288/365: Gary McKenna, Glaslough, Co Monaghan

Gary is friendly and chatty but I can tell, also a little bit nervous about talking to me today. He welcomed us to his beautiful big home which he recently bought (a huge accomplishment for a single man in his 30s in a housing crisis!).

He starts by saying that he’s been approached before to tell his story as part of a documentary, but didn’t feel totally ready. I’m so glad he contacted me now to share his wonderful story with you all.

Apart from having wonderful taste in decor, and a sound head on his shoulders, Gary has two cures. They were passed down to him (and his brother) when he was just 11. An old lady in a neighbouring village specifically requested to see Gary and his brother when she was in a nursing home. His family knew her, they had used her for cures before, and she knew that she wanted to pass along her gift before her time came.

Gary has grappled with having this responsibility throughout his teens and young adult life, but has come to realise that it’s such an honour to be part of this centuries old lineage, and while it might not make sense to a lot of people, it’s still hugely important to respect those who have come before him.

Gary is also a clinical psychologist. So while on one hand, he can cure people using very traditional means, he has also equipped himself on how to help people in other ways too.

Rx

Sin Scéal Eile is a Poddle Audio production.

Host & Creator: Ruth Medjber

Executive Producer, Editor & Sound Designer: Dee Reddy

On-Field Audio Recording: Ronan Lally

Original Theme & Score: Elaine Mai

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