skip to main content

The County Measure celebrates Monaghan's magnificent culture

Monaghan Senior Ladies Football players (L-R) Amy Garland, Maeve Monaghan, and Jennifer Duffy with Vincent Woods
Monaghan Senior Ladies Football players (L-R) Amy Garland, Maeve Monaghan, and Jennifer Duffy with Vincent Woods

Join writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods as he moves across Monaghan this St. Patrick's Weekend on RTÉ Radio 1.

The County Measure uncovers the vibrant arts, history, heritage, sport, and diverse communities of Co. Monaghan.

From the rich ecosystem of Moylan Lough, the community spirit of Carrickmacross, to Castleblayney's captivating country music, Vincent takes a measure of all that 'the drumlin county' has to offer.

"Two celebrated McCabe writers, Eugene and Patrick, capture something of the unique world of Monaghan: the vivid language, the frontier spirit of resilience and determination, the lively curiosity and humour, the edgy Ulster-ness of it all. And then there's the power of the GAA, the legacy of Patrick Kavanagh – and the beat of country and western music. To adapt a line from one of Big Tom’s favourite songs: In Monaghan, you don’t come out the same way you came in," says Vincent Woods.

Bird watching with Brian McCloskey at Moylan Lough

The County Measure will feature new and original music by rising star Jamie Duffy. The pianist from Glaslough has over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and his single Solace has over 60 million plays.

The programme will also include a special piece of writing by Evelyn Conlon. Evelyn's most recent book is Reading Rites: Books, writing and other things that matter.

The County Measure is a landmark RTÉ Radio 1 series that explores the identity and communities of Ireland's 32 counties.

Big Tom's statue in Castleblayney

The County Measure: Monaghan will be broadcast on Bank Holiday Monday, March 18th at 11 AM on RTÉ Radio 1.The series previously visited several counties including Down, Limerick, Longford, and Tipperary - listen back here.

Read Next