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Programme 9: 26th August 2006

Eddie Walsh and Constance Cassidy
Eddie Walsh and Constance Cassidy joined Susan from our Sligo studio to discuss how they came to own the historic Lissadell House in Sligo.

For further information check out the website www.lissadellhouse.com

Phone: 071 9163150

Eddie Jordan
A legend in the motor racing industry, Eddie Jordan has been involved in a very different sort of project for the last year.  Eddie took on the challenge of mentoring eight young car criminals and teaching them new motor skills as part of a Channel 5 series.  He spoke with Susan about his experience.

Eddie Jordan's "Bad Boy Racers" goes out on Channel 5 on Monday night at 8pm. It is the first of a series of five. For further information, check out www.channel5.com

Back to School
As d-day fast approaches - the first day back to school for thousands of children around the country - Susan spoke with three parents about the highs and lows of their summer holidays and the perils of school lunches, scratchy uniforms and bulging schoolbags.  She was joined in studio by newspaper editor, Dave O'Connell, and actress, Lise-Ann McLoughlin, and on the phone by Eoghan Corry. 

Céad Míle Fáilte
Ahead of next month's highly disputed changes to the taxi industry, Susan spoke with Brendan Lynch, a Dublin taxi-driver who provides the ultimate welcome for visitors to the capital.  He can say hello and goodbye in no less than ten languages including Arabic and Russian, and takes great pride in showing his city off. 

Bob Flowerdew
Bob Flowerdew came into studio to talk to Susan ahead of two talks at Farmleigh.  Bob has a regular slot on Radio 4's Gardener Question Time and has written several gardening books.  He talked to Susan about no-fuss gardening, the joys of home-grown strawberries and his disregard for decking!

Programme 8: 19th August 2006

MARK KAVANAGH aka RASHER
Rasher was in studio talking with Susan. A well established Artist, the Wicklow man has not had the easiest route to success. His story is a compelling one of a hard background and finding a way out through his love of Art. He was rejected by every Art school in Dublin before he took matters into his own hands. He has no leaving cert but worked his way to the top and has his own house.

WWW.RASHER.IE

Fergus Lownes
Energy Consultant  Tel. +353 (0) 1824 1827

Fergus was in studio with Actress Mary McEvoy discussing the merits of Green energy.

Mary has put her money where her mouth is by converting her old house into a Green Energy house.

Fergus is an energy consultant and is wise in all things green. He will go into your house and trouble shoot the problems people have.

http://www.sei.ie/sitemap.asp

www.greenheat.ie

Mary bought her wood pellet stove from Next Generation.  Contact Peter Nangle at Next Generation for more info - 044 939 0005

Ian Withers
Ian Withers spoke with Susan about the life of a private investigator.  Chairman of WAPI, the World Association of Professional Investigators, Ian has been involved in the "people solving business" for forty six years.  He talked about his fascinating life and the work that he describes as a challenge and a joy. 

www.wapi.com

Free Trade Website
Following the studio discussion on energy awareness, Suzanne Dempsey rang in to tell Susan about a new waste management initiative set up by the four Dublin Authorities. The Free Trade Site allows people to give away their unwanted goods to interested parties - for free. 

For further information, check out the website - www.dublinwaste.ie

Another caller suggested a recycling website called www.jumbletown.ie - a similar site which is nationwide. 

John O'Keefe
We've heard about the old ladies that leave all their worldly possessions to the local cat shelter, but animals aren't the only ones who benefit from bequests.  John O'Keefe, from the Portobello School of Law, came into studio to talk about the weird and wonderful world of wills and bequests. 

If you would like to know more about making your will check out this website www.wills.ie  

Programme 7: 12th August 2006

Eugene Davy
Solicitor Eugene Davy who specialises in matrimonial cases, talked to Susan about the forthcoming divorce proceedings being taken by Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills McCartney - thought likely to be the most hotly contested since the divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.  He also spoke of a number of recent controversial rulings in divorce cases and changing trends in divorce in Ireland.

Jody Wainwright and Pat O'Brien
With the arrival of Boodles jewellers in Ireland and the news that Tiffany's and Bulgari are also seeking to open on Dublin's Grafton Street, Jody Wainwright of Boodles spoke to Susan about high class jewellery stores and their interest in the Irish market.  Pat O'Brien, a goldsmith in Dublin for over 20 years, reminisced about the jewellers of old and related stories from his shop over the years.

Jack and Max Olohan
Brothers Jack and Max told of the latest craze sweeping the U.S. and newly arrived in Ireland.  Wet Wars!  A game involving strangers, the object of which is to wipe one another out - with water pistols!  Those wishing to take part in future Wet Wars can contact Jack at Jackolohanproductions@hotmail.com  He also has a space on Bebo if you log onto the UCD, DCU or Trinity websites.

Christine Dwyer Hickey
Christine Dwyer Hickey was born and bred in Dublin.  An award-winning short story writer, her first trilogy of books was highly-acclaimed, but it was Tatty which really launched her on the international stage.  Telling the story of a child growing up in a dysfunctional family, Tatty was nominated for the Orange Fiction Prize in 2004.  Christine came into studio to talk to Susan about her life, writing and travels in Italy. 

The Dancer (1995) New Island Books €12.99 (Republished 2005)
The Gambler (1996) New Island Books €11.99 (Republished 2006)
The Gatemaker (2000) New Island Books €11.95 (Republished Oct 2006)
Tatty (2004) New Island Books €9.99

Philip Nolan
Philip talked to us about the future of flying following the week's events at Heathrow.  Will terrorist threats, increased security checks, luggage charges, longer queues and higher fuel prices be enough to deter people from flying?  And will Irish people head to Kerry on their holidays instead of Spain because they don't want the hassle of getting on a plane?

Philip Nolan is a journalist with the Daily Mail and Ireland on Sunday.  Though based in Dublin, he is a bit of a nomad at heart and has been exploring the world since 1978.  In the last two decades, he has visited at least 150 international airports. 

Programme 6: 5th August 2006

Dr Michael Smurfit

Dr Smurfit spoke exclusively to Susan this week ahead of his 70th birthday celebrations on Monday August 7th. In the interview, recorded in our Casla Studio in Connemara, Dr Smurfit spoke candidly about the Ryder Cup, the tragic death of his nephew Jason and his involvement in 'Turning the Tide' and he explained some of the reasons for his 54 successful years in the family business.

Claire King
Actor Claire King, best known to Irish audiences as Kim Tate from 'Emmerdale' and Wing Governor Karen Betts in 'Bad Girls', talked to us about her visit to the Galway Races this week and why she is a fan. She also talked about her recent autobiography.

'Confessions of a Bad Girl' is published by John Blake

Tony Gibson

Tony spoke to us from the Air Traffic Control Unit at the Galway Races, he explained how the helicopter traffic had increased over the past few years and who actually owns all the craft that visit Ballybrit.

 Oliver Lupton

Oliver, the CEO of the Irish Petrol Retailers Association. told us that up to 200 petrol stations will have closed down by 2007, due to proprietors giving up the job as it is no longer a viable option and selling the land for development is proving more lucrative for the owners.

Danny Murphy

Danny Murphy of Topaz Ireland told us about other reasons behind the sale of their Shell and Statoil stations.

Programme 5: 29th July 2006

Ronan Johnston

You've probably heard him more than you know - Ronan Johnston has played with The Black Velvet Band and had all the glamour and glitz of Zig and Zag's Rotten Apple Club! He has more recently composed the signature tunes to many well known television programmes including You're a Star and Primetime.

He spoke with Susan about his career, and his life outside of that which has taken many twists and turns - the adoption of his two children and the death of his mother being two life changing experiences.

You're a Star returns to TV screens tonight and you can find out more about Ronan Johnston's music at www.rojomusic.com

Fashion Babylon written by Imogen Edwards-Jones
Published by Bantam Press
ISBN 0-593-05620-5
Price: €14.99

This book attempts to 'look up the skirts of the world's most glamorous industry' highlighting the backstabbing and bitching that supposedly drives its main players.

Peter O'Brien
Joining us in studio to discuss this book and dispel some myths was Peter O'Brien, one of Ireland's most famous designers. He studied at St Martins in Paris and over the last 25 years he has worked with Givenchy, Christian Dior, Chloe & Paris Fashion House Rochas.
He also works in theatre and his costumes can be seen in the Gate's Production of 'The Constant Wife'. This autumn he will be creating and exclusive capsule collection of limited piece for A-Wear using Irish dancer Jean Butler as his sole model.

Frieda Gormley
Speaking with us from London was Frieda Gormley who moved from Dublin to become on of the buying team at Top Shop. Frieda insists that the atmosphere though driven predominantly by 'strong women' is far from 'bitchy' in fact there is a conscious effort to prevent this from creeping in.

Irish Film Industry

Brendan McCaul Head of Buena Vista Distribution
Brendan McCaul has been involved in the Irish Film industry for fifty years. Although he plans to retire -specifically - on the 30th of March 2007 he is very much at the forefront of Film distribution playing a huge part in what films do and don't make it to our screens.
He spoke to Susan about the critical factors in making those decisions and the future of Irish cinema.

Reek Sunday
The Archbishop of Armagh Sean Brady
The Archbishop of Armagh Sean Brady will lead 25,000 pilgrims to the summit of Croagh Partrick to celebrate mass on Pilgrim Sunday.

Despite very little strict training for the day he is determined to make it to the summit in good time with the help of his good walking shoes and a decent stick!

The Charlotte Shaw Trust
The Charlotte Shaw Trust founded by the wife of George Bernard Shaw gives money to support lectures in Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation, Public Speaking, Musical Recitals etc.

For Charlotte Shaw to have established such a fund was considered ground breaking at a time when women were considered to be rather uncultured. 

Margo Bellow
Margo taught 'social skills' for 37 years, only retiring last year the courses she ran were funded by the Charlotte Shaw Trust. Margo spoke with Susan about this Trust, George Bernard Shaw and on the current issues in social decorum.

Margo is also the author of The Impressive Way to Meet Greet & Eat
Priced €12.99 ISBN:1412040655

Malachi O'Doherty
More on the subject of George Bernard Shaw given his 150th anniversary this year, Malachi O'Doherty Journalist and Author joined us from Belfast to give his take on The Charlotte Shaw trust and a little on what GBS himself would have thought of today's good manners, or lack thereof!

PROGRAMME 4: 22ND JULY 2006
BRIAN KEENAN
Brian Keenan was kidnapped in Beirut in 1986 by the militant group Islamic Jihad and held hostage for almost five years. He spoke to Susan about his ordeal and life after his release. Brian also reflected on the current crisis in the Lebanon 20 years after his kidnapping.
 
Books written by Brian:
An Evil Cradling (Published by Vintage)
Four Quaters of (Published by Light Black Swan)
Between Extremes (Published by Black Swan)
Turlough (Published by Black Swan)

Brian's story is portrayed in the movie 'Blind Flight'.

PROFESSIONAL POKER PLAYERS
JOE O'NEILL
We spoke to Joe O'Neill from New York before he went to the World Series Poker Championships in Las Vegas. He explained the differences between gambling in Casinos and playing cards for a living. He also told us all about the World Series Championships in Vegas.

NICKY O'DONNELL
Nicky told us about his recent career change, from IT Manager in Limerick to Internet Card Player. He explained how he makes a very comfortable living from playing games on line and how knowing your limitations is a key requirement to be successful in the business of Poker.

BLOGGING
We looked at the phenomenon of web blogging and spoke to some Irish people from various sections of the blogging world.

DAMIEN MULLEY
Damien is the founder of the Irish Blog Awards and we spoke to him about how widespread blogging has become. He has been writing his 'online diary' for five years, mainly focusing on his huge interest in technology. It can be found at www.mulley.net

ANNETTE CLANCY
Annette is a psychotherapist and Business Consultant, and also the winner of 'Best Personal Blog' at the Irish Blog Awards. Using the pseudonym of 'that girl' she wrote for years about various aspects of her personal life. She spoke to us about why people put their deepest thoughts online for all the world to see. She now writes a business blog which can be found at www.inter-actions.biz/blog

CLAIRE WILSON
Claire is known as 'ginger pixel' in the blogging world, and divides her time between being a freelance animator and a housewife. She spoke to us about her addiction to blogging and how she finds the time to raise a 2 year old and write about her life. Her blog can be found at www.gingerpixel.com

CIAN O' DOHERTY
Cian is the founder of www.irishelection.com, a website where people who wouldn't normally read blogs can share their thoughts about the upcoming Irish election. He explained why a 21 year old student like himself has such a huge interest in blogging and politics.

POLITICAL GAFFES
In the light of George Bush's 'overheard' conversation with Tony Blair at the G8 lunch meeting this week, we decided to look at the gaffes that have cursed many a politician both at home and abroad, including some verbal gems from Ronald Reagan and John Kerry. Anton Savage joined us to have a chat about these various embarrassments.

PROGRAMME 3: 15TH JULY 2006
ACTRESS
Gemma Craven, Dublin born Actress Gemma talked to Susan about her upcoming role in the RTE series 'The Clinic.' She spoke of the highs and lows of her career spanning from the wonderful 'Slipper and the Rose' to life on the road while on stage.
She also spoke of the great loss of her father and how if affected her life.

MARKETING MAGIC
Malachy McCloskey, who hails from Drogheda in Co.Louth spoke of how he started the Boyne Valley Group starting with honey over fifty years ago. He explained how quirky promotion techniques and listening to what the public want helped him succeed in business.

CORK WEEK 2006
Charles St Clair Brown, Sailor from New Zealand and Skipper of the yacht Maximus spoke to Susan about participating in the Cork yacht race.

Dee Caffari is the first woman in history to sail single handily, non-stop around the world in 178 days 'the wrong way around.' She reflected on the highs and lows and told Susan how she survived the challenge physically and mentally.

Ben Fogle, Travel-writer, TV Presenter and Castaway survivor spoke about his experience participating in the Big V Sail; a yacht race from Cork to Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, which took place on the 10th of July this year.
www.benfogle.com

Roisin Callaghan, told Susan about her love for sailing and spoke to us while she was on her way to Cork Week.

PIRATES TODAY
Captain Robert Grey, As the film 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' continues to break box-office records across the globe, Robert spoke to Susan about his terrifying experience when the Norwegian Tanker he captained was held to ransom by Indonesian Pirates on the Malacca Straits.

Captain Pottengal Mukundan, Director of the International Maritime Bureau in London spoke about the monitoring and reporting of worldwide piracy attacks. He told Susan there was 61 reported attacks in the first three months of 2006.

TO PRINT OR NOT TO PRINT
Patrick Kinsella, Lecturer in Journalism at Dublin City University, spoke about the rights and wrongs of publishing photographs of shock-value in the print media. He was joined in this discussion by Roy Greenslade, former Editor of the Daily Mirror and Professor of Journalism at the University in London.

PROGRAMME 2: 8TH JULY 2006
ATHLETE
Sonia O'Sullivan, Cork-born Sonia, Ireland's greatest female athlete talked to Susan from her home in London. She reflected on her career to date, juggling motherhood with her training and travelling schedule, her hopes for the future and thoughts on the Beijing Olympics.

GANGS
Sociologist Shane Dunphy spoke on the nature of gangs in Ireland, their reason for being and their links with crime. Shane also told us about the dynamics of these gangs and how they develop.

STREAKING
Maedbh Ruane, Psychoanalyst joined Susan in Studio to discuss the motivation of the 'Streaker' following two sightings this week - Wimbledon and Croke Park.

Pat Gallagher, President of the Irish Naturist's Association expressed his offence at the behaviour of streakers. He also voiced his hopes that Ireland would embrace the principles of naturists.

www.irishnaturism.org
Irish Naturist Association Tel: 086 837 0395

Lisa Lewis told us of the extraordinary events that followed her impromptu streak at an Ireland vs All Black rugby test match in Hamilton in June.

Christ McGlade the 'Wembley Streaker', spoke to us from his home in the UK about his famous streak in 1997 where he tried to raise awareness of the closure of the local swimming pool.

Susan played an old hit from the '70s called 'The Streak' which we re-edited to include some sparkling footage of  Micheal O'Muircheartaigh's commentary on a GAA game in which a streaker ran onto the pitch.
Click here to listen

COMPUTER DISASTERS
ALEX FRENCH, Computer Expert spoke to Susan about the resurgence of the e-voting debacle this week. He told us about other computer disasters from around the world that involved billions of euros. From the NASA's Arianne Rocket System in 1996 to the Mars Climactic Orbiter in 1998. From the Therac-25 Medical Accelerator to the Child Support Agency in the UK.

Alex French is the author of
DOT.IE: A Practical Guide to Using the Internet in Ireland
Price €12.99. ISBN 1856354881 (Publisher Mercier Press)

PROGRAMME 1: 1ST JULY 2006
Lawyer & Author
Andrea Durbach author of 'Upington' was in studio with Susan. Her book can be bought on www.amazon.com

Know Your Neighbour
Colm Markey president of Macra Na Feirme told us about his upcoming 'Know Your Neighbour' Campaign which is happening on the 15th-16th july. For information on the celebrations Tel 01 426 8915
www.macra.ie or
www.neighbours.ie

Neighbours
Eleanore Parker spoke about her own neighbourhood network in Adamstown.
www.neighbours.ie

Food
Irish chef Cathal Armstrong spoke to us from his restaurant in Washington 'Restaurant Eve'. Cathal has just been voted one of the top 10 chefs in the US and is about to open his own fish and chip shop 'Eamon's Dublin Chipper'

Restaurant Eve
110 s. Pitt St., Alexandria, va 22314
001-703-706-0450
Recipes discussed will be posted 03.07.06
www.restauranteve.com

Angels Quest
Following their appearance on RTÉ's charity queens Deirdre Kelly talked to Susan about her charity 'Angels Quest' for further information on
Tel 269 8405
www.angelsquest.com

Chernobyl & Respect
Tara O'Connor spoke about her various charities.
Chernobyl International Childrens Project: 021 431 2999
Respect (Daughters Of Charity) 01 824 5420