Show Notes
This is a simply fascinating story. Diarmuid talks to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about: His absolute misery in and hatred for school, Being told he was a dunce and would never amount to anything, Being painfully shy until he was 40, Dealing with the loss of his little brother Conor in an accident when he was just 5 and his parents being misinformed that it was him, Having items repossessed and having to leave his apartment because he was broke, Building a garden at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show but having no money to eat, The moment that changed everything and his big television break with Alan Titchmarch, His adoration for his mother in law Terry Keane and how he feels that her story hasn't been told properly, The Strictly Come Dancing experience, Presenting Top Of The Pops, The public controversy over his "Sky Garden", Opening his house to Ukrainian guests.
Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television and Media. Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations
A preview of Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy in a candid and compelling conversation with renowned RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan and Kerry GAA great Dara Ó Cinnéide, recorded live at The Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee. Full episodes coming soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This special episode of Changing Times – The Allenwood Conversations was recorded live in front of an audience at the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee. Producer Enda Grace steps out from behind the scenes to introduce the story of how the podcast came to life, from a simple idea to a conversation-led series that has resonated with listeners across Ireland and beyond. On stage, Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy chat to Enda and reflect on what the podcast means to them, what they’ve discovered through the conversations, and why sitting down to truly listen still matters. They also share their personal connections to County Kerry and revisit some of the most meaningful — and at times surprising — highlights of their respective careers. There’s warmth. There’s honesty. There’s laughter. And there’s that special energy that only comes from a live room. If you’ve ever wondered how Changing Times began, or what happens when two remarkable women reflect openly on their journey, this is an episode not to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
To close off season two of Changing Times - The Allenwood Conversations, we bring you a compilation of some pieces you didn't hear from Mary Kennedy, Mary McAleese, Sharon Shannon, Diarmuid Gavin, Heather Humphreys and Marty Morrissey.
In Part 2 of this very special podcast, Mary McAleese opens up to her friend and host Mary Kennedy with honesty, warmth, and wit.
In part one this very special two part episode, Mary Kennedy chats to her co-host and former President of Ireland Mary McAleese. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we journey through the formative years of a remarkable woman who would go on to become one of Ireland’s most respected voices. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, she shares vivid memories of a childhood shaped by conflict — from a devastating car bomb attack on her father's pub to terrifying assaults on her family home, including a harrowing incident that forced them to leave everything behind.