Podcast Summary: The Moth – "Tales from the Emerald Isle: Michael Devlin, Claire Nevin & Paul Doran"

Release Date: March 29, 2019
Host/Author: The Moth
Description: Celebrating Irish Heritage Month, this episode of The Moth transports listeners across the Emerald Isle, showcasing three compelling true stories from renowned Irish storytellers. The episode features Michael Devlin, Claire Nevin, and Paul Doran, each sharing unique narratives that blend humor, suspense, and heartfelt emotion.

Introduction: Celebrating Irish Storytelling

At the outset, host Dan Kennedy sets the stage for Irish Heritage Month, highlighting the significance of storytelling in Irish culture. He introduces the three storytellers whose narratives capture the essence of Ireland's rich storytelling tradition.

Michael Devlin: "A Sheep in Distress"

Told at a 2015 Moth Grand Slam in Dublin | Theme: Fish Out of Water | Timestamp: [02:53] – [07:44]

Michael Devlin recounts a memorable experience driving along Ireland's N11 motorway with his female companion. Their journey takes a surreal turn when they spot a sheep lying on its back, seemingly in distress.

Key Moments:

• Discovery of the Sheep:
  "There was a sheep dancing. He was lying on his back with his feet in the air, and he was waving them back and forth as if he was some mad ray of a disco or something." ([03:30])

• Decision to Help:
  Devlin grapples with the urge to assist despite his initial reluctance, illustrating his internal conflict between self-preservation and the desire to help.

• The Rescue Attempt:
  Demonstrating determination, Devlin navigates through the motorway and rural roads to reach the sheep, ultimately succeeding in flipping it back onto its feet.

• Reflection:
  "You can’t know what thoughts are going to go to your mind until you’re faced with this sheep spread eagle before you." ([06:15])

Devlin’s narrative blends humor with a genuine sense of heroism, culminating in a poignant moment of connection between man and animal.

Notable Quote:
"This may be just one small sheep for mankind, but it was one giant sheep for me." ([07:20])

Claire Nevin: "A Harrowing Encounter in Istanbul"

Told at the Dublin Story Slam | Timestamp: [09:00] – [16:22]

Claire Nevin shares a harrowing story from her time in Istanbul, where a casual outing with a friend takes a terrifying turn.

Key Moments:

• Initial Outing:
  Claire describes visiting Istanbul with a friend recovering from a breakup, exploring landmarks like Taksim Square and the Grand Bazaar.

• Unexpected Turn:
  The evening spirals into chaos when Claire and her friend find themselves in a vehicle with strangers, leading to a hostage situation.
  "And I was having a text conversation over Google Translate with someone from Lebanon, going back and forth between Arabic and English." ([11:45])

• Desperate Measures:
  Faced with imminent danger, Claire attempts a daring escape, resulting in a frantic chase through Istanbul’s alleyways.
  "I punched and punched and punched... I slammed it into the police van as the police van was going by." ([15:10])

• Resolution and Reflection:
  Miraculously, the situation is resolved, but the ordeal leaves a lasting impact on Claire, highlighting themes of fear, survival, and resilience.

Notable Quote:
"I really wish, like, all those years of Catholic education hadn't put me off religion. Like, I really need someone here, like, to just pray or something." ([14:30])

Paul Doran: "Echoes of Bloody Sunday"

Told at a 10x9 Event in Belfast | Timestamp: [17:22] – [27:28]

Paul Doran delves into a deeply personal and historical narrative, reflecting on his father's traumatic experience during the Bloody Sunday events in Derry, Northern Ireland.

Key Moments:

• The March and Aftermath:
  Paul recounts how his father, Tony Doran, participated in a civil rights march in 1972, only to later experience a mental breakdown upon hearing news of the violence.
  "He was ranting, he was raving. He was talking about people being shot... he didn’t turn up to our anniversary dinner because he was drunk." ([20:50])

• Family Impact:
  The story explores the deteriorating mental health of Tony Doran, the strain on the family, and the eventual tragic death of his father.

• Revelation and Legacy:
  Years later, Paul discovers his father's untold statement to the Bloody Sunday inquiry, revealing the depth of his father's trauma and the quest for justice he never saw.
  "He never told us about it. I suppose now people would say it was PTSD. I have no doubt it was." ([25:00])

• Historical Context:
  Paul intertwines personal loss with the broader historical significance of Bloody Sunday, offering insights into the lingering scars left by political violence.

Notable Quote:
"This may be just one small sheep for mankind, but it was one giant sheep for me." ([07:20])

Note: The above quote appears to be mistakenly repeated from Michael Devlin’s section. A more fitting quote from Paul’s story would be:
"And we learned more from that small statement as to what happened that day than we ever learned from him." ([26:30])

Conclusion: The Power of Storytelling and Community

Wrapping up the episode, host Michael Devlin highlights the continued growth and independence of the Dublin Story Slam, now produced by Julian Clancy and hosted by Colm O’Regan. He introduces Claire Nevin as the next storyteller and Paul Doran from Belfast, underscoring the diverse platforms that support Irish storytelling.

Additional Highlights:

• 10x9 Project:
  Paul Doran’s involvement with 10x9, a global storytelling initiative, is discussed, emphasizing its role in amplifying voices from Northern Ireland and beyond.

• Recommended Listening:
  The episode points listeners to The Moth’s website for extras, including recreations of stories and additional podcasts like the Dublin Story Slam’s own series.

Notable Quote from Host:
"Is there anything more Irish than moments of beauty, wonder, and clarity in the face of challenging situations?" ([25:50])

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with information about The Moth’s third book, Occasional Magic, a compilation of stories highlighting moments of beauty and clarity amidst challenges. Listeners are encouraged to purchase the book and explore The Moth’s various storytelling platforms.

Final Quote:
"Have a story worthy week." ([28:36])

Production Credits:
The Moth Podcast is produced by Julia Purcell and Paul Rue West and presented by PRX, the Public Radio Exchange. For more information, visit themoth.org.