Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

Dive into the life of Bertie Ahern, Ireland’s shrewd and enigmatic leader. Uncover the secrets behind his political maneuvers and personal triumphs. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of his remarkable career. Tune in to discover the man who reshaped modern Ireland.

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Nóirín O'Sullivan is a former member of An Garda Síochána, who served as Garda Commissioner from 2014 to 2017. Nóirín was the 20th appointed Garda Commissioner and the first woman to lead the Gardaí in its 92-year history. She announced her retirement from the organisation, on the 10th September 2017, amidst a flurry of controversies.

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What do you do when faced with death in Papua New Guinea? Even worse ,what do you do when 007 walks in on you when you're on the toilet?? How do you deal with nasty comments online? What do you do when a juggernaut like Operation Transformation finishes?

Kathryn Thomas, one of the most talented, successful and hardworking TV and radio presenters in Ireland comes to Allenwood and tells all to Mary and Mary. She also tells why she set up a new business, what her thoughts are on television in Ireland today and why she had ten bridesmaids!

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The extraordinary story of Don Mescall, an Irish singer and songwriter whose songs have over 16 million hits on YouTube and have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys, Lonestar, Geri Halliwell, Ronan Keating, Sir Cliff Richard, Nathan Carter, MacKenzie Porter, triple platinum singer songwriter Marina Kaye, Sharon Corr, Aslan and many more.

Don speaks with honesty and candour about his career, the sudden loss of his Dad at a hurling match when Don was just ten, his battle with drugs and alcohol and the special role he played in the later months of Christy Dignams life.

Don also talks to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about his relationship with current partner Morah Ryan, ex-wife of the late Gerry Ryan.

And he also gives us a very special performance of one of his songs.

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An emotionally charged, poignant and uplifting conversation with one of life's true gentlemen. The public knows Noel Cunningham as the Donegal man who always has a smile on his face and warmth in his heart. But behind his smile is a man who has endured heartbreak, unimaginable loss and discrimination.

This podcast explores some sensitive themes.

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Seán Ó Fearghaíl is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who has served as the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann since March 2016.

Here we have a very open and frank chat with Mary and Mary about a range of subjects including:

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Seán Boylan is a unique character, demonstrated in the fact he is the only person to hold the title ‘Freeman of Meath'.

Having played hurling for Meath, Sean then went on to spend 23 years as the manager of the Meath Gaelic football team, during which time they won four All-Ireland Championships.

He also won three National Football League titles and eight Leinster Senior Football Championships. He is one of the most successful county managers in the history of Gaelic football. Here he chats to the Marys about:

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Eileen Dunne is our presenter Mary Kennedy's best friend!! She has seen and done it all in her broadcasting career.

She presented the main RTE television news programmes Six One News, Nine O'Clock News and

One O'Clock News as well as other news bulletins on both radio and television from 1980 to 2022.

Over her career with RTE, Eileen covered some of the biggest stories of the past four decades, including

multiple General Elections, historic referendum campaigns, the talks leading to the Good Friday

Agreement, and Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Ireland.

Here is Eileen like you've never heard her before. She chats about her life, career, Dancing with the Stars, how she almost retired early because she was cross and her thoughts on the RTE of today,

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In this special bonus episode, Rory talks about how Rory's Stories all began, his love for the GAA and about his experience captaining the Meath minor football team.

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Rory O’Connor is a comedian and mental health advocate who has amassed over 1.2 million followers and 2 billion video views across his social media channels, Rory’s Stories.

Nobody thought he would make it – written off as ‘thick’ at school he struggled to find a career he felt he could succeed in. When a hot tip led to a win on the horses it was the beginning of a dangerous

spiral into a gambling addiction that gnawed away at his self-esteem even further and sent him into the depths of depression.

But the man who thought he had nothing to live for, went on to become a stand-up comedian selling out venues around Ireland and reaching millions of people through his social media platforms.

Rory has sold out theatres throughout Ireland, the USA and Australia.

This podcast explores some sensitive topics.

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Daniel O'Donnell is a true Irish legend. He has performed at iconic venues around the globe, from The Point (3Arena) in Dublin to London’s Royal Albert Hall, Sydney’s Opera House and New York’s Carnegie Hall. Daniel has had more albums in the British charts than any other recording artist – and Prince Charles presented him with an MBE for his services to music and charity.

In this podcast he speaks about a variety of topics including growing up in Donegal, meeting his wife Majella through her parents, what his mother said to King Charles, his views on the same sex marriage referendum, the 'Strictly' experience and breaking into a building aided by Mary McAleese. It all wraps up with a special surprise ending.

Proudly supported by Kildare County Council.

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The wonderful Roz Purcell talks openly and candidly about growing up on a farm in Tipperary, Miss Universe, modelling and how she dealt with the more unpleasant aspects of the business, her struggles with an eating disorder, hiking, baking, writing an award winning book and reveals all about her recent engagement and wedding plans! 

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In this special bonus podcast, Phil Coulter talks about his exciting experiences at the BBC's Top Of The Pops while working with Cliff Richard, Sandy Shaw and The Bay City Rollers. He also talks about his worldwide number ones and the young artist he has now taken under his wing. Phil also speaks about his Dad being a policeman in the RUC.

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in an exclusive and rare deep personal insight, Phil Coulter opens up to the two Mary’s about his extraordinary life including his phenomenal career success, family life including with his sons diagnosis of Downs Syndrome, two almost identical personal tragedies, the state of Eurovision, his love for rally driving and the divisive Irish rugby anthem ‘Irelands Call’ which he wrote.

Phil Coulter has amassed 23 platinum discs, 39 gold discs, 52 silver discs, and is one of the biggest record sellers in the island of Ireland with millions of record sales. His well-known compositions include "The Town I Loved So Well", "Puppet on a String", "Congratulations", “The Old Man” and the Elvis Presley hit “My Boy”.

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In this special bonus podcast segment, Anne Doyle tells of the only time she ever saw her mother afraid. She speaks beautifully about the financial challenges she and her family faced when she was young and tells us about the many occasions she was hung upside down over a well to retrieve water! And in speaking about Annes love of poetry, former president Mary McAleese utters an unparliamentary word. :)

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Stefanie is an award-winning writer for screen and stage, author, director and actor based in Dublin. She was diagnosed with Autism in 2022, at the age of 34. Stefanie speaks openly to the two Mary's about her life, career and her experiences with multiple miscarriage, pregnancy and motherhood.

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In this special five and a half minute bonus podcast, Dermot Kennedy talks about songwriting, self belief and how his first songs had no chorus!

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Former professional rugby player Damian Browne became the first person to row a boat across the Atlantic from New York City to Galway Ireland, completing his trip on 4 October 2022 after 112 days at sea.

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Come on a journey behind the news desk image and meet the real Anne Doyle. Find out what's she's doing now, how she handled some very difficult moments, what she'd like to change about her life and why she was suspended from RTE three times!

With her iconic poise, unwavering professionalism, and distinctive voice, Anne has been a beloved figure in Irish broadcasting for decades.

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An extremely open Keith Barry sits down to talk about many personal experiences including the horrific car crash that nearly lost him his leg, his forthright opinion on how the Gardai handled the death of his grandfather after a break in, his incredible career and how our online habits are affecting us. 

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Renowned for her historic moment at the Oscars, where she became the first female conductor to lead the orchestra during the prestigious ceremony, Galway woman Eimear Noone's journey is one of resilience, triumph, and profound emotion.

Beyond her groundbreaking achievements, this trailblazing figure courageously fought and won a landmark court case, paving the way for the rights of pregnant women in Hollywood. Yet, amidst her professional triumphs, Eimear shares with raw honesty some heart-wrenching experiences, revealing the depth of her humanity and the resilience that defines her spirit.

She is also a highly accomplished composer whose work spans across various mediums, including film and video games (World of Warcraft being just one). She has conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and has been recognised for her groundbreaking contributions to the field.

Join us as we explore the remarkable story of Eimear Noone, a true pioneer whose voice resonates far beyond the notes she conducts.

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In a revealing insight, new president of the GAA Jarlath Burns chats to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about a range of topics including his vision for the GAA, a united Ireland, his love of hurling, amateurism, growing up in South Armagh and the importance of the GAA in Northern Ireland.

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A revealing and insightful conversation with music superstar Dermot Kennedy. Dermot delves deep into his life, offering perspectives on various aspects including the music industry, what he would like to be if he wasn't a singer and his candid thoughts on social media.

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A short teaser for the exciting new podcast "Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations".

This weekly series will be presented by former president of Ireland Mary McAleese and broadcasting icon Mary Kennedy.

Each episode sees these two iconic presenters chatting with a guest with the subject of change to the fore. But as you can imagine with these two ladies, the conversations head off in many different directions.

The podcast is produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media.

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