A Co Tyrone man is set to launch a new podcast about his local area after the reaction he received on a national radio show last week.
Paddy Lyons, from Coalisland, appeared on the 2 Johnnies’ Parish Quiz on RTE 2FM last week where he hilariously described the town’s unique traffic and answered questions about his hometown.
Following the reaction to his radio appearance, the idea of hosting his own podcast was suggested to him, and he has wasted no time in getting his ducks in a row.
READ MORE: Coalisland man hilariously describes the town's traffic problems on RTE Radio show
Paddy plans to record the first episode of ‘Roundabouts and Overabouts’’ in the Central Bar in the town this coming weekend, with the help of local schoolteacher, playwright and actor Mark Shields.
“I’ve got a lot of attention, it’s been good craic. I’ve really enjoyed the attention and the positivity,” Paddy told Belfast Live.
“There’s a wee bit of a sense of pride about the town and seeing Coalisland in a good light.
“It gave everybody a wee lift I think, so I was happy with that there and really happy with the reaction.
“Everybody knows each other and it’s a tight knit community and people are not afraid to say hello.
“That’s why I love this area and I love the banter come championship time with all the football teams.”
The 35-year-old says he feels Coalisland and the surrounding area could do with a familiar voice to listen to.
“This area I feel could do with a wee familiar voice on the podcast. And not just people in this area,” he adds.
“I was away travelling there for six months and I was listening to different podcasts, and there wasn’t anyone giving that familiar voice for the people from this area living in Australia, America, Canada and all over.
“They just want to hear a bit of craic of what happens locally, so I’m going to try and provide that there with five wee episodes.
“I’ve nothing to lose here, if it goes well it goes well, if it doesn’t it doesn’t. I’m happy enough to give it a wee go and I’ve nothing to lose.
“I hope people enjoy it and if it gives somebody a wee laugh or gives somebody a wee lift, I’m happy enough."
READ MORE: Mum’s call for help as disabled son has to climb steps on his hands and knees to get to school bus
Paddy works as a supervisor in a local engineering firm, and says he won’t be giving up the day job just yet as he launches Paddy’s Podcast.
“If it takes legs and something happens, deadly, I would love that but if not I’ll still be doing my job,” he says.
“I was really nervous when I was on the radio last week and people were saying to me that I sounded so cool. It just sort of rolled off the tongue but I was just being normal.
“I was always told that I could talk for Ireland, so why not talk for Ireland and talk to Ireland.”
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