Stories of Bord na Mona

By: Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) Community Education
  • Summary

  • Welcome to the "Stories of Bord na Móna" podcast, an LOETB Community Education Production, where we share the stories and experiences of those who dedicated their working lives to this iconic Irish company. Bord na Móna has been an integral part of the Irish landscape for decades, providing jobs, energy and fuel to the nation. In this podcast, we hear from retired employees who have a wealth of memories and stories to share about their time working with the company.Our guests reminisce about their experiences with Bord na Móna, from the hard work in the bogs to the camaraderie and friendships forged through the years. They share stories of the opportunities and challenges they faced, both professionally and personally. We also delve into the impact that working for Bord na Móna had on their lives outside of work - from sport and recreation to family life and beyond. Through their voices, we gain a unique insight into the culture and community that was created through this shared experience of working for Bord na Móna. Join us as we listen to the Retired Voices of Bord na Móna and celebrate the rich history of this important company and the people who made it what it is today.

    © 2023 Stories of Bord na Mona
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Episodes
  • Eugene Hewson speaks fondly of his time with Bord na Mona
    Mar 9 2023

    In this podcast, we hear from Eugene Hewson, a retired worker from Bord na Mona who spent 41 years working for the company.  Eugene shares his experiences of starting with Bord na Móna in 1977, working in Derrinlough Engineering Works for two years, before transferring to Derrygreenagh where he spent the rest of his career.

    Eugene talks about the many locations he worked throughout his career, including Croghan, Ballycon, Edenderry, and Mount Lucas. He shares his memories of the different characters and personalities he worked with over the years and speaks fondly of the sneering and banter among colleagues.

    Through his stories, we get a glimpse into the working culture and traditions of Bord na Mona, a company that played a significant role in the Irish economy for many years. We hear about the challenges and rewards of working in the peat industry and the camaraderie and friendship that developed among workers.

    This podcast offers an insight into the world of Bord na Móna through the eyes of one of its long-serving employees. Eugene's stories provide a valuable record of the company's history and the people who worked there, many of whom have since passed.

    This podcast is brought to you by LOETB Community Education Service

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    17 mins
  • Seamus Barron, talks about the Bord na Mona communities
    Mar 9 2023

    In this podcast episode, we are joined by Seamus Barron, who began his career with Bord na Móna in Boora on June 23rd, 1969 in Boora.  Seamus shares his insights into the machinery and craftsmanship used in his line of work, as well as the shared knowledge and expertise among the fitters employed by Bord na Mona. 

    Seamus takes us through his journey of working with the company, living in the Bord na Mona housing in Kilcormac, Co. Offaly and the social life.  He shares stories about the characters he worked with, the craic and fun they had, and their take on Eurovision, which they called 'BooraVision'. 
     Seamus shares stories about the various characters he worked with, their unique personalities, and their contributions to the community and how they progressed in their career, as a result of the training they received in Bord na Móna. He speaks fondly of the formation of the lakes and sculpture park, around what is now known as Lough Boora Discovery Park. 

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of Bord na Móna and the towns and communities built up around the organisation. Take a trip down memory lane with Seamus Barron former employee. 

    This podcast is brought to you by LOETB Community Education Service

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    18 mins
  • Martin O'Rourke shares his experiences of working in the Bord na Mona Briquette Factory
    Mar 9 2023

    In this podcast, we hear from Martin O'Rourke, who shares his experiences of working in the Bord na Mona Briquette Factory, where he started his career in 1972/73. Martin accounts the strong sense of camaraderie that existed among his colleagues during his time at the factory. He reminisces about the friendships he formed and the fun and antics they used to get up to. 

    Martin speaks fondly of his time with Bord na Mona, and is appreciative of the good wages and the importance of being able to retire in good health.

    Listeners to this podcast will gain an appreciation of the culture that existed in Bord na Móna Briquette throughout the years. 

    This podcast is brought to you by LOETB Community Education Service

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    14 mins

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