We meet Bray vet John Wilson and filmmaker Éamon de Buitléar as they recall the days when cattle were delivered straight onto Main Street. We uncover the rich story of the Royal Hotel and we hear a vital warning from history as Noeleen McManus of Save Bray vividly remembers the devastating floods of 1965 and 1986 that swept through Little Bray. Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. If you enjoy the podcast, please tell a friend! Link to Noeleen McManus’ full interview: https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/6-noeleen-mcmanus-of-save-bray-discusses-their-campaign Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and all rights are hereby reserved.
Roller-disco mania sweeps Bray, David Edge changes the town forever with the building of Bray Bridge, and we remember the talent and legacy of Fran O’Toole. We also salute Bray’s incredible First Responders - the locals saving locals - plus a few unexpected visitors… spiders on the loose! Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Thanks to John Ryan and Peter Carroll for help on this episode, and to Ray Cranley for permission to use of his 2016 watercolour painting of Bray Bridge. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. If you enjoy the podcast, please tell a friend! Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and all rights are hereby reserved.
In Episode 12 of Bray Talking Heads, Coffee prices hit a new high! The Blind Fiddler from Kerry who played on the Cliff Walk for 40 years. Remembering the splendour of The Bray Head Hotel and the FIVE dance halls of Bray, and the night the Big O played in Bray. Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. If you enjoy the podcast, please tell a friend! Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and all rights are hereby reserved.
In Episode 11 of Bray Talking Heads, Generation Z weighs in on what's great about Bray and what's missing, while the late Colbert Martin takes us back to the 1930s - when families left the slums of Little Bray for new beginnings in Wolfe Tone Square. We revisit the fiery Sunday night debates that once packed the International Hotel and uncover why house prices in 1950s Bray took a surprising dive. It’s Bray then and now - the voices, the stories, and the spirit that make the town tick.
When Man United came to Bray, nudists went to Naylor's Cove and Liz Anne's heartfelt goodbye. This week we head back to the 1950s when Bray Wanderers took on the mighty Manchester United. We hear from the last surviving member of that Bray team! We also dive into the swimming glory days at Naylor’s Cove, where nudists once braved the outdoor pools, and we recall the curious segregation on Bray beach marked by a flagpole and 150 yards of ‘no man’s land’. Plus, Café owner Liz Anne Molloy bids a warm farewell to the customers she’s cherished for three decades. Longer versions of some of the interviews and features are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/sets When the Busby Babes Played Bray (Full 8 minute doc). https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/when-the-busby-babes-played?si=39646b374b8a46878c951df578a51ad0&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. If you enjoy the podcast, please tell a friend! Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
In the golden era of the 1950s, Manchester United’s legendary "Busby Babes" dazzled football fans with their youth, talent, and fearless style of play—until tragedy struck in the Munich Air Disaster of 1958, cutting short the lives and careers of many of these gifted young men. But five years before that fateful day, the future icons of English football took to the field in a much humbler setting: the Carlisle Grounds in Bray. On Tuesday, May 19th, 1953, the Manchester United Youth Team—already showing flashes of brilliance and including the now legendary Duncan Edwards faced off against a spirited Bray Wanderers/Rathfarnham XI. The match was part of a summer tour masterminded by United manager Matt Busby, made possible through the efforts of a local football enthusiast and Bray Wanderers stalwart, Mick Donegan. This short documentary brings that historic evening to life through the vivid memories of Bray Wanderers’ goalkeeper Shay Ryan, one of the few still able to recount the game from the pitch. Adding depth and context is the late author Colm Keane, whose insight provides a valuable historical lens. Produced and narrated by Mark Quinn, this is a rare glimpse into a forgotten chapter of football history—when the Busby Babes played Bray.
This week, we uncover the story of Bray’s long-lost Turkish Baths – a fleeting glimpse of opulence on Quinsborough Road. Fast forward to today, where saunas dot the seafront, and Bray still knows how to keep things warm. Plus, we join the unveiling of a new commemorative seat with a view for Bagatelle, the band that has a strong association with Bray! Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Please tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/sets Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
What makes for a long, happy retirement? We hit the streets of Bray to gather tips and reflections from those living it. Leah shares a chilling story of hearing a banshee - and of the friendly ghost she may be sharing her home with! We also stop by the Signal Arts Centre, a vital hub for creativity and community in Bray and Wicklow, offering space and support to emerging artists. And we share the last heartwarming clips from Uncle Bob’s archive - can you recognise the innocent voices of Ravenswell’s seven-year-olds? Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Please tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/sets Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
We remember a much-loved Bray character who sold newspapers seven days a week in all weathers. Do you recall what he used to shout outside the Royal Cinema and the Holy Redeemer Church? We take a stroll through the People’s Park, a green haven gifted to the town, and hear from Brian White about its rich history, along with voices from the community on why it remains such a special place. Could residents of the Lower Dargle benefit from a local drop-in centre to help combat social isolation? We explore the idea. Finally, we dip back into Freddie’s tapes for more heartwarming snippets from the young voices of Bray’s past. Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Please tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads/sets Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
This episode of Bray Talking Heads is full of nostalgia! We dive into the archives with a charming playback of old interviews recorded by BLB’s Uncle Bob, featuring children from the Holy Communion class at Ravenswell School. Can you recognise any of those young voices? Remember when Bray had several TV rental shops? Back when a television cost nearly a month's wages, renting was the norm. Malcolm Hill, a former repair engineer, takes us back to those black-and-white days. And finally, can you remember the first record you ever bought? We take a musical trip down memory lane. Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. @braytalkingheads Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
Ivanna’s Story: From War to Welcome In this moving extended interview, Ivanna shares her journey of fleeing war-torn Ukraine and the emotional toll of leaving home behind. She reflects on her first impressions of Bray - from the peaceful streets to the wonder of seeing a robin for the first time. With heartfelt gratitude, she speaks about the warm welcome and compassion she received from the people of Bray. Ivanna also opens up about the hidden pain many Ukrainians carry, describing how they continue to smile for the world, even as their hearts remain broken inside.
When was the iconic cross on Bray Head built - and who was behind it? Local historian Brian White has the answers. At the Bray Rowing Club, sea spray has taken its toll. With the concrete roof collapsing, the club now faces a tough decision: rebuild or relocate. Meanwhile, their prized racing boats sit exposed to the elements. Leah visits the club to hear more from John Curran and Tony Dutton. And as the war in Ukraine continues, nearly a thousand Ukrainians have found refuge in Bray. Mark sits down with Ivanna to learn about her journey and what life is like now. Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
Join us as Anne Mooney shares fond memories of her dad Pat, who once ran the beloved putting green and deckchair rentals on Bray seafront. We rewind to the golden days of BLB Community Radio in the late '70s and '80s, unearthing old ads from local shops that have since disappeared but are far from forgotten. Plus, we take to the Main Street to ask—where would you bring a first date in Bray? It’s nostalgia, local stories and of course, a bit of conversation. Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Tell a friend, let them know about our podcast! Longer versions of some of the interviews are on our Soundcloud channel. https://soundcloud.com/braytalkingheads Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
Welcome to Bray Talking Heads! In our first episode we find out about the origins of the mile-long prom, we head to the Cliff Walk to meet the Friends of the Cliff Walk about their campaign to get it reopened, fast; and we ask newcomers to the town 'what's best about Bray?' Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life—wherever you are in the world. Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Tell a friend, let them know! Artwork by Jody Hogg Design https://jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com. The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
Brian White provides the definitive answer on the number of bandstands. Pat Vance shares his experience as the last remaining cobbler in Bray. What’s shopping like on Main Street? What was it like growing up above a family-run store? Leah talks to Kevin Murphy about his father Jack Murphy’s corner shop, famous for its delicious ham. 'Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. History, stories, opinions and conversations – a podcast for Brayites everywhere! Tell a friend, let them know! BLB Sounds From the Past https://www.youtube.com/@RadiogenicProductions Artwork by Jody Hogg Design jodyhogg.com. Voice over by Carla Quinlan. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or get in touch with us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
Welcome to Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon, Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Artwork by Jody Hogg Design https://jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.
Welcome to Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon, Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station. Artwork by Jody Hogg Design https://jodyhogg.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky @braytalkingheads, or email us at braytalkingheads@gmail.com The copyright in this podcast series is owned by Pat Hannon and Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved. All rights reserved.