The Parting Glass

Al Gibbs : Freaks, Festivals & Finding the Beat

This week I sit down with a true legend of Irish dance music , Al Gibbs. From his early days spinning kids’ discos in Ballybrack to sharing stages with Carl Cox and writing Maniac 2000, Al’s journey is packed with rhythm, resilience, and rave history.

We talk about the evolution of DJing, the golden days of Dublin’s club scene, staying grounded through the crash, and what it’s like ...

In this gripping episode of The Parting Glass, Zoe Holohan opens up about surviving one of Europe's deadliest wildfires, a tragedy that claimed the life of her husband of just four days, Brian. Zoe credits the incredible teams of surgeons and medical staff in Athens and St. James’ Hospital in Dublin for saving both her life and her limbs. She also expresses her eternal gratitude to Manos, a volunteer firefighter, who pulled her bur...

"Pull up a chair, grab a pint — we’ve stories to tell."

I’m Niamh Ryan, and every week on The Parting Glass, I sit down with Dubliners who’ve been through the wars , heartbreak, injustice, near disasters and somehow come out the far side with a story that’ll break your heart and make you laugh in the same breath.

From Olympians to musicians to everyday legends, we talk truth, grie...

🧙‍♀️NEW EPISODE ALERT!

This week on The Parting Glass, I sat down with the absolutely terrifying, spell-casting, broom-riding menace to society… Ruth Coppinger 😱

That’s right - the woman some folks on X (formerly known as Twitter, but still full of trolls) lovingly refer to as a witch. Spoiler: no cauldron in sight, just sharp wit, feminism, and fiery takes. Hear Ruth's view on the "bro-ligarchs of the world", her teaching career, ...

Fingerz Kenny - Music, Mayhem & Mental Health!!

Meet Kenny “Fingerz” Kenny, Knocklyon’s musical maverick, piano prodigy, festival impresario, and all‑round entertainer. From rocking bands since age 13 to orchestrating legendary events like KnockanStockan, Kenny’s journey is one of creative chaos and fearless self‑expression.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• His winding school journey, including an infamous “excommunic...

David Gillick – From Gold Medals to Grounded Living

In this episode of The Parting Glass Podcast, we sit down with Olympic sprinter and proud Dubliner David Gillick. From winning double gold at the European Indoor Championships to holding the Irish 400m record, David shares the highs of elite athletics and the challenges that followed when the stadium lights faded.

We chat about his experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he com...

In this deeply moving episode of The Parting Glass, we sit down with integrative psychotherapist and founder of the Stephen Moylan Foundation, Susan Moylan. With over 21 years of experience supporting young people’s mental health, Susan brings professional insight and personal resilience to a conversation about love, loss, and the power of healing.Susan speaks openly about the heartbreaking loss of her husband Sean in 2003 and her ...

"The Eyes She Never Forgot"

In 2004, 20-year-old Hazel Behan was brutally attacked in her apartment in Portugal. Tied up, raped at knifepoint, and filmed by a masked man who entered through a broken balcony door. Her case went cold. Years later, she recognised her attacker’s eyes in a news report. The man? Christian Brückner, now the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Hazel took the stand. He was acquitted.

Now, sh...

Episode 30: Phil Cawley : The Voice of a Generation

For our 30th episode, a milestone worth celebrating, we’re joined by a true legend of Irish broadcasting, Phil Cawley. With that unmistakable voice and over three decades of experience on the airwaves, Phil has been a constant companion to listeners across the country. In this candid and entertaining chat, we explore his journey from pirate radio days to becoming a household name o...

Niamh Kavanagh: More Than Just “In Your Eyes”

Before she stole the Eurovision crown, Niamh Kavanagh was handpicked by director Alan Parker from thousands of Dubliners to feature on The Commitments soundtrack and she hasn’t slowed down since. In this electric episode, Niamh shares the untold story of her iconic red Eurovision jacket, why she’ll always love the contest even if Ireland can’t seem to get over not winning, and how she ju...

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide, grief, and childhood trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of The Parting Glass, Niamh sits down for a proper chat with John Connors, award-winning actor, writer and proud Traveller man who’s never been afraid to speak his mind.John shares his story with real honesty. Growing up in the Traveller community, losing his dad to suicide at a young age, a...

Derek Sherry’s story is one you won’t forget.

In 80s & 90's Dublin, Derek was very well known for his bleach-blonde hair, deep tan, and love of dance music - and still is !!

A regular on the city’s club scene, it was there he met Gwen, his dancer wife of 30 years.

But behind the buzz and beats,partying and drugs, Derek was fighting deep-rooted trauma, addiction, and depression. On July 10, 2022, everything changed. He got sober ...

Justice for Terence Wheelock – 20 Years On

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses police brutality, wrongful arrest, and death in custody.

In this powerful episode, we speak with Sammy Wheelock, brother of Terence Wheelock, who has spent nearly two decades demanding answers about what really happened to his younger brother.

Who was Terence Wheelock?

On a summer day in 2005, 20-year-old Terence left his home in Summerhill to b...

This week on The Parting Glass Podcast, we welcome Sean McManamon or as he's known on stage, Manamon, a Dublin singer-songwriter pushing the boundaries of sound and storytelling. 🎸✨

With a fearless blend of indie rock, folk, and electronica, Sean’s music hits deep, his debut single “In A Frame” is a raw reflection on connection, while his latest release “Company” captures the po...

🎉 SPECIAL EPISODE – THE PARTING GLASS TURNS 6 MONTHS! 🎉

🚀 Six months, 24 stories, and powerful conversations later… we’re just getting started!

To mark this milestone, we’re bringing you one of our most compelling episodes yet – a raw and honest conversation with Richard Boyd Barrett. Known for his fearless activism and fierce passion for justice, Richard opens up like never before.

💡 In this deeply personal and powerful chat,...

This week, we sit down with Sarah Grace , who bravely shares her harrowing journey of survival after experiencing a violent sexual assault by an intruder in her apartment in 2019. The perpetrator was a stranger. In this deeply moving episode, Sarah opens up about the night that changed her life, the aftermath of trauma, and her long road to healing. She speaks candidly about the impact on her mental health, the struggles with shame...

💔 JENNIE'S LAW: A CALL FOR CHANGE 💔

In April 2021, Jennifer Poole’s life was stolen by the very person she once trusted. A devoted mother, sister, and healthcare worker, Jennifer’s kindness touched everyone who knew her. But behind closed doors, she faced a hidden horror, one that cost her everything.

Her killer had 13 previous convictions for violence, including domestic abuse. Yet Jennifer never knew.

Now, her brother ...

🎙️ 📸 This week on The Parting Glass Podcast, we rolled out the red carpet for one of Ireland’s most iconic & legendary press photographers—Brian McEvoy from Goatstown! ✨

For over 30 years, Brian has been capturing unforgettable moments, from red carpets to major PR events. 📷✨Following in his father’s footsteps, photography isn’t just his job—it’s a family legacy. 🧔🏻👦🏼

In this episode: 🔑 How Brian got hooked on pho...

In this episode we meet Shauna Halpin, 27, from Ballymun, Dublin—a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) who fought a 10-year battle with mental health and crippling pain before finally getting diagnosed with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).

From admitting herself to Vincent’s Psychiatric Hospital, losing friends, her job, and her beloved GAA, to feeling like a shell of herself and contemplating suicide, Shauna has been through i...