John O'Reilly - A Fifth Province

"How do you know you are in the 5th Province?"

From John O'Reilly• June 05 2026 •volume 0 • Read

“Even though it’s not too easily played, it has that special tone” That's how I imagine Irish concertina player Noel Hill answering the question. The Fifth Province doesn't just have a tone, it is a tone. Or a tone backwards. The Fifth Province is place... (continue reading)

Hedge Schools and Knowledge Exchange

From John O'Reilly• April 01 2026 •volume 0 • Read

‘They were often called “hedge schools” or “pay schools”, as the pupils had to pay for their lessons there. The fees paid were the only income the master had. As an example of the fees required, in a school near Bunclody, spelling, reading and writing, each cost the pupil one... (continue reading)