How could an Irishman who couldn't swim, one day become a surf lifesaving captain?

This is a short but sweet episode featuring a much loved Koroit local Mick McGoldrick. Originally from County Cavan, Ireland, Mick came out to Australia for the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and then decided he wanted to stay. Mick is involved in many local clubs. But his most prominent role would have to be the Port Fairy Surf Lifesaving Club captain.

Kirsten also asks Mick about growing up in the 1970s and 80s in Ireland, in an area where violent attacks were occurring during what's now known as The Troubles.

If you haven't already... listen to the full Koroit episode (released just before this one)!

Would you like the Town Criers to come to your town? Visit our website.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production.

We're off to the little Irish town where even the soil and beer at Mickey Bourke's Hotel have been known to shine green!

Koroit, in south-west Victoria is steeped in Irish history, with a tight-knit community, legendary football team (6 wins in a row!) and impressive music and arts scene.

Damian and Kirsten uncover Koroit's fine sporting history of Ferret Racing, the community's brilliant campaign to save St Brigid's Hall and the two Popstars of the 2000s who now call Koroit home.

How well do the locals know their Irish history? How well do they know their famous soil? We test this and more!

Featured locals include:

• Rachael Houlihan - Warrnambool Standard reporter and Kirkstall local
• Adele McDonald and Barry Brody - Koroit Irish Festival
• Paddy Kelly - A "real Koroit Irishman"
• Gerard "Cactus" Kearney - Local gardener and gravedigger
• Danielle Stearman and Scott Cain (Koroit's very own Popstars!)
• Karen Foster - Mayor of the Moyne Shire + some young Mayors in the making!
• Carol McDonald - 15 minutes of Fame, Crossley

This episode (and live show) has been sponsored by the Fletcher Jones Family Foundations, with support of the Moyne Shire. Thank you for your support!

Would you like the Town Criers to come to your town? Visit our website.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production.

We begin by diving into the history of Grampians towns, Willaura and Moyston... from the early days of wheat cropping to the wool boom of the 1950s and 60s when the towns reached their peak population.

Damian gets a tour of the Willaura Historical Society building, and discovers the beloved Dr Cyril Checci, a WWI doctor, who went on to deliver about 2000 babies in the region.

We uncover a hilarious account of the 1977 account of the rabbit skinning-competition and look back at some of the outlandish newspaper advertisements of the early 1900s.

That's all before we auction off the Moyston-General store to a live crowd and find a winner in the Town Quiz. Wich town knows their home better?

Hear from:

*John Walter - President of the Willaura Historical Society

*Julie-Ann Rose - Owner, Moyston General Store

*Heather Fleming - President, Willaura Health Care Auxiliary and Willaura community advocate

* Max McLean - President, Moyston Sheep Dog Club

* Kevin Butler - Founder, BlazeAid

Much of this episode was recorded in front of a live audience, at the Willaura Town Hall, as a fundraiser for BlazeAid. Thank you to the Moyston and WIllaura communities for their support.

This is the second episode of a two-part series. So if you haven't already - go back and listen to the first one!

Would you like the Town Criers to come to your town? Visit our website.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production.