Cork Creative

17/09/2026

"It was a unifying effort on behalf of humanity." 🌍🤝

In the face of unimaginable tragedy, the incredible courage of everyday people shone through. In this clip from the Cork Creative podcast, retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighter Danny Manning reflects on the countless, untold heroic acts performed by both civilians and first responders on September 11th.

Danny’s reflections remind us of the immense power of community - a theme that carries through to his current work tending the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, honouring his fallen brothers. It is a truly humbling listen that will stay with you.

You can listen or watch via the Cork Creative website: https://corkcreative.ie/danny-manning/
or wherever you get your podcasts.

15/09/2026

"I'm getting dressed to go down there. We're under attack and they're going to need every hand they can down there."

When retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighter Danny Manning saw the events of September 11th unfolding on his television, his immediate instinct was to serve his city. On the latest episode of the Cork Creative podcast, Danny shares his profound first-hand account of that fateful day, his 23 years with the FDNY, and his deep family roots in Co. Cork. He also speaks beautifully about his vital work as a keeper of the Garden of Remembrance in Ringfinnan, Kinsale- a living, breathing memorial to the 343 firefighters lost.

Listen to or watch this powerful conversation via our website: https://corkcreative.ie/danny-manning/
or wherever you get your podcasts

11/09/2026

Today marks 25 years since the September 11th attacks, and to honour this milestone, Patrick Kiely sits down with retired New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighter Danny Manning on this episode of Cork Creative.

Danny shares his harrowing experiences from that day and his beautiful work maintaining the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrancein Kinsale.

🤝 The Brotherhood of First Responders: An inside look at the unquestionable trust and second family built within the firehouse.
🦚 A Living Memorial: The touching story behind the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, built by Kathleen Murphy as a grove of trees to honour the 343 fallen firefighters.

🧠 Mental Health Evolution: How support for firefighters has transitioned from carrying the burden in silence to embracing vital, professional counselling.

Listen to or watch the full episode here: https://corkcreative.ie/danny-manning/

Retired FDNY firefighter Danny Manning shares his harrowing 9/11 survival story and the profound impact of Kinsale's Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance.

03/09/2026

"People want the stories... They want to bring things back to life."

In this episode of the Cork Creative podcastt, author Carina McNally talks about the incredible positivity and community feedback she received after bringing her local theatrical play to life. In a digital world, real local stories and shared artistic experiences carry a truly special magic.

Listen to or watch the full episode now via our website: https://corkcreative.ie/carina-mcnally/ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Mercier Press

01/09/2026

"We are very, very much a product of our history..."

In the latest Cork Creative episode, writer and historian Carina McNally reflects on how our ancient past directly shapes our daily lives - from the phrases we use to the landscapes we walk through every day.

Carina’s deep roots in West Cork and her research into local history bring a powerful, grounded perspective to her creative writing.

Catch the full interview with Carina McNally on all podcast platforms or visit https://corkcreative.ie/carina-mcnally/

Mercier Press

28/08/2026

In our latest episode of the Cork Creative Podcast, host Geraldine sits down with writer, historian, and PR specialist Carina McNally

Carina shares her journey behind publishing her debut historical fiction novel Mithin with Mercier Press, as well as her work bringing local history to life on stage and screen.

Key takeaways:

🌊 Stories in the Landscape: How living on the Beara Peninsula and walking through places like Dursey Island naturally infuses deep, historical detail into creative work.

🖊 The Creative Process: Why writing a novel is far from a solo endeavour and how engaging feedback helps refine authentic voices.

👭 Building a Community: The importance of networking with fellow creatives in Cork to sustain momentum and overcome self-doubt.

Listen to or watch the full episode now via our website: https://corkcreative.ie/carina-mcnally/ or wherever you get your podcasts.

06/07/2026

Do we really need the supernatural when everyday life is already so fascinating?

In this episode, Rebecca Murphy explains why she is drawn to the elevation of ordinary life. Influenced by classic Irish storytellers like Donal Ryan and Maeve Binchy, Rebecca believes that ordinary people's lives are already bursting with richness, heartbreak, joy, and loss - no ghosts or magic required!

From chatty encounters while canvassing to observing everyday moments in Cork, Rebecca reminds us that there is endless magic hidden directly within the mundane.

Listen to or watch the full episode via our website (https://corkcreative.ie/rebecca-murphy/) or wherever you get your podcasts to find out how she elevates these everyday stories in Blood & Water.

Mercier Press

02/07/2026

"Maybe now isn't the time for you to be writing this book. Maybe you just need to step away and look after yourself." 🤍

In this clip, novelist Rebecca Murphy opens up about the four-year journey of drafting Blood & Water. Translating vulnerable, real-life experiences into fiction isn't a straight line. It requires a delicate dance between pushing your boundaries and knowing exactly when to step back.

Rebecca shares how a balance of self-compassion, private editing feedback, and a trusted circle of writer friends allowed her to turn a place of pain and grief into something deeply positive and cathartic.

Catch the full, honest conversation on creative resilience at https://corkcreative.ie/rebecca-murphy/ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Mercier Press

30/06/2026

Go on, admit it - how many times have you put off a creative project because "the timing wasn’t perfect"?

This week on the Cork Creative Podcast, we are joined by the Cork-born novelist Rebecca Murphy , whose debut novel Blood & Water is out now with the iconic Mercier Press . After winning the RTÉ Today Novel Competition, Rebecca sat down with us to chat about everything from studying drama at University College Cork to the realities of balancing a full-time job with a dedicated writing craft.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our chat:

⏰ Ditch the 'Perfect Moment': Rebecca shares that waiting for the perfect office or cosy nook is a trap. Finding even 10 or 15 minutes a day keeps the momentum alive.

🔃 The Power of Dual Timelines: Discover how she mapped out the emotional and chronological links between her main character, Susan, and the heartbreaking backstory of Uncle Frank.

🏞 Rooted in West Cork: Hear how the dramatic, rugged landscape of a fictional West Cork island acts as a beautiful - and sometimes beautifully annoying - juxtaposition to the internal turmoil of her characters.

👉 Ready to get inspired and dust off your own creative ideas? Listen to or watch the full episode now via our website:https://corkcreative.ie/rebecca-murphy/
or wherever you get your podcasts.

06/05/2026

In this episode of the Cork Creative podcast, Stan Notte Creations shares how he finds the balance between being inspired by legends like Bowie and the Beatles while remaining fiercely unique.

Stan’s advice for any creative is simple: don’t mimic, just be entirely who you are. It’s about paying homage to your heroes without losing your own voice.

🎧 Catch the full episode for more creative wisdom via our website: https://corkcreative.ie/stan-notte/
or wherever you get your podcasts.