Early Irish Television: From Wanderly Wagon to Gay Byrne

Piano‘s Magical Arrival: A Cork Childhood Remembered

In the heart of Cork, in the 1950s and ’60s, Paula Rose’s childhood was forever changed by the arrival of a piano, a symbol of hope and expectation that still echoes in her memories today.

The piano, a sleek, varnished black upright, replaced the old grandfather clock and the worn-out chaise longue. It was a choice dictated by the sales assistant, its sound deemed sweetest, no room for frills, just black and white notes. Yet, it was more than a musical instrument; it was a dream, a promise of a future where all seven children could find their melody.

Paula’s parents, children of the revolution, had contrasting views on money. Her father, a man of thrift, believed in living within one’s means. Her mother, however, was a woman of enterprise, a skilled negotiator who could charm her way around any obstacle. She acquired the piano on hire purchase, walking around town with the agreement until she found the perfect moment to present it to the shop.

Saturday afternoons in the Rose household were a symphony of their own. After the fry, the metal bath would be brought down from the flat roof, and the youngsters would take their turn. Then, the piano would take centre stage. Paula’s youngest sister, Jean, would sit down, and their father, in his collarless shirt and braces, would harmonise, frying pan still in hand. The piano soothed, accompanied, and ultimately, became the heart of the home.

From Two Stations to a World of TV

Across the country, Stephen Twohig, now living in Maine, USA, remembers a time when Irish television was a much simpler affair. Growing up in Kanturk, he had just two stations to choose from: RTÉ1 and RTÉ2. The first colour televisions were a treat, even if the faces on screen looked like they’d spent a day at the beach.

Stephen recalls the early days of Irish TV, filled with American cartoons like Mickey Mouse and Tom and Jerry, and homegrown shows like Wanderly Wagon. He remembers the wildlife documentary ‘Amuigh Fein Speir’, narrated by Eamon de Buitlear, and drawn by Gerit van Gelderen. From terns to wagtails, Stephen and his siblings knew them all.

Evening prime time brought American shows like Hawaii Five-O and The Streets of San Francisco. Jack Lord’s swivel and smile atop a Hawaiian skyscraper was a familiar sight. Later, it was the glitz and glamour of Dallas and Dynasty that kept viewers hooked.

The Saturday night Late Late Show, hosted by Gay Byrne, was a staple. His signature catchphrase, "Would you roll it there, Colette," echoed through living rooms nationwide. And who could forget the simple pleasures of The Riordans and Glenroe, or the enduring appeal of Coronation Street?

Today, with countless channels and streaming services at our fingertips, it’s easy to forget the simplicity and charm of those early days of Irish television. But for Stephen and Paula, the memories of those times remain as vivid and cherished as the first notes played on that black upright piano.

the piano became more than just a ‌source of music in Paula’s childhood home. It became a symbol of ⁢aspiration, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a tangible reminder of the transformative power of dreams. It is a poignant reminder that even in the midst ⁢of post-war austerity, hope and beauty can bloom, ⁢finding expression in the simple, yet profound, act of playing a tune. ‍Paula’s piano, a black and white canvas of possibility, continues to⁣ resonate, not just through the‍ melodies it produced, but through ‌the‍ enduring legacy of a childhood ⁣marked ​by⁤ love, dreams, and the enduring magic of music.
paula Rose’s story is a testament to the enduring power of music, and how a single instrument can weave itself into the very fabric of a family’s life. The humble piano, chosen not for its grandeur but for its soulful sound, became a beacon of hope, a symbol of shared dreams and aspirations. It was a silent witness to childhood joys, Saturday afternoon rituals, and the echoes of laughter that reverberated through the Rose household. In Paula’s recollection,the piano’s magical arrival not only transformed their living space but also enriched their lives wiht melodies that continue to resonate long after the last note fades.