A picnic in the woods, a walk on the beach - and a dream wedding. In the first year that civil partnerships for same sex couples were legalised, over 500 gay and lesbian couples tied the knot. Rita Ann Burke and Mitzie Murphy were one of those couples.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the Houlihan family in Nurney, Co.Kildare, January is the busiest month. They make a centuries-old Irish traditional favourite. What is it? The clue is in their location and the fact that they have to have it ready for February 1st.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A charming and simple tale of life told through letters written over 50 years between two cousins - Marie Rutledge from Dublin and her cousin in America. The letters are a personal history of time passing for two friends on opposite sides of the Atlantic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ronan Kelly attempts a bit of intercultural exchange on the streets of Dublin with a Nigerian woman, Majupe. She tells him about a time she had a boil on her bum - he counters with a joke about boils. Disaster. (Short radio feature from RTE Ireland)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For four decades, Major General Hugh Tudor avoided publicity whilst living a careful life in the shadows. But he lived in fear all his life for during Ireland's most troubled period, he was the boss of the infamous Black and Tans. A group mostly made up of former soldiers that terrorised local communities. (2012)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 4 decades, Major General Hugh Tudor, scrupulously avoided publicity whilst living a careful quiet life in the shadows. But he lived in fear all his life - for during Ireland's most troubled period, he was the boss of the infamous Black and Tans outfit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dramatic story of a sinking ship, the captain who wouldn't leave her and the 8-year old schoolboy, Pól Ó Duibhir, who followed the saga on radio. (A short Irish documentary, presented by Ronan Kelly on RTE Radio, Ireland)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Whelan is a 15 year old from Dublin’s inner city. He is a horse owner and discusses the enjoyment he gets from owning the animal. Many youths in the area keep horses but face opposition from the local community. James left school early but works for a polishing business to earn an income for the upkeep of the horse. (First Broadcast 1997)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ciarán got himself a new phone. On it he found a dating website. On that he found Kelly. Only problem - he's in Ireland, she's in the US. So, not much hope of romance then? Liam Nolan tells the story. (Short Irish radio documentary - RTE Radio Ireland)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 1980s, many young Irish people emigrated to America due to unemployment. Paddy O’Gorman speaks to emigrants in New York, who have travelled to find work and many of them are in the country illegally. There are difficulties in finding work and accommodation, but many of the people love their new home. (First Broadcast 1986)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freddie Stapleton and Graham Hickey love Dublin's windows. Graham loves history and has a passion for windows and Freddie is a window cleaner.Produced by Colette Kinsella (First Broadcast 2011)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's it like to live in a place where it hasn't rained in nearly 5 years? Welcome to Turkana, Northern Kenya, population 500,000. In 1961 the same thing happened and Irish nuns were amongst the first to arrive to help. 50 yrs on, nothing much has changedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Dunphy goes in search of the truth behind one of Ireland's worst maritime disasters. The Saint Patrick, a Rosslare to Fishguard passenger ferry, was bombed and sunk by the Luftwaffe on 13th of June 1941, resulting in the deaths of 30 people. What puzzled Shane was why: the ship was not a military vessel, and Ireland as a neutral country was not at war. Yet the St Patrick was targeted not once but twice – the year before it was sunk a German plane had opened fire on the ship. (First Broadcast 2012)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Possibly the oldest drive-in bingo in Ireland - definitely the most fun. Sure, you can play in your slippers and not miss Corrie! (A feature from the mid-90's in Wexford by Ronan Kelly for 'Today with Pat Kenny')See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lift up your hearts! Hear a village perform a cantata written just for them by composer, Vincent Kennedy and then there's an incredible story about two women and a statue. From Kilcormac, Co.Offaly, a short Irish audio documentary from RTE Radio, Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The award winning tender and loving story of a husband, Matt, and his wife, Mai, whose lives have changed entirely since Mai was diagnosed with alzheimers. This is a story of a solemn promise made in marraige 'In sickness and health, till death do we part'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Moscow' Joe McKinley was eccentric. His Co. Antrim house, inside and out, was bizarre. His appearance was eye-catching. He was, simply, fascinating. In this extract from "Morning Glory" in 2001, presented by Kay Sheehy, you can hear why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.