Humbert radio series launched

Humbert radio series launched


Anna-Marie Flynn

A UNIQUE radio-documentary ‘In Humbert’s Footsteps’ has been launched by a Killala author and historian.
Stephen Dunford created the four-part documentary after the hugely-popular exhibition of the same name was viewed by thousands throughout Mayo.
With the highly-acclaimed exhibition, which started as an event as part of the 2008 Heritage Week celebrations, still travelling to libraries across the county, Mr Dunford embarked on producing an accompanying radio series.
Launched last week, ‘In Humbert’s Footsteps’ is a four-hour, four-part series which is recorded on-location at areas of historical importance throughout the western region.
Deeming it ‘a fresh view at our local history’, Mr Dunford told The Mayo News: “The really unique thing about this is the fact that we travelled from Kilcommin to Ballinamuck and recorded everything as we went along, which gives it a very real sense. The historical journey is accompanied by anecdote, music and verse to really bring it to life, and I think it has worked fairly well.”
The extensive musical score, much of which has never been heard before and dates back to the 1798 period, was recorded in Rosserk Abbey, just yards from a battlefield site, which also gives the documentary a new dimension.
“We wanted to make this period in history accessible to everyone, young and old, and even those who feel they are not particularly interested in it. By including the poetry and music as well as the story-telling, this gives the audience a brand new way to learn, and really experience, what went on in 1798,” added Mr Dunford.
The documentary is written, co-produced and presented by Stephen Dunford, in connection with All Points West and Mid West Radio, as funded by the BCI, and will be aired this Sunday from 5pm to 6pm on Mid West Radio.