Brendan O'Connor

Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Former Government Press Secretary, Chris Donoghue, Lorna Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder of Fitzwilliam Fenton Public Affairs Company, Dan O’Brien, Columnist and Chief Economist with IIEA, Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner.

One of Ireland’s finest musicians, fiddle player, Martin Hayes talks to Brendan about the music that shaped his life, the melancholy of the songs he grew up with in Clare, discovering The Beatles, the magic of Tommie Potts and reinventing traditional music with The Gloaming.

Arts and Music Journalist, Zara Hedderman and Business Post Film critic, John Maguire join Brendan with their film and television recommendations for the week including The Shards on Disney+, In Time - a documentary about Dónal Lunny and the Anthony Bourdain biopic ‘Tony’ .

After the hospitalisation of blogger Perez Hilton this week, Dave Hanratty of the No Encore podcast talks to Brendan about Hilton’s rise, the darkness of the celebrity internet culture of the 2000s and the disturbing voyeurism of social media.

Prof. Katriona O’Sullivan joins Brendan to discuss the nuances of marriage, reflecting on the knotty dynamics of a committed relationship, the work of connection with a partner and how our parents' marriage maps our emotional lives.

Friends of the late Brenda Fricker, Liz Duffy, costume designer Joan Bergin and filmmaker Tadgh O’Sullivan share their memories of the actress. They talk to Brendan about her work, the woman they knew offscreen and her strength in the face of illness.

Star of the stage and screen Matthew Broderick talks to Brendan about finding fame in the cultural phenomenon Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, his childhood summers in Ireland, being a stage Dad to his son and his Abbey Theatre debut in Ulster American.

From Coco Chanel introducing tanning as a style statement to the war effort of mimicking nylons with teabags, fake tan has always been in vogue. Beauty and fashion historian Laura Fitzachary joins Brendan to give a potted history of fake tan and why Irish people are its biggest fans.

Food Historian and columnist with the Financial Times, Tim Hayward chats to Brendan about the simple joy of the cheeseburger, the certain alchemy of cheap cheese combined with meat from the smash burger to its gourmet reinvention.

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Kerry Today host, Jerry O’Sullivan; Green Party Chair and Councillor for Dublin’s north inner city; Managing Director of Baggot Investments, Peter Brown; political reporter with the Irish Independent, Aisling Moloney; and Europe correspondent with Euronews, Shona Murray.

Five-time Paralympian, Dancing with the Stars contestant, and coach on Ireland’s Fittest Family, Ellen Keane, tells Dearbhail about her career, training regime, and life outside the pool. She also chooses five songs that have inspired her along the way, including choices by Eminem, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.

Author Edel Coffey joins Dearbhail to discuss literary feuds. The conversation is prompted by a growing controversy around the memoir of celebrated author, Rachel Cusk, which details her difficult relationship with a famous actor, widely believed to be based on Natalie Portman.

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the best shows and films arriving this week, are producer Eoin Sweeney and Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphreys. Their choices include mafia prequel Gomorrah: The Origins, Enda Walsh’s coming-of-age drama, Ish, and John Creedon’s Musical Atlas of Ireland.

Hotelier and recovering alcoholic, Noel Cunningham, joins Dearbhail with advice on how to host guests who are guarding their sobriety. He speaks candidly about his own addiction, recovery and shame. He outlines the challenge of working in hospitality, where serving alcohol to others is almost unavoidable. He also offers great mocktail recipes.

Diane Kelly, Director and Co-Founder of LL Solutions, took to social media to share her thoughts on how difficult it is to be a woman online, constantly judged for her appearance, not her work. It struck a chord with millions of women including presenter Carol Vorderman and singer Pink, Diane shares her story with Dearbhail.

Hollywood star and best-selling author, Ashley Judd, joins Dearbhail to discuss her career, her activism and her prominent role in the #MeToo movement. The star of ‘Heat’ and ‘Double Jeopardy’, and UNFPA Goodwill ambassador, talks about breaking the silence on Harvey Weinstein, for which TIME magazine named her one of their People of the Year.

Managing Director of Rockwell Financial, Robert Whelan, joins Dearbhail to discuss how triage your summer debts by prioritising the loans that have the highest interest rates. He also has tips on how to manage a side-hustle, find free holiday accommodation, and claim back expenses from Revenue.

From the Brendan O'Connor archives, revisit the interview with the Oscar-winning songwriter and The Frames frontman who died on Wednesday, 29th July 2026.

Joining Dearbhail to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Caoilfhionn Gallagher, Barrister and International Human Rights Lawyer; Cuan Ó Seireadáin, Political Correspondent, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta; Emma Howard, Senior Lecturer in Economics in TU Dublin and Dan Mulhall, Former Ambassador to the US.

Comedian, actor, podcaster and writer Shane Daniel Byrne talks about his life and career through the prism of five songs’. He also speaks about growing up in an all-brother household, holidaying in Wexford, discovering youth theatre, coming out as gay and life totally changing when he became a stand-up.

Fionnuala Jones, Pop Culture Journalist and podcaster and Michael Doherty, RTÉ Guide Film Editor join Dearbhail to preview the latest T.V. and cinema releases including Furious on Disney+, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, on HBO, and In the Opinion of the Censor, on RTÉ One.

Glamping... wild camping... camper-vaning... With hotel prices going through the roof, Matthew McConnell, Editor at Outsider.ie, talked to Dearbhail about affordable alternatives in the camping world, and gave tips for the inexperienced.

Paramedic and Community Engagement Manager of the National Ambulance Service, Ger O’Dea, explains the anatomy of a car crash. What happens from the minute they get a 999 call, the roadside care they can offer, why e-scooter crashes are a daily occurrence now and why he says ‘crashes’ instead of ‘accidents’. He issues a road safety appeal ahead of t

Chef Domini Kemp has tips and recipes for making beautiful potato salads and coleslaws this summer, including Asian Slaw and Green Goddess Slaw. Her recipe twists include using pickles and capers and she has alternatives for people who may be a bit mayonnaise-averse!

Comedian and actor Pat Shortt makes his Abbey Theatre debut in ‘Animals’ this September, based on Blindboy Boatclub’s short stories and adapted and directed by Dan Colley. He tells Dearbhail about trying to stage an “unstageable play”, his 40 years in Limerick, why hurling managers are ripe for humour and his recent month-long motorbike trip across

What would a united Ireland look like? And could the island end up stumbling into unity, without doing the necessary thinking and preparatory groundwork? Those are questions explored by film makers, Alan Gilsenan and John Walsh, in their film 'The Irish Question' which airs on Wednesday, July 29th on RTE 1 and on the RTE Player.

John Meagher, Music Critic and Irish Independent Senior Features Writer, explains why ‘Graceland’ was such a groundbreaking album. Simon felt he needed a change of direction in the 1980s so starting experimenting with African rhythms and township music, journeying to South Africa and making ‘Graceland’ which went onto sell 40 million copies.

Joining Claire Brock to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, Aisling Meehan, Agricultural Solicitor, Tax Advisor and Farmer, Oisín Coghlan, Public Policy Advisor, Prof. Niamh Hourigan, Sociologist and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

With wedding season in full swing, the celebrations can also bring up some difficult issues. Claire is joined by Chartered Psychologist Allison Keating and Wedding Planner and Photographer Jenny McCarthy to talk through various dilemmas including the cost for guests, choosing what to give to the happy couple and handling tricky family dynamics.

Registered dietician Sarah Keogh talks to Claire about effective hydration, how to combat dehydration, how much water we should be drinking, the best time of day for water intake and other essential tips.

Writer Henrietta McKervey and Dave O’ Callaghan, host of the ‘Here and Back Again’ podcast join Claire to preview the latest T.V. and cinema releases including mother and baby home documentary Testimony, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, thriller Lucky and the inaugural World Cup halftime show.

Singer, activist, and independent senator Frances Black joins Claire for My Life in Five Songs. From Bill Withers to Beginish. She talks about growing up in a musical family, stage-fright, how motherhood transformed her, her journey to the Seanad and her tireless work on the Occupied Territories Bill.

Mother of two Leona Macken is living with incurable Stage Four Cervical Cancer. She talks to Claire about receiving an apology and settlement from the HSE after she learnt that abnormalities on smear test result analyses were missed. She speaks about the need for further improvements to the National Screening Programme.

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Martin Glynn from the DIY Academy shares his advice about common household concerns, bleeding radiators, simple plumbing, avoiding electrics and when to call the professionals in.

As Luke Combs takes to the stage at Slane Castle for his first of two sold out shows tonight, country singer and country radio host, Clodagh Lawlor tells Claire about his meteoric rise to fame, why Luke Combs is connecting with a new generation of listeners and what fans can expect from him tonight.

With temperatures hitting all-time highs across Europe this summer, holidaymakers are seeking cooler climates. Sarah Slattery from The Travel Expert.ie tells Claire about alternative destinations from Sweden to Madeira to escape the sweat and the sunburn.

Joining Brendan to discuss the newspapers are: Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich, Social Democrats Candidate in recent Galway West by-election; Tanya Ward, Chief Executive, Children's Rights Alliance; Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and former Government advisor and Scott Lucas, Professor of US and International politics at UCD’s Clinton Institute.

Clinical Psychologist, Dr Tony Bates, talks about why we cry in sad or beautiful moments. He also explains the power of tears, their release effect, why people might try to hide their tears and why he worries about the people who never cry.

Christine Bohan, tennis fan and Deputy Editor of TheJournal.ie explains why Wimbledon has something for everyone nowadays, whether they’re a tennis fan or not. She talks about the influencers, fashion and food at this year’s tournament, how you get invited into the Royal Box and she previews the Men’s Singles Final this afternoon.

Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Zara Hedderman, Culture Journalist and Andy McCarroll, Host of the Extra Vision Podcast. They talk about Moana, Evil Dead Burn, Rosebush Pruning, The Hawk, Nothing To Hide and Love Island amongst many more productions.

Broadcaster Mary Kennedy charts her life and career through the prism of five songs ranging from ‘Frankie and Johnny’ to ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade” to her nephew, Dermot Kennedy’s, ‘Funeral’. She talks about her parents’ party pieces, the sudden death of her father, finding confidence in later life, and choosing to have a very active retirement.

Summer can be a stressful time for some. Changes in routine, high expectations, changes in your environment and loneliness. Psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan answers your summer dilemmas and gives tips on navigating potential stressors over the next few weeks.

Darina Allen, Chef and Founder of the Ballymaloe Cookery School joins Brendan as a cookery agony aunt, solving common kitchen issues. She explains the importance of quality kitchen equipment and understanding how your appliances work. She also tackles common problems making soda bread and sponge cake.

Freelance journalist Édaein O’Connell takes a look at new dating trends like ‘wildflowering’, ‘chalant dating’, ‘communal vetting’ and ‘sunset clauses’. She also talks about her new relationship and when to have the ‘boyfriend chat’.

Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE has advice on managing the hotter days of summer. He has practical tips around staying cool, sleeping, hydration, suncream and tells us why we should all know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Colin Baker, CEO of Back To The Future, explains why a refurbished laptop or computer might actually be a smarter purchase than a brand-new machine. He explains they are commercial grade, factory-refurbished and often last longer and perform better than cheaper, new, retail grade devices.

Joining Brendan to discuss the top stories in Sunday’s newspapers are: Director of Public Affairs at Consello and former Fianna Fáil TD, Lisa Chambers; political editor of the Irish Times, Pat Leahy; Head of Social Justice and Policy at SVP, Louise Bayliss; security analyst, Declan Power and University of Galway law lecturer, Larry Donnelly.

Musician and broadcaster, Tom Dunne, joins Brendan to celebrate the iconic soundtrack from Danny Boyle’s 1996 hit film Trainspotting. The album included songs by Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Pulp and Underworld.

Joining Brendan to look at the best films and TV shows available this week are Executive Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphreys and host of the Screenland podcast, Brian Lloyd. Their choices include ‘The Girl in the Water’, ‘Jackass: Best and Last’ and a new adaptation of ‘Little House on the Prairie’.

Fashion stylist and personal shopper, Cathy O’Connor, joins Brendan with some top tips on holiday packing. She has strategies for organising your clothes, embracing ‘the slow pack’, and not filling your suitcase with things you won’t actually wear.

The multi award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Enda Walsh – whose film credits include ‘Disco Pigs’, ‘Hunger’ and ‘Small Things Like These’ - joins Brendan to discuss the music that has influenced him through the years. He describes moving to Cork, meeting a young Cillian Murphy. His music choices include songs by Bjork and David Bowie.

Looking for some great books for your summer holidays? Broadcaster Bryan Dobson, author Emer McLysaght, and actor Jason O’Mara all join Brendan to discuss what makes the perfect summer read and recommend some of their all-time favourites.

Judie Lopes, mother of Crumlin-born Cape Verde defender – and Shamrock Rovers’ captain – Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes tells Brendan about the biggest game in her son’s career, against reigning World Cup champions, Argentina. RTE Sports reporter Tony O’Donoghue puts Cape Verde’s achievement in context.

Niall Moyna, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology from the School of Health and Human Performance in DCU, explains how that heart attack at age 60 could have started when you were 20-years-old, but that it’s never too late to start working on your exercise and nutrition. He also discusses biological age tests.