Cronin Brothers bringing fame into Longford with ‘Teenage Wasteland’

“Teenage Wasteland” with actor Peter Coonan as the guest, was a live podcast broadcast from Edward J Valentine’s bar, Longford town on Thursday last, November 27.

Supported by Longford Night-time Economy and Transmission Records, Johnny Cronin and Will Russell sat down with Peter to discuss his music interests, and career.

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What started as running into each other as an Oasis gig led to the reality of the ‘Love/Hate’ and ‘Peaky Blinders’ actor coming to Longford. Not only that, Coonan’s mother was from Newtownforbes.

“My heart is in Longford,” he said near the beginning of the podcast. “I wear the badge of honour.”

Coonan described himself as being a hyperactive child.

“I knew, deep down, that the mainstream world was not meant for me.”

The night was informal and fun. The audience listened to anecdotes, jokes and colloquial conversations between the hosts and the guest. There were segments of music, such as Oasis after they were described as the inception of rock music. There was a sing-song in the latter part.

He spoke about playing Fran in ‘Love/Hate’ and how it was “a proper joy to get scripts of that level.” Then he spoke about his role in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and how he performed the part during Covid.

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“We flew to Aberdeen. It was the other side of the universe. Working with Cillian (Murphy), who I looked up to. He was kind, generous and all about the work. He made sure to learn everybody’s names. The best actors are the most humble and down-to-earth.”

Such events are highlighting the successes of those who have Longford connections, by people who are willing to return to Longford to embrace their background. Peter Coonan engaged with the crowd, invested in giving articulate, in-depth answers, and bringing fresh entertainment to the county.