Athena Media - Podcast Directory

Episode 1. Herosongs is an eight part series presented by Therese McIntyre and traces the journey of Irish ballads from the 16th century to today, and explores how the shape or distort our understanding of history. The oral ballad tradition dates back to the twelfth century but its not until the introduction of print in Ireland around 1760 that we begin to see a record of traditional songs in both the Irish and English language. In the first episode of Herosongs presenter Therese McIntyre, explores the importance of the hero concept in Ireland, the emergence of the printed ballad-sheets and she explores a genre of herosongs about one of the most romantic types the outlaw those individuals who rebel against the norms of society. Maire Ni Chronin sings The Newry Highwayman.