Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Spring Membership Drive


Donate now to support local news and music on WBOI

The Pluck Of The Irish

Credit Courtesy/Lachlan Whalen
IPFW's Dr. Lachlan Whalen began learning about his own Irish roots as a young boy in Boston.

Thursday's St. Patrick's Day activities will likely bring out the Irish merrymaking --and perhaps a wee bit of blarney -- in everyone that chooses to partake. 

For a look at the rich culture behind these celebrations, WBOI's Julia Meek met with Dr. Lachlan Whalen, IPFW's Director of International Studies,  to discuss its old country roots, and the place it continues to hold in our own national fabric.

From a young age, Lachlan's own Irish-American heritage, centered in the Boston area, drove his personal passions to explore Ireland's history and culture.

Here he discusses these powerful roots, and how they led to to his professional studies, and special research focus on contemporary Irish political prisoners.

031616IRISHXX.mp3
Hear Julia Meek's discussion with Dr. Whalen on where his passion for Irish culture began, and where it has led him.

A Fort Wayne native, Julia is a radio host, graphic artist, and community volunteer, who has contributed to NIPR both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-produces and hosts Folktales and Meet the Music.