Radio series to tell stories behind our diverse Athlone community
A six-part radio documentary series bringing together the voices and experiences of people from 25 different countries who have made Athlone their home is set to be broadcast by Athlone Community Radio.
Funded by Coimisiún na Meán under the Sound & Vision scheme, the "Our New Home Athlone” series explores the journeys that brought contributors to Athlone and the connections they have made along the way. Through personal stories, music and language, it celebrates the people and cultures that help shape the town, while offering an insight into what it means to leave one home and build another.
Across six one-hour episodes, listeners will hear about making friends, finding work, pursuing education, starting businesses and becoming involved in community life. Contributors also reflect on faith, the experience of moving countries as a child, the impact of war, what they miss about home and what they love about Ireland.
Among the stories featured is that of Sue, who protested against the Vietnam War while her brother was away fighting in it; we’ll hear about Ankur’s involvement in several local community organisations; and Serena will tell us about the work she does to empower women.
Others will share experiences of entrepreneurship, advocating for the rights of others, and being the children of immigrant parents.
The documentary also features music and speeches recorded at the Dean Crowe Theatre’s Intercultural Event last year, alongside contributions in which participants teach listeners words and phrases in their own languages.
At the heart of “Our New Home Athlone” is a message of belonging: everyone who lives in the town is part of its community.
By giving people space to tell their own stories, the project aims to encourage understanding, strengthen connections and celebrate the contributions of people who have made a home in Athlone.
A launch party took place last Saturday at Athlone Community Radio at which contributors and their families gathered. Producer Philomena Murphy says: “A lot of the contributors to this documentary hadn’t met before so it was lovely to bring everyone together in celebration of this wonderful series we spent so much time collaborating on. I wanted everyone to bring their families, and food to share, to represent the themes of togetherness and belonging that were central to this project.”
“Our New Home Athlone” will air on Athlone Community Radio, 88.4FM, every Monday at 1pm from October 19 to November 30, with repeats on Saturdays at 3pm.
There will be no broadcast on Monday, October 26, or Saturday, October 31 due to the bank holiday and Halloween schedules.