RTE Star Manchan Magan Shares Cancer Journey While Filming New Series

Manchan Magan, a prominent figure in Irish media, has revealed that he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer while filming his latest documentary series, *Listen to the Land Speak*. Diagnosed in early 2023, just before production began, the writer and filmmaker opted to continue with his work, embracing the challenges of his condition while exploring Ireland’s rich heritage.

Magan’s journey through cancer treatment included hormone therapy and radiotherapy over the course of a year. Despite these challenges, he traveled extensively across the country, reflecting on what he describes as “Ireland’s ancient spirit.” In an interview with RSVP, he shared, “We started filming around August 2023 right when I found out I had prostate cancer. Then I went on a journey of healing, experiencing that during the filming. It just wouldn’t have been fair not to share it with viewers.”

Exploring Ireland’s Mystical Landscape

*Listen to the Land Speak* is a powerful two-part documentary that delves into the mystical landscapes of Ireland, uncovering the ancient wisdom embedded in its myths and geography. Magan emphasized that while he was capturing the beauty of the land, he was also facing a deeply personal battle. He stated, “I was in these deeply visceral, beautiful places thinking about mortality, spirit, and wider things. And I realized I had to be honest with the audience about what was happening inside my own body too.”

The series chronicles a year-long exploration, moving from significant dates in the Irish calendar such as Winter Solstice to Bealtaine, and from Reek Sunday to Samhain. Along the way, Magan interacted with archaeologists, shamans, writers, and storytellers, each contributing to his understanding of how ancient cultures perceived the world.

A notable moment from the series occurred during Magan’s visit to the Keash Caves in Sligo, where archaeologist Marion Dowd introduced him to the concept of caves as gateways to other realms. “She showed me how caves were seen as doorways into other worlds. It was real, visceral — not metaphor, but belief,” he recalled.

Reflections on Mortality and Discovery

After completing his treatment, Magan expressed how peculiar it feels that the series is being released just as he moves beyond his illness. “We all try to avoid thinking about death. But I spent a year facing it, and it was enriching,” he noted. The stunning locations he visited added depth to his reflections, allowing him to connect profoundly with Ireland’s landscapes.

Magan concluded, “I thought I knew Ireland. But I got to know it on a far deeper, more profound level. The land is speaking to us through stories, myths, and memory. And when we really listen… it’s like we can hear our ancestors speaking again.”

*Listen to the Land Speak* is now available for streaming on the RTE Player, offering viewers an insightful journey through Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage, intertwined with Magan’s personal narrative of resilience and discovery.