New podcast series tells stories of BNM workers
A new podcast series sharing the stories and experiences of those who dedicated their working lives to Bord na Móna has been launched.
Stories of Bord na Móna Podcast, a Community Education Production was launched on Wednesday at the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) Midlands Skills Centre.
The Offaly Age Friendly Ambassador, Michael Duignan, officially launched the Podcasts and he also shared his own story of how Bord na Móna had such a positive impact on his family and life.
Speaking at the event, LOETB Community Education Facilitator, Gillian Cunningham spoke about the importance of capturing and preserving the stories of the life and times of those who had worked with Bord na Móna. ‘’In agreeing to share their stories we really appreciated the trust and confidence that these men placed in us, and we are delighted to have their stories which will give an insight to future generations on the life and times of those that worked with Bord na Mona’’
Bord na Móna has been an integral part of the Irish landscape for decades. In this podcast, listeners hear from retired employees who have a wealth of memories and stories to share about their time working with the company. They reminisce about their experiences with
Bord na Móna, from the hard work in the bogs to the camaraderie and friendships forged through the years. They share stories of the opportunities and challenges they faced, both professionally and personally. The podcasts also delve into the impact that working for Bord na Móna had on their lives outside of work - from sport and recreation to family life and beyond.
Noel O’Farrell, LOETB Tutor who facilitated the recording and creation of the Podcasts said: "When we engage with an Oral History podcast like this, we not only learn but connect fully with an experience we perhaps know little about. Thank you to all concerned for their voices and stories and helping us find out more about our past."
LOETB has worked closely with Bord na Móna, the employees and the communities over the last number years as the company experienced huge change through the transition from Brown to Green. LOETB has engaged with communities and families through Community Education on many projects. It also hosted a number of on-site information sessions in Derrinlough, Boora and Blackwater and completed individual training needs analysis with employees.
LOETB then provided upskilling to many employees through the courses identified such as Welding, Retrofit, Industrial Electrical, Train the Trainer and Supervisory Management as well as the development of the Sustainable Agriculture Traineeship in partnership with Teagasc and Agricultral Colleges at Gurteen and Mountbellew.