In this remarkable episode, Mary McAleese & Mary Kennedy sit with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for a rare and powerful & deeply personal conversation. As he prepares to step down from his role, Drew reflects on a career shaped by profound personal tragedy, public service, his reaction to a no confidence vote in him and a steady commitment to leading with courage and conviction. From growing up during The Troubles in Northern Ireland to leading An Garda Síochána through complex reforms and challenges, his story is one of resilience, integrity, and unwavering duty. With moving candour, he shares how his father’s murder shaped his worldview, the philosophy that has guided his leadership, and the toll — and fulfilment — of a life lived in service.

In this episode, we discuss:

• His childhood in Belfast and Lisburn and the early influence of his father’s policing career.
• The trauma of his father’s assassination by the IRA and the impact it had on his life and career.
• How he found the strength to stay in policing and lead without bitterness.
• His move from the PSNI to becoming the first Garda Commissioner from outside the force.
• The sweeping reforms he implemented across Garda Síochána, from technology to welfare.
• Building trust within communities and strengthening international policing cooperation.
• The rise of far-right extremism and public disorder — and how the force is responding.
• His reaction to the historic vote of no confidence and why he chose not to resign.
• What leadership under pressure really means, and what he hopes his legacy will be.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Micheál Martin running for president? He tells us more. Speaking rights, the opposition, Donald Trump, tariffs, dealing with world leaders, family life, personal loss and tragedy, the impact of grief, childhood and political influences, Conor McGregor and the GAA - including who will win this years All Irelands, all areas up for discussion with Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy in this special episode.

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.

Fair City made him a household name, but George McMahon’s story goes far beyond Carrigstown—charting a path through the highs and challenges of an ever-evolving acting career in Ireland.

From growing up in Clondalkin to stepping onto the set of Fair City as a teenager, the good humoured and charming George McMahon has spent most of his life in front of the camera. But his journey hasn’t been without its twists—navigating the unpredictable world of acting, embracing new creative challenges, and balancing life in the public eye.

In this episode he chats to Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy about life and change including:

• Family life growing up
• How it "wasn't always going to be acting"
• His parents ambitions for him
• Getting the acting break at 13
• Winning a BAFTA and the "Cigar" experience
• An education regret and his interest in law
• His shyness going into Fair City and his first ever scene
• "Blowing Up Mondo"
• On set disaster
• Dealing with dark storylines
• Mondo and Kira
• Photographic memory
• Mirroring real life in fiction
• The process of filming an episode of Fair City
• Stage to screen
• His relationship with the fans
• Peoples attitude to Fair City
• How he met his wife Rachel
• Running a stage school with Rachel
• Being three months into a new mortgage when the shut down of Fair City and their stage school happened with Covid
• His two small children Frankie and Kody
• How fatherhood has changed him
• What his children think about him being on TV
• The insecurity of being an actor
• An actors wage
• Climbing Everest
• Visiting Calcutta
• His views on religion and spirituality
• An emotional experience "eventually I just started crying"
• The world today
• A unique answer to the question "If you could change anything what would it be?"

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.