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!

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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 and Mary Kennedy chat to Enda and reflect on what the podcast means to them, what they’ve discovered through the conversations, and why sitting down to truly listen still matters. They also share their personal connections to County Kerry and revisit some of the most meaningful — and at times surprising — highlights of their respective careers.

There’s warmth. There’s honesty. There’s laughter. And there’s that special energy that only comes from a live room.

If you’ve ever wondered how Changing Times began, or what happens when two remarkable women reflect openly on their journey, this is an episode not to miss.

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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 information.

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 characteristic insight, she shares her hopes for the future of Belfast and reminds us all that life is too short not to live it fully. A powerful, personal, and often humorous conversation with one of Ireland’s most compelling voices.

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 information.

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 memories of a childhood shaped by conflict — from a devastating car bomb attack on her father's pub to terrifying assaults on her family home, including a harrowing incident that forced them to leave everything behind.

She recalls the fear etched into her younger sister’s face during one violent episode — and the protective instinct that saw the siblings stand up for each other in the face of danger. Bricks smashed through windows, bullets fired into their home, and friends drawn into the web of the IRA — all part of a reality few could imagine.

Told she could never be a lawyer by a priest, she defied expectations and broke barriers. This episode also explores the love story that began when she met her husband, Martin, and the lifelong friendship they formed with rugby legend Moss Keane.

She speaks candidly about her difficult years working in RTÉ, her deep admiration for John Hume, and what ultimately drove her to step into public life and run for President.

Raw, honest, and unforgettable — this is a story of courage, conviction, and the quiet strength behind the public figure.

Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television & Media.

Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.

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

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 growing up during The Troubles in Northern Ireland to leading An Garda Síochána through complex reforms and challenges, his story is one of resilience, integrity, and unwavering duty. With moving candour, he shares how his father’s murder shaped his worldview, the philosophy that has guided his leadership, and the toll — and fulfilment — of a life lived in service.

In this episode, we discuss:

• His childhood in Belfast and Lisburn and the early influence of his father’s policing career.
• The trauma of his father’s assassination by the IRA and the impact it had on his life and career.
• How he found the strength to stay in policing and lead without bitterness.
• His move from the PSNI to becoming the first Garda Commissioner from outside the force.
• The sweeping reforms he implemented across Garda Síochána, from technology to welfare.
• Building trust within communities and strengthening international policing cooperation.
• The rise of far-right extremism and public disorder — and how the force is responding.
• His reaction to the historic vote of no confidence and why he chose not to resign.
• What leadership under pressure really means, and what he hopes his legacy will be.

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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 episode.

Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television& Media.

Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel Tralee.

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

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 without its twists—navigating the unpredictable world of acting, embracing new creative challenges, and balancing life in the public eye.

In this episode he chats to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about life and change including:

• Family life growing up
• How it "wasn't always going to be acting"
• His parents ambitions for him
• Getting the acting break at 13
• Winning a BAFTA and the "Cigar" experience
• An education regret and his interest in law
• His shyness going into Fair City and his first ever scene
• "Blowing Up Mondo"
• On set disaster
• Dealing with dark storylines
• Mondo and Kira
• Photographic memory
• Mirroring real life in fiction
• The process of filming an episode of Fair City
• Stage to screen
• His relationship with the fans
• Peoples attitude to Fair City
• How he met his wife Rachel
• Running a stage school with Rachel
• Being three months into a new mortgage when the shut down of Fair City and their stage school happened with Covid
• His two small children Frankie and Kody
• How fatherhood has changed him
• What his children think about him being on TV
• The insecurity of being an actor
• An actors wage
• Climbing Everest
• Visiting Calcutta
• His views on religion and spirituality
• An emotional experience "eventually I just started crying"
• The world today
• A unique answer to the question "If you could change anything what would it be?"

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 information.

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 two Marys about all of this and also:

• Leaving Arsenal to ensure Jack Charlton would take him to the World Cup
• The excitement of Italia 90
• Jacks ruthlessness when it came to dropping players
• A harsh Jack moment in Sardinia Airport
• How Jack revealed to him that he was starting against the Dutch
• The homecoming
• How he is not proud of anything that happened in Saipan - "mortified that it happened".
• The kit not arriving and fake facts
• His relationship with his father
• His mother still living on her own at 94
• Now working with his daughter Aisling and where is son Mikey is now
• His wife Gillian currently studying
• The politics of sport and funding
• His annoyance at the government department dealing with sport
• Cork City and Niall's input there
• Why he thinks the current Irish Mens team is performing the way they have been
• The solution
• Annoyance with the betting levy
• The FAI working with crumbs
• How a resolution doesn't fit between the four year election cycle
• Why the current team can't be as good as their team of the 90's
• Donating his 1.5 million testimonial money to charity and Jack Charltons opinion of it
• "I didn't think I deserved a testimonial"
• Receiving an MBE

Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television & Media.

Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee.

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

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 podcast to commemorate 35 years since the glory days of Italia 90, Niall chats with the two Marys about:

• The move from GAA to soccer
• His first big game and goal
• His Dad's rather colourful view of his first time watching Niall play in England
• Going back to education later in life
• How he met his wife Gillian
• The very tough days after retiring from playing
• Footballers and divorce
• His first punditry gig with SKY and Gillians advice
• Having a privileged life and somewhat abusing it
• The effect of alcohol
• The call up from "ruthless" Jack Charlton

Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television & Media

Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee

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