"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 took the stand. He was acquitted.

Now, she's taking her fight to the European Court of Human Rights, accusing Portuguese authorities of failing her -and others.

This is the story of trauma, courage, and a woman demanding justice, not just for herself, but for survivors everywhere.

⚠️ Content warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexual violence.

🆘 If you have been affected by sexual violence, support is available:

🇮🇪 Ireland –

Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour Helpline: 1800 77 88 88

Visit: www.drcc.ie

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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 days to becoming a household name on Today FM.

Phil opens up about his love for music, the evolution of radio, and what keeps him passionate after all these years. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, memorable listener moments, and his views on staying grounded in a fast-changing media landscape.

This episode is packed with nostalgia, laughs, and insights. And what better way to mark our 30th than with a man who’s been in people’s homes every weekend for decades?

Tune in for tales, tunes, and a toast to keeping the passion alive.

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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 get over not winning, and how she juggled performing at the Grammys while still working in AIB. A powerhouse of talent and work ethic, Niamh opens up about her love of staying busy, staying grounded, and staying true to herself, spotlight or not. She even honoured us with a stunning snippet of In Your Eyes.... and sounds exactly like she did in 1993. Goosebumps !!

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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, losing his dad to suicide at a young age, and finding a way through the pain by throwing himself into acting and storytelling. They chat about the power of creativity, the stigma around mental health, especially in the Traveller community, and the pressure and privilege of having a platform to make a bit of noise for the right reasons.

He doesn’t hold back when it comes to politics either, saying he was embarrassed for Ireland watching our Taoiseach go weak at the knees in front of Donald Trump in the White House.

John also opens up about the devastating loss of his mother in 2023. He was overcome with grief and went down a dark path, but with the help of close friends and family, he found his way back. Now he’s working and directing again, boxing,keeping fit and says his strong belief in God is what keeps him going.

He’s also giving back by running affordable workshops for young filmmakers, helping the next generation find their voice and their path.

It’s raw, powerful stuff. Full of heart, hope and a fair bit of truth-telling.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out.

📞 Pieta House – 1800 247 247

📞 Samaritans Ireland – 116 123

📞 Childline (for under 18s) – 1800 66 66 66

You're not alone. Help is always there.

John's insta @filmconnors

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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, 2022, everything changed. He got sober and started running..... toward a brand new life.

Now, at 54, he’s part of a powerful sea swimming and running community "The Shelters" in Portmarnock using discomfort as his path to healing.

🎧 A raw, nostalgic, and uplifting listen on The Parting Glass Podcast.

#ThePartingGlassPodcast #80sDublin #BleachBlondeEra #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryStory #IrishPodcast #SoberLiving #SeaSwimming #FromDanceFloorsToFinishLines

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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 left his home in Summerhill to buy a paintbrush at a local hardware shop. He never came home. Instead, he was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and taken into custody at Store Street Garda Station in Dublin’s North Inner City. A few hours later, he was found unconscious in a cell, with severe injuries. He died three months later in hospital.

A flawed investigation. A family left in the dark.

The official Garda investigation, led by an officer from Store Street station, was filled with inconsistencies. Evidence went missing, including Terence’s blood-stained T-shirt—only “found” years later. The 2010 GSOC (Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission) investigation failed to address critical details, and the Coroner’s Court did not return a unanimous verdict in favour of the official story.

For nearly 20 years, the Wheelock family has campaigned for truth and justice, demanding an independent public inquiry into Terence’s death.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of his passing in September 2025, we call on Dublin City Council to:

1. Write to the Minister for Justice supporting the call for an independent public inquiry.
2. Rename The Diamond Park in Dublin 1 as Terence Wheelock Memorial Park.
3. Commission a mural in Terence’s memory in the Summerhill area, where he lived.

You can support the campaign by signing the petition here:

🔗 Sign the petition

This episode is about a family’s relentless fight for answers, the wider impact of state violence, and why this case still matters today. Sammy Wheelock shares his family’s pain, resilience, and hope for justice.

Listen, learn, and take action.

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

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 “Company” captures the power of finding solace in someone who truly understands.

🎤 From sharing the stage with Damien Dempsey at Vicar Street to Sunday sessions at Devitt’s with his brother Kevin (yes, the 8-time All-Ireland champ! 🏆), Sean’s journey is as unique as his sound.But his impact goes beyond music, through his work with The Soar Foundation, he’s helping young people discover their potential, proving that creativity and resilience go hand in hand.

Join us for an episode filled with music, memories, and a few pints’ worth of Dublin soul. 🍻💙

#ThePartingGlassPodcast #Manamon #SeanMcManamon #IrishMusic #DublinStories #NewMusic #Company #DevittsSessions #SoarFoundation #PodcastLovers #Sláinte

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🎉 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 this deeply personal and powerful chat, he shares:

🔥 Learning from an early age that he was adopted – and later discovering his birth mother was none other than legendary actress Sinéad Cusack

🔥 The incredible twist of fate – his mam used to do Sinéad's hair, neither knowing their true connection

🔥 His journey to Israel in 1987, witnessing firsthand the persecution of the Palestinian people during the First Intifada – a defining moment in his activism

🔥 His love of punk music, Damien Dempsey, and Christy Moore, and why he admires them for always calling out social injustices through their music

🔥 His unwavering fight for a fairer Ireland and what still drives him every day

This is not just a political chat—it’s a story of identity, discovery, and lifelong activism.

Thank you to everyone who’s tuned in, supported, and shared The Parting Glass Podcast over the past 6 months. Here’s to many more! 🍻

🎧 Listen now

📲 Tag a mate who needs to hear this one!

#ThePartingGlassPodcast #6MonthsStrong #RichardBoydBarrett #SinéadCusack #Palestine #PunkMusic #ChristyMoore #DamienDempsey #IrishPolitics #SocialJustice #NewEpisode

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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 mental health, the struggles with shame and fear, and the strength it took to seek justice and reclaim her life.

Her story is one of unimaginable pain and hope. Prepare to feel pure rage of the humiliation and barbaric way victims have to navigate the old legal system to get justice. Sarah is sharing her truth not just for herself, but for anyone who has ever felt silenced, ashamed, or alone.

Through her Instagram account @busywarrioryoga, she shares motivational content, tips on healing, and yoga tutorials.

Buy Sarah's book >>>https://obrien.ie/sarah-grace

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, please reach out for support. You are not alone. Help is available:

📞 Rape Crisis Centre 24/7 Helpline: 1800 77 88 88

📞 Women's Aid: 1800 341 900

📞 Samaritans (24/7 Support): 116 123

Let’s break the silence, support survivors, and create a world where no one suffers in silence.

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

💔 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 never knew.

Now, her brother Jason Poole is fighting for Jennifer’s Law—a domestic violence register to protect women from repeat offenders, just like Clare’s Law in the UK.

🔴 Why should victims be left in the dark?

🔴 Why do abusers get to hide their past?

🔴 How many more lives must be lost before we act?

Jason kindly joined me on to share Jennifer’s story, his fight for justice, and how we can all help ensure no family endures this pain again.

🎧 Listen now & stand with us in demanding change.

💡 If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:

📞 Women’s Aid: 1800 341 900 (24/7)

📞 Men’s Aid Ireland: 01 554 3811

📞 Safe Ireland: Find local services at www.safeireland.ie

📞 Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111

#JennifersLaw #JusticeForJennifer #EndDomesticViolence #ThePartingGlassPodcast

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