Over the four Sundays of September, RTÉ Drama On One will celebrate the life and work of the late, great Maeve Binchy with a season of classic plays by the much-loved author, also available for download as a podcast box-set.
Included in the season is a recording of Maeve's now legendary public interview with Myles Dungan, recorded in 2002 in The National Concert Hall, and featuring material previously unheard before now.
In 2013, RTÉ Producer Sarah Binchy synthesised what her wise aunt taught her about life. Be More Maeve! is voiced by her RTÉ colleagues Sharon Ní Bheoláin, Áine Lawlor, Kathryn Thomas, Brenda Donohue, Áine Kerr, Emer Horgan and Sinéad Mooney - listen to it below.
The works featured Drama On One's Maeve Binchy Season are:
Sunday 5th September 2021
INFANCY by Maeve Binchy
First broadcast in 2005 as part of a Seven Ages of Man series, this the story of baby Fintan (voiced by Mikel Murfi) an infant savant who understands everything, but has a problem communicating.
Maeve Binchy and Myles Dungan in Public Interview in The National Concert Hall, Dublin, 2002.
In 2002 Maeve decided to channel her inner Sinatra and, after two years of retirement, emerged triumphantly in this public interview with Myles Dungan. The occasion was the publication of Quentins and Myles subsequently described it as "the easiest five bob I ever earned". In a comic storytelling masterclass, Maeve talked openly and hilariously about how she started writing, where she gleaned her stories and ideas, and how she will never forget that Veal Casserole!
Sunday 12th September 2021
TIA MARIA by Maeve Binchy
First broadcast in 2007 and recorded in Galway during the Film Fleadh, Tia Maria stars Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates. Maria returns to Ireland for the first time since leaving in 1976, aged 17. There is one unresolved issue to settle - if possible. Her nephew Fergal is detailed as her chauffeur. After a rocky start, they embark on a road trip from Dublin to Galway.
Sunday 19th September 2021
DEMOCRATIC DECISION by Maeve Binchy
First broadcast in 2006, Eithne, Kitty and Maggie (voiced by Daphne Carroll, Colette Proctor and Pegg Monaghan) are approaching four score years, and are thinking of a celebration.. However, their respective families are less than enthusiastic. There is only one thing to be done - make a democratic decision!
Sunday 26th September 2021
GOLDEN OLDIE MY ARSE by Maeve Binchy
First broadcast in 2006, as part of a Human Rights Season (suggested and supported by Maeve through Amnesty International director Sean Love), Golden Oldie My Arse took a comic tilt at ageism. Featuring Marion O’Dwyer, Emmet Bergin, Eileen Colgan and Des Cave, it preceeded a panel discussion on age related matters with Jennifer Johnston, Mamo McDonald and Senator Maurice Hayes. The MC was Rodney Rice.
Podcasts of The Maeve Binchy Season is available to download here.
