Spoken Stories Independence @ RTÉ Radio 1

Spoken Stories is a new concept of commissioning short fiction under a common theme or thread, in which we are treated to experiencing them read directly by their authors or by invited readers.

This collection originates from a consideration of independence, a hundred years after Ireland's War for Independence. In this way, Spoken Stories Independence is a RTÉ landmark contribution to Ireland's ongoing Decade of Centenaries.

Shorn by Sue Rainsford (Sunday 31 January) is powerfully read by Saoirse Ronan. This story moves hauntingly between a brutal long ago and a present time of purging that past as two daughters do with their mother’s hair what she asked of them before she died, to cut off her long plait and to take it back to where she was born.

Produced by Cliodhna Ni Anluain.