Manchán Magan: ‘I see a world where people realise they have more in common than ever divided them’

In November of 2020, IMAGE had been on pause since March. We returned in November with a special 2020/2021 Annual issue, setting out to redefine and recognise the things that give us enduring pleasure rather than a fleeting, disposable high in a post-Covid world. If there was one thing that 2020 had brought to each of us, it was change, a period of new perspectives, revised values and renewed convictions for us all. Then, more than ever, we realised the value of our health, our family and community, the beauty of our country and what it it means to be Irish – in all myriad forms.

We may have missed 28°C holidays with pals, but found new fun wearing bobble hats in the Irish sea in 8°C; we bought “proper” outdoor gear and walked… and walked… and fed on the “sense of ease and strength that can come from reconnecting with the land and with nature,” as Manchán Magan so powerfully put it on page 82, in a feature across the worlds of Irish culture, fashion, beauty, health and the arts, where we met the optimists pushing for change.

As the country mourns his enormous loss, read Manchán Magan’s beautiful perspective on fulfilment from that issue here.

“Before last spring, it was impossible to conceive of upending the entire system. The sheer economic and political might of corporate conglomerates was too daunting to tackle, and, yet, it’s happened.” When Manchán Magan starts talking, you just listen. “The carbon-hungry industries and corporations that direct so much of our lives, and that have helped lead us on our somnambulant path toward self-destruction have been halted… it’s time to take stock.”

Raised between Dublin 4 and the West Kerry Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne, author and documentary filmmaker Manchán Magan has a longstanding fascination with the push-pull contrast of fast and slow living. Having roved the world for his TG4 travel series, Manchán is committed to helping connect people to simpler pleasures. “For so long, we’ve depended on impulsive shopping, fast fashion and celebrity culture to feed our inner yearnings. I’d love to help steer people towards something more sustainable and fulfilling. The sense of ease and strength that can come from reconnecting with the land and with nature, and with the wisdom and heritage of our ancestors.”

When not roaming the coastal highways of Donegal, Sligo and Mayo, or unearthing forgotten sea words – such as caibleadh (spirit voices heard in the distance on calm nights) – for a project called Sea Tamagotchi, you’ll find him tending to his fruit trees and bee hives in Co Meath. “It’s ridiculously labour-intensive,” he admits, “but it helps me feel strong, secure and sane.”

Community is key in Manchán’s post-Covid vision. “I see a world where people realise they have more in common than ever divided them, and that by working together they can achieve safe and fulfilling lives and find meaning in the Irish wisdom ‘ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’ – we depend on each other for prosperity, health and security.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Photography by Doreen Kilfeather. Styling by Aisling Farinella.