The Parting Glass

Caoimhe Butterly is one of Ireland's most fearless human rights activists. For more than two decades, she has stood on the frontlines of some of the world's most dangerous conflicts, working alongside communities in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and beyond. In 2002, she was shot by Israeli forces while working as a human rights observer in the West Bank, yet her commitment to justice never wavered. In...

On this episode of The Parting Glass , I’m delighted to be joined by my latest guest, Kieran Coote. I recently had the chance to read his book Mam and Me , and I can honestly say it’s one of the most beautiful and powerful memoirs I’ve come across. In it, Kieran shares his deeply personal experience of caring for his mam, Patricia, as she lived with dementia. It’s a story rooted in love, patience,...

I was delighted to welcome Eric Lalor to The Parting Glass last week. Actor, comedian, podcaster and a diehard Bohs man, Eric’s story goes far beyond the stage. From growing up with a deaf parent shaping his razor sharp ear for timing, to becoming a familiar face on Fair City, he’s carved out a career built on honesty, grit and serious laughs. We get into the chaos of his worst gig, he lived to te...

In this powerful episode of The Parting Glass , we are joined by retired PSNI Detective Sergeant James Brannigan, one of Ireland’s most respected homicide investigators. James reflects on his policing career, his instinct for questioning the official story, and the experiences that shaped his approach to justice. The conversation centres on the murder of 21 year old Katie Simpson, whose death was...

"People approach me for photos. I'll never get used to it" Ciaran Moran From the heart of Dublin’s inner city to stages he once only dreamed of, Ciarán Moran opens up in this gripping episode about the reality behind the rise. It’s not just about the music it’s about the journey. The graft, the setbacks, the self-doubt and the resilience it takes to keep going when nothing is guaranteed. A raw tal...

This week on The Parting Glass, we’re joined by comedian and internet sensation Simon Hennessy and things take a turn. Simon chats about life on the comedy circuit, creating viral characters, and the brutal reality of taking a show to the Fringe Festival. Think tiny audiences, endless flyering, questionable accommodation, and the emotional rollercoaster of performing your soul to six people, two o...

This episode delivers an unforgettable conversation with Senator Frances Black, a woman whose life story unfolds with the intensity of a novel and the emotional force of lived truth. From her early years shaped by music and community to the defining challenges that forged her resilience, Frances speaks with a depth and honesty that holds nothing back. She brings us inside her most passionate battl...

Paralympian Colin Judge joins The Parting Glass for one of our most inspiring conversations yet. Born with one arm and no legs, Colin defied every expectation to become a European Champion , six-time Irish National Champion , and a two-time Paralympian. He talks reclassification setbacks, rebuilding from rock bottom, the pride of wearing the green jersey, and the fire driving him toward LA 2028 ....

In this episode of The Parting Glass , we sit down with actor, comedian, writer and proud Dublin inner‑city native Joe McGucken . Raised in the Dunne Street flats in Summerhill, Joe has built a career out of sharp storytelling, surreal humour, and the kind of Dublin wit you can’t fake. We chat about the runaway success of Darren & Joe’s Free Gaff , the RTÉ Player’s most‑watched original series...

In this episode of The Parting Glass, I sit down with Nikki Hayes, a beloved Irish radio personality, to explore her journey through fame, personal struggles, and eventual recovery. Nikki shares candidly about her early love for radio, the challenges of living with addiction, and the impact of her personal life on her career. After facing homelessness and legal troubles, Nikki's story takes a hope...

Al Gibbs : Freaks, Festivals & Finding the Beat This 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...

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 volun...

"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 e...

🧙‍♀️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...

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, inc...

David Gillick – From Gold Medals to Grounded Living In 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 a...

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 los...

"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 t...

Episode 30: Phil Cawley : The Voice of a Generation For our 30th episode, a milestone worth celebrating, we’re joined by a true legend of Irish broadcasting, Phil Cawley. With that unmistakable voice and over three decades of experience on the airwaves, Phil has been a constant companion to listeners across the country. In this candid and entertaining chat, we explore his journey from pirate radio...

Niamh Kavanagh: More Than Just “In Your Eyes” Before she stole the Eurovision crown, Niamh Kavanagh was handpicked by director Alan Parker from thousands of Dubliners to feature on The Commitments soundtrack and she hasn’t slowed down since. In this electric episode, Niamh shares the untold story of her iconic red Eurovision jacket, why she’ll always love the contest even if Ireland can’t seem to...

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide, grief, and childhood trauma. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of The Parting Glass , Niamh sits down for a proper chat with John Connors, award-winning actor, writer and proud Traveller man who’s never been afraid to speak his mind. John shares his story with real honesty. Growing up in the Traveller community, losin...

Derek Sherry’s story is one you won’t forget. In 80s & 90's Dublin, Derek was very well known for his bleach-blonde hair, deep tan, and love of dance music - and still is !! A regular on the city’s club scene, it was there he met Gwen, his dancer wife of 30 years. But behind the buzz and beats,partying and drugs, Derek was fighting deep-rooted trauma, addiction, and depression. On July 10, 202...

Justice for Terence Wheelock – 20 Years On Trigger Warning: This episode discusses police brutality, wrongful arrest, and death in custody. In this powerful episode, we speak with Sammy Wheelock , brother of Terence Wheelock , who has spent nearly two decades demanding answers about what really happened to his younger brother. Who was Terence Wheelock? On a summer day in 2005 , 20-year-old Terence...

This week on  The Parting Glass Podcast , we welcome Sean McManamon or as he's known on stage, Manamon, a Dublin singer-songwriter pushing the boundaries of sound and storytelling. 🎸✨ With a fearless blend of indie rock, folk, and electronica, Sean’s music hits deep, his debut single “In A Frame” is a raw reflection on connection, while his latest release&...

🎉 SPECIAL EPISODE – THE PARTING GLASS TURNS 6 MONTHS! 🎉 🚀 Six months, 24 stories, and powerful conversations later… we’re just getting started! To mark this milestone, we’re bringing you one of our most compelling episodes yet – a raw and honest conversation with Richard Boyd Barrett . Known for his fearless activism and fierce passion for justice , Richard opens up like never before. 💡 In thi...