Ballina woman set to feature in new RTÉ Radio documentary series

A Ballina woman is set to feature in a brand new RTÉ Radio 1 documentary series, which is set to begin broadcasting on Sunday, October 12. 

'Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish', the six-part series, presented by Eva Pau of Asia Market and produced by award-winning documentary maker Susan Dennehy, shares the personal journeys of six people from Ireland’s Chinese-Irish community. From childhood memories of Hong Kong to growing up in Cookstown during the Troubles, each episode uncovers stories of family, belonging, and identity.

Episode 3 will shine a light on Yentl Ho, manager of the Lantern Chinese Restaurant on Emmet Street, Ballina. Yentl's parents, Sunny and Loretta Ho, first opened the Lantern in 1986, making it the oldest and best-known Chinese restaurant in the town.

In the documentary, Yentl reflects on her unique journey, from her early years in Ballina to five formative years spent in Hong Kong with her grandmother, and back again to Mayo. She describes her experience of “standing out, fitting in, and a journey that made no sense at all,” sharing her perspective on the challenges and the joys of belonging to two worlds.

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Mairéad Melody Carr, manager of Mayo North Tourism, expressed her delight at the Yentl’s feature: “We’re delighted to see Yentl’s story featured. The Ho family and the Lantern have been part of Ballina’s community for nearly 40 years.”

Speaking about the series, producer Susan Dennehy added: “I met the most generous people who welcomed me into their homes, shared food and told me moving, personal stories. It was a privilege to capture their voices.”

'Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish' airs on RTÉ Radio 1 every Sunday from October 12, at 7.30 pm, for six weeks.

For more details, visit: RTÉ – Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish.