"There was no way I was running against Catherine!" Frances Black

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 battles, including her determined push for the OTB Bill and her long standing advocacy for the freedom and dignity of the Palestinian people. She reflects on the Ireland she dreams of for her grandchildren, sharing her heartfelt hope to one day see a united Ireland built on fairness and compassion.In one of the most striking moments of the interview, Frances explains why she believes Catherine Connolly is the best person to serve as President of Ireland. She speaks about Catherine’s integrity, independence and unwavering commitment to justice. Frances also reveals that she herself was invited to run for the presidency, but she shares candidly why the timing is not right for her at this moment in her life. What emerges is a vivid portrait of a woman driven by fierce empathy, unshakeable conviction and a lifelong devotion to standing up for others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. It’s raw, honest, funny, and full of unstoppable Irish grit.If you need motivation, this is the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Joe’s heartfelt short film Hometime, and his collaborations with longtime creative partner Darren Conway. Joe opens up about fatherhood, the joys and disasters of growing up in 90s Dublin,and his love of The Parting Glass song .This conversation is as warm, funny and honest as Joe Stick around for rapid‑fire questions, some cracking Dublin stories, and plenty of laughs.Joe McGucken onlineWebsite / Podcast Hub: theboldpodcast.podbean.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 hopeful turn as she enters treatment and begins to rebuild her life, reconnecting with her daughter and returning to the radio industry. This raw and inspiring conversation highlights resilience, the power of community support, and the ongoing journey of recovery.If you have been affected, you can contact Tiglin in Dublin via Tiglin at the Lighthouse (Pearse Street, Dublin 2) on 085 287 6863, or access public support through HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 for free, confidential advice and referral to local addiction services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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