A familiar Ballina voice and face will feature in a brand-new RTÉ Radio 1 documentary series, Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish, which begins broadcasting on Sunday, 12th October 2025 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 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 & 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.
Speaking about the series, producer Susan Dennehy said:
“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.”
Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish airs on RTÉ Radio 1 every Sunday from 12th October at 7.30pm for six weeks.
For more details, visit: RTÉ – Coming Home: Stories of Being Chinese-Irish
