ARE YA BLIND OR WHAT? My new Radio Documentary follows a group of visually impaired people in the process of making a radio play. Members of Sightless Cinema speak about how they live without light. The documentary is the result of months and months of conversations, train journeys and rehearsals. Are you blind or what? is about the ability for mem…

A special tribute to Shane MacGowan on Ann Marie Kelly's Roadhouse Cafe with Pogueology Singer Brian O Mahoney choosing his favourite Pogue songs. Broadcast on Midlands 103 December 8thBy Ann Marie Kelly

While visiting Dublin for the 60th anniversary of the Beatles playing the Adelphi in 1963, The Beatles Secretary Freda Kelly chats about her time with the Fab Four and Brian Epstein, how John Lennon saved her from getting the sack and her love for the Cavern.By Ann Marie Kelly

A look at the musical career of the late Aslan frontman Christy Dignam from a lifelong fan. Looking at his life in music from the release of 'This is' to his last gig at Bob's Bar Durrow. Co Laois Broadcast on Midlands 103 AMKelly's Roadhouse CafeBy Ann Marie Kelly

George Harrison Special! The youngest Beatle, born on the 25th February, 1943, would've been 80. On the Roadhouse Cafe, with a little help from my friends Pete Brennan and Mick Lynch from 'Beatles Ireland' we remember George with heartwarming stories and music. His Irish roots, his many visits to Ireland, his solo records, his time with the Travell…

Broadcast on the weekend of the 80th Birthday of Paul McCartney. With the writer of 'The Beatles and Ireland' Book, Broadcaster Ann Marie Kelly speaks with Mick Lynch about the man, the Beatle and the solo artist from the 1950s to the present day as he sets out on tour again. This is a two hour special with his music from the early Quarrymen, The B…

Rossi M is a 15 years old from Stradbally County Laois. During lockdown he used his ingenuity to create a Web Radio Studio for the community, make music, live stream funerals and stay connected with his Nanny, one of the 'Golden Girls' you'll meet in this episode of The Open Door first broadcast on Midlands 103 August 30th 7pm…

What got you through lockdown? Five 3rd Year Students from Portlaoise College, County Laois come together exactly one year after the first lock down to discuss what pieces of art helped them through the last 12 months, at a time when they were unable to see their friends. With no Junior Cert exams to worry about, it allowed them to explore other Po…

"I'd like to think I know him best because he smiles a lot when I'm around especially when I pretend to slip and fall" Sean Ryan from Portlaoise is 12. His twin brother Liam has Cerebral Palsy. Sean is very proud of once having been awarded the youngest Carer of the year. His first thoughts of the day are about his brother. His mother Niamh says th…

"I always stand up for myself because that's what you have to do. It is hard, but I just do it to say that I'm able to do stuff myself" 20 year old Aoife Byrne from County Laois has never let her Down Syndrome get in the way of her life. As a volunteer for the Irish Red Cross, and now studying, she tells Ann -Marie of her many hopes, among them, he…

"The Pandemic has exposed the extremities of the working conditions of the Carer in the Private Homecare Sector. Not receiving sick pay, not being able to make ends meet". 25 year old Nicholas O Neill from Abbeyleix believes his research can make a change. Being the first in his family to go to college, Nick has just received a substantial award to…

Kai is turning 18 and last year, during the first lock down, he decided it was time to come out and transition. He felt such a relief when he could finally speak about it to his family and friends because as he says 'I was a very angry person for so many years.' Kai's brother and sister, parents and grandparents have been incredibly supportive - Hi…

Tobi-A is a 21 year old R'n'B singer originally from Mountmellick, Co. Laois who has found his voice after playing drums and rapping for many years. Tobi is a devout Christian. At the age of 17 he "found his faith and joy in Jesus" which, he says, made him the person he is today. This is the first episode in a 6 part series, produced by award-winni…

Tobi-A is a 21 year old R'n'B singer originally from Mountmellick, Co. Laois who has found his voice after playing drums and rapping for many years. Tobi is a devout Christian. At the age of 17 he "found his faith and joy in Jesus" which, he says, made him the person he is today. This is the first episode in a 6 part series, produced by award-winni…