This episode of The Irish Snug is a masterclass in discipline, grit, and the deep-rooted connections within the Irish-American community. Today, Tim sits down with Paige Turilli, a five-time World Champion Irish dancer, to discuss her journey from a five-year-old beginner in Pearl River to standing on top of the world stage.

Whether you're an "Irish Dance Dad," a competitive athlete, or someone who loves a good story about heritage and hard work, this conversation offers a rare look behind the curtain of elite Irish dance.

☘️ Episode Highlights

• The FDNY Connection: Tim and Paige reminisce about their family ties within the FDNY and the bagpipe band, including a touching tribute to Paige's father—an exceptional firefighter and hero of 9/11.
• The Road to World Titles: Paige breaks down the sacrifices, injuries (including a near-torn hamstring), and the mental toughness required to win five World Championships.
• The Pivot for Growth: Why Paige made the difficult decision to switch dance schools at age 17 and how that drive for new challenges propelled her to the next level.
• Life After Competition: From balancing dance with college life at Villanova to her current role teaching "Jig and Swig" in London, Paige discusses finding joy in the "retirement" phase of her career.
• The Future of the Craft: Insights on the evolution of Irish dance—from increased athleticism to the rhythm-focused styles of the past—and Paige's aspirations to become an adjudicator.

🎙️ About Paige Turilli
Paige Turilli is one of the most decorated Irish dancers of her generation. Her resume includes:

• 5x World Champion
• 9x Oireachtas Champion
• 6x National Champion
• 2x All-Ireland Champion

🇮🇪 About The Irish Snug Podcast
Hosted by Tim Grant, The Irish Snug is a place for unscripted, deep-dive conversations about Irish culture, history, and the people who keep the traditions alive. We prioritize storytelling over soundbites, focusing on the "grey areas" of resilience, character, and the legendary Irish banter.

🇮🇪 Follow The Irish Snug Podcast:

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Gerry's Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerard_devine_poetry

Videos used in this podcast:

The Hurley Maker: https://youtu.be/sFYIz-lzmwE?si=g0eqLbIn0cqwX415

The Quarryman: https://youtu.be/z9rkr1ONVRs?si=Yp0fn5YL-izKQBDM

Website: https://www.gerarddevinepoetry.com/

Welcome back to the Irish Snug Podcast! In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Gerard Devine — a man who truly embodies the heart of the Irish spirit.

From walking the thin red line as a full-time firefighter in Dublin City to crafting poetry now taught in the very school he once attended, Gerard’s story is one of grit, resilience, creativity, and heritage. His journey spans continents, trades, and passions — from construction sites in Boston and San Francisco to the firehouses of Dublin, and from the roar of Gaelic games to the quiet reflection of poetry.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Life in the Dublin Fire Brigade and the universal brotherhood of firefighters
• Growing up in Dublin’s north inner city and the legacy of family, culture, and tradition
• Gerard’s experiences working and playing GAA football & hurling across the United States
• The deep-rooted role of Irish communities abroad, especially through GAA clubs and Irish pubs
• His late-in-life journey into poetry — sparked during recovery from a serious injury
• The story behind his powerful poems like The Quarryman, The Poet, The Firefighters Call, & The Hurley Maker.
• How his work has come full circle — now being taught in his old school
• Reflections on identity, pride, hardship, and leaving a legacy

Gerard shares unforgettable stories — from his father’s days in Guinness, to encounters with legends, to the realities of emigration and finding purpose. His poetry, like his life, is raw, honest, and deeply rooted in Irish identity.

This episode is about more than one man’s journey — it’s about tradition, resilience, and carving your mark on the world.

Whether you're a firefighter, an emigrant, a lover of Irish culture, or someone chasing meaning in your own life — this conversation will stay with you.

Subscribe, like, and share to support the podcast!

Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug

#IrishSnugPodcast #GerardDevine #IrishPoetry #GAA #IrishCulture

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In this episode of The Irish Snug, host Tim Grant welcomes the inspiring Mollie Guidera, known globally as Irish with Mollie. Mollie is a visionary educator dedicated to stripping away the classroom stigmas of the Irish language and replacing them with the beauty of its history, logic, and soul.

From teaching in the Basque Country to reaching over 12,000 students in 85 countries, Mollie shares how her grandmother’s "unconditional love" sparked her journey. We dive into the "language healing" movement, the fascinating world of Hiberno-English, and why the Irish diaspora—especially in America—is the engine behind the current Gaeilge renaissance.

Whether you're a fluent speaker, a "recovering" learner from your school days, or just curious about your roots, this conversation explores how the Irish language is a "remembering" of who we are.
*In this episode, we discuss:*
The "Silent" Letters: Mollie explains her grandmother’s wisdom on why Irish is actually logical and musical once you find the rhythm.
Language as Healing: The profound connection between Gaeilge and the brain, including moving stories of how it reaches those with dementia.
Irish-American Identity: A candid talk on the "Irish accent," the history of the diaspora, and moving past the gatekeepers of culture.
Modern Renaissance: The impact of social media, the internet, and bands like Kneecap in making Irish vibrant and relevant for a new generation.

*Resources & Links Mentioned*

*Learn with Mollie:*
Official Website: https://www.irishwithmollie.com
The Gaeilge Guide: Mollie’s book on sparking your connection to the language and legacy.
Free Resources: Download the Ciorcal Comhrá (Conversation Cheat Sheet) and sign up for her bilingual weekly newsletter.

*Language & Media Resources:*
TG4: Ireland's national Irish-language broadcaster (Check out their documentaries and kids' TV).
Gaeilge Weekly: A must-listen podcast for learners.
Scéal (Story) & Seachtain (Week): New Irish language supplements and podcasts from the Irish Times and Independent.
Duolingo: For daily vocabulary practice.

*Cultural Inspiration:*
Manchán Magan: Explore the work of this "language healer" and author.
Glasnevin Cemetery: Tour Glasnevin and walk the history of Michael Collins and Constance Markievicz. https://www.dctrust.ie/experience-glasnevin/tours-and-highlights.html
The Basque History of the World: The book that influenced Mollie’s perspective on indigenous language pride.

🪉 *FOLLOW THE IRISH SNUG:*
Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug

#Ir

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