Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations

A preview of Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy in a candid and compelling conversation with renowned RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan and Kerry GAA great Dara Ó Cinnéide, recorded live at The Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee. Full episodes coming soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special episode of  Changing Times – The Allenwood Conversations  was recorded live in front of an audience at the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Producer Enda Grace steps out from behind the scenes to introduce the story of how the podcast came to life, from a simple idea to a conversation-led series that has resonated with listeners across Ireland and beyond. On stage, Mary McAleese a...

To close off season two of Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations, we bring you a compilation of some pieces you didn't hear from Mary Kennedy, Mary McAleese, Sharon Shannon, Diarmuid Gavin, Heather Humphreys and Marty Morrissey. Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media. Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

In Part 2 of this very special podcast, Mary McAleese opens up to her friend and host Mary Kennedy with honesty, warmth, and wit. From her complex relationship with the Catholic Church to intimate stories of family life in the west of Ireland, she reflects on her daughter’s wedding, her son coming out to her, knitting, her passion for shopping, and the joys and challenges of everyday living. With...

In part one this very special two part episode, Mary Kennedy chats to her co-host and former President of Ireland Mary McAleese. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we journey through the formative years of a remarkable woman who would go on to become one of Ireland’s most respected voices. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, she shares vivid memor...

In this remarkable episode, Mary McAleese & Mary Kennedy sit with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for a rare and powerful & deeply personal conversation. As he prepares to step down from his role, Drew reflects on a career shaped by profound personal tragedy, public service, his reaction to a no confidence vote in him and a steady commitment to leading with courage and conviction. From grow...

Is Micheál Martin running for president? He tells us more. Speaking rights, the opposition, Donald Trump, tariffs, dealing with world leaders, family life, personal loss and tragedy, the impact of grief, childhood and political influences, Conor McGregor and the GAA - including who will win this years All Irelands, all areas up for discussion with Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy in this special epi...

Fair City made him a household name, but George McMahon’s story goes far beyond Carrigstown—charting a path through the highs and challenges of an ever-evolving acting career in Ireland. From growing up in Clondalkin to stepping onto the set of Fair City as a teenager, the good humoured and charming George McMahon has spent most of his life in front of the camera. But his journey hasn’t been witho...

Jack Charlton called him Noel for four years until he scored in Italia 90. He was at the coalface of the Saipan affair between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy in 2002. He played for Arsenal, Manchester City, and Sunderland, and earned 92 caps for the Republic of Ireland. In this second part of a very special podcast to commemorate 35 years since the glory days of Italia 90, Niall Quinn chats with the...

Niall Quinn is a national hero. From the hallowed turf of Lansdowne Road to the boardrooms of Irish football, his impact on the beautiful game is nothing short of legendary. A towering presence on and off the pitch, Niall’s journey from goal-scoring hero to visionary football executive is a story of passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sport. In this first part of a very special p...

Former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in Ireland, Katherine Zappone played a key role in the country's marriage equality referendum. In this emotional yet uplifting episode, Katherine talks frankly to Mary and Mary about many issues including her controversial appointment as a UN Special Envoy and the political fallout that followed. Katherine also openly discusses the heartbreak of losin...

This is a simply fascinating story. Diarmuid talks to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about: His absolute misery in and hatred for school, Being told he was a dunce and would never amount to anything, Being painfully shy until he was 40, Dealing with the loss of his little brother Conor in an accident when he was just 5 and his parents being misinformed that it was him, Having items repossessed and...

Presidental possibilities? Why did she decide to retire from politics? How did she deal with her daughters horrific car accident? Would she like to see a united Ireland? Cross border smuggling stories. The one piece of advice Leo Varadkar offered her! How she was treated as a woman in politics. Former Minister Heather Humphreys reveals all to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy. Changing Times - The Al...

In this very special episode, former President of Ireland Mary McAleese interviews her co-host Mary Kennedy. One of Ireland’s most beloved broadcasters, Mary Kennedy is renowned for her warmth, depth, and decades of experience in Irish media. In a wide ranging discussion, she opens up about a range of topics including her upbringing, her journey into broadcasting, presenting Eurovision and handlin...

Who actually is the “Galway Girl”? We were surprised to learn! Poignant, funny and very revealing, Sharon Shannon chats to Mary McAleese about her life, glittering career, personal traumas including the death of her beloved partner Leo and reveals who the "Galway Girl" actually is! Sharon Shannon is a true icon of Irish music, renowned for her vibrant and genre-defying accordion playing. She has p...

Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations is proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcaster Marty Morrissey is not short of an opinion here on the future of the GAA, the managerial merry-go-round, why managers should stick to their own clubs and counties, why the Ireland Finals should be moved back to September and why he should have won Dancing With The Stars! He also chats to the Mary’s about the loss of his mother in a tragic accident in 2021, studying medicine, teaching,...

In this bite-size bonus episode, our legendary hosts Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy head for the RTE Late Late Show Studios to officially launch season two and chat with Patrick Kielty about how “Changing Times” originated, their Electric Picnic experience, the former president’s addiction to Tunnocks tea cakes, and where their friendship began. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...

We are back for season two! In this very special episode recorded live in front of a huge enthusiastic Electric Picnic audience, producer Enda Grace introduces Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy for a quick chat before introducing our guest, Paris Olympic rowing medalist Philip Doyle. Season two is proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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...

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 hi...

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...