Insights with Sean O'Rourke

Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Enda Brady talks about his introduction to journalism, he also reflects on his time at Sky, where he interviewed world leaders, Hollywood A-Listers and elite sports people. Having competed in 48 marathons to date, Enda tells Sean about the importance of resilience and his passion for running.

In this special archive episode, Sean is in conversation with renowned sports broadcaster Colm Murray. Recorded in front of a live audience at the Aviva Stadium and first broadcast in January 2012, Colm revealed his inner thoughts on life, his career and his battle with Motor Neuron Disease. Colm sadly passed away from the illness in July 2013.

Edel Coffey is a journalist, broadcaster and #1 bestselling author of Breaking Point, her debut novel which won best crime novel at the An Post Irish Book awards in 2022. Edel tells Sean about her introduction to journalism, moving from Dublin to Galway for love, and how motherhood was good for her career.

Professor Janice Walshe is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at St Vincent’s hospital specialising in breast cancer. Described as a superstar in the oncology day ward, Professor Walshe tells Sean about the relationship she builds with her patients and the importance of being honest and empathetic in her approach.

Conor Buckley is a social entrepreneur and founder of sustainable clothing brand Human Collective. Son of campaigner Christine Buckley, he shared his own experience of racism growing up, and his mission to spread the message of equality through his brand. He also spoke about his mother's time in Goldenbridge and the horror she suffered there.

Richard Bruton, TD for Dublin Bay North and Fine Gael spokesperson for the Environment, Climate and Communications confirmed that he will not seek re-election after 41 years in the Dáil. An inveterate canvasser, Bruton reflects on his life in politics, and he tells Sean about his decision to stand down.

Sonya Lennon is a fashion designer, social entrepreneur, broadcaster, and businesswoman. She tells Sean how it all began in her career, about her inspirational parents, and her drive and passion for positive social impact.

Stewart Kenny is one of the founders of Paddy Power, he tells Sean about his career in the betting industry which spanned over four decades. He also speaks about the dangers of gambling, in particular online gambling, the importance of introducing gambling regulation in Ireland and his move into psychotherapy and counselling.

International media lawyer Paul Tweed joins Sean to talk about how he built up one of the most lucrative defamation law practices in the world. From cream buns to Hollywood, Paul has represented the likes of Liam Neeson, Johnny Depp and Britney Spears. He also tells Sean how he sought to challenge the power of the social media and online giants.

SDLP veteran Bríd Rodgers reflects on her life in Politics, both in the North and South of Ireland, her relationship with Seamus Mallon and John Hume, and her thoughts on what she thinks John Hume would say today about the current situation in Northern Ireland.

Former Minister Liz O Donnell talks about her life in Politics including her decade as Junior Minister during the Peace Process, the influence of the Progressive Democrats in Irish Politics, and the shock of losing her seat. She also discusses her role as Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority.

Newly appointed President of UCD Orla Feely speaks about her stellar career in engineering research, the challenges she faces in her new role and she shares memories of both her late father, former Dublin City Manager Frank Feely and her late sister Emer, a successful Public Health doctor who passed away during the Covid pandemic.

Sunday Independent Editor Alan English talks about the challenges he had taking up his new position during the pandemic, the changes he would like to make and is making to the Sunday Independent, his early days heading up the Limerick Leader, and his passion for all things sport.

Leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns joins Sean to talk about the challenges of her new position, growing up on a small dairy farm in West Cork and if the Social Democrats were to become part of Government in the next election, the political positions she would like to hold.

Sean talks to Professor Fiona Mulcahy about the many challenges she faced at the start of her career in genito-urinary medicine when there was very little known about HIV/AIDS, her strong relationship with her patients, and how she felt when Rory O‘Neill aka Panti Bliss dedicated their tribute dance on Dancing with the Stars to her.

The Minister of State at the Department of Finance talks about how she is getting on in the first few months of her new role, her desire to see more women in Government, and why Fine Gael will not go into Government with Sinn Fein.

The former Rugby International talks about what drove him to be the very best player on the pitch, the contrasting coaching styles of Eddie O Sullivan, Declan Kidney, and Joe Schmidt, and why this current Irish Team could go all the way and win the World Cup.

New series "Insights with Sean O'Rourke" starts Thursday 18th May.

Extended interview with Charlie McCreevy, former Minister (FF) and EU Commissioner, discussing his Fianna Fáil roots, internal party heaves and the forming of the first coalition Government with the Progressive Democrats. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)

Extended interview with Nora Owen, the former Fine Gael Minister, deputy party leader and grandniece of Michael Collins, in which she discusses her family’s political influence and the history or women in Irish politics. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)

Extended interview with Mary Hanafin, the former Fianna Fáil Minister and deputy party leader, in which she outlines what she believes to be the distinctions between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)

Extended interview with Eoin O’Malley, a son of Des O’Malley, in which he sheds light on his father’s political career, his father’s exit from Fianna Fáil, the founding of the Progressive Democrats and the formation of a coalition Government with Fianna Fáil. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)

Extended interview with Lisa Chambers, current Senator and former Fianna Fáil TD, in which she discusses her understanding of the differences between Fianna Fáil from Fine Gael and the future for both parties. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)

Extended interview with John Bruton in which he talks about his role as Taoiseach, the Northern Ireland peace process and how he thinks Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael differ. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)

Extended interview with Peter Prendergast, former General Secretary of Fine Gael, about his role in modernising Fine Gael’s strategies under Garret Fitzgerald and about the differences he sees between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. (Interview took place for the 2022 TV documentary "Two Tribes".)