Laois students interview big names on Portlaoise school podcast

Pictured: Hollywood actor Robert Sheehan interviewed on Dunamase College podcast

placeholder image — Pictured: Hollywood actor Robert Sheehan interviewed on Dunamase College podcast

Dunamase College / Coláiste Dhún Másc reflects on podcast success

Laois students interviewed stars, politicians and Gaeilgeoirs in 2025, through their new school podcast.

Dunamase College/Coláiste Dhún Másc continues to lead the way in innovative teaching, digital creativity and student voice with its rapidly expanding bilingual podcasting programme.

This year, the Portlaoise school’s 'GaelTalkers' podcasting team has reached remarkable heights. Students conducted a captivating interview with Hollywood actor Robert Sheehan, who spoke about his journey from Portlaoise to international fame.

Pictured: Students interview Portlaoise singer Kean Kavanagh on 'The Dunamase Diaries'

The school also recorded a powerful Irish-language conversation with Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, esteemed RTÉ broadcaster, showcasing not only the students’ linguistic skill but also their confidence as Gaeilge.

The English-language podcasting team has also excelled, securing the rare privilege of interviewing local TDs on topics that matter to young people, education, community, wellbeing, and the future of Ireland.

These experiences have strengthened students’ research, journalistic and communication skills, giving them a voice in real democratic dialogue.

“As a European Digital School with one-to-one iPads, Dunamase College is committed to educating students for their future, not our past," principal Dympna Kelly told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Dunamase College students interview Deputy Wille Aird ahead of the 2024 General Election

"Digital creativity, communication and forward-thinking learning experiences like podcasting ensure our students are prepared to thrive in a changing world.”

The school was excited to tease that there is more to come.

"The English-language podcasting team has already begun planning something very exciting for the New Year, promising fresh voices, new stories and a project that will once again shine a spotlight on Dunamase College’s innovation and ambition," the school revealed.

All Dunamase College podcasts are available to the public on Spotify and SoundCloud, where new episodes are added throughout the year. Listeners can search 'The Dunamase Diaries' on Spotify or 'The Gaeltalkers' on Soundcloud.