Tubridy Show Archive - May 2008

Click on a date to listen to the programme.

Friday 30th May 2008
Ryan talks to Jessie Buckley about her forthcoming appearance in the final of BBC's I'd Do Anything.

Alan O'Neil, Eoin O'Brien and Alan Cooke review Teacher Man by Frank McCourt, which is the last Book Club choice of the season.  Heather Levingstone from Gorey is the lucky winner of the €250 book voucher courtesy of Barry's Tea.

Bernie Kearns is the winner of the fifth - and final - Benecol weekend break.

Trumpeter to the stars, Tony Fisher, gives Ryan a trumpet masterclass.  He'll appear at Strictly Sinatra in Dublin's NCH tonight.  Further details online at www.rte.ie/performinggroups.

Thursday 29th May 2008
Kylie was 40 yesterday - but how do we feel about the Big Four-O?  Ryan asks Brian Kennedy, Cait O'Riordan, Christine Monk and Ariel Leve.

Ciaran Lattin wins today's Benecol weekend break (but he's giving it to his Nan!).

As the Nepalese vote to abolish their monarchy, Niall Hatch takes a look at the world's dwindling batch of crowned heads.

Wednesday 28th May 2008
Special effects director Gerry Johnston talks about his 40 years in film.  Lights, Camera, Dynamite by Gerry Johnston is published by Liberties Press.

Michael O'Driscoll wins a luxury hotel break in our Benecol competition.

Ryan reminds listeners that the Book Club choice for May is Teacher Man by Frank McCourt and reads a review from Heather in Gorey.

Karen Erwin explains how mediation can overcome disputes.  You can find out more on-line at www.themii.ie.

Tuesday 27th May 2008
Psychologist David Coleman answers listener queries about teenagers.  If you know a teenager who you think might benefit from featuring in David Coleman's upcoming TV programme, you can contact the programme at 01 473 5927 or info@firebrand.ie.

Intrepid hitch-hiker Brian O'Connell reports on his journey from Bantry to Bundoran.

See the photos here

Deirdre Sheil from Galway wins a luxury weekend away, courtesy of Benecol.

Monday 26th May 2008
Do you remember the days when all you had to do to get where you wanted to go was a good bit of cardboard, the name of your destination, the thumb out and a smile that said I'm harmless?  But does it still work?  Brian O'Connell finds out as he hitches his way from from Bantry to Bundoran.

When the very first Beano went on sale seventy years ago, bringing us Dennis the Menace and Minnie the Minx, who'd have thought it would still be going strong today.  But in an age of PSPs, Gameboys, X Boxes and Wiis... can the comic still cut it?  Librarian Mark French-Mullen talks about a new initiative at Charleville Library in Dublin where free copies of the Beano are being given away.  Joining him in discussion are comic fan, Katherine Farmar and comic artist, Nick Roche, as well as David Fickling who's the brains behind the first new weekly comic to be launched in twenty five years.  The DFC is available from Friday 30 June and subscription is online at: www.thedfc.co.uk

The winner of today's competition for a romantic weekend stay and dinner at Clontarf Castle is Ken Hayden from Co Dublin. The competition is in association with Benecol.       

Friday 23rd May 2008
We announce the winners of scholarships to the 'Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional  Music and Dance'.  They are Kay Lawler from Co Kildare and Gayle Hogan from Co Dublin. Further information about Blas is available online at www.blas.ie.

Her father was the Oxford educated drug smuggler who was busted when she was just ten years of age.  Amber Marks talks about her notorious father Howard and why she thinks current methods of drug detection are flawed.      

Amber Marks' book is entitled 'Headspace': On the Trail of Sniffer Dogs, Wasp Wardens and Other Dumb Friends in the Surveillance Industry.  It's published by Virgin Books.

She's the superstar of synth-pop, a diva in her own right and the voice behind a host of hits such as 'Only You' and 'Don't Go'.  Alison Moyet talks about forming Yazoo with electronic genius Vince Clarke and why they're back on the road after twenty five years apart.  Yazoo starts a world tour in June, with one night only in Ireland, at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on 2 June.

Thursday 22nd May 2008
Mike Keohane joined Dave in studio to talk about the experience of having a liver transplant last November. In a fascinating interview, he was joined by his surgeon Oscar Traynor.

In the week that the latest Indiana Jones movie was released, Film critic Sheena Sweeney and actress and novelist Claudia Carroll came to studio to discuss the new movie and the role of the female baddie in the movies.

Wednesday 21st May 2008
In 'No to Ageism' week, our panel asked the question; Is Ireland an aged society?

Dave Fanning was joined in studio by consultant gerentologist Des O'Neill, former MEP Mary Banotti and engineer George Raynolds. 

After a substantial text response, we went live to Serbia to talk to Karen Fricker on the votes, the booing and the carving up of the turkey. In short, on Dustin's demise.

And after many more lively texts, Dave was joined in studio by jump jockey supreme Ruby Walsh for a chat about his life and extraordinary career.

Tuesday 20th May 2008

Dave Fanning fills in for Ryan.

In response to last night's Prime Time Investigates, Anne tells Dave how her 13 year old daughter Rosie was subjected to prolonged cyber bullying.

Dave reminds listeners about our competition in association with the Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance.  Further details online at www.blas.ie.

Money and Relationships - Sheila O'Flanagan, Barry Twomey, Carol Hunt and Rosemary Horgan discuss how couples approach their finances.

John O'Keeffe of the Sunday Independent draws some typically controversial pen-pictures of three Irish towns - Malahide, Clara and Dingle

Monday 19th May 2008

Dave Fanning fills in for Ryan all week.

The Eurovision circus has descended upon Belgrade.  What impact is it having on the Serbian capital?  And are any other stories making the news?  Dave asks journalists Karen Fricker and Daniel Bukumirovic.

Dave talks to Natalia Aggiano about her extraordinary memoir entitled Unconditional Love: The true and inspiring story of one woman's journey to forgiveness (John Blake).

Carl Corcoran and Colin Dunne from the Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance offer two Tubridy Show listeners the chance to win scholarships to this year's summer school, which begins on Monday 23 June.

Two listeners will attend the full two weeks of Blas, with tuition and accommodation included.  All you have to do is contact us by regular post or email, outlining the reasons why you, a friend or a family member should be chosen for this unique experience.  One of the winners will be a novice dancer who wishes to learn the basic techniques of Irish dancing.  The other winner will someone who already has some level of competency and a passion for any of the focus areas offered at Blas, including piano, voice, fiddle, bodhran, flute, guitar and bouzouki. 

So, if you fancy this prize for yourself or a friend, and you're available to spend two weeks in Limerick from Monday 23 June, then email us on tts@rte.ie or write to The Tubridy Show, RTE Radio 1, in Dublin 4.  Entries must be with us by close of business on Thursday, and try to keep your letters and emails to around 250 words.  The winners will be announced on Friday morning.

Further information about Blas is available online at www.blas.ie.


Friday 16th May 2008
Psychologist David Coleman is turning his attention to Irish teenagers and their parents.  Anyone interested in taking part in his proposed "boot camp" in Connemara should contact 01 473 5927, email info@firebrand.ie or check out www.firebrand.ie.

Professor Craig Harline, author of A History of the First Day from Babylonia to the Super Bowl, talks to Ryan about the origins and history of Sunday.

Is it different losing your parents as an adult than as a child?  Ryan asks Pat Coyle and Mary Hegarty about being adult orphans.

Thursday 15th May 2008
A listener in Cork contacted the show after hearing Tuesday's interview with the 'Green Marine', Graham Dale.  John Fenton tells his story of losing his son, Matthew, to the war in Iraq.  Matthew, who was a US marine, was injured and subsequently died following an attack in Iraq in April 2006.

A reminder of our Book Club choice for May. It's the memoir of a high-school teacher in New York City who'll stop at nothing to get his tough talking pupils to learn.  'Teacher Man' is by non other than Frank McCourt, who's best known of course for his Pulizter Prize Winning memoir 'Angela's Ashes'.It's funny, honest, insightful, rich in story telling and a definite 'must-read'.

Your reviews are welcome by email to tts@rte.ie or by post to The Tubridy Show Book Club, RTE Radio One, Dublin 4.  The best review of the month will win a two hundred and fifty euro book voucher, courtesy of Barry's Tea.

And on the same theme, the search is on for Ireland's best teacher.  Rehab has announced that a new 'People of the Year' award is being launched for Ireland's most inspiring teacher.  Seamus Moran, better known as Mike Gleeson from Fair City, talks about his own experience of teaching, teachers who inspired him, and how to vote for the award.   Nominations can be emailed to poy@quinn-healthcare.com. Entries should include details of your nominee and an explanation of why you think they should win an award.  Closing date is 1st June 2008.
 

And what happens when you go from being 'worker bee' to 'the boss'?  Does the joking and friendly conversation suddenly stop when you walk into the room?  It may look like you're on the up, but there can be a downside.  It can be lonely at the top.  Diarmuid Breathnach, Head of Student Services at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, Margaret E Ward Director of Clear Ink and former Gaelic footballer and now solicitor, Tony Hanahoe, share their experiences. 

Wednesday 14th May 2008
He's known as 'Doctor Courageous', has eighteen paralympic gold medals, holds nine world records and, to top it all, has a unique singing voice that's brought him success all over the world.  Ronan Tynan in conversation. 

News from Austria is dominated by the gruesome story of Joseph Fritzel who locked his daughter Elizabeth in a cellar for twenty four years and fathered seven children with her.  But, behind the grim headlines, what's going on in Austrian news?  Joe Remick, Editor at FM4 Radio in Austria, provides an update.   

When most of us are waking up and getting ready for the day ahead, a whole army of people are getting ready to turn in.  They are the night shift workers.  Clocking off while the rest of us are clocking on are: Louise Lennox, Pastry Chef; Alan O'Riordan, A and E Nurse; Richard Ryan, Taxi Driver; Brian Vickers, Docker. 

Tuesday 13th May 2008
Graham Dale was a young man from Raheny who had set up a new life in America as a software technician. On September 11, a few hours after the Twin towers came under attack, Graham enlisted in the US Marines. Grahma joined Ryan in studio to tell the story of 'The Green Marine' as his book is called. A powerful interview, whether you are for or against the Iraq War.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the founding of Ardmore Film Studios in County Wicklow. Morgan O'Sullivan and MD Kevin Moriarty joined Ryan to swap tales of stardom and discus the future of the Irish film industry.

Monday 12th May 2008
Reflecting on the London Mayoral Election, we had a discussion on Mayors; whether an elected mayor is a good idea and how much power should they have?

In studio, we had former Lord Mayor of Dublin Royston Brady and CEO of Dublin Chamber Of Commerce Gina Quinn. Therese Ferris, former Mayor of Kerry was on the Tralee studio and on the phones, we had Former Dublin Mayor Gay Mitchell and current mayor of Waterford, Mary O'Halloran.

Dr Perry Share, Head of Department of Humanities, Institute of Technology Sligo, spoke to Ryan about the symbolic importance of the Jumbo Breakfast Roll in the Irish economy.

And we were joined from London on the phone by the three Irish Nancys, as Jessie, Niamh and Rachel battle it out to be win the role of Nancy in the forthcoming West End Production of Oliver!

Friday 9th May 2008
Des Kellly...the carpet man...in studio to talk about growing up in Inner City Dublin, his business, and why he has decided to shut up shop on a Sunday.

RTE Business Correspondent David Murphy on the  breaking news about Guinness brewery closures and changes.

Have we lost the Weekend ? Sean Mullan, Carmel Brennan and Justine Dwyer discuss.

Thursday 8th May 2008
He travelled ten thousand miles, through nine time zones, by train, truck, boat and foot to bring us 'Russia uncovered'.  Living broadcasting legend, Jonathan Dimbleby, talks about his new book, television series and his own life and career.  His book 'Russia: A Journey to the Heart of a Land and its People' is published by Ebury.  It's also a five part television series on BBC 2, beginning on Sunday 11 May at 10.05-11.05 pm.  

Bertie Ahern has left the stage and the spotlight is now firmly on his successor.  So what's it like when you're no longer the centre of attention and all eyes are on somebody else?  Three former 'number ones' talk about life in the shade. former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, former Irish top model Marie Staunton and former Irish Olympic boxer, Michael Carruth.

Wednesday 7th May 2008
Maeve Binchy is one of Ireland's best loved and best selling writers.  

The Tubridy Show broadcasts live from her home, in the small coastal village of Dalkey in County Dublin.  Maeve talks about her life, career and offers advice to budding writers.  Also joining in conversation are Maeve's husband and childrens' writer Gordon Snell, author Cecelia Ahern and a special message comes from Hollywood actress Andie MacDowell who starred in the film version of 'Tara Road'.  Some of Maeve's favourite musicians, Shaun Davey, Rita Connelly and Liam O'Flynn make a surprise visit too and perform live in her living room.

Maeve Binchy's new book offering advice on writing is entitled 'Maeve Binchy's Writers' Club' and is published by Orion. 

Tuesday 6th May 2008
Should men be at the births of their children?

Daddies Shay Byrne, Darragh Kettle, Adam Brophy and Ryan Tubridy debate the toss with plenty of comment from the public.

With the help of Phil Coulther, we unearth The Great Eurovision Conspiracy which allegedly links General Franco with the victory of Spain's 'LA LA LA LA' over Phil and Cliff's 'Congatulations'.

And wild gourmet and roadkill chef Fergus Drennan reveals the tricks of basting badger or sauteeing a squirrel.

The bookclub choice for May is Frank McCourt's Teacherman.

Monday 5th May 2008
Bank Holiday Monday and it's a celebration of a decade; the 1980s.

Olivia O'Leary joins Ryan to look at the extraordinary political and social scene; including emigration, the H Blocks Hunger Strikes and the rivalry between Garret and Charlie.

John Waters and Carolyn Fisher look at the pop culture of the decade, how the grim tale of unemployment resulted in an explosion of creativity. U2 conquered the world and Johnny Logan was crowned President Cheese of Eurovision.

Lastly the 'like him or loathe him;' king of 80s pop Pete Waterman joins Ryan for a run through his myriad of hits. Poptastic! As the man himself would say.

The programme is littered with memory provoking tunes from Talking Heads, the Specials, The Waterboys and not forgetting Kylie and Rick Astley.

Ah, thems the days.

Friday 2nd May 2008
A surprise wake-up call for  Irish actress Eileen Walsh who scooped the best actress award at New York's Tribeca Film Festival.

Getting your kit off - Amanda Brunker, film Censor John Kelleher and Pat Gallagher from the Irish Naturists Association discuss the Irish relationship with nudity.

And from getting your kit off...to getting your kit on (rugby kit that is). Ahead of the weekend Leinster game, Argentinian born Felipe Contepomi discusses life, family and of course - rugby.

Thursday 1st May 2008
Look inside any bookshop and she's right up there. bright and bubbly on the bestsellers list.  With a style recently compared to Jane Austen's, it's no wonder there's a call for her to be nominated for a Booker prize.  Marian Keyes talks about her new book 'This Charming Man' which has just been published by Michael Joseph Ltd, as well as her life in recent times.   

They were joined by the umbilical cord. and it's a special bond that only they can understand.  Men and their mammies.  We hear from a group of men who aren't afraid to show their feelings when it comes to the first. and in some cases, the only real. woman in their lives.  Journalist Paddy McKenna, Ireland rugby player Shane Byrne, former Gaelic footballer Paidi O'Se and Irish tenor Paul Byrom.