An Irishman Abroad

This week, star of BBC Three's much anticipated drama series Normal People, Paul Mescal joined Jarlath for a truly remarkable chat about his life and journey to this very exciting point in his career.   Paul gives a fascinating account of this addictive and petrifying experience of discovering the school stage at the tender age of 16 (13:00), how he quit football for acting (23:00) and the power and importance of working alongside an intimacy coordinator on the set of Normal People (52:00). Paul opens up like never before with his thoughts on toxic masculinity (30:00), his number one pet hate of group behaviour (48:00), connective tissue of sporting performance and acting (20:00) and much more.   To hear Paul's thoughts on losing his private life, the isolation of first going to college, the most bizarre 3 hours of drama school, the time he seriously considered quitting acting completely and how he's keeping busy in lockdown, become a patron of An Irishman Abroad for just the price of a pint on www.patr

Barry Keoghan returns to the podcast to discuss a movie he made in Ireland that never got its full theatrical release. Calm With Horse is a beautiful piece of story telling from first-time director Nick Rowland that transports us to a west of Ireland town run by a family known as the Divers. Barry’s character, Dympna, controls Arm a former boxer roped in to enforcing the dominance of the gang in the local area. A crisis of conscience and his young son force him into a situation from which there appears to be no escape. Jarlath and Barry dig into what makes a low budget classic like this so special and why now, more than ever, the film needs the support of viewers in lockdown when it releases on demand on April 27th.   There’s a lot to cover as Barry opens up about the non-disclosure agreement he signed to play one of the lead characters in Marvel’s next big franchise The Eternals. We hear about the fasting Barry forced himself to do in order to be in shape for the role within three weeks of being cast, his

Since the inception of An Irishman Abroad, Mary Robinson has been one of the most requested guests for the series. This week, the former President of Ireland and U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights joined Jarlath for a truly memorable conversation about her life and career.   With a beautiful honesty, Mary opens up about how nothing seemed out of the realms of possibility for her while growing up (9www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full access to our entire archive of all of the podcasts we have ever released including - An Irishman In America, Men Behaving Better and An Irishman Behind Bars. If you come over and join in the first two weeks of August 2020, you will be given something very special as an additional thanks that won't disappoint.   Our charity partner is jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times

Jarlath sat down with former Taoiseach Enda Kenny for a one of a kind conversation in front of a UCD Alumni event at London's Savoy Hotel. With his retirement just around the corner, Enda speaks freely about his time at the helm. Jarlath asks what a person needs to succeed in a game as difficult as politics (8:00). Sitting a stone’s throw from the British Houses of Parliament they discuss why Britain is not the Empire that it once was (33:00) and his admiration for the way in which the Queen approached her visit to Ireland (40:00). From the hilarious story about Donald Trump and Enda's wife (23:00) to the importance of 'letting the young people fly' (14:00), his heart-warming perspective on education (43:00), how stress was never an issue for him (12:00) and much more, this is a truly memorable chat with one of Ireland's most talked about and groundbreaking political figures.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign u

This week, we are delighted to bring you one of the most hilarious and insightful episodes of the series to date. Ireland and Munster Rugby legends Donncha O'Callaghan and Peter Stringer joined Jarlath on stage for a special interview in front of a sold out Sugar Club at the Dublin Podcast Festival. Donncha and Peter open up about the post-tournament analysis that was devastatingly brutal (28:00) while also giving a fascinating discussion on the evolution of rugby training (23:00), the truth behind 'Pants-Gate' (47:00) and why Paul Kimmage isn't wrong about his thoughts on doping in rugby (53:00). From Donncha's side-splitting story about how he almost instinctively tackled a runner while out walking with his family (8:00) to the level of scrutiny that modern players are under (44:00) and who was responsible for the two lads being left circling a Cork roundabout (12:00) and much more, this is a rip-roaring and unforgettable conversation with two Irish rugby legends. To hear the lads' honest thoughts on ROG

Imelda May is, without a doubt, one of the most requested guests in the series to date. This week, Jarlath and Imelda finally had the chance to sit down and chat face to face.   In fascinating detail, Imelda discusses the addictive nature of losing oneself on stage (9:00), her time working every job that she could find when she first moved over to London (14:00) and her clever marketing plan to grow her name while touring with Jools Holland (Patreon Full Length Version only).   From her incredible story about Bono's endless support for her (37:00) to her frank discussion on why artists should 'keep away from talent shows' (42:00), how you have to be totally committed to make it as an artist (30:00) and much more, this is a thoroughly heartfelt conversation with one of Ireland's true musical greats.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full acc

This week, one of Hollywood's biggest names, John C. Reilly, joined Jarlath in front of a live audience at the Irish Ambassador's Residence in the Phoenix Park. The conversations flows from his incredible life and career to his new movie Ralph Breaks the Internet. Jarlath is also joined by Disney creators Phil Johnston, Rich Moore and Clarke Spencer to discuss this sprawling project.   John explains what he is willing to do in order to obtain Irish Citizenship (56:00), his humble beginnings listening to traditional Irish music in Boston (jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation.   For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit www.jigser.com or email the show directly on irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com.   Disclaimer: All materials contained within this podcast are

With an astounding 25 million books sold, there is no sign of Cecelia Ahern slowing down. This week Cecelia made her return to An Irishman Abroad during what is a very exciting moment in her career.   Cecelia speaks frankly about the shocking meeting that inspired 'Roar', her new collection of short stories (8:00), the incredible TV deal that is in the works with the backing of Nicole Kidman (32:00) and why she feels people are too busy talking rather than listening in today's world (53:00).   From how the critics have shifted from defining her as 'chic-lit' to 'feminist author' (Patreon extended version only) to how she feels re-energised by her new collection (49:00), the process of finding one's own creative voice (20:00), Donald Trump (16:00), rocking the boat (40:00) and much, much more, this is a fascinating conversation with one of Ireland's true literary legends.   The book by Susan Cain discussed by Cecelia and Jarlath in the later stages of this episode was 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a

Gary Lightbody has seen all of his dreams come true as the frontman of Snow Patrol and yet, the last 7 year's have been the most difficult of his life. In this incredibly raw and powerful interview, Gary opens up about facing his demons on the new Snow Patrol album (37:00), the incredible toll that constant touring takes (13:00) and the risky surgery that he turned down which could have cost him his career (28:00).   From the hilarious story of his discovery of acupuncture (32:00) to sleeping on fans' couches (9:00) and co-writing with Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and One Direction (19:00), this interview is a true highlight of the series to date.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full access to our entire archive of all of the podcasts we have ever released including - An Irishman In America, Men Behaving Better and An Irishman Behind Bars. If y

In what was one of the most enjoyable live episodes of the series to date, Laura Whitmore and Roisin Conaty joined Jarlath live in front of a sold out Soho Theatre to discuss sexism, consent and their hopes for gender equality in the future. With refreshing honesty, Laura and Roisin speak about the routine abuse of women (11:00), how men are judged differently to women for the exact same behaviours (23:00) and hilariously beating online trolls at their own game (39:00).   From Laura’s unsettling experience with a policeman outside her home (48:00) and the time a male colleague took issue with the fact that she was being paid more than him (26:00) to how Roisin was told to avoid men attacking her on the street (9:00) and much, much more, this episode is a true highlight of the series to date.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full access to o

This week Marian Keyes joined Jarlath to tell her fascinating story of struggle, survival, laughter and resilience. Before she sold over 35 million books worldwide, Marian battled to come to terms with her alcoholism. She speaks to Jarlath about the change it sparked within her and the part a uniquely Irish fear played within it (jigsawonline.ie. In these tricky times, Jigsaw provides a range of resources, advice and care for your people to help them strengthen their mental health and the skills needed to navigate life. Please visit their website and consider making a donation.   For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit www.jigser.com or email the show directly on irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com.   Disclaimer: All materials contained within this podcast are copyright protected. Third party reuse and/or quotation in whole or in part is prohibited unless direct credit and/or hyperlink to the Irishman Abroad podcast is clearly and accurately provided.  

Having recently embarked on his own podcasting journey, this week, the Rubberbandits artist, activist and all-round legend Blindboy Boatclub joined Jarlath to discuss his theory of podcasting (3:00), why he became disillusioned with the success of Horse Outside (6:00) and how The Rubberbandits deliberately set out to lose fans (8:00).   Jarlath talks about his fond memories of The Bandits' earliest prank phone calls before the bags went on the heads. Blindboy talks about the philosophy, logic and beauty behind keeping your face to yourself.   Blindboy opens up about his own mental health difficulties (56:00), the biggest offer The Rubberbandits ever turned down (1:06:00) and the limits of using comedy to puncture the absurdity of solemnity (43:00). Yurt!   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full access to our entire archive of all of the podca

This week The Coronas frontman, Danny O’Reilly, joined Jarlath on stage at the Galway Arts Festival to discuss how things have changed for him since Danny’s first appearance on the podcast three years ago. Danny spoke openly about walking away from Island Records to start their own label (4:00) and how he now keeps his private life away from the media spotlight having learned from past experiences (45:00). While discussing the bond between The Coronas, Danny explains why he does not think the band will ever break up and why going solo is not on his radar (24:00).   From taking notes while watching Coldplay in Croke Park (23:00), to his mother paying him to learn the guitar (36:00) and tricking his audiences (19:00), this episode is a hilarious and fascinating conversation with one of Ireland’s finest musical talents.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you w

Paul McGrath is, without a doubt, one of Ireland’s greatest sporting legends. This week he joined Jarlath to talk about is journey from Dublin to Manchester United. No stone is left unturned as Paul opens up about the demons he has faced throughout his entire life.    Paul also explains how being the ‘black sheep’ at Manchester United saw him start out as an outsider but eventually find a kindred spirit in a 16 year old Norman Whiteside (12:00). We get a rare glimpse into a chapter in Paul's life he has never spoken about before, in which he was bed bound for 2 years unable to communicate with the world (15:00). From explaining how it felt to be on Alex Ferguson’s drop list (30:00), to being an ambassador for survival (47:00) and talking about the so-called footballing friends who stopped answering his calls when he retired (01:00:00), this episode is a fascinating conversation with a survivor the entire nation took into their hearts.    To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in f

In perhaps her most open and honest interview to date, actress/writer/designer Amy Huberman speaks to Jarlath about her unusual up-bringing (8:00) and how constant rejection has paved the way for her success (13:00). Having acted in The Clinic for seven series, listener’s will be surprised to hear the fascinating story of how she was working in coffee shops in London during that period (51:00). Amy also speaks frankly about her struggle with self-doubt and experiencing ‘imposter syndrome’ early on in her career (45:00).   From getting the boat to Wales just to get cherry lip balm (6:00), learning to act with Chris O’Dowd in UCD’s Drama Society (38:00) and how being handcuffed to Bill Bailey for a day got her through a hard time (19:00), this episode is not to be missed.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full access to our entire archive of al

Sharon Horgan is a BAFTA award-winning writer, actress and producer who’s outstanding work includes shows such as ‘Pulling’, ‘Catastrophe’ and the upcoming HBO series ’Divorce’ starring Sarah Jessica Parker. This week Sharon joined Jarlath three years after her first Irishman Abroad appearance to discuss the whirlwind journey that she has been on since they first met.    Sharon describes her working relationship with Rob Delaney and struggling to write jokes (37:00), how wanting ‘the suits’ out of the room is more of a male disposition (47:00) and why her bullshit radar has been improving lately (6:00). Having become a fashion icon for Irish women Sharon also opens up about the frustration that comes with it (57:00).   From discussions about how she has never been good at life skills (29:00) to where she draws the line with her material (21:00) and Louis C.K.’s very low budget (15:00), this episode is the perfect follow up interview with one of Ireland’s most successful writing exports.   To access this

In the most anticipated episode of the series Brian O'Driscoll joins Jarlath for an open and brutally honest discussion about success, failure, personal strength, fame, self-doubt and of course Conor McGregor. Brian explains to Jarlath how rugby turned him into the man he is, why even a world champion isn't immune to a slump in confidence, how he overcame the toughest period of his career while also revealing what really happened between him and Paul Kimmage.   Brian also talks for the first time about a specific broadcaster whose lack of loyalty gave him vital fuel for his competitive fire, his lack of grudges, his thoughts on the current Irish squad and the tough pill he believes Munster will have to swallow.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full access to our entire archive of all of the podcasts we have ever released including - An Irish

This week Ireland's fastest rising musician and Grammy-nominated artist Andrew Hozier Byrne met Jarlath for an insightful chat about his journey which many people will be surprised to hear began with him being spotted by Louis Walsh at a school talent show. Hozier opens up about his admiration for his parents, the music he has never shared, that difficult Gay Byrne interview, his struggles at Trinity College and how his career has not been the skyrocket that many people think it has.   Hozier explains the sequence of events which led to Take Me To Church becoming a viral sensation, his anxiety over the decision sell his music to Dr Dre, a startling revelation about Saturday Night Live and why he feels the need to censor himself in interviews.   To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full access to our entire archive of all of the podcasts we have ev

This week multi award-winning writer/comic/actor Aisling Bea joins Jarlath to discuss her meteoric rise to the top of the comedy industry. Today she is known for her stand out performances on Live At The Apollo, QI, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Dead Boss, Trollied and The Delivery Man but in this candid conversation she tells Jar about the many failures that she believes paved the way. It's a hilarious and heartbreaking journey from the Curragh of Kildare to studying performing arts at LAMDA, the days spent broke handing out flyers on the streets of London to winning the So You Think You're Funny newcomer award that would send her career to a whole new level. Most people get into comedy to avoid work but Aisling discusses living a life of all work and no hobbies and the constant pressure of trying to grow her earliest creative work in the glare of the public eye. It's a gem of an episode about hard work, falling down, getting back up and missing Ireland on one of its most historic days.   To access this episode in ful

Tommy Tiernan is, without a doubt, Ireland's most successful comedian and in the first instalment of this very special two-part interview of an Irishman Abroad he sits down with Jarlath in front of a live audience at the Vodafone Comedy Carnival to discuss his life and career. In what is possibly one of the most revealing and personal interviews with Tommy, he opens up to Jarlath about his years of self-loathing, huge regrets and the loneliness that he feels in places where he is unknown.   Tommy also speaks about the media's ruling in Ireland, finding wisdom in laziness, his stubborn confidence, feeling trapped financially and why he believes improvisational comedy is his true calling.    To access this episode in full and to hear all of our episodes in full each week, visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad and sign up for just the price of a pint every month. In return, you will gain full access to our entire archive of all of the podcasts we have ever released including - An Irishman In America, Men Beha