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Your celebration of the island

This is the craic then....

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THE IRELAND Podcast has been set up for many reasons, namely:

 

  1. is your celebration of the island of Ireland

  2. serves as an inspiration for the rural kid

  3. is a window through which you can hear arguably the coolest island on the planet

  4. has no political nor religious agenda

  5. is audio only and is not broadcast live

About the presenter...

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THE IRELAND Podcast is hosted by the musician, Fender Jackson.

 

Originally from County Derry, Fender spent five vibrant years in Belfast during the early nineties, where he lived and worked as a dedicated musician. He volunteered to bring his talents into local prisons, playing bass for The Good Things—a band known for their enthusiasm and spirit, if not mainstream success. Looking to expand his creative skills, he moved to the University of Leeds to study Theatre (Design & Technology), funding his studies in a uniquely memorable way: as a stiltwalker.

After completing his degree, Fender moved to London just before the millennium. Though he initially struggled to find a steady role in theatre, he pivoted to project management, a field that saw him move from innovative web development projects to a Knowledge Manager role at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Throughout this time, his passion for music remained strong, blending his creative talents and clowning skills in his performances.

Seeking a new adventure, Fender left London and relocated to China, spending eight years as a musician and performing arts teacher. This time included two and a half challenging years during the pandemic. In 2022, he accepted a role at a prestigious international school in Shanghai but ultimately returned to Ireland, settling in Galway due to the unpredictability of lockdowns.

While waiting for teaching opportunities, Fender’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. Frustrated by the lack of calls, he launched The Galway Podcast—a platform that not only entertained him but also highlighted the local community. After eight months, he expanded his scope to THE IRELAND Podcast, where he’s been enthusiastically embracing each new opportunity ever since. And that’s the craic so far, so it is.

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