The Parting Glass

This week, we sit down with Sarah Grace , who bravely shares her harrowing journey of survival after experiencing a violent sexual assault by an intruder in her apartment in 2019. The perpetrator was a stranger. In this deeply moving episode, Sarah opens up about the night that changed her life, the aftermath of trauma, and her long road to healing. She speaks candidly about the impact on her ment...

💔 JENNIE'S LAW: A CALL FOR CHANGE 💔 In April 2021, Jennifer Poole’s life was stolen by the very person she once trusted. A devoted mother, sister, and healthcare worker, Jennifer’s kindness touched everyone who knew her. But behind closed doors, she faced a hidden horror, one that cost her everything. Her killer had 13 previous convictions for violence , including domestic abuse. Yet Jennifer ne...

🎙️ 📸 This week on The Parting Glass Podcast, we rolled out the red carpet for one of Ireland’s most iconic & legendary press photographers—Brian McEvoy from Goatstown! ✨ For over 30 years, Brian has been capturing unforgettable moments, from red carpets to major PR events. 📷✨Following in his father’s footsteps, photography isn’t just his job—it’s a family legacy. 🧔🏻👦🏼 In this episode:...

In this episode we meet Shauna Halpin , 27, from Ballymun, Dublin —a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) who fought a 10-year battle with mental health and crippling pain before finally getting diagnosed with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) . From admitting herself to Vincent’s Psychiatric Hospital , losing friends, her job, and her beloved GAA , to feeling like a shell of herself and contemplati...

"Jonathan- a gem of a fella like Nelson Mandela" - Damien Dempsey This week, we sit down with Jonathan Smith , the heart and soul behind Ernesto’s Café in Rathmines. More than just a coffee shop, Ernesto’s has become a beloved community hub, known for its warm atmosphere, great food, and strong sense of local connection. In this episode, Jonathan shares: ☕ His journey from addiction to opening Er...

Ronan O’Snodaigh – The Heartbeat of Irish Music In this episode of The Parting Glass Podcast , we sit down with the legendary Rónán Ó’Snodaigh, frontman of Kíla and one of Ireland’s most innovative and soulful musicians. Known for his poetic lyrics, mesmerizing percussion, and deep connection to Irish tradition, Ronan shares stories from his fascinating career and personal journey. We explore his...

This week, on The Parting Glass we’re joined by the indestructible Ger Copeland , a real-life Terminator whose story will blow your mind! 💪🤖 In February 2024, Ger suffered a freak ski accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury so severe he was given the last rites. With only a 10% chance of survival, he was completely paralyzed and had to relearn how to walk, talk, and eat. Most would ha...

🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🔥 The Parting Glass Podcast hit the road and landed in Ballymun to sit down with the one and only Ray Corcoran aka Sparky ! 🙌 Former Sinn Féin councillor, youth worker with Poppintree Youth Project and a fellow podcaster, Sparky’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to his community. 🌱🎶✨ We chatted about his 40 years of empowering young people...

Kicking off 2025 of The Parting Glass Podcast , I sit down with the hilarious and unstoppable comedian Emma Doran from Rathfarnham. Emma shares her journey from teen mom to stand-up star, the highs and lows of comedy, and the life lessons she's learned along the way. The conversation is as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Emma talks about the unbreakable and unique bond she has with her daughter, why...

Lee Tutty shares his powerful story of resilience and transformation. Growing up as the only mixed-race child in his class in Blanchardstown, Lee struggled with his identity, which fuelled a long battle with cocaine addiction, Coming out in his twenties and becoming a father brought both challenges and joys, but his addiction spiralled so far out of control that he believed there was no way out bu...

Don't miss this week's Parting Glass.. Liam Ó Maonlaí, the charismatic frontman of Hothouse Flowers dropped in for a chat. Liam recalls how music became his therapist during his teenage years. He takes us back to the early days of Hothouse Flowers, revealing the raw energy that propelled the band to fame. He shares his thoughts on Taylor Swift, identifying as a North Sider, Shane McGowan, Irish fu...

"It comes down to two choices, get busy livin or get busy dyin" Andy Dufresne, "The Shawshank Redemption" In this episode, we meet Jim Hourigan , a 54-year-old accountant and tax advisor living in London. Originally from Glasnevin Jim shares his incredible journey of resilience and reinvention following a life-changing car accident that resulted in the loss of both legs. Once a regular at the gym...

In this powerful episode of The Parting Glass Podcast, we hear from Louise Jackson, a courageous mother of four from Finglas who survived nine harrowing years of coercive control and domestic abuse. Louise shares her deeply personal journey of enduring physical and mental torment, finding the strength to seek justice, and ultimately seeing her abuser sentenced to prison. Now focused on rebuilding...

This week I am delighted to have Top of the Profs Professor Luke O'Neill, renowned immunologist, author, and all-around legend, joining us for a conversation that goes well beyond the lab. We dive into everything from the classic thrills of Jaws and favourite films to the lasting impact of The Beatles , and even explore topics like cannabis and the parallels of Luke's life to Breaking Bad's Walter...

You must be jokin .....It's Willia White! I could listen to him all day , what an amazing person. In this episode of The Parting Glass, I sit down with actor and comedian Willa White, who shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in Ballymun to becoming one of Dublin’s most beloved comedians. Willa opens up about his tough upbringing in a violent home, his battle with addiction that started...

In this episode of The Parting Glass , we sit down with the incredibly inspiring and gorgeous Carla Piera Fitzgerald , also known as " Half of Carla . Carla shares her powerful journey from battling food addiction and an eating disorder since childhood, to transforming her life after a pivotal decision in July 2019. Through sheer determination and commitment, Carla lost 180 pounds in a year, and n...

The episode features John Boland, a 54-year-old father of two from Finglas. John is a dedicated member of Suicide Awareness D15, an organisation he credits with saving his life. After a devastating work accident, John spiraled into depression, hitting rock bottom and planning to take his life. His turning point came when a friend’s daughter, intervened and urged him to seek help, which led him on...

David Pratt never imagined that one night out would set him on a mission to change the law. Last Christmas, like thousands of young people in their 20's, he had walked into a bar with friends, expecting laughter, music, and the usual joy of an evening well spent. Instead, his world was turned upside down. His drink was spiked, and what followed was a blur—waking up disoriented, confused, his face...

In this episode, we speak with Jenni Parry , one of the country's well respected and leading cybersecurity experts. Jenni shares her story from living alone at 14, dealing with her mother's alcoholism, leaving school at 16, being a single mother on benefits to becoming a leading voice in Cyber, all while balancing motherhood and completing a Cybersecurity Master's Degree with First Class Honours!...

In this episode of The Parting Glass , we sit down with Mark Reddy, who proves you can take the man out of Dolphins Barn, but you can't take Dolphins Barn out of the man! Mark shares stories of his days dodging Dublin's drug problems in the late '70s, escaping the madness for a career in insurance, and still managing to sing a few Irish ballads along the way. Mark also opens up about the personal...

Mick Hayden, a plumber from Goatstown, shares his journey, from his early life and struggles with dyslexia to his career in plumbing and building his own house, Mick's story is one of determination and overcoming challenges. The tragic loss of his mother and the impact it had on his mental health is also explored, highlighting the importance of seeking support and celebrating small victories. Mick...

Irene O'Brien, a vintage stylist and advocate for sustainable fashion, shares her journey and passion for vintage fashion. Irene discusses her early life, her love for fashion, and her experiences in the fashion industry. She also talks about her time working in AA Roadwatch and her travels in South America, where she met her husband. She shares her admiration for Dolly Parton and her iconic style...

Caio Benicio, a Brazilian immigrant living in Dublin, shares a remarkable story of bravery and resilience. Caio recounts the day he witnessed a knife attack on Parnell Street on 23rd November 2023, and used his bike helmet to disarm the attacker, helping to save the life of a little girl. Despite his heroic act, Caio remains humble and insists he is not a hero. He discusses his journey from Brazil...