Ballina’s Yentl Ho in radio documentary
Yentl Ho with her husband Kurt and three children at The Lantern Restaurant, Ballina.
A familiar Ballina voice and face will feature in a new RTÉ Radio 1 documentary series, , which commences on Sunday next, October 12, at 7.30pm.
The six-part series, presented by Eva Pau of Asia Market and produced by award-winning documentary maker Susan Dennehy, shares the personal journeys of six people from Ireland’s Chinese-Irish community. From childhood memories of Hong Kong to growing up in Cookstown during the Troubles, each episode uncovers moving stories of family, belonging and identity.
Episode 3 on October 26 will shine a light on Ballina’s very own Yentl Ho, manager of The Lantern Chinese Restaurant on Emmet Street. Yentl is a proud Ballina woman, a mother of three, and also a sound healer. Her parents, Sunny and Loretta Ho, first opened the Lantern in 1986, making it the oldest and best-known Chinese restaurant in the town. Famous for its much-loved dishes - including its legendary Spicy Chicken Wings and Chicken Dry Hot and Spicy - The Lantern continues to delight customers today with its authentic cuisine, warm service and views over the River Moy and St Muredach’s Cathedral.
In the documentary, Yentl reflects on her unique journey, from her early years in Ballina to five formative years spent in Hong Kong with her grandmother and back again to Mayo. She describes her experience of “standing out, fitting in, and a journey that made no sense at all,” sharing an intimate perspective on the challenges and joys of belonging to two worlds.
Mairéad Melody Carr, manager of Mayo North Tourism, said: “We’re delighted to see Yentl’s story featured. The Ho family and The Lantern have been part of Ballina’s community for nearly 40 years.”
Speaking about the series, producer Susan Dennehy added: “I met the most generous people who welcomed me into their homes, shared food and told me moving, personal stories. It was a privilege to capture their voices.”
airs on RTÉ Radio 1 every Sunday at 7.30pm for the next six weeks.
