Big News Coming Soon Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Brenda Dennehy for a catch-up about life and a chat about her powerful new book.

Brenda opens up about her journey through addiction, rehab, heartbreak and loss, and how she found the strength to turn her life around.

We talk about resilience, second chances, the people who never gave up on her, and why it’s never too late to make a comeback.

An honest, inspiring and heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss.

Get the book here: https://mayobooks.ie/product/the-comeback/

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NEVER STOP DREAMING – MAYO’S STORY OF ALL-IRELAND GLORY

For 75 long years, Mayo dreamed of lifting Sam Maguire once again. In 2026, that dream finally became a reality! This week, I’m joined by author Edwin McGreal, co-author of Never Stop Dreaming: Mayo’s Story of All-Ireland Glory.

We chat about the inspiration behind the book, the incredible journey Mayo supporters have been on, and why this is the perfect souvenir of a season that will live forever in the hearts of Mayo fans. Never Stop Dreaming tells the compelling story of the year Mayo finally went all the way. From the low expectations at the beginning of 2026, through the twists, turns and drama of the championship, to that unforgettable All-Ireland final victory over Kerry.

It’s a story of belief, resilience, passion and a county that never gave up on its dream. After 75 years of waiting, Sam was finally coming home!

Tune in for a brilliant conversation about the book, the memories and a historic year for Mayo football.

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In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Kevin McDonald, author of A Life Less Ordinary. From serving in Ireland’s elite Army Ranger Wing to spending over 40 years on military and UN missions in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, Kevin shares remarkable stories of courage, survival and the harsh realities of war.

Beyond his military career, we discover his passion for mountaineering and archaeology.

An incredible story of adventure, resilience and a life truly less ordinary.

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From Castlebar to Building Media Empires | Niall McGarry

From growing up in Castlebar, County Mayo, to founding one of Ireland’s most recognisable digital media brands, JOE.ie, Niall McGarry’s journey is one of ambition, entrepreneurship and backing yourself. In this episode, I sit down with Niall to discuss his story from the very beginning.

We chat about his early days growing up in Castlebar, his college years, the experiences that shaped him, and how he went on to make his mark on the Irish media industry. Niall takes us behind the scenes of building JOE.ie, the highs and lows of life in business, and his journey with Fabric Social, including the recent sale of the company. It’s a fascinating conversation about taking risks, spotting opportunities, overcoming challenges and what it really takes to build a successful business from the ground up.

From a lad in Mayo with big ambitions to a hugely successful entrepreneur, this is a story well worth hearing. Enjoy the episode!

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This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Irish singer Brendan Murray.

Originally from Tuam, County Galway, Brendan first rose to fame as a member of Irish boyband Hometown, achieving chart success and a number one single. In 2017, he went on to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest with his song Dying to Try.

In this episode, Brendan sits down for a frank and honest conversation about his journey through the music industry. We chat about the incredible highs of finding success at a young age, life as part of a chart topping boyband, and the experience of representing Ireland on one of the world’s biggest stages.

Brendan also opens up about the tougher moments, including the disappointment of not qualifying for the Eurovision final, and reflects on the lessons, setbacks and experiences that have shaped both his career and the person he is today.

A candid conversation about success, disappointment, resilience and life behind the music.

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This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Peter Finn, better known as Pete the Builder, a familiar face from our TV screens over the years.

Pete and I had a brilliant, relaxed chat about his early life, how he found his way into the television industry, and his experiences working in the construction sector.

I really enjoyed this conversation, and I feel like we only scratched the surface on a lot of topics. Hopefully, we’ll have Pete back on the podcast soon to take a deeper dive into construction, the industry, and everything that comes with it.

For now, sit back and enjoy my conversation with Pete the Builder.

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Sean Fox is a retired Eircom technician and lifelong farmer who has found an unexpected new audience on TikTok, thanks to his daughter Laura. Her wholesome videos capturing everyday life on the family farm have struck a chord with viewers around the world, who now tune in regularly to catch up with Sean and his wife, Gertie.

In this episode, Sean reflects on his years working with Eircom, adjusting to retirement and the realities of farming in Ireland today. He shares stories from a life spent balancing work and the farm, and talks about the challenges, changes and characters he has encountered along the way.

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Tom Murphy is a proud, born and bred Castlebar man with an inspiring story of ambition, resilience and taking a chance when life doesn’t go to plan.

Growing up on the Green in Castlebar, Tom had a simple ambition: to get a car, get out on the road and become a salesman. He achieved that goal and went on to build his career in sales, becoming incredibly loyal to one company and dedicating years of his working life to it.

Then came the news he never expected. He was being let go.

With no job and little choice but to sign on the dole, Tom found himself at a crossroads. Rather than allowing the setback to define him, he decided to back himself and go out on his own.

That decision led to the creation of Pamex, which has grown into a hugely successful Irish business promoting, selling and distributing health, beauty and personal care products throughout Ireland.

In this episode, Tom talks about growing up in Castlebar, his early days on the road, the lessons he learned in sales, the shock of losing his job and the determination it took to build a business from the ground up.

It’s a story about loyalty, setbacks, hard work and having the courage to start again. And a reminder that sometimes the worst day in your career can become the beginning of something much bigger.

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In this episode, we sit down with Conor Moore, better known online as Conor Sketches, to hear the story behind his incredible rise.

From his early days working as a phone salesman to building a career in comedy and performing alongside some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment, Conor shares the highs, the setbacks, the risks and the moments that changed everything. We chat about life before the spotlight, backing yourself when the safe option is easier, the journey behind his success and some brilliant stories from along the way.

A funny, honest and inspiring conversation about turning talent into a career and seeing just how far it can take you.

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This week’s episode is a real roller coaster as I sit down with Father Mark Quinn, the parish priest of Tuam, County Galway.

Mark and I grew up in the same village, but until this conversation, I had no idea about many of the struggles and challenges he faced throughout his life. I still remember reading in the local newspaper that he had become a parish priest, it genuinely surprised me, and it made me curious about the journey that brought him there.

This is probably the longest episode of the season, and honestly, I could have sat and talked with Mark all day. His honesty, openness, and willingness to share his story made for a fascinating conversation, and I’m incredibly grateful to him for that.

I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.

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Ronan Mitchell, better known online as Mitch, is a content creator from County Galway who lives and breathes content creation. With an impressive background in radio, MCing, and TV presenting, he’s built a reputation as one of Ireland’s rising digital personalities.

In this inspiring conversation, Ronan shares his journey from leaving the security of a comfortable day job to pursuing his passion full-time. We talk about the hard work, dedication, and focus it takes to build a career doing what you love, along with the lessons he’s learned along the way. This is an honest and motivating chat with a young man who’s proving that taking a leap of faith can pay off when you’re willing to put in the work.

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This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Paraic Horkan, a qualified horticulturist and Director of Horkans Garden & Lifestyle Centre, who trained at the National Botanic Gardens.

Paraic reflects on growing up in the west of Ireland, where he inherited an incredible work ethic that shaped both his life and career. Alongside his family, he went on to build and run four successful garden centres across Ireland.

At the age of 40, Paraic set himself a bold goal: to retire at 60 and step away from the business completely. In this open, honest and inspiring conversation, he shares the mindset behind that decision, the challenges and sacrifices along the way, and whether he was ultimately able to achieve the life he had planned.

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This week, I’m delighted to be joined by Castlebar native Fintan Phelan for a powerful and honest conversation about alcohol addiction, self-discovery, and life growing up in the west of Ireland.

Raised in a culture where a good night out was often at the centre of social life, Fintan shares his personal journey with alcoholism, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he has learned along the way. Recently, he launched the Instagram page The Creative Sigma, where he combines his passion for golf with candid reflections on recovery and living alcohol-free.

This is an incredibly open and insightful discussion, as Fintan speaks with honesty about his experiences, the work he has done on himself, and the perspective he has gained through recovery. A conversation filled with vulnerability, resilience, and hope that is sure to resonate with many listeners.

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From Ballina, County Mayo, to the boardrooms of Europe, Suzanne Rowe’s journey is a powerful story of ambition, resilience, and backing yourself every step of the way.

In this inspiring conversation, Suzanne reflects on leaving the west of Ireland at a young age to pursue opportunities in Dublin, continually pushing beyond her comfort zone and refusing to settle for less than she knew she was capable of achieving. Through determination, courage, and a willingness to embrace challenges, she built an impressive career that has led her to become Head of Sales for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys in Ireland.

Today, Suzanne works with a global organisation spanning Italy, London, and Geneva, while proudly operating from the west of Ireland. Her story is a testament to the fact that success doesn’t require abandoning your roots, it requires believing in yourself, taking risks, and being prepared to grow.

This is a conversation about leadership, ambition, confidence, and the opportunities that come when you dare to think bigger. Whether you’re starting your career, considering a new direction, or simply looking for inspiration, Suzanne’s story is one that will encourage you to dream boldly and back yourself wholeheartedly.

"You're never where you're not supposed to be"

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This week on the podcast, I’m delighted to be joined by content creator, beauty expert, and lipedema spokesperson, Jo Prendergast.

Lipedema / Lipoedema is a chronic medical condition characterised by a symmetrical and abnormal build-up of fat, most commonly in the legs and arms, while typically sparing the hands and feet. Often triggered by hormonal changes, the condition can cause significant pain, easy bruising, and is resistant to traditional diet and exercise.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Jo shares her experience of living with lipedema from a very young age, the challenges she faced seeking answers and treatment, and her courageous journey to Germany to undergo life-changing surgery.

Jo’s story is one of resilience, self-advocacy, and hope. Through sharing her experience, she is helping to raise awareness of a condition that remains widely misunderstood and under diagnosed, while empowering others to seek the support and treatment they deserve.

A powerful reminder that knowledge, courage, and self-belief can transform even the most difficult journey.

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WATCH THE FULL VIDEO FOR FREE ON PATREON - Pharmacist Mark Jordan joins us in studio to answer your questions. With the new sponsor on board I thought it was better to bring in a qualified professional to answer your questions and concerns in a balanced and responsible manner. Whilst I genuinely believed that I was being the "responsible podcaster" one person didn't appreciate my efforts very much and we explain why.

Don't forget if you'd like to try any of the Pamex products you can use the code "calm" for 20% off the website but the code is only active for the next couple of weeks. Log on to https://www.pamexshop.ie/

Let us know in the comments if you enjoyed it and if you'd like us to do this once per month.

This episode is sponsored by Pamex/Zenflore Calm.

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This week, I’m thrilled and honoured to be joined by former Mayo footballer Pádraig O Hora, who recently achieved the extraordinary feat of reaching the summit of Mount Everest.

Pádraig has long been a passionate and inspiring advocate for mental health, using his platform to encourage open and honest conversations around wellbeing. In this episode, he shares the incredible story of his journey to the top of the world, the challenges, sacrifices, setbacks, and triumphs that ultimately led him to stand on the highest point on Earth.

It’s a powerful and inspiring conversation about resilience, determination, mindset, and the importance of looking after our mental health. Pádraig’s story is a reminder of what can be achieved when we embrace challenges, stay focused on our goals, and keep moving forward, even when the path ahead seems impossible.

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This week’s episode is a special one for me.

I’m joined by a man who, without even realising it, helped shape my path in broadcasting. We’ve worked together many times, but this is the first time we’ve sat down properly to talk about where it all began, from his early days behind the mic to helping build Midwest Radio into one of the country’s biggest stations.

If you’re in the west of Ireland, you’ll instantly recognise the voice. So get comfortable and enjoy my conversation with Gerry Glennon.

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In this episode, I sit down with actor, writer, and comedian John Colleary for a wide ranging and deeply personal conversation about his journey into the world of performance. From his early days growing up in County Sligo to his experiences living abroad, John reflects on the moments and influences that shaped both his life and career.

We dive into how he first found his footing in the industry, the twists and turns that led him to where he is today, and some of the standout projects he’s worked on including the iconic series The Savage Eye. 

Along the way, we share plenty of laughs, memories from the set, and honest insights into the realities of working in comedy and television.

It’s a thoughtful, funny, and nostalgic conversation you won’t want to miss.

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This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Jodie McGuinness. Jodie is the sister of Natalie McGuinness, who was tragically murdered in County Sligo. In this episode, Jodie shares Natalie’s story, the impact her loss has had on their family, and the strength it takes to keep her sister’s memory alive. It’s a deeply personal and important conversation about grief, justice (or lack of), and the human reality behind the headlines.

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A recent online exchange between Donal Byrne (CEO of BRB Homes) and Joe Doyle (Construction Sector Business Mentor) sparked a lively debate about self-employment in Ireland. Donal argued that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to run a business and hire staff, while Joe pushed back, saying there has never been more opportunity to be self-employed in Ireland.

Rather than let the discussion stay online, I invited both Donal and Joe onto the podcast at the same time to talk it through properly. In this episode, they share their opposing perspectives, challenge each other’s views, and debate what it’s really like to be self-employed in Ireland today.

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One man who definitely never shies away from a challenge is Donal Byrne, CEO of BRB Homes in Swinford Co.Mayo. Donal joins us on the podcast this week to talk about a recent court case, the huge developments with the trade school, and some very big news coming soon. You won’t want to miss this one!

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Alan & Kieran sit down for a chat and recap about the Big News Coming Soon Weekend at The Diamond Coast Hotel in Enniscrone.

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Megan Durkan, from Swinford in County Mayo, is a successful business owner, makeup artist, and tutor.

This podcast is a prime example of the saying: "never judge a book by its cover". On the outside, Megan is always positive, always in good form, and always striving to make her clients feel better about themselves. But behind closed doors, Megan has faced a roller coaster of a childhood and life.

She speaks very openly and honestly about a difficult upbringing in Chicago, the heartbreaking loss of her best friend and mother, experiences that shaped the woman she is today.

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This week on The Big News Coming Soon Podcast, we’re joined by the wonderful Siobhan O’Gara.

Siobhan first appeared on social media as beautyfruity17, took a short break, and has since returned with an equestrian focus that has captured the hearts of many. Based in Claremorris, County Mayo, she’s a true breath of fresh air, wearing her heart on her sleeve, telling it like it is, and sharing the real highs and lows of horse ownership in the West of Ireland.

Whether you’ve spotted her out and about with her iconic pink trailer, or followed her online while she feeds Murph and her other horses, Siobhan has built a loyal following through her honesty, openness, and even her monthly cost breakdowns.

This is a simple and lovely chat with a woman who’s making waves online for all the right reasons. Tune in and get to know Siobhan O’Gara, you won’t want to miss this one!

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In this episode, Eamonn Cunningham, owner of the hugely successful Sligo-based business EJ Menswear, sits down for an open and honest conversation about his journey. He shares the highs and lows of building and running a business, the realities of being your own boss, and the challenges that come with it. Eamon also opens up about his personal struggles growing up with a stammer and a fear of speaking, offering a powerful insight into resilience, growth, and determination.

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Doireann O'Connor (33) from Laois is an aspiring actor, singer and presenter who blew up on social media in recent months. When Doireann returned to Ireland from traveling, with a new lease of life, she feels that everyone should follow their dreams because at the end of the day, "Nothing matters and nobody cares".

Doireann is a breath of fresh air on social media and regularly films videos in her car. A recent series of videos called "Dating With Doireann" is very popular where she interviews single people and tries to find a match.

The real star of the show on her social media is her awesome Dad who she refers to as her "ultimate ride or die".

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Martin Maloney is a well known actor, comedian and musician best known for playing Eddie Durkan in The Hardy Bucks. Maloney was one of the original creators of The Hardy Bucks alongside Chris Tordoff, Owen Colgan, Peter Cassidy and Mike Cockayne.

In October 2012 Martin was arrested and accused of attacking two bouncers but in June 2014 the Judge viewed the CCTV footage and determined that it contradicted the prosecutions evidence. Martin was cleared of all charges as the Judge did not accept the bouncers testimony.

This podcast is intended for an over 18s audience.

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Caroline Rushe is a content creator from Ennis, Co.Clare. Having just set up social media two years ago she quickly became a household name for her bubbly, humorous takes on fashion, lifestyle, food and family. A common thread in this podcast will be Caroline talking about setting up her business and the fact that she "waits for one one". This is a very real and down to earth chat with some truths behind the world of influencing in Ireland.

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Seamus Moore, nicknamed THE JCB MAN, is an Irish Country singer best known for his lively, humorous songs and down to earth style. I had the pleasure of recording a number of his music videos for songs such as 'The Mighty Man From Mayo" and "She only wants to dance". Seamus rose to fame after winning a talent competition in the 1990s with his hit song THE JCB MAN. He lives in the UK but tours Ireland for the summer and I was lucky to grab him for a chat when he was performing in Mayo.

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Sean O'Reilly is a proud Cavan man who is a part time farmer and full time drummer. In this interesting chat, Sean tells me how one week he was living in Australia struggling to make ends meet and the following week he was touring Europe, playing huge festivals with a band. From rubbing shoulders with bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire to becoming Nathan Carters drummer, this is a really inspiring conversation.

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Ross Browne has a lot of feathers in his cap, he is a former professional wrestler, comedian, radio presenter and part of the genius behind the TV show "The Young Offenders" based in Cork. This was a fascinating and honest chat about his life to date. Ross talks about how he got into the world of wrestling, his worst stand up show of all time and his passion for writing.

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Brenda Dennehy is well known online as "Brenda's Bits". I was really lucky to have Brenda as a special guest on my live show in Cork a few years ago and today I'm honored to sit with her and speak about her time seeking treatment in rehab after hitting rock bottom and ignoring the trolls. Brenda has transformed her life without being dependent on alcohol and this podcast is so inspiring.

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Singer Gearoid McCarthy has taken social media by storm in recent years and now has over 700k followers. On St Patrick’s Day, Gearoid pledged to still play his gig at Broderick’s n Newfoundland, in his father's memory after learning that he had passed away, but the series of events in the lead up to the gig that night will blow your mind.

This was an extremely difficult conversation for Gearoid and I can't thank him enough for sharing his life journey to date. Big things await Gearoid McCarthy.

This podcast is a tribute to the late great Thomas McCarthy. A true hero.

Get tickets to see Gearoid live: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/gearoid-mccarthy-tickets/artist/5504909

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This week I'm honored to sit down with a person who I have admired from a very early age and that man is Fr John Kenny. Growing up, we would have known John as "Fr Trendy" because he was driving sporty cars, he had a huge interest in adventure sports and he was also the dancing priest. John welcomed me into his home for a very open and honest conversation. We spoke about how the church has changed during his time, where he sees it going in the future and we had to talk about his love for cars.

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Harpist Bríd McGowan on her love of music and her day job – as a funeral director and embalmer.

Brid has been living her best life for the last 30 years and there is a very peculiar reason why. She joined me for a chat about growing up above a funeral home, her overwhelming love of the Harp and how we shouldn't be afraid of death.

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A real fanboy moment for me getting to interview the comedic legend that is Chris Kent. Chris welcomed me into his beautiful family home in County Cork for a honest chat about his life and his hard earned rise to fame. I couldn't be more honored to have Chris on the podcast. This man is without doubt going to be the next MEGA name in the international comedy scene.

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Stephen Cowboy Kelly drops in to tell us all the gossip from behind the scenes of his tour in Australia, Dubai & New Zealand. Everything from missing flights and getting into fights. Strap in for this one, it's a wild ride.

There is also an extra hour with video over on Patreon: www.patreon.com/BigNewsComingSoon

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Hermitage Green's Darragh Graham spoke to me about the long journey he went through to track down his birth parents.

The multi-instrumentalist with the Irish acoustic folk-rock band sat down with me and spoke about why the urge to try to find his birth parents didn't arise until later in life.

Growing up in Co Wicklow in the '90s, the musician knew that he was "a little bit different".

In 2019 Darragh set out to find his parents but this is a story that has many twists and turns.....

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'The Suspicious Death of Liam Farrell" - Brendan & Bernie Farrell

The Garda Commissioner is to appoint a senior officer to carry out a peer review of the garda investigation into the death of Liam Farrell.

The 87-year-old who lived alone in Rooskey, Co Leitrim, was found by his daughter slumped on his back at the back door of his home on Sunday 13 January 2020.

He was covered in blood, his shoes and socks were removed, his watch was broken and he had bruising to his left eye and his feet.

Resuscitation efforts were not successful and the family believe he may have been attacked.

Gardaí said they carried out a full investigation into the circumstances of Mr Farrell's death and that an investigation file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, but no prosecution was directed.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the peer review is being carried out "with an investigative view in mind".

He said a fresh investigation was "not practically possible" and that gardaí "can't start again at day one".

I spoke with Brendan & Bernie Farrell who say their only focus is to get justice for Liam. They said if it happened to anyone else, Liam would not stop, so they won't stop until they get answers.

If you have any information please call the Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111

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This weeks podcast is Paddy Cunningham's account of using the weight loss drug Munjaro. It goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway, please consult with your GP & Pharmacist if you're considering taking a weight loss drug and PLEASE do your own extensive research.

Do not buy counterfeit versions of these medicines online or from other unregulated sources, as they may be falsified, counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored and transported and this poses a significant risk to the health of those who used them.

Paddy is a qualified PT and has struggled with weight loss his entire life. He has even competed on the reality TV Show “The Biggest Loser UK” to try and get his weight under control but that also failed.

This is a very venerable and honest conversation and I thank Paddy for being brave enough to share his entire life with me today.

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This weeks guest is another amazing and inspiring person. Geraldine Lavelle’s life changed “in a heartbeat”. That was in October 2013 when she was left paralysed from the chest down following a collision with a lorry.

The Mayo native had become accustomed to enjoying an early-morning cycle before work, until the accident cycling on the Longford-Mullingar road changed life for the then 27-year-old. The collision left Geraldine, a graduate of NUI Galway where she gained a first-class master's degree in neuroscience, with life changing injuries.

Since then, Geraldine has spent over ten years in an institution and has been become a very well known and highly respected disability rights campaigner. Her victory eventually came to pass recently when the HSE finally provided her with the 56 hours a week of care support she needs to live independently in a specially-adapted home of her own, like any other 30 something-year-old.

Geraldine Lavelle is an amazing woman, an author, writer, advocate and resilience speaker.

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Frank Forde and I would cross paths at various gigs and I've had the pleasure of sitting down with him for a chat backstage in Green Rooms around the Country. I've always found him warm, engaging and knowledgeable without being condescending or sounding like a know it all. A man who always had time for a chat with no ulterior motive, and that's rare these days.

Frank has been a comedian and impressionist for decades and I find it fascinating that he has had such a fantastic career without the help of a fancy website, social media pages or a "hot-shot" manager.

I was honored to sit with Frank in his beautiful home and chat about life in general. We touched on many different topics and I really admire his outlook on life. Frank is a man I could talk to for hours and hopefully we will have him back on the podcast before too long.

This is a real easy listening podcast and I hope you enjoy it.

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LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Some people may find this podcast difficult to listen to.

This week I sit down with the talented Hayley Coleman, a wedding make up artist based in the west of Ireland. Hayley's honesty and bravery completely blew me away and this episode is going to help so many people.

We talk about Hayley's journey to becoming a successful Wedding MUA but we also talk about some very difficult topics. Hayley was in a serious car accident in 2002 and she shares her story of recovery both mentally and physically, she also talks about the PTSD from the accident and living with survivors guilt. More recently Hayley and her husband are dealing with grief after a miscarriage just before Christmas. Hayley didn't want to share the news on her social media page at the time for fear people would assume she was looking for attention, but today she bravely tells her story in the hope it will remove the stigma around miscarriages and help people to open up more about it.

Never looking to be the center of attention, Hayley is one of the bravest and most inspiring people I've spoken to. It was a honor to host her and I really appreciate Hayley sharing this difficult story with us all.

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Stephen Cowboy Kelly dropped in this week for a catch up. Another honest and refreshing chat about the reality of social media. Stephen discusses his emotions after his latest fundraising efforts, plans for a worldwide tour and a hilarious first date gone wrong story.

Please donate to Stephens "5 Marathons in 5 Days" with 100% of the funds going to Cancer Fund For Children & Daisy Lodge Cong

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/3BucksLeft15

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Gambling and drinking are rampant in Irish culture and could have a negative impact on the nation as a whole.

That's according to a recovering gambling addict and alcoholic, Westmeath's Liam Glynn, who is about to celebrate is second year in recovery.

He shares an honest story about developing a gambling problem while working in a bookies. Liam tells of how he tried to mask his addiction and hide it from loved ones, and even crashing his car failed to make him realise he actually had a problem.

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Bernard Casey is one of Irelands best comedians. With sell out shows all over Ireland, over 150k followers and dozens of viral hit videos, Bernard introduces his brand new live comedy show 'Cute Hoorism'. Through stand up comedy, hilarious characters such as Gossip, Nephew, Kevin & more - Join Bernard as he investigates how the act of 'Cute Hoorism' keeps one ahead of the rest in modern day Ireland.

"A wonderfully well crafted performer with a great old school style of storytelling" - Tommy Tiernan

Get tickets here: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/bernard-casey-tickets/artist/5273290

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The launch of the book BIG NEWS COMING SOON live from The TF Royal Theatre Castlebar. Hosted by Kieran O'Malley with special guests Tara Rafter, David Cuddy & Sinead Cassidy.

Get a signed copy of the book here: https://www.mayobooks.ie/Big-News-Coming-Soon-Alan-Clarke

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The Big News Coming Soon Live Show at The Diamond Coast Hotel, Co.Sligo.

Hosted by Alan Clarke & Kieran O'Malley. Special guests, Stephen Cowboy Kelly, Rachel Gorry & Donal Byrne.

*CONTAINS BAD LANGUAGE

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A catch up with Garron Noone to find out what life is like since his huge rise to fame. We talk about how he is handling being the most recognisable person in Ireland, life in the big smoke and I ask Garron if the RTE rumours are true. Stay tuned, he's delicious.

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Sitting at the Bar in Eileen's of Aghamore I caught up with three local legends John "The Eagle" Kenny, Aiden "Noddy" Bailey and Paul "The Mallet"Hoban. Three men who decided to relocate to America in the early 00's in search of a better life. Little did they know, they would get caught up in the deadliest terrorist attack in human history. The three men were working on the roof of a building beside the Twin Towers on the morning of 9/11.

“9/11” is shorthand for four coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda, an Islamist extremist group, that occurred on the morning of September 11, 2001. The attacks killed 2,977 people from 90 nations: 2,753 people were killed in New York; 184 people were killed at the Pentagon; and 40 people were killed on Flight 93.

John, Aiden and Paul share their lighthearted story of emigration in the early 00's and their vivid memories of that terrible day.

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Al Porter was everywhere......TV, Radio, Newspapers, Pantos and filling theaters all over Ireland until one day when it all came to a grinding halt.

In a very honest and open conversation, Al has said alcohol played a large role in his behavior in 2017 when he was accused of inappropriately touching men, leading to a complete end to his career overnight. The comedian, who is now sober for over three years, said he had a sense that the wheels were coming off and that he was far too immature for the speed of his rise to fame.

After some very dark days, feeling suicidal and spending time in hospital, he accepts that people had every right to call him out. Whilst he didn't think he was being a bad person at the time, Al has since learned that his actions were inappropriate. After working on himself for 6 years, Al never wants to repeat the past and as he says himself, he has the rest of his life to live as a good person.

Al admitted that he is trying to make amends with people over time, and has written letters to some, but some people didn’t want them.

This is a very raw and difficult conversation. Al tells us in great detail every thought and emotion he was feeling at the time and also explains all the work he has done over the last 6 years to become a better person.

Al says "no matter how bad things are in your life, it's never too late to turn things around and it's never too late to reach out for help"

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Gráinne Seoige, one of the biggest stars on Irish television for more than 20 years, has now entered the world of politics. I've been lucky enough to get to know Gráinne over the last number of years through attending various events from the Gossies to The Galway Races and it was a pleasure to have her on the podcast. Whilst I'm not affiliated to any political party and this is NOT a political broadcast, I wanted to chat to Gráinne to find out what drove one of the most successful TV presenters in Ireland (and England) to pursue a career in Politics.

In my eyes, it's a poisoned chalice......

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Rachel Gorry broke the internet last week with news of a new romance in her life. It's over 4 years since she lost her childhood sweetheart Daniel to cancer and Rachel genuinely believed she would never smile again without faking it. Rachel says she will never stop loving Daniel and it takes a very special man to understand that.

Because of my close friendship with Rachel many people speculated that I was the new man when she shared a photo of two hands on her social media. In this open and honest conversation Rachel talks about the loss of Daniel, building a house at 27, raising three small girls, life as a content creator AND her new man, who is NOT me.

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A catch up with the biggest influencer in Aghamore, Mr Donal Byrne. An update on the robbery of the pub, the press launch of The Galway Races and a brief look at the construction industry half way into 2024.

News clip: RTE NEWS

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Blaike Holding, a 35 year old Canadian living in Dublin had her limbs amputated at the age of five due to meningitis. In this really inspiring podcast, Blaike talks about her life growing up and how she never let her disability prevent her from doing the things she wanted to do. After a short visit to Ireland she quickly fell in love with the country and decided to leave everything she knew behind and stay here.

Instagram: @blaikehable

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*Listener discretion is advised.

The body of Kelly Lynch, 23, from Gilford in Co Armagh was recovered in the Ulster Canal in Monaghan town on March 17 this year. There has been no further Garda update issued to the media about Kelly's death since March 19.

Julieanne Lynch, Kelly's grieving mother, has claimed that she has not received any new information from Gardaí since being informed of her daughter's death on March 17, despite pleas from her family for more information. Julieanne says the family have "very little information" about what happened to Kelly.

Whilst Julieanne is still fighting for answers, she is also fighting to make sure no one has to go through the same experience as she did, when she was informed of Kellys death.

TIKTOK: Julieannelynch

INSTAGRAM: julieanne_lynch

A Garda Síochána spokesman said: “In relation to the death of a woman in Monaghan town on the 17th March 2024, a post mortem was completed by the State Pathologist.

“As a result of the preliminary findings and consultation with the State Pathologist, the focus of this investigation moved towards the completion of an inquest file for the coroner.

“A Family Liaison Officer was appointed at the outset of this investigation and this information has been relayed to the family of the deceased.

“As the preparation of the inquest file is ongoing, no further comment is available at this time.”

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Owen Colgan, Irish cult comedy hero best known for his role as Buzz McDonnell from Hardy Bucks for which he has starred in 4 hit seasons aired on Ireland's national broadcaster RTE and the Hardy Bucks hit movie which media coined 'the Irish Hangover' on Netflix.

Owen talks about growing up in Mayo, the 'success' of Netflix and plans for the future.

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Mickey Joe Harte was a special guest on a number of my live shows and it was a pleasure to sit down with him for a few hours to reflect on his career to date and relive that famous Eurovision night. MJ is a singer songwriter who represented Ireland in 2003 with his number one hit "We've got the world tonight".

In a very honest and refreshing interview, Mickey Joe talks about his regrets, what he would do differently if he had the time back and the fact that he didn't like the song that would change his career.

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I sat down for a chat with Dympna Little, better known by her online handle @dimplestilskin about how she deals with her new found internet fame. Dympna kindly stepped in last minute for my last live show at the Tf Royal Theatre and we chat about what it was like performing to 2000 people in Mayo.

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Multi award winning singer Robert Mizzell has made Ireland his home for over 20 years. He served his apprenticeship in Country Music since he first arrived here, and is now a top Country Artist in Ireland and the UK. He has released 12 solo studio albums and 2 full length DVD’s to date, and is constantly touring Ireland and the UK with his band “The Country Kings”.

In an open and frank discussion, Robert speaks about his opinion on the current state of the "Country Music Scene" in Ireland and gives us an insight into his thoughts about the future of Ireland in general.

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Sir Stevo Timothy, an Irish comedian who killed his friend after making 'the worst decision' to get on his motorbike while drunk has revealed the stark three choices he gave himself as he recovered in hospital. Stevo, also known as Farmer Michael, killed his friend John Laffey in 2005 after the pair had been drinking until the early hours in the Mervue area of Galway and he agreed to drive them home.  

Stevo, who had battled alcoholism since his teens, lost control of the bike, on which John was riding pillion, and woke up hours later in hospital, having lost feeling from his chest down. His father later told him that his friend had died in the crash. 

He now speaks about what happened to encourage others not to drink and drive, saying: 'When you're sitting up in the National Rehab hospital and you're paralysed from the chest down and you're naked and a man is showering you or voiding your bowels - that'll really help you reevaluate the decisions you've made in your life." 

The actor and comedian, who has more than a million followers on social media, broke his neck and back and was left with serious spinal injuries in the accident. He now uses a wheelchair. Stevo also talks about the positives and negatives of having a large following on social media.

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Eileen McHugh is CEO of Hair Together, which offers barbering and hairstyling training and a wellness head start to young people.

She lives in Dublin with her two daughters. Growing up in Ballymun, Eileen was involved with drugs in the 1990s. She tried heroin for the first time when she was 15, and she did fifth and sixth year in school fully addicted. Long story short Eileen was 29 when she finally got clean.

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Alan was invited to check out the brand new SUN PRINCESS from Princess Cruises. During our 5 day trip we explored Turkey, Crete, Italy and a day at sea on this next generation, state of the art ship. Alan's plus one Donal Byrne took full advantage of the "all inclusive" package.

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This weeks episode is with my 2nd best friend David Cuddy. It's completely unprepared for, unscripted and a real spirit of the moment chat after a busy day packing Christmas orders at the MAKING BIG BANK HQ. This episode isn't about anything but it's also about everything.......

And it's not for little ears.

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Donegal man Eric Roberts earlier this year quit his job as a special needs assistant (SNA) to take the plunge into the online world full-time. Fast forward just a few months and he was listed as one of the top content creators on Tiktok for 2023.

This year Eric starred in the new Netflix Tv Show, Squid Game - The Challenge and he was one of 456 players to enter the show in pursuit of a life-changing reward of US$4.56 million (€4.2m). The show sees players competing in a series of games inspired by the South Korean smash hit that saw cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete with deadly results.

Eric shares an honest account of life as a content creator and coming back to reality after missing out on winning a life changing amount of money by just 2 days.

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Micheal Brennan AKA Donegal Daddy shares a really difficult story about a time he had suicidal thoughts following a serious bicycle accident on holidays. At the time of the accident he thought he could "walk it off" but he would later learn that the accident would effect him both physically and mentally.

Micheal also talks about his life as a self employed musician, content creator and stay at home Dad to three beautiful little girls.

------------

The Pieta Crisis Helpline offers crisis intervention supportto anyone experiencingsuicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.

Call: 1800247247

or

Text: HELP to 51444

The Crisis Helpline is operated by qualified and experienced therapists, supporting service users through phone and text-based intervention with warmth, compassion, and hope.

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Peter Townsend came from a successful, loving family on the west coast of Ireland but from a very young age he got caught up in a life of crime and substance addiction, and has spent time in 9 different prisons in Ireland and the UK. After hitting rock bottom on the streets of London, Peter decided to move home and turn his life around. This podcast is a very honest account from someone living a life of substance abuse and some people may find it distressing.

If you or anyone you know have been effected by any of the issues in this podcast please log on to Peter's website for a full list of helpful links: https://urpacerecovery.com/helpful-links

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David Cawley has been at the helm of The Midwest Radio breakfast show for an incredible 25 years. In this episode we talk about all the changes in the nightclub scene over the last 25 years, things you don't see behind the microphone and dealing with anxiety at a young age during a time when we didn't know what anxiety was.

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This episode is live from The Big Wheel at the Galway Christmas markets with special guests Lewis Willmott, Tony Cunningham, Mayor Eddie Hoare, Aidan Tierney/Tierney Talks, Santa Claus (ELFTOWN)

Sponsored by ELF TOWN located at the Galway Racecourse: Elf Town is set over 4 buildings and 4 floors - They create an experience everyone will love. Book here: www.elftown.ie

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Owner of and agent at Catwalk Model Agency and The Platform By MM, Mandy Maher is an entrepreneur with a wealth of knowledge and experience on the fashion scene. In addition to her work within the realms of social media influencers, content creation, and the modelling industry, Mandy is also a fashion stylist on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM.

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Martin Faragher (Faraway Martin) a Mayo singer-songwriter, hotly tipped as an act to watch has made waves in 2023 across festival stages. Working for many years as a teacher in Qatar, he recently packed in the day job to pursue his dream of becoming a household name back home in Ireland. Martin joined Alan for a chat on the podcast just before his performance at Qatar’s Formula 1 Grand Prix.

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I catch up with Donal Byrne, MD of BRB Homes. Sitting in Eileen's Bar of Aghamore, Donal talks about all the positive things that have happened since teaming up with The Big News Coming Soon Podcast, big plans for his company and some of the most commonly asked questions at the end of the podcast. *BRB Homes are the current sponsor of The Big News Coming Soon Podcast.

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Mark Duffy is a young Independent Councillor based in Ballina Co.Mayo. I first met Mark as an ambitious Student Union President who wanted to change the nightlife of a dying town for the students of Castlebar. At that time Mark's ambition fell on my deaf ears but he had much bigger plans than just a few Student nights out. Many years later he went on to become the cathaoirleach (The Mayor) of the Ballina Municipal District and he was asked to introduce President Joe Biden to the world during his visit to Ballina in 2023. Mark spoke about his unconventional election campaign in 2019, life as a full time elected representative and the struggles dealing with the public online and in person. Personally, I thought it was refreshing to hear from a young, ambitious, Independent Councillor and I think you'll agree that we need to find a few more like him if we want to get out of the mess we find ourselves in of late.

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Fiona Morgan Coleman comes from a big family in Tipperary and she is a mother of two boys, a loving wife, a content creator AND a member of An Garda Síochána. In 2019 Fiona was diagnosed with Stage 3 aggressive breast cancer. In this podcast Fiona talks about growing up having to share a room with three girls, finding comfort on social media during the lowest time of her life and her plans for the future. She also talks about her time working in the guards and how a couple of set backs with her health and her business have made her a much stronger, more resilient person.

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I called Med Aesthetics Galway and booked an appointment regarding an issue I had around my nose. I had really dry skin and red spots and on certain days my skin would feel quite sore. I already had a good skincare routine and my skin was in good shape thanks to Skin Formulas, but this issue was really bothering me. Since meeting the team and becoming more comfortable with them, I began to tell them about some other complexes I had such as pigmentation around my eyes and fat loss on my face. In this episode we talk about the treatments I've had over the last few months and where I am in my journey.

*Disclaimer: This is not an advert. Med Aesthetics did not pay for this podcast. This Podcast was 100% led by me, with my questions and it was me who invited Alma on to discuss my issues. I did receive some treatments for free thanks to Med Aesthetics.

Recorded in GK Media Studios Galway.

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Pharmacist Mark Jordan blew up on social media during the pandemic. When everyone in the country was scared of the sensational clickbait headlines, Mark took it upon himself to dissect such headlines and try to explain it to his followers in layman's terms. On this episode of the podcast we go right back to National School when Mark described himself as a "know it all" of sorts, a somewhat troubled secondary school and we hear about the shaky start to College before Mark finally found his stride. Working now as a Pharmacist in a "well oiled machine" he also tells us about some exciting news after a difficult journey.

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This week I catch up with David Cuddy A.K.A "Making Big Bank". David tells me about his visit to Adare Manor, picking the boys names and becoming a household name as an artist. Don't listen to this one with the kids present........ It's not for little ears......

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A side splitting chat with Catherine Carton A.K.A Dainty Dress Diaries. Dainty Dress Diaries is an award-winning Irish creativity and lifestyle blog. Catherine's content inspires you to flex your creative muscle with DIY, Craft, Sewing and Garden Projects. This is another very open and honest podcast about how Catherine became so successful on youtube, how she deals with online comments and the dreaded question "why are you single?".

Check out her website here: https://www.daintydressdiaries.com/

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Irish Tiktok sensation Garron Noone has gained thousands of followers online for his hilarious reviews of products and of Irish towns without ever leaving the comfort of his studio in County Mayo. In this open and honest conversation Garron explains how he deals with being recognised in public, living with agoraphobia, creating "low effort" content, and where is passion for music comes from. At the end of this podcast don't forget to follow him.......he's delicious.

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Laurita Blewitt is a podcaster on The Tommy, Hector & Laurita Podcast (THE THL PODCAST) since September 2020. Laurita also works for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice as a fundraiser and she is a third cousin of Preisdent Joe Biden. We talk about life in media, the fantastic work of the Hospice and how she managed to convince President Joe Biden to come home to Mayo on three separate occasions. Oh.......there is also the issue of Laurita refusing to take a lift on AIR FORCE ONE.

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In this episode Alan catches up with his 13th best friend Kieran O'Malley to chat about the Gossies, plans for the future and with Kieran being Kieran..... he had to mention the highlight of his year, The Galway Races.

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Carl O'Grady was born and reared on Clare Island off the coast of Mayo. Carl tells us all about island life, the pros and cons, the good and the bad, but ultimately Carl shares his dream of how he wants to turn all his disadvantages into his advantages. Carl is on a mission to turn his little island into a destination for Whiskey Lovers, Story Lovers and Island Lovers.

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Tanya (37) tells her story of leaving her home in Kyiv in the dead of winter with no phone, no plan and no direction. Leaving behind her parents and brother, the only information she had was the departure time of the evacuation train. She decided to leave after weeks of sleepless nights and Tanya was all alone with absolutely no idea of what the future held for her.

Please note: Tanya wishes to remain anonymous and the name "Tanya" is for the purpose of the interview only. This is her own personal story/opinion and she is not speaking on behalf of anyone else.

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Stephen COWBOY Kelly has become an internet sensation. He is the biggest TIKTOK star of his generation, infact he is the only TIKTOK star of his generation. We talk about growing up in Swinford (Castletown), playing the character "Cowboy Lavin" on the hit show The Hardy Bucks, a near death experience or two and the 3Bucks Left live shows that are taking the country by storm. Another honest DMC.

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Darren Cawley lives in the West of Ireland with his wife and 2 young children. After a pretty uneventful Irish childhood he went to college in England to follow his passion for sports. During his second year of college he was diagnosed with Kidney failure.

This shocking and life changing event took a great deal of getting used to. Looking back over the last 20 years, after 2 transplants and 1,800 hospital sessions, Darren can say he has fully regained control of his life, physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. It has been both a challenging and enlightening journey. A journey filled with impactful lessons on overcoming adversity, developing resilience and a constant striving for both good health and a better quality of life.

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Donal Byrne is the MD of Byrne Rapid Build (BRB HOMES). In December 2020 he was arrested for alleged breach of rules when he opened his rural pub called "Eileen's Bar" and began to test the locals with antigen tests before entering the premises. Donal was calling it "the safest way to enjoy a pint in Ireland" during the pandemic. The case went to court in November 2022 and Donal is speaking publicly for the first time since the court case.

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Award winning radio presenter Dave Duke from iRadio sits down to talk all things growing up in Leitrim, becoming a household name across 15 counties in Ireland and something that is on his mind since childhood, "who is my father"?. It's on the boil.........

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Mum-of-four Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw was born with congenital heart disease. She shares her recent surgery experience and looks back to 2002 when she won Miss Ireland, and travelled to the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.

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In this episode we talk about the roaring success which was Alan's Big Adventure in Mayo. Exploring the Carrowteige Loop Walk, Musical Bingo, exploring the streets of Westport plus much more. Special thanks to Stephen, Kieran, Stuart, David, Shannon Riah & James.

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Kieran and Alan were sent to Cologne in Germany by Ireland West Airport. In this episode you'll hear about how the lads got on, where they stayed and all the places they visited. This trip was sponsored by Ireland West Airport to promote their route to Cologne twice weekly until the end of October. For more information log on to www.irelandwestairport.com

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Colm Flynn is a world renowned journalist working for EWTN, RTE, BBC and many others. Colm is a man I have admired and looked up to for many years. I really admire his confidence, work ethic and above all, his endless talent.

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Paul Stenson, is the owner of the White Moose Cafe in Phibsborough, part of the Charleville Lodge hotel on the North Circular Road. Paul spoke to me about his outspoken nature, life in the hospitality industry and why he felt the need to relocate to an island in Mayo. In an exclusive, Paul also spoke about the ongoing legal battle with his neighbours over a noise complaint at his popular cafe in Dublin.

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Following on from my chat with Tara last week I wanted to sit down with my Uncle Martins daughter, Charlene McCrossan. Charlene had to step into Martins shoes and since doing so has brought Martin McCrossan tours to the next level along with her mum Sharon. This episode is not an advertisement for any of the businesses mentioned, but you SHOULD visit Derry and do a Martin McCrossan Tour when you visit.

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I invited David Cuddy to North Mayo to take part in a day of water activities with Wave Sweeper Adventures and The Western Strand Hotel, Belmullet. David is a 42 year, land locked man who has NEVER taken part in surfing, kayaking or SUP.

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I spoke to Tara Rafter A.K.A The Navigation Coach, who is an award winning life coach and Master Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner (It's ok, I don't know what that is either). Tara works with people who feel lost, overwhelmed or at a crossroads and who want to embark on a voyage of self discovery. We laughed and cried together..........but most importantly we laughed again.

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At the age of 14 David (Fabu D) was sent to Ireland by his Mother. She said she would follow him over to Ireland in a couple of days but what he didn't know at the time was, she wouldn't visit him in Ireland for 20 years. We have a brilliant chat about the rise of fame for "The Black Paddy" and all the positives and negatives that come with it.

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Another difficult but honest discussion, this time with Virgin Media News Reporter Paul Quinn. Paul is from a small village called Riverstown, just outside Sligo. He spoke to Alan about how he always wanted to be a journalist, how he turned a dream into a reality and Paul also spoke about living with a secret until he was 30 years old. A very brave converstaion that he didnt intend to have.

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In recent months David has become one of my closest friends. On this podcast David was open and honest as always, speaks about the recent loss of his dad and dealing with grief for the first time at 42 years of age.

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