Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

Regrettably, not everything can be included in our podcast episodes initially. However we have delved into the treasure trove of interviews to bring you a compilation of additional conversational gems that Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy had with some of our guests including Dermot Kennedy, Daniel O'Donnell, Kathryn Thomas and Phil Coulter. We hope you enjoy.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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:His thoughts on football todayHow preparations have changed dramaticallyHis first love of hurlingBeing the only freeman of MeathHis father's republican membership and being on the runHow he dealt with a cancer diagnosisHis wife Tina's previous life as a nunHis herbalist career

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 andOne 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, includingmultiple General Elections, historic referendum campaigns, the talks leading to the Good FridayAgreement, 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,