Picnic 2016

Tune into The Nature Man at 7pm www.midlands103.com tomorrow evening on a walk through Abbeyleix bog.

Ricky Whelan Promo ad

Bob Geldof's drummer, Niall Power (on right) can no longer drum. Getting Parkinson's disease at 50 meant he can no longer do what he loves most. Hear his story on Monday evening's Open Door at 7pm. With special guest Simon Casey, hear Niall relive his 'on the road' memories
from Live8 to Westlife. www.midlands103.com

Niall Power

THE OPEN DOOR
On Ann Marie Kelly’s weekly magazine program The Open Door (Mondays 7 to 8pm Midlands 103) she ventures out amongst the community to reveal the hidden stories and characters of the Midlands. 
From conversations with centenarians, a harpist who plays for the dying, footing turf with a farmer who no longer talks to his father, or in this case walking with a young Birdwatcher who has just recovered from leukemia, there is always a story to be told. (Broadcast 24/7/17)
Nature man Ricky Whelan is as natural as the birds around him. But when he talks about “catching minnows and shifting women” off Briar Lane, we quickly realise this is much more than just a Nature walk. 
A walk and talk with Ricky down the Owenass River is all about bringing wildlife to the people. There is a natural flow to the conversation and a great rapport between Ricky and Ann Marie that drives the program. 
There is a conscious effort to build a story with Audio. Extra recording of the birds and surroundings with a rifle mic help create that soundscape. This compliments Ricky’s conversational style as he talks about neglecting his wife to walk all the way to the River Barrow. Additional music also helps create a feeling of nostalgia.
One listener to this particular show described it as “the perfect driving companion” whilst making her way back to the Midlands from Dublin “with the sound of bull finches in one ear and children splashing in water in the other”.

THE OWENASS RIVER

'Diverse’ is the best word that sums up Ann Marie Kelly's presenting style. 
Working as a Music Presenter in radio throws up many weird and wonderful settings that Ann Marie uses as creative opportunities.
Ann Marie's taste in music is broad and her ability to deal with various genres is evident in this entry and each challenge is met with knowledge and empathy. 
Bob Geldof and Westlife drummer Niall Power opens the entry. He speaks of losing the ability to drum due to Parkinsons. The subject is dealt with in a delicate manner and is subtly underscored with music. 
Next up we meet a teenage Johnny Cash “wannabe”.
Seasoned performers Relish open up to Ann Marie about their childhood and walk through the records that inspired them in a beautifully realised piece which the band later described as their best ever interview.
Next, we hear a Sean Nos singer, an Uileann Piper and an ailing Richie Kavanagh in the unconventional environment of the National Ploughing Championships revealing a uniquely rural slant to Irish musical life. 
On her Joe Dolan special, instead of a maudlin tribute, we hear Ann Marie’s walk and talk with Dolan’s nephew focus on the fun stories, whilst maintaining respect for the material. Thats what sets Ann Marie apart, as she puts her heart and soul into her content no matter what music she plays

SPECIALIST MUSIC PRESENTER OF THE YEAR

OPEN DOOR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL with Laois Arch club on www.midlands103.com. "There's very little for over 16s if you have a disability" according to one volunteer.

Laois Arch Christmas party on The Open Door

LOVE LIFE  Pearse Kane And Nuala Harris

WHAT'S THAT NOISE?

American Singer Dension Witmer speaks to Ann Marie Kelly on the Roadhouse Cafe on Midlands 103 about his beautiful new album American Foursqaure.

Denison Witmer speaks to Ann Marie Kelly

FATHER'S DAY : Gar from Abbeyleix County Laois got a great surprise on Breakfast this morning when his 2 sons Darragh and Cathal composed this song for him especially for Father's Day! Have a listen

Fathers Day Song for Gar

Radio Presenter/Producer. Presently with Midlands 103. Programs include Breakfast with Ann Marie, The Open Door and The Roadhouse Cafe. Previously Today FM AMKelly Show, Documentaries. 


Ann-Marie Kelly

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