Dion Fanning

Carlo Gébler has written a beautiful memoir of his mother Edna O’Brien’s final years. He talks about his parents and why we ignore death.

David Gillick is a natural on television. His interviewing style is warm and draws out sportspeople in a remarkable way. He talks about how some of his weaknesses as an athlete are a strength in his new role.

Last week it was announced that Mark Zuckerberg had bought Strancally Castle in Waterford. Historian and expert on the great houses of Ireland, Terence Dooley talks about the historical significance and if there is any surprise in big tech buying the big house.

John Ware made acclaimed current affairs programmes for Panorama and World in Action. In the wake of the tragic death of Cambridge academic Jason Arday, he talks about the state of British media today.

Jerry Kennelly’s new documentary tells the Shakespearean story of the Healy-Raes and how a healthy tension between them became “war in the camp”. He talks about how he got inside the Healy-Rae operation.

English football returns this weekend, but the Premier League is no longer the platform for a game, but a triumph of bureaucracy.

Chris Ballard was drawn to cold water as a way to keep playing basketball. But as he was drawn into the world, he found himself competing as an ice swimmer. His new book tells that story.

Donal Casey had a successful career in Irish Life before everything changed. He then went on to become CEO of Rory McIlroy Inc. He talks to Dion Fanning about life, Rory, and what really matters.

John S Doyle’s voice is instantly recognisable as the presenter of ‘It Says In the Papers’ on Morning Ireland. Doyle has written a book, part memoir, part nature log, of a transformation of soggy land in Sligo into a wood and a home.

England’s defeat has led to an outbreak of soul-searching in the country but while many here look on amused, we are plagued with the same problems in our sporting culture.