The Parting Glass

Al Gibbs : Freaks, Festivals & Finding the BeatThis week I sit down with a true legend of Irish dance music , Al Gibbs. From his early days spinning kids’ discos in Ballybrack to sharing stages with Carl Cox and writing Maniac 2000, Al’s journey is packed with rhythm, resilience, and rave history.We talk about the evolution of DJing, the golden days of Dublin’s club scene, staying grounded through the crash, and what it’s like to host Freaks on Friday the iconic FM104 show that’s been lighting up Irish weekends for nearly 20 years.It’s a nostalgic, honest, and inspiring chat with a man who's never lost the buzz for what he does.👉 Catch Freaks on Friday every Friday from 7–10pm on FM104 👉 Freaks with Al Gibbs airs Saturdays from 9–11pm

In this gripping episode of The Parting Glass, Zoe Holohan opens up about surviving one of Europe's deadliest wildfires, a tragedy that claimed the life of her husband of just four days, Brian. Zoe credits the incredible teams of surgeons and medical staff in Athens and St. James’ Hospital in Dublin for saving both her life and her limbs. She also expresses her eternal gratitude to Manos, a volunteer firefighter, who pulled her burnt body from the flames, giving her a chance to live.Throughout her journey, Zoe's wicked sense of humor has been a vital part of her healing process, helping her navigate the darkest days and giving her the strength to push forward. Her story is not only one of unimaginable loss but also of resilience, gratitude, and the power of laughter in the face of adversity. Now, Zoe is using her experience to advocate for burn victims and others affected by trauma, sharing her story to inspire and uplift. This episode is a testament to the power of survival, the human spirit, and the role of humor in healing. #Resilience #Survival #Advocacy #Loss #Gratitude #Humor

"Pull up a chair, grab a pint — we’ve stories to tell."I’m Niamh Ryan, and every week on The Parting Glass, I sit down with Dubliners who’ve been through the wars , heartbreak, injustice, near disasters and somehow come out the far side with a story that’ll break your heart and make you laugh in the same breath.From Olympians to musicians to everyday legends, we talk truth, grief, craic, and everything in between.It’s raw, it’s real, and sometimes it’s a bit sweary.Slainte Listen to The Parting Glass -available on all platforms

🧙‍♀️NEW EPISODE ALERT!This week on The Parting Glass, I sat down with the absolutely terrifying, spell-casting, broom-riding menace to society… Ruth Coppinger 😱That’s right - the woman some folks on X (formerly known as Twitter, but still full of trolls) lovingly refer to as a witch. Spoiler: no cauldron in sight, just sharp wit, feminism, and fiery takes. Hear Ruth's view on the "bro-ligarchs of the world", her teaching career, growing up in a big family in Dublin.Tune in as we chat about politics, protests, and whether she prefers eye of newt or oat flat whites 🧹☕️Burn the patriarchy, not women at the stake 🔥#ThePartingGlass #Podcast #RuthCoppinger #IrishPolitics #WitchPlease #NewEpisode #FeministFireChapters00:00 Introduction to The Parting Glass Podcast00:52 Ruth Coppinger: A Fierce Advocate for Social Justice02:09 Growing Up in a Working-Class Family06:29 The Housing Crisis and Its Impact on Communities09:31 Political Engagement and Voter Turnout Challenges12:17 Secularism and the Separation of Church and State16:38 Grassroots Movements and Direct Action20:01 Addressing Gender-Based Violence24:28 The Role of Character References in Court28:37 Navigating Polarization in Politics33:07 Reflections on Teaching and Activism34:52 Resilience in Activism and the Fight for Change

Fingerz Kenny - Music, Mayhem & Mental Health!!Meet Kenny “Fingerz” Kenny, Knocklyon’s musical maverick, piano prodigy, festival impresario, and all‑round entertainer. From rocking bands since age 13 to orchestrating legendary events like KnockanStockan, Kenny’s journey is one of creative chaos and fearless self‑expression.In this episode, we dive deep into:• His winding school journey, including an infamous “excommunication” from Blackrock College and his early music training at Ballyfermot Rock School• Walking away from a potential career in accountancy to fully embrace life in music, from touring with Hudson Taylor and working with The Scratch to running gigs and building grassroots festivals• His honest take on how quiet Dublin nightlife has become, and the challenges of organising live gigs in a city that’s losing venues and energy• His bond with his daughter Sadie, now 11 and one of his best mates, and how fatherhood put his creative life into perspective• Living with ADHD and how he balances the chaos of event planning with the difficulty of doing simple tasks, relying on his AI sidekick “Gary” (aka ChatGPT) for support• That unforgettable First Dates appearance - the waistcoat, the jokes, and the scenes that had the country talking• A candid conversation around mental health, neurodiversity, and learning to work with your brain instead of against itWhether you’re a music lover, a dreamer, or just someone who appreciates an honest, funny, no-filter story, this one’s for you.

David Gillick – From Gold Medals to Grounded LivingIn this episode of The Parting Glass Podcast, we sit down with Olympic sprinter and proud Dubliner David Gillick. From winning double gold at the European Indoor Championships to holding the Irish 400m record, David shares the highs of elite athletics and the challenges that followed when the stadium lights faded.We chat about his experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he compared the buzz to Italia ’90, his honest reflections on mental health after retirement, and how life has changed as a father of three. David also talks about his passion for coaching, his MasterChef win, and what it means to stay rooted in his hometown of Ballinteer.This is a wide-ranging, honest, and uplifting conversation with a man who continues to inspire on and off the track.🎙️ Topics Covered:Life at the top of international athleticsThe emotional impact of retirementCommentary and interviews at Paris 2024Mental health and public advocacyCoaching kids and dealing with pushy parentsFamily life and staying grounded in DublinQuickfire Dublin questions – from spice bags to Coppers

In this deeply moving episode of The Parting Glass, we sit down with integrative psychotherapist and founder of the Stephen Moylan Foundation, Susan Moylan. With over 21 years of experience supporting young people’s mental health, Susan brings professional insight and personal resilience to a conversation about love, loss, and the power of healing.Susan speaks openly about the heartbreaking loss of her husband Sean in 2003 and her beloved son Stephen in 2019, a tragedy that inspired the creation of the Stephen Moylan Foundation, a community-led initiative offering therapeutic support to children and young people who have lost a parent.We talk about grief, family, the long road through trauma, and how Susan has transformed pain into purpose by helping others navigate their darkest moments.The Stephen Moylan Foundation provides counselling and bereavement supports for children aged 5 to 18, as well as guidance for schools, caregivers, and communities. Based in Dublin 11, 9, and 7, the foundation’s goal is to expand its reach across Dublin and eventually nationwide.To find out more about the incredible work Susan and her team are doing, and to stay up to date on upcoming events, supports, and initiatives, visit www.thestephenmoylanfoundation.com.

"The Eyes She Never Forgot"In 2004, 20-year-old Hazel Behan was brutally attacked in her apartment in Portugal. Tied up, raped at knifepoint, and filmed by a masked man who entered through a broken balcony door. Her case went cold. Years later, she recognised her attacker’s eyes in a news report. The man? Christian Brückner, now the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.Hazel took the stand. He was acquitted.Now, she's taking her fight to the European Court of Human Rights, accusing Portuguese authorities of failing her -and others.This is the story of trauma, courage, and a woman demanding justice, not just for herself, but for survivors everywhere.⚠️ Content warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexual violence.🆘 If you have been affected by sexual violence, support is available:🇮🇪 Ireland –Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour Helpline: 1800 77 88 88Visit: www.drcc.ie