Scéal Scoláire
Ruairí Ó hUanacháin, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne
Inspired by Kinia
Ruairí took to podcasting almost immediately when his educator returned to Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne after completing a Kinia course. His teacher at the time, Pádraig, was ready to pass those skills on in the classroom. Ruairí decided to start his own podcast, and it was the skills he gained directly from the Kinia course that inspired him to take on the challenge.
Heroes on the Ground
What makes his story particularly special is the podcast he chose to create. Laochra ar Lár (Missing Heroes) focuses on traditional music pieces performed by local Munster heroes. Ruairí researched the backgrounds of the musicians and presented pieces from the RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta archive. The podcast went from strength to strength from the moment it launched. Ruairí has a wonderful way with words, and it is clear he has a natural talent for leading a podcast.
“The best thing about Kinia for me is the chance it gives us to use this much technology. You’d never think second-level students would be able to do this much podcast editing and… just use the technology itself within our classes.”
National Recognition
It comes as no surprise that Ruairí was awarded at Tech Féile 2025, where he was named TechSpacer of the Year for the creativity, innovation, and outstanding effort he demonstrated throughout this project. His name will certainly be one to watch in the future.
Lasting Impact
Real Creative Ownership Ruairí didn’t follow a simple brief – he created something with his whole heart in it. Kinia helped to prepare the learning environment for student-led creativity to flourish.
Technology and Culture By using podcasting to explore traditional music and local heritage, Ruairí found a way to make technology deeply personal and use it as a tool for storytelling.
Professional-Level Skills From audio editing to research and presentation, Ruairí developed a skillset that goes far beyond what most secondary school curricula cover.
Recognition Well Earned Named TechSpacer of the Year at Tech Féile 2025, Ruairí’s podcast stood as a spectacular showcase of his newly developed skills.