Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

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 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:The economic crash Israel and Irelands position What he would love to change The homeless crisis The changing face of politics Immigration in Ireland Will he take his Dáil seat after the next election? His recent cancer battle His relationship with Micheal Martin Welcoming Joe Biden to Dáil Éireann

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,

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 dangerousspiral 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.

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.

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! 

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.