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!
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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.

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.

In Part 2 of this very special podcast, Mary McAleese opens up to her friend and host Mary Kennedy with honesty, warmth, and wit.

From her complex relationship with the Catholic Church to intimate stories of family life in the west of Ireland, she reflects on her daughter’s wedding, her son coming out to her, knitting, her passion for shopping, and the joys and challenges of everyday living.

With characteristic insight, she shares her hopes for the future of Belfast and reminds us all that life is too short not to live it fully. A powerful, personal, and often humorous conversation with one of Ireland’s most compelling voices.

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.

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.

She recalls the fear etched into her younger sister’s face during one violent episode — and the protective instinct that saw the siblings stand up for each other in the face of danger. Bricks smashed through windows, bullets fired into their home, and friends drawn into the web of the IRA — all part of a reality few could imagine.

Told she could never be a lawyer by a priest, she defied expectations and broke barriers. This episode also explores the love story that began when she met her husband, Martin, and the lifelong friendship they formed with rugby legend Moss Keane.

She speaks candidly about her difficult years working in RTÉ, her deep admiration for John Hume, and what ultimately drove her to step into public life and run for President.
Raw, honest, and unforgettable — this is a story of courage, conviction, and the quiet strength behind the public figure.

Produced by Enda Grace at Dundara Television & Media.
Proudly sponsored by the Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.