BBC Radio Foyle

Original version

BBC Radio Ulster

Stories of Ulster

Documentaries

Factual

Marty Cullen explores Ulster's legends and myths.

Stories of Ulster: Series 1: Of Yarns and Tall Tales

Marty Cullen - Of Yarns and Tall Tales

Of Yarns and Tall Tales

Series 1

BBC Radio Ulster - Stories of Ulster, Series 1, Of Yarns and Tall Tales

Marty Cullen hears border tales of sausage smuggling and homemade veterinary surgeries.

Marty Cullen hears border tales of sly characters, sausage smuggling and homemade veterinary surgeries.

Ulster's border counties have had a long tradition of rural tales that drag the listener along through a seemingly truthful setting before falling apart into a ridiculous joke. Marty grew up around the South Armagh area listening to the tales of John Campbell and Mick Quinn, who told exaggerated tales from their childhood that twist and turn in the most brilliant way.

In this episode, Marty is meeting the next generation to carry this torch:

Terry Conlon is a musician and farmer from Cullyhanna, who tells stories from his own life as well as old favorites from his locality. Terry tells Marty the story of the swinging plough, a majestic contraption that would dislocate your shoulder with one wrong move.

Marty tells a tale of a butcher who was wise to sausage smuggling during ration times and a two for one deal that was too good to pass.

Finally, Frank McCarron tells the tale of Cricket McKenna, a Monaghan man with quick wits, a risk taking manner and luck to match.

Stories of Ulster: Series 1

Northern Ireland's national station for local news, sport, weather, speech and music

Northern Ireland's national station for local news, live sport, weather, intelligent speech, great personalities and music to suit all tastes

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Stories of Ulster

Series 1

Of Yarns and Tall Tales

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio Ulster

About BBC Radio Ulster