The stories and headlines of the day that grabbed Ryan's attention.

Following on from Ryan's mention of lonely people ordering from catalogues just to talk to someone, Kells secondary school teacher Stephen got in touch to tell us about their transition year project which connects young and old - and not in a digital way!

Upon the release of his latest book, former far-right fascist and ex-member of the National Front Matthew Collins came in to talk to Ryan about his former existence, and how things have changed 180 degrees - he is now a member of, "Hope, not Hate," and campaigns against racism and bigotry.

The stories and headlines of the day that grabbed Ryan's attention.

On a recent visit to Cashel House Hotel, Ryan sat on the same bench that Charles de Gaulle occupied in 1969! That year, the recently-retired French president paid a visit to Ireland. He went first to Sneem, where his wife's former nanny lived, and then to Connemara. We spoke to local tour guide John V. O'Sullivan about it.

Kirsty and Kealan were drawn together through somewhat astonishing circumstances - Kealan's new book, "The Middle Place," reflects Kirsty's life and the traumatic loss of her partner Chris in 2017. They came into studio to tell Ryan their amazing story.

The stories and headlines of the day that grabbed Ryan's attention.

The art of picnics isn't dead! Ryan espoused the virtues of the blanket, tea and sandwiches in the sun, and soon hordes of you, our listeners (including Angela and Linda), had joined in, recommending your favourite places and gushing about the simple (but delicious) food you enjoy in beautiful locations - rain or shine.

Trisha Lewis, at the height of her obesity, weighed nearly 27 stone. A happy person, it was initially other people who made her feel ashamed of herself. She has since lost nearly eight stone, and has almost 60,000 followers on Instagram following her weight-loss story. She told Ryan all about it.

The stories and headlines of the day that grabbed Ryan's attention.